[Paleontology • 2025] Falciscaris mumakiana • A New giant nektobenthic radiodont benthivore (Radiodonta: Hurdiidae) from the Early Ordovician Fezouata Biota in Morocco

 

Falciscaris mumakiana 

Potin, Claisse, Trébaol, Gueriau, Wu, Pates & Daley, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01278.2025 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398154837

Artwork by Alexis Trébaol

The Fezouata Shale Formation is an Early Ordovician Lagerstätte that preserved exceptionally detailed records of complex marine ecosystems, making it crucial for understanding the early evolution of animal life. It has yielded the youngest known community of radiodonts to date. This group is particularly well known from the Cambrian, with iconic representatives such as Anomalocaris, which are emblematic of the Cambrian explosion. Here we describe a new radiodont from the Fezouata Biota, Falciscaris mumakiana gen. et sp. nov. based on seven specimens of isolated frontal appendages. These appendages bear long endites with large and robust auxiliary spines, suggesting they were adapted for foraging through sediment in search of prey. The appendages of F. mumakiana gen. et sp. nov. can be relatively large compared to the majority of radiodont appendages, with endites reaching up to 11.4 cm in length, suggesting a total body size exceeding one meter for this Ordovician radiodont. In contrast, smaller specimens can be up to 10 times smaller, indicating ontogenetic stages during which the frontal appendage morphology changes little. Following the “Ordovician Plankton Revolution”, the proliferation of planktonic resources and enhanced pelagic-benthic coupling during this period likely allowed for the rise of giant suspension-feeding radiodonts, such as the Aegirocassisinae and F. mumakiana gen. et sp. nov., the new giant benthivore. In term of taxonomic diversity, benthivores radiodonts remain a minor component of radiodont diversity in the Fezouata Biota compared to the more dominant suspension feeders.

Key words: Panarthropoda, Radiodonta, Hurdiidae, gigantism, benthivores, feeding evolution, Fezouata Shale, Early Ordovician.

Superphylum Panarthropoda Nielsen, 1995 

Order Radiodonta Collins, 1996 

Family Hurdiidae Lerosey-Aubril & Pates, 2018

Hurdiid radiodont Falciscaris mumakiana gen. et sp. nov. frontal appendage, 
from the Fezouata Shale Formation, Lower Ordovician, Morocco.
YPM IP 516782a/b, holotype and paratypes 

 Genus Falciscaris nov.

Etymology: From Latin falx (genitive falcis), scythe, in recognition of the strongly curved shape of the endites tips; and Latinised Greek caris, crab, commonly used in arthropod taxonomy.

Falciscaris mumakiana sp. nov.  

 Etymology: Mûmak (plural mûmakil) is a fantasy elephant-like animal from the Tolkien universe Lord of the Rings. They are described as giant animals and are depicted in the third part of the movie trilogy as having 4 long curved tusks equipped with spines, looking like the curved and spiny endite of Falciscaris mumakiana gen. et sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Hurdiidae frontal appendage with at least seven podomeres: one proximal, five intermediate and one distal. Proximal podomeres rectangular, taller than long. At least six laminiform endites are present, long ones on five intermediate podomeres and a shorter one distally. Intermediate endites over twice the height of podomeres, all ending in a strongly curved, hook-like tip. Each endite bears dorsally curved auxiliary spines in at least three sizes, alternating such that spines of the same size are never adjacent.

Artistic life reconstruction of the hurdiid radiodont Falciscaris mumakiana gen. et sp. nov. 
Apart from the frontal appendages, the reconstruction is based on other related hurdiids.

by Alexis Trébaol

Gaëtan J.-M. Potin, Pénélope Claisse, Alexis Trébaol, Pierre Gueriau, Yu Wu, Stephen Pates, and Allison C. Daley. 2025. A New giant nektobenthic radiodont benthivore from the Early Ordovician Fezouata Biota in Morocco. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 70(4). 709-722. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01278.2025 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398154837_A_new_giant_nektobenthic_radiodont_benthivore_from_the_Early_Ordovician_Fezouata_Biota_in_Morocco

[Botany • 2025] Rubus tianmuensis (Rosaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Anhui Province, China

Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, 

in Yin, Yi et Zhang, 2025. 

天目悬钩子 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.2.6

 

Abstract

Rubus tianmuensis, a newly discovered species belonging to the genus Rubus and Rosaceae family, is native to the Tianmu Mountains in southeastern Anhui Province. Genetically, it is related closely to R. chingii; however, several key morphological features position R. tianmuensis apart from R. chingii. Morphological analysis indicated that R. tianmuensis is characterized by persistently pedate leaves (vegetative and reproductive) with differentiated terminal leaflets on distinct petiolules, a trait consistently observed in both wild populations and cultivated specimens under under standard growth conditions. Additionally, the pedicels exhibit dense pubescence comprising short glandular trichomes and recurved prickles. Phylogenetic analysis based on ITS sequences confirmed the distinctiveness of this new species from R. chingii.

Rubus tianmuensis, Flora of China, Rosaceae, Rubus, Eudicots

Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin.
 A. Flowering branch (showing the flowering leaf shape). B. Vegetative branch (showing leaf shape during the vegetative period). C. Upper part of the pedicel (showing the glandular and pubescent hairs). D. Lower part of the pedicel (showing the prickle). E. Stipules of flowering branches. F. Flower.

Drawn by LiMing Zhang.

Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin.
A. Habitat. B. Leaf shape. C. Flowering branch. D. Flower. E. Upper part of the pedicel (showing the glandular and pubescent hairs). F. Fruit branch. G. Fruit. H. Seed. I. Stipules on flowering branches. J. Vegetative plant. K. Vegetative branch (showing leaf shape during the vegetative period). L. Local close-up of a leaf on the vegetative branch (showing the petiolule).

Rubus tianmuensis K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, sp. nov.

 (天目悬钩子)  

 Type:—CHINA. Anhui Province: Jixi County, Qingliangfeng National Nature Reserve, at the edge of the hillside forest, 30°__N, 118°__E, alt. 778m, March, 28, 2019, K. Zhang & Yong F. Yin, R190328001 (holotype, ACM! ACM1903280011; isotype, ACM! ACM1903280012). 

Diagnosis:—Rubus tianmuensis differs from R. chingii in several key morphological features. R. chingii has simple, palmately lobed leaves with five deep lobes, whereas the new species has compound, pedately divided leaves, with the terminal leaflet having a distinct petiolule. Additionally, the leaves of R. chingii are either hairy only along the veins or nearly glabrous on both sides, whereas the new species’ leaves are slightly pubescent on both sides. The stipules of R. chingii are linear lanceolate, whereas the stipules of the flowering branches in the new species are lanceolate, wider than those of R. chingii, and distinctly hairy. Furthermore, R. chingii has glabrous pedicels, whereas the pedicels of the new species are covered with distinct hairs, short glandular hairs, and hooked spines. These distinguishing features clearly delineate the two species.

Etymology:—Species name is derived from the mountain Tianmu where Rubus tianmuensis was discovered (天 目悬钩子).

Yongfei YIN, Shanyong YI and Ke ZHANG. 2025. Rubus tianmuensis (Rosaceae), A New Species from southeastern Anhui Province, China. Phytotaxa. 732(2); 193-202. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.2.6 [2025-12-04] 

[Botany • 2025] Angiopteris guangdongensis (Marattiaceae) • A New Species From Guangdong, China

 

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan,  

in W.-F. Chen, Sun, L.-J. Chen, Shu, Liang, Zheng et Yan, 2025.  

 广东观音座莲  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72447 

ABSTRACT

In this study, we confirm that the population of Angiopteris from Guangdong Province represents a distinct new species, which we describe as Angiopteris guangdongensis. Morphologically, A. guangdongensis resembles Angiopteris fokiensis but can be distinguished by its arborescent habit (reaching up to 5 m in height), robust scaly stipes, linear-lanceolate pinnules, abaxially scaly slender pinnules, sori with 7–16 sporangia, and a higher basal pinnule aspect ratio. Plastid phylogenomic analyses place A. guangdongensis as a monophyletic lineage sister to A. fokiensis. According to IUCN guidelines, the species is preliminarily assessed as ‘Data Deficient (DD)’. In addition, we report the complete plastid genome of this new species. This discovery not only provides important insights into the evolution and speciation of Angiopteris but also highlights the taxonomic oversimplification within the genus.

Keywords: ferns, Marattiaceae, morphology, phylogeny, plastid genome, taxonomy

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov.
 (A) Habit; (B) pinnule; (C) detail of pinnule; (D) spore; (E) scale on the abaxial surface of the pinnule; (F) scale on the abaxial surface of the pinna rachis.

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov.
(A) Habitat; (B) lamina; (C) pinnae; (D) rhizome and stipe; (E) sporangia.

Photographs by Jin-Gang Liu (A–E).

Angiopteris guangdongensis Wufeng Chen and Y.H. Yan, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Angiopteris guangdongensis is similar to both A. fokiensis (type locality: Fujian Province, China) and A. muralis (type locality: Guangdong Province, China), but it can be distinguished by the following diagnostic characters: (1) arborescent habit, 3–5 m tall (vs. 2–4 m in A. fokiensis and 2–3 m in A. muralis); (2) robust stipes, 9 cm in diameter, densely scaly (vs. 6 cm, sparsely scaly in both species); (3) linear-lanceolate pinnules (vs. lanceolate in A. fokiensis; ovate, lanceolate, acuminate in A. muralis); (4) pinnules densely scaly on the abaxial surface (vs. glabrous in A. fokiensis and sparsely scaly in A. muralis); (5) higher basal pinnule AR (Figures 5-8; Table 2).

Etymology: The specific epithet guangdongensis refers to Guangdong Province, China, the geographical origin of the type specimen. The species shows narrow endemism, being restricted to this region based on current distribution records.

Vernacular name: 广东观音座莲 (guang dong guan yin zuo lian).

 

Wu-Feng Chen, Wei-Yue Sun, Li-Jun Chen, Jiang-Ping Shu, Jun-Jie Liang, Yue-Bing Zheng and Yue-Hong Yan. 2025. Angiopteris guangdongensis (Marattiaceae): A New Species From Guangdong, China. Ecology and Evolution.15(11);  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.72447 [09 November 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Balanophora xinfeniae (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu, 

in Fu, Zhou, Liao, Zhang, Xu et Li, 2025. 

信芬蛇菰 | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400

 

Abstract

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L.Fu, M.Li & B.Xu, a new species discovered in Xizang, China, is described and illustrated here. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons strongly support B. xinfeniae as a new species within the genus Balanophora. The most distinctive characteristic of the new species is its dioecious sexual system, with male flowers having a 3-lobed perianth, opposite leaves with serrated tips, and yellow scapes. Although it shares morphological similarities with B. henryi, B. xinfeniae can be distinguished by its flat spheroid tubers without stellate lenticels, yellow scape, prominently serrated apical leaf margins, and nearly spherical or ovoid-ellipsoid female inflorescences.

Key words: Balanophora xinfeniae, China, holoparasitic plants, phylogeny, taxonomy

Line illustration of Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu.
 A. Male individual; B. Male flower; C. Female individual; D. Female flowers surrounding one claviform body.
Drawn by Zi-Heng Yu based on YLZB11691-A and YLZB11691-B specimens stored in CDBI.

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu.
 A, B. Habitats (both male and female; arrows point to female individuals); C. Female individual (upper) and male individual (lower); D. Male individual; E. Female individual; F. Leaves and scape; G. Leaves; H. Tuber; I. Male inflorescence; J. Female inflorescence; K. Female flower and claviform body.

Photos by Meng Li and Chen-Long Fu.

Morphology of Balanophora xinfeniae (A–C), B. henryi (D–F),
B. involucrata (G–I), and B. flava (J–M).
A, D, G, J, K. Male and female individuals; B, E, H, L. Leaves; C, F, I, M. Tubers.

Photos by Meng Li and Wei-Hua Liao.

 Balanophora xinfeniae C.L.Fu, M.Li & B.Xu, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Balanophora xinfeniae is morphologically similar to B. henryi, but the two species can be distinguished by several features. The tuber branching shape of B. xinfeniae is characterized as flat spheroid or subglobose, whereas that of B. henryi is irregularly spherical or oblate. The scapes of B. xinfeniae are yellow, in contrast to the red or red-to-yellow scapes of B. henryi. In B. xinfeniae, the apical margins of the leaves are prominently serrate, whereas those of B. henryi are entire. The female inflorescence of B. xinfeniae is nearly spherical or ovoid-ellipsoid, while that of B. henryi is broadly ovoid. The flowering period of B. xinfeniae is from April to May, compared to September to November for B. henryi (Table 2; Fig. 2).

Etymology. The species epithet xinfeniae honors Prof. Xin-Fen Gao (former curator of the CDBI Herbarium), a distinguished botanist who made significant contributions to the taxonomy of seed plants, lycopods, and pteridophytes.

Vernacular name. Chinese Mandarin: Xìn fēn shé gū (信芬蛇菰).

Chen-Long Fu, Jia-Ning Zhou, Wei-Hua Liao, Tong Zhang, Bo Xu and Meng Li. 2025. Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 241-252. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400 [19 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae) • A New mitriform Species of Thismia sect. Geomitra from Selangor, Malaysia

 

Thismia selangorensis  Siti-Munirah & Gim Siew,  

in Siti-Munirah, Siew, Mat-Tahir et Azhar, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968 

Abstract

Thismia selangorensis, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia, is described herein. It was first discovered in a tree hole on a riverbank in Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, Selangor, Malaysia. This new species is superficially similar to members of Thismia section Geomitra in that it has coralliform roots, inner tepals forming a mitre with three appendages on top, and stamens with a prominent dorsal rib. However, T. selangorensis differs from known species of T. sect. Geomitra in several morphological features, including the colour of the flowers, the shape of the mitre, the shape of the inner tepal lobes forming the mitre, and the presence of translucent reticulation on the inner surface of the floral tube. Thismia selangorensis is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Ecopark, endemic, Geomitra, mitre, achlorophyllous plant, Southeast Asian flora, taxonomy

Thismia selangorensis.
 A. Plants with flowers and roots; B. Top view of mitre (inner tepals); C. Side view of inner tepal; D. Ovary, stigma, and style; E. Floral tube with mitre removed and minute triangular outer tepal; F. Longitudinal section of floral tube with three stamens; G. Outer view of three pendulous stamens; H, I. View of inner side of floral tube, upper part (H), lower part (I); J. Bract; K. Leaf. Drawn by Mohammad Aidil Nordin from the spirit material (FRI 79179 & 79180).

Thismia selangorensis.
A. A plant with full flower and coralliform roots; A1. Claviform tip of mitre appendage; B. Outer tepal and filaments; C. Inner tepal forming a mitre; D. Floral tube and mitre; E. Mitre viewed from above; F. Floral tube with ovary and flower bud surrounded by bracts and tepals split on apex; G. Longitudinal section of floral tube, showing inner part (H); H. Inner surface of floral tube; I. Top view of stamens; J. Inner view of a stamen; K. Outer view of a stamen; L. Six stamens viewed from below; M. Stigma. Photos by Siti-Munirah MY and Mohd Faizal; all from FRI 79179 & 79180; images not to scale (see dimensions in description and Fig. 2).

Thismia selangorensis in its natural habitat.
A. Young flower that is not yet fully developed (uncollected plant); B. Mature flower living just beside the roots of a tree buttress (uncollected plant); C. A clump of T. selangorensis at different stages in its natural habitat (FRI 79182); D. A clump of flowers showing a different stage of mitre (FRI 79179 & FRI 79180). Photos by Gim Siew (A–C) and Mohd Faizal (D).

 Thismia selangorensis Siti-Munirah & Gim Siew, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Thismia selangorensis differs from other species of Thismia sect. Geomitra in the following combinations of characteristics: the flower is white to brownish with peach colouration; the distal part of inner tepals is arrow-like with distinct basal lobes, perfectly connate to each other when young, partly splitting on the sutures with age; mitre is wide and resembling a large umbrella, convex and trilobed when viewed from above in younger flowers, flat and irregularly hexalobed in old flowers.

 Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Tan Gim Siew, Mohd Faizal Mat-Tahir and Ahmad Azhar. 2025. Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae): A New mitriform Fairy Lantern Species from Selangor, Malaysia.  PhytoKeys. 267: 9-21. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968 [28 Nov 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Gambusia nobilis, G. pyrros & G. echelleorum • A Total Evidence Approach justifies Taxonomic Splitting of the Endangered Pecos gambusia (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae: Gambusia) into Three Species

 Gambusia nobilis (Baird & Girard 1853)

Gambusia pyrros 
Gambusia echelleorum 

 Portnoy, Bretzing-Tungate, Fields, Bean, Smith, Dolan, Blanchard & Conway, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.251025

Abstract

Gambusia nobilis is a federally endangered species found across a fragmented distribution within the Pecos River Drainage of Texas and New Mexico, USA. Drought, human water usage, and potential hybridization and competition with introduced congeners threaten species persistence. Therefore, a population genomics study was conducted to provide critical information for conservation planning. Unsupervised clustering suggested hierarchical structure, with a primary K = 3, and deep divergences were detected among samples grouped into the Leon Creek watershed, the Toyah Creek watershed, and water bodies within the Bitter Lake National Wildlife Refuge (F’ST = 0.55–0.76 for putatively neutral data). Phylogenetic analyses showed three distinct clades corresponding to these groups, with divergence times estimated to be in the last 50 000 years. Complimentary morphological analyses detected differences among the three groups, including features of male colour pattern, and the number of caudal-fin rays in both sexes. Taken as a whole, the results indicate that the endangered G. nobilis comprises three species (two of which are named herein as G. pyrros n. sp. and G. echelleorum n. sp.), rather than one, and the study highlights the daunting yet critical task of documenting species diversity during a period of unprecedented diversity loss.

Keywords: Chihuahua desert, genetic drift, taxonomy, Poeciliidae, species delimitation

Subjects:biology, evolution, genomics, taxonomy and systematics

Distribution and relationships of the Gambusia nobilis species complex.
  (a) Map showing distribution of G. nobilis, G. pyrros n. sp. and G. echelleorum n.sp. within Chihuahuan desert ecoregion of western Texas and southeastern New Mexico. (b) Closer view of area surrounded by dashed rectangle (b) in (a), showing location of G. echelleorum samples from Bitter Lake watershed in New Mexio, type locality indicated by black asterisk (*). (c) Closer view of area surrounded by dashed rectangle (c) in (a), showing location of G. nobilis samples from Leon Creek watershed and G. pyrros samples from Toyah Creek watershed in Texas, type localities indicated by black asterisk (*).
(d) Clade equivalent to the Gambusia nobilis species complex from the Maximum Likelihood phylogram based on 5989 loci showing relationships of G. nobilis, G. pyrros and G. echelleorum, numbers above branches represent bootstrap values (full topology available in electronic supplementary material, figure S7). (e) Discriminant analysis of principal components using the unsupervised clustering algorithm, K-means (= 3), using 3502 single nucleotide polymorphism-containing loci and 212 individuals (G. nobilis, n = 63; G. pyrros, n = 79; G. echelleorum, n = 70). Basemap in (a) created with SimpleMappr. Satellite images in (b) and (c) obtained from Google Earth.

Male individuals of the three members of the Gambusia nobilis species complex photographed in life against different background and in different views (lateral and dorsal) to document variation in colour pattern.
(a) Left side, lateral view, against light grey background: (i) G. nobilis (TCWC 21102.01); (ii, iii) G. pyrros (TCWC 21103.02, paratypes); (iv) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21104.01, holotype); (v-vii) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21105.01, paratypes). (b) Left side, lateral view, against dark grey background: (i, ii) G. nobilis (TCWC 21102.01); (iii) G. pyrros (TCWC 21103.02, paratype); (iv) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21104.01, holotype); (v) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21105.01, paratype). (c) Dorsal view (background variable): (i, ii) G. nobilis (TCWC 21102.01); (iii, iv) G. pyrros (TCWC 21103.02, paratypes); (v) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21104.01, holotype); (vi) G. echelleorum (TCWC 21105.01, paratype

 Gambusia nobilis (Baird & Girard 1853)

  Gambusia pyrros new species

Diagnosis: A member of the Gambusia nobilis species group (sensu Rauchenberger [1989]) most similar to G. nobilis and G. echelleorum. The characters distinguishing G. pyrros from G. nobilis are listed in the diagnosis of the latter. Gambusia pyrros is distinguished from G. echelleorum by the same characters that distinguish G. nobilis from G. echelleorum, plus: body colour of males orange-red or yellow-orange (figures 1d and 2b(ii); electronic supplementary material, figure S8) (versus yellow-grey to light cream; figures 1d and 2b(iii); electronic supplementary material, figure S8), anal fin of male orange-red at base in life (figure 2d(ii)) (versus orange; figure 2d(iii)), a higher modal number of total caudal-fin rays (29–32, mode 31 versus 25–29, mode 27; figure 2e), a higher modal number of branched caudal-fin rays (12–15, mode 14 versus 9–14, mode 12).

Etymology: From the Greek pyrros, meaning flame-coloured, a reference to the bright yellow, orange and red colours of the median fins of males in life. A noun in apposition. Proposed common name: flame gambusia.

  Gambusia echelleorum new species

Diagnosis: A member of the Gambusia nobilis species group (sensu Rauchenberger [1989]) most similar to G. nobilis and G. pyrros. The characters distinguishing G. echelleorum from G. nobilis and G. pyrros are listed in the diagnoses provided for the latter two.

Etymology: Named for Alice and Anthony Echelle in honour of their work on Gambusia nobilis. A noun in the genitive. Proposed common name: New Mexico Gambusia.

David S. Portnoy; Robert J. Bretzing-Tungate; Andrew T. Fields; Megan G. Bean; Ryan K. Smith; Elizabeth P. Dolan; Rose Blanchard and Kevin W. Conway. 2025. A Total Evidence Approach justifies Taxonomic Splitting of the Endangered Pecos gambusia into Three Species. R Soc Open Sci. (2025) 12 (11): 251025. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.251025 [26 Nov 2025]

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Hemidactylus kalinga • A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Northern Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India

 

 Hemidactylus kalinga

Mohapatra, Ray, Das, Bhupathi, Sarkar, Mohalik, Nair & Dutta, 2025 

Kalinga rock gecko | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e175753

Abstract

We describe a new species of large-bodied, rock-dwelling gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India. The new species is genetically distinct, as already indicated in previous studies, and differs from all other congeners in a combination of morphological characters, such as dorsal scalation of small granules intermixed with large, pointed, trihedral tubercles that form 15–19 fairly regularly arranged longitudinal rows at midbody; 9–11 subdigital lamellae below the first and 12–14 below the fourth digit; 22–26 femoral pores separated by five poreless scales in males; and 11–13 supralabials and 9–11 infralabials. The new species is from the Eastern Ghats clade of large-bodied, tuberculated Hemidactylus and can be readily diagnosed morphologically from the two sister species, H. sushilduttai and H. kangerensis, in having characters such as the second postmental distinct and ~70% of the first postmental; the first postmental touching infralabial I and the second postmental touching infralabials I and II; and one post-cloacal spur on each side. The new species is distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats range of Odisha, inhabiting moist and dry deciduous forests and rock boulders and occasionally entering human habitations.

Key Words: Deccan Peninsula, Eastern Highlands, Hemidactylus kangerensis, Hemidactylus sushilduttai, morphology, taxonomy

Live uncollected specimen of Hemidactylus kalinga sp. nov.
A. Juveniles showing variant colouration; B. An individual preying on Gryllotalpa africana.

 Hemidactylus kalinga sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized and tuberculated Hemidactylus, SVL up to 105.4 mm (n = 6). Dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous, composed of subcircular granular scales intermixed with enlarged, fairly regularly arranged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles in 15–19 longitudinal rows, extending from occiput to tail base, that are heterogeneous in shape and size; enlarged tubercles on the two most medial parasagittal rows smaller, 27–30 tubercles in paravertebral rows; those on dorsolateral aspect of flank largest, gradually decreasing in size downwards, last two rows on flank marginally larger or equal to medial parasagittal rows, weakly keeled. Ventrolateral folds indistinct; about 32–35 scale rows across the belly. Digits with enlarged scansors, lamellae in straight transverse series, all divided except the apical and 1–3 basal lamellae, 9–12 lamellae beneath first digit and 12–14 beneath fourth digit of manus and pes. Males with 22–26 femoral pores on each side separated by five poreless scales. Tail with much enlarged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles forming whorls; median row of subcaudal plates large, covering almost entire portion of the tail; single postcloacal spur of unequal size on each side that are smooth and much smaller than dorsal tubercles at mid-body. Dorsal coloration rusty-brown with four transversely arranged light bands, edged with black or dark brown, between the occiput and sacrum; head lighter than body in life, with a narrow lighted collar edged by dark brown that is continuous with the post-ocular marking.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a toponym for the Kalinga Ghati, the Eastern Ghats hill ranges in the Kandhamal District of Odisha, and the type locality of the species. Furthermore, the present known distribution range of the species is within the historical “Kalinga Kingdom”, comprising present-day south Odisha. The specific name is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Suggested common English name. Kalinga rock gecko.

 Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sumidh Ray, Ashis K. Das, Bharath Bhupathi, Vivek Sarkar, Rakesh K. Mohalik, Manoj V. Nair and Sushil K. Dutta. 2025. A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the Northern Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India. Herpetozoa. 38: 365-378. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e175753 [01-12-2025]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis • Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia: Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests

[B, D] Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar & Pacheco,  
[A, E] Oreoryzomys balneator  (Thomas, 1900)

in Llancachahua-Tarqui, Ruelas, Escobar et Pacheco Torres, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542

Abstract

Oreoryzomys is a monotypic genus represented solely by Oreoryzomys balneator and has long been considered enigmatic due to the scarce information available since its description more than a century ago. In this study, we present a systematic revision of O. balneator with an integrative approach, focusing on Peruvian populations. We analyzed 73 specimens using morphological methods, complemented with phylogenetic analyses based on two mitochondrial genes. Our results reveal that the Peruvian populations previously referred as O. balneator represent a new and unnamed species. This species is genetically and morphologically differentiated, and geographically isolated from O. balneator sensu stricto (from Tungurahua Province, the type locality) and from the western Ecuadorian populations of El Oro Province. We formally describe this new species which inhabits montane forests from southeastern Ecuador (Zamora Chinchipe Province) to northeastern Peru (Piura and Cajamarca departments), at elevations between 1520 to 2990 m a.s.l. This work represents the first systematic revision of this genus, providing novel insights into its phylogenetic relationships, distribution, and natural history.

Keywords: Andes, Huancabamba Depression, Oryzomyini, Piura Department, Yungas

External comparisons between Oreoryzomys balneator (AMNH 67569, A, C, E)
and Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 10701, B, D, F).

Live specimen of Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. (MUSM 55512, holotype) from Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera, Piura Department. Note the presence of three commensal staphylinid beetles on the head of the specimen.

Photograph taken by Víctor Pacheco.

Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov.

 A) Panoramic view of the type locality of  Oreoryzomys huancabambensis sp. nov. in Habaspite, Carmen de la Frontera Province, Piura Department, in 2021.
B) Typical habitats within forest patches, and C) low-scale mining activities in the type locality.

Photographs taken by Víctor Pacheco.

 

Daniel Llancachahua-Tarqui, Dennisse Ruelas, Elizabeth Escobar and Víctor Raúl Pacheco Torres. 2025. Introduction to the Systematics of Oreoryzomys balneator (Rodentia; Cricetidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peruvian montane forests. Revista peruana de biología. 32(4): e31354. DOI: doi.org/10.15381/rpb.v32i4.31354 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398062542_Introduction_to_the_Systematics_of_Oreoryzomys_balneator_with_the_description_of_a_new_species_from_Peruvian_montane_forests

[Ichthyology • 2025] Cetopsorhamdia ramirezi • Phylogenetic Relationships and Historical Biogeography of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae), with Description of a New Species from the Orinoco Basin, Colombia

(A) Cetopsorhamdia ramirezi Cortés-Hernández & DoNascimiento, ,
Holotype, IAvH-P 9723, 87.9 mm SL, Colombia, Casanare, Aguazul, río Únete;
(B) C. boquillae, IAvH-P 13552, 62.0 mm SL, Colombia, Quindío, Finlandia, El Membrillal; (C) C. cf. insidiosa, MHNU-I 1159, 59.5 mm SL, Colombia, Meta, Villavicencio, río Ocoa; (D) C. nasus, CIUA 7809, 68.4 mm SL, Colombia, Valle del Cauca, Ansermanuevo, quebrada el Chanco (photo by José Luis Londoño-López); 

in Cortés-Hernández, Márquez et DoNascimiento, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025051 

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

 

Abstract

Cetopsorhamdia as currently classified is corroborated as non-monophyletic, based on a comprehensive multilocus phylogenetic analysis, with complete taxonomic representation from northern South America, and including its type species. However, a subgroup of species that agrees with a previous phylogenetic definition of the genus, based on morphology, is recovered as monophyletic and is designated herein as Cetopsorhamdia sensu stricto. A new species from piedmont tributaries of the Meta and Guaviare Rivers, Orinoco basin in Colombia, was recovered as sister to remaining cis-Andean species of the sensu stricto concept of the genus and is described here. The new species is distinguished from all sensu stricto congeners by a unique combination of characters: distal end of pectoral fin surpassing dorsal-fin origin, adipose-fin base short (12.9–15.9% of SL), lower lobe of caudal fin longer than upper lobe (31.7–37.3% of SL), body homogeneously brown, and 35–36 total vertebrae. A clear vicariant cis- and trans-Andean pattern is obtained for species of Cetopsorhamdia sensu stricto, predating isolation of present Magdalena and Lake Maracaibo basins by orogenesis of the Eastern Cordillera and Mérida Andes, respectively.

Left lateral view of (A) Cetopsorhamdia ramirezi, holotype, IAvH-P 9723, 87.9 mm SL, Colombia, Casanare, Aguazul, río Únete;
(B) C. boquillae, IAvH-P 13552, 62.0 mm SL, Colombia, Quindío, Finlandia, El Membrillal; (C) C. cf. insidiosa, MHNU-I 1159, 59.5 mm SL, Colombia, Meta, Villavicencio, río Ocoa;
 (D) C. nasus, CIUA 7809, 68.4 mm SL, Colombia, Valle del Cauca, Ansermanuevo, quebrada el Chanco (photo by José Luis Londoño-López); (E) C. picklei, IAvH-P 11805, 125.5 mm SL, Colombia, Norte de Santander, río Zulia. Scale bar 5 mm.

Cetopsorhamdia ramirezi Cortés-Hernández and DoNascimiento, new species 

Etymology.—The specific epithet honors Hernando Ramírez Gil, for his invaluable contribution to the knowledge and conservation of ornamental and food fishes in Colombia

Miguel Ángel Cortés-Hernández, Edna J. Márquez, and Carlos DoNascimiento. 2025. Phylogenetic Relationships and Historical Biogeography of Cetopsorhamdia (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae), with Description of a New Species from the Orinoco Basin, Colombia. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(4), 667-681. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025051 (28 November 2025). 

  x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/1995693220760854554

Cetopsorhamdia como es actualmente clasificado es corroborado como no monofilético, con base en un análisis filogenético multilocus exhaustivo, con representación taxonómica completa del norte de Sudamérica, e incluyendo su especie tipo. Sin embargo, un subgrupo de especies que concuerda con una definición filogenética previa del género, con base en morfología, es recuperado como monofilético y es designado aquí como Cetopsorhamdia sensu stricto. Una especie nueva de tributarios de piedemonte de los ríos Meta y Guaviare, cuenca del Orinoco en Colombia, fue recuperada como hermana de las especies cisandinas del concepto sensu stricto del género y es descrita aquí. La especie nueva se distingue de todos sus cóngeneres sensu stricto por una combinación única de caracteres: extremo distal de la aleta pectoral sobrepasando el origen de la aleta dorsal, base de la aleta adiposa corta (12,9–15,9% de LE); lóbulo inferior de la aleta caudal más largo que el lóbulo superior (31,7–37,3% de LE), cuerpo homogéneamente marrón y 35–36 vértebras totales. Un claro patrón vicariante cis y transandino es obtenido para las especies de Cetopsorhamdia sensu stricto, antecediendo el aislamiento de las actuales cuencas del Magdalena y del lago de Maracaibo, por la orogénesis de la cordillera oriental y de los Andes de Mérida, respectivamente.

[Ornithology • 2025] Tinamus resonans • A New Species of Tinamus (Aves: Tinamiformes) from the western Amazon, Brazil

 

Tinamus resonans

 Morais, Crozariol, Godoy, Plácido & Raposo, 2025 

  

 Slaty-masked Tinamou | Sururina-da-serra  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5725.2.6

Abstract

We describe Tinamus resonans sp. nov., a new species of tinamou from the montane forests of the Serra do Divisor, western Amazonia, Brazil. The species is distinguished by a unique combination of plumage pattern, vocal repertoire, and ecological characteristics, including a conspicuous dark slate facial mask, vivid rufous-cinnamon underparts, and a uniform brownish-gray back. Its vocalizations are remarkable, consisting of long and powerful songs that echo strikingly across the steep montane slopes, producing a characteristic resonant effect. The species was documented exclusively at higher elevations within a transitional zone between submontane and stunted forests, where the understory is densely structured by root mats. A preliminary population estimate, based on field detections and spatial extrapolation, suggests approximately 2,106 individuals restricted to the Serra do Divisor massif. Although no immediate anthropogenic pressures were observed within its range, the species may be highly vulnerable to climate change and to proposed infrastructure projects that threaten the integrity of this federally protected region. The discovery of T. resonans highlights the biological uniqueness of the Serra do Divisor, reinforces its status as a center of montane endemism, and underscores the critical importance of maintaining its long-term conservation.

Aves, Amazon rainforest, endemic species, extinction, Tinamidae, Serra do Divisor National Park, Acre

Tinamus resonans sp. nov. 
at Morro Queimado, Serra do Divisor National Park, Mâncio Lima, Acre, Brazil,

photos by Luis A. Morais.

Tinamus resonans sp. nov.

Proposed Portuguese name: Sururina-da-serra

Proposed English name: Slaty-masked Tinamou

Diagnosis: This species differs from all other Tinamidae by presenting, at least in females (the three individuals whose sex could be determined were female), a distinctive dark slate-colored crown, which extends into a prominent stripe down the hindneck and into the post-ocular region, forming a conspicuous facial mask (Fig. 1 and 2). The ferruginous  coloration  of  the  breast  places  it  near  the T.  variegatus/brevirostris  group,  from  which  it  is  readily distinguished by its uniform brownish-gray dorsum lacking any barring, a condition otherwise shared only with T. soui. It can be further separated from T. soui by its ferruginous breast, neck, and cheeks and the presence of white on the lower belly. Its vocalization is unique and therefore diagnostic among the vocalizations attributed to other Tinamidae. As described below, it is distinguished by its overall structure and note modulation.

Holotype of Tinamus resonans sp. nov. (MN 53848).
Ventral view (A), lateral view (B), dorsal view (C), flanks (D), dorsal surface of the wing (E), ventral surface of the wing (F).

Etymology: From Latin, resonans is the present participle of the verb resonare (“to resound,” “to echo”), used here in its adjectival sense meaning “resounding” or “echoing.” The verb is composed of the prefix re- (“again” or “back”) and the root sonare (“to sound”), which derives from the noun sonus (“sound”). The name refers to the striking echoing effect of the species’ song, which reverberates across the steep montane slopes of its habitat as a result of strong acoustic diffusion. 

The common name “sururina” is an onomatopoeic term used by local riverine people to refer to ground-dwelling tinamous with modulated songs and is commonly applied to several species in the region, including Tinamus soui and T. variegatus. The addition of “-da-serra” (“from the mountains”) highlights the distinct identity and montane habitat of this species, setting it apart from other sympatric taxa.

Luis A. MORAIS, Marco A. CROZARIOL, Fernando I. GODOY, Ricardo A. A. PLÁCIDO and Marcos A. RAPOSO. 2025. A New Species of Tinamus (Aves: Tinamiformes) from the western Amazon, Brazil.  Zootaxa. 5725(2); 279-291. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5725.2.6 [2025-12-02]