Thursday, June 19, 2025

[Botany • 2025] Jacquemontia verae (Convolvulaceae) • A New Species from Brazilian Savannas


Jacquemontia verae   

in Pastore, Moreira, Morais, Romeiro et Simão-Bianchini, 2025.
 
Abstract
Jacquemontia verae is described as a new species from “cerrado rupestre” vegetation in the Cerrado biome of Goiás, Brazil. Line drawings and photographs illustrate the new species, including optical and scanning electron microscope images of pollen. It is compared morphologically with similar species of Jacquemontia and an identification key to species from the state of Goiás is provided. The conservation status of the new species is informally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). Its relationships within Jacquemontia and its stigma structure are discussed.

Cerrado, endangered plant, palynology, taxonomy, tropical America, Eudicots




 


Mayara PASTORE, André Luiz C. MOREIRA, Isa Lucia de MORAIS, Luiza A. ROMEIRO and Rosângela SIMÃO-BIANCHINI. 2025. Jacquemontia verae (Convolvulaceae): A New Species from Brazilian Savannas.  Phytotaxa. 701(1); 56-68. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.701.1.4 [2025-05-13]
 
Nova espécie de planta do Cerrado é descoberta por professora da UEG 


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Wednesday, June 18, 2025

[Ichthyology • 2025] Neotrygon romeoi • A New Blue-spotted Maskray Species (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae: Neotrygon) from Fiji

 

Live colouration of Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. from around Fiji:
(a) Lautoka, mixed rocky and sand habitat (©Leon Perrie, observed 1 July 2023, inaturalist.org); (b) Near South Sea Island, rocky reef, (©Jack Crosbie, 17 August 2023,  inaturalist.org); (c) Drawaqa Island, Yasawas on sand flat with some seagrass in ≃18 m of water, (©Robert Macfarlane, 7 January 2024, modified); (d) Suva foreshore, on seagrass in ≃0.2 m of water (©Tom Vierus, observed 24 March 2022, inaturalist.org); (e) Mana Island, over seagrass (©Floyd E. Hayes, observed 27 March 2018, inaturalist.org).

Glaus, White, O'Neill, Thurnheer & Appleyard, 2025

Abstract
Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. (Dasyatidae), a new species of blue-spotted maskray from Fiji, previously confused with Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller and Henle 1841) or Neotrygon trigonoides (Castelnau 1873), is described based on nine specimens (310–397 mm disc width) from Fiji. Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. is a large maskray with a broadly angled snout, long claspers in adult males and a median row of thornlets extending from the nape to the tail base. Fresh specimens have a brownish dorsal surface with dark mask-like marking covering across and between the eyes (sometimes indistinct), two large brown to black branchial blotches posterior to the spiracles, numerous black pepper-like spots mainly concentrated in masked area and the branchial blotches, and sometimes having small, dark-edged pale blue to whitish spots. The new species is further characterized by ocellated spots in the medial belt usually absent. Molecular analysis based on 570 bp of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) mitochondrial gene also supports that N. romeoi n. sp. is a distinct species from other congeners. The new species, known only from the Fiji Islands, may thus warrant inclusion in Fiji's Endangered and Protected Species Act.

Keywords: Fiji, endemic, new species, Oceania, South Pacific Ocean, species complex

Live colouration of Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. from around Fiji:
(a) Lautoka, mixed rocky and sand habitat (©Leon Perrie, observed 1 July 2023, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/171357979); (b) Near South Sea Island, rocky reef, (©Jack Crosbie, observed 17 August 2023, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/180044335); (c) Drawaqa Island, Yasawas on sand flat with some seagrass in ≃18 m of water, (©Robert Macfarlane, 7 January 2024, modified); (d) Suva foreshore, on seagrass in ≃0.2 m of water (©Tom Vierus, observed 24 March 2022, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/109579248); (e) Mana Island, over seagrass (©Floyd E. Hayes, observed 27 March 2018, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/99347812).

Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. 

 Etymology: The epithet is dedicated to the late Romeo Glaus, the father of the first author, in recognition of his lasting inspiration, enduring support and deep respect for nature. 
Vernacular: Fiji Maskray.


Kerstin Glaus, William T. White, Helen L. O'Neill, Sarah Thurnheer and Sharon A. Appleyard. 2025. A New Blue-spotted Maskray Species (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70094 [09 June 2025]
 Researchgate.net/publication/392529313_A_new_blue-spotted_Maskray_Neotrygon_from_Fiji

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[Botany • 2025] Typhonium cucullatum • A New Species from Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand [Studies on Typhonium (Araceae) of Thailand III]

 

Typhonium cucullatum K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Hein, Boonma, Rakarcha et Naive. 2025. 

Abstract
Typhonium cucullatum, a new species from Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand, is described and illustrated. A detailed description, color plates, a discussion of similar taxa, phenology, distribution, and a conservation status assessment are provided.

Keyword: Areae, Aroideae, Cretaceous sandstone, Indochina, spathe movement, Typhonium laoticum

Typhonium cucullatum sp. nov.
A. Excavated flowering individual showing adaxial surface of leaf blades, B. Side view of inflorescence at post-pistillate anthesis, C. Detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, and staminate zone (nearside of spathe artificially removed), D. Spadix at post-pistillate anthesis (nearside of spathe artificially removed), E. Excavated flowering individual showing abaxial surface of leaf blades.  
Spathe movement of Typhonium cucullatum sp. nov. during anthesis. A. & B. Inflorescence at early pistillate anthesis, spathe limb erect, gaping and expanding to reveal the staminate zone, C. & D. Inflorescence at middle pistillate anthesis, spathe limb reflexing and curling strongly backward, E. & F. Inflorescence at post-pistillate anthesis, spathe limb gradually curving forward, with the lower part of the spathe limb margins strongly convolute, closing over the staminate zone, G. & H. Inflorescence at staminate anthesis, forward curvature of the spathe limb most prominent. (A., C., E., G. Front view of inflorescence, B., D., F., H. Side view of inflorescence)
 Photos by: Khant Zaw Hein.
 

Typhonium cucullatum K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Typhonium cucullatum is unique within the genus in having a spathe limb that curves strongly forward, forming a hood-like shape at the end of pistillate anthesis and remaining intact through post-staminate anthesis despite signs of withering. In overall morphology, T. cucullatum is most similar to T. laoticum (Gagnepain, 1942), but can be readily distinguished by its spathe limb curving strongly forward (vs. the spathe limb reflexed backward in T. laoticum), a shorter staminate zone with 4–6 whorls of stamens (vs. 12–15 whorls of stamens in T. laoticum), and a stipitate appendix (vs. a sessile appendix in T. laoticum).

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin cucullatus, meaning ‘hooded’, referring to the spathe limb becoming forwardly curved and hood-like.


Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Khant Zaw Hein, Thawatphong Boonma, Sarayut Rakarcha and Mark Arcebal K. Naive. 2025. Studies on Typhonium Schott (Araceae) of Thailand III: Typhonium cucullatum, A New Species from Sakon Nakhon Province, Northeastern Thailand. Taiwania. 70(3); 398-402.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.398 [2025 June 18]   taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2087
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[Cnidaria • 2025] Neoanthomastus stellatus, Anthomastus sphaericus, Pseudoanthomastus ornatus, ... • Mushroom Soft Corals (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) From Seamounts in the Tropical Northwestern Pacific: Morphology and Phylogenetic Analysis Reveal a New Genus and Six New Species

 
Neoanthomastus stellatus gen. et sp. nov., N. elongatus gen. et sp. nov., 
Anthomastus sphaericus sp. nov., A. tongi sp. nov., 
Pseudoanthomastus ornatus sp. nov., and P. applanatus sp. nov.

Y. Li, J. Li & Xu, 2025 

Abstract
Mushroom soft corals in the subfamily Anthomastinae are among the most remarkable octocorals found in the deep sea, characterized by their capitate or mushroom-shaped red colonies and large autozooids. To date, their species diversity remains largely unknown due to limited research, and their phylogenetic relationships have yet to be explored. Based on samples collected from four seamounts in the tropical Northwestern Pacific, we establish a new genus and six new species within Anthomastinae: Neoanthomastus stellatus gen. et sp. nov., Neoanthomastus elongatus gen. et sp. nov., Anthomastus sphaericus sp. nov., Anthomastus tongi sp. nov., Pseudoanthomastus ornatus sp. nov., and Pseudoanthomastus applanatus sp. nov. We transfer four species of Anthomastus with the siphonozooids extending into the stalk to the new genus Neoanthomastus, and four additional species of Anthomastus to Pseudoanthomastus. A dichotomous key to all five known genera and 43 species of Anthomastinae is provided. Meanwhile, we utilize the concatenated nucleotides of 13 mitochondrial protein-coding genes (PCGs), the full-length coding regions of the mitochondrial MutS gene (mtMutS) and the barcodes of partial mtMutS to elucidate the phylogenetic relationships among all the five genera (Anthomastus, Bathyalcyon, Heteropolypus, Pseudoanthomastus, and Neoanthomastus gen. nov.) and available species of Anthomastinae. The phylogenetic trees constructed from the three types of sequences suggest a hierarchical relationship where Neoanthomastus gen. nov. and Pseudoanthomastus form a clade that clusters with Bathyalcyon, which in turn with Heteropolypus, and finally with Anthomastus, all with high nodal supports. We also identify a second species in octocorals that lack the unique mtMutS. The study reveals a high diversity of mushroom soft corals and underscores the need for further systematic and zoogeographic research.

Keywords: Anthomastus, Anthomastinae, deep sea, mitochondrial DNA, mtMutS, new taxa


Morphology of Neoanthomastus gen. nov. and six new species of Anthomastinae.
(A–C) A. sphaericus sp. nov., same specimen in situ (A) and in preservation (B, C). (D, E) A. tongi sp. nov. in situ and in preservation.
(F, G) N. stellatus gen. et sp. nov. in situ and in preservation. (H, I) N. elongatus gen. et sp. nov. in situ and in preservation.
(J–M) P. ornatus sp. nov., same specimen in situ (J) and in preservation (K–M), arrows indicate small autozooids of capitulum margin. (N–P) P. applanatus sp. nov., same specimen in situ (N, O) and in preservation (P). au, autozooids; o, oocytes; si, siphonozooids.
 Scale bars = 10 mm (B, C, E), 20 mm (G, I, K, M), 5 mm (L), and 50 mm (P).
 
Neoanthomastus stellatus gen. et sp. nov., N. elongatus gen. et sp. nov., 
Anthomastus sphaericus sp. nov., A. tongi sp. nov., 
Pseudoanthomastus ornatus sp. nov., and P. applanatus sp. nov. 


Yang Li, Junyuan Li, Kuidong Xu. 2025. Mushroom Soft Corals (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) From Seamounts in the Tropical Northwestern Pacific: Morphology and Phylogenetic Analysis Reveal a New Genus and Six New Species. Journal of Zoological Systematics and Evolutionary Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1155/jzs/4177670 [30 March 2025] 


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[Arachnida • 2025] Scorpiops doiphukha • A Newly discovered Species of the Genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 (Scorpiones: Scorpiopidae) from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand

 

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha  

 Ythier, Košulič, Nawanetiwong & Lourenço, 2025

Abstract
A new scorpion species, Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., belonging to the family Scorpiopidae Kraepelin, 1905, is described based on 12 specimens of both sexes (three adults and nine immatures) collected in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand. The new species presents key features exhibited by scorpions of the subgenus Euscorpiops and can be characterized notably by a large size, a sexual dimorphism strongly marked with male pedipalps elongated, a distinct trichobothrial pattern and other morphological features. This new taxon represents the 115th species among the currently recognized species for the genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, and the 44th species described for the subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980. It is likely an endemic element of Thailand’s scorpion fauna, raising the number of known Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) species in the country to 13. Ecological and distributional aspects of the new species are discussed and compared with closely related Scorpiops species, highlighting its distinctiveness within the genus.

Key words: Description, ecology, forest, morphology, scorpion, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov. 
 A, B. Male holotype, habitus, dorsal and ventral aspects, respectively;
C, D. Female paratype, habitus, dorsal and ventral aspects, respectively. Scale bar: 2 cm.

Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov., alive.
A. Male holotype and female paratype, in their natural habitat; B. Female, alive with pre-juveniles (instar I).
 
Natural habitat of Scorpiops (Euscorpiops) doiphukha sp. nov. in Doi Phu Kha National Park, Nan Province, Thailand.
A. Track trail near a small stream; B. Rock wall where the male holotype and female paratype were discovered. Both specimens were found hiding in small rock crevices.


 Eric Ythier, Ondřej Košulič, Wasin Nawanetiwong and Wilson R. Lourenço. 2025. A Newly discovered Species of the Genus Scorpiops Peters, 1861, subgenus Euscorpiops Vachon, 1980 from Doi Phu Kha National Park, Thailand (Scorpiones, Scorpiopidae). ZooKeys. 1241: 171-184. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1241.142549 [12-06-2025]
 
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[Botany • 2022] Schomburgkia vandenbergiana (Orchidaceae: Laeliinae) • Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of A New, purple-flowered, Endangered Schomburgkia from north-eastern Brazil

 

Schomburgkia vandenbergiana  E.M.Pessoa, V.Brito & Ralf-Neto,

in Pessoa, Brito, Ralf-Neto, Fernandes, Gomes, Fraga et Barros, 2025. 

Abstract
We describe a new species of Schomburgkia, S. vandenbergiana, from north-eastern Brazil and provide a phylogenetic analysis and a summary of its conservation status. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that S. vandenbergiana is most likely related to S. undulata and S. gloriosa. The species with dark purple flowers, S. elata, S. splendida, S. undulata and S. vandenbergiana, did not form a clade, and this trait seems to have multiple independent origins. Based on small flower size and number of keels on the disc of the lip, the new species is morphologically more similar to S. heidii, a species native to Colombia and Venezuela, but it differs in the shorter sepals and lip and erose clinandrium margin. The new species should be classified as endangered (EN) based on the IUCN criteria B1ab(i)+2ab(ii).

Keywords: Monocots, Atlantic Forest flora, Epidendreae, Epidendroideae, orchid endemism, rock outcrop flora, threatened South American taxa

Schomburgkia vandenbergiana.
A. Habit (scale bar = 2.0 cm). B. Inflorescence (scale bar = 1.0 cm). C. Flower in natural position (scale bar = 1.0 cm). D. Dissected perianth (scale bar = 1.0 cm).
Photos of the specimen collected as type by V. Brito.

Schomburgkia vandenbergiana E.M.Pessoa, V.Brito & Ralf-Neto sp. nov.


Edlley M. PESSOA, Vinícius BRITO, Fraterno RALF-NETO, Geysla FERNANDES, Gustavo GOMES, Elmary FRAGA and Maria Claudene BARROS. 2025. Description and Phylogenetic Relationships of A New, purple-flowered, Endangered Schomburgkia (Laeliinae; Orchidaceae) from north-eastern Brazil.  Phytotaxa. 561(2); 151-161. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.561.2.3 [2022-09-08] 

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[Botany • 2025] Passiflora quimiana (Passifloraceae) • A New Species of Passiflora Subgenus Decaloba from the Cordillera del Cóndor: Ecuador's far-flung frontier

  

Passiflora quimiana  Kuethe & H.Garzón,  

in Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Jiménez, Zavatin et Goucher, 2025. 

Abstract
A new species of Passiflora subgenus Decaloba, supersect. Decaloba, from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador, is described and illustrated, with its morphological similarities to other species being discussed in this paper. Passiflora quimiana exhibits the unique combination of narrow ovate to long-oval leaves and small foliaceous bracts. Morphologically it is the most similar to Passiflora quadriflora from Peru, from which it differs by the size of the floral organs, the foliaceous bracts, the structure of the corona, with the inner series slightly swollen at the apices, and the raised limen. It is currently known from a single locality only, occurring as a vine in submontane vegetation of sandstone plateaus.

Keywords: condorita, Decaloba, El Quimi Biological Reserve, Granadilla, Maracuja, Passionflower

Lankester composite dissection plate (LCDP) of Passiflora quimiana sp. nov., showing the morphological anatomy of the species.
LCDP constructed by Danilo A. Zavatin and 
composed of pictures taken by Henry Garzón-Suárez and Andreas Kay.

(A–C) Comparative plate between Passiflora quimiana sp. nov. and (D–F) Passiflora quadriflora. Note the differences in floral coloration, vegetative vestiture and variegation. Photos taken in situ.
Photo courtesy by Henry Garzón-Suárez (B–C); Jhon Yuca (D–F). The late Andreas Kay took photo A.

Passiflora quimiana Kuethe & H.Garzón sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species similar to Passiflora quadriflora, but differing in the larger flower (>4 cm versus <4 cm), the foliaceous bracts (opposed to setaceous), the vegetative pubescence on both stems and leaves (versus glabrous throughout), the slightly laterally compressed outer corona series (versus filiform), and the capitate structure of the inner corona (versus capillary).

 Etymology: The species is named after the Reserva Biológica El Quimi, one of the biological reserves within the Cordillera del Cóndor and the location of its discovery.


J. R. Kuethe, Henry Garzón-Suárez, Marco M. Jiménez, Danilo A. Zavatin and Dave Randall Goucher. 2025. Passiflora quimiana, A New Species from the Cordillera del Cóndor: Ecuador's far-flung frontier. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04854  [04 June 2025]

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Tuesday, June 17, 2025

[Entomology • 2025] Ceraphron chularoipaad • Review of the Subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the Genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand

 

Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad   
Ghafouri Moghaddam, Salden & Butcher,

in Moghaddam, Salden, Latibari et Butcher, 2025. 

Abstract
The subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 is reviewed, and a new species, Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad sp. nov., from Thailand is described and illustrated. This represents the first species-level record of the genus Ceraphron in Thailand. Additionally, we provide the redescriptions and illustrations of three previously known species viz., C. (L.) huggerti, C. (L.) sylviae, and C. (L.) tobiasi. We also include two identification keys for all known subgenera of Ceraphron and species of the subgenus Larsoceraphron.

Keywords: Identification key, Oriental, redescription, species discovery, Taxonomy 
 
Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad sp. nov., female holotype from Thailand (CUMZ)
A habitus and antenna, lateral view B fore and hind wing C head, dorsofrontal view D head, lateral view E head, dorsal view F mesosoma, dorsal view G posterior mesosoma and anterior syntergum, dorsal view H syntergum, dorsal view I head and mesosoma, lateral view J metasoma, lateral view K posterior metasoma, dorsal view.

 Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad 
Ghafouri Moghaddam, Salden & Butcher, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet chularoipaad is derived from “Chula”, referring to Chulalongkorn University, and “roi paad”, which means “one hundred and eight” in Thai, commemorating the 108th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University in 2025. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.


 Mostafa Ghafouri Moghaddam, Tobias Salden, Minoo Heidari Latibari and Buntika A. Butcher. 2025. Review of the Subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the Genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera, Ceraphronidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 98: 579-602. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.98.151607 

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[Botany • 2025] Capparis montis-aquae (Capparaceae) • A New Species from Da Nang Province, central Vietnam

  

Capparis montis-aquae Fici & Sy, 
 
in Fici et Sy, 2025. 
 
Summary
Capparis montis-aquae, a new species from limestones of the Da Nang Province, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. The new species is an erect shrub, characterised by complete glabrescence of the vegetative and reproductive parts, the presence of cataphylls at the base of the twigs, stipular thorns straight, small or in some cases lacking, leaves coriaceous, elliptic or narrowly obovate, flowers in lateral or terminal, few-flowered racemes, petals large, white, ovary ribbed and a knob-shaped stigma. The new species is related to C. brachybotrya, a species from Indonesia, but C. brachybotrya differs in slightly recurved thorns, an acuminate leaf apex, up to 20-flowered racemes, puberulous pedicels, longer sepals, shorter petals, puberulous outside, more stamens and a smaller ovary. The affinities of the new species are discussed and its conservation status is provisionally assessed.

Key Words: Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx, diversity, ecology, limestone, Marble Mountains, Thuy Son

Capparis montis-aquae.
A flowering branch; B flower; C dissected flower showing sepals and petals; D gynophore and ovary. All from Fici et al. 2445 (holotype PAL). drawn by silvio fici.

Capparis montis-aquae.
A habitat; B habit, individual plant; C inflorescences; D flower; E flowering branches; F inflorescence, showing flowers at different stages.
photos: Silvio Fici.

Capparis montis-aquae Fici & Sy, sp. nov.

Recognition. Related to Capparis brachybotrya Hallier f., but differs in several characters, such as the stipular thorns straight (vs slightly recurved in C. brachybotrya), leaf apex rounded, acute or retuse (vs acuminate), racemes up to 4-flowered (vs up to 20-flowered), pedicels glabrous (vs puberulous), sepals 8 – 11 mm long (vs c. 11 – 14 mm), petals 20 – 28 mm long, glabrous (vs 12 – 20 mm, puberulous outside), stamens c. 56 – 78 (vs (80 –) 100 – 160) and ovary 3.5 – 4 × 1.5 – 2 mm (vs 2 – 3 × 1 mm).

Etymology. The specific epithet is named after the toponym Thuy Son, meaning “Water Mountain”.


Silvio Fici and Dan Thuong Sy. 2025. Capparis montis-aquae, A New Species of Capparaceae from Da Nang Province, central Vietnam.  Kew Bulletin.  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10293-w [17 June 2025]

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[Botany • 2025] Camellia yangii (Theaceae) • A New Species of Tea Plants from Yunnan, China

 

Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao,

in Zhao. 2025.

Abstract
Camellia sect. Thea contains plants of beverage sources with huge profits. Their natural germplasm resources have yet to be fully explored. Here, morphological, phenological and phylogenetic analyses were undertaken to reveal a new species of tea plants, C. yangii D.Wei Zhao. It is described with an illustration and photos of fresh characters provided. The new species is similar to C. fangchengensis and C. ptilophylla by the densely pubescent new branchlets, abaxial surface of leaves and pedicel, but differs from them in bearing a larger flower, fewer (3 vs. 5) but larger sepals, and the indumentum of the sepals. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using RPB2 introns 11–15 and 23 and waxy suggests that it is a member of C. sect. Thea and its phylogenetically closely related species are C. longissima and C. taliensis. Camellia yangii has a later flowering phase compared with other taxa of C. sect. Thea that occurred or were planted nearby, so it cannot naturally hybridize with other tea plants. The new species bears a red or purplish red and densely pubescent terminal bud, which suggests it is a rare germplasm resource of tea plants. Camellia yangii is only known from a single extremely vulnerable population and strict conservation and asexual propagations are urgently needed to avoid extinction.

Key words: Beverage, diversity, genetic resources, Yunnan

Illustration of Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov. 
A. Branchlet with flowers; B. A node of branchlet, showing the indumenta of the branchlet, leaf, and bud; C. A part of androecium and a petal; D. Pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium of a flower; E. Capsule; F. Seed.
Drawn by Chen M.Q.

Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov.
A. Habit; B, C. Branchlets; D. Abaxial surface of leaf; E. Flower buds; F. Flower; G. A dissected flower without bracteoles, 1-sepals, 2-petals, 3-androecium, 4-pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium; H. Bracteoles; I. Pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium of a flower; J, K. Capsule.
 Scale bars: 5 cm (C); 1 cm (E, I, J, K); 2 cm (F); 2 mm (H).
Photos: Zhao D.W. (A); Yang S.X. (B–K).

 Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov. Diagnosis. Similar to C. fangchengensis and C. ptilophylla by the densely pubescent new branchlets, abaxial surface of leaves and pedicel, but differs from them in bearing a larger flower (4–5.5 cm in diam. vs. 2–3.5 cm in diam.), less (3 vs. 5) but larger (8–9 × 10–13 mm vs. 2.5–7 × 3.5–7 mm) sepals, and sericeous (vs. glabrous) adaxial surface of the sepals (Table 1).

Etymology. Camellia yangii is named after the leading collector of its type, Dr. Shixiong Yang, an expert of the family Theaceae at Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Chinese name of C. yangii is proposed as ”三萼茶” because it bears three sepals in the flower.


Dongwei Zhao. 2025. Camellia yangii (Theaceae), A New Species of Tea Plants (Camellia section Thea). PhytoKeys. 257: 247-256. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.257.152000


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[Invertebrate • 2025] Kanchuria tripuraensis & K. priyasankari • Two New Earthworm Species of the Genus Kanchuria Julka, 1988 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) from Tripura State, North-eastern India


 Kanchuria tripuraensis ...  K. priyasankari 
Narayanan, Paliwal & Julka, 

in Narayanan, Paliwal, Kurien, Nath, ... et Julka, 2025.
 
Abstract 
Eastern Himalaya-Northeastern Hills are the second most earthworm species-rich region in India. Kanchuria Julka, 1988, is a small genus endemic to the north-eastern region of India, with eight known species. Two new species of the genus, namely Kanchuria tripuraensis Narayanan, Paliwal & Julka, sp. nov., and K. priyasankari Narayanan, Paliwal & Julka, sp. nov., are described from materials collected from the Tripura State in North-eastern India. K. tripuraensis sp. nov. is a unique species of the genus, distinguishable from all other known species by having single ventromedian spermathecae in segments 7 and 8. K. priyasankari sp. nov. belongs to the turaensis-species group characterized by three pairs of spermathecal pores. This group has a total of 5 species, including the new species described herein. Among the congeners of the group, K. priyasankari sp. nov. shows close similarity with K. turaensis Julka, 1988. K. priyasankari sp. nov. can be easily differentiated from the K. turaensis by the small body dimensions and characteristics of the spermathecae. The present work provides detailed descriptions of the new species along with photographs and illustrations of the key characters. A key to species of the genus Kanchuria is also provided. With the discovery of two new taxa, the total number of Kanchuria species has gone up to 10, and megadrile worm diversity reported from the Tripura State has increased to 38.

 Annelida, distribution, endemic, Oligochaeta, soil fauna, taxonomy, India




S. Prasanth NARAYANAN, R. PALIWAL, Vijo T. KURIEN, Sabyasachi NATH, Animesh DEY, Subhrajit NANDY, Prithwiraj KAR, Sujata GOLDAR, A.P. THOMAS and J.M. JULKA. 2025. Description of Two New Kanchuria Julka, 1988 (Clitellata: Megascolecidae) Species of Earthworms from Tripura State, North-eastern India.  Zootaxa. 5647(2); 101-116. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5647.2.1 [2025-06-13]
 facebook.com/PrithwirajKAR58/posts/1341451770281276
Researchgate.net/publication/392631231_two_new_Kanchuria_from_Tripura_NE_India

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Monday, June 16, 2025

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys yezhongensis • A New Species of the genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China

 

Boulenophrys yezhongensis 
Liu, Feng, Shen, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Su, 2025


Abstract
Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Boulenophrys is described from Yezhong Nature Reserve, Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI indicate that this new species represents an independent species-level lineage, closely related to B. fanjingmontis, B. qianbeiensis, B. sangzhiensis, and B. spinata. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) body size moderate (SVL 41.2–46.2 mm in adult males and 51.8–58.6 mm in adult females); (2) a single small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) tongue not notched posteriorly; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, round; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; (7) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of the middle of the eye when the leg is stretched forward; (9) a single internal subgular vocal sac in males; (10) in breeding males, the nuptial pads have black nuptial spines on the bases of the first and second fingers.

Key Words: Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov., molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, taxonomy

Male holotype CIB SC20240531005 of Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of hand; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot.

 Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis.
Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Boulenophrys based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: snout shield-like; projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; chest glands small and round, closer to the axilla than to midventral line; femoral glands on rear part of thigh; vertical pupils; and the presence of subarticular tubercles at the base of each finger (Fei et al. 2016; Lyu et al. 2023).
Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size moderate (SVL 41.2–46.2 mm in adult males and 51.8–58.6 mm in adult females); a small horn-like tubercle at edge of each upper eyelid; vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched posteriorly; tympanum distinctly visible, round; two metacarpal tubercles on hand; toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level to the middle of eye when leg stretched forward; a single internal subgular vocal sac in adult males; in breeding males, nuptial pads with black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

Etymology. The specific epithet yezhongensis refers to the type locality of the species. We propose the common English name “Yezhong Horned Toad” and the Chinese name “Yě Zhōng Jiǎo Chán (野钟角蟾)” for this species.

Color variation in Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view of adult male CIB SC20240531003; B. Dorsolateral view of adult male CIB SC20240531002;
C1. Dorsolateral view of adult female CIB SC20240531006; C2. Ventral view of adult female CIB SC20240531006;
D1. Dorsolateral view of adult female CIB SC20240531007; D2. Ventral view of adult female CIB SC20240531007.

 
Jing Liu, Chao-Bo Feng, Tuo Shen, Shi-Ze Li, Yanlin Cheng, Gang Wei, Bin Wang and Haijun Su. 2025. A New Species of the genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China. Herpetozoa. 38: 117-136. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e155430 

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