[Entomology • 2026] Anchiale mabiensis & A. robusta • A Revision of Australian Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae), with the Description of Two New Species

  Anchiale mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov. female, in situ

in Jones, Brock, Coupland, Emmott et Lo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70096

 (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

ABSTRACT 

The Australian species of the Phasmida genus Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmatinae: Phasmatini) are updated to include five species: Anchiale albopunctata (Kirby, 1896) stat. rev. (removed from synonymy with A. briareus (Gray, 1834)); A. briareus Gray, 1834 (= Ctenomorpha tessulata Gray, 1835 syn. nov.; = A. austrotessulata Brock & Hasenpush, 2007, replacement name for C. tessulata Gray, 1835), A. mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov.; A. robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.; and A. spinicollis Gray, 1833. Lectotypes are designated for Ctenomorpha albopunctatum Kirby, 1896, C. nigrovaria Stål, 1875 (= A. briareus) and C. tessulata Gray, 1835. These taxonomic decisions are supported by Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial COXI gene fragment of all species except A. spinicollis. Anchiale albopunctata is currently known from mideastern Queensland, A. briareus from north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, A. mabiensis sp. nov. and A. robusta sp. nov. from tropical eastern Queensland, and A. spinicollis from the Northern Territory. A dichotomous key to all Australian species of Anchiale and their eggs is provided.

Keywords: Acrophylla, distribution, DNA, genus, insects, molecular, Phasmida, phylogenetic, specimens, taxonomy

Anchiale albopunctata (Kirby, 1896) stat. rev. 

(removed from synonymy with A. briareus (Gray, 1834)); 

A. briareus Gray, 1834 

(= Ctenomorpha tessulata Gray, 1835 syn. nov.; 

= A. austrotessulata Brock & Hasenpush, 2007,
replacement name for C. tessulata Gray, 1835), 

A. mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov.; 

A. robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.; 

A. spinicollis Gray, 1833. 

  Anchiale mabiensis sp. nov. female, in situ

 (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

Anchiale mabiensis sp. nov. in situ.
(a) Female holotype (photo by Ross M. Coupland).
(b) paratype male (photo by Ross M. Coupland).
(c) Montane rainforest habitat (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

Anchiale mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov. 

Anchiale robusta sp. nov. in situ.
 (a) Male. (b) Female. (c) Female defence display, inset: wings of preserved paratype female. (d) Coastal habitat, Bramston Beach, Qld. (e) Garden habitat, Kuranda, Qld

(all photos by Paul D. Brock).

Anchiale robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.

Braxton R. Jones, Paul D. Brock, Ross M. Coupland, Angus Emmott and Nathan Lo. 2026. A Revision of Australian Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae), with the Description of Two New Species. Austral Entomology. 65(4); e70096. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70096 [21 September 2026]

[Entomology • 2025] Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Australasian Zygaenula Doleschall, 1858 (Diptera: Platystomatidae) with A Description of A New Species

 

(a–c) Zygaenula hilaris comb. reinstat.: (a) habitus dorsal; (b) habitus lateral; (c) head frontal.
(d–f) Zygaenula mcalpinei sp. nov.: (d) habitus dorsal; (e) habitus lateral; (f) head frontal. 
 (a–c) Z. australis comb. nov.: (a) habitus dorsal; (b) habitus lateral; (c) head frontal.
(d–f) Z. celyphoides comb. nov.: (d) habitus dorsal; (3) habitus lateral; (f) Head frontal.
(g–i) Z. coalescens comb. reinstat.: (g) habitus dorsal; (h) habitus lateral; (i) head frontal.

 Rodrigues, Mello & Barros de Carvalho, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70031 

Abstract

Zygaenula Doleschall, 1858 and Mesoctenia Enderlein, 1924 syn. nov. are small genera restricted to the Australasia region. Here, both genera are considered synonymous, supported by the synapomorphy width of frons, in relation to height, more than two times. A new species, Zygaenula mcalpinei sp. nov. is described from the Manu Island, Admiralty Archipelago, Papua New Guinea. Zygaenula australis (McAlpine, 1973) comb. nov., Z. celyphoides (Walker, 1859) comb. nov., Z. coalescens Hendel, 1914 comb. reinstat., Z. hilaris Hendel, 1914 comb. reinstat., and Z. paradoxa Doleschall, 1858 are redescribed. The lectotype and paralectotype are designated for specimens of Z. celyphoides comb. nov. In addition, an updated identification key and a distribution map are presented. The hypothesised phylogenetic relationship of the Zygaenula species is represented by the following parenthetical notation: (Z. paradoxa (Z. coalescens comb. reinstat.. (Z. hilaris comb. reinstat. (Z. mcalpinei sp. nov. (Z. australis comb. nov. and Z. celyphoides comb. nov.))))).

Keywords: Australasia, morphological phylogeny, Scholastinae, systematics, taxonomic review

 Zygaenula species, external plates.
 (a–c) Z. australis comb. nov.: (a) habitus dorsal; (b) habitus lateral; (c) head frontal.
(d–f) Z. celyphoides comb. nov.: (d) habitus dorsal; (3) habitus lateral; (f) Head frontal.
(g–i) Z. coalescens comb. reinstat.: (g) habitus dorsal; (h) habitus lateral; (i) head frontal.

 Zygaenula species, external plates.
(a–c) Z. hilaris comb. reinstat.: (a) habitus dorsal; (b) habitus lateral; (c) head frontal.
(d–f) Z. mcalpinei sp. nov.: (d) habitus dorsal; (e) habitus lateral; (f) head frontal.
(g–i) Z. paradoxa: (g) habitus dorsal; (h) habitus lateral; (i) head frontal.

João Paulo Vinicios Rodrigues,  Ramon Luciano Mello,  Claudio José Barros de Carvalho. 2025. Phylogeny and Taxonomy of the Australasian Zygaenula Doleschall, 1858 (Diptera: Platystomatidae) with A Description of A New Species. Austral Entomology. 64(4); e70031. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70031 [11 November 2025]

[Herpetology • 2026] Eremiascincus erebos • A New banded skink (Scincidae: Sphenomorphini) from sandstone habitats of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

 

Eremiascincus erebos

Zozaya, Lloyd, Budd & Torkkola, 2026

Garrwa Banded Skink | www.TaxonomyAustralia.org.au 

Abstract  

We describe Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov., a new species of banded, crepuscular and nocturnal skink from sandstone habitats of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria region in the Northern Territory, Australia. The species is known to inhabit scree and deep, cave-like crevices in gorges and rock towers. Morphology and genomic sequence data indicate E. erebos sp. nov. is most closely related to E. fasciolatus—with which it shares divided posterior supralabials, a character otherwise absent in Eremiascincus—but differs in having a larger ear opening, no ridges along the dorsal surfaces of the hindbody and tail, and a higher midbody scale row count. Although currently known from only two localities in the north-eastern Northern Territory, E. erebos sp. nov. is likely more widespread across the region south of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov. in life and associated habitat:
 (A) MAGNT R36326 (holotype) and (B) MAGNT R36327 (paratype) from Pungalina–Seven Emu Sanctuary; (C) an unvouchered individual from Caranbirini;
(D) typical habitat at Caranbirini; (E) an unsampled individual from Caranbirini observed inside a deep, horizontal rock crevice.

 Photos: R. Lloyd (A–B); E. Budd (C); S. Zozaya (D–E).

Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov. (A) compared with the morphologically similar E. fasciolatus (B), geographically adjacent E. intermedius (C), and sympatric E. isolepis (D). Note that E. erebos sp. nov. lacks the longitudinal dorsal ridges on the posterior body and tail visible in B and C.

Localities: (A, D) Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, NT; (B) Cecil Plains, Qld; (C) Barkly Homestead, NT. 

Photos: S. Mahony (A), W. Read (B), M. Clancy (C), S. Zozaya (D).

 Eremiascincus ereboss sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Can be differentiated from all other Eremiascincus by the following combination of characters: irregular, dark, transverse bands on dorsal surface of body and original tail; dark bands on torso 1–2.5 scales wide; 37–39 MBSR; 8–9 supralabials, the penultimate and/or posteriormost being divided horizontally; ear opening very large (ear height 33–34% head depth) and elliptical; scales on dorsal surface of fourth toe arranged in multiple rows with oblique sutures, with only the terminal and penultimate scale row single; dorsum and tail completely lacking longitudinal ridges; snout rounded in lateral view, not depressed.

 Etymology. From the Greek ἔρεβος (erebos), used by Homer in the Iliad for the dark, gloomy passages between Earth and Hades, in reference to the dark sandstone crevices and caves in which this species is often found. The epithet was intentionally chosen for its phonetic resemblance to the generic name Eremiascincus, with both names beginning with ere- despite deriving from different Greek roots. The name is used as a noun in apposition. Coincidentally—and unknown to us until we compiled the reference list for this paper—the related species E. pallidus (Günther, 1875) was described in The Zoology of the Voyage of HMS Erebus and Terror, which refers to a ship bearing the same name in its Latinised form. 

We recommend the common name 'Garrwa Banded Skink' given that the species' known extent of occurrence falls mostly within Garrwa country. We thank Daphne and Peggy Mawson, Garrwa Elders, for their ongoing support toward understanding the lizard diversity on their country.

 

 Stephen M. Zozaya, Ray Lloyd, Elliot Budd and Janne J. Torkkola. 2026. Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov., A New banded skink (Scincidae; Sphenomorphini) from sandstone habitats of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Taxonomy Australia. 130: 1–11.   [2026-09-09] 

 www.TaxonomyAustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/gr5q0xngp9

[Arachnida • 2026] Kwonkan elatus & K. yorkrakine • Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum. B Female K. wonganensis C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ 
 Burrow entrance morphology of D K. eboracum (open); E K. wonganensis (closed); F K. sp. ‘MYG978’(open) 
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

in Wilson, Urso, Rix, et Harvey, 2026. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

Abstract

The collar-door wishbone spiders of the genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 are an Australian-endemic lineage of mygalomorph spiders that often construct elaborate burrow entrances, including collars and turrets, and remain poorly documented across their range, despite museum collections indicating high local endemism and substantial undescribed diversity. Much of the existing taxonomy, including nine of the 14 currently described species, was based on limited material and lacked modern morphological or molecular approaches to species delimitation, hindering efforts to document the remaining diversity and address conservation concerns. Here, we redescribe all nine legacy species and review Kwonkan diversity within the south-western Western Australian (SWWA) agricultural region, a highly fragmented and mostly cleared landscape harbouring extensive undescribed diversity and the threatened species K. eboracum Main, 1983. In the process, we clarify species identities, present the first molecular data for several species including K. eboracum, and describe two new species (K. elatus sp. nov. and K. yorkrakine sp. nov.) that were previously attributed to legacy species. In our review of the SWWA agricultural region fauna we identify 29 putative undescribed species and a pattern of extensive sympatry, fine-scale species turnover, and extremely restricted ranges. These findings highlight the need for continued revisionary work and potential conservation listing of additional described species such as K. wonganensis (Main, 1977).

Keywords: short-range endemism, conservation systematics, mygalomorph spiders, south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot, Wheatbelt

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, Western Australia (W.A.). B Female K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
D Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, W.A. E Burrow entrance morphology (closed) of K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. F Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

 Jeremy D. Wilson, Arianna Urso, Michael G. Rix, Erich S. Volschenk, Valentina Cruz Bedón and Mark S. Harvey. 2026. Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 510-547.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 [08-07-2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Miyumba chrisdickmani • A New Genus of dasyurid (Marsupialia: Dasyuridae) from the Early Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, north-western Queensland

 

Miyumba chrisdickmani

 Churchill, Archer, Hand & Farman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1071/AZ26024

Artist reconstruction by Neville Garden

 

This study describes Miyumba chrisdickmani gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of dasyurid (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) from Early Miocene deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area in north-western Queensland. This taxon, similar in size to extant species of Antechinus and Sminthopsis (23–33.5 g), is the oldest and most plesiomorphic member of the family Dasyuridae. Character analysis identifies one new lower dental synapomorphy for Dasyuridae that previously lacked any dental synapomorphies uniting the family. Parsimony and Bayesian phylogenetic analysis supports the placement of M. chrisdickmani as the sister taxon to all other dasyurids. These analyses also recover the diminutive Mayigriphus orbus from early Late Miocene deposits of Riversleigh either as a sminthopsine dasyurid or as the second most plesiomorphic member of the family after M. chrisdickmani. Joculusium muizoni from Riversleigh’s Middle Miocene deposits was recovered outside Dasyuridae as a sister taxon by both phylogenetic analyses. Urrayira whitei was recovered by both analyses as a member of the dasyurid genus Planigale, whereas Antechinus yuna and Antechinus yammal were supported as species of Antechinus. Morphological similarity of M. chrisdickmani to extant dasyurids from New Guinea suggests a possible close phylogenetic relationship between these lineages and may represent yet another remnant New Guinean group of rainforest-adapted marsupials that had its origins in the Miocene rainforests of Riversleigh.

Keywords: Dasyuridae, dasyuromorphia, dentition, fossil, Marsupialia, Miyumba, palaeontology, phylogenetics, Riversleigh, systematics

 Miyumba chrisdickmani sp. nov. holotype left dentary QM F62121 shown as MgO coated photographs (a, e–f) and micro-CT images (b–d, g–h):
(a–b), occlusal stereo pairs; (c) anterior view; (d) posterior view; (e) and (g), buccal views; (f and h), lingual views.

Systematic palaeontology

MAMMALIA Linnaeus 1758 

MARSUPIALIA Illiger 1811sensuBeck et al. (2014) 

DASYUROMORPHIA Gill 1872sensuKealy and Beck (2017) 

DASYURIDAE Goldfuss 1820 

Type species: Dasyurus maculatus Geoffroy 1796.

Revised familial diagnosis: All dasyurids possess a p3 that is absent, reduced, or subequal in length relative to p1 and p2. In addition to these features, dasyurids differ from malleodectids in p2 being narrow, blade-like and smaller in all dimensions relative to m2. In addition to the above features, dasyurids differ from thylacinids in metaconids being present on m1 and not highly reduced on m2-4 (except secondarily in S. harrisii), and from the myrmecobiid, M. fasciatus in possessing an unreduced dentition with deciduous premolars lost in adulthood.

†MIYUMBA gen. nov

 Type species: Miyumba chrisdickmani.

Generic diagnosis: 

The new taxon differs from all other dasyurids in the following combination of lower dental features: p1 reduced so as to be approximately subequal (~10% shorter) in length to p1; p2 longer than p1 and p3; no premolar diastemata present; m1 not reduced compared to m2 and m3; paraconid unreduced on m1; metaconids unreduced on all molars; anterior cingulids present; posterior cingulids present; buccal cingulids well-developed on premolars and molars; preentocristids well-developed; three cusps on m4 talonid; and m4 approximately subequal in length compared to other molars.

...

Etymology: The genus name Miyumba comes from the Waanyi word ‘miyumba’, which describes the land where the Riversleigh World Heritage Area is located.

MIYUMBA CHRISDICKMANI sp. nov. 

 

Species diagnosis: As for genus until more species attributable to Miyumba are discovered.

Etymology: The species name chrisdickmani honours the significant contributions of Professor Chris Dickman to our understanding of the biology of dasyurid marsupials and a plethora of other arid-adapted Australian species.

Artist reconstruction of Miyumba chrisdickmani.

Artwork: Neville Garden

 

Timothy J. Churchill, Michael Archer, Suzanne J. Hand and Roy M. Farman. 2026. A New Genus of dasyurid Miyumba chrisdickmani (Marsupialia, Dasyuridae) from the Early Miocene Deposits of the Riversleigh World Heritage Area, north-western Queensland. Australian Zoologist. 45 (2): AZ26024. DOI: doi.org/10.1071/AZ26024 [17 July 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Kongobatha spinosistyla, K. serpens & K. rufilinea • Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini)

Kongobatha spinosistyla Connors, 

in Connors, Yeeles, Lach et  Rentz, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2

 

Abstract

Kongobatha is one of the most commonly encountered of all Australian mantis genera, and yet despite this, very little is known about the taxonomy or biology of the genus. Described to include a single Australian species, K. diademata, the only subsequent work on the genus has been the description of a second species from New Guinea, K. papua. We here describe three additional species, K. spinosistyla Connors sp. nov., K. serpens Connors sp. nov., and K. rufilinea Connors sp. nov., and redescribe K. diademata and K. papua in detail, the latter of which is recorded from Australia for the first time. We also describe for the first time the unusual, heavily spinose styli of male Kongobatha. These are apparently unique among Mantodea as a whole, but their function remains unknown. 

Mantodea, mantis, snake mantis, Australia, New Guinea, taxonomy, styli, citizen science

Male and female Kongobatha spinosistyla (Rainforest Snake Mantis), Kuranda, North Queensland.

photo: Maurice Allan

MATTHEW G. CONNORS, PETER YEELES, LORI LACH and DAVID C.F. RENTZ. 2026. Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 45-84. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2 [2026-05-08]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Solenostomus snuffleupagus • A hairy Ghost Pipefish (Syngnathiformes: Solenostomidae) from the Southwest Pacific, with an integrative comparison to S. paegnius

Solenostomus snuffleupagus

Short & Harasti, 2026   

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70497

 

Abstract

A new species of ghost pipefish, Solenostomus snuffleupagus sp. nov., is described from the Coral Sea based on specimens (18–34 mm SL) collected from coral reef habitats in Queensland, Australia. The species is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: abundant elongate integumentary filaments imparting a conspicuously shaggy appearance; 36 total vertebrae (vs. 32–34 in all congeners); compact body form with a short, deep pretrunk (11%–14% SL); sexually dimorphic supraoccipital crests (moderately elevated in females, strongly developed in males); and two modified anchor-like ossicles spanning the pterygiophores in both soft dorsal and anal fins. Micro-CT imaging reveals distinctive pretrunk ossicle configuration characterized by deep angular interspaces and absence of a ventral ossicle series. Mitochondrial COI sequences indicate an uncorrected p-distance of 22.0% from the superficially similar S. paegnius, a species with which it has long been confused in museum collections and citizen science databases. Field observations document consistent association with dense filamentous red macroalgae, with body coloration closely matching host substrate. The species is currently known from the southwest Pacific, including northeastern Australia (Coral Sea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga, representing a southwestern Pacific distribution.

Solenostomus snuffleupagus, in situ, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, 2022: (a) adult individual; (b) female specimen used for genetic analysis; (c) male specimen used for genetic analysis (photographs by David Harasti).

Micro-CT reconstructions (lateral view) of Solenostomus snuffleupagus:
(a) holotype, female, AMS I.33751-047; (b) paratype, male, NTM S.13600–047. DF, dorsal-fin; PF, pectoral-fin; sAF, soft anal-fin; sDF, soft dorsal-fin. Numbers 1 and 2 indicate the respective pterygiophores supporting the soft dorsal- and anal-fins.

 Taxonomy

Family Solenostomidae 

Genus Solenostomus Lacépède 1803 

 Solenostomus snuffleupagus, Short and Harasti, new species

Diagnosis: A species of Solenostomus distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body compact and vertically deep anteriorly; pretrunk deep (24.4%–29.2% SL); abundant, elongate integumentary filaments conferring a conspicuously shaggy appearance, particularly dense on snout, jaws, head and fin extremities; pretrunk ossicles are narrow and elongated, separated by deep angular interspaces, forming a distinctive compact lattice; There are total 36 vertebrae. The supraoccipital crest is elevated and rounded in females, but strongly pronounced in males. There are two modified anchor-like ossicles spanning the pterygiophores in both the soft dorsal fin (19–20 rays) and anal fin (18–19 rays). The soft dorsal fin has 19–20 rays, the anal fin has 18–19 rays, the pectoral fin has 27 rays, the caudal fin has 15 rays.

Etymology: The specific epithet snuffleupagus refers to the shaggy character Mr. Snuffleupagus, also known as ‘Snuffy’, from the children's television series Sesame Street™, in allusion to the species' distinctly shaggy, filamentous appearance and snout reminiscent of the character's covering and trunk. The name is treated as a noun in apposition (ICZN Article 31.1.2).

Solenostomus paegnius, in situ: (a) Indonesia (photograph by Richard Smith); (b) Philippines, male–female pair with the female positioned above the male in the water column (photograph by Lynn Funkhouser); (c) Philippines, male–female pair with the female positioned above the male in the water column (photograph by Alex Tyrrell @dive4photos).

 

Graham Short and David Harasti. 2026. Solenostomus snuffleupagus sp. nov., A hairy Ghost Pipefish (Teleostei: Solenostomidae) from the Southwest Pacific, with an integrative comparison to S. paegnius. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70497 [10 May 2026]

 

[Entomology • 2026] Yoyetta argentea, Y. longirostra, Y. penetrans, ... • Eight New Species of Yoyetta Moulds (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae) from eastern Australia

 

Yoyetta argentea; Y. longirostra; Y. penetrans; Y. zagona; ...

Popple, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.2.1

Abstract

Eight new cicada species from the eucalypt forests of eastern Australia are described in the genus Yoyetta Moulds, 2012. Yoyetta argentea sp. nov. is found in the central highlands of Queensland; Y. burwelli sp. nov. is widespread in south-eastern Queensland and also occurs in far northern New South Wales; Y. clara sp. nov. occurs in the central highlands and in inland south-eastern Queensland; Y. eastwoodi sp. nov. is found in subcoastal central and south-eastern Queensland; Y. longirostra sp. nov. is restricted to south-eastern Queensland; Y. penetrans sp. nov. is known from coastal north-eastern New South Wales; Y. wrightae sp. nov. is distributed patchily through coastal and inland south-eastern Queensland; Y. zagona sp. nov. occurs in inland southern Queensland, inland New South Wales and north-western Victoria. The new species are broadly all allied to Y. tristrigata (Goding & Froggatt) and males of all species produce simple ticking or clicking songs and generally remain inconspicuous in the canopy. Within each species a description, as well as a section on distinguishing features, distribution, habitat and behaviour, and calling song structures are provided and illustrated where available. A revised key to species for the genus Yoyetta Moulds is also provided.

Hemiptera, Australia, behaviour, cicada, Cicadidae, Yoyetta, distribution, habitat, taxonomy

Yoyetta argentea sp. nov. is found in the central highlands of Queensland; 

Y. burwelli sp. nov. is widespread in south-eastern Queensland and also occurs in far northern New South Wales; 

Y. clara sp. nov. occurs in the central highlands and in inland south-eastern Queensland; 

Y. eastwoodi sp. nov. is found in subcoastal central and south-eastern Queensland; 

Y. longirostra sp. nov. is restricted to south-eastern Queensland; 

Y. penetrans sp. nov. is known from coastal north-eastern New South Wales; 

Y. wrightae sp. nov. is distributed patchily through coastal and inland south-eastern Queensland; 

Y. zagona sp. nov. occurs in inland southern Queensland, inland New South Wales and north-western Victoria.

Lindsay W. POPPLE. 2026. Eight New Species of Yoyetta Moulds (Hemiptera: Cicadidae: Cicadettinae) from eastern Australia.  Zootaxa. 5777(2); 201-241. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.2.1 [2026-03-18]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Found Alive After 6,000 years: Modern Records of An ‘Extinct’ Papuan Marsupial, Dactylonax kambuayai (Marsupialia: Petauridae), with A Revision of the Systematics and Zoogeography of the Genus Dactylonax

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999) 

Pygmy Long-fingered Possum

in Flannery, Aplin, Bocos, Koungoulos et Helgen, 2026. 

Records of the Australian Museum. 78; 

DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.78.2026.3003

 painting by Peter Schouten. 

Abstract

The Pygmy Long-fingered Possum, Dactylonax kambuayai, is the smallest of the striped possums (the petaurid subfamily Dactylopsilinae). It is a ‘Lazarus species’, found living when previously known only from fossils. Recently collected museum specimens, and observations and photographs of living individuals, correspond taxonomically to the only previously reported specimens of D. kambuayai, which are fossil remains from a nearby Holocene location, all occurring in low- to mid-elevation rainforests on the Vogelkop Peninsula of New Guinea. Together with the recent discovery of another Lazarus possum, ‘Petauroides’ ayamaruensis, they represent the only marsupials known as modern animals only from low elevations (below 1000 m) on the Vogelkop Peninsula. Both of these species are diminutive species with enigmatic natural histories. In reviewing the systematics of this species, we demonstrate the distinctness of Dactylonax as a genus-level taxon, and clarify species boundaries in this genus. Dactylonax palpator, the type species of Dactylonax, was previously considered to be a widespread montane taxon, but is recognized here as two separate species: D. palpator is restricted to the Arfak Mountains of the Vogelkop, while D. ernstmayri is widely distributed on the New Guinean Central Cordillera and the Huon Peninsula at elevations above 800 m. Dactylonax palpator replaces, or co-occurs with, D. kambuayai at elevations between around 900 m and 1,400 m on the Vogelkop. We hypothesize that colonization of montane habitats on the Vogelkop by a D. kambuayai-like ancestor gave rise to the larger bodied D. palpator, and dispersal of this lineage to montane habitats in the Central Cordillera gave rise to the highly specialized D. ernstmayri. The fact that the montane taxon of the Vogelkop Dactylonax species couplet was able to migrate eastwards, while the lowland taxon was not, suggests that an unusual elevational zoogeographic filter was in play. We observe that D. kambuayai is thus far recorded from sites where the other small petaurid of New Guinea, Petaurus papuanus, is not recorded or is uncommon.

Keywords: Marsupialia; Petauridae; Dactylonax; kambuayai; palpator; ernstmayri; Lazarus taxon; Vogelkop; New Guinea; systematic review

Photograph of a living female Dactylonax kambuayai, Klalik area, Vogelkop.

Photo: Carlos Bocos.

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999)

Hands of the four extant genera (and three subfamilies) of family Petauridae.
Palmar surfaces of the manus, showing key differences in phalangeal proportions, claws, palmar pads, furring, and patagial development in
(a) Dactylopsila, subfamily Dactylopsilinae (represented by Dactylopsila trivirgata); (b) Dactylonax, subfamily Dactylopsilinae (represented by Dactylonax palpator);
(c) Gymnobelideus, represented by G. leadbeateri (Gymnobelideus McCoy, 1867 is type genus of the new subfamily proposed here: Gymnobelideinae Helgen & Flannery, subfam. nov., Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy, 1867 is type species of Gymnobelideus, the new subfamily and its type genus are both monotypic);
(d) Petaurus, subfamily Petaurinae (represented by P. norfolcensis). Modified from Flannery (1994:61–65). Drawings by Peter Schouten.

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999)—a painting by Peter Schouten.
 This artwork is based on the two modern specimens in the Australian Museum (M.56796 adult female and pouch young M.56797).

Tim F. Flannery; Kenneth P. Aplin; Carlos Bocos; Loukas G. Koungoulos; Kristofer M. Helgen. 2026. Found Alive After 6,000 years: Modern Records of An ‘Extinct’ Papuan Marsupial, Dactylonax kambuayai (Marsupialia: Petauridae), with A Revision of the Systematics and Zoogeography of the Genus Dactylonax. Records of the Australian Museum. 78; 17-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.78.2026.3003 [06 March 2026]

[Fungi • 2024] Mooraboolomyces wintlei (Mucoromycota: Mucoraceae) • A New Genus and Species from Victoria, Australia

  

Mooraboolomyces wintlei  C.P. Hull, A.S. Urquhart & A. Idnurm, 

in Hull, Urquhart et Idnurm. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.644.1.5 

Researchgate.net/publication/379691732

Abstract

A new genus and species in the Mucoromycota, Mooraboolomyces wintlei, was isolated into culture from leaf litter from a national park in Victoria, Australia, and is described. The strain reproduced asexually to form sporangia and sporangiospores, with no production of zygospores, and sequencing of its genome and analysis supported a heterothallic mode of reproduction. Phylogenetic analyses using five DNA regions placed the strain within the Mucorales and Mucoraceae, clearly distinct from previously described genera. This represents the second genus in this phylum that has been identified from Australia and that is currently unique to this country.

biodiversity, heterothallism, Mucorales, sex locus, zygomycete, Fungi

 Physical properties of Mooraboolomyces wintlei.
A. Photograph of the location from where the species was obtained. B. Petri dish plates (9 cm diameter) from above (top) or below (bottom) after 13 days at 23 °C on PDA. C. Edge of growing culture with the fungus illuminated to show examples of sporangia and spores extending beyond the starting culture to initiate new growth to account for the images in B. D. Two sporangia. E. Scanning electron microscopy of the spores in a sporangium. F. Columella, featuring the dark structure at its base. G. Asexual spores. Scale bars: C = 1 cm, D = 40 µm, E = 6 µm, F, G = 10 µm.

CAITLIN P. Hull, ANDREW S. Urquhart and ALEXANDER Idnurm. 2024. Mooraboolomyces wintlei gen. & sp. nov. from Victoria, Australia.  Phytotaxa. 644(1); 35-41. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.644.1.5 [2024-04-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/379691732_Mooraboolomyces_wintlei_gen_sp_nov_from_Victoria_Australia

[Herpetology • 2026] Varanus iridis, V. umbra & V. phosphoros • Three New Species reveal an unrecognized Clade of Rock Monitors (Varanidae: Varanus) from the eastern Australian Savannas

Varanus iridis, Varanus umbra & Varanus phosphoros 

Zozaya, Read, Macor, Pavón-Vázquez, Gale, Wright & Broady, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf192

Abstract

Monitor lizards (Varanus) are among the most iconic reptiles in the world and reach peak diversity in Australia, yet species diversity on the continent remains incompletely documented. We describe three new species of small-bodied, rock-adapted Varanus from north-eastern Australia (Varanus phosphoros sp. nov., Varanus iridis sp. nov., and Varanus umbra sp. nov.) that form a previously unrecognized and deeply divergent (∼7 Mya) clade within the subgenus Odatria. Despite their distinctive coloration, occurrence near major towns, and informal recognition of one species, these lineages have remained undescribed until now. Through targeted fieldwork, we collected voucher specimens to generate genomic and morphological data clarifying evolutionary relationships. We applied a reference-based framework for species delimitation, using sympatric species with evidence of reproductive isolation to calibrate thresholds of genetic divergence and inform taxonomic decisions. All three taxa are strongly supported as evolutionarily independent lineages based on genetic divergence, sympatry with congeners, and morphological differentiation. These are the first scansorial, rock-adapted Varanus described from east of the Carpentarian Gap (a major biogeographical barrier) and add to a growing list of endemic reptiles from the eastern savannas of Australia. Our findings underscore the value of rocky habitats in generating endemic diversity and highlight the utility of calibrated genetic benchmarks in species delimitation.

Odatria, Queensland, species delimitation, Varanus iridis, Varanus umbra, Varanus phosphoros

Photographs in life of Varanus iridis (A, B), Varanus umbra (C, D), Varanus phosphoros (E, F), and Varanus orientalis (G, H). 
 A, paratype QM J99219 from Talaroo Station; B, unvouchered individual from Talaroo Station (tissue sample JNW4);
C, paratype QM J99224 from Gilberton Station; D, unvouchered individual from Gilberton Station;
E, paratype QM J99227 from Isabella Falls; F, unvouchered individual from Mount Molloy;
G, unvouchered individual from Gilberton Station (tissue sample JNW6); and H, unvouchered individual from Magnetic Island.

Photographs: A–B, D, W. Read; C, E, S. Zozaya; F, J. Meney; G, J. Wright; and H, B. Schembri.

 

Varanus phosphoros sp. nov. 

Varanus iridis sp. nov. 

Varanus umbra sp. nov.

Stephen M Zozaya, Wesley J Read, Scott A Macor, Carlos J Pavón-Vázquez, Nicholas P Gale, Justin M Wright and Elizabeth S Broady. 2026. Three New Species reveal an unrecognized Clade of Rock Monitors (Varanidae: Varanus) from the eastern Australian savannas. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 206(2); zlaf192. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf192 [12 February 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pascua marecoralliensis • A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua

 

 Pascua marecoralliensis 

Goatley, Varela, Sellanes & Tornabene, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 

Abstract

In this paper, we use molecular phylogenetics, micro-CT scanning, and morphological analyses to describe a new species of goby, Pascua marecoralliensis, and demonstrate that the genus Pascua is distinct from Hetereleotris, as supported by five diagnostic characters, including modified basicaudal scales and reduced sensory papillae patterns. Phylogenetic analysis places Pascua as sister to the Gobiodon group, while Hetereleotris forms a separate clade. The new species, P. marecoralliensis, differs from congeners in fin ray counts, cephalic pore patterns, and head morphology and exhibits unique live colouration. Additionally, we reclassify Hetereleotris readerae and H. sticta as Pascua readerae and P. sticta based on shared genus-specific traits. The distribution of Pascua spans the southern Pacific, suggesting a relict lineage or undiscovered diversity in the genus. This work underscores the importance of integrative taxonomic approaches for resolving cryptic diversity in gobioid fishes and highlights the need for further sampling in understudied regions.

Keywords: coral reef; cryptic; cryptobenthic fishes; Gobioidei; Hetereleotris; morphology; osteology; phylogeny; tropical; Australia

The three specimens of Pascua marecoralliensis sp. nov. collected from Lorna Cay, Lihou Reef in the Central Coral Sea, Australia.
(a) AMS I.49536-002 (holotype), (b) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 1 (paratype; specimen damaged during description and molecular sampling), (c) AMS I.49536-038 specimen 2 (paratype).

 Christopher H. R. Goatley, Andrea I. Varela, Javier Sellanes and Luke Tornabene. 2025. Pascua marecoralliensis, A New Species of Goby (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Central Coral Sea with Validation of the Genus Pascua. Fishes. 10(9), 449. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/fishes10090449 [4 September 2025]