Showing posts with label European Journal of Taxonomy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label European Journal of Taxonomy. Show all posts

Sunday, June 28, 2026

[Mollusca • 2026] Georissa meghalayaensis & Acmella bensoni • New Species of Georissa (Gastropoda: Hydrocenidae) and Acmella (Gastropoda: Assimineidae), with new records of Georissa from Northeast India

 

Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. and
Acmella bensoni sp. nov. 
 Das & Aravind, 2026


Abstract
The present study describes one new species each of Georissa and Acmella from Northeast India. Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. and Acmella bensoni sp. nov. are described from Krem Puri, Meghalaya. In addition, Georissa sp. was newly recorded from a soil-leaf litter sample collected at the Sadu Chiru waterfall area in Manipur, and Georissa sarrita was newly recorded from Tuipui in Mizoram. All species were identified based on morphological features, with shell sculpture and suture being the primary distinguishing characters. Notably, all the species from Meghalaya were found inside caves, except for Georissa meghalayaensis (Krem Puri), which was found at the edge of the cave entrance on a wet, moss-covered rocky wall. Further studies are required to confirm the true cavernicolous nature of these microsnails.

Keywords: biodiversity hotspot, cave biodiversity, conchology, conservation, endemics


Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. 
Acmella bensoni sp. nov. 


Nipu Kumar Das and Neelavar Ananthram Aravind. 2026. New Species of Georissa (Gastropoda: Hydrocenidae) and Acmella (Gastropoda: Assimineidae), with new records of Georissa from Northeast India.  European Journal of Taxonomy, 1060(1); 1–27. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1060.3284 [2026-05-27] 

Monday, June 15, 2026

[Arachnida • 2026] Orchestina nojimai & O. insulana • Taxonomic Revision of the Jumping Goblin Spider Genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan with Descriptions of Two New Species


A–B. Orchestina flava Ono, 2005, females. 
C. Orchestina insulana sp. nov., female; D. O. sanguinea Oi, 1955;
Orchestina saltitans Banks, 1894; O. okitsui Oi, 1958, male. 

Suzuki, 2026

Abstract 
The goblin spider genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan has been revised, recognizing nine species including two new species and four species newly recorded from Japan: O. okitsui Oi, 1958 (♂♀), O. flava Ono, 2005 (♂♀), O. sanguinea Oi, 1955 (♀), O. saaristoi Henrard & Jocqué, 2012 (♂♀, new record), O. saltitans Banks, 1894 (♂♀, new record), O. colubrina Liu, Henrard & Xu, 2019 (♂, new record), O. pavesii (Simon, 1873) (♂♀, new record), Orchestina nojimai sp. nov. (♀) and O. insulana sp. nov. (♀). A literature survey revealed errors in the correspondences between figures and captions in a pictorial book, which likely led to the misidentification of the synanthropically introduced species O. saltitans as the forest-dwelling native species O. okitsui. The misrepresentation also gave rise to the erroneous assumption that the male of O. sanguinea had been described, although no male specimen has actually been reported. In addition, Orchestina flagella Saaristo & van Harten, 2006, is here synonymized with O. saltitans (O. flagella syn. nov.). This study provides photographs and illustrations of nine Orchestina species, including the type specimens of O. okitsui, O. flava and O. sanguinea, notes on their habitats, distribution maps, supplemental molecular data, and a graphical character matrix of Orchestina species in Japan.

Keywords: Arachnida, misidentification, type material, synanthropic species, Synspermiata

Live specimens of species of Orchestina Simon, 1882.
A. Orchestina okitsui Oi, 1958, male (YSPC-Op-1). B. Orchestina saltitans Banks, 1894, male (YSPC-Op-2).

Live specimens of species of Orchestina Simon, 1882.
 A–B. Orchestina flava Ono, 2005, females (TKPM-AR, voucher specimen numbers not specified). C. Orchestina insulana sp. nov., female (TKPM-AR 3489). D. Orchestina sanguinea Oi, 1955, female (TKPM-AR 3491).
 

Yuya SUZUKI. 2026. Taxonomic Revision of the Jumping Goblin Spider Genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan with Descriptions of Two New Species. European Journal of Taxonomy.  1068: 1–49. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1068.3293 [2026-06-12]

Friday, May 15, 2026

[Arachnida • 2026] Kambiwa itacarambi, K. maracas, Sertana capivara, S. sagarana, ... • Ninetine Spiders in Brazilian Caatinga and Cerrado: Revision of Kambiwa and Description of Sertana gen. nov. (Araneae: Pholcidae), with analyses of predicted range shifts due to climate change


A–B. Kambiwa itacarambi Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NW of Itacarambi.
E–F. K. coribe Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from E of São Felix do Coribe.
G–H. K. maracas Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from S of Contendas do Sincorá.
K–L. K. mucuge Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ from NE of Mucugê.

in Huber, Meng, Král, Herrera et Carvalho., 2026. 

Abstract
Among daddy long-legs spiders (Pholcidae), Ninetinae is a distinctive subfamily that comprises short-legged, fast-running spiders. Most species are small or tiny, lead reclusive lives, and are largely restricted to semiarid regions, which together has made them poorly collected and poorly known. Here, we build on focused recent collections in the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, two of the World’s richest tropical savanna, xeric shrubland and thorn forest regions. Our focus is on the taxonomy of the genus Kambiwa Huber, 2000 that previously contained only two nominal species, each known from a single locality. Combining morphological and molecular (CO1 barcode) data, we describe six new species in Kambiwa (K. brumado Huber sp. nov.; K. coribe Huber sp. nov.; K. ibo Huber sp. nov.; K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.; K. maracas Huber sp. nov.; K. mucuge Huber sp. nov.), redescribe the type species K. neotropica (Kraus, 1957), and synonymize the monotypic genus Pemona Huber, 2019 with Kambiwa, resulting in the new combination K. sapo (Huber, 2019) comb. nov. In addition, we describe a new genus of superficially Kambiwa-like spiders from the same geographic region: Sertana Huber gen. nov., with five new species (S. bumba Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. capivara Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. igapora Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. lapa Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. sagarana Huber gen. et sp. nov.). In line with previous efforts to explore the processes underlying the geographical distribution of Ninetinae, we also evaluate the potential effects of future climate change on the environmental niche occupied by three selected species of Kambiwa. Our results corroborate previous findings that demonstrate an altitude-mediated response to climate change. For a highland species, areas of high habitat suitability almost disappear under more severe climate change scenarios. For two species with lowland records, the areas with high habitat suitability increase significantly. Finally, we analyze the male karyotype of K. ibo which consists of 28 chromosomes including a X1X2X3Y system. All chromosomes are biarmed except for the Y chromosome. This contribution concludes a series of publications on the subfamily Ninetinae. We use this opportunity to summarize current knowledge about the subfamily, to discuss open questions and knowledge gaps, and to suggest further research topics focusing on these tiny but exceptional pholcids.

Keywords: CO1 barcodes, climate change, karyotype, niche modeling, taxonomy

Kambiwa Huber, 2000; live specimens from Brazil; all at same scale.
A–B. Kambiwa itacarambi Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NW of Itacarambi. C–D. K. ibo Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NE of Lagoa Grande. E–F. K. coribe Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from E of São Felix do Coribe.
G–H. K. maracas Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from S of Contendas do Sincorá. I–J. K. brumado Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from W of Marcolino Moura. K–L. K. mucuge Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ from NE of Mucugê.

Kambiwa Huber, 2000 spp., typical habitats; all localities are in Brazil.
A. Bahia, between Ibó and Curaçá; Kambiwa sp. aff. neotropica. B. Bahia, E of São Felix do Coribe; type locality of Kambiwa coribe Huber sp. nov. 
C. Bahia, NE of Brumado; type locality of K. brumado Huber sp. nov. D. Bahia, SW of Maracas; type locality of K. maracas Huber sp. nov.
E. Bahia, NE of Mucugê; type locality of K. mucuge Huber sp. nov. F. Minas Gerais, NW of Itacarambi; type locality of K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.

Kambiwa brumado Huber sp. nov.
 K. coribe Huber sp. nov.
K. ibo Huber sp. nov.
K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.
 K. maracas Huber sp. nov.
 K. mucuge Huber sp. nov.
K. sapo (Huber, 2019) comb. nov.  

 Sertana Huber gen. nov. 
S. bumba Huber gen. et sp. nov. 
 S. capivara Huber gen. et sp. nov. 
 S. igapora Huber gen. et sp. nov.
S. lapa Huber gen. et sp. nov.
 S. sagarana Huber gen. et sp. nov. 
 

Bernhard A. Huber, Guanliang Meng, Jiří Král, Ivalú M. Ávila Herrera, Leonardo S. Carvalho. 2026. Ninetine Spiders in Brazilian Caatinga and Cerrado: Revision of Kambiwa and Description of Sertana gen. nov. (Araneae, Pholcidae), with analyses of predicted range shifts due to climate change. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1054(1), 1–126. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1054.3276 [2026-05-14]

Tuesday, May 12, 2026

[Botany • 2025] Polyalthia acuminatissima & P. chiangmaica, P. miliusifolia ... (Annonaceae: Miliuseae) • Uncovering Five New Species of Polyalthia from Thailand: Molecular and Morphological Congruence

 

พงศ์พะงา Polyalthia acuminatissima Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
มธุรสา P. esanensis Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
บุษบาดง P. chiangmaica Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku; 
ไพรผกา P. maxwelliana Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku;
พนาศัย P. miliusifolia Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku

in Wiya, Damthongdee, Chanthamrong, Ue-aree et Chaowasku, 2025. 


Abstract 
Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses using seven plastid DNA markers (matK, rbcL, ndhF and ycf1 exons; trnL intron; psbA-trnH and trnL-trnF intergenic spacers) and detailed morphological investigations, five new species of Polyalthia Blume (Annonaceae Juss.) from Thailand are recognized, described and illustrated. These species are: Polyalthia acuminatissima Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern region), P. esanensis Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from eastern and northeastern regions), P. chiangmaica Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku sp. nov. (from Chiang Mai Province, northern region), P. maxwelliana Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku sp. nov. and P. miliusifolia Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku sp. nov. (both from Kanchanaburi Province, southwestern region). All five species belong to one of the three major clades within the genus. Three of them (P. acuminatissima, P. esanensis and P. chiangmaica) were previously misidentified as P. evecta (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep., which is polyphyletic. Comparisons with their phylogenetically related or morphologically similar species are provided and a key to the species of this major clade occurring in Thailand is included. The conservation status of all five new species is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient. 

Keywords: Magnoliids, Malmeoideae, molecular phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

 


Chattida Wiya, Anissara Damthongdee, Kithisak Chanthamrong, Phasit Ue-aree and Tanawat Chaowasku. 2025. Uncovering Five New Species of Polyalthia (Annonaceae, Miliuseae) from Thailand: Molecular and Morphological Congruence.  European Journal of Taxonomy. 1022(1), 243-276. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1022.3093 [2025-10-14]

พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกวงศ์กระดังงา 5 ชนิด จากประเทศไทย 
นักอนุกรมวิธานพืช องค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ ร่วมค้นพบ

ดร.ฉัตรธิดา วิยา นักอนุกรมวิธานพืช องค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ ร่วมกับทีมวิจัย นำโดย รองศาสตราจารย์ ดร.ธนวัฒน์ เชาวสกู ภาควิชาชีววิทยา คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่  ดร.อานิสรา ดำทองดี นักวิจัยหลังปริญญาเอก นายกิติศักดิ์ ฌานธำรง นักวิจัยอิสระ และนายพสิษฐ์ เอื้ออารีย์ ผู้ช่วยนักวิจัย กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช ร่วมกันค้นพบพืชชนิดใหม่ของโลกในวงศ์กระดังงา (Annonaceae) สกุลกล้วยเต่า (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 Blume) จำนวน 5 ชนิด คือ
มธุรสา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙚𝙨𝙖𝙣𝙚𝙣𝙨𝙞𝙨 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูงประมาณ 1.5 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดอำนาจเจริญและอุดรธานี คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงแหล่งที่พบ คือภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ หรืออีสาน 
พนาศัย (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙢𝙞𝙡𝙞𝙪𝙨𝙞𝙛𝙤𝙡𝙞𝙖 Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูงประมาณ 60 เซนติเมตร พบที่จังหวัดกาญจนบุรี คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงลักษณะใบที่คล้ายกับใบของพืชในสกุลระฆังสยาม (Miliusa Lesch. ex A.DC.) บางชนิด
ไพรผกา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙢𝙖𝙭𝙬𝙚𝙡𝙡𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙖 Wiya, Chanthamrong & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูง 1.5–4 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดกาญจนบุรี คำระบุชนิดตั้งขึ้นเพื่อเป็นเกียรติแก่ Mr. James Franklin Maxwell (2488–2558) นักสำรวจและเก็บตัวอย่างพรรณไม้ไทยผู้มีผลงานโดดเด่น และเป็นหนึ่งในผู้ร่วมก่อตั้งหอพรรณไม้ภาควิชาชีววิทยา คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ (CMUB) พร้อมทั้งเป็นภัณฑารักษ์คนแรก
บุษบาดง (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙘𝙝𝙞𝙖𝙣𝙜𝙢𝙖𝙞𝙘𝙖 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้พุ่ม สูงประมาณ 6 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดเชียงใหม่ คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงแหล่งที่พบ คือจังหวัดเชียงใหม่
พงศ์พะงา (𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙖𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙞𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙢𝙖 Wiya, Damth. & Chaowasku) เป็นไม้ต้นขนาดเล็ก สูง 1–2 เมตร พบที่จังหวัดนครพนม คำระบุชนิดแสดงถึงลักษณะปลายใบที่มักจะเรียวแหลมและยืดยาวอย่างเด่นชัด
พืชชนิดใหม่ทั้ง 5 ชนิดนี้ มีลักษณะดอกที่คล้ายคลึงกัน จึงจำเป็นต้องใช้ข้อมูลลำดับเบสดีเอ็นเอเพื่อช่วยในการกำหนดขอบเขตชนิดและสถานะทางอนุกรมวิธาน อนึ่ง พบว่าต้นมธุรสา บุษบาดง และพงศ์พะงา เคยถูกระบุชนิดเป็น 𝙋𝙤𝙡𝙮𝙖𝙡𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙖 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖 (Pierre) Finet & Gagnep. แต่ข้อมูลสัณฐานวิทยาและวิวัฒนาการชาติพันธุ์เชิงโมเลกุลสามารถแยกพืชทั้ง 3 ชนิด และ 𝙋. 𝙚𝙫𝙚𝙘𝙩𝙖 ออกจากกันได้ ผลงานวิจัยนี้ได้ถูกตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร European Journal of Taxonomy เล่มที่ (Volume) 1022 หน้าที่ 243–276 (DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1022.3093)
อย่างไรก็ตาม ข้อมูลด้านการกระจายพันธุ์และขนาดประชากรของพืชชนิดใหม่ทั้ง 5 ชนิดยังไม่เพียงพอต่อการประเมินสถานภาพการอนุรักษ์ ปัจจุบันองค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ได้ดำเนินโครงการสำรวจภาคสนามเพื่อรวบรวมข้อมูลการกระจายพันธุ์และขนาดประชากรของพืชในสกุลกล้วยเต่าเพิ่มเติมเพื่อใช้ประเมินสถานภาพการอนุรักษ์เบื้องต้นและจัดลำดับความเร่งด่วนของพืชที่มีความเสี่ยงต่อการสูญพันธุ์ อันจะนำไปสู่การกำหนดแนวทางการอนุรักษ์ที่เหมาะสมต่อไป โดยโครงการดังกล่าวได้รับการสนับสนุนงบประมาณจากกองทุนส่งเสริมวิทยาศาสตร์ วิจัยและนวัตกรรม (กองทุน ววน.)
ในด้านการใช้ประโยชน์ พบว่า “มธุรสา” มีดอกที่มีกลิ่นหอมหวาน จึงมีศักยภาพในการพัฒนาเป็นไม้ดอกหอม นอกจากนี้ พืชทั้ง 5 ชนิด ยังมีแนวโน้มในการพัฒนาเป็นพืชสมุนไพร เนื่องจากมีรายงานการพบสารทุติยภูมิหลายกลุ่มที่แสดงฤทธิ์ทางเภสัชวิทยาในพืชสกุลนี้ ปัจจุบันนักอนุกรมวิธานพืชขององค์การสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ได้หารือร่วมกับอาจารย์และนักวิจัยจากมหาวิทยาลัยเชียงใหม่ ได้แก่ ภาควิชาเคมี และศูนย์วิจัยวิทยาศาสตร์สิ่งแวดล้อม คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ โดยมุ่งพัฒนาวิธีการสกัดสารจากพืชชนิดใหม่ให้มีประสิทธิภาพทั้งเชิงคุณภาพและปริมาณของสารสกัด พร้อมทั้งทดสอบคุณสมบัติทางกายภาพและชีวภาพ เพื่อยืนยันคุณสมบัติของสารที่ได้จากพืช อันจะนำไปสู่การสนับสนุนการใช้ประโยชน์จากพืชควบคู่กับการอนุรักษ์ความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพอย่างยั่งยืน
เขียนและเรียบเรียง: ฉัตรธิดา วิยา และคณะผู้วิจัย

Thursday, April 16, 2026

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus jayadityai • A New micro-endemic Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the lowlands of Northeast India, with additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, India

 

Cyrtodactylus jayadityai 
Bohra, Deb, Thongni,  Bhattacharjee, Biakzuala, Lalremsanga, Swargiary & Roy, 2026
 

Abstract
We provide additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 sensu stricto based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, northeast India, thereby clarifying its diagnostic morphological traits and extending its distribution further westwards based on molecular data. In addition, based on an integrative systematic approach, we describe a new species of bent-toed gecko namely Cyrtodactylus jayadityai sp. nov. from the lowlands of North Tripura, northeast India. Genetically, the new species is a member of the ‘C. khasiensis’ group and is a strongly supported sister to C. tripuraensis Agarwal, Mahony, Giri, Chaitanya & Bauer, 2018 from which it differs by a pairwise genetic distance of 4.7–5.2% in the mitochondrial ND2 gene. The investigation of morphological characters such as the precloacal-femoral pores in males and pre-cloacal pits in females further supports the distinctiveness of the new species and morphologically differentiates it from its congeners. This increases the number of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 in northeast India to 31 species, underscoring the importance of the region as a hotspot for herpetofaunal research and conservation. At present, based on the current population status and distribution, we propose that the new species should be considered as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: systematics, mitochondrial gene, ND2, lizard, sister species




Cyrtodactylus jayadityai sp. nov.



Sanath Chandra Bohra, Arnab Deb, Goldenstar Thongni, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Lal Biakzuala, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Pranjal Swargiary and Rita Roy. 2026. A New micro-endemic Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the lowlands of Northeast India, with additional morphological notes on Cyrtodactylus khasiensis Jerdon, 1870 based on topotypical specimens from Meghalaya, India. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1048(1); 265–303. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3255  [2026-04-14]

 

Friday, April 10, 2026

[Arachnida • 2026] Mogrus shushka & M. pune • Two New Mogrus Species (Araneae: Salticidae) from India


[A–F] Mogrus shushka Tripathi, Kadam & Prajapati, 
Mogrus pune Tripathi, Kulkarni & Kadam, 

in Tripathi, Kadam, Asha, Kulkarni, Jangid, Prajapati et Sudhikumar, 2026. 

 Abstract
This study provides taxonomic contributions to the genus Mogrus Simon, 1882 from India, with the descriptions of two new species: Mogrus shushka Tripathi, Kadam & Prajapati sp. nov. and Mogrus pune Tripathi, Kulkarni & Kadam sp. nov. Furthermore, the male of Mogrus rajasthanensis Caleb, Chatterjee, Tyagi, Kundu & Kumar, 2017 is described for the first time, while Mogrus larisae Logunov, 1995 is newly reported from India. We provide detailed morphological descriptions and images, as well as discuss variations in female genitalia within the genus.

Keywords: jumping spiders, genitalia variation, semi-arid ecosystems, species record, taxonomy

Field photographs of Mogrus shushka Tripathi, Kadam & Prajapati, 2026 sp. nov.
A–D. Holotype, ♂ (NRC-AA-0640). E–F. Paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-0641).

Field photographs of Mogrus pune Tripathi, Kulkarni & Kadam sp. nov.
A–B.Holotype, ♂  (NRC-AA-0645). C–D.Paratype, ♀ (NRC-AA-0646).

Mogrus shushka Tripathi, Kadam & Prajapati sp. nov. 
Mogrus pune Tripathi, Kulkarni & Kadam sp. nov.  


Rishikesh Tripathi, Gautam Kadam, Theresa Joy Asha, Atharva Kulkarni, Ashish Kumar Jangid, Dhruv A. Prajapati, Ambalaparambil Vasu Sudhikumar. 2026. Discoveries of Two New Mogrus Species (Araneae: Salticidae) and notable records from India. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1048(1); 223–244. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3249 

[Herpetology • 2026] Phyllodytes gravataAnother Piece in the Puzzle: A New Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1830 (Anura: Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil


 Phyllodytes gravata 
Santos, Rodrigues & Dias, 2026
 

Abstract
We describe Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov., a new species of bromeligenous treefrog from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. The new species is characterised by its small body size (males 19.5–22.0 mm snout-vent length; female 23.5 mm), a rounded snout with an apical tubercle, an inconspicuous row of tubercles along the tarsus, with a single prominent tubercle at the tibiotarsal articulation, a dorsolateral brown stripe, and an advertisement call composed of long series of pulsed notes (22–34 notes/call; call duration 5.2–7.3 s; dominant frequency 2.75–3.83 kHz). The species is currently known from only two nearby localities within the Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest (CCAF), in the municipality of Porto Seguro, district of Trancoso, Bahia, a major tourist destination, where it inhabits bromeliads in sandy-soil ecosystems known as mussunungas. Its apparently microendemic distribution and strict association with bromeliads render it vulnerable to several anthropogenic threats, such as bromeliad harvesting, increasing tourism, urbanisation, and agriculture. This discovery underscores the persistent hidden diversity of the CCAF and reinforces the urgent need to protect its highly special microhabitats.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Amphibia, Bioacoustic, Bromeliad, Conservation


In-life photographs of Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov.
  
A.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23915). B. Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23885).
C.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23884) Dorsal view. D.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23884) ventral view.
E. Aechmea lamarchei Mez; F. Mussununga, the natural habitat at the type locality.

A. Map showing thedistribution of Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov. and its sister species, P. amadoi and Phyllodytes sp. 7. in southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. 
B. Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov., paratype, ♂ (MZUESC 23915). C. Phyllodytes amadoi, ♂ (MZUESC 24030 – photograph by  Tadeu T.  Medeiros). D. Phyllodytes sp. 7, ♂.

Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov.


Laisa Souza dos Santos, Miguel Trefaut  Rodrigues and Iuri Ribeiro Dias. 2026. Another Piece in the Puzzle: A New Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1830 (Anura, Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1048(1); 62–83. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3235 [2026-03-27]

Wednesday, March 11, 2026

[Invertebrate • 2026] Quapawjapyx osage & Holjapyx nimiipuu • New Cave japygids (Diplura: Japygidae) from North America


Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.
Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov.,

in Sendra, Jiménez-Valverde, Selfa et Cupello, 2026. 

Abstract
We studied a significant collection of Japygidae (Diplura) deposited in the Texas A&M University Insect Collection, sampled from several caves in North America, mostly in the early 21st century by a group of American speleologists. Among this biological material, a new genus and species, Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov., is described from four caves in Arkansas, and a new species, Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov., from five caves in Idaho; both are named in honor of native American tribes. Quapawjapyx osage can be distinguished from IndjapyxPaurojapyx, and Parindjapyx – which share symmetrical cerci – by the combination of the shape and disposition of the glandular and sensory setae on the first urosternite, together with differences in cercal ornamentation. Holjapyx nimiipuu is characterized by the presence of two conspicuously large predental denticles on the right cercus. Both new taxa of cavernicolous japygids show slight cave-adaptation features, such as large body size, slight elongated appendages, and a small increase in the placoid sensilla of last antennomere. These two new taxa double the number of known cave-adapted japygids in North America, a seemingly low figure that is nonetheless comparable to other karst regions worldwide.

Keywords: Japygoidea, cave-adapted fauna, Nearctic region, taxonomy

Class Diplura Börner, 1904
Superfamily Japygoidea Ewing, 1942

Family Japygidae Haliday, 1864

Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.
A. Paratype, ♂ (TAMU-ENTO X1831026). B, D–E. Paratype, ♂ (TAMU-ENTO X1832015). C. Holotype, ♀ (TAMU-ENTO X1831147).
A. Habitus. B. Last antennomere; placoid sensilla remarked by spotted line. C. Lacinia with interior laminae and mandible. D. Dorsal portion on third antennomere with pores. E. Metathoracic claws.

Genus Quapawjapyx Sendra gen. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is in honor of the Quapaw Nation of Native Americans, who thrived along the lowlands of the Arkansas river five hundred years ago. Today, they live alongside much later European settlersfrom other nations.

Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is in honor of the Osage Nation of Native Americans, who now reside in Osage County, Oklahoma. They arrived and thrived a few hundred years ago in the northern mountains of Arkansas.


Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov., holotype,  ♀ (TAMU-ENTO X1831140).
A. Habitus. B. Last antennomere. C. Distal portion of urite X including cerci. D. Left cercus. E. Right cercus; placoidsensilla remarked by dash line.

 Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov.

Etymology: Nimiipuu’ (‘we, the people’) is the name by which the Nez Perce Native American tribe refers to themselves. They have thrived in  the Pacific Northwest of North-America for  more than ten   thousand years and today live primarily on their tribal reservation in Idaho. We dedicate this new species to the Nimiipuu people and to their enduring struggle for survival.


Alberto Sendra, Alberto Jiménez-Valverde, Jesús Selfa and Mario Cupello. 2026. New Cave japygids (Diplura: Japygidae) from North America. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1043(1); 166–198. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3217 
 

Tuesday, March 10, 2026

[Entomology • 2026] Methocha haaksek, M. hongkongensis, ... • The Methocha (Hymenoptera: Thynnidae: Methochinae) of Hong Kong (China), A Preliminary Faunal List with Descriptions of Five New Species and Sexual Associations rendered through Molecular Analysis

 

A. Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
B & C. M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 D. M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 E. M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
 F. M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 

in Barthélémy, Terayama, Poon et Sin. 2026. 

Abstract
Five new species of Methocha Latreille, 1804 are described from Hong Kong: two species based on females only, Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. and Methocha leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.; two on males only, M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. and M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.; and one with females and males associated through molecular analysis, M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. A key to species and a phylogenetic tree of Methocha occurring in the Hong Kong SAR are provided.

Keywords: Thynnoidea, morphometrics, Cicindelinae, DNA barcoding, phylogenetic

Holotypes and paratypes, lateral habitus.
A. Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♀, M459.D.Hy.1, CASC. B. M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♀, M364.C.Hy.2, CASC. C. M. hongkongensis, paratype, ♂, M561CHY3, CBC. D. ♀, M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♂, M099.C.Hy.2, CASC.
E. M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., holotype, ♂, M060.C.Hy.4, CASC. F. M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov., paratype, ♂, M321.E.Hy.4B, CBC.

Methocha haaksek Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
M. hongkongensis Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
M. leleji Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.
M. wilsoni Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov. 
M. zetetes Barthélémy & Terayama sp. nov.


 Christophe Barthélémy, Mamoru Terayama, Emily Shui Kei Poon and Simon Yung Wa Sin. 2026. The Methocha (Hymenoptera: Thynnidae: Methochinae) of Hong Kong (China), A Preliminary Faunal List with Descriptions of Five New Species and Sexual Associations rendered through Molecular Analysis. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1043(1); 118–151. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3213 

Monday, February 9, 2026

[Entomology • 2022] Chlorogomphus hoaian & C. vani • Two New Species of the Genus Chlorogomphus Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Chlorogomphidae) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam


[1-2] Chlorogomphus hoaian; [26-27] C. vani 
Phan & Karube, 2022   
 

ABSTRACT
Two new species of the genus Chlorogomphus are described based on both sexes collected from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. These species are C. hoaian sp. nov. (holotype male from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, ..., alt. 1000 m) and C. vani sp. nov. (holotype male from Chu Yang Sin National Park, ..., alt. 749 m). Furthermore, C. gracilis Wilson & Reels, 2001 is recorded from Vietnam for the first time, with notes on its morphology and detailed illustrations of male and female structures.
 
Keywords: Odonata, Chlorogomphus, new species, Vietnam

Habitus of Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov. 
1. Holotype, ♂ (ZCDTU 2019042001-ODO). 
2. Paratype, ♀ (ZCDTU 2019042003-ODO).
                Habitus of Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov. 
26. Holotype, ♂ (ZCDTU 2021042001-ODO). 
27. Paratype, ♀ (ZCDTU 2021042003-ODO).

Class Insecta Linnaeus, ‎1758
Order Odonata Fabricius, 1793
Suborder Anisoptera Selys, 1854

Family Chlorogomphidae Needham, 1903
Genus ChlorogomphusSelys, 1854

Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov.

Diagnosis In lateral view, Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov. shows short, robust cerci and an epiproct which are generally similar to those of seven other species: C. aritai, C. arooni Asahina, 1981, C. caloptera, C. daviesi Karube, 2001, C. fraseri, C. nakamurai and C. yokoii Karube, 1995. However, C. hoaian sp. nov. is different from these seven species in major characteristics (alternative characters for the seven other species in parentheses): the cerci (Figs 12–13) are subequal in length to the epiproct (half as long except in C. caloptera); the dorsoposterior margin of S10 is broadly convex (narrowly convex); the length of the cerci is half that of the epiproct and S10 extends apically (except in C. caloptera, C. arooni (Asahina 1981: figs 7–8), C. caloptera (Karube 2013: fig. 6g), C. daviesi (Karube 2001: figs 5–6) and C. yokoii (Karube 1995: figs 15–16); the cerci are acute apically (Fig. 12) (blunt apically in C. nakamurai; see Karube 1995: figs 36–37).

Etymology: ‘Hoaian’, named after Mrs Van Cong Hoai An (born 1992) of Da Nang City, Vietnam, the wife of the first author, a noun in apposition.

Distribution: Vietnam (Fig. 61: yellow circle): Kon Tum Province (Dak Glei District) and Gia Lai Province (Mang Yang District and Ka Bang District).

Habitat and ecology: The new species was discovered coursing up and down over small streams (2–4 m width) interspersed with large stones within dense vegetation in a pristine forest. No other specimens of Chlorogomphus were found at the type locality.


Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Within this genus, the new species seems to be closest to Chlorogomphus auratus and C. canhvang based on the similar male appendage morphology and the amber pattern on the female wings. Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov. differs from two above mentioned species by the following characters: In the male anal appendage morphology, (1) in lateral view, the cercus is shorter than the epiproct (Fig. 37), while it is subequal in C. auratus (Fig. 39) and C. canhvang (Fig. 41); (2) in dorsal view, the cercus is simple and bluntly acute apically (Fig. 38), while it is expanded apically in C. auratus (Fig. 40) and C. canhvang (Fig. 42); (3) in lateral view, S10 has no protrusion between the cerci in C. vani sp. nov. (Fig. 37), but this structure is clearly visible and stout in C. auratus (Fig. 39); and (4) the secondary genitalia of C. vani sp. nov. are similar to those in C. auratus (Karube 1995: fig. 8) but its anterior lamina is ....

Etymology: Vani’, a noun in the genitive case, is named after Mr Dang Ngoc Van (born 1987), resident of Bao Loc District of Lam Dong Province, who kindly supplied the authors with the specimens of this new species, as well as other material from southern Vietnam.

Distribution: Vietnam (Fig. 62: yellow rectangle): Dak Lak (Chu Yang Sin National Park) Province.


Quoc Toan Phan and Haruki Karube. 2022. Description of Two New Species of the Genus Chlorogomphus Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Chlorogomphidae) and a new record of Chlorogomphus gracilis Wilson & Reels, 2001 from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. European Journal of Taxonomy. 794(1), 91-110. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1657 

Sunday, January 11, 2026

[Botany • 2026] Melastoma calcicolum & M. souladethianum (Melastomataceae) • Two New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos


ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ |  Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ |  M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.

in Souvannakhoummane, Tanaka, Souladeth, Tagane, Dang, Yamamoto, Yamazaki, Pham, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Phengmala, Kongxaisavath et Sengthong, 2026.  

Abstract
Two new species, Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov. and M. souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. (Melastomataceae), are described from limestone karst habitats in Khammouane Province, central Laos. Descriptions, photographs, distribution, habitat, phenology, and initial conservation statuses of both newly described species are given. A key to the species of Melastoma in Laos including currently reported species is provided. These discoveries result from extensive fieldwork conducted between 2022 and 2025 in protected areas including Phou Hin Poun National protected area and Phou Pha Marn area. M. calcicolum sp. nov. is distinguished from M. saigonenese by its terete twigs, narrow lanceolate leaves, spaced penicillate emergences on the hypanthium, stalk of emergences on hypanthium shorter, glabrous sepals, and longer styles, while M. souladethianum sp. nov. differs from M. pellegrinianum by its terete branches, small inflorescences with 2–4 flowers, and sparsely bristled hypanthium with strigose hairs. Both species are currently known only from their type localities, occurring in exposed limestone areas, and are preliminarily assessed as Endangered and Critically Endangered based on IUCN criteria due to their restricted distributions and small population sizes. These findings highlight the high botanical diversity and endemism of Laos’s limestone ecosystems and underscore the importance of continued botanical exploration in the region.

Keywords: Limestone flora, Myrtales, new description, new taxa, Southeast Asia
 
Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.
 A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C. Close-up of flower bud showing the penicillate emergences. D. Horizontal cross-section of ovary. E. Lateral view of flower. F. Top view of flower. G. Vertical cross-section of flower bud. H. Flower bud. I. Vertical cross-section of the flower with petals removed. J. Petals. K. Long stamens. L. Short stamens. M. Pistil. N. Bottom view of hypanthium showing the 5 sepals.
Photos from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1704) 
A, C by S. Tagane; B, D, G–N by K. Souvannakhoummane and E–F by P. Phonepaseuth.

Melastoma calcicolum Souvann. & Tagane sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma saigonense (Kuntze) Merr., but differs in its terete young twigs  (vs.  (sub)quadrangular), narrower leaves (ovate-lanceolate to lanceolate, length/width ratio 2.8–4.1 vs. ovate to elliptic, length/width ratio 1.8–2), penicillate emergences spaced apart (vs. densely covered by penicillate emergences), stalk of emergences on hypanthium 1–1.5 mm long (vs. 3–5 mm long), glabrous sepals except for ciliate margins (vs. outer surface densely covered with bristles), and longer styles (20–25 mm long vs. 15–20 mm long).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the limestone habitat.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າຂຸນກອງແລງ En R Khoun Kongleng (meaning: ʻKhoun Kongleng's Melastomaʼ).


Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Abaxial leaf surface. C–D. Flowers. E. Petals. F. Hypanthium & pistil. G. Vertical cross-section of hypanthium showing ovary. H. Flower bud. I. Lateral view of young fruits. J. Top view of young fruit. K. Short stamens. L.  Long stamens. M. Lateral view of mature dry fruit. N. Top view of mature dry fruit. O. Vertical cross section of mature dry fruit.
C–L from holotype (Tagane et al. Z1213) and A–B; M–O paratype (Tagane et al. Z1915)
Photos by K. Souvannakhoummane.

Melastoma souladethianum Souvann. & Nob.Tanaka sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Similar to Melastoma pellegrinianum (H.Boissieu) Karst.Mey., but it differs in having terete young branches (vs. quadrangular in M. pellegrinianum), inflorescences with 2–4 flowers (vs. more than 15), hypanthia sparsely covered in bristles with sparse strigose hairs (vs. bristles without strigose hairs).

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Dr. Phetlasy Souladeth, curator of the FOF herbarium of the National University of Laos, who led our field trips and is an excellent plant taxonomist. She has greatly contributed to elucidating the flora of Laos and has described more than 30 new species and recorded over 100 species to Laos’ flora.

Vernacular name: ເອນອ້າເພັດຊົມພູ En R Phetsomphou (meaning: purple diamond’s Melastomaʼ).


Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Nobuyuki TANAKA, Phetlasy SOULADETH, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van-Son DANG, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Kaito YAMAZAKI, Quoc Trong PHAM, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH and Anousone SENGTHONG. 2026. Two New Species of Melastoma L. (Melastomataceae) from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1034(1); 1-13. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1034.3141 [2026-01-08]
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