[Botany • 2024] Bulbophyllum bonjolianum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Bulbophyllinae) • A New Species of section Macrocaulia from Sumatra, Indonesia

 Bulbophyllum bonjolianum Yudistira, Candra & Mustaqim, 

in Yudistira, Candra et Mustaqim, 2024. 

 facebook.com: Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim

 Researchgate.net/publication/387275550

Bulbophyllum bonjolianum Yudistira, Candra & Mustaqim, a member of section Macrocaulia, is described here based on a specimen collected from the mountains of West Sumatra. It is similar to B. tristriatum Carr. and B. pyridion J.J.Verm. but differs in the morphology of the dorsal sepal, petal and labellum. A key to B. bonjolianum and morphologically similar species is presented.

Keywords. Endemic, epiphyte, Malesia, orchids, taxonomy

 Bulbophyllum bonjolianum Yudistira, Candra & Mustaqim.
 A. Plant habit with inflorescence. B. Flower top view. C. Median sepal, abaxial view. D. Median sepal, adaxial view. E. Lateral sepal, abaxial view. F. Lateral sepal, adaxial view. G. Petal, abaxial view. H. Petal, adaxial view. I. Labellum, lateral view. J, K. Labellum, abaxial and adaxial surface. L. Column stelidium. M. Anther cap, adaxial view. N. Anther cap, abaxial view. O. Pollinarium.

Drawing by Yuanito Eliazar.

 Bulbophyllum bonjolianum Yudistira, Candra & Mustaqim.
A. Plant habit. B. Inflorescence. C, D. Flower, lateral view, with close-up view showing basal node of the pedicel. E. Flower, front view without median sepal. F. Flower, view from above. G. Median sepal, abaxial and adaxial views. H. Petal, abaxial and adaxial views. I. Lateral sepal, abaxial, adaxial and side views. J. Labellum, adaxial, abaxial and side views. K. Column with stelidia, side view. L. Column stelidia, front view.

 ab = abaxial, ad = adaxial, sv = side view. (Photos: Y.R. Yudistira)

Bulbophyllum bonjolianum Yudistira, Candra & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

Bulbophyllum bonjolianum is morphologically similar to B. tristriatum Carr. and B. pyridion J.J.Verm., but differs in the dorsal sepals abruptly tapering from the middle upwards (vs gradually narrowing), pentagonal petal (vs elliptic-(ob)-ovate in B. tristriatum and elliptic in B. pyridion), and longer labellum (6.8–7 mm vs 3.5–5 mm in B. tristriatum and c. 3.2 mm long in B. pyridion) with the proximal adaxial surface coarsely papillose (vs smooth). The species is also similar to the Peninsular Malaysian species B. hodgsonii M.R.Hend., but the new species differs in its dorsal sepals abruptly tapering from the middle upwards (vs gradually narrowing), lateral sepals with 3 veins (vs 5), and the coarsely papillose adaxial surface of the labellum in the lower proximal part (vs smooth).

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Tuanku Imam Bonjol, a national hero of Indonesia from West Sumatra Province.   

Yudistira, Y.R., Candra, R. and Mustaqim, W.A. 2024. A New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae: Bulbophyllinae) section Macrocaulia from Sumatra, Indonesia. Gardens' Bulletin Singapore. 76(1); 251 - 258.

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 Researchgate.net/publication/387275550_A_new_species_of_Bulbophyllum_section_Macrocaulia_from_Sumatra_Indonesia

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella xishuiensis • Diversification Outbreaks and Dynamics of Asian Leaf-litter Frogs, Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae), with the Description of A New Species from Guizhou Province, China

 Leptobrachella xishuiensis  Luo, Deng & Zhou,

in Luo, Zhao, Wang, Lan, M.-Y. Xiao, Deng, N. Xiao et Zhou, 2025.

Xishui Leaf-litter Toad | 习水掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.137392

Abstract

The uplift of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and the Indochina extrusion are two of the most prominent consequences of the India–Asia collision. These two geologic events greatly altered topography and drainage patterns that, in turn, affected the regional climate, the landscape and the evolution of biodiversity. Despite this, little is known about how orogeny and climate affect the evolution of biodiversity, especially the dynamics of diversification, including origins, peaks and endings. Here, we performed phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses of Leptobrachella distributed in Southeast Asia and southern China, based on mitochondrial 16S ribosomal RNA. The results revealed that Leptobrachella may be roughly divided into Clade I from south of the Indo-Burma and Clade II from central and northern Indo-Burma and southern China. We then investigated the diversification of Leptobrachella over time through biogeographic meta-analyses. We showed that the speciation of Leptobrachella was dominated by in situ diversification that was most likely associated with the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau, the Indochina extrusion and the intensification of the Asian monsoon and that diversification may have been less influenced by temperature. In situ diversification experienced three small accelerated phases and one decelerated phase initiated at ~ 32 Ma, with a sharp increase at ~ 15 Ma, a peak at ~ 8.7 Ma and a gradual decline after ~ 6 Ma and the peaks of diversification were asynchronous in Southeast Asia and southern China. Our results suggest a three-phase scenario for the diversification of Leptobrachella, with periods of acceleration and deceleration at every stage, a pattern consistent with the Indochina extrusion, the uplift of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau and the intensification of the Asian monsoon since the Oligocene. This study highlights how biogeographic meta-analyses can be utilised to estimate diversification history in taxa lacking sufficient molecular markers to quantify the impact of orogeny and climatic shifts on diversification processes. In addition, we also identified four undescribed species and described one new species, Leptobrachella xishuiensis sp. nov., from Xishui County, Guizhou Province, China.

Key Words: Biogeography, diversification dynamics, Leptobrachella, mitochondrial DNA, nuclear gene, phylogeny

Holotype of Leptobrachella xishuiensis sp. nov.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Lateral view; D. Palmar; E Plantar.

illustration provided by Tao Luo.

Morphological characters compared between  Leptobrachella xishuiensis sp. nov. (A, C) and L. suiyangensis (B).
(1) dorsal view, (2) lateral view, (3) ventral view, (4) bicoloured iris, (5) palmar and (6) plantar.

photos by Tao Luo.

 Leptobrachella xishuiensis Luo, Deng & Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Leptobrachella xishuiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 28.1–36.2 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentary webbed, lateral fringes on toes absent; (3) dorsal surface shagreened with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (4) ventral surface greyish-white without dark brown spots; (5) throat, chest and ventral surfaces of limbs purplish-grey; (6) iris bicoloured, upper 1/3 copper, transitioning to silver in lower 2/3; (7) distinct black spots present on flanks; and (8) prominent inner palmar tubercle separated from the small outer palmar tubercle; (9) tibia-tarsal articulation reaching the tip of snout.

Etymology: The specific epithet “xishuiensis” refers to the name of the type locality, Xishui County, Guizhou, China. 

We suggest the English name “Xishui Leaf-litter Toad” and the Chinese name “Xí Shuǐ Zhǎng Tū Chán (习水掌突蟾)”.

Tao Luo, Zi-Fa Zhao, Zhong-Lian Wang, Chang-Ting Lan, Ming-Yuan Xiao, Huai-Qing Deng, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2025. Diversification Outbreaks and Dynamics of Asian Leaf-litter Frogs, Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae), with the Description of A New Species from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 223-243. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.137392

[Entomology • 2024] Doliops comvalensis • A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines

Doliops comvalensis Medina, 

in Medina, Agbas, Obrial et Cabras, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n. is described from Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. High-definition images of other known species of Doliops which are considered as the close congeners of the new species are also provided. The mimicry complex between the new species and the members of the tribe Pachyrhynchini known from Candalaga Range is discussed.

Key words: long-horned beetles, Lamiinae, Apomecynini, Pachyrhynchini, taxonomy, new species, mimicry, Mindanao, Oriental Region.

Habitat of Doliops comvalensis Medina sp. nov. in Mt. Candalaga.
 A-B – the montane forest in Mt. Candalaga showing the newly opened road and soil erosion,
C – fallen Shorea contorta, the host plant of D. comvalensis, D – D. comvalensis (in situ).

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n.  

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. The new species is similar to its Mindanao endemic congeners, Doliops cuellari Vives, 2012, D. edithae Vives 2009, and D. halconensis Vives, 2012 (Fig. 2), in the size and elytral maculation. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from these species in its unique maculation in pronotum. Pronotal maculation is similar to D. cuellari except that it does not have a thin band of whitish pubescence at the pronotal disc. Elytral maculation is similar to one of variations of D. halconensis but can be easily distinguished based on pronotal differences.

HABITAT. New species was found in the forest near the road and soil erosion (Fig. 3). The host plant is fallen Shorea contorta. 

DISTRIBUTION. Philippines: Mindanao (Davao de Oro: Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Davao de Oro). 

ETYMOLOGY. The new species is named after Compostela Valley, the former name of the province of Davao de Oro.

Medina M.N., Agbas D., Grayden Obrial G., Analyn Cabras A. 2024. Description of A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines. Far Eastern Entomologist. 507: 15-24. DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

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[Mammalogy • 2023] Rattus halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, etc. • Review of Moluccan Rattus (Rodentia: Muridae) with Description of Four New Species

 

Rattus obiensis 

R. halmaheraensis

Fabre, Miguez, Holden, Fitriana, Semiadi, Musser & Helgen, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.75.2023.1783 

Researchgate.net/publication/376479879

 

Abstract

Four new species of Rattus are described from the Moluccan islands (Maluku) of Indonesia: Rattus taliabuensis and R. feileri, both from the island of Taliabu, and R. halmaheraensis and R. obiensis from the islands of Halmahera and Obi, respectively. These descriptions are presented as part of a taxonomic review of Moluccan Rattus based on all known specimens in museum collections worldwide. Morphological characters, molecular systematics, and geographical distributions are documented for each of these species. Using both morpho-anatomical and morphometric approaches, we found that the Maluku Islands support Rattus taxa with spiny fur and two distinct morphotypes (1) species with a long tail and short rostrum (R. morotaiensis, R. halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, R. feileri) and (2) species with a short tail and long rostrum (R. taliabuensis, R. feliceus, R. ceramicus, R. elaphinus). Most of the new Moluccan species belong to a clade that includes members of the R. xanthurus species group from Sulawesi and the Australo-Papuan Rattus lineages. Their phylogenetic relationships highlight the role of Wallacea as an important area for diversification of Rattus into the Australo-Papuan region. Finally, the morphologically distinctive taxon Nesoromys ceramicus from Seram was found to be sister species to R. feliceus, and we relegate Nesoromys into the synonymy of the genus Rattus. The close affinities between R. ceramicus and R. feliceus may be an example of in situ island speciation, which has not been observed for small mammals on other Maluku Islands.

Keywords: biodiversity, biogeography, Maluku, molecular systematics, morphology, Murinae, Rattini, Wallacea

 

Dorsal and ventral views of study skins of
(a, d) Rattus feileri sp. nov. (SNSD 11429 holotype);
(b, e) R. elaphinus (AMNH 109322 paratype); and
(c, f) R. taliabuensis sp. nov. (SNSD 11968 holotype).

Scale bar 10 mm. 

Dorsal and ventral views of study skins of
(a, d) Rattus morotaiensis (AM M.7084);
(b, e) R. halmaheraensis sp. nov. (AM M.23652 holotype); and
(c, f) R. obiensis sp. nov. (MZB 38231, holotype).

Scale bars 10 mm.

External appearance (a) of the holotype of Rattus obiensis sp. nov. shortly after capture.
Both fore and hind feet are pictured (b–c and d–e, respectively).

Pierre-Henri Fabre; Roberto Portela Miguez; Mary Ellen Holden; Yuli S. Fitriana; Gono Semiadi; Guy G. Musser and Kristofer M. Helgen. 2023. Review of Moluccan Rattus (Rodentia: Muridae) with Description of Four New Species. Records of the Australian Museum. 75(5): 673–718. DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.75.2023.1783

 Researchgate.net/publication/376479879_Review_of_Moluccan_Rattus_with_description_of_four_new_species

  x.com/ArloHinckley/status/1735385182361026951 

Abstrak [Bahasa Indonesia]. Empat spesies baru Rattus dideskripsi dari Kepulauan Maluku, yaitu Rattus taliabuensis dan R. feileri dari Pulau Taliabu, R. halmaheraensis dan R. obiensis masing-masing dari Pulau Halmahera dan Pulau Obi. Deskripsi spesies baru tersebut merupakan bagian dari reviu taksonomi Rattus dari Maluku berdasarkan semua spesimen yang ada di seluruh koleksi museum dunia. Selain spesies baru, juga didokumentasikan karakter morfologi, sistematika molekuler dan persebaran geografis Rattus dari Maluku. Dengan menggunakan pendekatan morfo-anatomi dan morfometri, kami menemukan bahwa Maluku memiliki taksa Rattus dengan rambut duri dan dua morfotipe yang berbeda yaitu (1) berekor panjang dan moncong pendek (R. morotaiensis, R. halmaheraensis, R. obiensis, R. feileri) atau (2) berekor pendek dan moncong panjang (R. taliabuensis, R. feliceus, R. ceramicus, R. elaphinus). Semua spesies baru dari Maluku termasuk dalam satu kelompok anggota R. xanthurus-group dari garis keturunan Rattus Sulawesi dan Australo-Papua. Hubungan kekerabatan mereka menunjukkan peran Wallacea sebagai jalur kolonisasi Rattus menuju ke kawasan Australo-Papua. Terakhir, Nesoromys ceramicus dari Seram yang secara morfologis berbeda, diketahui merupakan sister spesies dari R. feliceus. Oleh karena itu, kami mengusulkan agar genus Nesoromys ditempatkan di dalam genus Rattus. Kedekatan antara R. ceramicus dan R. feliceus kemungkinan merupakan contoh dari spesiasi pulau in situ, yang belum pernah diamati pada mamalia kecil di pulau-pulau lain di Maluku

[Herpetology • 2025] Oedura atra • A New Species of Velvet Gecko (Reptilia: Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from basalt habitat of inland north Queensland, Australia

Oedura atra 

Hoskin, 2025

Basalt Velvet Gecko  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.7 

 

Abstract

Many Oedura geckos are saxicoline, and a number of these species are restricted to outcropping of a particular rock type. Most commonly this is sandstone, but some species primarily occur on other rock types, such as granite or limestone. There are few areas of extensive basalt outcropping in Australia, and these are typically of young age. Here I describe a new species of Oedura discovered in the Sturgeon Basalt outcropping of inland north-east Queensland, an extensive outcropping of deep age. Oedura atra sp. nov. is readily distinguished from congeners by its relatively dark colouration, with pattern restricted to narrow, pale bands, and other morphological features such as a short, broad tail, and a relatively wide head. It is genetically divergent from, but allied to, several Oedura species in inland north Queensland, with the ND4 mtDNA phylogeny suggesting closest relationship to O. argentea Hoskin, Zozaya & Vanderduys, 2018. Oedura atra sp. nov. appears to be restricted to basalt rocks and is only known from a localised area. However, it is likely to be more widely distributed along the extensive basalt outcropping in this region. Oedura atra sp. nov. best fits a conservation status of Data Deficient, pending further surveys and assessment of potential threats.

 Reptilia, colour pattern, Oedura argentea, Oedura atra sp. nov., saxicoline, Sturgeon Basalt

Oedura atra sp. nov. in life:
(A, B) adults with original tails, (C)  ventral surface of adult with an original tail (note egg visible through ventral surface), (D) adult with regrown tail, (E) subadult with original tail (note skin about to shed), (F) juvenile with original tail.

Panel D shows QM J98082 in life; the other individuals were photographed in the wild and not collected.

Oedura atra sp. nov. 

Basalt Velvet Gecko

Diagnosis. Oedura atra sp. nov. is a medium-sized Oedura with a body pattern of narrow, pale bands on a dark background; a tail that is relatively short (original TL/SVL 0.55–0.58; regrown TL/SVL 0.46–0.47) and wide (original TW/TL 0.24–0.30; regrown TW/TL 0.34–0.35); a relatively wide head (HW/SVL 0.20–0.21); a pale nuchal band that is narrowly continuous with the pale line along the mouth to the snout; a single cloacal spur on each side; a dark brown/copper iris; and a rostral scale only partially divided by a medial vertical groove.

Etymology. From the Latin adjective atra, meaning black or dark, in reference to the dark colouration of this species. The name is used here as an adjective.

Comparison of Oedura atra sp. nov. (A) with nearby Oedura species with body pattern of bands or elongate blotches:
O. argentea (B), O. monilis (C), O. castelnaui (D).

Photos: Scott Macor (A), Stephen Zozaya (C), Conrad Hoskin (B, D).

Conrad J. HOSKIN. 2025. A New Species of Velvet Gecko (Diplodactylidae: Oedura) from basalt habitat of inland north Queensland, Australia.  Zootaxa. 5583(3); 549-559. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.3.7 

[Herpetology • 2025] Hemidactylus amarasinghei • A New tuberculate House gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus) from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India

  

Hemidactylus amarasinghei  

Sayyed, Khot & Purkayastha, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.2.4 

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Abstract

A new species of Hemidactylus is described from the high elevations of rocky landscapes at Chalkewadi Plateau in the northern Western Ghats of India. Based on phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial ND2 gene, the new species is a member of the H. murrayi clade within the H. brookii group. Morphological analysis also revealed diagnostic characters distinguishing it from its sister species, H. varadgirii. The species is medium-sized (SVL up to 54.3 mm), with 10–11 supralabials, 9–10 infralabials, canthal region with 18–21 scales on both sides, supraciliaries separated by 21–22 scales at mid-orbit, dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous, having 15–16 rows of tubercles across the midbody, 28–31 paravertebral tubercles between pelvic and pectoral limb insertions, midsagittal ventral scales 135–147, and 30–31 scales across the belly between the lowest rows of dorsal scales at midbody. Males have 7–9 femoral pores on each side, with six or seven poreless scales in between, and there are 7–8 lamellae beneath toe IV.

Reptilia, Hemidactylus brookii, taxonomy, ND2 gene, house gecko, reptiles, northern Western Ghats, systematics

Hemidactylus amarasinghei  

Amarasinghe's house gecko

Amit SAYYED, Ruhal KHOT and Jajaditya PURKAYASTHA. 2025. A New tuberculate House gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus) from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Zootaxa. 5583(2); 293-308. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.2.4

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[Herpetology • 2025] Leptophis mystacinus • A New Species of Parrot Snake, Leptophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado

 

Leptophis mystacinus 

 Albuquerque, Martins, Carvalho, Shepard & Santana, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18528

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Leptophis (parrot snake) from the Cerrado ecoregion of Brazil. The new species, L. mystacinus sp. nov., differs from all other congeners in the following unique character combination: two Spectrum Green (129) to Light Parrot Green (133) dorsolateral stripes separated by a Buff (5) vertebral stripe, usually continuous onto the tail; loreal scale absent; postocular stripe Jet Black (300), wide and long (up 11 scales long onto nuchal region); maxillary teeth 21–25; ventrals 158–173; subcaudals 141–164; black spots on head absent; supracephalic plates of head not edged with black pigment; adult color pattern lacking dark oblique bands; keels absent on first dorsal scale rows; hemipenis unilobed, noncapitate, with undivided sulcus spermaticus, and first row of hemipenial body with four spines. Phylogenetic analysis of 16S mtDNA sequences indicate the new species is the sister taxon of L. dibernardoi, a species occurring in the neighboring Caatinga ecoregion.

Holotype of Leptophis mystacinus (ZUFMS-REP004702).
(A) Right and left (B) lateral views of head of the holotype in life, from Pium, state of Tocantins, Brazil.

Photos by L. A. Silva.

Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all currently recognized congeners by a unique combination of the following characters: two Spectrum Green (129) to Light Parrot Green (133) (Sky Blue (167) in preservative) dorsolateral stripes (2–4 scales wide, at least anteriorly) separated by a Buff (5) (Light Sky Blue (191) in preservative) vertebral stripe (1–1.5 scales wide), usually continuous onto the tail (occasionally indistinct on posterior third of tail); dorsal scale rows below the lateral stripes usually Dark Spectrum Yellow (78) (Sky Blue (167) in preservative); loreal scale absent; postocular stripe Jet Black (300), wide (extending to lower postocular, lower half to two-thirds of anterior temporal, one-third to lower half of lower posterior temporal, upper edges of last three supralabials) and long (up 11 scales long onto nuchal region); anterior to orbit, stripe reduced to black margin of supralabials 1–3 or 1–4, posterior lower edge and anterior upper edge of nasal and upper edge of rostral scale. Ventral surfaces of head, trunk, and tail white to Smoky White (261). Maxillary teeth 21–25; ventrals 158–166 in males, 158–173 in females; subcaudals 153–164 in males, 141–158 in females.

Etymology: The specific name is derived from the Greek mystax (transliteration of μύσταξ), meaning ‘upper lip’ or ‘mustache’, and the Latin suffix -inus, denoting ‘likeness’ or ‘belonging to’. The black pigmentation covering the rostral scale of Leptophis mystacinus is distinct in most individuals, giving the appearance of a mustache.

Comparative coloration in life among the Leptophis species from the South American dry diagonal.
(A) Leptophis mystacinus sp. nov., (ZUFMS-REP 4702) from Pium, Tocantins, Brazil, (B) L. marginatus from Corumbá, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, and (C) L. dibernardoi from Macaíba, Rio Grande do Norte, Brazil.

Photo by L. A. Silva (A), S. Keuroghlian-Eaton (B) and W. Pessoa (C).

Nelson R. Albuquerque, Roullien H. Martins, Priscila S. Carvalho, Donald B. Shepard and Diego J. Santana. 2025. A New Species of Parrot Snake, Leptophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from the Brazilian Cerrado. PeerJ. 13:e18528. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18528

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[Entomology • 2024] Asiacyon pax, A. cornipenis, A. vicincretus, etc. • DNA but not always Morphology help to Recognise Monophyletic Genera within ‘Cercyon’ terrestrial water scavenger beetles: A Case Study of Asiacyon gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae)

Asiacyon Mai, Jia, Ryndevich & Fikáček, gen. nov.

in Mai, Wang, Ryndevich, Fikáček, Arriaga-Varela et Jia, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24012  

Researchgate.net/publication/384727770

Abstract

DNA-based studies have revealed that the terrestrial water scavenger beetle genus Cercyon Leach, 1817 (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae: Sphaeridiinae: Megasternini) is polyphyletic, grouping similarly looking but unrelated species that were not assigned to other genera due to the absence of unusual morphological characters. In this study, we analyse the morphology, DNA data and species diversity of one of the Asian clades of ‘Cercyon’ to test whether a natural, phylogeny-based generic classification can be established. We add DNA data (five nuclear and three mitochondrial fragments) for additional species and specimens of the clade to test its monophyly and reveal phylogenetic relationships among species. We perform a detailed morphological study of all species, including SEM micrographs, to reveal synapomorphies of the DNA-based clades. We demonstrate that the lineage, described here as Asiacyon Mai, Jia, Ryndevich & Fikáček, gen. nov., is strongly supported by DNA data, has limited distribution (eastern Asia), and its species share similar biology (inhabiting fresh or decaying plant tissues), though it can be only diagnosed by a combination of plesiomorphic characters. A detailed treatment is provided for the Chinese species, including species diagnoses, illustrations of habitus and male genitalia, (re)descriptions and a key to species. A total of 14 Chinese species are recognised, of which 11 are described as new: Asiacyon pax sp. nov. (Guangdong, Hong Kong, Hunan), A. pseudincretus sp. nov. (Anhui, Jiangxi, Taiwan, Zhejiang), A. vicincretus sp. nov. (Guangdong, Guangxi), A. zhengyucheni sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. huilanae sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. cornipenis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. belousovi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. liangchengi sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. paraequalis sp. nov. (Yunnan), A. pengzhongi sp. nov. (Hunan) and A. xiuzhenae sp. nov. (Hainan, Yunnan). Three Chinese species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon: A. incretus (d’Orchymont, 1941), comb. nov., A. primoricus (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China) and A. indicus (d’Orchymont, 1926), comb. nov. (newly recorded from China and Laos). Additionally, seven Asian species previously classified in Cercyon are transferred to Asiacyon based on their external morphology, but not studied in detail: A. aequalis (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. conjiciens (Walker, 1858), comb. nov., A. dilutus (Régimbart, 1903), comb. nov., A. placidus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov., A. pseudodilutus (Satô, 1979), comb. nov., A. retius (Ryndevich & Prokin, 2017), comb. nov., and A. rubicundus (Sharp, 1884), comb. nov. In total, the genus now comprises 21 named species and several undescribed species from India, Myanmar and Indonesia.

 

Keywords: Asia, China, Hydrophilidae, identification key, Megasternini, molecular systematics, morphology, natural classification, new combination, new genus, new species, Sphaeridiinae.

Phylogenetic position of Asiacyon gen. nov. in the tribe Megasternini.

 

Zuqi Mai, Liyang Wang, Sergey K. Ryndevich, Martin Fikáček, Emmanuel Arriaga-Varela and Fenglong Jia. 2024. DNA but not always Morphology help to Recognise Monophyletic Genera within ‘Cercyon’ terrestrial water scavenger beetles: A Case Study of Asiacyon gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Hydrophilidae). Invertebrate Systematics. 38(10); DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24012 

 Researchgate.net/publication/384727770_DNA_but_not_always_morphology_help_to_recognise_monophyletic_genera_within_'Cercyon'_terrestrial_water_scavenger_beetles_a_case_study_of_Asiacyon_gen_nov_Coleoptera_Hydrophilidae

[Botany • 2023] Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Podochileae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis J.D.Ya and H.Jiang, 

in Ya, Jiang, He, Liao, Zhao, Cai, Wang et Xiong, 2023. 

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04075

 Researchgate.net/publication/375480288

Abstract

A new species of Cylindrolobus (Orchidaceae), C. gaoligongensis from the Gaoligong Mountain, northwestern Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to C. arunachalensis and C. gloensis, but can be distinguished from them by having orange to pink and triangular-ovate lip mid-lobe with mucronate apex, front margin of lateral lobes yellow to white and with short glandular hairs gradually transitioning to dense long hairs, two central calli connected to a keel toward mid-lobe in the disk, and three rows of white long hairs at the base of the disk. Additionally, an improved description and illustration of the closely related species C. arunachalensis, is also provided.

Keywords: Cylindrolobus, new species, Orchidaceae, southwest China, taxonomy

 Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis J.D.Ya and H.Jiang sp. nov.
 (A) Habitat, (B) plant, (C) flowering plant, (D&F) inflorescence, (E, G-J) flower, (K) adaxial sepals, petals and lip, (L-N) column and lip, (O-S) labellum (three rows of white long hairs in the base of the disk (O); two central calli and connected to a keel toward mid-lobe in the disk (O and R); the front margin of lateral lobes with yellow to white and little glandular hairs gradually transition to densely long hairs(S), (Q-T) pollinarium, (U) anther cap.

 Photographs by H. Jiang. Scales indicate: A-E = 2 cm; F-K = 1 cm; L-R = 5 mm; S-U = 1 mm.

 

Ji-Dong Ya, Hong Jiang, Zheng-Jun He, Qin-Chang Liao, Yan-Hui Zhao, Jie Cai, Hong Wang and Zhi Xiong. 2023. Cylindrolobus gaoligongensis sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Podochileae) from Yunnan, China, and improved description of C. arunachalensis. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04075

 Researchgate.net/publication/375480288_Cylindrolobus_gaoligongensis_sp_nov_Orchidaceae_Podochileae_from_Yunnan_China

  twitter.com/NordicJBotany/status/1727311810234044448

[Paleontology • 2025] New Information on Bonapartenykus (Theropoda: Alvarezsauridae) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan

MPCN-PV 738, cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas & Kundrát, 2012

in Meso, Choiniere,  Baiano, Brusatte, ... et Pittman, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Abstract

Alvarezsauria is a group of morphologically distinctive, medium- to small-sized later-diverging coelurosaurian theropod dinosaurs, whose record ranges from the Late Jurassic to the Late Cretaceous. This clade had a widespread distribution in Laurasia in what is now Europe, Asia, and North America, although there are also several Cretaceous taxa from Gondwana in what is now Argentina that all belong to the family Alvarezsauridae. Although alvarezsaurid taxonomic diversity and anatomical knowledge has expanded over the last decade, alvarezsaurid internal phylogenetic relationships remain highly debated. In this contribution, we describe new alvarezsaurid material and review previously reported alvarezsaurid specimens from the middle Campanian—lower Maastrichtian Allen Formation discovered at the Salitral Ojo de Agua locality in Río Negro province, Patagonia, Argentina. Although these specimens were collected at different times without precise original provenance information, here we gathered X-ray diffraction data of the associated sediments that now suggests that all of these specimens come from the same site and stratigraphic level as the holotype of the alvarezsaurid Bonapartenykus ultimus. Based on this new provenance information and the morphological similarity of the considered specimens, here we tentatively refer them to the genus Bonapartenykus. These newly referred specimens add to the record of this genus and shed light on the body plan of the alvarezsaurid clade Patagonykinae by permitting a more complete reconstruction of the neck, pectoral girdle, hindlimb, and tail.

Systematic paleontology

Theropoda Marsh, 1881.

Coelurosauria Huene, 1920.

Alvarezsauria Bonaparte, 1991.

Alvarezsauridae Bonaparte, 1991.

Patagonykinae Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

cf. Bonapartenykus ultimus Agnolín, Powell, Novas, Kundrát, 2012.

Location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality.
A, South America showing the extent of the Cuenca Neuquina (Neuquén Basin) in Argentina. B, Cuenca Neuquina showing the location of the MPCN-PV 738 locality in Río Negro province. C, generalised stratigraphic section outcrop of the Allen and others formations in the area of discovery. D, skeletal reconstruction of MPCN-PV 738.

Life reconstruction of an individual of MPCN-PV 738.

Artwork by Abel G. Montes.

Jorge Gustavo Meso, Jonah Nathaniel Choiniere, Mattia Antonio Baiano, Stephen Louis Brusatte, Juan Ignacio Canale, Leonardo Salgado, Diego Pol and Michael Pittman. 2025.  New Information on Bonapartenykus (Alvarezsauridae: Theropoda) from the Allen Formation (middle Campanian-lower Maastrichtian) of Río Negro Province, Patagonia, Argentina clarifies the Patagonykinae body plan. PLoS ONE. 20(1): e0308366. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308366  

[Botany • 2025] Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae: Olisbeoideae) • A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam

Memecylon longipedunculatum  

in Tagane, Dang, Truong, Q. B. Nguyen, Pham, T. V. Nguyen, Yamamoto, Kongxaisavath, Yamazaki, Nuraliev, Fomichev et Souladeth, 2025. 

Sầm cuống dài  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1  

facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH   

 

Abstract

Memecylon longipedunculatum, a new species of Melastomataceae, is described and illustrated. The species is known to occur in Khanh Hoa and Ninh Thuan provinces in South Central Coast Vietnam, where it is restricted to low dry coastal forests and scrubby vegetation. The description is based on the authors’ original gatherings as well as on the historical collections made a century ago. The new species is distinguishable from most of its congeners by small leaves (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm) with obtuse or sometimes emarginate apices, long peduncles (1–2.7 cm long), and crescent-shaped anther connective with distinct centrally placed gland.

Indochina, Myrtales, taxonomy, Olisbeoideae, Eudicots

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
A, B. Flowering branches. C, D. Leaf, adaxial and abaxial side. E. Inflorescence. F. Flower, top view. G. Stamen, side view. H. Anther, side view. I. Post-anthetic flower (after abscission of petals and stamens). J. Mature flower bud.

Nuraliev & Fomichev NUR 4192 (A, E–J) and Nuraliev NUR 3340 (B–D). 

Photos by M.S. Nuraliev.

Memecylon longipedunculatum.
 A. Flowering branch. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Bark. D. Inflorescence. E. Top view of flower bud (up-left), anthetic flower (bottom), and post-anthetic flower (up-right). F. Inflorescence branch with anthetic and post-anthetic flowers. G. Fruiting stage of inflorescence.

Tagane et al. N465 (A, D–F) and Tagane et al. N216 (B, C, G). 

Photos by S. Tagane.

Memecylon longipedunculatum Tagane, V.S.Dang & Nuraliev, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis:—Memecylon longipedunculatum is similar to M. chevalieri Guillaumin (1921a: 7, see also Guillaumin 1921b: 936) distributed in Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam by having axillary and terminal inflorescences with relatively long peduncles 1–2.7 cm long (vs. almost 1.5 cm long in M. chevalieri), but distinguished from the latter species by its smaller leaf blades (1.2–5.7 × 0.7–2.4 cm vs. 4–7 × 2–4 cm), longer pedicels (3.3–5.5 mm vs. 2–3 mm long), longer petals (ca. 4 mm vs. 2–3 mm long) with acute (vs. acuminate) apex, and subglobose (vs. ovoid-globose) fruits

Etymology:—The species epithet refers to its long peduncles (up to 2.7 cm long in flower and to 5.1 cm long in fruit), one of the remarkable features distinguishing it from most of its congeners in the Indochinese Peninsula.  

 Vernacular name:—Sầm cuống dài (Vietnamese).

Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Ba Vuong TRUONG, Quoc Bao NGUYEN, Quoc Trong PHAM, Tran Vy NGUYEN, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Maxim S. NURALIEV, Constantin I. FOMICHEV and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2025. Memecylon longipedunculatum (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Coastal Areas of south central Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 683(1); 1-8. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.1 [2025-01-29]

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/8979961888724918

[Botany • 2024] Peliosanthes orthocoronata (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Southeastern Yunnan, China

Peliosanthes orthocoronata H.Z. Feng, 

in Wang, Bi, Chu, Zhang et Feng, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.3.2

 Researchgate.net/publication/387571577

 

Abstract

Peliosanthes orthocoronata is described and illustrated as a new species from southern China. The new species is similar to P. griffithii, they can be easily distinguished by horizontal stolons, the perianth lobes, and the staminal corona morphology. Notes on the habitat, conservation status, phenology, and taxonomic relationships with congeners are also provided.

androecium, corona, Liliaceae, limestone, taxonomy, Monocots

Peliosanthes orthocoronata.
 A: Plant. B & C: Inflorescence. D & E: Flower, front view. F & G: Flower, views from side. H: Basal portion of flower, with corona cross-sectioned. I. Flower, rear view. J: Basal portion of flower, with corona and style cross-sectioned. K: Basal portion of inflorescence. L: Flower, views from side and with corona cross-sectioned. M: Bract, with part of one pedicel. N: Flower, views from side. O: Flower, longitudinally sectioned with ovary has been removed. P & Q: Flower, longitudinally sectioned.

Peliosanthes orthocoronata H.Z. Feng, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the shape of corona; orthocorona is composed of “ortho+corona”,“ortho-” means upright.

Li Hong WANG, Ming Hui BI, Hong Bo CHU, Gao Cheng ZHANG and Hui Zhe FENG. 2024. Peliosanthes orthocoronata (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Southeastern Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 678(3); 167-175. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.678.3.2

 Researchgate.net/publication/387571577_Peliosanthes_orthocoronata_a_new_species_from_Yunnan_China