[Botany • 2021] Hedysarum sunhangii (Fabaceae: Hedysareae) • A New Species from Pamir-Alay (Babatag Ridge, Uzbekistan)

Hedysarum sunhangii  Juramurodov & Tojibaev, 

in Juramurodov, Tojibaev, Nikitina, Makhmudjanov, Yusupov, Deng et Dehkanov, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.524.1.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/355714611

 

Abstract

Hedysarum sunhangii is a new species described from the Babatag Ridge in the Uzbekistan part of the South-West Pamir-Alay (Central Asia). Morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses were utilized to determine the taxonomic position of the species in genus Hedysarum. This new species belongs to the subsect. Crinifera of the sect. Multicaulia and it resembles H. criniferum and H. nuratense, but can be distinguished by details of its 3–4 pairs of larger and elliptical or ovate shaped leaflets, standard and keel sizes.

Keywords: Crinifera, Morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, Eudicots

 Living plant of Hedysarum sunhangii.
A, in its habitat; B, Leaves (1-upper part, 2-lower part); C, Pods (3-front side, 4-lateral side); D, flower; E, raceme; F, entire plant.

Hedysarum sunhangii Juramurodov & Tojibaev, sp. nov.

INOM JURAMURODOV, KOMILJON TOJIBAEV, ELENA NIKITINA, DILMUROD MAKHMUDJANOV, ZIYOVIDDIN YUSUPOV, TAO DENG and DAVRON DEHKANOV. 2021. Hedysarum sunhangii (Fabaceae, Hedysareae), A New Species from Pamir-Alay (Babatag Ridge - Uzbekistan). Phytotaxa. 524(1); 1-13. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.524.1.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/355714611_Hedysarum_sunhangii_a_new_species_from_Pamir-Alay_Babatag_Ridge_Uzbekistan

[Botany • 2025] Gagea khassanovii (Liliaceae) • A New white-flowered Species of Gagea from the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan

 

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, 

in Turginov, Levichev, Kurbaniyazova, Karimov, Yang et Li, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.151373 

Abstract  

The article describes the morphological and anatomical features of Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, sp. nov., recently described from the Fergana Valley. The species belongs to the section Incrustatae and differs from the species G. circumplexa Vved. in the colour of the flower and the presence of hairs on the leaves of the roots. This species is considered endemic to the Fergana Valley and contributes to the region’s floristic uniqueness.

Key words: Ageotropic sclerified roots, Fergana Valley, holotype, new species of Gagea, sect. Incrustata

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li 
A. View of the classic habitat of G. khassanovii (arrows indicate the position of individual);
B. G. khassanovii from the foothills of the Alay and C. Chatkal (Sumsar) ranges.

Photo: A, B. O.Turginov, C-A. Zhdanko.

 Gagea khassanovii Levichev, Turginov & W.J.Li, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The species is similar to G. circumplexa Vved. in habit, but can be distinguished from the latter by the following characters: perianth is white (vs. golden yellow); inner tepals are linear, rounded at the apex (vs. lanceolate, pointed); cauline and basal leaves are much longer than the inflorescence (vs. equal to or slightly longer) (Table 1).

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the researcher and expert on the flora of Central Asia, Professor F. O. Khassanov.

 Orzimat Turdimatovich Turginov, Igor Germanovich Levichev, Gulsauir Tanirbergen qizi Kurbaniyazova, Farhod Isomiddinovich Karimov, Lei Yang and Wen Jun Li. 2025. A New white-flowered Species of Gagea (Liliaceae) from the Fergana Valley, Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. PhytoKeys. 260: 139-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.260.151373 

[Entomology • 2025] Perigrapha belyalovi • A New Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae) from Central Asia

 Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. nov. 

P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

P. centralasiae Bartel, 1906 

in Titov, Volynkin, Tóth et Rakhimov, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/389889466

Abstract

A new species of the genus Perigrapha Lederer, 1857, Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. n. is described from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The diagnostic comparison is made with the sympatric Perigrapha centralasiae Bartel, 1906 and the allopatric Perigrapha heidi Hreblay, 1996. Adults as well as male and female genitalia of all three species are illustrated.

Key words: Balkhash-Alakol Depression, Dzhungar Alatau, Orthosiini, Perigrapha centralasiae, Perigrapha heidi, Tien Shan

Figures 1-8. Adults of Perigrapha spp. 

 Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

Depositories of the specimens: 1-3 and 5 in CAV; 4 in ZISP; 6 in MH/HNHM; 7 and 8 in BBM (photos by B. Benedek).

Figures 9-16. Adults of Perigrapha centralasiae. 

Depositories of the specimens: 9-13 in CAV; 14-16 in ZISP.

Collecting site of  Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. centralasiae:
SE Kazakhstan, Zhetysu Region, Sholak Mts, 750m, 43°__N 77°__E, 20.III.2024 (photo by S. Titov).

Sergey V. Titov, Anton V. Volynkin, Balázs Tóth and Ruslan D. Rakhimov. 2025. Perigrapha belyalovi, A New Species from Central Asia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae). Ecologica Montenegrina. 83; 1-11. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/389889466_Perigrapha_belyalovi_a_new_species_from_Central_Asia 

[Entomology • 2025] Microdera abdullohi & M. uzbekistanica • A Review of the Genus Microdera Eschscholtz, 1831 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Uzbekistan

 

 Microdera abdullohi N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, sp. nov. & 
M. uzbekistanica N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, 

in N. Kh. Bekchanov, Nabozhenko, Kh. U. Bekchanov et M. Kh. Bekchanova, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.1  

 facebook.com/NorbekBEKCHANOV75

 

Abstract

A review of darkling beetles of the genus Microdera Eschscholtz, 1831 from Uzbekistan is presented. In total, 12 species are known in this country. Two new species are described: M. abdullohi N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, sp. nov. (Sulton Uvays Mts.) and M. uzbekistanica N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, sp. nov. (Kuldzhuktau Mts.). The following new synonym is introduced: Microdera globulicollis Ménétriés, 1849 = Microdera extabesa Skopin, 1961, syn. nov. The species M. ferghanensis Kaszab, 1957 is resurrected from the synonymy of M. globulicollis Ménétriés, 1849. In describing the ranges of the species mentioned in the paper, we corrected some errors in previous publications and clarified the distribution, including as a result of taxonomic changes. A species rank status is restored for Microdera kaszabi Skopin, 1961, stat. resurr. (from a subspecies of M. convexa (Tauscher, 1812)), as a consequence the range of this species does not include southeastern Kazakhstan, and limited by Kazakh Hummocks in the east. Microdera deserta deserta (Tauscher, 1812) is recorded for Uzbekistan for the first time, and M. shasenema Medvedev & Nepesova, 1985 is firstly recorded for Tajikistan. The following species are removed from faunistic lists of different countries: M. laevigatula Reitter, 1915 from the list of Uzbekistan, M. heydeni Kraatz, 1882 from the list of Turkmenistan, M. minax Reitter, 1887 from the list of Kyrgyzstan, M. transversicollis Reitter, 1887 from the list of Armenia. Lectotypes for Tentyria deplanata Gebler, 1841 and Microdera semenoviana Bogatchev, 1947 are designated.

Coleoptera, taxonomy, darkling beetles, Tentyriini, deserts, Central Asia

Microdera abdullohi N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, sp. nov. (Sulton Uvays Mts.) 

 M. uzbekistanica N. Bekchanov et Nabozhenko, sp. nov. (Kuldzhuktau Mts.). 

Norbek Kh. BEKCHANOV, Maxim V. NABOZHENKO, Khudaybergan U. BEKCHANOV and Mokhira Kh. BEKCHANOVA. 2025. A Review of the Genus Microdera Eschscholtz, 1831 (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) of Uzbekistan.  Zootaxa. 5590(4); 451-480. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.1 [2025-02-25] 

 facebook.com/NorbekBEKCHANOV75/posts/1662673751300293

[Paleontology • 2024] Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus • A new theropod dinosaur (Theropoda: Metriacanthosauridae) from the Callovian Balabansai Formation of Kyrgyzstan

 

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus 

 Rauhut, Bakirov, Wings, Fernandes & Hübner, 2024

  

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae090

Art by Joschua Knüppe 

Abstract

Recent fieldwork in the late Middle Jurassic Balabansai Formation of Kyrgyzstan has yielded a partial skeleton of a large theropod dinosaur. The material includes a few bones of the skull (postorbital, quadratojugal), dorsal and sacral vertebrae, fragments of the pectoral girdle and forelimbs, and an almost complete pelvic girdle and hindlimbs, and is here made the type of a new theropod taxon, Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus gen. et sp. nov. Alpkarakush can be diagnosed by an extremely developed orbital brow on the postorbital, a pneumatic opening leading into cavities in the neural arch from the centroprezygodiapophyseal fossa in the posterior dorsal vertebrae, an almost enclosed ventral sulcus in manual phalanx II-1, a narrow and deep intercondylar groove on the anterior side of the distal femur, and an epicondylar crest on the distal femur that is offset from the distal end. A second, fragmentary, and smaller specimen from the same site represents the same taxon. Based on long bone histology, the type of Alpkarakush represents a late subadult individual, whereas the smaller specimen is a juvenile, possibly indicating gregarious behaviour. Phylogenetic analysis places Alpkarakush in the Metriacanthosauridae, underlining the diversity and wide distribution of this clade in the Jurassic of Asia.

Central Asia, Middle Jurassic, Tetanurae, Metriacanthosauridae, bone histology

 Outline reconstruction of Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus, with recovered elements indicated. Scale bar is 1 m.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Dinosauria Owen, 1842,

Saurischia Seeley, 1887,

Theropoda Marsh, 1881,

Tetanurae Gauthier, 1986,

Metriacanthosauridae Paul, 1988

Alpkarakush gen. nov.

 

Etymology: Named after Alpkarakush, a mythological large bird [Алпкаракуш] that often comes to the help of heroes in critical moments in the ‘Manas’ epos, one of the central mythological elements in Kyrgyz culture (Seiilbek et al. 2018).

Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the Kyrgyz Republic, the provenance of the type specimen.

Diagnosis: Alpkarakush kyrgyzicus can be diagnosed by the following combination of characters (autapomorphies are indicated by *): extremely developed supraorbital brow on the postorbital, overhanging the orbit; posterior dorsal vertebrae with a channel leading from the centroprezygodiapophyseal fossa posteromedially into pneumatic chambers in the neural arch*; sacral vertebrae with fused neural spines that are approximately as high as the combined height of the vertebral centrum plus neural arch; manual phalanx II-1 with a ventral sulcus proximally that is almost completely enclosed by medial and lateral ventral flanges*; dorsal margin of the ilium slopes steeply posteroventrally*; brevis fossa on ilium reduced to a small medial shelf; shaft of pubis strongly bowed anteriorly; well-developed longitudinal depression on the posterolateral side of the pubic shaft adjacent to the pubic boot (based on paratype); unusually high pubis/tibia ratio (1.22 or higher); articulated ischia with pronounced ischial boots that are convex distally and fused anteriorly, but separated posteriorly; ischium with small obturator flange that is offset from the pubic peduncle; pubic peduncle of ischium very long; iliac articulation in proximal ischium cup-shaped; narrow and deep intercondylar groove on the anterior side of distal femur*; robust and well-developed medial epicondylar crest on distal femur, considerably offset proximally from distal end*; tibia with robust, bulbous fibular flange; astragalus and calcaneum fused.

Type locality and horizon: Locality FTU-1, just west of the town of Tashkumyr, Jalal-Abad Oblast, Kyrgyzstan (Figs 1, 2). The specimens were found in the higher part of the Balabansai Formation, Callovian.

Oliver W. M. Rauhut, Aizek A. Bakirov, Oliver Wings, Alexandra E. Fernandes and Tom R. Hübner. 2024. A new theropod dinosaur from the Callovian Balabansai Formation of Kyrgyzstan. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 201(4); zlae090. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae090

  facebook.com/100039598838048/posts/1302503921079557

[Entomology • 2023] Phragmacossia bozanoi • A New Species (Lepidoptera: Cossidae: Zeuzerinae) from southern Greece with some notes on Phragmataecia and Phragmacossia

Phragmacossia bozanoi

Saldaitis, Prozorov, Müller & Yakovlev, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/375666820

Abstract

The taxonomic relationship between the genera Phragmataecia Newman, 1850 and Phragmacossia Schawerda, 1924 is considered. Diagnostic characters and distribution of the species Phragmataecia castaneae (Hübner, 1790), Phragmataecia albida (Erschoff, 1874), Phragmacossia ariana (Grum-Grshimailo, 1899), Phragmacossia territa (Staudinger, 1879), and Phragmacossia minos Reisser, 1963 are studied in detail. A new species, Phragmacossia bozanoi sp. n., is described from the Peloponnese Peninsula and the South Greek mainland.

Lepidoptera, biodiversity, Central Asia, Crete, fauna, Middle east, new species for europe, Peloponnes, taxonomy

  Map with collecting localities of Phragmacossia minos (29, green) and Ph. bozanoi sp. n. (29, red), habitat (30–31) and adults of Ph. bozanoi sp. n. in nature (32–33, pictures of L. Sattin Luca).

 Phragmacossia bozanoi sp. n.: adults, dorsal view.
Depositories of the specimens: 14 in WIGJ; 15 in MWM/ZSM; 16 in GMM; 17 in TMF; 18 in AMM. Scale bar—1 cm.

Aidas Saldaitis, Alexey M. Prozorov, Günter C. Müller, Roman V. Yakovlev. 2023.  Phragmacossia bozanoi—A New Species from southern Greece with some notes on Phragmataecia and Phragmacossia (Lepidoptera, Cossidae, Zeuzerinae).  Zootaxa. 5374(2); 211-228. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5374.2.3

  Researchgate.net/publication/375666820_Phragmacossia_bozanoi-a_new_species_from_southern_Greece

[Herpetology • 2023] Alsophylax ferganensis & A. emilia • The Fergana Valley Is an Isolate of Biodiversity: A Discussion of the Endemic Herpetofauna and Description of Two New Species of Alsophylax (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Eastern Uzbekistan

  Alsophylax ferganensis & A. emilia 

 Nazarov, Abduraupov, Shepelya, Gritsina, Melnikov, Buehler, Lapin, Poyarkov & Grismer, 2023

DOI: 10.3390/ani13152516 

 Researchgate.net/publication/372920739 

twitter.com/J_Grismer

Abstract

The high level of endemism in Fergana Valley has been well documented in numerous studies for various groups of animals and plants. In a relatively small area, there are 45 endemic plant species, five endemic insect species, and five endemic reptile species. In surveying this area for data on distribution, abundance, acoustics, and genetic samples for species of reptiles, we discovered two new species of gecko from the genus Alsophylax. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial DNA sequences indicate the relatives of these new species are the even-fingered gecko, Alsophylax pipiens, and the southern even-fingered gecko, Alsophylax laevis, located hundreds of kilometers to the northwest and southwest of the Fergana Valley. The threats to these new endemic species are significant given the amount of continued agricultural development that involves new territories previously considered “unsuitable” for any species of significance that is leading to the further reduction in, fragmentation of, and degradation of the remaining natural ecosystems in the Fergana Valley. The conservation of these rare and locally endemic species depends directly on the readiness of the state to create areas with IUCN I and II protection. The many studies documenting levels of endemism, along with the data published in this study, are the basis for the justification for state-protected areas in the Fergana Valley.

Keywords: reptiles; conservation; taxonomy; Gekkonidae; Alsophylax; Fergana Valley; endemic species; cryptic diversity

A comparison of adult male Alsophylax ferganensis sp. nov. (top) and Alsophylax emilia sp. nov. (bottom).

Taxonomy

Family Gekkonidae

Genus Alsophylax Fitzinger, 1843

Both new species belong to the genus Alsophylax according to the following morphological characteristics:

(1) Elongate body with relatively short limbs; (2) non-segmented tail approximately the same length as the body; (3) relatively small and roundish head with a short rostral part; (4) no femoral pores and 6–8 precloacal pores; (5) small, roundish and flattened dorsal tubercles are present in some representatives of this genus, or dorsal scales can be smooth and homogeneous in another species.

 

 (a) Alsophylax ferganensis sp. nov. in situ and (b) its habitat.

Alsophylax ferganensis sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. Alsophylax ferganensis sp. nov. is tentatively a sister to clades A of A. pipiens and A. laevis (Figure 1) and morphologically closer to A. laevis (Table 3). Alsophylax ferganensis sp. nov. sp. nov. can be distinguished from A. laevis by a smaller maximum body size (SVLmax 31.5 mm versus 38.7 mm) and relatively narrow head, as well as elongated limbs and dorsal patterns with well-defined nuchal loop, and relatively narrower dark transverse bands with approximately equal interspaces in between versus wide transverse patterns and narrow interspaces in A. laevis (Figure 6). Caudal margins have dark transverse bands that are wavy. Dorsal scales are flat, smooth, and roundish, without enlarged dorsal tubercles (Figure 7).

Etymology. This species is named after the Fergana Valley where it is endemic.

  (a) Alsophylax emilia sp. nov. holotype and (b) its habitat.

Alsophylax emilia sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Alsophylax emilia sp. nov. is a sister to the clade containing lineages of A. pipiens, A. laevis, and A. ferganensis sp. nov. (Figure 1). Alsophylax emilia sp. nov. is morphologically closest to the A. pipiens (Figure 3; Table 3) and can be distinguished by the following features: enlarged dorsal tubercles flat roundish smooth and larger than surrounding scales by no more than 2.5 times; head shape relatively more massive and sharply delimited from the body; 7–9 precloacal pores in V-shaped line; not elongated limbs; 5–6 wide transversal dorsal bands and narrow interspaces, no contrasting nuchal loop, and wide transverse patterns. The main distinguishing features of the new species are the following: maximum SVL of 35.0 mm; maximum TL 40.2 mm; 8/8 infralabials; 6/7 supralabials; two pairs of small roundish postmentals, which contact mentals; one nasal scale; 22 scales between the orbits; 97–104 longitudinal ventral scales from postmentals to cloaca; 59–65 scales along the midline around the body; 11–12 subdigital lamellae on the fourth finger; 13–14 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe; 2–3 cloacal spurs on each side; medial line of subcaudal scales formed by noticeably enlarged plates, 2–3 times larger the surrounding scales (Table 4).

Etymology. This species is named in honor of Soviet and then Uzbek herpetologist Emilia V. Vashetko (24.04.1940–07.11.2022) for her great contributions to the study of the herpetofauna of Uzbekistan and surrounding countries.

 Conclusions: 

Lastly, the age of the Fergana Valley allows it to support subtle yet different habitats ranging from claystone outcroppings to massive, isolated sand massifs and xeric flats that each support their own suite of species that are locally adapted to these different micro-habitats. The discovery of possibly two new species (Figure 1 and Figure 3) that are micro-endemic habitat specialists isolated in various clay outcrops and canyons supports the hypothesis that the valley may have been colonized twice at different times. We hypothesize that this possible colonization pattern could indicate that other groups have experienced multiple colonization events and they too have levels of cryptic diversity among their populations. This study highlights the reptile diversity in the Fergana Valley and further supports the need for more surveys focusing on these habitats deemed “non-suitable”, because the data from this study indicate that they may harbor unrecognized biodiversity. If the biodiversity from these areas is not documented and protected, they could become victim to the continued textile and agricultural developments in the Fergana Valley.

 

 Roman A. Nazarov, Timur V. Abduraupov, Evgeniya Yu. Shepelya, Mariya A. Gritsina, Daniel A. Melnikov, Matthew D. Buehler, Jack D. Lapin, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Jesse L. Grismer. 2023. The Fergana Valley Is an Isolate of Biodiversity: A Discussion of the Endemic Herpetofauna and Description of Two New Species of Alsophylax (Sauria: Gekkonidae) from Eastern Uzbekistan. Animals. 13(15), 2516. DOI: 10.3390/ani13152516

 (This article belongs to the Special Issue Evolution, Diversity, and Conservation of Herpetofauna)

  Researchgate.net/publication/372920739_Endemic_Herpetofauna_and_New_Species_of_Alsophylax_from_Eastern_Uzbekistan

 twitter.com/J_Grismer/status/1687588008789454848

 

Simple Summary: This study was carried out in one of the most densely populated and geographically isolated regions in the Republic of Uzbekistan, the Fergana Valley. The Fergana Valley has the highest level of endemic biodiversity in Uzbekistan (and one of the highest in Central Asia), and the habitats of these endemic species are rapidly being developed for agricultural purposes. Given this development, the remaining areas of habitat are not being adequately protected. The main goal of this study was to obtain up-to-date data on the distribution and abundance of five endemic reptile species in the remaining isolated and undeveloped habitats across the Fergana Valley. One of the most important achievements was the discovery of two unique and new micro-endemic species of gecko genus Alsophylax, which are described herein. These results elevate the number of endemic species in the Fergana Valley and further highlight the urgent need to create state-protected areas of habitat with IUCN I and II protection status for the remaining areas of suitable habitat, which is currently not available.

http://noticiasdelaciencia.com/not/11625/entender-como-las-comunidades-animales-respondieron-a-cambios-climaticos-en-el-pasado-puede-ayudarnos-a-entender-como-van-a-responder-a-cambios-climaticos-en-el-futuro

[Botany • 2023] Allium sunhangii (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Brevidentia from Southern Pamir-Alay, Uzbekistan

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, 

in Khassanov, Pulatov, Asatulloev, Ergashov, Tojibaev & Yusupov, 2023.

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.219.96464

Abstract

A new species, Allium sunhangii sp. nov., of the Middle Asiatic section Brevidentia F.O.Khass. & Iengal., (subgenus Allium, tribe Allioideae, Amaryllidaceae) is described. The species is a small plant from the Babatag Ridge in the Surkhandarya province of Uzbekistan. It is morphologically close to Allium brevidens Vved. in having initially dark violet filaments and three-cuspidate inner filaments, but differs by its small size and visibly unequal tepals as well as in the phylogenetic analysis based on ITS data.

Keywords: Allium, Brevidentia, Middle Asia, new taxon, phylogeny, taxonomy

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, 
A–A1 whole and longitudinal section of flower with teeth B view of single flower C cross section of pistil D–D1 bulb tunic and bulb E general view of species without leaves.

A1–A2 inflorescence and general view of growing  Allium sunhangii 
B1–B2 Zarkasa peak and habitat landscape.

 

 Allium sunhangii F.O.Khass., Tojibaev & Yusupov, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is most similar to Allium brevidens Vved. (Fig. 1), from which it differs in a more compact habit, remaining small spathe with a short beak, unequal tepals and strongly exserted, dark violet filaments (Fig. 2).

Etymology: Allium sunhangii is named after Prof. Sun Hang, one of the leading botanists at the Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, China, who actively promotes several projects within Central Asia.

 

Furkat O. Khassanov, Sardorjon Pulatov, Temur Asatulloev, Ibrokhimjon Ergashov, Komiljon Sh. Tojibaev and Ziyoviddin Yusupov. 2023.  Allium sunhangii – A New Species from Section Brevidentia F.O.Khass. & Iengal. (Amaryllidaceae) from Southern Pamir-Alay, Uzbekistan. PhytoKeys. 219: 35-48.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.219.96464

[Botany • 2022] Saussurea khunjerabensis (Asteraceae: Cardueae) • A New Species from Pamir (Xinjiang, China)

Saussurea khunjerabensis Y. S. Chen, 

in Li, Xu & Chen, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.561.1.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/363311168

Abstract

Saussurea khunjerabensis (Asteraceae, Cardueae), a new species from Taxkorgan county, Xinjiang, China, is described and illustrated. It belongs to Saussurea subgen. Eriocoryne because its capitula is aggregated in a densely congested hemispheric synflorescence and surrounded or half-surrounded by densely lanate uppermost leaves. This new species is similar to S. simpsoniana in its habit and linear uppermost stem leaves reflexed. However, it differs from S. simpsoniana by its stems usually unbranched and 11–25 cm high (versus usually branched and 2–12 cm high), lower leaf blade on both surfaces light green and densely white arachnoid lanate (versus adaxially dark green or purplish, sparsely arachnoid; abaxially grayish white, arachnoid tomentose to lanate), leaf margin usually pinnately lobed or divided (versus usually dentate to pinnately lobed, revolute), and lanate indumentum white or yellowish (versus lanate indumentum white or purple).

Keywords: Eudicots, Compositae, Saussurea sect. Eriocoryne, Xinjiang, taxonomy

  Living plants of Saussurea khunjerabensis.
 A-C. Habitat of S. khunjerabensis. Khunjerab pass, Taxkorgan county, China.

All photos by Xu-Guang Yan 

Saussurea khunjerabensis Y. S. Chen, sp. nov.

Etymology: Saussurea khunjerabensis is named after its type locality, Khunjerab pass, Xinjiang, China.

Tian Li, Lian-Sheng Xu and You-Sheng Chen. 2022. Saussurea khunjerabensis (Asteraceae, Cardueae), A New Species from Pamir. Phytotaxa. 561(1); 65-74. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.561.1.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/363311168_Saussurea_khunjerabensis_a_new_species_from_Pamir

[Botany • 2022] Tulipa toktogulica (Liliaceae) • A Cryptic, Endangered New Species from the western Tien-Shan, Kyrgyzstan

Tulipa toktogulica B.D.Wilson & Lazkov, 

in Wilson, Lazkov, Shalpykov & Brockington, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.566.1.1

 twitter.com/brockingtonian

 

Abstract

Tulipa toktogulica (T. sect. Kolpakowskianae; Liliaceae) is a cryptic new species from the Toktogul area of the Jalal-Abad Region, Kyrgyzstan. It is similar to T. talassica, with which it shares the characteristically elongated tunic, but it is genetically and geographically distinct. It has a combination of morphological traits shared between the closely related species T. talassica, T. tetraphylla and T. ferganica, but the combination of its traits is unique. Unlike most other members of the genus, this new species has a scent. It is here also assessed as endangered due to its narrow range and continuing threats from overgrazing.

Keywords: Central Asian flora, Tulipa sect. Kolpakowskianae, Tulipa subgenus Tulipa, Tulipa talassica, tulips, Monocots

 

Tulipa toktogulica B.D.Wilson & Lazkov
A. Side view of a flower. B. Flower from above. C. Side view of a closed flower. D. Inner and outer tepals, stamen and ovary. E. Prolonged tunic on bulb. F. Seed pod. G. Habitat at population one. H. Habitat at population two and three. I. Habitat at population four.

Photos by Brett Wilson.

Tulipa toktogulica B.D.Wilson & Lazkov, sp. nov.  

This species is most similar to Tulipa talassica in its prolonged tunic but it has broad stamens like those of T. tetraphylla and only three leaves, unlike T. tetraphylla, which usually has four or more leaves. Flowers of the new species have a faint scent, which is not present in these other Central Asian species except T. kolbintsevii Zonneveld in Zonneveld & de Groot (2012: 1294).

...

Etymology:—Named after the Toktogul region. We hope that naming it after this area will improve awareness of the diversity of the flora of this region and hence its conservation.

 Brett Wilson, Georgy A. Lazkov, Kaiyrkul T. Shalpykov and Samuel F. Brockington. 2022. Tulipa toktogulica (Liliaceae), A Cryptic, Endangered New Species from the western Tien-Shan, Kyrgyzstan. Phytotaxa. 566(1); 1-12. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.566.1.1

 twitter.com/brockingtonian/status/1573328172707450884

[Tardigrada • 2022] Cornechiniscus mystacinus • Water Bear with Barbels of A Catfish: A New Asian Cornechiniscus (Heterotardigrada: Echiniscidae) illuminates Evolution of the Genus

 

 Cornechiniscus mystacinus

Gąsiorek, 2022

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.06.007

Abstract

Cornechiniscus Maucci & Ramazzotti, 1981 is a species-poor heterotardigrade genus with peculiar, horn-shaped appendages A. It can be found in mosses and lichens growing on dusty soils on all continents except for Australasia and Antarctica, with presumably Central Asia as the main place of species radiation. A recent, COI and ITS-1-based phylogeny elucidated phylogenetic relationships between 5 out of 10 Cornechiniscus species, and aided the integrative description of C. imperfectus Gąsiorek & Michalczyk, 2020 from mountains of Northern Kyrgyzstan. However, the other 5 species remained unplaced on the generic evolutionary tree. Using new samples from Northern Kyrgyzstan, Italy and Argentina, I extracted new representatives of the genus and updated the genus phylogeny in the frame of integrated taxonomic approach (light and scanning microscopy, DNA sequencing of four markers: 18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS-1, and COI). A new Kyrgyz species is dioecious and necessitates modifying the genus diagnosis to accommodate its cirri prolongation that contrasts with bulbous peribuccal cirri typical for Cornechiniscus. Furthermore, it enhances the hypothesis on the Central Asian origin of the genus. Morphologically, Cornechiniscus mystacinus sp. nov. most closely resembles C. tibetanus (Maucci, 1979) by its large body size (adult females ∼500 μm on average), strongly heteronych and smooth claws, and by the development of spines in the lateral positions C–E and at the posterior margin of the pseudosegmental plate IV’. I demonstrated the sister relationship between C. holmeni (Petersen, 1951) and C. imperfectus, previously hypothesised based on their morphological similarity. Cornechiniscus lobatus (Ramazzotti, 1943) can be considered a subcosmopolitan taxon since it certainly occurs in the Holarctic and Neotropics.

Keywords: Central Asia, Cephalic papilla, Cirri, Dioecious, Kyrgyzstan, Phylogeny

Phylum: Tardigrada Doyère, 1840

Class: Heterotardigrada Marcus, 1927.

Order: Echiniscoidea Richters, 1926.

Family: Echiniscidae Thulin, 1928.

Genus: Cornechiniscus Maucci & Ramazzotti, 1981.

Diagnosis (from Kristensen, 1987; amended): Echiniscids with black crystalline eyes, flexible buccal tube and pseudosegmental plate IV’. Appendages A horn-shaped. Secondary clavae (cephalic papillae) ovoid, domed; peribuccal cirri typically bulbous (onion-shaped), but exceptionally may be formed typically for the vast majority of echiniscids, i.e. with antenniform, flexible flagellum and well-delimited cirrophore.

 Habitus of Cornechiniscus mystacinus sp. nov. (LM):
A – adult female freshly mounted in Hoyer's medium (paratype in lateral view); B – cephalic body portion of another adult female just preserved on a permanent slide (paratype in dorsolateral view); C – adult female (holotype in dorsolateral view); D – adult male (allotype in dorsolateral view). Letters C–E signify lateral appendage positions. Scale bars in μm.

  Cornechiniscus mystacinus sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Cornechiniscus mystacinus sp. nov. is easily distinguishable from all congeners by the combination of the following characters: extreme elongation of peribuccal cirri (cirrus internus slightly longer than appendage A and cirrus externus several times longer than the latter; peribuccal cirri are typically bulbous in the genus, Fig. 7D) with tufted tips, granulation around the mouth cone and cephalic papillae, and the presence of males in populations. ...

DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.06.007

Etymology: From Latin mystax = moustache. The name alludes to the significant prolongation of peribuccal cirri, especially of external ones, that calls to mind barbels of a catfish. An adjective in the nominative singular.

 Piotr Gąsiorek. 2022. Water Bear with Barbels of A Catfish: A New Asian Cornechiniscus (Heterotardigrada: Echiniscidae) illuminates Evolution of the Genus. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2022.06.007

 

[Arachnida • 2021] Chthonius kirghisicus • A New Cave-dwelling Species (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae) from Kyrgyzstan

Chthonius kirghisicus 

Prado, Viana, Milko & Ferreira, 2021

 DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.67303

Abstract

A new pseudoscorpion species, Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov., is described. It can be distinguished from the other species of the genus mainly by the number and shape of chelal teeth, the number of coxae setae, the arrangement of carapacal setae, and its measurements. This new species represents the first record for the genus in Kyrgyzstan. We also provide recommendations for future research on this species.

Keywords: Cave-dwelling, pseudoscorpion, taxonomy

Figure 6. Type locality and habitat of Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov.
A Kyrgyzstan karst landscape B general area where the cave is located with the lower entrance featured C detail of the lower cave entrance D cave interior E live holotype.

Family Chthoniidae Daday, 1888

Genus Chthonius C.L. Koch, 1843

Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The epithet kirghisicus is an adjective that refers to the country where the specimens were collected, Kyrgyzstan.

Diagnosis: Chthonius kirghisicus sp. nov. differs from other members of the subgenus by the following combination of characters: one pair of eyes (C. tadzhikistanicus with four feebly small eyes, C. aquasanctae with two eyespots, C. pagus and C. submontanus bearing two anterior well-developed eyes and two posterior eyespots, C. shelkovnikovi, C. carinthiacus, C. delmastroi and C. tenuis with four well developed eyes, C. azerbaidzhanus and C. satapliaensis lack eyes or eye spots) (Redikorzev 1930; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); epistome large and heavily dentated (C. azerbaidzhanus, C pagus and C. satapliaensis with small dentated epistome, C. carinthiacus and C. aquasanctae with a distinct but small epistome, C. ponticus, C. delmastroi, C. tenuis and C. submontanus without an epistome) (Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); anterior margin mostly serrated (ranging between seta ame and al) (C. tadzhikistanicus with anterior margin entirely serrated, C. azerbaidzhanus, C. satapliaensis, C. pagus, C. aquasanctae, C. carinthiacus and C. ponticus with only epistome region serrated) (Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); carapace with 20 setae, chaetotaxy 4: 2: 4: 4: 2: 4 (C. ponticus [4: 4: 2: 4: 2: 2], C. carinthiacus, C. delmastroi, C. tenuis and C. submontanus [4:6:4:2:2] with 18 setae); il located medially (in C. tadzhikistanicus, C. shelkovnikovi and C. azerbaidzhanus il is situated on the lateral margin), pl situated posteriorly to pm (in C. satapliaensis pl is located anteriorly to pm); palpal femur 5.2 times longer than wide (4.5 times in C. tadzhikistanicus, 3.0 times in C. shelkovnikovi, 5.4 times in C. azerbaidzhanus and 6.1 times in C. satapliaensis); chela 5.8 times longer than wide (5.4 times in C. tadzhikistanicus, 5.1 times in C. satapliaensis, 4.0 times in C. shelkovnikovi and 5.1 times in C. ponticus, 4.9 times in C. aquasanctae, 4.4 times in C. delmastroi, 5.3 times in C. tenuis, 4.5 times in C. submontanus and 4.8 times in C. pagus) (Redikorzev 1930; Beier 1964; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a); fixed chelal finger with 75–77 contiguous, acute and reclined backwards teeth (25 acute and straight teeth in C. azerbaidzhanus, 28 in C. satapliaensis, 33–38 acute, reclined backwards and close-set teeth in C. carinthiacus, 23–25 in C. aquasanctae, 30–33 in C. pagus, 32–36 in C. submontanus, 38 in C. tenuis, and 27–29 in C. delmastroi; 12–13 acute and sparse teeth in C. ponticus and 50 round and small teeth in C. shelkovnikovi); movable finger with 59–60 contiguous acute and retrorse teeth (18 acute and small teeth in C. azerbaidzhanus, 18 acute and straight teeth in C. satapliaensis, 17–20 acute, reclined backwards and close-set teeth in C. carinthiacus, 19–21 in C. aquasanctae, 25–39 in C. pagus, 23–30 in C. submontanus, 34 in C. tenuis, 26–29 in C. delmastroi; 24 flat and small teeth in C. ponticus and 50 round and small teeth in C. shelkovnikovi); absence of a protuberance near ib and isb (found in C. tadzhikistanicus C. tenuis and C. delmastroi); chelal hand long and slender (C. ponticus presents a ventrally round portion of the hand, C. shelkovnikovi exhibits short and robust chela) (Redikorzev 1930; Beier 1964; Schawaller and Dashdamirov 1988; Dashdamirov and Schawaller 1992; Gardini 2009; Christophoryová et al. 2011; Ćurčić et al. 2011, 2012a).

 Guilherme C. Prado, Ana Clara M. Viana, Dmitry A. Milko and Rodrigo L. Ferreira. 2021. Chthonius kirghisicus (Pseudoscorpiones, Chthoniidae), A New Cave-dwelling Species from Kyrgyzstan. Subterranean Biology. 40: 27-41. DOI: 10.3897/subtbiol.40.67303