[Ichthyology • 2026] Hemitrygon ariakensis • Redescription of Hemitrygon akajei with Description of the cryptic stingray species (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae) from the Northwest Pacific

Hemitrygon ariakensis  

 Furumitsu & Yamaguchi, 2025. 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01048-5 

Researchgate.net/publication/398875566

Abstract

We redescribe Hemitrygon akajei (Bürger in Müller and Henle 1841) based on the lectotype and newly collected specimens, and describe Hemitrygon ariakensis sp. nov. from western Japan. Owing to their considerable morphological similarity and sympatric distribution, these two species have been subject to longstanding taxonomic confusion, with one remaining unrecognized as a cryptic species for over 160 years prior to the availability of molecular evidence. The red stingray H. akajei was originally described from six syntypes, including juveniles that likely represented multiple species, including the cryptic one. Species identification in Hemitrygon is complicated not only by interspecific morphological resemblance but also by marked ontogenetic changes between juveniles and adults. Herein, we describe the external morphology of both species across developmental stages to aid in their distinction. Hemitrygon akajei and Hemitrygon ariakensis sp. nov. can be distinguished by the following combination of characters: arrangement of denticles on dorsal surface of disc and posterior part of tail; shape, size, and arrangement of thorns on dorsal tail anterior to caudal spine; presence or absence of transverse groove on ventral surface of disc; coloration of ventral tail fold; shape of outer marginal color band on ventral disc; morphology of clasper and prepelvic processes of pelvic girdle; and number of prespine separate centra. Stingrays are important fishery resources and key mesopredators in Japanese coastal ecosystems, influencing populations of other fishery species. The ability to distinguish these two species will facilitate more accurate ecological research, inform species-specific conservation strategies, and promote effective biodiversity management. Such taxonomic resolution is essential for understanding coastal ecosystem dynamics. 

Keywords: Taxonomy, New species, Cryptic species, Western Japan, Ariake Bay

Fresh specimens of Hemitrygon ariakensis sp. nov.
a, b Holotype (FFNU-P-02129, 363.3 mm DW, male, mature); c, d paratype (FFNU-P-02126, 154.4 mm DW, male, immature); e, f paratype (FFNU-P-02141, 545.1 mm DW, female, mature). a, c, e Dorsal view; b, d, f ventral view. Scales indicate 50 mm

Illustrations originally considered Hemitrygon akajei; herein reidentified as Hemitrygon ariakensis sp. nov. based on the morphological characters depicted.
a Original illustration from Bürger’s unpublished manuscript (No. 13; RMNH.ART.256, courtesy of Naturalis Biodiversity Center, CC0 1.0), b illustration from the original description in Müller and Henle (1841), c illustration from the Glover Atlas, illustrated by Hagiwara (1915), in the collection of Nagasaki University Library.

 Keisuke Furumitsu and Atsuko Yamaguchi. 2025. Redescription of Hemitrygon akajei with Description of the cryptic stingray species Hemitrygon ariakensis sp. nov. from the Northwest Pacific (Myliobatoidei: Dasyatidae).  Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01048-5 [19 December 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/398875566_Redescription_of_Hemitrygon_akajei_with_description_of_Hemitrygon_ariakensis_sp_nov_from_the_Northwest_Pacific

[Ichthyology • 2026] ‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis • A New endemic pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) species group from the Piranga River, upper Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil

 

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis  Assis, Dergam & Henschel, 

in Assis, Dergam, Cunha, Machado, Hrbek, Vicente, Queiroz et Henschel, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70324

Abstract

A new species of pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis species group, endemic to the Piranga River, a major tributary of the upper Doce River basin in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil, is herein described. The new species is delimited using an integrative approach, with molecular-based species delimitation methods coupled with morphological diagnosis. For this, we developed a matrix containing 27 sequences of the mitochondrial gene cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of species of the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group obtained from GenBank and three new sequences generated in this work. The species delimitation method applied to the morphological characters was Population Aggregation Analysis (PAA), and the species delimitation methods applied to the nucleotide sequences were the branch coalescence methods: Bayesian Poisson Tree Processes (bPTP), General Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) single-threshold and GMYC multi-threshold. The three molecular-based species delimitation methods corroborate that the haplotypes of ‘Geophagus’ from the Piranga River represent a new species distinguished from all other in the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group by exclusive presence of clear, rounded spots in the posteriormost dorsal-fin rays in fixed adult specimens, and the combination of the following morphological characters: long snout (46.22%–52.74% of head length), tall head (94.08%–101.15% of head length), terminal mouth, 25 or 26 longitudinal scales on the E0 series, 14 or 15 spines on the dorsal fin, absence of bluish dots on the most anterior soft rays of the anal fin in live specimens and absence of bluish and longitudinal lines in the basal region of the caudal fin of live specimens. This work is the first description of a new species of the ‘G.’ brasiliensis species group from the Doce River basin.

Keywords: Atlantic forest, fish taxonomy, freshwater fish, Geophagini, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis, new species from Piranga River, upper Doce basin, Ponte Nova municipality, Minas Gerais, Brazil:
top, MZUFV13723, live subadult specimen, 63.61 mm SL, collected by E. Henschel and photographed by C.E. de Assis;
bottom, MZUFV14666, live adult specimen, 96.21 mm SL, collected by C.E. de Assis and photographed by E. Henschel.

Scale bar: 10 mm.

‘Geophagus’ pirangaensis sp. n. Assis, Dergam & Henschel

 Diagnosis: ‘G.’ pirangaensis possess a unique diagnostic feature within the ‘G.’ brasiliensis group characterized by the presence of clear, rounded spots in the posteriormost dorsal-fin rays of fixed adult specimens (vs. absence, or, when present, spots are elliptical). It also differs from ‘G.’ brasiliensis by having a considerably longer snout (46.22%–52.74% HL vs. 38.36% HL) and terminal mouth (vs. subdorsal); from ‘G.’ diamantinensis by having a taller head (94.08%–101.15% HL vs. 77–86% HL) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); from ‘G.’ iporangensis by having a caudal fin with a rounded distal margin (vs. straight distal caudal-fin margin) and 25 or 26 longitudinal scales in the E0 series (vs. 27 or 28); from ‘G.’ itapicuruensis by having a dark and rounded mid-lateral spot of live specimens (vs. dark and vertically elliptical mid-lateral spot) and 14 or 15 spines on the dorsal fin (vs. 13); from ‘G.’ multiocellus by the absence of small bright spots in the central region of the bluish spots on the caudal fin of living specimens (vs. presence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); from ‘G.’ obscurus by having small bluish spots in the opercular region of living specimens (vs. large bluish spots in the opercular region); from ‘G.’ rufomarginatus by the absence of bluish dots on the most anterior soft rays of the anal fin of living specimens (vs. presence), presence of denticles on gill rakers of the first branchial arch (vs. absence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal); and from ‘G.’ santosi by the absence of bluish and longitudinal lines in the basal region of the caudal fin of living specimens (vs. presence) and terminal mouth (vs. subterminal).

Cidimar E. de Assis, Jorge A. Dergam, Amanda F. Cunha, Valéria N. Machado, Tomas Hrbek, Natállia M. de F. Vicente, Victor de Queiroz and Elisabeth Henschel. 2026. A New endemic pearl cichlid of the ‘Geophagus’ brasiliensis (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) species group from the Piranga River, upper Doce River Basin, southeastern Brazil. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70324 [05 January 2026]  

[Crustacea • 2024] Caridina maeklongensis • A New landlocked freshwater Shrimp Species (Decapoda: Atyidae) from the Mae Klong Basin, Thailand

[A–D] Caridina maeklongensis  

   Macharoenboon, Manonai & Jeratthitikul. 2024

[E, F] C. sumatrensis  De Man, 1892

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72

Abstract. A newly discovered landlocked shrimp, Caridina maeklongensis, new species, is described from the Mae Klong Basin, western Thailand. The morphology of the new species resembles C. sumatrensis, from which it differs in possessing a shorter rostrum with fewer dorsal teeth, a small number of very large-sized eggs, and a greatly reduced posteromedian projection on the distal end of the telson. The molecular evidence of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene also supports the species status of the newly described species. This is the fifth endemic species of Caridina known from Thailand. 

Key words. crustacean, landlocked freshwater shrimp, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Southeast Asia

Living habitus specimens of Caridina species from the Mae Klong Basin.
A–D, Caridina maeklongensis, new species: A, paratype male, MUMNH-CAR064-4; B, paratype female, MUMNH-CAR064-1; C, paratype female, MUMNH-CAR064-15; and D, paratype female, MUMNH-CAR064-13.
 E, F, C. sumatrensis: E, male, MUMNH-CAR706-P2; and F, female, MUMNH-CAR706-P1.

Family Atyidae De Haan, 1849 

Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 

Caridina maeklongensis, new species

Etymology. The specific name is from its type locality, the Mae Klong Basin.

Kongkit Macharoenboon, Varitsara Manonai and Ekgachai Jeratthitikul. 2024. Caridina maeklongensis, A New landlocked freshwater Shrimp Species (Crustacea: Decapoda: Atyidae) from the Mae Klong Basin, Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72: 450–468.

[Botany • 2025] Bulbophyllum minhquanii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • Bulbophyllum sect. Racemosae in Vietnam with the Description of the New Species and the new national record, B. albidostylidium

Bulbophyllum minhquanii  Vuong, Q.T.Truong & Aver.⁣, 

in Huynh, Averyanov, Maisak, Q. B. Nguyen, V. C. Nguyen, Dang, T. G. Nguyen, Q. T. Truong et B. V. Truong, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.736.1.2 

facebook.com: Nguyễn Văn Cảnh

Abstract

The paper provides a taxonomic assessment of Bulbophyllum section Racemosae in Vietnam, accompanied by an identification key for all species currently recognized in the country. Information on type specimens, distribution, habitat and phenology (when available), as well as relevant taxonomic notes are presented for each accepted species, accompanied by plates with analytical photos. Bulbophyllum minhquanii is described as new to science, and B. albidostylidium (identified earlier as B. putii) is reported as a new national record. In total, 14 species of B. sect. Racemosae, of which five are endemic, are documented for Vietnam based on previous and current studies. The occurrences of B. macrocoleum and B. morphologorum in Vietnam remain uncertain and require verification by additional collections.

Flora of Vietnam, Orchids, plant diversity, plant endemism, plant taxonomy, plant conservation, Monocots

Bulbophyllum minhquanii

HUU DUC HUYNH, LEONID V. AVERYANOV, TATIANA V. MAISAK, QUOC BAO NGUYEN, VAN CANH NGUYEN, VAN SON DANG, TRUONG GIANG NGUYEN, QUANG TAM TRUONG, BA VUONG TRUONG. 2025. Bulbophyllum sect. Racemosae (Orchidaceae) in Vietnam with the Description of the New Species, B. minhquanii and the new national record, B. albidostylidium.  Phytotaxa. 736(1); 12-32. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.736.1.2 [2025-12-24] 

 facebook.com/canhorchid/posts/10229653073453632

[Entomology • 2022] Scarlata namsanam • A New Species of the Genus Scarlata (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from Laos

Scarlata namsanam 

 Gorbunov, 2022

DOI: doi.org/10.31610/zsr/2022.31.2.204

Abstract 

Scarlata namsanam sp. nov. from Laos is described and illustrated. The type series was collected on wet soil near the drying stream within a primary monsoon lowland tropical forest. This new species is most similar to S. guichardii Skowron Volponi, 2022, from which it differs in the coloration of the hind tibia, forewing and abdomen and in noticeably wider discal spot of the hindwing.

Key words: clearwing moths, taxomony, Laos, Oriental Region, Sesiidae, Sesiinae, Osminiini, new species 

Variability of males of Scarlata namsanam sp. nov.
1–2, holotype, wing expanse 14.0 mm, Sesiidae picture №№ 0021-0022–2022;
 3–4, paratype, wing expanse 13.1 mm, Sesiidae picture № 0023-0024–2022;
5–6, paratype, wing expanse 15.5 mm, Sesiidae picture № 0149-0150–2021.
Dorsal (1, 3, 5) and ventral (2, 4, 6) view.

Variability of males of Scarlata namsanam sp. nov.
7–8, paratype, wing expanse 15.5 mm, Sesiidae picture №№ 0025-0026–2022;
9–10, paratype, wing expanse 15.3 mm, Sesiidae picture № 0027-0028–2022;
11–12, paratype, wing expanse 15.5 mm, Sesiidae picture № 0147-0148–2021.
Dorsal (7, 9, 11) and ventral (8, 10, 12) view.

O.G. Gorbunov. 2022. A New Species of the Genus Scarlata (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae) from Laos. Zoosystematica Rossica. 31(2): 204–211. DOI: doi.org/10.31610/zsr/2022.31.2.204 

 

[Botany • 2026] Melastoma calcicolum & M. souladethianum (Melastomataceae) • Two New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos

ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ |  Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ |  M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.

in Souvannakhoummane, Tanaka, Souladeth, Tagane, Dang, Yamamoto, Yamazaki, Pham, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Phengmala, Kongxaisavath et Sengthong, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3141

Abstract

Two new species, Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov. and M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. (Melastomataceae), are described from limestone karst habitats in Khammouane Province, central Laos. Descriptions, photographs, distribution, habitat, phenology, and initial conservation statuses of both newly described species are given. A key to the species of Melastoma in Laos including currently reported species is provided. These discoveries result from extensive fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2025 in protected areas including Phou Hin Poun National protected area and Phou Pha Marn area. M. calcicolum sp. nov. is distinguished from M. saigonenese by its terete twigs, narrow lanceolate leaves, spaced penicillate emergences on the hypanthium, stalk of emergences on hypanthium shorter, glabrous sepals, and longer styles, while M. souladethianum sp. nov. differs from M. pellegrinianum by its terete branches, small inflorescences with 2–4 flowers, and sparsely bristled hypanthium with strigose hairs. Both species are currently known only from their type localities, occurring in exposed limestone areas, and are preliminarily assessed as Endangered and Critically Endangered based on IUCN criteria due to their restricted distributions and small population sizes. These findings highlight the high botanical diversity and endemism of Laos’s limestone ecosystems and underscore the importance of continued botanical exploration in the region.

Keywords: Limestone flora, Myrtales, new description, new taxa, Southeast Asia

 

Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
 A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Close-up of flower bud showing the penicillate emergences. D. Horizontal cross-section of ovary. E. Lateral view of flower. F. Top view of flower. G. Vertical cross-section of flower bud. H. Flower bud. I. Vertical cross-section of the flower with petals removed. J. Petals. K. Long stamens. L. Short stamens. M. Pistil. N. Bottom view of hypanthium showing the 5 sepals.

Photos from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1704) 

A, C by S. Tagane; B, D, G–N by K. Souvannakhoummane and E–F by P. Phonepaseuth.

Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma saigonense (Kuntze) Merr., but differs in its terete young twigs  (vs.  (sub)quadrangular), narrower leaves (ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, length/width ratio 2.8–4.1 vs. ovate to elliptic, length/width ratio 1.8–2), penicillate emergences spaced apart (vs. densely covered by penicillate emergences), stalk of emergences on hypanthium 1–1.5 mm long (vs. 3–5 mm long), glabrous sepals except for ciliate margins (vs. outer surface densely covered with bristles), and longer styles (20–25 mm long vs. 15–20 mm long).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the limestone habitat.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ En R Khoun Kongleng (meaning: ʻKhoun Kongleng's Melastomaʼ).

Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C–D. Flowers. E. Petals. F. Hypanthium & pistil. G. Vertical cross-section of hypanthium showing ovary. H. Flower bud. I. Lateral view of young fruits. J. Top view of young fruit. K. Short stamens. L.  Long stamens. M. Lateral view of mature dry fruit. N. Top view of mature dry fruit. O. Vertical cross section of mature dry fruit.

C–L from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1213) and A–B; M–O paratype (Tagane et al. Z1915)

Photos by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma pellegrinianum (H.Boissieu) Karst.Mey., but it differs in having terete young branches (vs. quadrangular in M. pellegrinianum), inflorescences with 2–4 flowers (vs. more than 15), hypanthia sparsely covered in bristles with sparse strigose hairs (vs. bristles without strigose hairs).

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Phetlasy Souladeth, curator of the FOF herbarium of the National University of Laos, who led our field trips and is an excellent plant taxonomist. She has greatly contributed to elucidating the flora of Laos and has described more than 30 new species and recorded over 100 species to Laos’ flora.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ En R Phetsomphou (meaning: purple diamond’s Melastomaʼ).

Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Nobuyuki TANAKA, Phetlasy SOULADETH, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Quoc Trong PHAM, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH and Anousone SENGTHONG. 2026. Two New Species of Melastoma L. (Melastomataceae) from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1034(1); 1-13. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3141 [2026-01-08]

facebook.com/PhetlasySouladeth/posts/25405484335746080

[Botany • 2025] Boesenbergia burmanica (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Myanmar

 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk:

 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Boonma, Htway, Oo, Naing et Junsongduang, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040070 

Abstract

Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, a new species from Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar, is described based on morphological examination of specimens collected during field surveys in 2024–2025. The genus Boesenbergia is taxonomically complex, and ongoing botanical exploration in Southeast Asia continues to reveal undescribed taxa. Comparative analyses of living plants, herbarium materials, and published descriptions were conducted to determine diagnostic features. Boesenbergia burmanica is closely related to B. meghalayensis Aishwarya & M.Sabu but differs in having ovoid, branched rhizomes, a pubescent lamina on both surfaces, and an oblanceolate labellum with bright red markings. It grows in shady, sandy-loam habitats at 140–145 m elevation and flowers from August to September, producing inflorescences with nine to ten flowers. Species of Boesenbergia are traditionally used in Myanmar and neighboring regions as medicinal and ornamental plants, and notes on local ethnobotanical knowledge are provided. The new species exhibits high ornamental potential due to its compact clumping habit and attractive floral coloration. Cultivation guidelines are provided to support ex situ conservation and horticultural development for sustainable use. This discovery increases the number of Boesenbergia species recorded in Myanmar to 14 and highlights the importance of continued field-based taxonomic and conservation research on regional Zingiberaceae diversity.

Keywords: Boesenbergia; conservation; ethnobotany; Myanmar flora; new species; plant diversity; taxonomy; Zingibereae 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk:
(a) Top view of habits. (b) Front view of flower. (c) Abaxial of leaf. (d) Rhizome dissected to show the internal coloration. (g) Side view of pseudostems.
(e) Parts of flower of B. burmanica from left to right: side view of anther, epigynous glands with ovary, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe, lateral corolla lobes, staminodes and labellum.
(f) Parts of flower of B. meghalayensis from left to right: side view of anther, epigynous glands with ovary, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe, lateral corolla lobes, staminodes, and labellum. 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.:
 (a) Front view of anther. (b) Back view of anther. (c) Side view of flower. (d) Side view of anther with floral tube, calyx, and ovary. (e) Bract. (f) Calyx. (g) Habit. (h) Dorsal corolla lobe. (i) Lateral corolla lobes. (j) Staminodes. (k) Epigynous glands and ovary. (l) Labellum.

Illustration drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Boesenbergia burmanica is similar to B. meghalayensis Aishwarya & M.Sabu, but differs in having ovoid, branched rhizomes (vs. running); ovoid tuberous roots (vs. cylindrical); ligule 3–5 mm long (vs. 1–2 mm); lamina narrowly elliptic, pubescent on both surfaces (vs. elliptic, glabrous); bracts pale green, puberulent (vs. white, glabrous); bracteole puberulent (vs. glabrous); rachis elongate with 9–10 flowers (vs. 4–5 flowers); labellum oblanceolate, not saccate, apex incised, white with bright red towards the apex and reddish spots on the mid-lobe (vs. ovate, saccate, apex acute, white with maroon towards the tip, maroon spots in the throat, and pale yellow along the mid-lobe); and larger anther (7.5–7.7 × 3.4–3.6 mm) with smaller crest not touching the anther backside (vs. 5–6 × 2 mm, crest 2.5 × 2 mm, tip touching backside) (Table 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3).

Etymology: The specific epithet “burmanica” refers to Myanmar (formerly Burma), the country where the species was discovered.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Nyi Nyi Htway, Win Paing Oo, Min Khant Naing and Auemporn Junsongduang. 2025. A New Species of Boesenbergia Kuntze (Zingiberaceae) from Myanmar, with Notes on Diversity, Utilization, Conservation, and Horticultural Potential. Taxonomy. 5(4), 70; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040070 [17 December 2025]

Researchgate.net/publication/398772402_A_New_Species_of_Boesenbergia_from_Myanmar

[Ichthyology • 2025] Acentrogobius nigromaculatus • A New Species of Acentrogobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with a revised diagnosis for Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927)

Acentrogobius nigromaculatus

 Koreeda & Motomura, 2025

 

「イッテンホホグロスジハゼ」DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01044-9

facebook.com: Reo Koreeda

Abstract

The new gobiid species Acentrogobius nigromaculatus sp. nov., distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indo-West Pacific region from Rodrigues Island (Mascarene Islands) to Japan, and previously misidentified as Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927), is described, together with a revised diagnosis of A. suluensis. The new species is distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characteristics: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 9 (rarely 10); anal-fin rays I, 9 (rarely 10); pectoral-fin rays 15–17; longitudinal scale series 26–32 (modally 29); transverse scales 9–12 (modally 10); pre-dorsal scales absent; first to fourth spines of first dorsal fin each with a filamentous tip (usually fourth spine longest; second and third spines of similar length; first spine shortest); head and nape naked; body mostly covered with ctenoid scales; cycloid or weakly ctenoid scales on thorax and just above pectoral-fin base; two brown stripes from just behind pectoral-fin base to caudal-fin base; five dark brown lateral blotches (rarely 6) on body, between lateral stripes; blue spots (sometimes indistinct) between and just above lateral stripes when fresh, but indistinct or absent on lateral blotches; black blotch on opercle; paired black spots on chin; single black spot on spine tip of second dorsal fin; longitudinal yellow (sometimes reddish-yellow) stripe on upper margin of caudal fin, just above longitudinal bluish stripe. The new species is similar to A. suluensis and Acentrogobius violarisi Allen 2015 in having a ladder-like lateral pattern on the body and a black blotch on the opercle but differs in having a naked pre-dorsal area, paired black blotches on the chin, a distinct black spot in the spine tip of the second dorsal fin, and yellow and blue stripes on the upper margin of the caudal fin, and lacking transverse red stripes and vertical black blotches laterally on the body.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Morphology, Yongeichthys, COI mt DNA

Acentrogobius nigromaculatus sp. nov. 

(New English name: Spotted Ladder Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Itten-hohoguro-suji-haze)

Etymology. The specific name “nigromaculatus” and part of the Japanese name “Itten” refer to the single black spot on the spine tip of the second dorsal fin.

Reo Koreeda and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2025. A New Species of Acentrogobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with a revised diagnosis for Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927).   Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01044-9 [21 November 2025]

 facebook.com/100008955613897/posts/3758840624424421

【博物館・連合農学研究科】点があります。イッテンホホグロスジハゼ

https://www.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/topics/2025/12/post-2391.html

[Ichthyology • 2025] Niwaella tigrina • A New Species of Spined Loach (Cobitidae) from the Poyang Lake System of Jiangxi Province, East China

 

Niwaella tigrina

H.-X. Zhang, Y.-P. Zhang, W.-J. Chen & E. Zhang, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.5

 

Abstract

A new species of the spiny loach genus Niwaella is described herein from the Xiu-Shui river, an affluent of Lake Poyang in Jiangxi Province, China. This species is distinguished from all other congeneric species in China due to having a unique body coloration, comprising 20-25 transverse black bars on the dorsum and upper part of the flank. Other characteristics, though not exclusive to this species, include an indistinct blackish mid-dorsal stripe from the nape to the caudal-fin base, a lower jaw fully covered by the lower lip; 17-20 black vertical bars on the lower part of flank, a short suborbital spine with a shorter processus latero-caudalis that is less than one-fifth the length of the processus medio-caudalis, and seven branched dorsal-fin rays. The validity of the new species is corroborated by its monophyly, as evidenced by phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene.

Pisces, Taxonomy, Cobitidae, new taxon, middle Chang-Jiang basin

HAI-XIN ZHANG, YAN-PING ZHANG, WEN-JING CHEN and E. ZHANG. 2025. Niwaella tigrina, A New Species of Spined Loach from the Poyang Lake System of Jiangxi Province, East China.  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 101-112. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.5 [2025-01-31]

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron mulunense (Ericaceae) • A New Species from the Karst Mountains of Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces, China

  

Rhododendron mulunense  Y.S.Huang & X.X.Mao,

in Hou, Huang, Luo, Chen et Mao, 2026.

木论杜鹃  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.175011  

 

Abstract

Rhododendron mulunense, a new species of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) within subsect. Maddenia in sect. Rhododendron and endemic to karst areas of Guangxi and Guizhou Province, SW China, is described and illustrated. The new species most closely resembles R. wumingense, particularly in scale density on the abaxial leaf surface and in flower color and shape, but can be readily distinguished by its hairless shoots and leaves, larger tubular-funneled corolla, and longer and thinner white tube flushed with pink. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the threatened status of the new species is assessed as “Endangered, EN C2a(i), D.” We provide detailed documentation of its morphological characteristics, geographical distribution, digitized holotype voucher, and comparative photographs, along with a diagnostic table. An identification key is provided as a primary tool to enable taxonomic discrimination of this species from its congeners.

Key words: Conservation, morphology, Rhododendron mulunense, Rhododendron wumingense, taxonomy

Rhododendron mulunense.
 A. The habitat of this new species in type localities; B. Flowering plants; C. Leaves; D–F. Flowering branchlets, inflorescences, and flowers; G, H. Dissection of corolla; I. Flower buds; J. Stamens and style; K. Styles and ovaries; L. Dissection of ovary; M. Stigmas; N. Poorly developed stamens; O. Normal stamens; P, Q. Anther abaxial and adaxial surface; R. Tube base; S. Flower bud scales; T. Dehiscent capsule.

Photographs by Yu-Song Huang.

 Rhododendron mulunense Y.S.Huang & X.X.Mao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Resembles Rhododendron wumingense Fang but distinguishable by the absence of indumentum on young shoots, leaf margins, and petioles (vs. sparsely setose), longer and larger leaves (4.2–7.4 × 2.3–3.8 vs. 3.5–4.5 × 1.8–2.4 cm), relatively sparser scales on abaxial leaf surfaces (1–4 vs. 1–3 × their own diameter apart), corollas that are tubular funneled (vs. broadly funneled), longer and wider (5.9–7.5 × 4.7–7 vs. 3.1–4.5 × 3.3–4.9 cm) with slender tubes (2.9–3.9 × 0.5–1.2 vs. 1.9–2.5 × 1.7–2.4 cm), outer surface of corolla tubes white flushed with pink (vs. yellowish green) and pubescent but not scaly (vs. sparsely scaly and hairless) (Figs 1, 2, 4; Table 1).

Etymology. The specific epithet of this newly described species refers to its type localities at Guangxi Mulun National Nature Reserve, part of the South China Karst landscape registered in UNESCO’s World Heritage List.

Vernacular name. Simplified Chinese: 木论杜鹃; 

Chinese pinyin: mù lùn dù juān.

Ying Hou, Yu-Song Huang, Liu-Juan Luo, Zheng-Ren Chen, Xing-Xing Mao. 2026. Rhododendron mulunense (Ericaceae), A New Species from the Karst Mountains of Guangxi and Guizhou Provinces, China. PhytoKeys. 269: 99-112. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.175011  [08-01-2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Coelotes fani • A New Species of Coelotes Blackwall, 1841 (Araneae: Agelenidae: Coelotinae) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, northeast Guangxi, southern China

Coelotes fani Zhou, 

in Wang, Jiang et Zhou, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e178386

Abstract

Background: The genus Coelotes Blackwall, 1841, comprises 156 species, primarily distributed in East Asia, including Japan (64 species), China (56 species) and Korea (1 species). Currently, only two species of this genus have been recorded in Guangxi, China.

New information: A new coelotine species, Coelotes fani Zhou, sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This includes a detailed description, diagnosis, illustrations and a distribution map of this species.

Keywords: Asia, coelotine spiders, distribution, morphology, taxonomy

Coelotes fani Zhou, sp. nov.

 Hegui Wang, Runze Jiang, Guchun Zhou. 2026. A New Species of Coelotes Blackwall, 1841 (Araneae, Agelenidae, Coelotinae) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, northeast Guangxi, southern China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e178386.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e178386 [09 Jan 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Oreoryzomys jumandi, O. balneator, O. hesperus, ... • Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Rodentia: Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae)

 

(A-E) Oreoryzomys balneator (Thomas, 1900);
(F-J) O. hesperus (Anthony, 1924);
 (K-O) Oreoryzomys jumandi Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas, 

in Brito​, Vargas, Tinoco, García, Carrión-Olmedo, Koch, Wistuba, Nivelo-Villavicencio et Pardiñas. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515

Abstract

The until recently monotypic cricetid genus Oreoryzomys inhabits piedmont and cloud forests, primarily in eastern Ecuador and northwestern Peru. Erected following the taxonomic revision of a polytypic Oryzomys complex two decades ago, Oreoryzomys has remained poorly understood, with most references limited to the original descriptions of its type species (O. balneator) and a subspecies (O. b. hesperus). Here, we present an integrative taxonomic revision of the genus, based on new field collections and comprehensive museum-based analyses. Phylogenetic reconstructions from mitochondrial and nuclear gene sequences, combined with morphometric and qualitative morphological data, support the recognition of three species: (1) a redescribed O. balneator from central-eastern Ecuador; (2) O. hesperus, elevated to full species rank based on topotypic material; and (3) a new species from populations of the Quijos River Valley, northeastern Ecuador. This revision triples the known species diversity of Oreoryzomys and highlights the genus as a notable radiation of small-bodied oryzomyines adapted to Andean environments. Our findings emphasize the need for systematic revisions of other poorly known Andean rodents to better reveal the hidden diversity of cricetids and the role of the Andes in shaping Neotropical biodiversity.

Keywords: Andes, Ecuador, New species, Oreoryzomys balneator, Oreoryzomys hesperus, Oryzomyini, Peru

 

External appearance of the three Oreoryzomys species (left panels) and details of their feet and hands (right panels).
Top row: (A) live lateral view (O. balneator, MECN 5815); (B–C) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (D–E) palmar and dorsal views of hand (MECN 6140).
Middle row: (F) live lateral view (O. a. hesperus, MECN 4789); (G–H) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (I–J) palmar and dorsal views of hand.
Bottom row: (K) live lateral view (Oreoryzomys jumandi sp. nov., MECN 8278, holotype); (L–M) plantar and dorsal views of foot; (N–O) palmar and dorsal views of hand.

Scale = 10 mm. Photographs (A–J, L–O) by J Brito; (K) by R Wistuba.

Oreoryzomys jumandi new species. Brito, Vargas, García, Tinoco & Pardiñas

 

Jumandi Mountain Mouse, 

Ratón montano de Jumandi (in Spanish)

 

Diagnosis: A species of Oreoryzomys distinguished by the following combination of characters: incisive foramina short, not reaching the anterior margin of M1 (Fig. 6F); frontoparietal (coronal) suture distinctly V-shaped (Fig. 6E); stapedial process of the auditory bulla elongate and pointed, projecting beyond the posterior margin of the alisphenoid (Fig. 9F); median lacerate foramen broad and positioned at a distance from the bulla; M3 with the hypoflexus shallow, forming a lake-like structure; and m2 with a long mesolophid fused to the mesostyle (Fig. 11C).

 

Etymology: Named in honor of Jumandi, a Quijo warrior who led the first indigenous uprising against Spanish conquistadors in the Americas on 29 November 1578 (Santos-Granero, 1992). In recognition of his historical significance, Jumandi was officially declared a National Hero by the Asamblea Nacional del Ecuador in November 2011.

Jorge Brito​, Rocío Vargas, Nicolás Tinoco, Rubí García, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo, Claudia Koch, Ricarda Wistuba, Carlos Nivelo-Villavicencio and Ulyses F.J. Pardiñas. 2026. Mountains of Diversity: A Systematic Revision of the Andean Rodent Genus Oreoryzomys (Cricetidae: Sigmodontinae). PeerJ. 14:e20515. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20515 [January 9, 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Hoya thuhae (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from central Vietnam and H. lobbii, new record for Vietnam

Hoya thuhae Aver., Vuong & V.C.Nguyen⁣, 

in Tran, V. C. Nguyen, Averyanov, Wook, Truong, V. K. Nguyen, Maisak et Shvanova, 2025.  

turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/18531 

facebook.com: Nguyễn Văn Cảnh

Abstract

A new species, Hoya thuhae (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), from lowland areas of central Vietnam, is described. It resembles H. kerrii but may be distinguished by its finely pubescent petioles, puberulous leaf blade, longer peduncle, longer pilose to strigose pedicels, different shape of the calyx lobes, and elliptic corolla segments with apices raised above the central portion. Additionally, H. lobbii, known earlier in NE India, Thailand, and Cambodia, is recorded for Vietnam at first. Data on the ecology, phenology, distribution, and conservation status for both species are provided, together with plates compiled from original color analytical photos.

Keywords: flora of Vietnam, Hoya kerrii, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Thi T. N. Tran, Van C. Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov, Um S. Wook, Ba V. Truong, Van K. Nguyen, Tatyana V. Maisak and Valeria V. Shvanova. 2025. Hoya thuhae (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae), A New Species and H. lobbii, new record for Vietnam.  Turczaninowia. 28(4); 144–150. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.28.4.17 [2025-12-25] 

turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/18531 

 facebook.com/canhorchid/posts/10229724189551490

 

[Arachnida • 2025] Spinepeira erwini & Scoloderus neilli • New astonishing Species of Orb-weaving Spiders (Araneae: Araneidae) from Ecuador [A Web of Canopy Discoveries Part I]

Spinepeira erwini

Díaz-Guevara & Dupérré, 2025.  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.4.9

 

Abstract 

Two new species from the family Araneidae are described: a new species from the monotypic orb-weaving genus Spinepeira Levi, 1995, Spinepeira erwini sp. nov. (♀), and a new species of Scoloderus Simon, 1887, Scoloderus neilli sp. nov. (♀), are described from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Both species were collected with insecticidal canopy knockdown. Furthermore, herein, we present the first images of Spinepeira’s internal genitalia, and the first country record of Pozonia Schenkel, 1953 is reported with Pozonia bacillifera (Simon, 1897) collected in the canopy of Tiputini in Ecuador.

Araneae, Fogging, canopy knockdown, orb-weaver

\

Spinepeira erwini sp. nov. 

David R. DÍAZ-GUEVARA and Nadine DUPÉRRÉ. 2025. A Web of Canopy Discoveries Part I (Araneae: Araneidae). New astonishing Species of Orb-weaving Spiders from Ecuador and the first country record of Pozonia Schenkel, 1953.  Zootaxa. 5660(4); 587-595. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5660.4.9 [2025-07-11]