[Herpetology • 2026] Isthmohyla nacientes • A New Species of Stream-Breeding Isthmohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Costa Rica

 

Isthmohyla nacientes  

Chaves-Acuña, Abarca, Navarro-Picado, Hidalgo-Mora, Ureña-Chaves, Valverde-Castillo, Chaves, Bolaños & Faivovich, 2026

   

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024066 

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

We describe a new species of the Isthmohyla tica group that occurs along the montane regions of the central Pacific of Costa Rica, between 1,400 and 2,000 masl. Although the new species is the sister taxon of a clade including an unde-scribed species and I. rivularis, it is more similar to I. tica. However, the new species can be distinguished because the flanks have scattered, distinct, round and irregular dark blotches or spots and because the advertisement call is comprised by a single, tonal note, typically emitted singly or in series, at dominant frequencies of 4,048–4,909 Hz, with a duration of 10–50 ms. The new species exhibits a broad acoustic repertoire composed of advertisement, release, and courtship calls, with the latter being emitted underwater. We discuss our findings with respect to adult and larval morphology, reproductive biology, and bioacoustics of the I. tica group.

Isthmohyla nacientes in life.
 (A) Holotype (UCR 24345), dorsal coloration at night. (B) Lateral view of male paratype (UCR 24367). (C) Ventral view of male paratype (UCR 24367), showing orange coloration on the hidden and ventral surfaces of the thighs and shank. (D) Male paratype (UCR 23770) showing bilobate, translucent vocal sac. (E) Lateral view of female paratype (UCR 24368).

Photos: B, C, and E by Gabriel Ureña

Isthmohyla nacientes, new species  

 

Etymology.—The specific epithet “nacientes” refers to the crucial role of headwaters and springs (nacientes in Spanish) in the habitat and life cycle of the new species and its stream-breeding congeners. This name highlights the species’ association with aquatic environments, particularly the springs found in its range, acknowledging the ecological significance of these water sources.

Wagner Chaves-Acuña, Juan Abarca, Jonathan Navarro-Picado, Esteban Hidalgo-Mora, Marilyn Ureña-Chaves, Alejandro Valverde-Castillo, Gerardo Chaves, Federico Bolaños and Julián Faivovich. 2026. A New Species of Stream-Breeding Isthmohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Costa Rica. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(2); 337-356. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024066 (3 July 2026) x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/2076689784525717838

  

We describe a new species of the Isthmohyla tica group that occurs along the montane regions of the central Pacific of Costa Rica, between 1,400 and 2,000 masl. Although the new species is the sister taxon of a clade including an undescribed species and I. rivularis, it is more similar to I. tica. However, the new species can be distinguished because the flanks have scattered, distinct, round and irregular dark blotches or spots and because the advertisement call is comprised by a single, tonal note, typically emitted singly or in series, at dominant frequencies of 4,048–4,909 Hz, with a duration of 10–50 ms. The new species exhibits a broad acoustic repertoire composed of advertisement, release, and courtship calls, with the latter being emitted underwater. We discuss our findings with respect to adult and larval morphology, reproductive biology, and bioacoustics of the I. tica group.

[Botany • 2026] Syngonium turipachense (Araceae) • A New Species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium from Chiapas, Mexico

Syngonium turipachense 

in Jiménez, Pérez-Farrera, Croat, Martínez-Martínez, Méndez, Hentrich et Aguilar-Rodríguez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.6 

   facebook.com/Unicach

 

The genus Syngonium is represented in Mexico by ten species, seven of which are registered for the state of Chiapas. During fieldwork between 2020 and 2025 in Berriozabal, Chiapas, we discovered an undescribed species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium that is morphologically similar to S. neglectum, but differing from that species in having one or two inflorescences per axil, glaucous stems and spathe tube, a spathe blade almost twice as long as the staminate portion of the spadix, staminate flowers retuse at the apex, glaucous immature infructescence and the spathe not persistent in mature fruits.

Aroid, Berriozabal, Reserva La Pera, Syngonium angustatum, Syngonium neglectum, Monocots

Syngonium turipachense

PEDRO DÍAZ JIMÉNEZ, MIGUEL ÁNGEL PÉREZ-FARRERA, THOMAS B. CROAT, MAURICIO GERÓNIMO MARTÍNEZ-MARTÍNEZ, GASPAR MORENO MÉNDEZ, HEIKO HENTRICH, PEDRO A. AGUILAR-RODRÍGUEZ. 2026. A New Species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium (Araceae) from Chiapas, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 207-215. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.6 [2026-04-07]

  facebook.com/Unicach/posts/1360714109410395

[Entomology • 2026] Oxyporus amigo • A New Species of Oxyporus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxyporinae) from western Mexico

 

 Oxyporus amigo

Navarrete-Heredia & Reyes-Hernández, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5837.1.7

Abstract

A new species, Oxyporus amigo, is described from Jalisco and Michoacán, Mexico. The new species is diagnosed and illustrated. Additionally, Oxyporus mexicanus Fauvel, 1865 is recorded for the first time from the state of Aguascalientes, based on specimens collected in Monte Grande, San José de Gracia.

Coleoptera, Oxyporinae, rove beetles, taxonomy, new species, Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt

Habitus of Oxyporus amigo sp. nov.:
 1) holotype, male, dorsal view; 2) paratype, female, dorsal view. Scale bars: 1 mm

Aedeagus of Oxyporus amigo sp. nov. (holotype, male);
3) Parameral view; 4) Left lateral view; 5) Right lateral view; 6) Antiparameral view.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

JOSÉ L. NAVARRETE-HEREDIA and JOSÉ L. REYES-HERNÁNDEZ. 2026. A New Species of Oxyporus Fabricius (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Oxyporinae) from western Mexico and New Record from Aguascalientes for O. mexicanus Fauvel. Zootaxa. 5837(1); 154-160. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5837.1.7 [2026-06-22]

[Crustacea • 2026] Nephropsis perexigua • A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae) [the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster]

Nephropsis perexigua

Chan & Chang, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 

Abstract

Several small specimens of a clawed lobster recently collected off the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies and originally reported as Nephropsis aculeata Smith, 1881 are found to represent a species new to science. The new species, N. perexigua sp. nov., can be readily separated from N. aculeata by the absence of a dorsal median carina in the abdomen. Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov. actually closely resembles N. pygmaea Chang, Chan & Kumar, 2020 from the West Pacific, but differs in the abdomen being smooth. The shape of the posteromesial plate on the coxa of the pereiopod III is also distinctly different among males of N. perexiguasp. nov., N. aculeata, and N. pygmaea. The large sequence divergence in the barcoding gene COI supports the distinct specific status of the new species. With the carapace length of the largest specimen being 12.1 mm and the smallest ovigerous female only 10.0 mm, N. perexiguasp. nov. is the world’s smallest clawed lobster so far known. An updated key to the species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 is provided.

Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov.

Tin-Yam Chan and Su-Ching Chang. 2026. Description of the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster, A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 46(2); ruag015. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 [10 April 2026 ]

 

[Botany • 2026] Scottmoria umbonata (Lecythidaceae) • A New Species from Panama’s Caribbean Rainforests

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., 

in Batista-Guerra, Campos-Pineda et Carrión, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1

 

Abstract

A new species, Scottmoria umbonata, from wet Caribbean forests on the slopes of Sierra Llorona, Province of Colón, Panama, is described and illustrated. We provide a comprehensive description of the new taxon, discuss its affinities with similar species, and include line drawings, field photographs, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation status assessment.

Bertholletia clade, Endemism, Scottmoria complex, Sierra Llorona, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Plate comparing Scottmoria umbonata (A–E) and Scottmoria woodsoniana (F–J).
Scottmoria umbonata: A. Laminated grey bark. B. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially. C. Inflorescence. D. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. E. Lateral view of mature fruit.
S. woodsoniana: F. Smooth reddish-brown bark. G. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins strongly impressed adaxially. H. Inflorescence. I. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. J. Lateral view of mature fruit.

(A, E, J. Batista et al. 2174; B–D, Galdames et al. 6359; F, I, H, J. Batista 1449; G, J. Batista 1455; J, J. Batista 1659). Photos by Juvenal Batista and Carmen Galdames.

Scottmoria umbonata.
A. Apical and lateral views of flowers. B. Androecial hood in cross section showing yellow staminodes and nectaries. C. Androecial hood in cross section showing pink staminodes and yellow nectaries. D. Clustered or agglomerated inflorescences. E. Agglomerated inflorescences showing buds, robust rachis and lateral view of flowers. F. Rachis of inflorescences in groups of 5–6 per node.

(A, B, D–F, J. Batista et al. 2174; C, J. Batista et al. 2173). 

Photos by Juvenal Batista.

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Scottmoria umbonata and Scottmoria woodsoniana (Dwyer) (1965:362) Cornejo (2025: 489) are morphologically closely related species due to their similar flower color and depressed-globose fruits, but S. umbonata differs by presenting leaf blades with secondary veins slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed in S. woodsoniana); 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed); leaf blade base cuneate, acute to slightly attenuate (vs. obtuse to rounded or truncate); inflorescences 2–5 per node, clustered, sometimes 1 per node (vs. solitary or 1 per node); rachis 0.5–3 (–7) cm long, thick and robust (vs. 2–8.5 cm, thin and slender); hypanthium verrucose with crowded lenticels (vs. smooth with scattered lenticels); sepals widely ovate (vs. ovate to oblong); flowers with style finely grooved (vs. smooth); style obconical (vs. columnar); stigma long-apiculate (vs. rounded to short-apiculate); mature fruits 6–7 × 3.5–8 cm (vs. up to 2.5 × 6 cm); supra-calycine zone 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 1–1.5 cm); the operculum with well-developed umbo from immature fruit to maturity (vs. convex operculum to poorly-developed); seeds 2–13 per mature fruit (vs. 5–6), with a flattened funicle (vs. thickened).

Etymology:—The epithet “umbonata” means having a highly developed umbo or raised central protuberance that persists from immature to mature fruit. 

Vernacular name:—The people of the Santa Rita and Sierra Llorona communities call this species “Coquito de potrero”. Its vernacular name refers to its peculiar pyxidium and the fact that it is one of the few trees that survives in pastures (“potreros”) that were once primary forests its hard wood, short height, and seeds that are edible for cattle are among the reasons why it is not cut down in the area.

Juvenal E. BATISTA-GUERRA, Ernesto CAMPOS-PINEDA and Juan F. CARRIÓN. 2026. Scottmoria umbonata sp. nov. (Lecythidaceae) from Panama’s Caribbean rainforests.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 147-156. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1 [2026-04-07]

[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Hypoponera electrocacica • The Ant Genus Hypoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Dominican Amber

 

Hypoponera electrocacica 

Fiorentino, Bouju, Sosa, Navarro & Barden, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10213

 

Abstract

Hypoponera Santschi, 1938 is a genus of ponerine ants, well known for its simplified morphology, lacking any clear autopomorphy, and its cosmopolitan distribution. Here, we describe the first Hypoponera in Dominican amber. The discovery of Hypoponera electrocacica new species confirms the long-expected presence of the genus in the Caribbean Miocene. The modern diversity of Hypoponera in the Greater Antilles now stands at five species and two putative subspecies.

Systematic paleontology

Order Hymenoptera Linnaeus, Reference Linnaeus1758

Family Formicidae Latreille, Reference Latreille1802

Subfamily Ponerinae Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau, Reference Lepeletier de Saint-Fargeau1835

Genus Hypoponera Santschi, Reference Santschi1938

Type species: Ponera abeillei André, 1881, 

now Hypoponera abeillei (André, Reference André1881).

 Photomicrographs and illustration of Hypoponera electrocacica n. sp., holotype specimen, MNHNSD FOS 18.126.
(1) Head in front face view. (2) Illustration of forewing venation. (3) Body in dorsal view. (4) Body in lateral view.

Scale bars = 0.5 mm.

Hypoponera electrocacica new species

Etymology: The specific epithet electrocacica (from the Latin electrum, meaning ‘amber,’ and the feminine form of the Taino word cacique, meaning ‘chief’) is a feminine singular adjective in the nominative case. It refers to the alate ant or queen trapped in amber.

Gianpiero Fiorentino, Valentine Bouju, Diyael Sosa, Santo Navarro  and Phillip Barden. 2026. The Ant Genus Hypoponera (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) in Dominican Amber. Journal of Paleontology. First View. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10213 [05 February 2026]

[Crustacea • 2025] Trichocallia delicatula • A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae (Decapoda: Axiidea) from the Caribbean coast of Panama

Trichocallia delicatula   

Anker, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

Abstract   

A peculiar new species of ghost-shrimp from Bocas del Toro Archipelago on the Caribbean coast of Panama is assigned to the genus Trichocallia gen. nov. in the family Callianideidae. The holotype and presently the only known specimen of Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. was collected with a suction pump on a silty-muddy bottom under a network of decomposing and partly overgrown mangrove roots. The new genus appears to be most closely related to Callianidea H. Milne Edwards, 1837, with two species in the Indo-West Pacific, and Paracallianidea Sakai, 1992, with two species, one in the western Atlantic and one in the eastern Pacific.

Keywords: Malacostraca, Decapod crustacean, New taxon, Caribbean Sea, West Atlantic, Marine biodiversity

Trichocallia gen. nov.  

 Trichocallia delicatula sp. nov. 

Arthur Anker. 2025. A New Genus and Species of the Ghost-shrimp Family Callianideidae from the Caribbean coast of Panama (Decapoda: Axiidea). Papéis Avulsos De Zoologia. 65; e202565009.  DOI: doi.org/10.11606/1807-0205/2025.65.009

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae) • A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio,

 in Hurtado-Reveles, Amancio et Burgos-Hernández, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2

 

Abstract

Peperomia accentus is described and illustrated as a new species of Piperaceae from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. This new taxon belongs to the subgenus Tildenia, which includes species characterized by their geophytic habit. It can be distinguished from its congeners mainly by the combination of roots at the apex of the globose tuber, peltate leaves, numerous simple inflorescences and flowers with long and geniculated styles of a reddish color. A preliminary threat assessment is provided for the new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the distribution patterns of the Mesoamerican species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia. Finally, we include a key for species distributed north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

endemic, geophyte, Neotropics, Tildenia, Magnoliids

Peperomia accentus morphology. A. General view of a flowering specimen from a lateral perspective. B. General view from an upper perspective. C. Tuber from the bottom. D. Apex of a developing inflorescence with flowers in different anthesis stages. E. Flower with mature stamens from a front and bottom perspective. F. Close-up of a mature anther. G. Sideways perspective of a flower in anthesis. H. Closeup of a receptive stigma. I. Lateral perspective of a developing fruit.

Photographs of Peperomia accentus in habitat.
A. General view of a flowering specimen. B. Mature inflorescences. C. Closeup of a single inflorescence. D. Specimen growing in a sheltered soil pocket on a rock outcrop.

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis:—Peperomia accentus can be differentiated from the rest of the geophytic species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia by the following combination of characters: globose tubers without trunk-like outgrowths, green to wine-colored inflorescences (green to black in sicco), and flowers with geniculate styles 1.5–2.5 mm long, which remain longer than the ovaries after anthesis, persistent in fruit. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet alludes to the common shape of the pistil in developing flowers: a wavy line which resembles a tilde (~). Tildes are graphemes commonly used as diacritic (accent) in several scripts.

Leopoldo HURTADO-REVELES, Guadalupe AMANCIO and Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ. 2026. Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae), A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 740(3); 237-247. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2 [2026-02-10]

[PaleoBotany • 2026] Simojoflorum mijangosii gen. et sp. nov. preserved in the Mexican Amber unravels the polycarpellate condition in the tribe Mimoseae (Fabaceae: Caesalpinioideae)

  

Simojoflorum mijangosii 

Hernández-Damián, Rubalcava-Knoth, Gómez-Acevedo, Cruz-Durán & Cevallos-Ferriz, 

in Hernández-Damián, Knoth, Gómez-Acevedo, Cruz-Durán et Cevallos-Ferriz, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2025.2604147

Drawings by Aldo Domínguez de la Torre.

 

ABSTRACT

An inflorescence preserved in amber from the middle-early Miocene from southern Mexico is identified as a new extinct member of Fabaceae. We described and identified the fossil material, comparing it with extant and fossil members of the Fabaceae using light microscopy and computed microtomography. The fossil inflorescence has morphological characters that allow a near comparison with Caesalpinioideae (Fabaceae), including flowers aggregated in a capitate inflorescence. Even more, bisexual and staminate flowers, valvate aestivation, many stamens, a superior, unilocular ovary with marginal placentation are characters that allow their comparison with the tribe Mimoseae, especially the polycarpellate gynoecium is comparable to the Acacieae and Ingeae tribes in the traditional classification. However, other floral characteristics, such as anther glands, partially united filaments, a basal nectariferous disk, and a stalk ovary, are comparable to Mariosousa Seigler & Ebinger, 2006, Senegalia Raf., 1838, and Parasenegalia Seigler & Ebinger, 2017. The phylogenetic relationship between them is unresolved, and information on the floral structure is limited for further comparison. Thus, we support the identification of Simojoflorum mijangosii gen. et sp. nov. as a new extinct member of the tribe Mimoseae that suggests the diversification of the lineage during the Miocene.

KEYWORDS: Fossil inflorescence, Fabaceae, Mimoseae, Miocene, polycarpellate

Simojoflorum mijangosii gen. et sp. nov. from Simojovel de Allende, Chiapas, Mexico.
(A) Overall view showing the spherical capitate inflorescence, scale bar: 1.0 mm. (B), Lateral view of spherical inflorescence, scale: 1.0 mm. (C) Detail of staminate and bisexual flowers arranged in the spherical capitate inflorescence, inferior left arrow indicates staminate flower, superior left arrow indicates the differentiated perianth, and right arrow indicates a bisexual flower with a large style, scale: 1.0 mm. (D) Detail of sessile flowers with differentiate perianth, right arrow indicates sepal and left arrow to indicate petal, scale: 0.5 mm. (E) Detail of anthers, right arrow indicates dorsifixed anthers, and left arrow indicates glandular appendage, scale: 0.2 mm. (F) Detail of stigma and style, scale: 0.5 mm.

Family: Fabaceae Lindley, Citation1836

Subfamily Caesalpinioideae De Candolle, Citation1825

Tribe: Mimoseae sensu Queiroz et al. Citation2024

Genus: Simojoflorum Hernández-Damián, Rubalcava-Knoth, Gómez-Acevedo, Cruz-Durán et Cevallos-Ferriz gen. nov.

Etymology: The epithet Simojo refers to Simojovel de Allende, the locality from which the fossil was collected, and florum, of Latin meaning flowers.

Generic diagnosis: Inflorescence capitate and spherical with staminate and bisexual flowers. Staminate flowers sessile with pentamerous and differentiate perianth, actinomorphic; calyx and corolla with valvate aestivation, androecium with more than 30 stamens slightly fused at the base with stalked glands. Bisexual flowers with a basal nectariferous disk; central carpel stipitate, ovary superior, unilocular with ca. twenty ovules in two rows, and marginal placentation along a ventral suture. Some bisexual flowers present 4–5 peripheral carpels that surround the central carpel, these carpels are poorly differen and smaller than the central one.

 

Simojoflorum mijangosii Hernández-Damián, Rubalcava-Knoth, Gómez-Acevedo, Cruz-Durán et Cevallos-Ferriz sp. nov.

Etymology: The epithet mijangosii refers to Luis Alonso Zuñiga Mijangos who contributed to the study of Mexican amber through the Museo del ámbar, Lilia Mijangos.

 

Holotype: MALM-00111 (Museo del Ámbar, Lilia Mijangos)

 

Locality: Simojovel de Allende, Chiapas, Mexico

Stratigraphic horizon: La Quinta Formation, middle-early Miocene

Artistic reconstruction of inflorescence, flowers, and hypothetical whole plant of Simojoflorum mijangosii gen. et sp. nov. in the Mexican amber.
(A) Spherical capitate inflorescence of Simojoflorum mijangosii, scale=1.0 mm. (B) Details of staminate flower, scale = 0.25 mm. (C) Details of anther glands, scale=0.05 mm. (D) Details of monocarpellate bisexual flower, scale = 0.25 mm; (E) Details of polycarpellate bisexual flower, scale = 0.25 mm. (F) Hypothetical Simojoflorum mijangosii small tree, scale = 2.0 m.

Drawings by Aldo Domínguez de la Torre.

 Ana L. Hernández-Damián, Marco A. Rubalcava Knoth,Sandra L. Gómez- Acevedo, Ramiro Cruz-Durán and Sergio R. S. Cevallos-Ferriz. 2026. Simojoflorum mijangosii gen. et sp. nov. preserved in the Mexican Amber unravels the polycarpellate condition in the tribe Mimoseae (Caesalpinioideae, Fabaceae). Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2025.2604147 [13 Jan 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Lepanthes vespertina (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from Costa Rica

 

Lepanthes vespertina Bogarín, M.Rodríguez & L.Ulloa, 

in Bogarín, Rodríguez-Cáceres et Ulloa-Vargas, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.714.3.4 

Researchgate.net/publication/394682026

 

Abstract

Lepanthes is the second most diverse orchid genus in Costa Rica, with 165 recorded species, 31.5% of which are endemic. Several new species have recently been described as part of the Flora Costaricensis–Orchidaceae project led by the Lankester Botanical Garden. However, the taxonomy of Lepanthes still presents historical gaps, particularly regarding collections made by botanist A. R. Endrés between 1866 and 1870, some of which remain poorly documented. In this study, we describe and illustrate a new species, Lepanthes vespertina, which is morphologically similar to L. umbonifera, a species originally collected and illustrated by Endrés in 1867 and described by C. Luer in 1995. To confirm the identity of the new species, we conducted field collections in the province of Cartago and reviewed herbarium specimens, digital types, and Endrés’ original illustrations. The new species differs from L. umbonifera by its ruby-colored, obovate petals (vs. cinnabar-red, cuneate petals in L. umbonifera). The labellum is bilaminate, with obovate blades that converge beneath the apex of the column (vs. ovate, straight, and separated blades in L. umbonifera), and it bears a cylindrical, pubescent, and bifid appendix (vs. globose and apiculate). The results clarify some taxonomic uncertainties derived from Endrés’ historical records and demonstrate the importance of incorporating illustrations from old collections into modern taxonomic work.

Augustus R. Endrés, illustration, Lepanthes umbonifera, Lepanthes subdimidiata, new species, Monocots

 

Lepanthes vespertina Bogarín, M.Rodríguez & L.Ulloa, sp. nov. 

 Etymology:—Derived from the Latin vespertinus, belonging to the evening, and referring to the colour of the petals, which are like those of a sunset.

 

Diego BOGARÍN, Marisal RODRÍGUEZ-CÁCERES and Lisseth ULLOA-VARGAS. 2025. Lepanthes vespertina (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae), A New Species from Costa Rica. Phytotaxa. 714(3); 237-245. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.714.3.4 [2025-08-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/394682026_Lepanthes_vespertina_a_new_species_from_Costa_Rica

[Crustacea • 2025] Caribodillo martinicensis • A New Genus and Species of terrestrial isopod (Oniscidea: Armadillidae) endemic to Martinique

Caribodillo martinicensis  

Kästle, Binder, Jones & Coulis, 2025

  

 sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/47/29

 Researchgate.net/publication/397676418

The terrestrial isopods of the family Armadillidae Brandt, 1833 are poorly known in tropical regions, many new species remain to be described and the classification of many already described species requires revision. The aim of this work is to improve our knowledge of the terrestrial isopods of this family in Martinique, an island in the Lesser Antilles archipelago. The species Caribodillo martinicensis n. gen., n. sp. is described, and a genetic barcode (CO1) is provided. Furthermore, the relationship between Caribodillo n. gen., and Venezillo Verhoeff, 1928 is discussed. The species constitutes the second Armadillidae endemic to the Lesser Antilles, the first one being Cubaris depressa (Dollfuss, 1896) from Saint-Vincent. In addition to increasing our knowledge on the invertebrate biodiversity of the lesser Antilles, the description of this new genus will facilitate the taxonomy of Armadillidae species in the region.

Keywords: Caribbean, Lesser Antilles, Neotropics, Venezillo, woodlice, fluorescence, barcoding, new species, new genus

Caribodillo martinicensis n. gen., n. sp. 

 

 

Benedikt KÄSTLE, Stephanie BINDER, Nathan T. JONES and Mathieu COULIS. 2025. Description of A New Genus and Species of terrestrial isopod (Oniscidea, Armadillidae) endemic to Martinique. Zoosystema. 47(29); 721-729. DOI: 10.5252/zoosystema2025v47a29 [14 November 2025]

  sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/47/29

 Researchgate.net/publication/397676418_a_new_genus_and_species_of_terrestrial_isopod_endemic_to_Martinique

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Aulacigaster alabaster, A. breviradia, ... • Aulacigaster Macquart (Diptera: Schizophora: Aulacigastridae) in Amber

 

Aulacigaster alabaster 

Grimaldi, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.127.3.458

Abstract

Four new species of the nearly worldwide genus Aulacigaster are described based on specimens preserved in Late Miocene amber (15–17 million years old) from the Dominican Republic: Aulacigaster alabaster n. sp., A. breviradia n. sp., A. mathisi n. sp., and A. rungae n. sp. Details of the male terminalia of A. neoleucopeza are provided as a comparison to three of the fossil species. Commentary is provided on morphological characters pertaining to aulacigastrid relationships. All the fossil Aulacigaster belong to the A. leucopeza group, which today predominates in the Holarctic Region, Africa and Asia, with only a few of the 42 Neotropical species in the genus belonging to the group. No leucopeza-group species are known from the Caribbean, so the fossils probably represent significant extinction in the region.

KEYWORDS: acalyptrates, biogeography, fossil resin, Hispaniola, Neogene

David A. Grimaldi. 2025. Aulacigaster Macquart in Amber (Diptera: Schizophora: Aulacigastridae). Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington. 127(3):458-473. DOI: doi.org/10.4289/0013-8797.127.3.458 [28 November 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Lippia domingeziorum (Verbenaceae: Lantanae) • A New Species from the Sierra de La Giganta, Baja California Sur, Mexico

Lippia domingeziorum León-de la Luz, 

in León-de la Luz. 2025. 

REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD. 96;  

DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2025.96.5610 

Abstract

We describe and illustrate Lippia domingeziorum, a new species of Verbenaceae from the southern tip of the Sierra La Giganta, Baja California peninsula, Mexico. Currently, it is known only from the rocky-sandy arroyos at the foothills of Cerro Cabeza del Mechudo in La Paz Bay. This novelty appears to be closely related to L. palmeri, which it distinguishes because its flower and corresponding floral bract are almost twice as large. Both taxa are sympatric and share some features, such as the abundant oil glands on the indumentum, but those of this new species lack the typical oregano scent that characterizes L. palmeri. A detailed botanical description and illustrations of this new taxon are presented. The relationships of this novelty within the genus Lippia is still in an open issue, but future cytogenetic and molecular insights might help to address this matter.

Keywords: La Paz Bay, Biodiversity, El Mechudo, Oregano

Lippia domingeziorum León-de la Luz sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis. Lippia domingeziorum seems to be close to L. palmeri, but it differs in the greater size of the f lowers (4 × 4 mm vs. 2 × 3 mm), the greater length of the floral bracts (5-8 mm vs. 3-4 mm), the greater size of the floral peduncle (10-12 mm vs 1-3 mm), and the shorter length of the leaves (10-18 mm vs 10-25 mm), as well because the oil of the glands of the vestiture trichomes is not aromatic.

José Luis León-de la Luz. 2025. A New Species of Lippia (Verbenaceae: Lantanae) from the Sierra de La Giganta, Baja California Sur, Mexico. REVISTA MEXICANA DE BIODIVERSIDAD. 96;  DOI: doi.org/10.22201/ib.20078706e.2025.96.5610 

[Ornithology • 2026] Pulsatrix perspicillata & Pulsatrix pulsatrix • Museomics resolves 200 years of Taxonomic Uncertainty: Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (Strigiformes: Strigidae) is A Valid Species

in Bolívar-Leguizamón, Corrêa, Bencke et Silveira. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108488

Artwork by Eduardo Brettas
 instagram.com/EduardoBrettas

 

Highlights

• Pulsatrix perspicillata is an owl found from Mexico to Argentina and Brazil.

• The taxonomic position of the P. p. pulsatrix subspecies is a matter of controversy.

• Historical DNA shows great divergence between the pulsatrix and perspicillata taxa.

• The pulsatrix-perspicillata clade is sister to a melanota-koeniswaldiana clade.

• Pleistocene climatic oscillations influenced the diversification of the genus.

• We proposed elevating the subspecies pulsatrix of P. perspicillata to species status.

Abstract

The identification of valid species is central to biology, and genetic data have been essential in uncovering new taxonomic units across groups. For polytypic taxa, genetics helps distinguish valid units from natural variation. Pulsatrix perspicillata (Spectacled Owl) is a widespread polytypic species with six recognized subspecies. We used genetic data and museomics techniques to: (i) test the validity of Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (=Pulsatrix perspicillata pulsatrix) as a species distinct from Pulsatrix perspicillata; and (ii) estimate the phylogenetic relationships and divergence times within the genus Pulsatrix Kaup, 1848. We conducted population structure and phylogenetic analyses using SNPs matrices and alignments of Ultraconserved Elements (UCEs) from 16 individuals of Pulsatrix spp., including four historical samples of P. p. pulsatrix. Additionally, we sequenced the mtDNA-ND2 gene from 38 samples representing all known Pulsatrix species to further elucidate phylogenetic relationships and estimate divergence times. Our results indicate that Pulsatrix perspicillata pulsatrix represents an independent lineage from P. perspicillata, as supported by its reciprocal monophyly and distinct population structure. UCE analyses also grouped P. koeniswaldiana (Tawny-browed Owl) and P. melanota (Band-bellied Owl) into a distinct cluster. Phylogenetic analyses based on both UCEs and mtDNA-ND2 sequences support the monophyly of the genus Pulsatrix. Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana and P. melanota form a monophyletic group that is sister to P. perspicillata. Pulsatrix diverged in the Late Miocene and diversified in the Pliocene-Quaternary. The evolutionary history of Pulsatrix appears to have been influenced by (a) the final phase of the Andean uplift and (b) climatic oscillations during the Pleistocene. Pulsatrix p. pulsatrix shows genetic divergence consistent with a species-level split from P. perspicillata, and we henceforth recognize it as Pulsatrix pulsatrix (Wied 1820). We recommend future studies to assess its current distribution and inform the development of conservation strategies.

 

Keywords: Museomics, UCEsmt-ND2, Pulsatrix, Spectacled Owl, Neotropics, Systematics, Phylogeography 

 

Pulsatrix perspicillata 

Sergio D. Bolívar-Leguizamón, Aline Henrique Corrêa, Glayson Ariel Bencke and Luís F. Silveira. 2026. Museomics resolves 200 years of Taxonomic Uncertainty: Strix pulsatrix Wied, 1820 (Strigiformes, Strigidae) is A Valid Species. Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution. 108488. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.ympev.2025.108488 [27 October 2025]

 instagram.com/p/DSI6x84EpMR