[Herpetology • 2025] Amolops spicalinea • A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam

 

 Amolops spicalinea 

 Nguyen, Tapley,  La & Rowley, 2025

 

 Hoang Lien cascade frog | Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 

 

Abstract

Of the 19 species of Amolops reported from Vietnam, 10 are known to occur in the Hoang Lien Range in northwest Vietnam. During field surveys in the Hoang Lien Range, we collected individuals from a population of Amolops that we could not assign to any known species; morphological and molecular data assign these individuals to the Amolops monticola group and we describe a new species to science, Amolops spicalinea sp. nov., in reference to a line of horny spinules running along the body below the dorsolateral fold in males. The new species is morphologically and molecularly most similar to Amolops bellulus from Yunnan Province, China but is distinguished from A. bellulus and other congeneric species by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL of adult males 46.6–52.2 mm, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extending from tip of snout, terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flanks yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface of body orange-yellow with small brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on Toes IV where webbing reaches discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercles absent; (11) vocal sac absent in males, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines. Our phylogenetic analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) genes show that Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is sister to Amolops bellulus 2 from Yunnan, China. The new species is currently known from only three localities in the Hoang Lien Range between 2288–2493 m asl and is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. This species likely qualifies for being assessed as Endangered in accordance with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categories and criteria (B1ab).

Amphibia, amphibians, anura, cascade frog, Fansipan, Nam Kang ho tao, Pu ta Leng

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. adult male holotype ITBCZ 3648.
(A) Dorsolateral view in life, (B) ventral view under sedation, (C) view of nuptial pad on first right finger under sedation, and (D), view of cloaca and base of thighs to illustrate glandular character under sedation. Not to scale.

Dorsolateral and ventral view of paratypes of Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in life.
(A and B) adult male ITBCZ 3649, (C and D) adult male ITBCZ 3652,
(E and F) adult female ITBCZ 3650, and (g and h) adult female ITBCZ 3651.

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is placed within the Amolops monticola group based on the following morphological characters: Finger I shorter than Finger II; true dorsolateral folds present (not formed by incomplete series of glands); skin smooth; lateral sides of head dark, with light-colored upper lip stripe extending to shoulder (jiang et al. 2021; Patel et al. 2021; Stuart et al. 2010; wu et al. 2020). the new species can be diagnosed from congeneric  species  by  the  combination  of  the  following  characters:  (1)  SVL  of  adult  males  46.6–52.2  m, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extends from the tip of the snout terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flank yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface orange-yellow with brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on toes IV where the webbing reaches the discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercle absent; (11) males vocal sacs absent, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines.

 

Etymology: Specific epithet “spicalinea” from spica, the Latin word for a point or ear of grain and lineata, the Latin noun meaning line or thread in reference to the line of spinules running along the body, below the dorsolateral fold in males. We suggest common name as Hoang Lien cascade frog (English) and Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn (Vietnamese).

habitat of  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in the hoang Lien Range.
 (A) Collection site on Mount Nam Kang ho tao, Lao Cai Province, (B) Collection site on Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province, (C) Male  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in situ ITBCZ 3649 on tree branch, 2.0 m above stream, Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province.

Luan Thanh NGUYEN, Benjamin TAPLEY, Toi Van LA and Jodi J. L. ROWLEY. 2025. A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5594(3); 485-508. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 [2025-03-03]

[Entomology • 2025] Malaxa chongzuoensis & M. longispina • Two New Species of the Genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacidae) from China

 

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, 

in Lv, Li, Yang, Zhang et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.143177 

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 from Southwest China, M. chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, and M. longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov. from Guangdong Province, are described and illustrated. These bring the total number of species in the genus to 13, with nine recorded from China. A checklist and map of all known species of Malaxa are provided, together with an identification key for Chinese species.

Key words: Bamboo host, checklist, Fulgoromorpha, identification key, Oriental region, planthopper, taxonomy, Tropidocephalini

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov., male 2 habitus, dorsal view 3 habitus, lateral view
 Malaxa longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov., male 4 habitus, dorsal view 5 habitus, lateral view.

Scale bars: 0.5 mm (2–5).

 Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov.

Etymology. The new species is named after the city in which it was collected (Chongzuo) with the Latin adjectival suffix ‘-ensis’ meaning ‘from’.

Adult of Malaxa chongzuoensis Lv & Chen, sp. nov. resting on the leaf of Indocalamus tessellatus (Munro) P. C. Keng (Poales: Poaceae: Bambusoideae).

Photographed by Xiang-Sheng Chen.

 Malaxa longispina Lv & Chen, sp. nov.

Etymology. The species name is a combination of the Latin word “long-” and “spina” (with the connecting letter “i”, i.e., “long spine”), referring to the ventral margin of the aedeagus with a long spinous process medially. The name is intended to be feminine.

Sha-Sha Lv, Hong-Xing Li, Lin Yang, Yu-Bo Zhang and Xiang-Sheng Chen. 2025. Two New Species of the Genus Malaxa Melichar, 1914 from China (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Delphacidae, Tropidocephalini). ZooKeys. 1229: 275-287. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.143177 

[Botany • 2024] Cryptantha whippleae (Boraginaceae) • A New Serpentine-adapted Species endemic to northern California, U.S.A.

 Cryptantha whippleae  D.A.York & M.G.Simpson, 

in Simpson et York, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.132060 

Abstract

Cryptantha whippleae D.A.York & M.G.Simpson (Boraginaceae) is described as new. This species is currently known to occur in serpentine barrens in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest of Siskiyou County, California, with one outlier population in possible serpentine of Lake County, California. The new species is most similar to Cryptantha grandiflora and to C. milobakeri, these three likely each others’ closest relatives. All three have a relatively large corolla limb width and similar smooth, lance-ovate to ovate, marginally rounded, acuminate and abaxially transversely flattened nutlets. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. grandiflora in having a short, as opposed to a tall, stem height; bifurcate as opposed to trifurcate primary axis cymules; and typically 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to usually one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae differs from C. milobakeri also in having a short, versus tall, stem height; appressed-strigose and spreading-hispid stem vestiture, as opposed to strigose only or strigose and hirsute; calyx trichomes with two distinct vestiture types, these marginally appressed hirsute and medially hispid, as opposed to calyx trichomes of one type, dense, appressed to ascending, whitish sericeous; and 2–3 nutlets per fruit, as opposed to one nutlet per fruit. Cryptantha whippleae is relatively rare and joins seven other Cryptantha species that are found on serpentine, either obligately or facultatively. Current molecular phylogenetic studies support the mostly convergent evolution of serpentine adaptation in Cryptantha, but additional studies are needed.

Key words: Boraginaceae, California, conservation, Cryptantha whippleae, endemic, Klamath Mountains, serpentine, taxonomy

Field shots of Cryptantha whippleae at holotype locality A upper part of plant. Note terminal bifurcate cymules at apex of primary stem; lateral cymules are solitary B close-up of a single cymule. Note hispid vestiture along sepal mid-ribs C ascendingly orientated stem leaf, abaxial surface showing hispid vestiture along raised mid-rib D close-up of corolla, showing yellow fornices and relatively large limb (this one ca. 5 mm wide) E several plants in the field at the type locality. Note small stature of plants and surrounding rocky, gravelly serpentine substrate F free nutlets (from various fruits), characteristically smooth and shiny, ovate to lance-ovate, abaxially transversely flattened, apically acuminate.

 Cryptantha whippleae D.A.York & M.G.Simpson, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Cryptantha whippleae is similar to C. grandiflora in having a relatively wide corolla limb [3–6 mm wide in C. whippleae; 4–8 mm wide in C. grandiflora] and in the size, shape and sculpturing of nutlets, differing in having a mostly shorter plant height [3–8(15) cm tall in C. whippleae versus 5–35 cm tall in C. grandiflora], in cymule branching [bifurcate or rarely solitary in C. whippleae versus trifurcate in C. grandiflora] and in having more nutlets per fruit [2–3 in C. whippleae versus (2) in C. grandiflora]. Cryptantha whippleae is similar to C. milobakeri in corolla limb width [3–6 mm wide in C. whippleae; 2–6 mm wide in C. milobakeri] and in the size, shape and sculpturing of nutlets, differing in having a shorter height [3–8(15) cm tall in C. whippleae versus 10–50 cm tall in C. milobakeri], in calyx vestiture [with two distinct trichome types in C. whippleae versus a single trichome type in C. milobakeri] and in having more nutlets per fruit [2–3 in C. whippleae versus 1(2) in C. milobakeri].

Etymology: The epithet is named after Jennifer J. Whipple, an avid collector in the Mount Eddy/Scott Valley region and a retired Yellowstone National Park botanist. The epithet whippleae can be pronounced whíp-pul-ee as a commemorative, using the female genitive ending -ae and following Anglicised Latin (Stearn 1993).

Suggested common name: We suggest Whipple’s Cryptantha as a common name.

 Michael G. Simpson and Dana A. York. 2024. Cryptantha whippleae (Boraginaceae), A New Serpentine-adapted Species endemic to northern California, U.S.A. PhytoKeys. 247: 155-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.132060 

 

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia spongioides (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New Species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines

Alpinia spongioides Naive, Ruales, Beltran & Rozano, 

in Ruales, Beltran, Rozano, Jumawan et Naive, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04642

  facebook.com/JecoJedRuales

Abstract

Alpinia spongioides Naive, Ruales, Beltran & Rozano, is described here as a new species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines. The species belongs to Alpinia sect. Alpinia subsect. Presleia by having small flowers and quadrilobed labellum. It resembles Alpinia foxworthyi but differs by its puberulent ligule with ciliate margin, longer petiole, calyx, filament, as well as an ecristate anther. This paper provides a detailed description, colour plates, and information on its phenology, habitat and distribution, as well as a provisional conservation status assessment. The discovery of this species through recent botanical surveys in eastern Mindanao brings the total number of known Alpinia subsect. Presleia species in the Philippines to 15.

Keywords: Alpinia zerumbet clade, biodiversity, Caraga Region, subsect. Presleia, Southeastern Philippines

Jeco Jed J. Ruales, Darlo Novo M. Beltran, Ralph R. J. E. Rozano, Jess H. Jumawan and Mark Arcebal K. Naive. 2025. Alpinia spongioides (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Dinagat Islands, Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04642

  facebook.com/JecoJedRuales/posts/9273008416129284

[Botany • 2025] Boswellia hesperia (Burseraceae) • A New Species from Socotra

Boswellia hesperia Thulin, M.H.Weber & Rzepecky, 

in Thulin, Weber, Mubarak et Rzepecky, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04728

Researchgate.net/publication/389133907

Abstract

The new species Boswellia hesperia Thulin, M.H.Weber and Rzepecky is described, illustrated and mapped. It is a dwarf tree, restricted to westernmost Socotra (Yemen), growing on limestone rocks, in which the usually prostrate stems tend to fill out holes and crevices. It differs from B. nana Hepper, another dwarf tree endemic to Socotra but restricted to the easternmost parts of the island, by having leaves densely pubescent with whitish hairs beneath and by its smaller flowers and fruits.

Keywords: dwarf tree, frankincense, taxonomy, Yemen

Boswellia hesperia sp. nov. from mountain ridge above Neet, 5–6 km from the coast, Socotra, 18 May 2021.
(A) plant filling out crevice in limestone rock, leafless, showing reddish white flowers and fruits, (B) leafless plant with flowers and fruits. Photographs by Alain Rzepecky.

Boswellia hesperia sp. nov. from the type locality above Neet in Socotra, 30 Apr. 2023.
(A) plant showing upper surfaces of leaves and 5- or 4-merous flowers with reddish white petals, (B) flowers, showing calyx and outside of petals, and undersides of leaves with dense indumentum of crisped whitish hairs, (C) plant showing 3-locular fruit. Photographs by Michael Weber.

Boswellia hesperia sp. nov. from above Neet, Socotra, 17 May 2024.
 (A) plant showing flower and 4-locular fruits, (B) plant showing 4-merous flowers with cream or whitish petals, (C) plant showing 3-merous flower with whitish petals. Photographs by Michael Weber.

Boswellia hesperia sp. nov.
(A) flower, top view, (B) detail of petal margin, (C) flower, side view, (D) fruit, (E) pyrene, ventral view, (F) pyrene, dorsal view, (G) leaf from short shoot, upper side, (H) leaf from short shoot, lower side, (I) leaf from long shoot, upper side, (J) portion of plant with leaves, (K) long shoot, (L) seedling, showing lobed cotyledons. Drawing by Alain Rzepecky.

Boswellia hesperia sp. nov., plant filling out hole in limestone rock, showing leaves and reddish flowers; above Neet, Socotra, 31 Oct. 2007. Photograph by Lisa Banfield.

Boswellia hesperia Thulin, M.H.Weber and Rzepecky, sp. nov.  

A dwarf tree similar to Boswellia nana Hepper, but differing by having leaves densely pubescent with ± crisped whitish hairs (versus glabrous or subglabrous) beneath, smaller flowers with petals 3–4 mm (versus 4.5–5.5 mm) long and smaller fruits (5–7 mm versus ca 10 mm long).

Etymology: The epithet ‘hesperia' (Latin, western) refers to the distribution of this species that is restricted to the westernmost part of Socotra.

Mats Thulin, Michael Weber, Sami Ali Mohammed Mubarak and Alain Rzepecky. 2025. Boswellia hesperia sp. nov. (Burseraceae) from Socotra. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04728

 Researchgate.net/publication/389133907_Boswellia_hesperia_sp_nov_from_Socotra

[Botany • 2024] Pilea monroi (Urticaceae) • Genetic and Morphological Differentiation among Populations of the narrowly endemic and Karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla

 

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez 

& Pilea pteridophylla A. K. Monro,  

in Lagos-Báez, Licona-Vera, Gómez-Domínguez, Ornelas, Vásquez-Aguilar, Hurtado-Reveles et Ortiz-Rodriguez, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-024-00638-x  

 x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1

Abstract

In this study, the influence of geographic isolation on the levels of morphological and genetic differentiation among populations of the karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla (Urticaceae) was evaluated. Based on our results, there is a strong morphological differentiation among the only two know populations of Pilea pteridophylla. Both populations can be clearly differentiated based on vegetative and reproductive characters, and the observed variation is geographically structured. Moreover, our genetic data from the chloroplast genome show strong levels of population differentiation and no shared haplotypes were observed between populations. Also, our estimation of divergence times supports a long-term isolation hypothesis between populations. Based on our results, dispersal seed limitation, long-term forest isolation and topographic heterogeneity (local adaptation) are related to high levels of endemism and species turnover in the mountain karst forests of Mexico.

 

Keywords: Endemic, Neotropics, Mexico, Phylogeography, Speciation, Tropical rainforest

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez (Urticaceae).
 A Habit, plant with pistillate inflorescences. B Stem, a leafless portion with inflorescences. C Flower bud. D Staminate flower with four stamens and four tepals. E Infructescence. F Stem portion with pistillate inflorescences.

Drawn by Robin Pérez Lucas based on Lagos-Báez 57 (MEXU)

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. and Lagos-Báez & Pilea pteridophylla A. K. Monro 
B Individual from the Chiapas population (Blue). C Individual from the Tabasco population (Red)

Pilea monroi Ortiz-Rodr. & Lagos-Báez sp. nov.  

Similar to Pilea pteridophylla in general fern-like appearance, but clearly differentiated by its dentate (vs. pectinate) leaves, and larger stem and leaf size. Furthermore, they are allopatrically distributed and under different environmental conditions.

Etymology: Pilea monroi named in honour of Dr Alex Monro, taxonomist, specialist in the genus Pilea (Urticaceae) and especially interested in the study of the plant diversity in the karstic forests of America and China.

Notes: Pilea monroi is the only species in Mexico with linear lanceolate, deeply dentate leaves, and like Pilea pteridophylla, its fern-like appearance makes it easily distinguishable from other species. However, the leaf margins of Pilea monroi are dentate and not pectinate as in Pilea pteridophylla.

...

  

Karina Lagos-Báez, Yuyini Licona-Vera, Héctor Gómez-Domínguez, Juan Francisco Ornelas, Antonio Acini Vásquez-Aguilar, Leopoldo Hurtado-Reveles and Andrés Ernesto Ortiz-Rodriguez. 2024. Genetic and Morphological Differentiation among Populations of the narrowly endemic and Karst forest-adapted Pilea pteridophylla (Urticaceae).  Organisms Diversity & Evolution. 24, 149–162. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s13127-024-00638-x

   x.com/AndrsErnestoOr1/status/1764034789709951281

[Ichthyology • 2025] Microsternarchus javieri • A New Species of weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae: Microsternarchini) from the Negro River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil

   

Microsternarchus javieri Cox Fernandes, Escamilla Pinilla, Alves-Gomes, 

in Escamilla Pinilla, Cox Fernandes et Alves-Gomes, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202401751  

ABSTRACT

Here we describe a new hypopomid species, Microsternarchus javieri n. sp., encountered in flooded savanna streams of the Branco River and in terra-firme streams in the mid- and lower portions of the Negro River basin. We compared this new species with M. bilineatus from the San Bartolo River, Venezuela, and M. brevis from the upper portion of the Negro River. We also compared this new species with two recently described species in the genus Microsternarchus, M. longicaudatus and M. schonmanni. We examined morphometrics, anatomical characters, DNA barcode distances for the COI (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) gene, and electric organ discharge (EOD) parameters. We diagnosed M. javieri n.sp. based on variation in maximum body depth, eye diameter, caudal vertebral counts, number of anal fin rays, and the shape of the maxillae. The average intra-specific genetic distance (K2P) in M. javieri n.sp. was 0.83%, whereas the average inter-specific genetic distance to M. brevis was 12.45%, and to other hypopomids ranged from 17.21 to 21.54%. When comparing EOD waveforms of the new species with M. brevis, we found differences in repetition rate, the ratio between the first and second phase areas, and the polarity balance. The description of M. javieri n. sp. increases to five the number of species in the genus.

KEYWORDS: fish taxonomy; biodiversity; DNA barcode; electric organ discharge; neotropical region

Lateral view of Microsternarchus javieri n. sp. from the Negro River basin.
A - Holotype (INPA-ICT 060886), 98.6 mm TL, 67.6 mm LEA; B - Paratype (ANSP 212283), 101.2 mm TL, 62.0 mm LEA; C -Non-type (INPA-ICT 28591), 86.9 mm TL, 60.4 mm LEA live specimen.

Microsternarchus javieri, sp. nov. Cox Fernandes, Escamilla Pinilla, Alves-Gomes

Diagnosis: Microsternarchus javieri n. sp. is distinguished from its congeners in having a smaller maximum body depth [8 - 10% of LEA, vs. in M. bilineatus 9.8 - 12% of LEA; in M. brevis 8 - 11.2% of LEA (Figure 3a), M. longicaudatus 7.9 - 11.5% of LEA and M. schonmanni 8.2 - 11% of LEA]. M. javieri n. sp. is further distinguished from M. bilineatus by a combination of characters: slightly larger eye diameter (10 - 15% of HL, vs. 10.1 - 13.5% of HL, Figure 3b), longer caudal filament (26 - 44% of TL vs. 29.3 - 34.4% of TL), fewer caudal vertebrae 60 - 65 (N = 11) vs. 66 - 67 (N = 3), greater number of anal fin rays 146 - 174 vs. 138 - 161. M. javieri n. sp. is also distinguished from M. brevis by a much longer caudal filament (26 - 44% of TL vs. 12.8 - 20.9% of TL) and total length ...

Etymology: The specific epithet, javieri, is in honor of the late Javier Maldonado Ocampo [1977-2019], whose research on gymnotiforms, systematics, and conservation greatly contributed to our understanding of the Neotropical ichthyofauna. A masculine noun in apposition.

Carolina ESCAMILLA PINILLA, Cristina COX FERNANDES and José Antônio ALVES-GOMES. 2025.  Microsternarchus javieri, A New Species of weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae, Microsternarchini) from the Negro River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil. [Microsternarchus javieri, nova espécie de peixe elétrico (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae, Microsternarchini) da bacia do Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil]  Acta Amaz. 55; DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202401751  

[Herpetology • 2023] Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Yunnan, China

Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi 

 Liu, Rao, Hou, Wang & Ananjeva, 2023 

DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-6-529-538 

 Researchgate.net/publication/376478182

Abstract

A new species of the Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis species group is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species closely resembles C. wayakonei morphologically, but can be separated from the latter by having more white rings on original tail, more lamellae under finger IV and toe IV, less longitudinal ventral scale rows, and enlarged femoral scales. However, the new species is closely related to C. martini rather than C. wayakonei genetically. The new species differs from C. martini by genetic distance of 3.3% and from investigated other members of the C. chauquangensis species group by genetic distances of 6.4 – 17.8% in the COI gene.

Keywords: bent-toed gecko; China; systematics; taxonomy; Xishuangbanna; Yunnan

 The holotype (KIZ201904002) of Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. in life:
A, dorsal view; B, dorsolateral view; C, ventral view.

 The paratype (KIZ201904003) of Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. in life:
 A, dorsal view; B, lateral view; C, ventral view.

Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet is in honor of Prof. Xitao Cai (1911 – 1981), who founded Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in 1950s. We propose “Cai’s Bent-toed Gecko” for the English name ...

Shuo Liu, Dingqi Rao, Mian Hou, Qiaoyan Wang and Natalia Borisovna Ananjeva. 2023. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae), previously confused with C. wayakonei Nguyen, Kingsada, Rösler, Auer et Ziegler, 2010. Russian Journal of Herpetology. DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-6-529-538

  rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1998

  Researchgate.net/publication/376478182_A_New_Species_of_Cyrtodactylus_previously_confused_with_C_wayakonei

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus medogensis • A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Xizang, China, with A Revision of the Distribution of R. bipunctatus

 

Rhacophorus medogensis  

 Weng, Liu, Li, Yu & Huang, 2025 

Xizang flying frog | 墨脱树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142297 

 

Abstract

A new species of Rhacophorus (Anura, Rhacophoridae), Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov., is described from Medog, Xizang Tibetan Autonomous Region, China. The new taxon can be distinguished from all phylogenetically closely related taxa (R. rhodopus and R. bipunctatus complexes) by the following combination of features: 1) body size medium (adult males SVL 31.6–38.7 mm, n = 17; adult females SVL 50.1–55.7 mm, n = 2); 2) pineal ocellus obvious; 3) toe webbing formula: I1‒1II1‒1.5III1‒1IV1‒1V; 4) irregularly shaped large black spots, white pattern in black spots on flanks; 5) snout pointed with appendage on tip; 6) tongue pyriform, with a deep notch at posterior tip; 7) tibiotarsal articulation reaching eye. In addition, we also discuss the distribution of R. bipunctatus, which is limited to northern India and central-western Myanmar, rather than the traditionally presumed range across South and Southeast Asia.

Key Words: Biodiversity, cryptic species, Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov., taxonomy

Holotype (SWU 0008699) of Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov. in situ.

(A) Large habitat at the type locality of Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov., Didong Village, Medog County, Xizang Tibetan Autonomous Region, China (29.__°N, 95.__°E, elevation 771 m);
(B) macrohabitat of Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov. (SWU 0008601), Buqun (Xigong) Lake, Medog County, Xizang Tibetan Autonomous Region, China (29.__°N, 95.2__°E, elevation 1361 m).

 Rhacophorus medogensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The genus Rhacophorus, also known as flying frogs, is characterized by the following features: 1) body size relatively moderate or large (SVL 30–100 mm, above 40 mm in most species); 2) presence of intercalary cartilage between terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits; 3) terminal phalanges of fingers and toes Y-shaped; 4) tips of the digits expanded into large disks bearing circummarginal grooves; 5) webbed fingers; 6) skin not co-ossified to the skull; 7) upper eyelid projections absent, tarsal projections present in most species; 8) dermal folds along the forearm or tarsus present; 9) pupil horizontal; 10) iris without “X”-shaped marking; 11) white foam nests or jelly-encapsulated eggs produced by 

Etymology: The specific epithet “medogensis” is named after the type locality, Medog, Xizang, China. We suggest “Xizang flying frog” as its English common name and “Mò Tuō Shù Wā” (墨脱树蛙) as its Chinese common name.

Shiyang Weng, Xiaolong Liu, Jianchuan Li, Guohua Yu, Junkai Huang. 2025. A New Species of Rhacophorus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Xizang, China, with A Revision of the Distribution of R. bipunctatus. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(2): 437-447. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142297 

  

[Arachnida • 2023] Jacaena guiyang • A New Species of Jacaena Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Liocranidae) from Guiyang, southwestern China

Jacaena guiyang  

Yang, Deng, Yu & Zhong, 2023 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5339.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/373484118

Abstract

A new species belonging to the liocranid genus Jacaena Thorell, 1897, J. guiyang sp. nov., is described from southwestern China. A detailed description, diagnosis, photographs, and distribution map of the new species are given. DNA barcodes of the species were obtained and confirmed matching of the sexes, and are available for future use.

Keywords: Araneae, morphology, DNA barcoding, new species, taxonomy

Jacaena guiyang sp. nov., live specimen and habitat.
 A. Male holotype from Lu Chong Guan Forest Park. B. Habitat of male holotype, Luchongguan Forest Park. C. Habitat of female paratypes, Qingrengu Scenic Spot.

Photographs by Qianle Lu (Shenzhen, Guangdong).

Jacaena guiyang sp. nov.

WEICHENG YANG, LANGJU DENG, HAO YU and YANG ZHONG. 2023. A New Species of Jacaena Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Liocranidae) from Guiyang, southwestern China. Zootaxa. 5339(2); 185-195. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5339.2.5 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373484118_A_new_species_of_Jacaena_from_Guiyang_southwestern_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Ovophis zhaoermii • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from southern Yunnan, China

 

 Ovophis zhaoermii 

Liu, Hou, Mo, M. Li, B. Li, Luo, Rao & S. Li, 2025

Guanyinshan mountain pitviper | 观音山烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1230.142967  

Abstract

A new species of Ovophis is described from Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve in southern Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by the following combination of characters: ratio of tail length to total length 0.191–0.206, internasals separated by one or two scales, dorsal scales in 22-21-17 rows, ventrals 146–148, subcaudals 57–64, most subcaudals paired and a few unpaired, third supralabial larger than fourth, white spots on dorsal tail continuous. This study further reveals that the species diversity of Ovophis has been seriously underestimated, and there is still a lot of work to be done on the taxonomy of this genus.

Key words: cytochrome b gene, morphology, mountain pitvipers, systematics, taxonomy

The holotype (KIZ2024078) of Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov. in life
A general view B dorsal view of the head C left view of the head D right view of the head E dorsal view of the tail.

The paratypes of  Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov. in life
 A KIZ2024079 B KIZ2024080 C KIZ2023041. 

 Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ratio of tail length to total length 0.191–0.206, internasals separated by one or two scales, second supralabial bordering loreal pit, dorsal scales in 22-21-17 rows, ventrals 146–148, subcaudals 57–64, 3–11 subcaudals unpaired and other subcaudals paired, third supralabial larger than fourth, dorsal surface of head unpatterned, dorsal surface of body brownish-black or reddish-brown with rectangular black blotches, series of white spots on dorsal surface of tail continuous, iris off-white with a black mesh pattern.

Etymology. Named after the renowned Chinese herpetologist, Prof. Ermi Zhao (1930–2016). The designation of this specific epithet honors his great contribution to herpetological research in China, especially in snake research. According to the type locality of this species, we suggest the English common name “Guanyinshan mountain pitviper” and the Chinese common name “观音山烙铁头蛇 (Pinyin: guān yīn shān lào tiě tóu shé)”.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Mei Li, Biao Li, Xiong Luo, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from southern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1230: 287-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1230.142967  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Acrossocheilus dabieensis • A New Species of the Genus Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Dabie Mountains, Henan, China

Acrossocheilus dabieensis Chen & Zhao,
  

in Chen, Xu, Li, Hu, Gao et Zhao, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15050734 

Abstract

Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919, a cyprinid genus of Cyprinidae in southern China and currently comprises 26 valid species. In this study, we describe Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov. from the Dabie Mountains, China. This new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: The second primary vertical bar (PB2) is situated beneath the anterior origin of the dorsal fin in females and subadult males. Vertical bars extend to the end of the ventral abdomen in juveniles, and they gradually recede above the lateral line in adult females, whereas they are absent in adult males. The last unbranched dorsal-fin ray is slender with a smooth posterior margin. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate that A. dabieensis sp. nov. is a monophyletic group, and it forms a sister group with A. kreyenbergii, reinforcing the status of the new species. A key to the barred species of Acrossocheilus is also provided.

Keywords: biodiversity; Cyprinidae; Henan; new species; taxonomy

Acrossocheilus dabieensis Chen & Zhao, sp. nov.

Habitat and adult habitus of Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov.
(A) Type locality in Liankangshan National Nature Reserve, Luoshan County, Henan Province, China;
(B) male subadult habitus (HENUJGT0019); (C) male adult habitus (HENUJGT0010);
(D) female subadult habitus (HENUJGT0011); (E) female adult habitus (HENULKS0012).

Diagnosis. Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following morphological characteristics: (1) The second primary vertical bar (PB2) situated beneath the anterior origin of the dorsal-fin in females and subadult males (Figure 2B), (2) in juveniles: vertical bars are distinct and extend to the end of the ventral abdomen (Figure 2C). In adult males: vertical bars gradually vanish with increasing age. In adult females: vertical bars gradually recede above the lateral line with increasing age. (3) The last unbranched dorsal-fin ray is slender, and the posterior margin smooth. (4) Intestinal coiling is folded and elongated (Figure 2D,E).

Etymology. The name of the new species, dabieensis, is derived from the name of the mountains, Dabie Mountains, the type locality of the new species (Figure 1). The suggested common English name is “Dabie Mountains Acrossocheilus” and the Chinese name is “Dà Bié Shān Guāng Chún Yú”.

 Tian-En Chen, Jia-Xin Xu, Peng-Ju Li, Huan-Fu Hu, Kai Gao and Hai-Peng Zhao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Dabie Mountains. Animals. 15(5), 734. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15050734 [4 March 2025] 

Simple Summary: The family Cyprinidae Cuvier, 1817 includes more than 3000 species worldwide and has an important influence on the freshwater fishery economy. Acrossocheilus Oshima, 1919 is a group of small- to medium-sized barbine species, which are widely distributed in Laos, Vietnam and southern China. One new species, Acrossocheilus dabieensis sp. nov., from the Dabie Mountains, Henan Province, China, is described and illustrated in this study.