[Botany • 2026] Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, 

in Lapo-Gonzalez, Iturralde, Uyaguari, Medina, Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Baquero et Jiménez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579

Abstract

Background: The genus Scaphosepalum comprises a group of epiphytic orchids, distinguished by their non-resupinate flowers and prominent osmophores located on the distal portion of the synsepal. With over 60 recognised species, Scaphosepalum is distributed throughout the tropical Americas, with its highest diversity in Colombia and Ecuador. Recent explorations in the Eastern Andes and the Cordillera del Cóndor in south-eastern Ecuador led to the discovery of several new orchid species, including an endemic Scaphosepalum taxon. Many regions remain underexplored, leaving the orchid flora to continually reveal previously undocumented diversity.

New information: Herein, we describe and illustrate Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, as new species discovered in the Andean-Amazonian piedmont of eastern Ecuador. This taxon was initially misidentified as S. medinae based on photographic records. It is compared with S. pleurothallodes and S. medinae, from which it is distinguished by its maroon to yellow-maroon flowers and the rhombic-spathulate shape of the petals. This denotes a marked difference to the yellow flowers spotted with red and the obovate petals of S. pleurothallodes or the lavender with white cells and light brown flowers and the narrowly obtuse petals of S. medinae. The new species is currently known from three localities in the Quimi and Talag River basins. Due to its restricted distribution, small population size and threats from cattle grazing and mining activities, we propose its classification as Critically Endangered under the B criterion of the IUCN.

Keywords: Cordillera del Cóndor, rainforest, Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes, south-eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez.
A Habit; A1 Close-up of the junction between the ramicaul and the inflorescence; B Flower; B1 Close-up of the tails of the synsepal; B2 Close-up of the osmophore; C Dissected perianth; C1 Close-up of the basal margin of the synsepal; C2 Close-up the petal apex; D Column, ovary and lip, lateral view; D1 Close-up of the lip adaxial surface; E Lip, adaxial view; E1 Close-up of the margin the lip; F Anther and pollinia.

Plate by N. Lapo-Gonzalez, based on photographs of the holotype taken by M.M. Jiménez.

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is similar to Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes Luer & Hirtz, but it differs by having a sub-horizontal inflorescence (vs. erect), maroon to red flowers with yellow or red osmophores that are longer and narrower, 3.8 × 1.3 mm (vs. yellow flowers with red spots, with shorter and thicker osmophores, 3.0 × 1.5 mm), petals rhombic-spathulate, apex broadly obtuse and shortly apiculate (vs. obovate petals with acute and 3-toothed in the apex) and a lip with a clawed, obovate-sagittate, rounded, covered by papillose trichomes increasing in length from the middle towards the margin (vs. truncate at the base, obovate-pandurate and pubescent throughout).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Lester Lapo, an outstanding orchid grower from El Pangui, Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southern Ecuador and who first discovered this species.

 Nadia Lapo-Gonzalez, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Johny J. Mendoza Uyaguari, Jefferson Medina, J. R. Kuethe, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Luis E. Baquero and Marco M. Jiménez. 2026. A New Species of Scaphosepalum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from eastern Ecuador. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e176579. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579 [17 Mar. 2026] 

[Arachnida • 2026] Planochelas jingda • Breaking the Afrotropical Boundary: Discovery of Planochelas (Araneae: Trachelidae) in Asia reveals Transcontinental Distribution, with A New bark-dwelling Species from China

 

Planochelas jingda Liu,

in Wang, Shi, Li, Jin, Luo et Liu, 2026. 

井大平蛛  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e182804 

Abstract

Background: Arboreal microhabitats, such as tree bark, remain poorly studied in subtropical China. During exploratory surveys in Jiangxi, specimens of the trachelid spider genus Planochelas — previously known only from Africa — were collected, representing its first record in Asia. This finding disproves the genus’ assumed endemic status and underscores the value of surveying overlooked microhabitats for biogeographic discovery.

New information: The spider genus Planochelas Lyle & Haddad, 2009 is reported for the first time outside the Afrotropical Region, based on material collected in Ji’an City, Jiangxi Province, south-eastern China. A new species, Planochelas jingda Liu, sp. nov., is described and illustrated. Specimens were collected from beneath the bark of Platanus spp. (e.g. P. acerifolia, P. occidentalis and P. orientalis), confirming the arboreal and cryptic habits of the genus. This discovery significantly expands the known distribution of Planochelas and challenges its previous status as a strictly Afrotropical endemic. The finding underscores the importance of targeted microhabitat sampling for revealing overlooked spider diversity and contributes to the understanding of the biogeography of the family Trachelidae in the Oriental Region.

Keywords: Afrotropical Region, dark sac-spiders, Jiangxi Province, taxonomy

Planochelas jingda sp. nov., male holotype.
A habitus, dorsal view; B same, ventral view; C palp, prolatero-ventral view; D same, ventral view; E same, retrolateral view.

 Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B); 0.1 mm (C–E).

Planochelas jingda sp. nov., photos of living specimen
A–C male; D–F female.

Planochelas jingda Liu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Males of the new species resemble those of Planochelas botulus Lyle & Haddad, 2009 (Lyle and Haddad (2009): 93, figs. 15−16) and P. brevis Khoza & Lyle, 2019 (Khoza and Lyle (2019): 150, figs. 9−10) in having an S-shaped sperm duct, the anterior tegulum with an arched ridge and the slightly curved embolus situated distally on tegulum, but can be distinguished (...

Etymology: The name is taken from Jinggangshan University, referring to the type locality; noun in apposition. Common Chinese name: 井大平蛛.

Distribution: Known only from Ji'an City, in Jiangxi Province, China (Fig. 5).

Ecology: The specimens were collected from under the bark (Fig. 4) of plane trees (e.g. P. acerifolia, P. occidentalis and P. orientalis) by hand.

Yujin Wang, Yingying Shi, Congzheng Li, Chi Jin, Liangkai Luo and Keke Liu. 2026. Breaking the Afrotropical boundary: Discovery of Planochelas in Asia reveals Transcontinental Distribution, with A New bark-dwelling Species from China (Araneae, Trachelidae). Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e182804. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e182804 [03 Mar 2026] 

[Arachnida • 2026] Scytodes tanjiashui • A New spider Species of Scytodes Latreille, 1804 (Araneae: Scytodidae) from Jiangxi Province, southern China

Scytodes tanjiashui Liu, 

in Shi, P. Liu, Yao et K. Liu, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e181164

Abstract

Background: 

Despite the increasing discovery of new spider species in Jiangxi Province, most are entelegynes or mygalomorphs, with haplogyne spiders being seldom reported. However, during a decade-long survey of spiders in Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve, two species of Scytodes were identified, including one known species, S. liui Wang, 1994 and one new species.

New information: 

A new species, Scytodes tanjiashui Liu, sp. nov., is described from Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China. Morphological illustrations, SEM pictures, ink drawing, DNA barcode, photos of live specimens and a distribution map are given. The total number of the known species of Scytodes from China is raised to 11.

Keywords: haplogyne spiders, Jiangxi Province, Jinggangshan National Nature Reserve, taxonomy, survey

Scytodes tanjiashui Liu, sp. nov., male holotype.
A Habitus, dorsal view; B Same, ventral view; C Palp, prolateral view; D Same, retrolateral view.

Abbreviations: Em – embolus, PR – positioning ridge, SPr – sclerotised process. 

Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A, B), 0.1 mm (C, D).

Scytodes tanjiashui Liu, sp. nov., female paratype.
 A Habitus, dorsal view; B Same, ventral view; C Same, detail of retromarginal teeth, ventral view; D, E Vulva, dorsal view; F Same, detail of spermathecae and positioning ridge, ventral view.

Scale bars: 40 μm (A, B, D), C 10 μm (C), 0.1 mm (E–G).

Scytodes tanjiashui Liu, sp. nov.
 A, B Female.

Photographed by Jiongxing Zhang.

 Yingying Shi, Penghui Liu, Yanbin Yao and Keke Liu. 2026. A New spider Species of Scytodes Latreille, 1804 from Jiangxi Province, southern China (Araneae, Scytodidae). Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e181164. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e181164 [11 Feb 2026]

 

[Invertebrate • 2026] Alloscopus ramanai • A New Collembola Species (Orchesellidae: Heteromurinae) from central Thailand, with complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic placement

 

Alloscopus ramanai  Nilsai, Jantarit & Jaitrong, 

in Nilsai, Jantarit, Jeenthong, Detcharoen et Jaitrong, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e173157

Abstract

Background: Alloscopus is one of the genera within the subfamily Heteromurinae, recently recorded in Thailand and is currently represented by six species from two regions of the country. In the northern part, A. tetracanthus Börner, 1906 and A. thailandensis Mari Mutt, 1985 have been recorded from forested habitats. In the southern part, A. whitteni Jantarit & Sangsiri, 2020, A. namtip Jantarit & Sangsiri, 2020 and A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, 2025 have been reported from a cave habitat, while A. sago Jantarit & Manee, 2025 was recently described from a sago palm forest.

New information: A new species, Alloscopus ramanai sp. nov., is described from central Thailand, based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. The new species closely resembles A. tetracanthus Börner, 1906, sharing several diagnostic characters including a dark red ocular patch and PAO shape and the number of M and S series chaetae on the dorsal head. Additional similarities include the number of spiniform labral papillae, labial basis chaetae, the number of pseudopores on the manubrium, the number of central and lateral macrochaetae on Th.II, the number of central macrochaetae on Th.III and Abd.IV. However, A. ramanai sp. nov. can be clearly distinguished from A. tetracanthus by a unique combination of traits, including the number of lateral macrochaetae on Abd. III and Abd. IV and the number of chaetae on the anterior side of the ventral tube. A detailed diagnosis and illustrations of the new species are provided herein. A key for species of Alloscopus in Thailand is also included. The complete mitochondrial genome of A. ramanai sp. nov. is 14,757 bp in length and comprises 13 concatenated protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA (tRNA) genes and two ribosomal RNA (rRNA) genes. Phylogenetic analysis, based on mitochondrial genome data, indicates that A. ramanai sp. nov. forms a sister lineage to Alloscopus bannaensis Zhang, 2020. The description of this new species contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of Heteromurinae diversity in Thailand and underscores the need for expanded mitogenomic sampling across Collembola.

Keywords: Entomobryoidea, mitogenome, new species, taxonomy, phylogeny

A Habitus of Alloscopus ramanai sp. nov. (SEM image, upper; wet specimen, lower). Scale bars = 0.5 mm;
B–C The type locality of the new species, a forest plantation of the Natural History Museum of the National Science Museum Thailand (THNHM);
D The localities of Alloscopus recorded in Thailand. 1, A. tetracanthus Börner, 1906 and A. thailandensis Mari Mutt, 1985. 2, A. whitteni Jantarit & Sangsiri, 2020. 3, A. namtip Jantarit & Sangsiri, 2020. 4, A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, 2025. 5, A. sago Jantarit & Manee, 2025.

Alloscopus ramanai Nilsai, Jantarit & Jaitrong, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Alloscopus ramanai sp. nov. exhibits the morphological similarity to A. tetracanthus Börner 1906, a species reported from Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, India, New Britain, Micronesia and Thailand (Chiang Mai Province). Both species share several morphological characters, including a dark red eye patch with reddish to dark dot pigmentation, a semi-divided PAO, labial basis M1(m)m2rel1l2, four spiniform labral papillae, 4–5 central and 4–5 posterior mac on Th. II, six central mac on Th. III, two central mac on Abd. IV, 0–2 inner unpaired ungual teeth, the presence of teeth on the unguiculus, smooth chaetae on the tibiotarsi, a similar number of chaetae on the manubrium and 4–7 spines on the dens. However, Alloscopus ramanai sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. tetracanthus by the absence of eyes (vs. 1+1), orange dot pigmentation (vs. lack of pigmentation) and the presence of five macrochaetae on the “A” series of the dorsal head chaetotaxy (vs. four). Furthermore, A. ramanai sp. nov. can ...

Etymology: The new species was collected in the vicinity of the Rama 9 Museum, part of the National Science Museum, Thailand, which serves as the locality. The specific epithet ramanai is derived from the name of the Museum and is used as a noun in apposition, honouring the institution.

 Areeruk Nilsai, Sopark Jantarit, Tadsanai Jeenthong, Matsapume Detcharoen and Weeyawat Jaitrong. 2026. Alloscopus ramanai sp. nov. (Orchesellidae, Heteromurinae), A New Collembola Species from central Thailand, with complete mitochondrial genome and phylogenetic placement. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e173157. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e173157

[Arachnida • 2026] Coelotes fani • A New Species of Coelotes Blackwall, 1841 (Araneae: Agelenidae: Coelotinae) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, northeast Guangxi, southern China

Coelotes fani Zhou, 

in Wang, Jiang et Zhou, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e178386

Abstract

Background: The genus Coelotes Blackwall, 1841, comprises 156 species, primarily distributed in East Asia, including Japan (64 species), China (56 species) and Korea (1 species). Currently, only two species of this genus have been recorded in Guangxi, China.

New information: A new coelotine species, Coelotes fani Zhou, sp. nov. (♂♀), is described from the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This includes a detailed description, diagnosis, illustrations and a distribution map of this species.

Keywords: Asia, coelotine spiders, distribution, morphology, taxonomy

Coelotes fani Zhou, sp. nov.

 Hegui Wang, Runze Jiang, Guchun Zhou. 2026. A New Species of Coelotes Blackwall, 1841 (Araneae, Agelenidae, Coelotinae) from Huaping National Nature Reserve, northeast Guangxi, southern China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e178386.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e178386 [09 Jan 2026]

[Arachnida • 2025] Otacilia baimashan & O. wulong • Two New Species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from Baima Mountain Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China

 

[A-B]  Otacilia baimashan Shi, Wang & Mu, 
[C-D] Otacilia wulong Shi, Wang & Mu, 

in Shi, L. Wang, Shu, H. Wang et Mu, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e176953

(photographs by Qianle Lu)

Abstract

Background: The genus Otacilia Thorell, 1897 comprises 141 species worldwide, with 118 (approximately 84%) distributed in China.

New information: Two new species of the genus Otacilia are described from Baima Mountain Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China: Otacilia baimashan Shi, Wang & Mu, sp. nov. (♂♀) and Otacilia wulong Shi, Wang & Mu, sp. nov. (♂♀). Detailed description, photos of habitus and copulatory organs of the new species are provided.

Keywords: classification, description, taxonomy, morphology

Living photos of Otacilia baimashan Shi, Wang & Mu, sp. nov.: A Male; B Female.
Living photos of Otacilia wulong Shi, Wang & Mu, sp. nov.: C Male; D Female. (photographs by Qianle Lu).

 Zijian Shi, Luyu Wang, Ziyun Shu, Hua Wang and Yannan Mu. 2025. Two New Species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Phrurolithidae) from Baima Mountain Nature Reserve, Chongqing, China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e176953. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e176953 [09 Dec 2025]

[Crustacea • 2025] Mysidopsis canariensis • A New Dpecies of Mysidopsis (Mysida: Mysidae) from the Canary and Cape Verde Archipelagos

Mysidopsis canariensis   

Wittmann, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139475

In-situ photos by Dennis Rabeling and Sabina López Suárez

Abstract

Background: Within the subfamily Leptomysinae (Family Mysidae), the tribe Mysidopsini has five here acknowledged genera and 74 extant species. It embraces the genera Americamysis with six species from the coasts of the NW-Atlantic (Narragansett Bay to Florida), the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico; Brasilomysis with two species from the SW-Atlantic off Brazilian shores and from the Pacific coast of Ecuador; Cubanomysis with three species from the Caribbean, Gulf of California and southern California; Metamysidopsis with ten species from the Atlantic coasts of the USA to Brazil, Caribbean, Gulf of Mexico and E-Pacific from California to Panama; and, finally, the globally occurring Mysidopsis. Not counting the below-described new species and one fossil species, the latter genus comprises 53 extant species and one non-nominotypical subspecies. With regard to the great number of species, this genus is comparatively homogeneous, not considering the monotypic subgenera Pseudomysidopsis and Mysidopsoides.

New information: Mysidopsis canariensis sp. nov. is described from five islands of the Canaries and two islands of the Cape Verdes (NE-Atlantic). Records are from depths of 5 to 30 m, mainly over sand, also on stones and rock. It differs from the remaining NE-Atlantic and Mediterranean congeners amongst other features by the lateral margins of the telson distally having a longer bare portion. Amongst these species, it differs from its northern vicariants M. iluroensis and M. gibbosa in addition by fewer spines on the endopod of uropods. In-situ-photos of M. canariensis sp. nov. document at least six strongly different colour variants, four of which are strikingly similar to corresponding variants of M. jenseni from the NE-Pacific coast. The latter differs from all species of the E-Atlantic, including the new one, by a mid-dorsal lappet near the caudal margin of the female carapace. A key to the species of Mysidopsis from the E-Atlantic and Mediterranean is given.

Keywords: taxonomy, first description, colour variants, key to species, East Atlantic, Macaronesian islands

Habitus and colour variants in adult females of Mysidopsis canariensis sp. nov. from shallow sandy bottoms in Lanzarote (A, C) and Gran Canaria (B).

In-situ photos by Dennis Rabeling (A, C) and Sabina López Suárez (B), with permission.

 Karl J. Wittmann. 2025. A New Dpecies of Mysidopsis (Crustacea, Mysida) from the Canary and Cape Verde archipelagos. Biodiversity Data Journal 12: e139475. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139475

[Herpetology • 2025] Kalophrynus minutus • A New Kalophrynus Species (Anura: Microhylidae) from Sabah, Malaysia [Composition and Distribution of Frogs in Crocker Range Park, Sabah, Malaysia]

Kalophrynus minutus Imbun, Fui Lian, Lakim & Majuakim,

in Imbun, Tan, Lakim et Majuakim. 2025.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e157470 

Abstract

Background: We monitored five localities within Crocker Range Park, one of the protected forests administered by Sabah Parks in the Malaysian part of Borneo. The sites selected were at various elevations: lowland sites at 260 m and 499 m a.s.l.; montane sites at 1,216 m, 1,260 m and 1,477 m a.s.l. Forty species were encountered in this study. New discoveries were also found during the course of our three-year period survey (October 2003–October 2006).

New information: The discoveries include amongst others, the Sabah endemics of Meristogenys, two new records for Sabah: Sarawakiphrys dringi (Inger, Stuebing and Tan, 1995), and Pelophryne rhopophilia Inger and Stuebing, 1996, as well as a new species, Kalophrynus minutus sp. nov., described herein. These findings provide evidence of many unknown species still waiting to be discovered. These discoveries also add significantly to our understanding of the distribution of frog species in Borneo as a whole, showing that species formerly thought to be very restricted geographically actually have much greater and more extensive distributions within Borneo.

Keywords: frogs, Kalophrynus, distribution, tropical, protected forest, Crocker Range, Borneo

Colouration and dorsolateral pattern of the type specimen (SP26180) of Kalophrynus minutus sp. nov. in life.
A a large, round, black ocellus is visible in the inguinal region; B–C show a thick X-shaped pattern over the shoulders and a dorsolateral row of white tubercles with black edging. Photographs: Paul Imbun.

Kalophrynus minutus Imbun, Fui Lian, Lakim & Majuakim, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A small species of Kalophrynus, adults < 25 mm; fourth finger with a single subarticular tubercle, free portion of fourth finger less than length of terminal phalanx of third finger; fifth toe shorter than third; a large black inguinal ocellus.

Etymology: The specific epithet is taken from the Latin adjective minutus for small, in reference to the new species having the smallest maximum body size in the genus Kalophrynus.

 Paul Imbun, Tan Fui Lian, Maklarin Lakim and Luiza Majuakim. 2025. Composition and Distribution of Frogs in Crocker Range Park, Sabah, Malaysia, with A Description of A New Kalophrynus (Anura, Microhylidae) Species. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e157470. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e157470 

[Ichthyology • 2023] Ponticola alasanicus • A New freshwater Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from the Alazani River Basin, Georgia

 

Ponticola alasanicus

 Epitashvili, Japoshvili & Mumladze, 2023 

 

DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.11.e101095 

Abstract

Background: The South Caucasus Region and Georgia, in particular, is a biodiversity hotspot and characterised by high diversity of landscapes and ecosystems, as well as high levels of endemism. At the same time, diversity of freshwater organisms in the region remains poorly studied, including fishes. The freshwater fish fauna of the South Caucasus Region consists of 119 fish species, of which 13 species belong to the order Gobiiformes. It should be noted that gobies are amongst the poorly studied taxa in Georgia and probably unknown/undescribed species still living in the Georgian freshwater ecosystems which requires further research.

New information: Ponticola alasanicus, a new species is described from the Alazani River, western Caspian Sea Basin, Georgia. It is distinguished from its congeners in the Caspian and Black Sea Basins by having the following features: dorsal fin with VI-VII spines and 15½-16½ branched rays, anal fin with 10½-12½ branched rays; lateral line with 48-55 scales; laterally compressed body with dark brown and black blotches - scales ctenoid; first and second dorsal fins almost touching with dorsal fins bases; head large, depressed, wider than deep, its length approaches almost 3.4th of standard length; nape scaled completely; cycloid scales cover upper part of opercle, cheeks noticeably swollen; snout longer than eye, eye diameter 4.5 times its head length; lower jaw slightly protruding; upper lip is uniform; pelvic disc short, elongated and flat, not reaching the anus; the pectoral fins extends vertically through first branched dorsal fin; caudal fin rounded. Ponticola alasanicus sp. n. belongs to P. syrman group and it is separated by a minimum Kimura 2-parameter distance of 3.5, 3.6 and 4.8% from P. syrman, P. iranicus and P. patimari, respectively.  

Keywords: Ponticola alasanicus sp. n., freshwater gobies, DNA barcoding, taxonomy, Western Caspian Sea Basin

Live specimen of Ponticola alasanicus sp. n. from the type location.

Ponticola alasanicus sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: D1 – VI, D2 I / 15½-16½, A I / 10½ – 12½; nape scaled completely, scales cycloid and ctenoid, cycloid scales covering upper part of opercle; lateral line system with sub-orbital row d continuous; predorsal area is linearly concave in middle; first dorsal fin with oblique black stripe between first two or three rays, the tip of the first 3-4 rays is transparent white; species has one large dark spot at the base of the pectoral fin; ventral disc has oval/elongated shape, short, not reaching anus.

 Giorgi Epitashvili, Bella Japoshvili and Levan Mumladze. 2023. Ponticola alasanicus sp. n. (Gobiiformes, Gobiidae) from the Alazani River Basin, Georgia. Biodiversity Data Journal. 11: e101095. DOI: 10.3897/BDJ.11.e101095 

[Botany • 2025] Thibaudia shagmiana (Ericaceae: Vaccinieae) • A New Species from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador

Thibaudia shagmiana M.M. Jiménez, Luteyn & Darío García,  

in Jiménez, Luteyn, Kuethe, García, Lapo-González, Garzón-Suárez et Iturralde. 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e157044

Abstract

Background: The neotropical genus Thibaudia Ruiz & Pav. ex J.St.-Hil. (Ericaceae), comprises about 70–75 species and is distributed from Honduras in Central America, through the central Andes south to Bolivia, and eastward to Suriname and Brazil in South America. Ecuador is one of the countries with the greatest diversity of the genus, including 18 species, 12 of which are endemic. Within southeastern Ecuador, the Cordillera del Cóndor is a region characterized by exceptionally high levels of plant endemism, largely due to its unique geology. Recent botanical explorations across this area have led to the discovery of several new species in recent years. Among those was a peculiar species of Thibaudia that is distinct by having exclusively cauliflorous inflorescences in which the pedicel is articulated with the calyx and the filaments are connate. This species is here described and illustrated as Thibaudia shagmiana sp. nov.

New information: A new species, Thibaudia shagmiana, is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor in eastern Ecuador. It is distinguished by having a scrambling habit, provided with lignotubers, lanceolate leaves that are verticillate at the apex of branches, solitary and glabrous flowers, caducous bracts and bracteoles, stamens shorter than the corolla, anthers with prognathous thecae, and laterally connate tubules. The taxonomic similarities of the new species are discussed, and information about its distribution, habitat, and conservation is provided. 

Keywords: Andean Tepui, Neotropics, new species, northern Andes, rainforest, Zamora Chinchipe

Thibaudia shagmiana M.M.Jiménez, Luteyn & Darío García.
A Habit showing pseudoverticillate leaves (B), a close-up of a branch (C), inflorescence (D), and lignotuber (E). F Adaxial (right) and abaxial (left) views of leaves showing lateral margin (G) and adaxial base of leaf (H). I Corolla showing the ventral view of the corolla lobes (J) with a close-up of the surface (K). L Longitudinal section of calyx. M Calyx, pedicel and style with a close-up of lobes (N), hypanthium surface (O) and bracteole (P). Q Stamens with a close-up of apical slits of tubules (R) and the apex of thecae (S).

Prepared by N. Lapo-González based on photographs by M.M. Jiménez of the type.

Thibaudia shagmiana in situ.
A Habitat of the species. B An individual on a fallen tree branch. C Holotype of the species on a tree trunk.

Thibaudia shagmiana M.M. Jiménez, Luteyn & Darío García, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Thibaudia shagmiana is distinguished from other members of the genus by its combination of scrambling plant (to 30 cm) and lignotuberous with branches that root from nodes when in contact with mossy litter, lanceolate leaves that are pseudoverticillate at apex of branches, caducous bracteoles, solitary-flowered or 2-fasciculate inflorescences on short rachis, glabrous flowers produced in axils of lower leaves or on leafless branches, cupuliform calyx with a cylindrical limb, corolla with trigonous lobes, stamens ⅔ the corolla length, staminal filaments connate, prognathous thecae, laterally connate tubules, and a style that is shorter than the corolla.

Etymology: The new species is named after the Cordillera de Shagmi, a west-facing slope of the Cordillera del Cóndor region in Zamora-Chinchipe province, Ecuador, where this species was found.

 Marco M. Jiménez, James L. Luteyn, J. R. Kuethe, Darío García, Nadia Lapo-González, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez and Gabriel A. Iturralde. 2025. A New Species of Thibaudia (Ericaceae, Vaccinieae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e157044. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e157044

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys daxuemontis • A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southwest China

Boulenophrys daxuemontis Liu, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Cheng,  

in Liu, Li, Y. Cheng, Wei, Wang et G. Cheng, 2025. 

Daxueshan horned toad | 大雪山角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e153987  

Abstract

Background: The Asian horned toad subfamily Megophryinae (Bonaparte, 1850) currently comprises more than 140 species and is widely distributed in southern China, as well as in Tropical Asia from India and Bhutan to the Philippines. During amphibian surveys conducted at Mt.Daxue Nature Reserve on June 28-30, 2023, we collected specimens of within the genus Boulenophrys. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we describe this taxon as a new species from southwestern China.

New information: Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA strongly support the new species as a sister species of B. jiangi. The uncorrected genetic distances between the 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congener were 9.3% and 8.1%, respectively. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) adult males have a moderate body size (SVL 37.1–40.6 mm), differing from B. jiangi in having longer hindlimbs when adpressed anteriorly—the tibiotarsal articulation reaches the mid-level of the eye when extended (vs. only reaching the area between the tympanum and the eye in B. jiangi); (2) vomerine ridge present and vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, rounded; (6) toes lacking lateral fringes and webbing; (7) Distinct relative finger lengths: II < I < V < III in the new species (vs. I < II < V < III in B. jiangi); (8) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of the middle of the eye when leg is stretched forward; (10) an internal single subgular vocal sac in male; (11) dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males;(12) Eye diameter (ED) significantly smaller than that of B. jiangi (ED: 4.00±0.28 in the new species vs. 5.00±0.38 in B. jiangi, P < 0.05).

Keywords: Taxonomy, new species, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology

Photos of the adult male holotype CIB JL20230630024 of Boulenophrys daxuemontis sp. nov. in life.
A dorsal view; B ventral view; C dorsal view of hand showing nuptial pads on the first and second fingers (1); D ventral view of hand; E ventral view of foot.

 

Color variation in Boulenophrys daxuemontis sp. nov.
 Dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB WX20230630007 (A, B);
dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB JL20230630025 (C, D);
dorsal and ventral views of male specimen CIB JL20230630026 (E, F).

Boulenophrys daxuemontis Liu, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The specific name daxuemontis refers to the distribution of this species, Daxue Mountain. We propose the common name “Daxueshan horned toad” (English) and 大雪山角蟾 (Chinese).

Nomenclature: The specific name daxuemontis refers to the distribution of this species, Daxue Mountain, Sichuan province, China.

 Jing Liu, Shize Li, Yanlin Cheng, Gang Wei, Bin Wang and Gang Cheng. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Southwest China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e153987. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e153987  

[Invertebrate • 2024] Synallactes mcdanieli • A New Species of Sea Cucumber (Holothuroidea: Synallactida) from British Columbia, Canada and the Gulf of Alaska, USA

Synallactes mcdanieli 

Marín, Ochoa & Conejeros-Vargas, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e124603

Abstract

Background: The family Synallactidae comprises mostly deep-sea forms and is the least-studied large taxon amongst deep-sea cucumbers. They are part of the abyssal megafauna and play an important role in modifying the sediment landscape and structuring the communities that live within it. The family embraces the genus Synallactes, which contains approximately twenty-five species from the Pacific, Atlantic (six species), Indian (seven species) and Antarctic Oceans (one species).

New information: Synallactes mcdanieli sp. nov. is described from the Northeast Pacific, Knight Inlet, British Columbia, Canada to Kodiak Island, Gulf of Alaska, USA, at depths from 21 to 438 m. This new species is unique amongst the species of the genus Synallactes because of the number and arrangement of dorsal papillae, number of Polian vesicles, together with the entire ossicle arrangement. In addition, this species has the shallowest bathymetric distribution ever recorded for this genus.

Keywords: Synallactidae, taxonomy, Northeast Pacific

Synallactes mcdanieli sp. nov. In situ specimens at Battery Point, near Haines Alaska, USA, photo by Neil McDaniel. Approximately TL of specimens ~ 250-300 mm.

 

 Francisco A Solís Marín, Andrea A Caballero Ochoa and Carlos A Conejeros-Vargas. 2024. Synallactes mcdanieli sp. nov., A New Species of Sea Cucumber from British Columbia, Canada and the Gulf of Alaska, USA (Holothuroidea, Synallactida). Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e124603. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e124603

[Arachnida • 2025] Otacilia tongboshan • A New Species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from Tongboshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China

 

Otacilia tongboshan Liu, 

in Jiang, Lin, Wang, Yao et Liu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e144804  

Abstract

Background: Sixty-four phrurolithid species were found from Jiangxi Province in the past five years. However, there are still many unknown phrurolithid species from this Province with unusual morphological characteristics.

New information: A new species, Otacilia tongboshan Liu, sp. nov. is described from Tongboshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China. Morphological illustrations, SEMs and living photos and a distribution map are given.

Keywords: Sac spiders, taxonomy, phrurolithid species

Otacilia tongboshan sp. nov.
A, B Habitat, yellow arrows show the sampling points; C, D Male; E, F Female.

Otacilia tongboshan Liu, sp. nov. 

Zimin Jiang, Changyong Lin, Zhongjing Wang, Yanbin Yao, Keke Liu. 2025. A New Species of Otacilia Thorell, 1897 (Araneae, Phrurolithidae) from Tongboshan National Nature Reserve, Jiangxi Province, China. Biodiversity Data Journal. 13: e144804. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.13.e144804  

  Researchgate.net/publication/388477445_A_new_species_of_Otacilia_from_Tongboshan_Jiangxi_China

[Arachnida • 2024] Xilithus qizimeishanensis • A New Species (Araneae: Phrurolithidae) from Hubei, China

Xilithus qizimeishanensis Liu & Hu, 

in R. Liu, J. Liu, C. Liu, Chen et Hu, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e130526  

Abstract

Background: The genus Xilithus Liu & Li, 2023 contains 22 species, three of which are known from Hubei Province, China: X. acerosus (Yao, Irfan & Peng, 2019), X. auritus (Fu, Zhang & Zhang, 2016) and X. xingdoushanensis (Yao, Irfan & Peng, 2019).

New information: One new Xilithus species from Hubei, China is described: X. qizimeishanensis Liu & Hu sp. nov. Morphological description, digital photos and distribution map are provided.

Keywords: guardstone spider, taxonomy, biodiversity, morphology

Habitus of female Xilithus qizimeishanensis Liu & Hu sp. nov.
 A dorsal view; B ventral view. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Xilithus qizimeishanensis Liu & Hu sp. nov.
A Epigyne, ventral view; B Vulva, dorsal view. Scale bars: 0.1 mm.

Rongxin Liu, Jie Liu, Changyong Liu, Kuai Chen and Changhao Hu. 2024. A New Xilithus Species from Hubei, China (Araneae, Phrurolithidae). Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e130526. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e130526