[Herpetology • 2025] Litoria stellarum • A New montane Species of Stream-dwelling Treefrog (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea

 

Litoria stellarum

Richards, Johnston & Oliver, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.2.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393708687

Abstract

We describe a new species of pelodryadid treefrog from a montane stream traversing karst terrain in the Star Mountains of western Papua New Guinea. Litoria stellarum sp. nov. is morphologically similar to L. becki (Loveridge, 1945), a species that is widespread in montane grassland habitats in central Papua New Guinea, but can be distinguished by its more angular snout and the presence of vocal slits in adult males (absent in L. becki). Based on its morphology and ecology we are confident the new species belongs to a monophyletic clade of torrent-breeding Litoria that reaches its greatest diversity in the rugged mountains of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera. Litoria stellarum sp. nov. is the second species in the radiation of torrent-breeding Litoria to be described from high-elevation karst habitats in Papua New Guinea, however in the absence of better ecological data it is not clear whether these species can be considered karst specialists. The single known locality for the species is in a restricted high elevation habitat suggesting it might be vulnerable to climate change. However, we suggest it should be considered Data Deficient until such time as its distribution and ecology can be better assessed.

Amphibia, alpine fernlands, Central Cordillera, frog, karst habitats, Litoria stellarum sp. nov., Strickland Divide, taxonomy

Images of Litoria stellarum sp. nov. in life:
A) SAMA R71763 (holotype); B) SAMA R71762 (paratype); C) PNGNM (USNM [SJR]209376) (paratype).

 All photographs by S. Richards. 

Litoria stellarum sp. nov.

Etymology. stellarum is a latin genitive plural of Stella (star), meaning of the stars, referring to this species’only known locality high in Papua New Guinea’s Star Mountains.

Stephen J. RICHARDS, Gregory R. JOHNSTON and Paul M. OLIVER. 2025. A New montane Species of Stream-dwelling Treefrog (Pelodryadidae) from the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea. Zootaxa. 5661(2); 221-236. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.2.4 [2025-07-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393708687_A_new_species_of_Litoria_from_the_Star_Mountains_PNGuinea

[Entomology • 2025] Nemophora pendleburyi, N. vitalii, ... • A Taxonomic Revision of the tristrigella Species Group of the Fenus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg (Lepidoptera: Adelidae) from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia

 

[2] Nemophora pendleburyi Kozlov, sp. nov., holotype, from Selangor, Malaysia; [3] N. vitalii Kozlov, sp. nov., holotype, from Brunei; 
[4-5] N. chalcotechna (Meyrick, 1937), male, from the Philippines;
[7-8] N.tristrigella (Walker, 1866), male, from Indonesia.

in Kozlov, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.6

 

Abstract

This study defines and revises the monophyletic tristrigella species group of the genus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg, 1798, characterized by six presumably apomorphic traits, including (but not limited to) a glossy golden vertex and glossy golden basal part of forewing sharply contrasting with the coppery bronze apical part, which features a distinctive pattern of several yellow spots surrounded by dark brown scales. The group comprises four species: Nemophora pendleburyi Kozlov, sp. nov., from Malaysia; N. vitalii Kozlov, sp. nov., from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; N. chalcotechna (Meyrick, 1937) from the Philippines; and N. tristrigella (Walker, 1866) from Indonesia and the Philippines. These species are described and illustrated herein, with identification keys based on external morphology and male genitalia provided. Particular attention is paid to similarities and dissimilarities between N. chalcotechna and N. tristrigella.

Lepidoptera, biogeography, diagnoses, distribution, keys, new species, phylogeny, variation

Adults of Nemophora spp.
2, N. pendleburyi Kozlov, sp. nov., male, holotype, from Selangor, Malaysia; 3, N. vitalii Kozlov, sp. nov., male, holotype, from Brunei;
4, N. chalcotechna (Meyrick, 1937), male, holotype, from Mindanao, the Philippines; 5, ditto, male, from Basilan Island, the Philippines; 6, ditto, female, from the same locality; 
7, N.tristrigella (Walker, 1866), male, holotype, from Java, Indonesia; 8, ditto, male, from Balikpapan, Indonesia; 9, ditto, female, from Indonesia.

Scale bar: 2 mm.

Mikhail V. KOZLOV. 2025. A Taxonomic Revision of the tristrigella Species Group of the Fenus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg (Lepidoptera, Adelidae) from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5665(1); 99-110. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.6 [2025-07-21]

[Arachnida • 2025] Phlogiellus khampheng • A New Species of Southeast Asian Dwarf Tarantula in the Genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897 (Araneae: Theraphosidae: Selenocosmiinae) from Lao PDR

 

Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang,

in Sriranan, Songsangchote, Sihavong, Sayavongsa, Sidavong, Satakoun, Inkhavilay, Chomphuphuang et Gabriel, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155398

Abstract

A new species of Southeast Asian dwarf tarantula, Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov., is described from Pakse, Champasack Province, Lao PDR. The species is placed within the Yamia group of the genus Phlogiellus, which is characterized by the absence of maxillary lyra. Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. can be distinguished from other species within the Yamia group by the unique morphology of the female spermathecae and the male embolus. The habitat and natural history of P. khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. are also discussed, with specimens found in mixed deciduous forests near Pakse, Lao PDR, inhabiting various microhabitats such as soil walls, under rocks, and within tree hollows. An updated comparison of scopula characteristics and labial cuspule counts across Phlogiellus species highlights the variability of these traits and their limitations as diagnostic features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delimitation methods (ABGD and ASAP) further support the recognition of P. khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov. as a distinct species.

Key words: Distribution, Mygalomorphae, Tarantula, Taxonomy, Theraphosidae, Yamia

Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov.
 A. Holotype ♂, NUoL00058–PKP0001; B. Paratype ♀, NUoL00058–PKP0003.

Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov.
A. Non-type NUoL00058–PKP0006 ♀ adult carrying an egg sac; B. Subterranean system of silk tube retreats under rock.

Phlogiellus khampheng Sriranan, Songsangchote & Chomphuphuang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Phlogiellus khampheng sp. nov. was included in Phlogiellus based on the presence of a strong single retrolateral keel on the male embolus and a third claw on leg IV. P. khampheng sp. nov. is classified in the Yamia group (Kishida 1920) of Phlogiellus, similar to P. aper, P. birulai, P. brevipes, P. bundokalbo, P. daweiensis, P. longipalpus, P. moniqueverdezae, P. mutus, P. quanyui, P. raveni, and P. watasei due to the absence of maxillary lyra in female specimens. The P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from P. aper, P. birulai, P. brevipes, P. daweiensis, P. longipalpus, P. mutus, and P. watasei in having all metatarsal scopulae undivided, and differs from P. raveni and female P. bundokalbo in tarsal scopula division (divided on tarsus II, III and IV). The male P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from P. brevipes, P. daweiensis, P. moniqueverdezae, P. quanyui, P. raveni, and P. watasei, except P. longipalpus, by having a longer and more slender embolus with a distinct curve (Fig. 8). It can be further distinguished from P. moniqueverdezae by the narrower width at the base of the embolus. P. khampheng sp. nov. can also be distinguished from P. moniqueverdezae by geographical distribution with P. moniqueverdezae being found nearly 1,000 km away across the Gulf of Thailand. Furthermore, the male P. khampheng sp. nov. can be distinguished by the angle between the lowest and highest point of the embolus (ALH), which is 59°, compared to 77° in P. longipalpus and 44° in P. moniqueverdezae (Fig. 8). The female of P. khampheng sp. nov. differs from all other species in the Yamia group in the shape of the female spermathecae (Except female P. aper does not have described) which are twin receptacles with sub-apical buds (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The species name “Khampheng” originates from the Lao and Thai languages, particularly in the Northeastern region, where it is used as a term of endearment to refer to someone who is cherished and precious to the speaker. The word carries a strong connotation of deep affection and high esteem, and it is often used in a loving and respectful manner when addressing or describing a person of great importance in one’s life. By choosing this name, the authors sought to convey the special and valuable relationship between Thailand and Laos, the two countries that collaborated closely in the discovery of this remarkable new tarantula species. “Khampheng” symbolizes the mutual respect, friendship, and cooperation that enabled the two nations to work together in advancing our understanding of the natural world and the incredible biodiversity it contains.

 Patipan Sriranan, Chaowalit Songsangchote, Odeth Sihavong, Phoukhanh Sayavongsa, Keolamphanh Sidavong, Lilammone Satakoun, Khamla Inkhavilay, Narin Chomphuphuang and Ray Gabriel. 2025. A New Species of Southeast Asian Dwarf Tarantula in the Genus Phlogiellus Pocock, 1897, from Lao PDR (Theraphosidae, Selenocosmiinae). ZooKeys. 1247: 19-43. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155398

 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rypticus africanus • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Perciformes: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean

 

Rypticus africanus   

 Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, 2025

African soapfish | Peixe sabão africano  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 

Abstract

A new species of the soapfish genus Rypticus is described based on 14 specimens from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. The new species was previously misidentified as the greater soapfish, R. saponaceus, due to their similar appearance. However, it differs from R. saponaceus in several key characteristics, including a comparatively shorter head, snout and upper jaw, and a deeper body. Molecular data, obtained from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I gene, strongly suggest the monophyly of the new species and support its description as new.

Keywords: Biogeography, cryptic species, DNA barcode, Gulf of Guinea, Isthmus of Panama, reef fish

(a–c) Rypticus africanus from São Tomé and Príncipe, illustrating the variation in colour pattern between individuals: (a) São Tomé Island, (b, c) Príncipe Island
and (d) R. saponaceus from Salvador, Bahia, Brazil, shown for comparison.

Rypticus africanus Araujo, Sampaio, Rocha & Ferreira, new species

English proposed common name: African soapfish.

Portuguese (São Tome and Príncipe) proposed common name: Peixe sabão africano.

Diagnosis: A species of Rypticus distinguished from its congeners by the following unique combination of characters: dorsal-fin spines always three vs. two/typically two in Rypticus bistrispinus (Mitchill 1818), Rypticus bornoi Beebe & Tee-Van 1928, Rypticus courtenayi McCarthy 1979, Rypticus maculatus Holbrook 1855, and R. nigripinnis, and almost always four in Rypticus carpenteri Baldwin & Weigt, 2012; head length 30.0%–35.3% of SL (average 33.5%) vs. 35.0%–39% (average 36.88%) in R. bicolor; body depth 34.2%–40.5% of SL (average 36.2%) vs. 26%–34% (average 30.0%) in Rypticus randalli Courtenay, 1967; body brown to dark grey, with the head and sides displaying numerous or sparse pale, spots of variable size vs. lighter background coloration with several widely scattered small dark spots; head shorter than body depth vs. head larger than body depth in R. saponaceus.

Etymology: The specific name africanus is given for the known distribution of the new species and its probable widespread distribution off the coast of west Africa.

Gabriel Soares Araujo, Cláudio L. S. Sampaio, Luiz A. Rocha and Carlos Eduardo Ferreira Leite. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of the Soapfish Genus Rypticus (Teleostei: Grammistidae) from the eastern Atlantic Ocean. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70132 [21 July 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2024] Bathygobius mero • A New Sponge-dwelling Goby (Gobiidae: Bathygobius) from Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia

 

Bathygobius mero

Allen, Erdmann & Ishida, 2024

https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf41f.html

A new species of goby, Bathygobius mero, is described from eastern Bali, Indonesia on the basis of 8 adult specimens, 26.3–36.0 mm SL. There are also photographic records from Sumba, Indonesia, Cebu, Philippines, and Queensland, Australia. Diagnostic features include 19–21 (usually 20) pectoral-fin rays with the upper three rays free from the membranous portion of the fin and each with two filamentous tips, a mostly scaleless predorsal midline except for two or three scales in front of first dorsal-fin origin, and 33 or 34 lateral scales. The live coloration is overall pale greyish with a dense covering of reddish-brown freckles, a brown spot (about one third of pupil size) at the uppermost part of the gill opening, and reddish-brown spotting on the fins. The new species has a commensal association with the large barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), unlike other members of the genus, which are typically free-living bottom dwellers. It also inhabits deeper water (9–30 m, but usually below about 15 m) than most Bathygobius, which are mainly confined to shallow water less than 10 m deep.

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, systematics, coral-reef fishes, gobies, tropical western Pacific Ocean, Indo-Pacific, commensal.

Bathygobius mero, n. sp., approximately 35 mm SL,
on surface of barrel sponge (Xestospongia testudinaria), Bali, Indonesia. 

 (photos: C. Waldrich)

Bathygobius mero, n. sp.

Etymology. The new species is named mero with reference to the MERO Foundation (Indonesian Marine Education and Research Organisation, Tulamben, Bali) for their generous sponsorship of this study. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

Allen, Gerald R., Erdmann, Mark and Ishida, Nesha. 2024. A New Sponge-dwelling Goby (Gobiidae: Bathygobius) from Indonesia, Philippines, and Australia. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 41, 46–53. https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf.html

 https://oceansciencefoundation.org/josf41f.html

 https://zenodo.org/records/14003729

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Odorrana calciphila • Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura: Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China

 Odorrana calciphila Song, Qi, Wang, Liu & Wang, 

in Song, Qi, H.-T. Wang, Gong, Liu et Y.-Y. Wang, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142746 

Abstract

While taxonomy of the odorous frog genus Odorrana has made considerable progress recently, far less attention was given to those newly-described karst-associated species. In this study, the taxonomic status of Odorrana lipuensis group, species living in karst environments, was revisited. Combining the scrutiny of previous literature, molecular analyses using two mitochondrial DNA fragments (i.e. 16S rRNA and CO1) and morphological analyses including a series of additional specimens, we defined the O. lipuensis group and revised the taxonomic accounts of recognised species. Based on these data, we described a new species, O. calciphila sp. nov. from the karst regions in northern Guangdong, China. Apart from this new species, the O. lipuensis group currently contains three other species distributed in southern China and northern Vietnam, namely O. concelata, O. liboensis and O. lipuensis. Morphological comparisons between this group and other congeners, together with a dichotomous identification key for each species within this group, were also presented. Finally, the known distribution, implications of morphological distinctiveness, ecological and evolutionary significances and existing taxonomic issues of these species were also discussed.

Key Words: Identification key, Odorrana calciphila sp. nov., odorous frog, South China Karst, species group

Anura Hogg, 1839

Ranidae Batsch, 1796

Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990

Odorrana lipuensis group

Species of the Odorrana lipuensis group in life.
A1. O. calciphila sp. nov., SYS a009287, male; A2. O. calciphila sp. nov., SYS a009295, female;
B1. O. concelata, GEP a055, male; B2. O. concelata, GEP a050, female;
C. O. liboensis, SYS a008240, female; D. O. lipuensis, SYS a004898, female. Photos by Jian Wang (B1, B2, D), Han-Ming Song (A1, A2) and Shuo Qi (C).

 Odorrana lipuensis Mo, Chen, Wu, Zhang & Zhou, 2015

 Odorrana liboensis Luo, Wang, Xiao, Wang & Zhou, 2021

 Odorrana concelata Wang, Zeng & Lin, 2022

Distribution. China (Guangxi, Guangdong and Guizhou) 

and Vietnam (Cao Bang and Bac Kan).

Habitat. All species of Odorrana lipuensis group are nocturnal karstic dwellers, found in completely dark karst caves and on damp superficial limestone.

The holotype of Odorrana calciphila sp. nov. (SYS a009287, male) in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view; B. Opisthenar surface of left hand; C. Dorsal view; D. Ventral view; E. Palmar surface of right hand; F. Plantar surface of right foot. Arrows show the nuptial pads and circles show the connection of nuptial pads.

Photos by Han-Ming Song.

 Odorrana calciphila Song, Qi, Wang, Liu & Wang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species can be diagnosed from other species of Odorrana lipuensis group by the combination of following morphological characteristics: (1) body size small, SVL 37.9 mm in adult male (n = 1) and 39.9–45.7 mm in adult females (n = 5); (2) relative finger length I < II; (3) dorsolateral folds prominent and swollen in adult females and absent in adult male; (4) bands on the dorsal surface of hind-limb clear; and (5) nuptial pads present on fingers I, II and III, the nuptial pad on finger II connecting with the nuptial pad on finger I.

Paratypes of Odorrana calciphila sp. nov. in life and the habitat at the type locality.
A. SYS a008923, female; B. SYS a009288, female; C. SYS a009289, female; D. SYS a009290, female; E. microhabitat; F. macrohabitat.

Photos by Han-Ming Song (B, C, D, E, F) and Yong-Heng Zhu (A).

Etymology. The specific epithet, calciphila, is a feminine adjective in Latin, composed of “calcis” (the genitive singular of calx, meaning karstic) and “-phila” (a suffix, meaning beloved), referring to this species’ characteristic of inhabiting the karst landscapes.

Suggested common name. “灰岩臭蛙 (huī yán chòu wā)” in Chinese and

 “Limestone Odorous Frog” in English.

  Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Hao-Tian Wang, Yue-Ning Gong, Yang Liu and Ying-Yong Wang. 2025. Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura, Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 935-952. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142746 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391521418_Karst-associated_Odorrana_lipuensis_group_from_China

 

[Botany • 2025] Primula jiangyouensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

  

Primula jiangyouensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu,

in Gu, Wang, Lin, Jiang, Shuai et Wu, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.158039 

Abstract

Primula jiangyouensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports P. jiangyouensis as a member of P. sect. Auganthus, which is characterized by shallowly to deeply lobed leaves covered with hairs, and distinctively broad and flat-bottomed calyx. The new species is characterized by its branched and stout rhizomes usually up to 40 cm, yellow corollas with a distinct fan-shaped reddish-brown blotch at the base of lobes, and short glandular hair on aboveground parts. The distribution, morphological comparison with close related species and conservation status of the new species, as well as a key to the species of Primula sect. Auganthus, are also provided.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, jiang you bao chun, taxonomy

Primula jiangyouensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; C. Flower, left: pin flower, right: thrum flower; D. Calyx and young fruit.

Drawn by Ms. Xiang-Li Wu.

Holotype of Primula jiangyouensis sp. nov. (GJL384, KUN!)

Primula jiangyouensis sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B, C. Flowering plants; D. Plant with roots and rhizomes; E. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; F. Infructescences; G. Bracts and pedicels; H. Flower, lateral view; I. Longitudinal section of pin flower (left) and thrum flower (right); J. Calyx and young fruit; K. Longitudinal section of ovary; L. Ripe seed.

Photographed by J.L.Gu and Z.K.Wu.

 Primula jiangyouensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is most similar to P. sinensis, P. rupestris, and P. xingshanensis, sharing hairs that covered the leaves and stems, lobed leaf blade, distinctly petiole and distinctively broad and flat-bottomed calyx. However, the new species is distinguished from the latter three mainly by its branched and stout rhizomes usually up to 40 cm, yellow corollas with a distinct fan-shaped reddish-brown blotch at the base of lobes, and short glandular hair on aboveground parts (Figs 1–4). The main morphological distinctions between P. jiangyouensis, P. sinensis, P. rupestris, and P. xingshanensis are summarized in Table 1.

...

 Jiu-Lin Gu, Hua-Dong Wang, Hong-Qiang Lin, Xiao-Qi Jiang, Tian Shuai and Zhi-Kun Wu. 2025. Primula jiangyouensis (Primulaceae), A New Species of Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 260: 25-35. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.158039 

[Herpetology • 2025] Gekko fengshanensis • A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China

 

Gekko fengshanensis

Z. Huang, H.-T. Wang, Qi, Song, Y. Huang, Y.-Y. Wang & Mo, 2025

凤山壁虎 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gekko Laurenti, 1768, Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., is described based on six specimens from Fengshan County, Hechi City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. It is placed into the subgenus Japonigekko based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, and distinguished from consubgeners of Japonigekko by a combination of morphological characters in body size, cephalic proportions, and pholidosis features. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 16S and ND2 sequences reveal that G. fengshanensis sp. nov. forms a sister relationship with G. kwangsiensis, collectively forming a clade with G. liboensis and G. paucituberculatus endemic to southern China’s karst ecosystems. This discovery increases the number of recognized Gekko species in the South China Karst to five, underscoring the role that fragmented karst landscapes play in driving speciation and maintaining high levels of biodiversity in this unique ecosystem.

Key words: Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov., G. liboensis, Guangxi, integrative taxonomy, Japonigekko, South China Karst

 

Type specimens of Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Holotype NHMG 202408004, adult male; B. Paratype NHMG 202408005, adult male; C. Paratype NHMG 202408007, adult male.

Photos by  Zhong Huang.

 Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gekko fengshanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the subgenus Japonigekko and distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) moderate body size, SVL 60.0–79.9 mm in the adult male and SVL 62.2 in the adult female; (2) nares in contact with rostral, internasal absent; (3) enlarged postmentals two; (4) tubercles flattened, present from the region behind the eyes along the neck to the tail base, 8–11 rows at midbody ; (5) ventral scales between mental and cloacal slit 193–213; (6) midbody scale rows 149–161; (7) ventral scale rows 40–49; (8) subdigital lamellae on first fingers 11–13, on fourth fingers 12–16, on first toes 12–14, on fourth toes 13–15,and fingers and toes webbing weakly developed; (9) continuous precloacal pores 9–12 in males, absent in the female; (10) a single postcloacal tubercle on each side.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet fengshanensis refers to Fengshan County, the type locality in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The common name “Fengshan gecko” (English) and formal Chinese name “凤山壁虎” (fèng shān bì hǔ) are proposed.

Zhong Huang, Hao-Tian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yong Huang, Ying-Yong Wang and Yun-Ming Mo. 2025. A New Species of Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gekko) from Guangxi, southern China. ZooKeys. 1245: 289-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.153769

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys changyangensis • A New Species of the Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Hubei, China

Boulenophrys changyangensis 

Li, Shi, Liu, Zhao, Gao & Wang, 2025

 

Changyang Horned Toad | 长阳角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.155859 

Abstract

A new species of Asian horned toad, Boulenophrys, is described from Changyang County, Hubei Province, China. The new species differs from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL 39.4–43.3 mm in males); (2) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (3) vomerine ridges weak and vomerine teeth absent; (4) tongue not notched posteriorly; (5) head width greater than head length; (6) no large, pale-white circular spots on the shoulders; (7) toes without webbing or lateral fringes; (8) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of the middle of the eye when the leg is stretched forward; (10) an internal single subgular vocal sac in males; and (11) in breeding males, nuptial pads bearing black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

Key Words: Hubei Province, Molecular phylogenetic analysis, Morphology, New species

Photographs of Boulenophrys changyangensis sp. nov. and its closely related species.
A. Holotype specimen MT CY20220806005 of B. changyangensis sp. nov.;
B. Topotype specimen WSA12 of B. baolongensis; C. Topotype specimen WSA29 of B. wushanensis; D. Holotype specimen HUNL 03080902 of B. tuberogranulata.
A1–D1. Dorsolateral view; A2–D2. Ventral view; A3–D3. Ventral view of hand; A4–D4. Ventral view of foot; A5. Dorsal view of hand.

 Boulenophrys changyangensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis.

Boulenophrys changyangensis 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 (Fei and Ye 2016; Lyu et al. 2023).

Boulenophrys changyangensis sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size moderate (SVL 39.4–43.3 mm in males); a small horn-like tubercle at edge of each upper eyelid; vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched behind; head width larger than head length; no large, pale-white circular spots on the shoulders; toes without webbing and lateral fringes; heels overlapped when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; an internal single subgular vocal sac in males; in breeding males, the nuptial pads with black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

...

Color variation in Boulenophrys changyangensis sp. nov. 
A. Dorsolateral view of the specimen MT CY20220806003; B. Dorsolateral view of the specimen MT CY20220806006;
C. Dorsolateral view and D. Ventral view of male specimen MT CY20220806004.

Etymology. The specific epithet changyang refers to the distribution of the species, Changyang County, Hubei Province, China. The suggested common English name is “Changyang Horned Toad,” and the Chinese name is “Cháng Yáng Jiǎo Chán (长阳角蟾)” for this species.

 

Shize Li, Shengchao Shi, Jing Liu, Jingjing Zhao, Shuo Gao and Bin Wang. 2025. A New Species of the Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Hubei, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 1213-1226. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.155859 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Porotergus sambaibensis • Molecular Phylogeny reveals A New Species of Ghost Electric Knifefish Porotergus Ellis 1912 (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae), from the Amazon Basin

  

Porotergus sambaibensis

Mendonça, Peixoto, Chamon, Akama & de Santana, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70085

Abstract

A new species of ghost electric knifefish, Porotergus sambaibensis sp. nov., is described from the Javaés River, a tributary of the Araguaia River in Brazil. The new species was assigned to the genus Porotergus as the closest relative to Porotergus gimbeli through maximum likelihood reconstruction of a concatenated multilocus dataset. Additionally, the origin of adductor mandibulae, pars stegalis in P. sambaibensis sp. nov. provided further evidence to support the molecular hypothesis. External and internal anatomical characters diagnosed the new species. DNA barcode data were used to test species monophyly and its genetic divergence from other species in the clade. Porotergus sambaibensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its closely related species by the colour pattern of the trunk, dark brown; the lower count of total anal-fin rays, 146–160; the higher number of teeth rows on the dentary, two; the presence of premaxilla teeth; two prominent foramina on dorsal portion of hyomandibula and its distribution pattern; and the second basibranchial, unossified. The genetic divergence between the new species and its relatives ranged from 3.7% in P. gimbeli to 10.3% in Porotergus duende. The species was categorised as deficient data (DD) based on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria.

Keywords: DNA barcode, electric fish, ichthyofauna, Neotropics, taxonomy

  

Porotergus sambaibensis, holotype, MPEG 39639, 110.02 mm total length (TL).
 (a) Full body; (b) head. Scale bar = 5 mm.

  Porotergus sambaibensis, new species

Diagnosis: P. sambaibensis can be distinguished from P. duende by the colour pattern of the trunk, dark brown (vs. light brown to pale straw pigmentation). The new species can be distinguished from ‘A’. apurensis and P. gimbeli by the lower count of total anal-fin rays, 146–160 (vs. 171–198). P. sambaibensis can be further distinguished from ‘A’. bonapartii by the premaxilla dentition pattern, five teeth arranged in two irregular rows (vs. three tooth rows, each with 2–4 teeth); by the lateral ethmoid position, straight (Figure 4; vs. the lateral ethmoid obliquely positioned, extending ventrally from the frontal at an angle towards the dorsal surface of the parasphenoid; Hilton & Cox Fernandes, 2017: Figure 4; Peixoto & de Pinna, 2022: fig. 25); by the presence of two foramina on the dorsal portion of hyomandibula (Figure 6 vs. one; Hilton & Cox Fernandes, 2017: Figure 4). The new species can be distinguished from P. gimbeli by the unelaborated chin (vs. prominent swelling on the chin, e.g., de Santana & Crampton, 2010: Figure 4). It can be further differentiated from P. duende by the higher number of teeth rows on dentary, two (vs. one); by the presence of premaxilla teeth (vs. absent); and by the second basibranchial, unossified (vs. ossified). P. sambaibensis is differentiated from P. gymnotus by the number of premaxillary teeth, five (vs. two). The new species can be distinguished from ‘A’. ellisi by the anal-fin rays, 146–160 (vs. 170–190).

Etymology: The specific epithet is in reference to the type locality, Sambaíba, a rocky bank in the Javaés River.

Marina B. Mendonça, Luiz A. W. Peixoto, Carine C. Chamon, A. Akama and C. David de Santana. 2025. Molecular Phylogeny reveals A New Species of Ghost Electric Knifefish Porotergus Ellis 1912 (Gymnotiformes: Apteronotidae), from the Amazon basin. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70085 [14 July 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] A Revised Classification of the Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) based on combined analysis of phylogenomic and morphological data

 

Assassin bug diversity and examples of unique morphological and behavioural adaptations found across the family.

in Masonick, Knyshov, Gordon, Forero, Hwang, ... et Weirauch, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12646

  

Abstract

Assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae Latreille) comprise not only one of the largest radiations of predatory animals (22 subfamilies; >6,800 spp.) but also include the medically important kissing bugs (Triatominae Jeannel). Reduviidae are morphologically diverse, engage in an astounding array of predatory strategies and have evolved some of the most unique anti-predator and stealth techniques in the animal kingdom. While significant progress has been made to reveal the evolutionary history of assassin bugs and revise their taxonomy, the non-monophyly of the second largest assassin bug subfamily, Reduviinae Latreille, remains to be addressed. Leveraging phylogenomic data (2,291 loci) and 112 morphological characters, we performed the first data- and taxon-rich (195 reduvioid taxa) combined phylogenetic analysis across Reduvioidea and reconstructed morphological diagnostic features for major lineages. We corroborated the rampant polyphyly of Reduviinae that demands substantial revisions to the subfamilial and tribal classification of assassin bugs. Our new classification for Reduviidae reduces the number of subfamilies to 19 and recognizes 40 tribes. We describe three new subfamilies to accommodate distantly related taxa previously classified as Reduviinae (Heteropinae subfam. nov., Nanokeralinae subfam. nov., and Pasirinae subfam. nov.). Triatominae sensu nov. are expanded to include closely related predatory reduviine genera. Cetherinae Jeannel, Chryxinae Champion, Pseudocetherinae Villiers, Salyavatinae Amyot & Serville and Sphaeridopinae Amyot & Serville are treated as junior synonyms of Reduviinae sensu nov. Epiroderinae Distant are synonymized with Phimophorinae Handlirsch sensu nov. and Bactrodini Stål stat. nov. are reclassified as a tribe of Harpactorinae Amyot & Serville. Psophidinae Distant is treated as a valid subfamily. This new classification represents a robust framework for future taxonomic and evolutionary research on assassin bugs.

Keywords: ancestral state reconstruction, Cimicomorpha, phylogenetic systematics, revised classification, taxonomy, true bugs

 

Assassin bug diversity and examples of unique morphological and behavioural adaptations found across the family.
(a) Holoptilinae: Ptilocnemus femoralis Horváth (© Martin Lagerwey, Australia); (b) Phymatinae: Phymata americana Melin male mate guarding female (© Marie-Lise Beaudin, Canada); (c) Peiratinae: Rasahus arcuiger (Stål) (© sandralamberts, Peru);
(d) Psophidinae stat. nov.: Korinchocoris insolitus Miller (© Joshua Wong, Singapore); (e) Ectrichodiinae: nr. Ectrichodia Lepeletier and Serville communal feeding of adults and nymphs on a millipede (© Nick Ramsey, Equatorial Guinea); (f) Emesinae: Ghilianella sp. Spinola (© Thomas Shahan, Belize);
(g) Stenopodainae (© Damien Brouste, New Caledonia); (h) Triatominae sensu nov.: Zelurini trib. nov.: Zelurus festivus (Stål) (© sandralamberts, Peru); (i) Triatominae sensu nov.: Rhodniini: Rhodnius sp. Stål nymph engorged on blood-meal (© César Favacho);
(j) Phimophorinae sensu nov.: Physoderes sp. Westwood (© Nick Porch, Republic of Mauritius); (k) Harpactorinae sensu nov.: Ectinoderini: Amulius sp. Stål forelegs coated with resin (© Julius Simonelli, Indonesia); (l) Harpactorinae sensu nov.: Bactrodini stat. nov.: Bactrodes sp. Stål (© Stephen_WV, Brazil),
 (m) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Reduviini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Reduvius sonoraensis Usinger (© James Bailey, USA); (n) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Acanthaspidini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Inara flavopicta Stål nymph with corpse backpack (© budak, Singapore); (o) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Salyavatini stat. nov.: Salyavata macmahanae van Doesburg and Brailovsky (© Tom Murray, Honduras).

Habitus plate of newly described reduviid subfamilies and other revived taxa.
(a)–(b) Heteropinae subfam. nov. (a) Heteropinus mollis (UCR_ENT 00115568). (b) Platymicrus sp. (UCR_ENT 00129721).
(c) Nanokeralinae subfam. nov.: Hadrokerala major (UCR_ENT 00052179).
(d)–(e). Pasirinae subfam. nov. (d) Pasira sp. (UCR_ENT 00052217). (e) Pasiropsis sp. (UCR_ENT 00052178).

(f) Triatominae sensu nov.: Opisthacidiini trib. nov.: Opisthacidius sp. (UCR_ENT 00012957). (g) Phimophorinae sensu nov.: Nalata squalida (UCR_ENT 00002748).
(h)–(j) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Lenaeini stat. nov. (h) Pseudozelurus arizonicus (UCR_ENT 00004573). (i) Dyakocoris vulnerans (UCR_ENT 00052204). (j) Tiarodes versicolor (UCR_ENT 00052171).

(k) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Euphenini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Australocleptes sp. (AMNH_PBI 00218999). (l)–(m). Reduviinae sensu nov.: Psyttalini trib. nov. (l) Varus flavoannulatus (UCR_ENT 00004574). (m) Cerilocus nero (UCR_ENT 00129676)
(n)–(o). Reduviinae sensu nov.: Acanthaspidini stat. nov., sensu nov. (n) Plynoides sp. (UCR_ENT 00129678). (o) Eriopreda feai (UCR_ENT 00129696).

Paul K. Masonick, Alex Knyshov, Eric R. L. Gordon, Dimitri Forero, Wei Song Hwang, Rochelle Hoey-Chamberlain, Tatiana Bush, Stephanie Castillo, Madison Hernandez, Jamie Ramirez, Samantha Standring, Junxia Zhang and Christiane Weirauch. 2025. A Revised Classification of the Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) based on combined analysis of phylogenomic and morphological data. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12646 [17 July 2024]

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus • Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus  Wolf, 1936

in Herlambang, Sabinhaliduna, Trilaksono, ..., Herr et McGuire, 2025. 

Sangir Flying-frog  |  Katak-terbang Sangir  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146

Abstract

Sangihe is the northernmost island in a string of a volcanic islands that extend northward from Sulawesi toward the Philippines. Sangihe is known to host one species of flying-frog in the genus Rhacophorus, which is currently classified as a subspecies of the widespread species, R. pardalis (as R. p. rhyssocephalus). Based on newly collected material obtained during a recent expedition in Sangihe, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of R. p. rhyssocephalus. Molecular sequences (12S rRNA, tRNA val, and 16S rRNA) were obtained for this species, and 66 additional Rhacophorid sequences were extracted from GenBank, including R. pardalis from Borneo. Our molecular analysis revealed that R. p. rhyssocephalus is sister to the Sulawesi Rhacophorus clade, and is not closely related to the widespread lineage of R. pardalis. Furthermore, R. pardalis and R. p. rhyssocephalus exhibit an uncorrected patristic distance of 16%. Our morphological comparisons also identified unique differences between Sangihe and Bornean populations of R. pardalis, such as a prominent U-shaped intraorbital ridge present in the Sangihe population but absent in Bornean population. Based on the available evidence, we elevated the taxonomic status of the Rhacophorus frog from Sangihe Island to Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus. This study highlights the taxonomic complexities and significant discoveries still to be made on this remote island, enhancing our understanding of insular evolutionary processes in this under-explored island archipelago.

Key words: endemic, Morphometric analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, Remote Island

 

Live specimen of Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus from Sangihe (MZB Amph 33593

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus Wolf, 1936

 Etymology. We elevate Wolf’s (1936) proposed subspecies name to full species status.  Rhyssocephalus  is derived from Greek, with ‘Rhysso’ means ‘wrinkled’ and ‘Cephalus’ means ‘head’. We suggest the English common name “Sangir Flying-frog”. We suggest the Indonesian name “Katak-terbang Sangir.”

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Efendi SABINHALIDUNA, Wahyu TRILAKSONO, Syahfitri ANITA, Awal RIYANTO, Amir HAMIDY, Isaac KRONE, Sina AMINI, María José Navarrete MÉNDEZ, Mark HERR, Jimmy A. MCGUIRE. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5636(1); 121-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5 [2025-05-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146_Taxonomic_Reassessment_of_an_Enigmatic_Rhacophoridae_from_Sangihe_Island_Indonesia