[Entomology • 2026] Scymnus tshunsii • The First termitophilous Ladybird Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Microcerotermes Nests in Thailand

 

  Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama, 

in Seki, Liang , Hasin, Chiu et Maruyama, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.14411/eje.2026.017  

Termite nests host diverse symbiotic arthropods (termitophiles), many of which exhibit specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations to life within termite colonies. While numerous beetle families include well-known termitophiles, an association with termites has not yet been recorded in the family Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles). Here, we report the discovery of Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama, sp. n., based on adults and larvae collected from nests of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934, in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with additional adults captured at light traps. Although the adult morphology is typical for free-living Scymnini, the larva exhibits a highly unusual, soft-bodied, glabrous body form closely resembling termite workers - an apparent case of convergent evolution also seen in termitophilous rove beetles, scarabs, and phorid flies. The stark contrast between adult and larval morphology suggests stage-specific adaptations, with larvae more intimately integrated into the termite nest environment. Collecting adults at light traps indicates nocturnal dispersal, likely to locate new host colonies. This discovery represents the first confirmed termitophilous ladybird beetle and indicates that termite nests may support previously unrecognized ecological associations within Coccinellidae.

 

Keywords: New species, predators, Scymnini, taxonomy, termite

  Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n.
1 – dorsal view; 2 – ventral view; 3 – lateral view;
4 – alive, lateral view; 5 – alive, ventral view.

Habitat of Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n.
 32–34 – Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. (32 – adult; 33–34 – larvae); 35 – soldier of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934;
36 – forest environment; 37 – mound of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934.

 

Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama sp. n. 

 

Diagnosis. Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. is similar in external coloration to many species of Scymnini (e.g., Sasaji, 1971; Chen et al., 2015a, b; Wang & Chen, 2022), but can be readily distinguished by the structure of the genitalia. This species is placed in the subgenus Pullus Mulsant, 1846 based on the combination of the following characters: antennae composed of 11 antennomeres, prosternal process with well-developed lateral carinae, abdominal postcoxal lines recurved and complete, and female genitalia with a distinct infundibulum (Chen et al., 2015a). Chen et al. (l.c.) divided the subgenus Scymnus (Pullus) from mainland China and Taiwan into S. hingstoni, S. subvillosus, S. impexus, S. perdere, and S. sodalis groups. The new species lacks a prominent dorsal keel on the penis guide of ...

Etymology. The species is named after Tshun-Sî, the son of Wei-Ren Liang, the second author. His name, meaning “sowing in spring,” reflects the hope for the flourishing of future studies on termitophily in Thailand following this groundbreaking discovery. 

Distribution. Thailand (Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima)  

Ryōta SEKI, Wei-Ren LIANG, Sasitorn HASIN, Chun-I CHIU and Munetoshi MARUYAMA. 2026. The First termitophilous Ladybird Beetle: Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Microcerotermes nests in Thailand. Eur. J. Entomol. 123: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.14411/eje.2026.017  [May 14, 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Sclerocardius lyali • A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Thailand

 

Sclerocardius lyali 

Legalov & Bezborodov, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 

biotaxa.org/jibs

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov

Abstract

A new species, Sclerocardius lyali sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. The new species is close to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in the body covered with short setiform yellowish and pale scales, the postero-ventral side of the protibia lacking teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. This is the first record of Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847, from Thailand. A key to Asian species of the genus Sclerocardius is also given.

 

 Keywords: Curculionoidea, Molytinae, Sclerocardiini, new species, Mae Hong Son Province

 

Sclerocardius lyali sp. n., holotype, male.
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Habitus, ventral view; C. Habitus, frontal view; D. Aedeagus, dorsal view; E. Aedeagus, ventral view; F. Aedeagus, lateral view; G. Abdomen, ventral view.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Molytinae Schoenherr, 1823

Tribe Sclerocardiini Lacordaire, 1866

Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847

Type species. Sclerocardius bohemani Schoenherr, 1847.

Sclerocardius lyali Legalov & Bezborodov, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Patronymic. In honour of Christopher H.C. Lyal (London, UK), who revised the genus

Sclerocardius.

Diagnosis. This new species is closely related to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in that it has short setiform yellowish and pale scales on the body, a postero-ventral side of the protibia without teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. Sclerocardius indicus is characterised by a body covered in long, narrow, orange scales; a pronotum with relatively small punctation; a postero-ventral side of the protibia with three rounded teeth; and the aedeagus is also wider.

Andrei Legalov and Vitaly G Bezborodov. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Thailand. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 407-413. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 [2026-04-16] 

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/88627

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov/posts/3470913219750951

[Mollusca • 2026] Microeledone galapagensis • A New Species of Microeledone (Octopoda: Incirrata) from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae

 

Microeledone galapagensis 

Voight, Smith, Buglass & Ziegler, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 

 

Abstract

The octopod fauna of the deep tropical Pacific Ocean remains poorly known, as is the octopod family Megaleledonidae Taki. A single female megaleledonid specimen collected at 1773 m depth near the equatorial Galápagos island of Darwin is named Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. This small, squat, short-armed octopod has few arm suckers and gill lamellae. Its lack of a crop diverticulum, ink sac, and anal flaps suggests that it pertains to Thaumeledone. However, its smooth skin, which dorsally is nearly free of pigment, large rachidian tooth, and large funnel organ ally it with the monotypic Microeledone. Its reverse countershading and dense pigmentation on the inner dorsal mantle musculature distinguish this species from Microeledone mangoldi Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004a. This species belies the definition of the Megaleledonidae as large-bodied, Southern Ocean endemics, leading us to revise the family diagnosis. The short arms carrying few suckers in this genus and Thaumeledone are hypothesized to relate to heterochrony, potentially increasing energy available for reproduction and contributing to niche partitioning.

Mollusca, Thaumeledone, heterochrony, Pacific Ocean, deep sea, posterior salivary gland, ink sac, skin texture

Photos of Microeledone galapagensis sp.  nov. 
in situ (a); on recovery dorsal (b) and ventral (c) (photos by the Science Party of the NA064 cruise); in preservation dorsal (d) and ventral (e) views of entire animal. 

Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. With the characters of the genus; sheath covering inner dorsal mantle muscles heavily pigmented, internal organs lack pigment, except dots near mantle opening on mantle septum, rectum, and anus; posterior salivary glands medium, ca. 70% of buccal mass length; eyes large, slightly projecting.

Janet R. VOIGHT, Stephanie M. SMITH, Salome BUGLASS and Alexander ZIEGLER. 2026. A New Species of Microeledone from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae (Octopoda: Incirrata). Zootaxa. 5814(4); 533-549. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 [2026-05-25]

     

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

 

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

Popple, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.2.1

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arachnida • 2026] Theridion himalayana • On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, 

in Tripathy et Priyadarshini, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 

Abstract

A new species of Theridion is reported here from Uttarakhand, India which resembles and exhibits polymorphism like the Happy-face spiders reported from the Hawaiian Islands, Theridion grallator. The species is polymorphic in both sexes and exhibits patterns of a smiling face with dots in colours of red, black and white arranged differently. 32 different morphs of the species have been reported here which have been collected from three different locations in the northwestern state of India, Uttarakhand. This Theridion species also builds webs to hang upside down like the other polymorphic spiders T. californicum and T. grallator. The phylogenetic position of the species is also reported here which was compared against some of the Asian and Neotropical species across the world using the COI marker. A genetic variation of around 8.5% is observed from the Hawaiian Happy-face spider which indicates a separately evolved species in Asia where several morphs have been found. Despite moderate overall divergence, T. himalayana appears to be phylogenetically isolated from both its Palearctic and Nearctic congeners. This supports its distinctiveness within the genus and raises broader questions about lineage dispersal, parallel evolution of colour polymorphism and independent evolution of species in montane forests. A dichotomous key to the Theridion species described form India is also presented here.

Key Words: Happy-face spider, polymorphism, dichotomous key, Phylogeny, Theridiidae, Uttarakhand, India

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Theridion himalayana sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from other Indian congeners by the unique configuration of the copulatory ducts (CD) and fertilisation ducts (FD). In T. himalayana sp. nov., the CD is elongate, strongly curved, and prominently protruding forward, with both ducts running almost parallel before terminating downward. The CD which is longer than the spermathecae exhibits a distinctive sew-hook–like appearance, which is not observed in any other examined species. The fertilisation ducts are short, narrow, and directed upwards, diverging away from each other to form a V-shaped orientation. The FD arises below the spermatheca, with each duct directed opposite to the CD. This configuration clearly separates T. himalayana sp. nov. from T. odisha, which has a S-shaped, coiled CD that terminates in oval loops and FD inclined towards each other; T. bengalensis, where CD is short, slender, and directed away from each other, while FD appears tapering distally and directed away from spermatheca; T. melanostictum, characterized by extremely long, highly coiled CD and downward-directed, sickle-shaped FD; T. zonulatum, which possesses short, uncoiled CD and looped FD directed upwards.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘himalayana’ is assigned to species owing to the locality from which it was first found as an ode to the mighty Himalayan Mountain range that holds a wealth of biodiversity.

Suggested common name. Himalayan Happy-Face Spider.

 Ashirwad Tripathy and Devi Priyadarshini. 2026. On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history. Evolutionary Systematics. 10(1): 63-84. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 [24 Apr 2026]

[Ornithology • 2026] Phylloscopus tokaraensis • Discovering and Protecting Cryptic Biodiversity: A Case Study of A previously undescribed, Vulnerable Bird Species in Japan

Phylloscopus tokaraensis 

Saitoh, Shipilina, Xia, Zhang, Seki, Olsson & Alström, 2026

 

Tokara Leaf Warbler  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag037 

Abstract

Despite the escalating biodiversity crisis, many species remain unknown to science and may even disappear unnoticed. This is particularly true for many island populations. We illustrate the problem of detecting overlooked species and its consequences by exploring a rare and geographically restricted migratory songbird. We find that this consists of two—hence even rarer—species: the Japanese endemic Ijima's Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus ijimae from the Izu Islands and the Tokara Leaf Warbler from the Tokara Islands. We describe the latter as a new cryptic species, ie one that is morphologically highly similar to, but genetically distinct from, a known species. The genetic divergence is revealed by analyses of nuclear genome-wide and mitochondrial DNA and supported by differences in vocalizations, while the morphological differences are minimal. We evaluate key conservation genomic indicators, showing that both species show low levels of genetic diversity and signs of a decrease of effective population size. Our genome-wide analysis revealed short runs of homozygosity and a low estimated deleterious load, suggesting limited recent inbreeding and possible purging of harmful alleles—indicators of genetic recovery after past demographic fluctuations. Ijima's Leaf Warbler is already classified as Vulnerable as well as a “Natural Monument” in Japan, and we propose that the Tokara Leaf Warbler should retain this status, with continued focused monitoring. Our study not only highlights the importance of integrating genomics with taxonomy for uncovering cryptic avian diversity but also provides a critical foundation for future conservation efforts.

Tokara Leaf Warbler Nakanoshima Phylloscopus tokaraensis (the same individual as in photo labeled A singing male Tokara Leaf Warbler).

photo: Per Alström, Uppsala University

Tokara Leaf Warbler Nakanoshima 11June2017-1 Per Alstrom. A singing male Tokara Leaf Warbler Phylloscopus tokaraensis on Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands, in June 2017. P.

photo: Per Alström, Uppsala University

One of the Tokara Leaf Warblers Phylloscopus tokaraensis caught on Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands, in June 2017.  

Cryptic populations of P. ijimae are geographically separated by more than 1,000 km and have distinct songs.
A) Global distribution of P. ijimae. Insets provide detailed maps of the Tokara Islands and northern Izu Islands (map source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (2021). ALOS World 3D-30m DEM, V3.2, January 2021. Distributed by OpenTopography, doi.org/10.5069/G94M92HB. Accessed 2025 March 12). Island names in gray indicate locations where P. ijimae was not observed, while those in black indicate presence.
B, C) Adult male, holotype of Phylloscopus tokaraensis new species, Tokara Leaf Warbler (Yamashina Institute for Ornithology number YIO-76774), Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands, 2017 June 10 (photo: Per Alström; for additional photographs, see Table S18).

 Phylloscopus tokaraensis, sp. nov. 

Tokara Leaf Warbler

Diagnosis: Phylloscopus tokaraensis and P. ijimae are characterized by the uniformly greyish crown, lacking darker or paler stripes; mainly whitish underparts with contrastingly pale yellow undertail-coverts; narrow pale tips to the greater coverts, forming a thin, sometimes very indistinct, pale wing-bar; and pale orange lower mandible. Easily distinguishable from P. coronatus by the uniformly coloured crown; from P. borealis, P. examinandus and P. xanthodryas by the less distinct pale supercilium and narrower and less contrasting dark stripe on the ear-coverts behind the eye, whiter underparts with contrastingly pale yellow undertailcoverts, and pale orange lower mandible (usually prominent dark tip in P. borealis, P. examinandus and P. xanthodryas but rarely entirely orange); and from P. borealoides and P. tenellipes by the greener upperparts, paler crown which does not ...

Cryptic populations of P. ijimae are geographically separated by more than 1,000 km and have distinct songs. A) Global distribution of P. ijimae. Insets provide detailed maps of the Tokara Islands and northern Izu Islands (map source: Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (2021). ALOS World 3D-30m DEM, V3.2, January 2021. Distributed by OpenTopography, doi.org/10.5069/G94M92HB. Accessed 2025 March 12). Island names in gray indicate locations where P. ijimae was not observed, while those in black indicate presence. B, C) Adult male, holotype of new species, Tokara Leaf Warbler (Yamashina Institute for Ornithology number YIO-76774), Nakanoshima, Tokara Islands, 2017 June 10 (photo: Per Alström; for additional photographs, see Table S18).
Examples of single song strophes of type I songs from Tokara (D–G) and Izu (I–L), with a plot of the two PCs from a PCA based on 12 variables (H). Examples of single strophes of type II songs from Tokara (M and N) and Izu (O and P) (recordings: D: ML647192043; E: ML647191975; F: ML647192039; G: ML 647191951; M: 647192011; N: 647191965; all by P.A.; I: by T. Kabaya; J: ML647192103, by T.S.; K: XC749104; L: XC749102; O: XC749102), K, L, O by Geoff Carey; P: ML647356514, by Haruo Kuroda.

 

Takema Saitoh, Daria Shipilina, Canwei Xia, Lijun Zhang, Shin-Ichi Seki, Urban Olsson and Per Alström. 2026. Discovering and Protecting Cryptic Biodiversity: A Case Study of A previously Undescribed, Vulnerable Bird Species in Japan. PNAS Nexus. 5(3); pgag037. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/pnasnexus/pgag037 [17 March 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula)

Taczanowskia waska

Díaz-Guevara, Bentley & Dupérré, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 

Researchgate.net/publication/401254813

Abstract 

Herein, we describe a new species of the rare spider genus Taczanowskia Keyserling, 1879 (Araneae: Araneidae), Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (♀) from the Ecuadorian Amazon. Additionally, we discuss its unique fungal mimicry, comment on Taczanowskia ecology, and provide an updated taxonomic key for females of the genus. The importance of this discovery extends well beyond the description of a novel taxon, representing the first reported case of Arachnid mimicry of an araneopathogenic fungus. Finally, we discuss the application of citizen science to collecting ecological and biogeographical data on arachnids and its potential use for describing new taxa. 

Araneae, fungal-mimicry, arachnids, mycelium, Amazon, llanganates-Sangay Connectivity Corridor

Taczanowskia waska sp. nov., female holotype, alive.
 a, dorsal view. B, second dorsal view. C, posterior dorsalview. D, frontal view. e, posterior dorsal view with an ovisac. 

 Records of spiders with apparent fungal mimicry.
a, Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. from Pastaza, ecuador (© David R.Díaz-Guevara). B, unknown araneidae species from Huong National Park, vietnam, 2013 (© Paul Bertner).
C, D, an undescribed species of Acantharachne from uganda, 0.390, 33.113 (© Frank Deschandol).
E, Exechocentrus lancearius from Madagascar, -18.966, 48.592 (© Artur Tomaszek). F, Mastophora leucacantha from coastal Brazil, -23.959, -46.190 (© Thiago Gonçalves Coronado Antunes).

David R. DÍAZ-GUEVARA, Alexander Griffin BENTLEY and Nadine DUPÉRRÉ. 2026. “The Cordyceps Spider”: Taczanowskia waska sp. nov. (Araneae: Araneidae), A New spider Species and A Novel Case of Mimicry of an Araneopathogenic Fungus (Cordycipitaceae: Gibellula).  Zootaxa. 5760(5); 563-576. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.5.4 [2026-02-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401254813_Taczanowskia_waska_sp_nov_a_new_spider_species_and_a_novel_case_of_mimicry_of_an_araneopathogenic_fungus

 instagram.com/waska.amazonia

 instagram.com/bentley7_7 

[Arachnida • 2026] Urophonius andinus • First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus

Urophonius andinus 

Ojanguren-Affilastro, Santibáñez-López, Alfaro, Ramírez, Iuri, Mattoni & Pizarro-Araya, 2026. 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032

Abstract 

This study presents the first total evidence dated phylogenetic analysis of the scorpion genus Urophonius, integrating 115 morphological characters and five molecular markers (28S, 18S, H3, 16S, COI). Our comprehensive phylogenetic framework provides novel insights into the genus' diversification timeline and evolutionary processes. Additionally, we described Urophonius andinus n. sp. from the central Chilean Andes, a high-altitude species found at 2400 m.s.a.l., representing the highest elevational record for the genus. This new species is placed within the granulatus species group, characterized by a spring–summer activity period.

Keywords: Andes, new species, highland, Scorpiones, total evidence dated phylogeny, Urophonius, winter activity

Urophonius andinus n. sp. 

Andrés A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, Carlos Eduardo Santibáñez-López, Fermín M. Alfaro, Martín J. Ramírez, Hernán A. Iuri, Camilo I. Mattoni and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2026. First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032 [17 March 2026]

 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] The Japanese Archipelago sheltered Cave Lions, not Tigers, during the Late Pleistocene

 a Late Pleistocene cave lion Panthera spelaea overlooking Mount Fuji, Japan. 

in Sun, Peng, Tsutaya, Jiangzuo, ... et Luo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2523901123 

Artistic reconstruction by Velizar Simeonovski

 

Abstract

Lions and tigers, as dominant apex predators, likely became competitors when lions expanded from Africa into Eurasia approximately one million years ago (Ma), forming a lion–tiger transition belt from the Middle East through Central Asia to the Russian Far East. At the easternmost edge of this zone, the Japanese Archipelago has long been considered a Late Pleistocene tiger refugium, supported by large felid subfossils traditionally attributed to tigers (Panthera tigris), though their taxonomic identity remained unresolved. To clarify the origin, evolutionary history, and biogeography of Japan’s Pleistocene felids, we analyzed 26 ancient specimens previously assumed to be tigers. Using mitochondrial and nuclear genome hybridization capture and sequencing, paleoproteomics, Bayesian molecular dating, and radiocarbon dating, we found that all ancient Japanese “tiger” remains yielding molecular data were, unexpectedly, cave lions (Panthera spelaea). One specimen from Yamaguchi Prefecture, western Japan, was radiocarbon dated to 36,000-34,891 cal. BP. These cave lions likely dispersed to the Japanese Archipelago between ~72.7 and 37.5 thousand years ago (ka), when a land bridge connected northern Japan to the mainland during the Last Glacial Period. Our findings challenge the long-held view that tigers once took refuge in Japan, showing instead that cave lions were widespread in northeast Asia during this period and were the Panthera lineage that colonized Japan, reaching even its southwestern regions despite habitats previously thought to favor tigers.

Maps showing the possible distributions of lions and tigers in eastern Eurasia and Alaska during different Marine Isotope Stages (MIS) of the Late Pleistocene. ...

Artistic reconstruction of a Late Pleistocene cave lion overlooking Mount Fuji, Japan.

Artwork by Velizar Simeonovski

Significance: Lions and tigers were widespread apex predators during the Late Pleistocene and integral components of East Asian megafauna. Cave lions predominantly inhabited northern Eurasia, whereas tigers were distributed farther south. The boundary between their ranges extended across Eurasia and shifted with climatic fluctuations, such as glacial–interglacial oscillations. Our findings challenge the prevailing view that tigers once took refuge in Japan and that cave lion distribution was limited to the Russian Far East and northeast China. These findings provide evidence that lions, rather than tigers, colonized the Japanese Archipelago during the Late Pleistocene. This finding extends the known range of cave lions in East Asia and refines our understanding of how far south the lion–tiger transition belt shifted during this period.

 

Xin Sun, Lanhui Peng, Takumi Tsutaya, Qigao Jiangzuo, Yoshikazu Hasegawa, Yuxin Hou, Yu Han, Yan Zhuang, Nuno Filipe Gomes Martins, Jazmin Ramos Madrigal, Alberto J. Taurozzi, Meaghan Mackie, Gaudry Trochė, Jesper V. Olsen, Enrico Cappellini, Stephen J. O’Brien, M. Thomas P. Gilbert, Nobuyuki Yamaguchi, and Shu-Jin Luo. 2026. The Japanese Archipelago sheltered Cave Lions, not Tigers, during the Late Pleistocene. PNAS. 123(6); e2523901123. DOI: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2523901123 [January 26, 2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Gibellula mineira • The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

 

Abstract

In tropical forests, there is a high diversity of parasites that use arthropods as resource, particularly arachnids. One of the most frequent groups of spiders’ parasites in tropical forests are fungi of the genus Gibellula, for which a considerable knowledge gap remains in these environments. In this study, we present the description of a new species that infects spiders of the species Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Gibellula mineira sp. nov. We also described the prevalence of the new fungal species in the host spider population and evaluated whether the host size influences their probability of parasitism. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that G. mineira represents a distinct species forming a clade with 100% support of bootstrap and showing a close phylogenetic relationship with Gibellula aurea. The characteristics that distinguish it from other species of the genus include light brown hyphae, white and slightly larger conidiophores, and thinner phialides. We observed a high prevalence of parasitism in this interaction, reaching 25% of the observed I. censoria population. Furthermore, we noted that the cadavers of parasitized spiders are exclusively attached to the underside of leaves, following the typical pattern observed for Gibellula species. Parasitism is more frequent in smaller I. censoria individuals, which is probably associated with thinner cuticles or higher foraging activity in smaller individuals. We suggested that G. mineira is an important natural enemy of I. censoria, directly influencing the population dynamics of this spider and expanding our knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of araneopathogenic fungi.

 

Keywords: Hypocreales, Araneae, Behavioral manipulation, Parasitism, Araneopathogenic fungi

 Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.
(A) Unparasitized individual foraging in vegetation; (B) Silk retreat built by unparasitized spiders on the leaf lamina;
(C) Adult I. censoria individual infected by G. mineira at an early stage of fungal development; (D) G. mineira colony at mature stage of development;
(E) I. censoria individual showing newly formed synnemata (white); (F) I. censoria individual showing mature synnemata (light brown);
(G) Detail of a white synnema, at the beginning of development, with conidiophores showing chains of conidia; (H) Developed light brown synnema, with dense, white conidiophores.

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

Aline dos Santos, Thairine Mendes-Pereira, Camila de Fátima Ferreira Ribeiro and Thiago Gechel Kloss. 2026. The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Fungal Biology. 130(3); 101748. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

[Entomology • 2026] Microvelia amphitrite • New Species and New Distributional Records of the Genus Microvelia Westwood (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from the Japanese Ogasawara Islands, with an Illustrated Key to Ogasawaran Species

Microvelia amphitrite  Matsushima & Watanabe, 

in Matsushima, Hisasue et Watanabe. 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/jihs.3.1.2  

 Researchgate.net/publication/400255782 

  x.com/hydrotusk

 

Abstract

Microvelia (Pacificovelia) amphitrite new species is described from the Japanese Ogasawara Islands. In addition, some specimens identified as M. douglasi Scott, 1874 and previously reported by different authors from the Ogasawara Islands were examined and recognized as misidentifications actually belonging to M. yoshitomii Watanabe, 2023 and the new species herein described. These results indicate that M. douglasi is not distributed in the Ogasawara Islands. In addition, M. yoshitomii is herein reported for the first time from nine islands in the archipelago. An illustrated key to Ogasawaran Microveliinae species is provided. Field surveys revealed that two species of Microvelia in the Ogasawara Islands prey on arthropods across several taxa, more than half of which are alien species.

broad-shouldered water striders, Gerromorpha, Microveliinae, oceanic islands, semiaquatic bugs, small water striders, taxonomy

Habitus of Microvelia amphitrite new species paratypes.
 Apterous male and Apterous female.

Microvelia (Pacificovelia) amphitrite Matsushima and Watanabe, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species epithet amphitrite derives from the Greek mythological queen of the sea, “Amphitrite”,who is said to have been crossed the sea on dolphins. This name reflects both the geographical background of thisnew species, which has established on the oceanic islands, and the dolphin-like shape of the male parameres. 

Predation events by Microvelia spp.
Predation by Microvelia amphitrite new species: 32, springtail (Entomobryidae). 33, Technomyrmex brunneus (Formicidae). 34, Apis mellifera (Apidae).
Predation by M. yoshitomii: 35, springtail (Sminthuridae). 36, Heteropsylla cubana (Psyllidae). 37, Pheidole parva s. l. (Formicidae).

RYOSUKE MATSUSHIMA, YU HISASUE and KOHEI WATANABE. 2026. New Species and New Distributional Records of the Genus Microvelia Westwood (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Veliidae) from the Japanese Ogasawara Islands, with an Illustrated Key to Ogasawaran Species. J. Int. Heteropterists’ Soc. 3(1); DOI: doi.org/10.11646/jihs.3.1.2 [2026-01-30] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/400255782_New_species_of_Microvelia_from_the_Japanese_Ogasawara_Islands

  x.com/hydrotusk/status/2017206587048575355

[Entomology • 2025] Bucerocaputis kapinawa & B. timbira • Bucerocaputis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from the Cerrado and Caatinga of Brazil, with the Description of Two New Species

 

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, 

in Souza-Gonçalves, Lopes-Andrade et Grossi, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70025

Abstract

Bucerocaputis Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. nov., a new genus with two species, Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. from the Caatinga biome and Bucerocaputis timbira Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. from the Cerrado biome, is described based on individuals collected in the states of Bahia, Maranhão, Pernambuco and Rio Grande do Norte, Northeast Region of Brazil. The genus shares some morphological affinities with members of Acanthocis Miyatake, 1954, Falsocis Pic, 1916, Plesiocis Casey, 1898, Porculus Lawrence, 1987 and Pseudeuxestocis Lawrence 2016; however, it can be distinguished mainly by the combination of the following features: the robust body; single pronotal and elytral punctation; antennae with 10 antennomeres; apical maxillary palpomere inflated with a large circular sensory area at the apex; prosternum biconcave with a relatively broad, strongly curved prosternal process, projecting below the plane of the prosternum disc; and male anterocephalic and anterior pronotal edge quadridentate. We also provide information on its host fungi and briefly discuss its geographical distribution.

Keywords: Caatinga, Cerrado, Ciinae, Neotropical, taxonomy, Tenebrionoidea

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade gen. et sp. nov., holotype male (e–e) from Sairé (Pernambuco, Brazil).
(a) Dorsal view; note the lateral pronotal projections (arrows). (b) Lateral view. (e) Ventral view. (d) Frontal–ventral view of head and thorax note the lateral pronotal projections (arrows). (e) Scutellar shield and part of the pronotum and elytra.

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (a–c); 0.5 (d); 0.2 mm (e).

Bucerocaputis Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. nov. 

Bucerocaputis kapinawa Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov.  

 Bucerocaputis timbira Souza-Gonçalves & Lopes-Andrade, gen. et sp. nov. 

Igor Souza-Gonçalves, Cristiano Lopes-Andrade and Paschoal C. Grossi. 2025. Bucerocaputis gen. nov. (Coleoptera: Ciidae) from the Cerrado and Caatinga of Brazil, with the Description of Two New Species. Austral Entomology. 64(4); e70025. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70025 [06 October 2025]