[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]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Aeschnosomatidae, Lauromacromiidae, Macromidiidae fam. nov.; Austrocorduliidae, Gomphomacromiidae, Idionychidae, stat. rev., ... • Systematic and Taxonomic Revision of Emerald and Tigertail Dragonflies (Anisoptera: Synthemistidae and Corduliidae)

 

Synthemistidae and Corduliidae

in Goodman, Abbott, Bybee, Ehlert, Frandsen, Guralnick, ... et Ware, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70000 

Abstract

Libelluloidea is the most species-rich superfamily within dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera), yet intrafamilial relationships have remained contested for the past 150 years. Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for two families within Libelluloidea which together form a complex of distantly related lineages, Corduliidae s.l. (Emeralds) and Synthemistidae s.l. (Tigertails) based on comprehensive taxon sampling at species level (Corduliidae: 141/165 spp., Synthemistidae: 123/150 spp.) for which we generated anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) high-throughput molecular sequences (10–1054 loci). Furthermore, we combined our molecular dataset with 100 discrete morphological characters based on wing, body, nymphal and genital characters. Using our molecular data, and an evaluation of morphological characters via ancestral character state reconstruction, we propose a new classification for these taxa. Here, three new families are erected: Aeschnosomatidae fam. nov.; Lauromacromiidae fam. nov.; Macromidiidae fam. nov.; and the status is revised for six families: Austrocorduliidae Bechly, 1996 stat. rev.; Gomphomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Idionychidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Idomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Neophyidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; and Pseudocorduliidae Lohmann, 1996 stat. rev. Furthermore, we synonymized Procordulia Martin, 1907, with the genus Hemicordulia Selys, 1870. Finally, we recover five enigmatic taxa (Archaeophya Fraser, 1959, Libellulosoma Martin, 1907, Austrophya Tillyard, 1909, Apocordulia Watson, 1980 and Cordulisantosia Fleck & Costa, 2007) for which no molecular data was previously available within these families with revised status or new with high support using a total-evidence approach. Character state reconstructions revealed widespread homology among traditional characters used to identify groups within each family. We estimate the ancestral Libelluloidea possessed an ovuloid anal loop, prominent uniform labial palp dentition in the nymphs and a reduced ovipositor. Finally, time-divergence analyses estimate Libelluloidea to have originated within the Early Cretaceous, with subsequent families diversifying throughout the Cenozoic.

Keywords: anchored hybrid enrichment, classification, comparative morphology, dragonflies, synapomorphies

three new families are erected: 

Aeschnosomatidae fam. nov.; 

Lauromacromiidae fam. nov.; 

Macromidiidae fam. nov.

the status is revised for six families: 

Austrocorduliidae Bechly, 1996 stat. rev.; 

Gomphomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Idionychidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Idomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Neophyidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Pseudocorduliidae Lohmann, 1996 stat. rev.

 

Aaron Goodman, John C. Abbott, Seth Bybee, Juliana Ehlert, Paul B. Frandsen, Rob Guralnick, Vincent J. Kalkman, Lacie Newton, Ângelo Parise Pinto and Jessica L. Ware. 2025. Systematic and Taxonomic Revision of Emerald and Tigertail Dragonflies (Anisoptera: Synthemistidae and Corduliidae). Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70000  [09 October 2025]

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Telmatomyia talbragarica • The Oldest Gondwanan non-biting Midge (Diptera: Chironomidae: Podonominae) sheds light on the Historical Biogeography of the Clade

 

Telmatomyia talbragarica

Baranov, McCurry, Amaral, Beattie & Trewick, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.001

Artwork by Valentyna Inshyna

 

Highlights: 

• This discovery is the oldest Southern Hemisphere record of Chironomidae.

• Podonominae rapidly dispersed from Siberia in Jurassic, or of Gondwana origin.

• Fossil has a unique suction disc—for survival in turbulent environments’.

Abstract

Podonominae, a group of non-biting midges within the Chironomidae family, serves as an important biogeographical model. For a long time, it was believed that Podonominae originated in Northern Gondwana and later spread to Laurasia. However, because the oldest known fossils of this group come from the Jurassic period in Eurasia more recent interpretations have suggested a Laurasian origin.

We present the oldest record of Podonominae from Gondwana, specifically from the Tithonian age (Jurassic) in Australia. This discovery is also the oldest Chironomidae fossil found in the Southern Hemisphere and suggests that Podonominae likely originated in Gondwana. The new fossil represents a highly specialized form of Podonominae, adapted to living in the littoral zones of large lakes. It has adaptations to this environment that are unique amongst Podonominae, and similar to those found in some modern marine Chironomidae species such as Telmatogetoninae.

 

Keywords: Biogeography, Diptera, Podonominae, Jurassic, Gondwana

Systematic palaeontology

Chironomidae (Newman, 1834).

Podonominae Thienemann and Edwards in Thienemann, 1937.

Telmatomyia talbragarica (AM F141771), female pupa.
A) Habitus B) Terminal disk; C) Terminal disk, with enhanced contrast.

Telmatomyia gen. nov.  

Differential diagnosis.

Diagnosis. Pupa: can be distinguished from any other representative of Chironomidae by its very large size (> 9 mm), almost round thoracic horns with plastron occupying about 70 %–80 % of it, and uniquely modified abdominal segments 8 and 9, which form an oval terminal disc with a suture like articulation between the segments, wider than long, apparently without fringe of terminal setae (although there are setae looking marks around the terminal disk.

Etymology: Telmatomyia, is from the Greek “Telmato-” adjective, “of stagnant water” reflecting the lacustrine nature of the habitat at Talbragar, and “myia” – Greek for “fly”.

Telmatomyia talbragarica sp.nov.

Etymology: from Talbragar formation.

 Reconstruction of the lake shore of Talbragar Fossil Fish Bed, depicting several Telmatomyia talbragarica pupae attached to a rock underwater. Pair of Orthogonikleithridae fishes are patrolling the waters of the lake, while Rhoetosaurus brownei is approaching the lakeshore, by the grove of “Agathis” jurassica.

Artwork by Valentyna Inshyna, used with permission.

 

      

Viktor Baranov, Matthew R. McCurry, André P. Amaral, Robert Beattie and Steven A. Trewick. 2025. The Oldest Gondwanan non-biting midge (Diptera, Chironomidae, Podonominae) sheds light on the Historical Biogeography of the Clade. Gondwana Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.001 [8 October 2025]

[Crustacea • 2025] Parasesarma otiense • A New Species of Parasesarma (Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Western Australia, with A Key to the Species from Australia

Parasesarma otiense

Shahdadi, Hosie, Hara & Chan, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.162897

Abstract

Nine species of Parasesarma are currently recorded from continental Australian mangroves. The present study describes a new species, P. otiense sp. nov., from Western Australia. Parasesarma otiense sp. nov. occurs sympatrically with P. hartogi and P. holthuisi in the mangroves of Exmouth Gulf. In both COX1 and 16S BI trees, the new species is well nested within Parasesarma, but divergent from other species. Morphologically, the new species is distinct from other Parasesarma in having eight asymmetric tubercles with the distal slope longer than the proximal slope on the upper surface of the cheliped dactylus. Parasesarma otiense is the tenth species of Parasesarma recorded from continental Australia, taking the number of species assigned to the genus Parasesarma to 59. A key to the species of Parasesarma known from Australian waters is provided to aid in their identification.

Key words: Crustacea, COX1, mangrove crab, molecular taxonomy, morphology, Parasesarma otiense

Parasesarma otiense sp. nov., holotype, WAM C74523, male (14.0 × 11.0), Western Australia, Exmouth Gulf, Bay of Rest mangrove.
A. Dorsal habitus; B. Frontal view; C. Carapace, dorsal view; D. Pleon and mouth; E. Right chela, outer view; F. Left chela, dorsal view; G. Dactylus of right chela, dorsal view.

 Parasesarma otiense sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ambulatory legs relatively long, P4 longest, ~1.7 × cw. Carapace rectangular, broader than long, dorsal surface smooth, front moderately deflexed, shallowly sinuous in dorsal view, median postfrontal lobes as wide as lateral ones. Eyestalk longer than wide, cornea wider than eyestalk. Chelipeds without subdistal spine on dorsal border of merus; male chela with 2 transverse pectinated crests on the upper surface of palm, dactylus with 8 asymmetric tubercles with proximal slope shorter than distal slope, tubercles with transverse keel and wrinkles. Male pleon triangular, somite 2 medially longer than lateral edges. G1 stout, straight, apical corneous process relatively long, bent at an angle of ~45° to vertical axis, aperture subterminal.

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Latin noun otium, meaning rest, and the gender-neutral suffix, -ense, in reference to the type locality, the Bay of Rest in Exmouth Gulf, Western Australia.

 Adnan Shahdadi, Andrew M. Hosie, Ana Hara and Benny K. K. Chan. 2025. A New Species of Parasesarma (Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from Western Australia, with A Key to the Species from Australia. ZooKeys. 1255: 275-290. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1255.162897

https://visit.museum.wa.gov.au/learn/news-stories/new-species-mangrove-crab-discovered-western-australia