[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus hujianshengi • A New Species of Rhacophorus Kuhl and Van Hassalt, 1822 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Southeastern Yunnan, China

 

 Rhacophorus hujianshengi  

Liu, Hou, Rao & Li, 2025

 

Malipo Tree Frog | 麻栗坡树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230328130358 

Researchgate.net/publication/375103242

ABSTRACT 

We describe a new species of Rhacophorus based on morphological and molecular evidence of specimens collected from Malipo Coun­ty, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is morphologically most similar and phylogenetically close­ly related to R. laoshan, but it can be distinguished from the latter by the following morphological characteristics: Relatively greater eye diameter, relatively greater transverse diameter of third-finger disc, tibiotarsal articulation reaching or beyond nostril when hindlimb is adpressed forward, and nuptial pad absent in adult males. In addition, the new species differs from R. laoshan by 3.3 % in 16S rRNA sequences. 

Adult males of Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. in life. 
A, B, C, the holotype (KIZ2020012); D, E, F, the paratype (KIZ2020013).

  Adult females of  Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. in life.
A, B, C, the paratype (KIZ2020009); D, E, F, the paratype (KIZ2020011).

 Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Body size moderate, SVL 31.9‒36.1 mm in adult males and 48.6‒52.7 mm in adult females; snout rounded; nostril closer to tip of snout than to eye; internasal space smaller than interorbital space, interorbital space larger than width of upper eyelid; tympanum distinct, approximately half of eye diameter; vomerine teeth well developed; dorsal skin smooth; distinct dermal calcars present at heels; coloration in life very variable; single subgular vocal sac present in adult males, and nuptial pad absent in adult males.

Etymology: The species name, hujianshengi, is a patronym honoring the retired professor of Yunnan University, Dr. Jiansheng HU. We name the new species after Dr. Hu in recognition of his contributions to the zoological research in Yunnan Province, China. We suggest “Malipo Tree Frog” as its English name, and “麻栗坡树蛙” (Pinyin: má lì pō shù wā) as its Chinese name.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2025. A New Species of Rhacophorus Kuhl and Van Hassalt, 1822 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Southeastern Yunnan, China. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 57(2); 709-719. DOI: doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230328130358

 Researchgate.net/publication/375103242_A_New_Species_of_Rhacophorus_from_Southeastern_Yunnan_China

[Paleontology • 2025] Yunnanocyclus fortis • A new Induan (Early Triassic, Dienerian) cyclidan crustacean from the Guiyang Biota

Yunnanocyclus fortis 

 Sun, Schweitzer, Dai, Yuan, Bai, Tian, Chu, Guo, Chen, X. Liu, Jiang, Y. Liu, Li & Song, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70052  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397482018 

x.com/ThePalAss

Abstract 

The order Cyclida is a distinct group of crustaceans. However, our knowledge of cyclidan crustaceans is very limited due to their rarity in the fossil record. Usually, only the hard carapaces are preserved, while their antennules and appendages are extremely rare. Here, we describe a new cyclidan species, Yunnanocyclus fortis sp. nov., on the basis of three well-preserved specimens from the Early Triassic Guiyang biota, which is known as the oldest Mesozoic lagerstätte. The new species has an ovoid carapace, narrow and smooth marginal rim, a pair of antennules, antennae and seven pairs of thoracomeres. Using μ-XRF analysis, we found that the new species has a pair of strongly ovoid mandibles. The discovery of a new species from South China expands the palaeogeographic distribution of Early Triassic cyclidans. Combining the new species and other reported Cyclida morphological data, we constructed the morphospace of Cyclida using NMDS analysis. The morphospace of Cyclida shows no significant morphological innovations from the Carboniferous to the Triassic, and the high degree of morphological divergence in the Carboniferous supports the early burst model.

 Yunnanocyclus fortis sp. nov.

Xiaoyuan Sun, Carrie E. Schweitzer, Xu Dai, Zhiwei Yuan, Ruoyu Bai, Li Tian, Daoliang Chu, Wei Guo, Jing Chen, Xiaokang Liu, Shouyi Jiang, Yuting Liu, Zhe Li and Haijun Song. 2025. A new Induan (Early Triassic, Dienerian) cyclidan crustacean from the Guiyang Biota. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70052 [10 November 2025]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397482018_A_new_Induan_Early_Triassic_Dienerian_cyclidan_crustacean_from_the_Guiyang_biota

 x.com/ThePalAss/status/1988256523210969537

[Herpetology • 2025] Tropidurus galileii • Microendemism can be the Rule in the Brazilian Caatinga: Evidence from Flat Lizards of the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group (Squamata: Tropiduridae)

Tropidurus galileii

Ferreira, Dias, Rodrigues & Carvalho, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2436572

Researchgate.net/publication/388269545

Abstract

Microendemism remains a poorly studied phenomenon within Brazil’s Caatinga biome, yet recent research has revealed a number of species complexes with diverging lineages confined to narrow geographic ranges. These lineages often inhabit remote and undersampled regions lacking conservation efforts. Notable examples include the flat lizards from the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group, which comprises the broadly distributed T. semitaeniatus species complex plus T. helenae, T. jaguaribanus, and T. pinima, all endemic to the Caatinga biome. Incomplete knowledge of their taxonomic boundaries, phylogenetic relationships, and geographic distribution hinders both the formal description of new microendemic taxa and their conservation assessment. To address these gaps, we conducted a phylogenomic analysis of the T. semitaeniatus group employing ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and investigated its microendemic diversity. Our analysis revealed that T. semitaeniatus is paraphyletic, with T. helenae emerging as sister to a clade formed by microendemic lineages of T. semitaeniatus (sensu lato), within which T. jaguaribanus is embedded. Additionally, the discovery of a new microendemic species, Tropidurus galileii sp. nov., from calcareous formations of Itaguaçu da Bahia, Brazil, exposed T. pinima as paraphyletic, revealing a novel species complex composed of multiple microendemic lineages. This finding led us to produce the first illustrated morphological guide for the T. semitaeniatus group, aimed at facilitating future comparative studies. Most species requiring taxonomic treatment in the T. semitaeniatus group exhibit morphological distinctiveness, and the number of microendemic taxa is significantly higher than previously estimated. Our findings suggest that range expansion followed by allopatric speciation is unlikely to be the sole driver of microendemism in this group. However, the specific biogeographic processes underlying the origin of microendemic lineages remain elusive. This study sheds light on the microendemic lizard diversity of the Caatinga, emphasizing the urgent need for enhanced systematic and conservation efforts.

Key words: Microendemism, South American Flat Lizards, Tropidurinae, Tropidurus, ultra-conserved elements

Tropidurus galileii sp. nov.

 

Elaine Ferreira, Iuri Ribeiro Dias, Miguel Trefaut Rodrigues and André L. G. Carvalho. 2025. Microendemism can be the Rule in the Brazilian Caatinga: Evidence from Flat Lizards of the Tropidurus semitaeniatus group (Squamata: Tropiduridae). Systematics and Biodiversity. 23(1); 2436572. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2436572 [21 Jan 2025]

Researchgate.net/publication/388269545_Microendemism_of_the_Tropidurus_semitaeniatus_group

[Botany • 2024] Oreocharis scutifolia (Gesneriaceae) • AbNew Species from the Dry–Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China

 Oreocharis scutifolia  Z. Xie & H. H. Kong, 

 in Xie, Peng, Zhang, Ding, Wen et Kong. 2024. 

盾叶马铃苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70442

ABSTRACT

A peltate-leaved new species, Oreocharis scutifolia Z. Xie & H. H. Kong, endemic to the Dry–Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. It is similar to O. cordatula (Craib) Pellegr. and O. aurantiaca Baill. in floral characters but differs in its peltate leaf blades, which are unique in the genus (and only occur in one population of O. henryana Oliv., but its flowers are smaller, campanulate, and deep purple). Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on transcriptome data confirmed its systematic position to be sister group with O. henryana, O. cordatula, O. minor Pellegr., and O. aurantiaca Baill. (LPP = 1), and well apart from the remaining members of the genus. The new species O. scutifolia is assessed as “Critically Endangered” following the IUCN categories and criteria, due to its small and single population, thus making it face serious threats from human disturbance, invasive plants, shrinking habitat, and decreasing habitat quality.

Keywords: new taxon, Oreocharis scutifolia, peltate leaves, taxonomy, dry–hot valley of Yunnan

Oreocharis scutifolia Z. Xie & H. H. Kong sp. nov.
 (A) habitat, the Quercus franchetii Forests; (B) population, invaded by Ageratina adenophora; (C) habit; (D) mature leaves: Adaxially blade (left) and abaxially blade (right); (E) immature leaves; (F) Cyme; (G) left side view of the flowers; (H) Calyx; (I) front view of flower; (J) opening corolla, showing stamens and staminode; (K) pistil and disk; (L) Dehiscent capsules. Photographs by Zhi Xie.

Oreocharis scutifolia Z. Xie & H. H. Kong sp. nov.

Zhi Xie, Na-Na Peng, Miao Zhang, Guo-En Ding, Fang Wen and Hang-Hui Kong. 2024. Oreocharis scutifolia (Gesneriaceae), a Peltate-Leaved New Species From the Dry–Hot Valley of the Jinsha River Basin, Yunnan, China. Ecology and Evolution. 14(10); e70442. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70442 [24 October 2024]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Pulchricranae mirabilis • A New fascinating Genus of Subfamily Hemiacridinae (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Thailand

Pulchricranae mirabilis 

 Dawwrueng, Storozhenko, Waengsothorn & Suwannapoom, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.6  

  facebook.com/PattarawichDawwrueng

Abstract 

A new genus Pulchricranae gen. nov. (type species: P. mirabilis sp. nov.) is described from grassland in Sakaerat Environmental Research Station in Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Thailand. This genus is similar to the genera Binaluacris Willemse and Bacuita Strand from Philippines by the presence of outer apical spines on hind tibiae; by tegmina abbreviated; by prosternal spine flattened; by lophi of epiphallus large, trapezium with rounded apex; and by basal and apical penis valves separated, without any sclerotized flexure. However, Pulchricranae gen. nov. differs from Binaluacris by fastigium of vertex with rounded margins; by tegmina shorter and slightly broader; by prosternal spine in male with broadly rounded apex, in female apex with rounded triangular notch in median part; by mesosternal lobe broader than long; by male cerci conical, much narrower near apical part. New genus also differed from Bacuita (known by females only) by female fastigium of vertex strongly short and broad; tegmen broader, with apex rounded; hind femur surpassing the apex of abdomen; subgenital plate with apex nearly truncate. The previously ungrouped genera of the subfamily Catantopinae, Binaluacris and Bacuita, are transferred to the tribe Cranaeini of the subfamily Hemiacridinae based on external morphology and male genitalia. The composition of the tribe Cranaeini is briefly discussed. 

Orthoptera, Caelifera, grasshoppers, Hemiacridinae, Catantopinae, new taxa, Southeast Asia

 Pulchricranae mirabilis 

Pattarawich DAWWRUENG, Sergey YU. STOROZHENKO, Surachit WAENGSOTHORN and Chatmongkon SUWANNAPOOM. 2025. A New fascinating Genus of Subfamily Hemiacridinae (Orthoptera: Acrididae) from Thailand.  Zootaxa. 5737(4); 565-572. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.6 [2025-12-29]

 facebook.com/PattarawichDawwrueng/posts/25357077243932794

[Botany • 2020] Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, 

 in Vega Aviña, Vargas et Pío León, 2020.  

DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

  Researchgate.net/publication/345773954

ABSTRACT 

Background and Aims: The genus Graptopetalum includes about 20 species of branched or acaulescent rosette herbs that grew in little accessible semiarid environments (mountains or ravines) of Mexico and Arizona. The authors have developed continuous work to document the flora of Sinaloa and the present article reports a taxonomic novelty in the genus Graptopetalum.

Methods: In the municipality of Culiacán, Sinaloa, Mexico, a small population of plants of the genus Graptopetalum with dry inflorescences was found in June 2013, and some plants were collected and cultivated, they flowered in March. Plants with flowers were collected from the same location in February 2014. Morphological data of wild and cultivated material were compared with that of herbarium specimens, literature, and cultivated Graptopetalum species; and it was determined that collected material is a new species for science.

Key results: The new taxon Graptopetalum sinaloensis, section Graptopetalum, is described. Its differences and similarities with the closest species are discussed. Moreover, a new and updated dichotomous key is provided for the eight species of this section.

Conclusions: Graptopetalum sinaloensis is endemic to south-central Sinaloa, Mexico. It grows in very localized areas, on rocky walls of streams and at the foot of hills, forming small populations in reduced areas of 5 to 10 m2. Graptopetalum sinaloensis differs from other Graptopetalum species from Sinaloa by its 5-merous flowers vs. G. rusbyi with 6-7-merous ones, and by its paniculate inflorescence, vs. G. occidentale with cymose ones. Additionally, the geographical distribution of the three species does not overlap.

Key words: Byrnesia, flora of Sinaloa, Graptopetalum rusbyi, Graptopetalum occidentale, Sedum, tropical deciduous forest.

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega.
A. plantas colectadas en campo (28.II.2014); B. y C. inflorescencias y planta en floración en medio silvestre (3.III.2019); D. planta sin floración registrada (7.XI.2018).

Fotos de Rito Vega-Aviña (A) y Juan Fernando Pío-León (B-D).

Graptopetalum sinaloensis R. Vega, sp. nov.

Rito Vega Aviña, Francisco Delgado Vargas and Juan Fernando Pío León. 2020. Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie de Sinaloa, México [Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico]. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 127; e1550. DOI: 10.21829/abm127.2020.1550 

 Researchgate.net/publication/345773954_Graptopetalum_sinaloensis_una_nueva_especie_de_Sinaloa_Mexico

 facebook.com/ActaBotanicaMexicana/posts/3190615780955458

[Botany • 2025] Camchaya khongchiamensis (Asteraceae: Vernonieae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom, 

in Promprom, Munglue et Chatan. 2025.   

พู่ม่วงงาม  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71197  

 Researchgate.net/publication/390252553

 

ABSTRACT

Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom (Asteraceae), a new species from Ubon Ratchathani Province, Thailand, is described and illustrated. It is similar to C. loloana, but clearly different from C. loloana by having a larger size of capitula, involucre, receptacle, and corolla lobe. In addition, it mostly has fewer florets (18–40 [−50]) per capitulum; lower haft whitish, upper haft purplish corolla tubes; sagittate base anthers; and white except for the purple near apex style. A distribution map, pollen morphology, and a table with comparative morphological characters of the new species and its closest relative are provided, as well as the preliminary conservation assessment under the IUCN criteria.

Keywords: classification, conservation assessment, diversity, eastern Thailand, endangered species, flowering plant, plant diversity, taxonomy, Ubon Ratchathani

Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom.
 (A, B) Capitulescences and capitula; (C–E) capitula in lateral, top, and bottom views, respectively; (F) upper side of phyllaries (from left to right: Inner ones to outer ones); (G) under side of phyllary (inner one); (H) receptacle.

 

Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom:
(A) Habitat; (B) Habit.

Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom Sp. Nov. 

Wilawan Promprom, Phukphon Munglue and Wannachai Chatan. 2025. Camchaya khongchiamensis Chatan & Promprom (Asteraceae: Vernonieae), a New Species from Thailand. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.71197 [27 March 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/390252553_Camchaya_khongchiamensis_a_New_Species_From_Thailand

 

[Botany • 2025] Gentianella tayacajensis (Gentianaceae: Swertiinae) • A New Species from Peru

 

Gentianella tayacajensis  S.J. Castillo, H. Beltrán & J.S. Pringle,

in Castillo, Beltrán et Pringle, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.131.1266

Abstract

A new species from Peru, Gentianella tayacajensis, collected in the department of Huancavelica, Tayacaja province, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically close to G. tristicha, G. graminea and G. oreosilene, from which it is distinguished by presenting rotaceous corollas with narrowly oblanceolate coroline lobes, 18-22 mm long and 5-6.2 mm wide; also, by the presence of filiform trichomes with rounded protuberances inside the corolla. The morphological differences between the new species and related species are discussed and its geographic distribution is mapped.

Keywords: Endemic, floral trichome, Swertiinae, taxonomy, Andean

Gentianella tayacajensis: A, plant habit; B, corolla and androecium; C, calyx; D, bract; E, bract colleters; F, ginoecium.

Drawings by Susy J. Castillo.

Gentianella tayacajensis: A, habitat; B, plant habit; C, basal branching; D, flowers; E, fruits; F, corolla trichomes.

Photographs by Susy J. Castillo.

Gentianella tayacajensis S.J. Castillo, H. Beltrán & J.S. Pringle, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gentianella tayacajensis sp. nov. is morphologically closer to Gentianella tristicha (Gilg) J.S. Pringle, Gentianella graminea (Kunth) Fabris and Gentianella oreosilene (Gilg) J.S. Pringle; but differs from G. tristicha in its opposite (vs. verticillate) leaves and narrowly obovate corolla lobes 18–22 mm long and 5–6.2 mm wide (vs. wide obovate, 13–19 mm long and 6–10 mm wide); from G. graminea in its lilac, rotate (vs. white, campanulate) corolla, and longer and narrower corolla lobes (vs. obovate, 10–14 mm long and 6–9.5 mm wide); from G. oreosilene in its pedicels 13–50 mm long (vs. 10–20 mm long), rotate (vs. campanulate) corolla, 26–31 mm long (vs. 15–17 mm long), and longer corolla lobes (vs. 11–12 long); and from all three species in presence of filiform adaxial corolla trichomes with rounded protuberances (vs. trichomes smooth in G. graminea and G. tristicha, absent in G. oreosilene).

Susy Juanita Castillo, Hamilton Beltrán and James S. Pringle. 2025. Gentianella tayacajensis (Gentianaceae), A New Species from Perú. Darwiniana, Nueva Serie, 13(1), 145–152. DOI: doi.org/10.14522/darwiniana.2025.131.1266

[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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