[Invertebrate • 2025] Salina aurantiamaculata & S. pseudomontana • Two New Species of Salina MacGillivray (Collembola: Entomobryidae), with Descriptive Notes on Two endemic Species from India

Salina aurantiamaculata  
 Salina pseudomontana

P. Mandal, G. P. Mandal & Kar, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.3.2

 

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Salina MacGillivray are herein described in detail. The bright orange color pattern of Salina aurantiamaculata sp. nov. and its chaetotaxy distinguish it from other species of the genus. Salina pseudomontana sp. nov. shares similarities with Salina (Salina) montana (Imms) and Salina (Salina) yosiii Salmon in color pattern, though the new species differs in chaetotaxy from the latter one. Two endemic species from India, Salina (Salina) quattuorfasciata (Handschin) and Salina (Salina) striata (Handschin) have their original descriptions improved, with additions to their morphology, especially their chaetotaxy. Finally, we also provide an identification key comprising the known species of Salina recorded from India.

Collembola, Chaetotaxy, epiedaphic Collembola, identification key, Entomobryomorpha, Salininae

Salina aurantiamaculata sp. nov. 

 Salina pseudomontana sp. nov.

Pritha MANDAL, Guru Pada MANDAL and Surajit KAR. 2025. Two New Species of Salina MacGillivray (Collembola: Entomobryidae), with Descriptive Notes on Two endemic Species from India. Zootaxa. 5679(3); 340-364. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5679.3.2 [2025-08-14]

 https://indiasendangered.com/new-animal-and-plant-species-august-2025/

[Ichthyology • 2025] Nothobranchius iridescens, N. marmoreus, ‘Lacustricola’ gemma, ... • Review of Cyprinodontiform Fishes in the Upper Congo Drainage with Descriptions of New Species of Seasonal Nothobranchius (Nothobranchiidae) and ‘Lacustricola’ Lampeye (Procatopodidae) in South-Eastern DR Congo

 

Nothobranchius iridescens, N. katemomandai, N. marmoreus, 
N. dubieensis, ‘Lacustricola’ gemma 

Nagy, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.70322/ecoldivers.2025.10006 

ABSTRACT

 The cyprinodontiform fish fauna of the Bangweulu–Mweru and Upper Lualaba freshwater ecoregions, situated in the uppermost Congo River drainage, has been reviewed. This study introduces four newly described species of seasonal Nothobranchius killifish and a novel species of lampeye belonging to the genus ‘Lacustricola’. Nothobranchius iridescens, new species, from the Kafila system in the Lufira drainage, is characterized in male colouration by anal fin with irregular red-brown spots and stripes, creating two irregular submedial and medial bands and with broad yellow subdistal band; and a caudal fin with a slender light blue subdistal band, densely marked with irregular red spots, and narrow dark brown distinct distal margin. Nothobranchius katemomandai, new species, from the Kay system in the upper Lualaba drainage, is characterized in male colouration by an anal fin with narrow brown submedial band, followed by a slender yellow band, a slender red-brown band and a slender dark brown distal band; and a caudal fin with brown spots proximally and medially, and with slender white to light blue subdistal band and a narrow dark grey distal band. Nothobranchius marmoreus, new species, from the Lufukwe system in the Lake Mweru basin, is characterized in male colouration by a body with irregular red-brown patches and stripes, forming a marble-like mottled pattern; and anal and caudal fins with slender yellow to amber subdistal band and broad dark brown distal band. Nothobranchius dubieensis, new species, from the Lubule system in the Luvua drainage, is characterized in male colouration by an anal fin with narrow dark brown submedial band, narrow yellow and orange medial bands, narrow white subdistal band, and slender dark brown distal band; and a caudal fin with irregular red-brown spots and stripes proximally and medially, followed by an irregular narrow red-brown subdistal band and slender white distal band, and with interrupted red-brown fin tips. ‘Lacustricola’ gemma, new species, from the Kay system in the upper Lualaba drainage, is characterized by a pattern of iridescent, diamond-shaped, light blue spots in scale centres below mid-longitudinal series on posteroventral portion of flank; median fins yellow to hyaline, with dark grey stripes perpendicular to fin rays; dorsal fin with light blue distinct margin; anal fin with dark grey margin. Analysis of mitochondrial COI gene sequences revealed that the five new species represent phylogenetically distinct lineages. These findings not only underscore their genetic uniqueness but also confirm their placement within the Nothobranchius brieni species group and the genus ‘Lacustricola’. Species of the genus Nothobranchius complete their seasonal life cycle in ephemeral natural habitats within freshwater wetlands, while ‘Lacustricola’ species migrate to breed in flooded areas of shallow, typically seasonal wetland habitats at the onset of the rainy season. These wetlands are highly vulnerable to a variety of human-induced stressors and threats, including agricultural cultivation, water extraction, urban expansion resulting in land-use pressure, and increased pollution, particularly from industrial activities such as mining. Therefore, it is essential to protect the integrity of these unique aquatic habitats throughout all the seasons of the year to maintain healthy wetland ecosystems and safeguard the distinctive seasonal freshwater biodiversity they support.

Keywords: Bangweulu–Mweru freshwater ecoregion; Barcoding; Conservation; Killifish; Upper Lualaba freshwater ecoregion

 Nothobranchius iridescens, New Species

Etymology. The specific epithet iridescens is a Latin participial adjective deriving from the ancient Greek word iris (ἶρις), rainbow, referring to the colourful appearance of the males, containing different colours of the rainbow, such as yellow and red in the fins, reflective blue on the body slightly shifting hue depending on the angle of light.

 Nothobranchius katemomandai, New Species

Etymology. The specific epithet is given in honour of friend Bauchet Katemo Manda, professor at the University of Lubumbashi, the discoverer of this species, for his dedication to the research of the ichthyofauna of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The exciting adventures and numerous challenges faced during joint research expeditions will always remain vivid memories.

 Nothobranchius marmoreus, New Species

Etymology. The specific epithet marmoreus is a Latin adjective deriving from the ancient Greek word marmaros (μάρμαρος) in the meaning of resembling marble, marblelike, and in reference to the irregularly mottled marbled colour pattern on the body of the males.

Nothobranchius dubieensis, New Species

Etymology. The specific name is given in reference to Dubie township in south-eastern DR Congo, near which place this species is found, and the type locality is situated. An adjective derived from the geographical name.

‘Lacustricola’ gemma, New Species

Etymology. The specific epithet gemma is derived from the ancient Greek word γέμω, originally meaning “precious stone” or “gem”. It refers to the pattern of the body scales, which are adorned with numerous iridescent, diamond-shaped markings, evoking the appearance of tiny gems. The name also alludes to the relatively small adult size of the species. It is treated as a noun in the nominative singular, standing in apposition to the generic name.

 

Béla Nagy. 2025. Review of Cyprinodontiform Fishes in the Upper Congo Drainage with Descriptions of Four New Species of Seasonal Nothobranchius (Nothobranchiidae) and a New Species of ‘Lacustricola’ Lampeye (Procatopodidae) in South-Eastern DR Congo. Ecol. Divers. 2(2), 10006. DOI: doi.org/10.70322/ecoldivers.2025.10006 

https://x.com/BaukaManda/status/1940645555790925893

[Herpetology • 2025] Pareas dabieshanensis & P. orientalis • Taxonomic and Distributional Revision of Pareas boulengeri (Squamata: Pareidae), including Two New Species from eastern and central China

[A-B] Pareas boulengeri (Angel, 1920);
[C-D] Pareas dabieshanensis Zhang, Pan & Zhang;
[E-F]. P. orientalis Zhang, Pan & Zhang, 

in C.-W. Zhang, Xu, Luo, Liu, Yu, Zhou, Pan et B.-W. Zhang, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.156697 

Abstract

The Boulenger’s slug snake (Pareas boulengeri Angel, 1920) has previously been documented as relatively widely distributed across the eastern, southern, and southwestern regions of China. In the present study, integrated morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses were undertaken to reevaluate the taxonomic status of P. boulengeri and to describe two new species: Pareas dabieshanensis sp. nov. and Pareas orientalis sp. nov. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on CYTB gene sequences indicated that populations previously identified as P. boulengeri comprise three distinct lineages: true P. boulengeri, P. dabieshanensis sp. nov., and P. orientalis sp. nov. The two new species exhibit significant genetic divergence from their congeners, with uncorrected pairwise distances of 4.1–4.5%, consistent with interspecific divergence within the genus. Morphologically, P. dabieshanensis sp. nov. is distinguished by the presence of two subocular scales, the absence of preocular scales, and higher ventral (184–187) and subcaudal (68–74) counts. P. orientalis sp. nov. is characterized by a single preocular scale and fused subocular and postocular scales. The revised distributions restrict P. boulengeri to southwestern China, while the new species are confined to the Dabie Mountains (Anhui, Hubei, Henan) and eastern China (southern Anhui, Jiangsu, Jiangxi, Zhejiang), respectively. The non-overlapping ranges of P. dabieshanensis sp. nov. and P. orientalis sp. nov., bisected by the Yangtze River, suggest that this major hydrological system acted as a biogeographic barrier driving speciation. This study expands the genus Pareas to 33 recognized species (27 in China) and underscores the prevalence of cryptic diversity within morphologically conserved lineages.

Key Words: Cryptic species, geographic isolation, molecular phylogeny, morphology, speciation, Yangtze River

Comparative analysis of head scaling.
Specimens include. A. Pareas boulengeri (LPSSC2024070502); B. A living specimen (GZNU2018052302);
C. The holotype of P. dabieshanensis sp. nov. (AHU2024051501); D. A living specimen (AHU2021050201);
E. The holotype of P. orientalis sp. nov. (AHU2024051501); and F. A living specimen (AHU2024051502).

Photos by Cai-wen Zhang, Shan Shen, and Tao Luo.

 Pareas boulengeri (Angel, 1920)

 Pareas dabieshanensis Zhang, Pan & Zhang, sp. nov.

Etymology. Pareas dabieshanensis sp. nov. refers to the distribution of the new species in the Dabie Mountains. We recommend designating this new species Dabie Mountains Slug-eating Snake and 大别山钝头蛇 (Dà Bié Shān Dùn Tóu Shé).

 Pareas orientalis Zhang, Pan & Zhang, sp. nov.

Etymology. Pareas orientalis sp. nov. refers to the new species in eastern China. We recommend designating this new species the Eastern China slug-eating snake and 华东钝头蛇 (Huá Dōng Dùn Tóu Shé).

 Cai-wen Zhang, Shi-hang Xu, Tao Luo, Chong Liu, Lei Yu, Jiang Zhou, Tao Pan and Bao-wei Zhang. 2025. Taxonomic and Distributional Revision of Pareas boulengeri (Reptilia, Squamata, Pareidae), including Two New Species from eastern and central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1621-1638. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.156697 

[Botany • 2025] Espeletia llanadaensis (Asteraceae) • A New Species from the Northeastern Colombian Andes, Santander

 

Espeletia llanadaensis L.R.Sánchez & Y.Quintero, 

in Quintero, Barajas, Suescún, Montañez et Sánchez-Montaño. 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.2.7  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392128813

Abstract

A new species of Espeletia has been discovered in the La Llanada Reserve, located in Paramo del Almorzadero in the northern Colombian Andes. Espeletia is a genus widely distributed along the north of the Andes mountain range; it is one of the most representative genera of paramo ecosystems and showcases a great morphological and ecological variability. The new species has an average density of 4360 individuals per hectare and a gregarious distribution pattern, resulting from a limited ability to disperse seeds over long distances, which is also a specialized adaptation to tolerate low temperatures. The plant is characterized by caulirrhosettes up to 5 m tall and obovate-lanceolate coriaceous leaves. The axillary inflorescences can reach up to 147 cm in length during the flowering period, each capitulum is 15–17 mm in diameter, and the corollas are 5.5–7.0 mm in length. Espeletia llanadaensis sp. nov., is subject to disturbances such as fire and grazing, which may vary at small and temporary spatial scales. Furthermore, there is no comprehensive conservation plan in the Paramo del Almorzadero to prevent local or regional extinctions of various native, endemic and threatened species.

endemic species, paramo, plant conservation, plant taxonomy, Eudicots

Espeletia llanadaensis L.R.Sánchez & Y.Quintero, sp. nov.

Yesica QUINTERO, Silvia BARAJAS, Diego SUESCÚN, Ronald MONTAÑEZ and Luis Roberto SÁNCHEZ-MONTAÑO. 2025. Espeletia llanadaensis (Asteraceae): A New Species from the Northeastern Colombian Andes, Santander. Phytotaxa. 702(2); 197-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.2.7 [2025-05-27] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/392128813_Espeletia_llanadaensis_A_new_species_from_the_Northeastern_Colombian_Andes

[Mammalogy • 2025] Crocidura stanleyi • Integrative Taxonomic Revision of endemic Dwarf Shrews Genus Crocidura (Soricidae) from the Ethiopian Highlands

 

Crocidura stanleyi

Craig, Bryjová, Bryja, Meheretu, Lavrenchenko & Peterhans, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060  

 Researchgate.net/publication/394761621

 Abstract  

The biodiversity of the Ethiopian Highlands features a significant level of endemism. Among its diverse fauna, the genus Crocidura (Soricidae), with many cryptic species, remains poorly documented, particularly for species of minute size. This study describes a newly discovered minute shrew – one of the smallest mammals worldwide – and addresses the taxonomy of the so-called ‘Afromontane clade’ of Crocidura in Ethiopia. We combined extensive field sampling of recent and historical specimens with advanced genetic analyses (genome skimming, Illumina sequencing, and cytb phylogenetics) and morphological examination (external and craniodental) to delineate the new species and address taxonomic affinities among other minute Crocidura from Ethiopia. One of our newly collected forms represents a distinct genetic lineage, corresponding with unique physical characteristics such as tail length and cranial features. Its discovery highlights the rich, yet still incompletely understood, mammalian diversity in the Ethiopian Highlands and underscores the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data in taxonomic studies.

 KEYWORDS: cryptic species, minute shrews, biodiversity, taxonomy, museomics, Morphometrics

Crocidura stanleyi, sp. nov.

Evan W. Craig, Anna Bryjová, Josef Bryja, Yonas Meheretu, Leonid A. Lavrenchenko and Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans. 2025. Integrative Taxonomic Revision of endemic Dwarf Shrews from the Ethiopian Highlands. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 74 (25060), 25060.1-18. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060 (20 August 2025) 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394761621_Integrative_taxonomic_revision_of_endemic_Crocidura_from_the_Ethiopian_Highlands

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus nujiang • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Southwestern China

Trimeresurus nujiang 

Liang, Ding, Vogel, Chen & Wu, 2025

Nujiang green pit-viper | 怒江竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162424

Abstract

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov., a new cryptic species of green pit viper is described from southwestern China, based on specimens collected from Gongshan County, Nujiang Lisu Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial cyt b, ND4, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes supported the new species as an independent lineage (BPP 1.00/BS 100), closely related to T. stejnegeri and T. yunnanensis. A combination of characters helps delimit the new species from its congeners by: (1) ventrolateral stripe white (above) and dark red (below), present on the first row of dorsal scales in males; ventrolateral stripe faint white present in females; (2) postocular streak absent in both genders; (3) iris golden yellow in both genders; (4) DSR 19 (21/22)–19–15 (13), VEN 164–173, SC 57–68; (5) first upper labial completely separated from the nasal; (6) hemipenes short and spinose, bilobed at 6th/7th plate when unextruded, tips reaching SC 10. The uncorrected genetic distances of mitochondrial gene cyt b between the new species and other congeners range from 0.052 (T. stejnegeri) to 0.156 (T. hageni).

Key Words: Asia, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy, Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov., Viridovipera

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov. in life:
 A. Holotype, male (DL R353); B. Paratype, female (CIB DL-03-622).

Photographed by Li Ding.

Trimeresurus nujiang sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species of the genus Trimeresurus has a combination of the following characters: (1) Dorsal body olive drab or grass green, without bands or markings; interstitial skin greyish-black; ventral body yellow green. (2) Tail mostly reddish brown with dark brown tail end. (3) Dorsum of the head has the same color as the body, the upper labials are light green. (4) Moderate body size, with the maximum total length exceeding 804 mm. (5) White (above) and dark red (below) ventrolateral stripe present on the first row of dorsal scales, and the ventrolateral stripe continuous on the tail in males; faint white ventrolateral stripe in females. (6) Postocular streak absent in both sexes. (7) Iris golden-yellow in both sexes in life. (8) First supralabial completely ...

Etymology. The specific name “nujiang” refers to the location of type specimens, the area around the Nujiang River. As common name we suggest “Nujiang green pit-viper” in English and “Nù Jiāng Zhú Yè Qīng (怒江竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Comparison of coloration between T. yunnanensis and “T. gumprechti” in females.
A, C. T. yunnanensis, collected from the type locality Tengchong, Yunnan Province;
B, D. “T. gumprechti”, collected from Loei Province, Thailand.

A, C. Photos by Ze-Ning Chen; B, D. Photos by Gernot Vogel.

 Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Gernot Vogel, Ze-Ning Chen, Zheng-Jun Wu. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae) from Southwestern China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 1653-1668.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.162424

[Herpetology • 2025] Pachydactylus namibensis & P. ovahimba • Two New Species of Pachydactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Kaokoveld

Parrinha, Marques, Picelli, Jordaan, Bishop-Schouster, Heinicke, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024108  

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

 Abstract 

Recent surveys in southwestern Angola uncovered cryptic diversity within Pachydactylus caraculicus. Phylogenetic analyses of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA recover three distinct lineages. Two of these lineages, characterized by their typical banded dorsal pattern, show clear geographic structuring: a “northern” lineage corresponding to true P. caraculicus, and a distinct “southern” lineage extending into neighboring Namibia. The third lineage, sister to the clade of banded caraculicus, comprises morphologically divergent specimens resembling P. punctatus. All three lineages within the P. caraculicus complex are diagnosable based on morphological and coloration characters. We formally describe the two unnamed lineages of P. caraculicus as new species and discuss these findings in the biogeographic context of the Kaokoveld's lizard fauna.

Pachydactylus namibensis, new species 

Namibe Thick-Toed Gecko 

Osga de Dedos Grossos do Namibe 

Etymology.—The specific epithet namibensis is here applied as a substantive in apposition and is given in reference to the known distribution of the species in Namibe Province, Angola. We suggest “Namibe Thick-Toed Gecko” and “Osga de Dedos Grossos do Namibe” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively. 

Pachydactylus ovahimba, new species  

Himba Thick-Toed Gecko 

Osga de Dedos Grossos Himba

Etymology.—The specific epithet ovahimba is a noun in apposition, given in honor of the dominant ethnolinguistic group in the region where the species is known from. The OvaHimba are a semi-nomadic Herero people who inhabit the Kaokoveld of northwestern Namibia and southwestern Angola, a harsh and rugged region that roughly corresponds to the distribution of the newly described species. The name is given in recognition of the support and enthusiasm received from the Himba people during fieldwork. We suggest “Himba Thick-Toed Gecko” and “Osga de Dedos Grossos Himba” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

Diogo Parrinha, Mariana P. Marques, Amanda M. Picelli, Adriaan Jordaan, Lacey J. Bishop-Schouster, Matthew P. Heinicke, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M. P. Ceríaco. 2025. Two New Species of Pachydactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Kaokoveld. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(3); 412-432. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024108 (8 August 2025)

  x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1957833346387431573 

[Mollusca • 2025] Caucasopsiinae subfam. nov. • Little Treasures hidden in the Darkness: Diversity and Phylogeny of stygobiotic Hydrobiidae (Gastropoda) of the Caucasus

Caucasopsiinae Chertoprud & Vinarski,

in Chertoprud, Ekimova, Palatov, Grego, Mumladze et Vinarski, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108439 

Highlights

• Hydrobiidae inhabit groundwaters on both south and north sides of the Great Caucasus.

• Caucasian hydrobiids are represented by three distinct phylogenetic lineages of subfamily taxonomical rank.

• A new subfamily of Hydrobiidae endemic to the Caucasus is described.

• A high morphological variability in the shell morphology within Caucasopsiinae subfam.nov. has been revealed.

• Female reproductive system morphology better supports high-level taxa phylogeny than other features.

Abstract

Hydrobiidae is the most diverse and species-rich freshwater gastropod family in the Palearctic. Their diversity in the Caucasus region remains largely unexplored and the phylogenetic relationships with European taxa have not been clarified yet. The primary objective of this study is to perform a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the stygobiotic Hydrobiidae of the Caucasus with an increased taxon sampling and incorporation of multiple molecular markers. We show that the Caucasian hydrobiids are represented by three distinct lineages of a subfamily rank: (1) Caucasopsiinae subfam. nov., comprises most of the stygobiotic hydrobiid genera endemic to Caucasus; (2) Belgrandiellinae includes a single stygobiotic genus Sitnikovia and a complex of crenobiotic genera; (3) Islamiinae is represented by a single monotypic genus. The Caucasian stygobiotic hydrobiids are represented by 13 genera, five of which were identified as new for science, and at least 37 species, including a significant number (20 species) of putative new taxa. Analysis of the soft-body anatomy revealed that the female reproductive system showed the best congruence with the phylogenetic relationships. Shell morphology showed high variability at both inter- and intrageneric level, questioning the generic assignment of species based on empty shells. The Caucasian stygobiotic Hydrobiidae show high endemism at all taxonomical levels from species to subfamilies, which probably reflects their long evolution in relative isolation from the hydrobiid clades inhabiting other regions.

 

Keywords: Groundwater ecosystems, Integrative taxonomy, Freshwater snails, Endemism, New Subfamily, Springsnails

Class Gastropoda Cuvier, 1795

Subclass Caenogastropoda Cox, 1960

Superfamily Truncatelloidea Gray, 1840

Family Hydrobiidae W. Stimpson, 1865

Subfamily Caucasopsiinae Chertoprud et Vinarski, n. Subf.

Type genus: Caucasopsis Grego et Mumladze, 2020

Type species: Caucasopsis letsurtsume Grego et Mumladze, 2020

Shells of Caucasian Hydrobiidae (SEM photographs):
A – Caucasopsis sp. 3; B – Caucasopsis sp. 8; C – Caucasopsis letsurtsume, conic form; D – Caucasopsis letsurtsume, robust form;
E – Pontohoratia birsteini; F – Caucasopsis vinarskii comb. nov.; G – Imeretiopsis gorgoleti;
 H – Schapsugia pulcherrima; I – Gen. 2; J – Gen. 1; K – Caucasogeyeria chrysomallos; L – Gen. 3; M – Sitnikovia megruli.

Elizaveta Chertoprud, Irina Ekimova, Dmitry Palatov, Jozef Grego, Levan Mumladze and Maxim Vinarski. 2025. Little Treasures hidden in the Darkness: Diversity and Phylogeny of stygobiotic Hydrobiidae (Mollusca: Gastropoda) of the Caucasus. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution.  213, 108439. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108439 

[Botany • 2025] Uvariopsis niangadoumae (Annonaceae) • Passion and Combat on a Floral Stage: A New Species from Monts de Cristal, Gabon, with Notes on its Unique Pollination Ecology

Uvariopsis niangadoumae  Couvreur & Dagallier,

in Couvreur, Niangadouma, Nguimbit, Paradis, Dagallier, Baudoin-Huit, Collin, Haran et Droissart, 2025. 

    DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.152843

Abstract

Background and aims – Gabon is a major centre of biodiversity. We describe a new species from the tropical plant family Annonaceae: Uvariopsis niangadoumae sp. nov., known from a single population in the Monts de Cristal National Park.

Material and methods – Field work was conducted to collect plant specimens and observe floral visitors. Pollen samples were collected and prepared for microscopic analysis. The phylogenetic tree of Uvariopsis was reconstructed using a maximum likelihood method and based on hundreds of nuclear markers. Pollination biology was studied using a DIY camera trap (PICT) placed near a female flower to record floral visitors and their behaviour for one full day. Several flower visitors were collected and identified using DNA barcoding.

Key results – Uvariopsis niangadoumae is a tree reaching five metres tall, characterized by strong-scented leaves, few-flowered cauliflorous foul-smelling flowers, and large pollen grains shed in tetrads. The species is endemic to a small area within the Monts de Cristal National Park. Phylogenetic analysis places U. niangadoumae within the “large-leaved clade” species complex with now five taxa. Pollination is diurnal, and the primary pollinator is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae), which uses the female flowers as a mating site, with males fighting for control of the flower. The rove beetles might be attracted by a chemical cue, the foul scent of the flowers, and visual cues, with the inner part of the petals resembling mushrooms.

Conclusion – These results emphasize once again the importance of the Monts de Cristal National Park for biodiversity and highlight conservation concerns for the newly described species. The new species is monitored regularly, especially for fruiting individuals, to support ex situ propagation. The Kinguélé Aval project maintains a conservation nursery with 56 species, including 20 individuals of this new species.

Keywords: camera trap, hydrological dam, IUCN conservation, plant-insect interactions, saprocantharophily, Staphylinidae

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, detail of male and female flowers. 

A. Detail of inner side of female (left) and male (right) flowers, one petal removed. B. Detail of female flower, one petal removed. C. Detail of inner side of one female petal. D. Old female flower. E. Detail of sepals on male flower. F. Young male flower, not at anthesis yet. 

From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur. Scale bars: A–D = 0.5 cm.

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, natural habit and vegetative characters.
A. Habitat along a small stream. B. General view. C. Young leaves, light green, dropping. D. Detail of adaxial side of leaf base. E. Detail of abaxial side of leaf base.

From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur.

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, detail of fruits and flower visitors.
A. One monocarp. B. Longitudinal section of a single monocarp showing the seeds. C. Male flower with small Diptera visitors. D. Female flower with one large Staphylinidae beetle. F. Upper side of male flower covered with Crematogaster sp. ants. F. Male flower with large Staphylinidae beetle emerging covered in pollen.

 From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur. Scale bars: A, B = 1 cm.

 Uvariopsis niangadoumae Couvreur & Dagallier, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Uvariopsis niangadoumae resembles U. korupensis in the shape and dimensions of its leaves and the overall size of the flowers. It differs by having strong scented leaves versus no clear scent in U. korupensis. Furthermore, U. niangadoumae bears no more than two, few-flowered inflorescences on small protrusions at the base of the trunk, whereas in U. korupensis the base of the trunk is densely covered with inflorescences. Flowers of U. niangadoumae have free petals with a length:width ratio between 1.3 and 1.7 vs fused at base and a l:w ratio between 2.2 and 7 in U. korupensis. Uvariopsis niangadoumae also has fewer carpels than U. korupensis (20–25 vs 25–120).

Etymology: This species is dedicated to the Gabonese botanist Raoul Niangadouma who participated in the (long and arduous) botanical inventories that led to the official recognition of the Monts de Cristal National Park. Raoul Niangadouma is also one of the collectors of the type specimen of this species.

 Thomas L.P. Couvreur, Raoul Niangadouma, Igor Nguimbit, Anne-Hélène Paradis, Léo-Paul M.J. Dagallier, Lola Baudoin-Huit, Myriam Collin, Julien M. Haran and Vincent Droissart. 2025. Passion and Combat on a Floral Stage: A New Species of Uvariopsis (Annonaceae) from Monts de Cristal, Gabon, with Notes on its Unique Pollination Ecology. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 294-308. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.152843

[Botany • 2024] Cyrtosperma prasinispathum (Araceae: Lasioideae) • A New fascinating Aroid Species from Papua, Indonesia

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam &M.R.Hariri, 

in Hariri, Irsyam, Ariati, Raynalta, Setyanti et Supriyanta, 2024.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-16076

Abstract   

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri is a newly described species of Lasioid discovered in Sorong, Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia. This new species is exclusively described from living specimens that are kept at the Bogor Botanic Gardens. Morphologically, it has a glossy leek-green spathe that is deflected, with a yellowish-green or yellow spadix. Its striking-colored spathe made this species an important candidate for horticultural plants.

Keywords: Araceae, Lasieae, Lasioideae, Malesia, New Guinea

   

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam &M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘prasinus’ – and ‘spathum’, which signifies the leek-green coloured spathe.

Muhammad R. Hariri, Arifin S.D. Irsyam, Siti R. Ariati, Erick Raynalta, Dwi Setyanti and Ikar Supriyanta. 2024. Cyrtosperma prasinispathum: A New fascinating Aroid Species from Papua, Indonesia. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 79(2),; 291-294. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-16076 [2024-09-03]

[Paleontology • 2025] Tavachelydra stevensoni • A New Pan-chelydrid Turtle (Chelydroidea: Pan-Chelydridae) from the lower Paleocene (early Danian, Puercan) Corral Bluffs Study Area in the Denver Basin, Colorado

Tavachelydra stevensoni

Lyson, Petermann, Bastien, Toth, Tamez-Galvan, Sherman & Joyce, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00375-4

Artwork by Andrey Atuchin  facebook.com/AndreyAtuchin

Abstract

Isolated pan-chelydrid turtle shell fragments are common in Late Cretaceous and early Paleocene sediments across western North America, but more complete and associated specimens are rare, obfuscating our understanding of the group’s early evolution. Here we describe a new genus and species, Tavachelydra stevensoni, of stem-chelydrid turtle from the early Paleocene of the Denver Formation (Danian, Puercan I and II) of Colorado based on complete shells, associated pelvic material, and referred cranial material. Our phylogenetic analysis places T. stevensoni as the immediate sister to crown chelydrids based on, among others, a purely ligamentous attachment of the plastron and carapace. The costiform process of the nuchal, an important character complex in chelydroid turtles, shows variation in either ending in peripheral II or III. The T. stevensoni material was mostly found in laminated fine-grained deposits, suggesting this taxon inhabited ponded-water environments. The referred cranial material shows broad triturating surfaces indicating a durophagous diet, further underscoring durophagy as an important feeding strategy during the early Paleocene.

Testudines, Chelydroidea, Pan-Chelydridae, Taphonomy, Durophagy

A reconstruction of Tavachelydra stevensoni gen. et sp. nov. basking on a log in a ponded water environment.

Artwork by Andrey Atuchin

 

Tyler R. Lyson, Holger Petermann, Salvador Bastien, Natalie Toth, Evan Tamez-Galvan, Sadie M. Sherman and Walter G. Joyce. 2025. A New Pan-chelydrid Turtle, Tavachelydra stevensoni gen. et sp. nov., from the lower Paleocene (early Danian, Puercan) Corral Bluffs Study Area in the Denver Basin, Colorado. Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. 144; 46. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00375-4 [05 August 2025]

 facebook.com/AndreyAtuchin/posts/24564613873132751

[Entomology • 2025] Bolotettix adik • A New Species and Notes of some Pygmy Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Sabah

 

Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad,

Tan, Muhammad, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.4.5  

 facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG 

Abstract

A recent orthopteran collection was conducted in Meligan and Maliau Basin, Sabah State (East Malaysia) in Borneo. We describe a new species of Bolotettix from Meligan: Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad, sp. nov. We also record Mazarredia (Prosoaltus) cephalica (Haan, 1843) and Falconius pseudoclavitarsis Günther, 1938 in Sabah and Tripetalocera ferruginea Westwood, 1834 in Maliau Basin for the first time. We also present colour variations of Bolivaritettix apterus (Rehn, 1904).

Orthoptera, Bolotettix, Borneo, new locality record, taxonomy, variations

 Bolotettix adik Tan & Muhammad, sp. nov. 

 

Ming Kai TAN, Amira Aqilah MUHAMMAD, Dayang Fazrinah Binti Awg DAMIT, Razy JAPIR, Arthur Y.C. CHUNG and Tony ROBILLARD. 2025. A New Species and Notes of some Pygmy Grasshoppers (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Sabah. Zootaxa. 5683(4); 543-560. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5683.4.5 [2025-08-22]  

  facebook.com/ArthurCHUNG123799/posts/3250271088455789

[Entomology • 2024] Fartmanntettix undulatus • A New Genus and A New Species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck,  

in Tan, Tumbrinck, Rivera et Nuñeza, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383790207

 

Abstract

A new genus and a new species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) is described from Mount Malindang in Mindanao, Philippines: Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. Tentatively, we classify this new genus under the tribe Trusmaditetrigini Storozhenko, 2023 consisting of eight genera (including the new genus described here). This new genus is characterised from other representatives of the tribe by the distinctly undulated and raised carinae on the pronotum and femora. A key to the genera of the tribe is also provided.

Orthoptera, morphology, pygmy grasshopper, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Trusmaditetrigini

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. ♂ holotype:
habitus in dorsal (A) and lateral (B) views. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. ♂ holotype:
face in anterior view (A); head and anterior half of pronotum in dorsal (B) and lateral (C) views; posterior half of pronotum in dorsal view (D); anterior (E) and middle (F) legs in external views; posterior femur in external (G) and dorsal (H) views; posterior tibia in external view (I). Scale bars: 1 mm.

Fartmanntettix undulatus Tan & Tumbrinck, gen. et sp. nov. 

Ming Kai Tan, Josef Tumbrinck, Rodrin R. Rivera and Olga Macas Nuñeza. 2024. A New Genus and A New Species of Cladonotinae (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Mindanao, Philippines. Zootaxa. 5506(2); 194-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.2.2 [2024-09-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383790207_A_new_genus_of_Cladonotinae_from_Mindanao_Philippines