[Botany • 2025] Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen, 

in Docot, Haevermans, Sule et Poulsen. 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291 

 x.com/AxelGinger 

Researchgate.net/publication/390905548

Abstract

During explorations of the ginger flora of the Bismarck Archipelago in 2013 and 2023, we made collections of the ginger genus Alpinia sensu lato, some of which had unusually elongated cincinni composed of distichously arranged bracteoles and in the present paper we conclude that these collections document a distinct species new to science, Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen. The choice of epithet refers to the spider-like appearance of the inflorescence. Similar morphology of the cincinni is found in other lineages of Alpinia, but our molecular analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker established a close relationship with A. oceanica from which the new species differs by having cincinni with more flowers and linear labellum. An ink drawing and colour plates, information on distribution and habitat, and provisional conservation status are provided for the new species as well as a key to species of Alpinia in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinia oceanica, Alpinia vittata, Bismarck Archipelago, ITS, Zingiberaceae

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen
A. Pseudostem showing the sheaths and ligules. B. Inflorescences in different stages. C. Cincinnus with supporting bract. D. Flower (front view). E. Fruits.

Based from A.D. Poulsen et al. 2893 (type). Photos: A.D. Poulsen.

 Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Similar to Alpinia oceanica Burkill in the vegetative characters but differs by the erect inflorescence (vs mostly pendulous); exposed distal peduncle (vs hidden within sheaths); cincinni laxly arranged (5–8 mm apart) along the rachis, 3–11 cm long with 2 mm long stalk at base and composed of up to 15 flowers (vs congested, 3–7 cm long, sessile, up to 7); and linear labellum with a retuse apex (vs narrowly triangular, apex truncate).

Etymology: The elongated cincinni suggest a spider-like resemblance.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Thomas Haevermans, Bernard Sule and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 51-65. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1913203038895907107

 Researchgate.net/publication/390905548_Alpinia_arachniformis_a_new_species_from_New_Ireland_Papua_New_Guinea

[Botany • 2025] Lagenandra rubra (Araceae) • A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka

 Lagenandra rubra  

in Madola, Jayasinghe, D. Yakandawala et K. Yakandawala. 2025.   

DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA

 

Abstract

During the revision of the genus Lagenandra in Sri Lanka we encountered a new species Lagenandra rubra from the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve of Sri Lanka. The new species can be differentiated from all other described Lagenandra species by its glossy dark red-maroon twisted limb and the absence of warts on the spathe. With the newly described species, the number of endemic Sri Lankan species of Lagenandra rises to fourteen, and the global total rises to twenty-three. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered under Criterion CR B1ab (ii, iii, iv, v) +2ab (ii, iii, iv, v).

Biodiversity conservation, Critically endangered, flora of Sri Lanka, Ornamental aquatic plants, Taxonomy, Monocots 

Indrakeela MADOLA, Himesh JAYASINGHE, Deepthi YAKANDAWALA and Kapila YAKANDAWALA. 2025. Lagenandra rubra (Araceae), A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 233-242. DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 [2025-02-24] 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA/posts/2433646080318212

[Botany • 2025] Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China

 

 Breynia enchengensis  

in Chang, Li, Liang, G.-L. Huang et Y.-S. Huang, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04635 

Abstract

Breynia enchengensis, a new species with a narrowly geographic distribution in limestone areas of southwestern Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to B. poomae (Welzen & Chayam.) Welzen & Pruesapan in having creeping stems, ovate to oblong leaf blade, and reddish brown to dark purple flowers, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by the size of the leaf blade and flowers, the number of lateral veins, the habit of the inflorescence, and the shape of the ovary. It also resembles B. lithophila Welzen & Pruesapan in having alternate leaves and in the length/width ratio of leaf blade, but may be distinguished by the presence of hairs throughout the plant, number of lateral veins, length of the pedicle, the habit of the inflorescence, and calyx shape of female flowers. A table to distinguish the new species from B. poomae and B. lithophila, as well as color plates and photos of type specimens of the new species are also provided.

Keywords: Breynia, limestone flora, new species, Sauropus, taxonomy

 

 Shi-Li Chang, Wen-Hua Li, Jin-Hui Liang, Guo-Li Huang and Yu-Song Huang. 2025. Breynia enchengensis (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from Limestone Areas of southwestern Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04635 [17 April 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Lilium brunneum (Liliaceae) • A newly discovered Species in north-western Yunnan, China

 

Lilium brunneum  T.Wang & Y.D.Gao,  

in T. Wang, Shen, D. Wang, Zhao, Qu et Gao, 2025. 

焦瓣百合  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.147769

Abstract

Lilium brunneum represents a newly discovered and described lily species with a limited distribution in isolated alpine regions of north-western Yunnan, China. The recognition of this new species as a distinct entity is supported by both morphological and molecular data. Furthermore, the investigation of this region, identified as a ‘hotspot’ due to its high diversity and endemicity within the genus Lilium, is anticipated to provide greater insight into the processes of speciation and the maintenance of species boundaries in this genus. Further fieldwork aimed at exploring these regions is expected to discover additional new species and therefore warrants special attention and resources.

Key words: Hengduan Mountains, Liliaceae, Lilium brunneum, Lilium souliei complex, new species

Morphological characteristics and geographic distribution of the Lilium souliei complex.

Comparison of several closely related species.
 A Lilium medogense B L. paradoxum C Lilium brunneum D L. souliei E L. saccatum
F anatomical diagram of the flower of L. brunneum G anatomical diagram of the flower of L. souliei H anatomical diagram of the flower of L. saccatum.

Habitat and morphology of Lilium brunneum T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.
 A habitat B habit C pedicel D leaf E bulb F transverse section of the flower (a) adaxial surface of the petal (b) abaxial surface of the petal (c) G anatomy of the petal (d) pistil and stamen (e) H bulb with scale.

 Lilium brunneum T.Wang & Y.D.Gao, sp. nov.

Chinese name: 焦瓣百合 (jiao ban bai he)

Diagnosis. Lilium brunneum shares morphological similarities with L. georgei, L. souliei, and L. saccatum but exhibits distinct differences that set it apart. Compared to L. georgei, L. brunneum is characterised by its shorter stature and smaller flowers. In contrast to L. souliei, it possesses shorter pedicels, and its filaments are closely appressed to the ovary. When compared to L. saccatum, L. brunneum is distinguished by its unique petal coloration, which ranges from brown to light brown with a greenish-yellow base. (Table 1, Fig. 2).

...

Habitat and distribution. On open stony alpine meadows and edges of bushes. 3500–3800 m. NW Yunnan (Fugong[福贡]) and bordering Myanmar (Kachin).

Etymology. The epithet and Chinese name adopted here both denote the perianth colour of light brown resembling that of caramel.

Ting Wang, Xiuying Shen, De Wang, Ying Zhao, Xiaomei Qu, Yundong Gao. 2025. Lilium brunneum (Liliaceae): A newly discovered Species in north-western Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 254: 201-219. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.254.147769

[Botany • 2025] Prunus luxurians (Rosaceae) • A new cherry species from south-western Ecuador

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán,  

  

in Pérez, Pérez-Zabala, Romoleroux, Espinel-Ortiz, Romoleroux et Albán-Vallejo. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Abstract

Prunus luxurians, a new species from Buenaventura Reserve at El Oro province in Ecuador is described and illustrated. Additionally, notes on its geographical distribution, ecology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities are documented. Prunus luxurians has some vegetative and floral similarities with other Andean species, but the unique combination of oblong-lanceolate leaves with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, densiflorous floriferous shoots less than 5 cm long, sepals with two marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium clearly differentiates it from the rest. This is the first species of Prunus described from the western flank at elevation below 1500 m, and particularly from a humid spot surrounded by dry areas (Tumbesian influence). Other taxonomic novelties of Prunus on this flank can be expected, so further botanical exploration is needed to better understand the diversity of the genus in the region.

Key words: Buenaventura Reserve, El Oro, Neotropics, plant taxonomy

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B branch with leaves and floriferous shoots C flowers.

 Photos by Á.J. Pérez.

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B floriferous shoot C leaf lower surface D, E leaf glands F flower G petal lower surface H petal upper surface I detail of petals and sepals (notice marginal glands).

 A–I based on Á.J. Pérez et al. 11743 (QCA). Illustrations by Natasha Albán.

 Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Prunus luxurians has a unique combination of leaves oblong lanceolate, cernuous in posture, around three times longer than wider, with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, secondary veins curved toward the margin and apparently eucamptodromous but becoming brochidodromous distally, base rounded to subcordate, floriferous shoots erect, densiflorous, less than 5 cm long, sepals with 2 marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium. Prunus integrifolia (Presl.) Walp. share with the new species the leaf shape and transverse posture, number of secondary veins, erect floriferous shoots and anthers of similar size; but, the new species has leaves shorter than 14 cm (vs. more than 15 cm.), chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), with conspicuous venation (vs. relatively obscure), glands submarginal and separated from the midrib (vs. attached to the midrib), turbinate hypanthium (vs. wide turbinate) and erect pedicels (vs. recurved) (Fig. 4).

 

 Álvaro J. Pérez, Jorge Andrés Pérez-Zabala, Katya Romoleroux, David A. Espinel-Ortiz, Chaquira Romoleroux, Natasha Albán-Vallejo. 2025. A new cherry species (Prunus, Rosaceae) from south-western Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 255: 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Resumen: Se describe e ilustra Prunus luxurians, una nueva especie de la Reserva Buenaventura en la provincia de El Oro en Ecuador. Además, se documentan notas sobre su distribución geográfica, ecología, estado de conservación y afinidades taxonómicas. Prunus luxurians comparte algunas similitudes vegetativas y florales con otras especies andinas, pero la combinación única de hojas oblongo-lanceoladas con venas secundarias y terciarias prominentes, brotes floríferos densifloros de menos de 5 cm de largo, sépalos con dos glándulas marginales y flores con hipanto turbinado la diferencian fácilmente del resto. Esta es la primera especie de Prunus descrita del flanco occidental a una altitud inferior a 1500 m, y particularmente de un lugar húmedo rodeado de zonas secas (influencia tumbesina). Se espera que existan otras novedades taxonómicas de Prunus en este flanco, por lo que es necesaria una mayor exploración botánica para comprender mejor la diversidad del género en la región.

[Funga • 2022] Phaeoclavulina aeruginea & P. cinnamomea (Gomphales: Gomphaceae) • Two New Species from Hunan Province, China

Phaeoclavulina aeruginea P. Zhang,  
P. cinnamomea W.Q. Qin, 

in Liu, Yan, Deng, Qin et Zhang, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.561.1.3  

Researchgate.net/publication/363317547

Abstract

Two new species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Gomphales, Basidiomycota) from Hunan Province, China are distinguished on the basis of the morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Phaeoclavulina aeruginea is characterized by basidiomata ramarioid, repeatedly branched, stipe yellowish brown, copper-green and blunt branch tips, and the context, turning wine red when bruised or exposed. Phaeoclavulina cinnamomea produces the cinnamon basidiomata, crowded branches, and large basidiospores with truncate (volcanic) spines, which is particularly rare in Phaeoclavulina. The two species are illustrated by drawings and photographs, including scanning electron micrographs. Their taxonomic distinctness was supported by the phylogenetic analyses of internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) sequence data. The ITS and nrLSU sequences newly generated in this study were deposited in GenBank. A key to Phaeoclavulina species in China is provided.

Keywords: Fungi, Morphology, Phaeoclavulina, Phylogeny, Taxonomy

Phaeoclavulina aeruginea (MHHNU8909):

[a] Basidiomata, bar = 2 cm; [b] Branch tips, bar = 0.25 cm.

Phaeoclavulina cinnamomea (MHHNU10376): 
[c] Basidiomata, bar = 2 cm; [d] Branch tips, bar = 0.25 cm.  

Phaeoclavulina aeruginea P. Zhang, sp. nov.

Etymology:—Aeruginea (Lat.): refers to the distinctive copper-green color of the tips of the basidiomata branches.

Phaeoclavulina cinnamomea W.Q. Qin, sp. nov.

Etymology:—Cinnamomea (Lat.): refers to the pinkish cinnamon color of the basidiomata surface.

Wen-Hao LIU, Jun YAN, Peng-Tao DENG, Wei-Qiang QIN and Ping ZHANG. 2022. Two New Species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Gomphales) from Hunan Province, China.  Phytotaxa. 561(1); 27-40. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.561.1.3 [2022-09-06]

 Researchgate.net/publication/363317547_Two_new_species_of_Phaeoclavulina_from_Hunan_Province_China

[Botany • 2018] Sciaphila lambirensis (Triuridaceae) • A new mycoheterotrophic plant from Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia

 

Sciaphila lambirensis Suetsugu, 

in Suetsugu. 2018.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.201805

Borneo is known to harbor the greatest species diversity of the mycoheterotrophic genus Sciaphila (Triuridaceae) and is home to 11 species, including five endemics. Here, another undescribed Sciaphila species, Sciaphila lambirensis, which was discovered during a botanical survey in Lambir Hills National Park (Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia) is reported along with a detailed morphological account. Sciaphila lambirensis is similar to S. brevistyla in having six equal perianth segments with a swollen apex bearing long hairs in both staminate and carpellate flowers. However, it is easily distinguishable by the secund arrangement of the flowers and the pedicel slightly recurved at its apex. A key to the species of Sciaphila in Borneo is provided.

Key words: Lambir Hills National Park, mycoheterotrophy, new species, taxonomy 

Sciaphila lambirensis Suetsugu, sp. nov.

Kenji Suetsugu. 2018. Sciaphila lambirensis (Triuridaceae), a new mycoheterotrophic plant from Sarawak, Borneo, Malaysia. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. 69(3); 175-180. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.201805

[Botany • 2024] Reinstatement and Lectotypification of Phyllanthus rosellus (Phyllanthaceae), an endemic species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil

Phyllanthus rosellus  (Müll.Arg.) Müll.Arg.

in Torres et Silva, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.645.3.5 

Researchgate.net/publication/380173626

Abstract

Phyllanthus rosellus, an endemic species from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil, was treated under Phyllanthus niruri subsp. lathyroides. After analyzing herbarium collections, including all types related to the names P. niruri and P. rosellus, we conclude that both species are morphologically distinguishable, and consequently we propose the reinstatement of P. rosellus. Additionally, as the latter is a species usually known from literature dating from the 19th century, where its description overlaps with that of some congeners, we provide its description, illustrations, preliminary conservation status, images in their habitat, as well as designate a lectotype for it.

Eudicots, Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, Phyllanthus subsect. Phyllanthus, taxonomy

Phyllanthus rosellus.
 A. Habit. B. Stem. C. Cataphylls. D and E. Fertile branches, showing small leaves and male flowers on the adaxial surface. F and G. Detail of the unisexual branchlet, showing the pink staminate flowers, with three free stamens. H. Pistillate flower. I. Detail of the pistillate disk and styles J. Seed

[Photos A, and F by João Paulo Zorzanelii, B, D, E and G by Paulo Sampaio and C, H, I and J by Alícia Torres]. 

Phyllanthus rosellus (Müller Argoviensis) Müller Argoviensis (1873:53). 

≡ Phyllanthus lathyroides f. rosellus MüllerArgoviensis (1863:42) 

≡ Diasperus rosellus (Müller Argoviensis) Kuntze (1891:601). 

Alícia Marques TORRES and Marcos José da SILVA. 2024. Reinstatement and Lectotypification of Phyllanthus rosellus (Phyllanthaceae), an endemic species from the State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. Phytotaxa. 645(3); 259-269. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.645.3.5 [2024-04-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/380173626_Reinstatement_of_Phyllanthus_rosellus_an_endemic_species_from_Brazil

[Botany • 2018] Tupistra nagarum (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Nagaland, North-eastern India

 

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao, 

in Odyuo, Roy et Mao, 2018. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v60/2018/120924 

  Researchgate.net/publication/326835471

 

Abstract

Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D. K. Roy & A. A. Mao, a new species belonging to the family Asparagaceae from Nagaland, north-eastern India is described and illustrated. Its affinities to the allied species are discussed and taxonomic key is presented.

Keywords: Nagaland, India, New Species, Tupistra nagarum, Asparagaceae.

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao:
A-B. Spike; C. Bract; D. Bracteole; E. Tangential section of flower; F. Sagital section of perianth; G. Frontal view of perianth tube; H. Perianth lobes; I. Pistil; J. Ovary; K. Fruit; L. Fruit, transversal section; M. Seed.

 Tupistra nagarum N. Odyuo, D.K. Roy & A.A. Mao:
A & B. Habit, in-situ; C. Rhizomatous stem.

Nripemo Odyuo, Dilip Kumar Roy and Ashiho A. Mao. 2018. Tupistra nagarum (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Nagaland, North-eastern India. Nelumbo. 60(1), 1–5. DOI: doi.org/10.20324/nelumbo/v60/2018/120924 [2018-07-19] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/326835471_Tupistra_nagarum_a_new_species_from_Nagaland_North-eastern_India

[Botany • 2022] Tupistra thangii (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from southern Vietnam

 

Tupistra thangii N.Tanaka & D.D.Nguyen,

in D. D. Nguyen, V. C. Nguyen et Tanaka, 2022. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.552.4.4 

Abstract

Tupistra thangii, a new species from Lam Dong Province, southern Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It is most similar to T. clarkei from eastern Nepal and northeastern India, but differs mainly in its broader leaves, upright or ascending spike, smaller flowers, laterally strongly revolute perianth lobes, stamens adnate to the subbasal portion of the perianth lobes, and whitish stigma. It also shares some key traits (e.g. internally white-striped, dark purple perianth tube) with T. natmataungensis from western Myanmar. Notes on the phenology, habitat, distribution and taxonomic relationships to several similar species are also provided.

Keywords: Aspidistra, eastern Indochina, flora, plant geography, plant taxonomy, Rohdea, Monocots

Tupistra thangii N.Tanaka & D.D.Nguyen

 

Danh Duc NGUYEN, Van Canh NGUYEN and Noriyuki TANAKA. 2022. Tupistra thangii (Asparagaceae), A New Species from southern Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 552(4); 267-273. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.552.4.4 

https://sie.vast.vn/posts/455-i-tupistra-thangii-i-loai-toi-da-moi-duoc-phat-hien-tai-tinh-lam-dong.vi

[Botany • 2025] Begonia gigang (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite, 

in Mazo et Rubite, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17444

Abstract

A new species of Begonia from Zamboanga del Norte, Mindanao Island, Philippines, is described. Begonia gigang is morphologically similar to Begonia corazoniae but can be distinguished by having smaller leaves which are hirsute on both surfaces, longer panicles and peduncles, shorter pedicels for both staminate and pistillate flowers, and trigonous-ellipsoid ovary. Begonia gigang is assessed as Endangered under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. A detailed description, photographs, and ecological notes, and are provided.

Keywords: Begonia corazoniae, Begonia tinuyopensis, endangered, endemic, taxonomy

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite.
A. Habit; B. Leaf adaxial surface; C. Leaf abaxial surface showing leaf margin; D. Stem and stipules; E. Staminate and pistillate flowers, inset 3-tepaled staminate flower; F. Cross-section of the ovary; G. Capsules.

All from K. R. F. Mazo 112.

Begonia gigang Mazo & Rubite, sp. nov.  

Section Petermannia

Diagnosis: A species similar to Begonia corazoniae Naive (Naive et al. 2024) in having lamina with greenish to yellowish spots and variegations on the veins but differs in having smaller leaves (10.0–14.5 × 5–7 cm vs. up to 21 × 10.0–13.3 cm) which are hirsute on both surfaces (vs. glabrous), longer panicles and peduncles (15–23 cm vs. 8–13 cm; 9–12 cm vs. up to 4 cm), shorter pedicels for both staminate and pistillate flowers, and trigonous-ellipsoid ovary (vs. trapezoid to obovoid).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Subanen dialect refers to the rock formations where the new species was found.

 

 

Kean Roe F. Mazo and Rosario R. Rubite. 2025. Begonia gigang (section Petermannia: Begoniaceae), A New Species from Zamboanga Peninsula, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 89-94. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17444 [2025-04-17]

[Mollusca • 2025] Molecular Phylogeny of the Operculated Land Snail Family Pupinidae (Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) in mainland Southeast Asia

 

Molecular Phylogeny of the Family Pupinidae

in Jirapatrasilp, Tongkerd, Páll-Gergely, Lee, Panha, Becher, Hausdorf et Sutcharit, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12727 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula

Abstract

The operculated land snail family Pupinidae from mainland Southeast Asia has been systematically revised based on shell morphology. Despite previous morphological studies, the evolutionary relationships within this family remained unclear. This study represents the first comprehensive molecular phylogeny of this snail group, utilising two mitochondrial (COI and 16S rRNA) and two nuclear (5.8S rRNA + ITS2 and 28S rRNA) genetic markers. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic analyses of Pupina species from 1106 loci generated through double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRADseq). It turned out that Southeast Asian Pollicaria emerged as a sister clade to Central American Aperostoma of the Megalomastomatidae, leading to the resurrection of the Pollicariidae. Among the remaining pupinid genera, Tortulosa was nested within the Coptocheilus clade, while Pupina and Pupinella were not monophyletic. The previously recognised Pupina arula species group was found to be monophyletic and was reclassified into Tylotoechus (formerly a Pupina subgenus), based on distinctive conchological characters such as an extending parietal tooth from a parietal callus and a wide, outward-curving posterior canal. However, some Pupina and Tylotoechus species were not retrieved as monophyletic, suggesting the presence of multiple ‘cryptic species’. Divergence time estimation indicated that the Pupinidae split could date back to the Late Triassic to Early Cretaceous, with the first diversification of pupinid genera occurring during the Middle Jurassic and Early Cretaceous. This successful reconstruction of a robust phylogeny using ddRADseq loci demonstrates the significant potential of RADseq techniques in elucidating the evolutionary relationships of deeply divergent taxa. Further studies incorporating the type species Tylotoechus destructus and Pupina keraudrenii are necessary to justify the usage of these genera.

Keywords: cryptic species, ddRADseq, divergence time estimation, Pollicariidae, systematics

A-C Pollicaria [Pollicariidae]
D Tortulosa [Pupinidae] E-H Pupina [Pupinidae]

 Jirapatrasilp et al. (2022)

Jirapatrasilp et al. (2022)

 Parin Jirapatrasilp, Piyoros Tongkerd, Barna Páll-Gergely, Chi-Tse Lee, Somsak Panha, Elisa Becher, Bernhard Hausdorf and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2025. Molecular Phylogeny of the Operculated Land Snail Family Pupinidae (Caenogastropoda, Cyclophoroidea) in mainland Southeast Asia. Zoologica Scripta. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/zsc.12727 [07 April 2025]

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/1092791126198949

 A-C หอยหูช้างสกุล Pollicaria D หอยเกลียวเชือกฝาสปริงสกุล Tortulosa E-H หอยเปลือกมันสกุล Pupina 

[Arachnida • 2025] Scorpiops bahunetra • In the Rocks: An Integrative Assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with A Description of A New Species

Scorpiops bahunetra 

Deshpande, Joshi, Ukale, Bastawade, Tang, Gowande, Monod & Sulakhe, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.02.004 

 

Abstract

The genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861 exhibits significant diversity, especially in Peninsular India. From our continued arachnological surveys in the Western Ghats and Peninsular India, we describe a new species based on molecular and morphological data. Furthermore, additional sampling revealed new species with distinct molecular signatures, but future investigation is warranted to gather additional data before species are formally described.

Keywords: 16S, COI, integrated taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, systematics

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) in vivo habitus (A, B).

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) under white light:
A, habitus, dorsal view; B, habitus, ventral view; C, sternopectinal area; D, metasomal segment V and telson, lateral view; E, chelicera, dorsal view <scale bars: 5 mm (A); 2 mm (C)>.

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis (♂♀). Total length 50.32-55.82 mm. Base color light brown. Median ocular islet morphology conforms to Type 2 (OI-2). Pectine morphology conforms to type P3; pectinal teeth number 7-8 in both sexes; fulcra reduced to absent. Pedipalp patella with 20-26 (5 eb, 2 esb, 2 em, 6-11 est, 5-6 et) external and 14-16 ventral trichobothria. Pedipalp chela with 4 ventral trichobothria. Chelal trichobothrium Eb3 located in proximal half of manus between trichobothria Dt and Db. Pedipalp movable finger margins strongly undulate in male and weakly undulate in female. Chela length-to-width ratio 3.0-3.2 in males. Total pedipalp length to total tergite length ratio 1.3-1.4 in males. Tarsomere II of legs with 4-6 stout ventromedian ventral spinules. Metasoma I–V with 10-10-10-10-7 carinae. Dorsal lateral carinae on metasoma III-IV ending posteriorly into a moderately developed spine. Telson elongate and smooth, length to depth ratio 2.8-3.2; annular ring weakly developed.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from a Sanskrit word ‘bahunetra’, ‘bahu’ (=many) and ‘netra’ (=eyes). The word is an adjective reflecting the unique feature of scorpions having multiple ocelli.

Scorpiops bahunetra sp. nov. male holotype (BNHS SC 401) under UV light:
A, habitus, dorsal view; B, habitus, ventral view <scale bar: 5 mm>.

 

Shubhankar Deshpande, Mihir Joshi, Sajiri Ukale, Deshabhushan Bastawade, Victoria Tang, Gaurang Gowande, Lionel Monod and Shauri Sulakhe. 2025. In the Rocks: An Integrative Assessment of Scorpiops Peters, 1861 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) in peninsular India with A Description of A New Species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.02.004  [8 March 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

 

Herpetospermum motuoensis Y. S. Chen & B. Y. Zhang,

in Zhang, Liu, Xu, Song et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.8 

 Researchgate.net/publication/390876607

 

Abstract

Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae: Schizopeponeae) is described and illustrated as a new species. It is similar to Herpetospermum operculatum but can be easily distinguished by the inconspicuous bracts of the male flowers (vs. bract of male flowers prominent), petals subrounded to elliptical (vs. petals ovate to obovate), ovules 6 per locule (vs. ovules 8 per locule), stigma subrounded to broadly elliptic (vs. stigma oblong–ovate), fruits are chartreuse, fusiform to ellipsoid–fusiform and glabrous (vs. oblong to ellipsoid–fusiform and pubescent), seeds are irregular oblong-hexagonal, margin with protrusion at each corner (vs. seed ± round, margin with irregular acute erose).

Eudicots, new species, Cucurbitaceae, taxonomic, Xizang

Herpetospermum motuoensis.
A. Habitat; B. Habit; C. Tendril; D. Leaves; E. Male inflorescence;
F. Top view of male flower; G. Back view of male flower; H. Longitudinal section of male flower;
I. Top view of female flower; J. Back view of female flower; K. Longitudinal section of female flower;
L. Fruits; M. Longitudinal section of fruit; N. Cross section of fruit; O. Seeds.

A-O: all photos by Bu-Yun Zhang based on the type, B. Y. Zhang, Y. D. Xu, G. F. Liu et X. R. Zheng JZ20231191 (IBSC).

Herpetospermum motuoensis Y. S. Chen & B. Y. Zhang, sp. nov.

Bu-Yun ZHANG, Hou-Zhou LIU, Ye-Chun XU, Zhu-Qiu SONG and You-Sheng CHEN. 2025. Herpetospermum motuoensis (Cucurbitaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 697(3); 288-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.3.8 [2025-04-17]

  Researchgate.net/publication/390876607_Herpetospermum_motuoensis_a_new_species_from_Xizang_China

http://english.scib.ac.cn/news/202504/t20250418_1041501.html

https://english.cas.cn/newsroom/research_news/life/202504/t20250418_1041512.shtml