[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Cretosabethes primaevus • First fossil Mosquito larva in 99-million-year-old Amber with a modern type of morphology sheds light on the evolutionary history of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent, 

in Amaral, Borkent, Baranov, Haug & Haug, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.011

Highlights: 

• Earliest mosquito larva ever discovered, from Cretaceous amber.

• Only Mesozoic mosquito linked to a lineage with modern representatives.

• Supports Jurassic origin and Early Cretaceous diversification of mosquitoes.

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) have been hypothesized to have originated during the Jurassic Period, about 201–145 million years ago, primarily based on fossil evidence from their sister group, Chaoboridae (phantom midges). However, direct evidence for such an early origin of Culicidae is currently absent. The oldest known mosquito fossils, all adults and recovered from Cretaceous amber deposits about 99 million years ago, display morphologies that differ substantially from modern forms and are regarded as representatives of an extinct lineage, Burmaculicinae. Here we report the discovery of a fossil that represents both the first mosquito larva preserved in amber and the first immature mosquito from the Mesozoic Era, named as a new genus and species Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent gen. et sp. n. The specimen exhibits typical mosquito larval morphology and can be confidently identified as an ingroup of Sabethini, a lineage with numerous extant representatives. This finding provides strong support for the Jurassic origin of Culicidae and suggests that the larval morphology of mosquitoes has remained relatively conserved for at least the past 99 million years.

 

Keywords: Myanmar, Kachin, Cretaceous, Jurassic, Amber, Aquatic

Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent gen. et sp. n.

 

André P. Amaral, Art Borkent, Viktor A. Baranov, Carolin Haug and Joachim T. Haug. 2026. First fossil Mosquito larva in 99-million-year-old Amber with a modern type of morphology sheds light on the evolutionary history of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Gondwana Research. 150, 154-162. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.011  

 

 

[Entomology • 2025] Paragomphus alami • A New Dragonfly Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) described from the White Nile River, Sudan

 

Paragomphus alami

Salah, Baleela, Ahmed, Isam, Abdalla, Masri & Elfaki, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1265.168108

Abstract

Sudan’s unique biogeographic position at the Afrotropical-Palearctic interface, coupled with the ecological gradient of the Nile River, fosters a diverse odonate fauna. Despite this, the genus Paragomphus Cowley, 1934 remains understudied in the region. This study describes Paragomphus alami sp. nov., a new species of Paragomphus from the White Nile floodplain in Sudan, based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Field surveys conducted between 2017 and 2022 documented adult populations across the Sudanese floodplains. Specimens were morphologically analysed using microscopy compared to congeners P. lacustris Karsch, 1890 and P. elpidius Ris, 1921. DNA barcoding (COI gene) was performed on two specimens, with maximum-likelihood phylogenetic reconstruction using 28 sequences of Paragomphus and related species in addition to an outgroup. Mean interspecific genetic distance was computed manually. Morphological comparisons with congeners revealed unique diagnostic traits in P. alami sp. nov., including short, thick cerci ending with a black tooth, and an epiproct that is noticeably shorter than those of P. lacustris and P. elpidius. The phylogenetic analysis revealed that P. alami forms a well-supported monophyletic clade (bootstrap value = 100%), which is corroborated by morphological evidence, and no observed intraspecific variation, which supports the recognition of this species as distinct; this was further supported by the mean interspecific distance of 12.34%. This discovery highlights Sudan’s role as a biogeographic crossroads and the need for further research of Odonata in the region. Habitat sensitivity highlights conservation urgency. The species seasonal emergence, habitat specificity, and sensitivity to deforestation underscore its conservation importance.

Key words: Biodiversity, COI barcoding, conservation, floodplain, Khartoum

Paragomphus alami sp. nov. A. Male holotype (SNHM 1.582) from Jebel Aulia, Khartoum State, Sudan, collected 23 August 2019; B. Mature life male observed and photographed in the wild in Al-Sunt Forest, Khartoum State, Sudan, photographed 4 July 2022.

 Comparison of female coloration and stripe patterns in Paragomphus species. A. P. elpidius; B. Paragomphus alami sp. nov.
Note the small foliations on abdominal segments 8 and 9 in P. elpidius, which are absent in P. alami sp. nov. Note also that the thoracic stripes in P. alami sp. nov. are fine and poorly defined, while in P. elpidius they are sharp, bold, and well defined. Also, the pterostigma is yellowish green in P. alami sp. nov., while it is brown in P. elpidius. Photo credits: (A) John Wilkinson, (B) Mohamed Salah.

 Paragomphus alami sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named in honour of the late Sudanese scientist Dr Tigani Mohammed Hassan Alam, whose lifelong dedication to documenting and safeguarding Sudan’s wildlife left a profound impact on conservation efforts across the country. Although his contributions were not formally recorded in the academic literature, his influence endures through the generations of Sudanese youth he inspired to appreciate and protect the nation’s natural heritage.

Mohamed Salah, Rania Baleela, Esraa Yousif Ahmed, Babiker Isam, Almontasirbillah Abdalla, Mai Masri and Esra Elfaki. 2025. Paragomphus alami sp. nov. (Odonata, Gomphidae): A New Dragonfly Species described from the White Nile River, Sudan. ZooKeys. 1265: 159-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1265.168108 [30 Dec 2025]

[Entomology • 2024] Kalimyia, A New Genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) from the Oriental Region, with Description of A New Species

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.; holotype ♂ 

Zeegers, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2024.395167 

Scale bars: 1 mm.

 Abstract  

The tachinid fly known as Parapales sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), from Taiwan, does not fit the concept of the genus Parapales Mesnil, 1950. A new genus, Kalimyia gen. n., is proposed to accommodate this species, as Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n. Kalimyia seems more related to the genus Blepharipa Rondani, 1856 than to Parapales, and is tentatively placed in the tribe Goniini. A second species in this genus, Kalimyia estherae sp. n., is described from Nepal. As a consequence, the genus Parapales is now endemic to Madagascar.

KEYWORDS: Goniini, Madagascar, Nepal, new taxa, Parapales, taxonomy, Taiwan

Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n.; holotype ♂ (SDEI).
1. Habitus, dorsal view. 2. Habitus, lateral view. 3. Head, dorsal view. 4. Head, lateral view.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.; holotype ♂ (Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands).
5. Habitus, dorsal view. 6. Habitus, lateral view. 7. Head, dorsal view. 8. Head, lateral view. 9. Abdomen, lateral view, showing patches of specialized hairs on ventral sides of tergites 3 and 4. 10. Thorax, dorsal view. 11. Hind tibia, anterior view. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.

 

Theo Zeegers. 2024. Kalimyia, A New Genus of tachinid flies from the Oriental Region, with description of A New Species (Diptera: Tachinidae). Integrative Systematics: Stuttgart Contributions to Natural History. 7(2); 155-163. DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2024.395167  (31 December 2024)  

Die Tachinide Parapales sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950) aus Taiwan weist nicht die Kriterien zur Einordnung in die Gattung Parapales Mesnil, 1950 auf. Eine neue Gattung, Kalimyia gen. n., wird vorgeschlagen, um diese Art unter dem Namen Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n. im System einzuordnen. Kalimyia erscheint mehr mit der Gattung Blepharipa Rondani, 1856 verwandt als mit Parapales und wird vorläufig in den Tribus Goniini gestellt. Eine zweite Art dieser Gattung, Kalimyia estherae sp. n. wird aus Nepal beschrieben. Demzufolge ist jetzt die Gattung Parapales endemisch für Madagaskar.

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rhinogobius lingjiangensis • A New Species of freshwater goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Rhinogobius) from Xijiang, Pearl River Basin, Guangxi Province, China

 

Rhinogobius lingjiangensis

Chen, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.26

 

Abstract

A new species of freshwater gobiid fish of the genus Rhinogobius Gill, 1859, was collected from the hill stream of Xijang, Pearl River basin, Gangxi Province, China. Rhinogobius lingjiangensis can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fin rays: second dorsal fin rays I/7–8 (usually I/8); anal fin rays I/6–7 (usually I/6); pectoral fin rays 16–17 (modally 16); (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 31–32 (modally 31); perdorsal scales 5–6 (modally 6); (3) vertebral count 28; and (4) specific colouration: cheek with 7 rather wide reddish orange parallel bands in male; caudal fin base with a central blackish brown spot in male; pectoral fin base greyish with brown vertical bar in male, anterior basal 1/4 region of pectoral fin with semicircular creamy yellow region in male. A brief comparison of current species with related species will be addressed.

 Pisces, Rhinogobius lingjiangensis, new species, Xijiang, Guanxi province, fish taxonomy

Rhinogobius lingjiangensis, A. male, holotype, 26.2 mm SL, B. female, papatype, 22.9 mm SL, Lingjiang, Xijiang, Pearl River basin, guangxi, China.
Branchiostegal membrane pattern of male Rhinogobius lingjiangensis, holotype, 26.2 mm SL.

Rhinogobius lingjiangensis sp. nov. 

I-SHIUNG CHEN. 2025. A New Species of freshwater goby (Teleostei: Gobiidae: Rhinogobius) from Xijiang, Pearl River Basin, Guangxi Province, China.  Zootaxa. 5738(1); 215-221. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.26  [2025-12-30]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rhinogobius chongkangensis • A New freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Chongkang River Basin, Western Taiwan

Rhinogobius chongkangensis 

 Chen, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.24

 

Abstract

A new freshwater goby of Rhinogobius was recently collected from the Chongkang River basin of Western Taiwan. The new species, Rhinogobius chongkangensis sp. nov., can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays I/9; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 16; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 32–33 (modally 32); perdorsal scales 12–15 (modally 14); (3) vertebral count 27; (4) mouth oblique, rear edge extending to vertical between anterior margin of orbit and anterior edge of pupil in male and (5) specific colouration: lateral body with 7–8 longitudinal rows of small orange to brownish red spots about 1/6–1/10 size of pupil diameter in male; cheek and opercle with 24–32 rather small orange or brownish red spots in male, with 13–16 small brown spots in female; branchiostegal membrane with many 14–18 tiny orange or brownish red spots in male; basal region of first dorsal fin with 8–12 orange or brownish red spots in male, second dorsal fin pale with 3–4 longitudinal rows of orange spots; pectoral fin with two rows of orange to red orange spots which 4–5 larger orange spots or sometimes fusing a vertical line on upper side on anterior row in male; a snow white vertical band between the two rows of orange spots in male. A brief discussion with all nominal congeneric species is also provided.

 

Pisces, new goby, freshwater fish, Rhinogobius, fish fauna, Taiwan

Rhinogobius chongkangensis new species, the Chongkong River basin, Miaoli County, Taiwan, ROC.
A. male, holotype, 36.9 mm SL.; B. female, paratypes, 31.9 mm SL. 

 

 I-SHIUNG CHEN. 2025. A New freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Chongkang River Basin, Western Taiwan.  Zootaxa. 5738(1);197-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.24 [2025-12-30]

 

[Mollusca • 2021] Hemiplecta nemorosa • Systematic Review of the Dextral Hemiplecta Albers, 1850 (Eupulmonata: Ariophantidae) from Thailand with Description of A New Species and List of All the Indochinese Species

A Hemiplecta humphreysiana from Singapore; B Hemiplecta distincta from Saraburi, Thailand;
D, E Hemiplecta funerea from Nan, Thailand D yellow shell form and E dark shell form;
  F Hemiplecta esculenta from Chiang Mai, Thailand; 

Hemiplecta nemorosa  Sutcharit & Panha, 2021

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1047.65735

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Abstract

The genus Hemiplecta is a group of large-sized land snails which have long been used as a food resource by Indochinese people. There are five dextral and four sinistral species currently recognized from Thailand. The dextral group is comprised of two previously recorded species (H. humphreysiana and H. distincta), two newly recorded species (H. funerea and H. esculenta), and one new species (Hemiplecta nemorosa sp. nov.) from northern Thailand is being proposed. We reassessed the diagnostic characters of the genitalia, mantle edge, and radula. Specimens were classified into the genus Hemiplecta on the basis of the penial verge and shell lobe, and on the characters of a bulbous gametolytic sac without a gametolytic duct. A complete species list, together with photographs of the name-bearing types or authenticated specimens and the taxonomic status of Hemiplecta s.l. that are known from Indochina including Peninsular Malaysia and Myanmar, is provided for the first time. In total, this species list contains 39 available nominal species names described from this area. Type or authentic specimens can be located for 37 nominal species names, of which 25 are illustrated herein and the other 12 were recently illustrated. However, two available species-level names could not be traced to any type specimens. In addition, lectotypes of H. funerea and H. pluto are designated herein to stabilize the names.

Keywords: Conservation, edible snails, lectotype, Southeast Asia, taxonomy type specimen

Living snail.
A Hemiplecta humphreysiana from Singapore (width about 45 mm)
B, C Hemiplecta distincta B from Saraburi, Thailand (width about 65 mm) and C mating pairs
D, E Hemiplecta funerea from Nan, Thailand (width about 50 mm) D yellow shell form and E dark shell form (width about 50 mm)  
F Hemiplecta esculenta from Chiang Mai, Thailand (width about 30 mm).

 Chirasak Sutcharit and Somsak Panha. 2021. Systematic Review of the Dextral Hemiplecta Albers, 1850 (Eupulmonata, Ariophantidae) from Thailand with Description of A New Species and List of All the Indochinese Species. ZooKeys. 1047: 101-154. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1047.65735

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