[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. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3213 

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 

[Entomology • 2024] Family-level Diversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) from the Nanling Mountains and the Greater Bay Area, China

 

 Eidoreus haizhuensis 

 Liu & Li,. 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5528.1.5

 

Abstract

Coleoptera comprise 198 families and over 440,000 species to date, of which 143 families and over 35,000 species are known in China. Of these, only 64 families have been recorded in Guangdong Province, fewer than in Hong Kong. To investigate the insect diversity of Guangdong, numerous specimens were collected from the Nanling Mountains and the Greater Bay Area using various methods, and over 200,000 specimens of Coleoptera were assigned to families. Thus, a preliminary study of beetles at the family-level in Guangdong is carried out based on the examined specimens and historical records. An updated checklist of beetle families in Guangdong increases the number of families from 64 to 111, in which Eupsilobiidae is recorded for the first time in China and a new species, Eidoreus haizhuensis sp. nov. is described here, demonstrating the importance of persistent collecting with different methods for the study of insect diversity. Habitus images of most of the beetle families occurring in Guangdong are provided. And the updated records are compared in detail with the published records, showing that more families may potentially be found in Guangdong, requiring further field work and taxonomists working on niche groups.

Coleoptera, beetle, Guangdong, new record, checklist

 

Eidoreus haizhuensis sp. nov.

ZHENHUA LIU and ZHIQIANG LI. 2024. Family-level Diversity of Coleoptera (Insecta) from the Nanling Mountains and the Greater Bay Area, China.  Zootaxa. 5528(1); 17-37. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5528.1.5 [2024-10-23] 

 

[Herpetology • 2024] Incorporating New Datatypes to Enhance Species Delimitation: A Case Study in Rice Paddy Snakes (Homalopsidae: Hypsiscopus)

 

Hypsiscopus Rice Paddy Snakes 

in Bernstein, Murphy, Lathrop, Nguyen, Orlov et Stuart. 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5501.1.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383526819

 

Abstract

Homalopsids (Old World Mud Snakes) include 59 semiaquatic species in Asia and Australasia that display an array of morphological adaptations, behaviors, and microhabitat preferences. These attributes make homalopsids an ideal model system for broader questions in evolutionary biology, but the diversity of this understudied group of snakes is still being described. Recognized species diversity in rice paddy snakes (Hypsiscopus) has recently doubled after nearly 200 years of taxonomic stability. However, the evolutionary distinctiveness of some populations remains in question. In this study, we compare mainland Southeast Asian populations of Hypsiscopus east and west of the Red River Basin in Vietnam, a known biogeographic barrier in Asia, using an iterative approach with molecular phylogenetic reconstruction, machine-learning morphological quantitative statistics, and ecological niche modeling. Our analyses show that populations west of the Red River Basin represent an independent evolutionary lineage that is distinct in genetics, morphospace, and habitat suitability, and so warrants species recognition. The holotype of H. wettsteini, a species originally described in error from Costa Rica, grouped morphometrically with the population at the Red River Basin and eastward, and those west of the Red River Basin are referred to the recently described H. murphyi. The two species may have diversified due to a variety of geological and environmental factors, and their recognition exemplifies the importance of multifaceted approaches in taxonomy for downstream biogeographic studies on speciation scenarios.

Reptilia, China, east Asia, mud snakes, phylogenetics, systematics, red river, Vietnam

Justin M. Bernstein, Robert W. Murphy, Amy Lathrop, Sang Ngoc Nguyen, Nikolai L. Orlov and Bryan L. Stuart. 2024. Incorporating New Datatypes to Enhance Species Delimitation: A Case Study in Rice Paddy Snakes (Homalopsidae: Hypsiscopus).  Zootaxa. 5501(1); 39-55. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5501.1.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/383526819_Incorporating_New_Datatypes_to_Enhance_Species_Delimitation_Hypsiscopus

[Cnidaria • 2023] Tripedalia maipoensis • A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Tripedaliidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China

Tripedalia maipoensis 

Sun, Tsui, Wong, Cheung, Ng, Or et Qiu, 2023

 DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-17

 twitter.com/ZooStudies

We describe a box jellyfish, Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov., based on samples collected from a shrimp pond in Hong Kong. This new species is morphologically distinct from other species of the family Tripedaliidae by the following combination of characters: (1) three pedalia at each bell corner; (2) each pedalium with one tentacle; and (3) velarium with forked canals. Phylogenetic analyses based on a concatenated dataset of the 16S, 18S and 28S rRNA genes show that T. maipoensis sp. nov. is sister to the morphologically similar species T. cystophora, but the two species exhibit 17.4% divergence in the 16S rRNA gene, supporting T. maipoensis sp. nov. as a distinct species. This new species represents the fourth described species of Tripedaliidae, and the first record of the family in Chinese coastal waters.

Key words: Box jellyfish, Tripedalia, Morphology, Phylogeny, Hong Kong

Morphological characteristics and phylogenetic position of Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.
(A–B) holotype (TMBC030991), female, living specimen, lateral view showing the gross morphology (A), and oblique top view showing gastric phacellus (B); (C) Rhopalial niche, preserved specimen, paratype (TMBC030992); (D) Rhopalium, showing six eyes and a statolith; (E) Upside down view of the bell showing the velarial canals, preserved specimen, paratype (TMBC030992), male; (F) details of the velarial canals, preserved specimen, holotype (TMBC030991), female; (G) oblique top view, showing nematocyst warts and gastric phacellus, living specimen, paratype TMBC030992; (H) manubrium, preserved, paratype (TMBC030997); (I) Nematocyst batteries from tentacle, paratype (TMBC030997).

Scale bars: A–B = 1 cm; C, F, H = 1 mm; D = 0.3 mm; E, G = 5 mm; I = 10 µm.

 Abbreviations: cs, crystalline statolith; g, gonad; gp, gastric phacellae; le, lower lens eye; nw, nematocyst wart; pe, pit eye; rn, rhopalial niche; se, slit eye; ue, upper lens eye; vc, velarial canal.

Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Medusa with three pedalia per bell corner, each pedalium with one tentacle, velarium with forked canals.

Etymology: maipoensis is the Latinized form of the type locality Mai Po. 

Habitat and morphology of Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov.
A, A brackish water shrimp pond in Mai Po where the samples were collected. B, Sampling using a plankton net from the shrimp pond.
C–D, Paratype TMBC030992, living specimen, lateral view, male. E, Paratype TMBC030992, fixed in formalin and later transferred to ethanol for preservation. F, Paratype TMBC030992, preserved, showing gastric phacellae, bottom up view. G–H, Juveniles, living specimens.

 Scale bars: C–E = 1 cm; F–H = 1 mm. Abbreviation: g, gonad; m, manubrium.

CONCLUSIONS: 

 In this study, we reported the new species Tripedalia maipoensis sp. nov. collected from an intertidal shrimp pond in the Mai Po Nature Reserve, Hong Kong. Although the box jellyfish family Tripedaliidae has been widely reported from tropical and subtropical waters, this is the first record of it in Chinese coastal waters. We described the species with both morphological and molecular data. Future investigations along Chinese coasts are warranted to improve our understanding of the distribution of this new species and the diversity of Cubozoa.

 

Yanan Sun, Justin Hon Yin Tsui, Rachel Ting Huen Wong, Ringo Nga Ching Cheung, Murphy Kam Pui Ng, Carmen K.M. Or and Jian-Wen Qiu. 2023. A New Species of Box Jellyfish (Cnidaria: Tripedaliidae: Tripedalia) from Hong Kong, China.  Zool Stud. 62:17. DOI: 10.6620/ZS.2023.62-17

 twitter.com/ZooStudies/status/1641828691897647106

https://phys.org/news/2023-04-team-jellyfish-species-hong-kong.html

[Cnidaria • 2021] Tubastraea megacorallita • A New Species of the Sun Coral Genus Tubastraea (Hexacorallia: Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) from Hong Kong

 Tubastraea megacorallita

Yiu, Chung & Qiu, 2021

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5047.1.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/354896559 

Abstract

Tubastraea, commonly known as sun coral, is a genus of brightly coloured azooxanthellate corals in the family Dendrophylliidae. The diversity of this genus is low, with only seven recognized species. Herein, we describe Tubastraea megacorallita sp. nov. from Hong Kong based on morphological and molecular analyses. This new species exhibits several characteristics of the genus including being colonial, having a rough texture of corallum and no epitheca. It can be distinguished from its congenerics by bigger corallites, and the Pourtalès plan arrangement of its septa. The rDNA gene sequences (consisting of ITS1, 5.8S, ITS2, 18S and 28S) showed 2.45–5.18% divergence from those of its closest relatives, T. coccinea and T. micranthus.

Keywords: Coelenterata, scleractinian coral, azooxanthellate, ahermatypic coral, dendrophylliid, South China Sea

 Tubastraea megacorallita sp. nov.:
 A living specimen in the field; B: Skeleton of a specimen with tissues removed (TMBC030850); C: a corallite (TMBC030853); D: Fossa (TMBC030853); E: Costae (c) and Intercostal striae (i.s.) (TMBC030853).

Scale bar: A-B: 1 cm; C: 5 mm; D-E: 1 mm.

 Possible predators of  Tubastraea megacorallita sp. nov.:
A: an individual of Phestilla melanobrachia feeding on T. coccinea; also shown are egg masses (yellow) of the nudibranch; B: an individual of Coralliophila costularis feeding on a colony of T. megacorallita sp. nov.;
C: three individuals of Coralliophila costularis feeding on a colony of Tubastraea diaphana. D: an individual of Epidendrium sp. feeding on a colony of T. coccinea.

Tubastraea megacorallita sp. nov. 

Sam King Fung Yiu, Sheena Suet-Wah Chung and Jianwen Qiu. 2021. A New Species of the Sun Coral Genus Tubastraea (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae) from Hong Kong. Zootaxa. 5047(1); 1-16. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5047.1.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/354896559_A_new_species_of_Tubastraea_from_Hong_Kong

 research.hkbu.edu.hk/news/hkbu-biologists-discover-new-coral-and-nudibranch-species

[Herpetology • 2021] Novel Reproductive Behavior in An Asian Frog: Sex‐reversed Inguinal Amplexus [Leptobrachella laui; Megophryidae]

Leptobrachella laui (Sung, Yang, and Wang, 2014)

in Sung, Lee, Ng, et al., 2021. 

 DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3407

Abstract

Amphibians exhibit diverse reproductive behaviors, including nine documented types of amplexus, the behavior in which male and female frogs position themselves for courtship, oviposition, and fertilization. All known forms of amplexus involve the male on top of or in line horizontally (cloacal apposition) with the female. Here, we report a novel form of amplexus observed in Lau’s leaf litter toad (Leptobrachella laui; Megophryidae) in Hong Kong, China. Termed “sex‐reversed inguinal amplexus,” the female climbs on top of a male and the male transports the female to a concealed breeding site. We were unable to determine whether this was the amplectant position in which frogs engaged during oviposition or solely during courtship and prior to oviposition, but there are a number of possible evolutionary drivers that may have given rise to this behavior, including limiting suitable oviposition sites or strong competition for males among females. Further research will be necessary to understand the evolutionary origins of this novel reproductive behavior.

Keywords: amphibian, amplexus, behavioral ecology, Leptobrachella laui, Megophryidae, oviposition

A pair of Lau’s leaf litter toads (Leptobrachella laui) in sex‐reversed inguinal amplexus, in which a female is on top of a male, in Hong Kong, China in March 2017.

 

Yik‐Hei Sung, Wing‐Ho Lee, Ho‐Nam Ng, Martha L. Crump and Nancy E. Karraker. 2021. Novel Reproductive Behavior in An Asian Frog: Sex‐reversed Inguinal Amplexus. Ecosphere - Naturalist. DOI: 10.1002/ecs2.3407

 

Lingnan University scholar discovers novel reproductive behaviour in native frog species

 prnewswire.com/news-releases/lingnan-university-scholar-discovers-novel-reproductive-behaviour-in-native-frog-species-301246791.html

  twitter.com/BritishHerpSoc/status/1377882238923067392

 ln.edu.hk/lingnan-touch/101/saving-lives-in-the-wild-how-prof-sung-yik-hei-evolved-from-hobbyist-to-conservation-biologist

[Crustacea • 2019] Cristimenes brucei • A New Species of the Genus Cristimenes Ďuriš & Horká, 2017 (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae)

 Cristimenes brucei 

Park, De Grave & Kim, 2019

  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.852.34959

Abstract
A new species of crinoid-associated shrimp, Cristimenes brucei sp. nov., is described based on specimens from Korea, although the species also occurs in Hong Kong and is likely more widespread. The new species is morphologically very similar to C. commensalis, but can be distinguished by the reduced supraorbital tooth on the carapace. Cristimenes brucei sp. nov. is clearly recovered as a monophyletic species through COI barcode and molecular phylogenetic analyses based on four genetic markers (COI, 16S, H3, 18S).

Keywords: Cristimenes brucei sp. nov., crinoid associate, Indo-West Pacific, Hong Kong, Korea, phylogeny

Infraorder Caridea Dana, 1852

Family Palaemonidae Rafinesque, 1815

Genus Cristimenes Ďuriš & Horká, 2017

Figure 8. Colour pattern of three species of Cristimenes.
  A Cristimenes brucei sp. nov. from Korea (MADBK 120532_017) B same, with host crinoid species
C Cristimenes commensalis (Borradaile, 1915) from Vietnam (SNU VI VI305) D Cristimenes cristimanus (Bruce, 1965) from Vietnam (SNU VI VI297).

Cristimenes brucei sp. nov.

 Periclimenes commensalis l: Bruce 1982a: 236–238, fig. 2.

Diagnosis: Rostrum well developed, with dorsal and ventral teeth. Carapace smooth, without epigastric tooth; lateral carinae feebly developed; supraorbital tooth reduced, blunt; inferior orbital angle pointed; antennal and hepatic teeth well developed. Fourth thoracic sternite without median process. Abdomen with rounded pleura. Telson with two pairs of small dorsal spiniform setae, and with three pairs of posterior spiniform setae. Eyes with hemispherical cornea. Basal antennular segment with two acute distolateral teeth. Antennal basicerite with sharp distoventral tooth; scaphocerite with large distolateral tooth, not reaching distal end of lamella. Epistome rounded. Mandible without palp; molar process robust; incisor process with four or five terminal teeth. Maxillula with bilobed palp. Maxilla with blunt palp, basal endite well developed, bilobed. First maxilliped with simple palp; basal and coxal endites fused; exopod with developed caridean lobe; epipod bilobed. Second maxilliped with subquadrate epipod, without podobranch. Third maxilliped with slender exopod; arthrobranch rudimentary. First pereiopods slender, fingers subspatulate with entire cutting edges. Second pereiopods equal in shape and subequal in size; palm articulated subproximally; cutting edges of fingers feebly dentate proximally, serrated distally. Dactyli of ambulatory pereiopods biunguiculate; corpus with two or three acute dorsodistal spinules, with acute preterminal accessory tooth. Uropodal exopod with distolateral tooth and movable acute spine.

....

Etymology: The new species is named in honour of Dr AJ (Sandy) Bruce, in recognition of his considerable contribution to the systematics of Palaemonidae.

Ecology: The specimens were collected from the crinoids Anneissia japonica, A. solaster and Catoptometra rubroflava at a depth of 15 – 27 m. Bruce (1982a) reported that the Hong Kong specimens were collected from Tropiometra afra (Hartlaub, 1890).

Distribution: Presently only known from the type locality, Jeju Special Self-Governing Province, Korea as well as Hong Kong (Bruce 1982a).

 Jin-Ho Park, Sammy De Grave and Won Kim. 2019. A New Species of the Genus Cristimenes Ďuriš & Horká, 2017 (Decapoda, Caridea, Palaemonidae). ZooKeys. 852: 53-71. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.852.34959

[Ichthyology • 2018] Epinephelus craigi • A New Species of Grouper (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from the South China Sea

Epinephelus craigi  

 Frable, Tucker & Walker, 2018

  DOI: 10.1007/s10228-018-0669-9

Illustration by Emilie Stump.  twitter.com/Frable

Abstract

A new species of grouper, Epinephelus craigi sp. nov., from the South China Sea is described from 17 specimens (104–250 mm SL). The new species is distinguished from Epinephelus stictus (Randall and Allen 1987) with which it has historically been conflated, based on coloration, meristics, morphology, and genetics. Epinephelus craigi sp. nov. has a unique color pattern of irregular squarish, dark brown blotches interrupting lighter brown bars along the lateral midline of the body, and small dots on the dorsal surface of the body. Additionally, E. craigi sp. nov. has a longer upper jaw, shorter snout length, narrower interorbital width, and shorter caudal peduncle than E. stictus. Both E. stictus and the new species are relatively deep-water species, with the new species occurring to at least 93 m. Epinephelus craigi sp. nov. is known from the South China Sea and E. stictus is known from Western Australia and southern Indonesia, suggesting allopatric and anti-equatorial distributions. DNA sequence divergence data of the mitochondrial COI gene further supports the distinction of E. craigi sp. nov. from E. stictus.

Keywords: Epinephelus stictus, Five-bar grouper, Species description, Cytochrome oxidase I 

Composite illustration of Epinephelus craigi, based on multiple specimens and market photographs, approximately 175 mm SL.

Illustration by Emilie Stump. 

Epinephelus craigi sp. nov.

(New English name: Brokenbar Grouper; 

Chinese name in Hong Kong: Cheung-pei-paan) 

....

Etymology. The new species is named in honor of Dr. Matthew T. Craig for his significant contributions to the conservation and scientific understanding of groupers and their relatives.

Benjamin W. Frable, Sarah J. Tucker and H. J. Walker, Jr. 2018. A New Species of Grouper, Epinephelus craigi (Perciformes: Epinephelidae), from the South China Sea. Ichthyological Research.  DOI: 10.1007/s10228-018-0669-9  

twitter.com/Frable/status/1061002418102489088

[Herpetology • 2018] Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis • A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hong Kong

Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis

Sung, Lee, Ng, Zhang & Yang, 2018

Hong Kong Slender Gecko  ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4392.2.8  

Abstract

A new species of gekkonid, Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov., is described based on a series of specimens collected from Hong Kong SAR, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by molecular divergence in the mitochondrial ND2 gene and morphological characters including 5–6 chin scales; a manual lamellar formula of 3–3(4)–4–4; a pedal lamellar formula of 3(4)–4(5)–4(5)–4; 24–25 continuous femoral and precloacal pores; 12–15 dorsal scales and 9–10 ventral scales contained in diameter of eye. At present, the genus Hemiphyllodactylus comprises 22 described species.

Keywords: Reptilia, China, Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov., mitochondrial ND2, molecular phylogeny, morphology, slender gecko

FIGURE 2. Adult male holotype (SYS r001735) of  Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov. in life from Aberdeen Country Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.

 Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “hongkongensis’ is in reference to the type locality, Hong Kong SAR, China. As an English common name, we suggest “Hong Kong Slender Gecko”.

Distribution. In Hong Kong, records of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis have been made on Hong Kong Island, Shek Kwu Chau, and Po Toi Island (Karsen et al. 1998).  

 Yik-Hei Sung, Wing-Ho Lee, Ho-Nam Ng, Yanjie Zhang and Jian-Huan Yang. 2018.  A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Hong Kong.   Zootaxa. 4392(2); 361–373.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4392.2.8 
 researchgate.net/publication/323646190_A_new_species_of_Hemiphyllodactylus_from_Hong_Kong

[Crustacea • 2017] Haberma tingkok • A New Species of Micro-mangrove Crab of the Genus Haberma Ng & Schubart, 2002 (Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from Hong Kong

Haberma tingkok 

Cannicci & Ng, 2017
 

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.662.11908 

Abstract

The sesarmid genus Haberma Ng & Schubart, 2002, currently contains two species of small mangrove crabs with the first two pairs of the male ambulatory legs possessing characteristic subchelate dactyli and propodi. A new species, Haberma tingkok, is here described from Hong Kong. It can be separated from H. nanum Ng & Schubart, 2002 (from Singapore), and H. kamora Rahayu & Ng, 2005 (from Indonesian Papua) by its carapace shape, proportions of the ambulatory legs, and structures of the male pleon and male first gonopod.

Keywords: Crab, Hong Kong, new species, Sesarmidae, subtropical mangroves, taxonomy

Systematics

Family Sesarmidae Dana, 1851

Genus Haberma Ng & Schubart, 2002

Haberma tingkok sp. n.

Figure 1. Haberma tingkok sp. n., colour in life, holotype ♂ (8.5 × 8.2 mm) (ZRC 2016.620). A dorsal view B ventral view. 

Etymology: The species is named after the Ting Kok mangrove area, which has been designated a “Site of Special Scientific Interest” in Hong Kong. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Ecology: The specimens were found climbing trees of Kandelia obovata Sheue, Liu & Yong, 2003, and Aegiceras corniculatus (L.) Bianco, 1837, in the mid intertidal area of the Ting Kok mangrove stand, in Tolo Harbour. The area is the largest mangrove stand on the eastern coast of Hong Kong and is largely dominated by K. obovata trees, up to 3 m tall. All specimens, including the ovigerous females, were collected at a height of approximately 1.5–1.8 m above the substrate, walking on the bark of the branches at ebbing and low tides.

Stefano Cannicci and Peter L. K. Ng. 2017. A New Species of Micro-mangrove Crab of the Genus Haberma Ng & Schubart, 2002 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae) from Hong Kong.
 ZooKeys. 662: 67-78. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.662.11908

[Herpetology • 2014] Leptolalax laui • A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southern China

Lau’s Leaf Litter Toad | Leptolalax laui

Sung, Yang & Wang, 2014

DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00080  
BioSch.HKU.hk/Ecology

Abstract

 A new species, Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from Hong Kong and Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other known congeners by morphological and molecular data. The new species is characterized by the following characters: 1) small size (adult males SVL 24.8.1 mm−26.7 mm); 2) near immaculate creamy white chest and belly; 3) broad lateral fringes on toes; 4) head longer or as long as wide; 5) distinct dark brown spots in flank; 6) moderate dermal fringes on fingers; 7) brown or reddish-brown dorsum with fine round scattered tubercles; 8) thin traverse brownish-grey bars on the dorsal surface of tibia and lower arms; 9) longitudinal ridges under toes not interrupted at the articulations.

Keywords: Leptolalax laui sp. nov., morphology, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the subgenus Lalos of the genus Leptolalax based on the following characteristics: small size, rounded finger tips, presence of an elevated inner palmar tubercle not continuous to the thumb, presence of supra-axillary, pectoral, femoral and ventrolateral glands, absence of vomerine teeth, presence of tubercles on eyelids and vertical bars on anterior tip of snout (Delorme et al., 2006; Dubois, 1983; Lathrop et al., 1998). Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of 1) medium size (SVL 24.8 mm – 26.7 mm in adult males and 28.1 mm in single adult female), 2) near immaculate creamy-white chest and belly, 3) broad lateral fringes on toes, 4) head longer or as long as wide, 5) distant dark brown spots in flank, 6) moderate dermal fringes on fingers, 7) brown or reddish brown dorsum with fine round scattered tubercles, 8) thin traverse brownish grey bars on the dorsal surface of tibia and lower arms, 9) longitudinal ridges under toes not interrupted at the articulations.  

Etymology: This new species is named in honor of Dr. Michael Wai-Neng Lau from Hong Kong for his longterm herpetological research and conservation in Asia, particularly in South China. As a common name we suggest “Lau’s Leaf Litter Toad” (English name).

Ecology: The species can be found in streams in secondary forests between 100–800 m elevation. Advertisement calls of males of L. laui sp. nov. can be heard in streams from February to September in Hong Kong. Calling males were usually observed within two meters from streams.

Distribution and conservation status: Leptolalax laui sp. nov. is known to occur in a number of sites, including Tai Mo Shan, Tai Po Kau, Shing Mun, Ho Chung, Kadoorie Farm and Botanic Garden, Sunset Peak, Lantau Peak, in Hong Kong, as well as Wutongshan National Forest Park, Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province; yet the exact distribution of this species in China is unknown. With limited information on the distribution of this species, we recommend the species should be listed as Data Deficient in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species.

Yikhei SUNG, Jianhuan YANG and Yingyong WANG. 2014. A New Species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from Southern China. Asian Herpetological Research. 5(2): 80–90

DOI: 10.3724/SP.J.1245.2014.00080

http://www.biosch.hku.hk/ecology/hkamphibians/ref/Sung_et_al2014_OD_Leptolalax_laui.pdf

   

[Botany • 2016] Tectaria × hongkongensis • A New Hybrid of Tectaria (Tectariaceae) from Hong Kong, southern China

 Tectaria × hongkongensis  S.Y. Dong

FIGURE 2. Tectaria × hongkongensis in culture.
A. Habit. B. Scales on basal part of a stipe. C. Abaxial view of fertile lamina. D–E. Sporangia containing no spores (spores aborted).

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.3.5 

Abstract

A new natural hybrid, Tectaria × hongkongensis (Tectariaceae), is described and illustrated from Hong Kong, China. It is a sterile hybrid supported by the abortive spores and cytological data [2n = 120 (3x)]. This hybrid is morphologically somewhat similar to T. zeilanica in the small size of plants, strongly dimorphic leaves, the shape of sterile fronds, and acrostichoid sporangia. Molecular data indicate its maternal parent is probably T. harlandii. Tectaria × hongkongensis is the first hybrid confirmed by morphological and cytological evidence in East Asia.

Keywords: chromosome number, Hong Kong, hybrid origin, Pteridophytes, China

Hui-Guo Zhao and Shi-Yong Dong. 2016. A New Hybrid of Tectaria (Tectariaceae) from southern China.  Phytotaxa. 266(3); 213–218. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.266.3.5

[PaleoIchthyology • 2015] A Specimen of Paralycoptera Chang & Chou 1977 (Teleostei: Osteoglossoidei) from Hong Kong (China) with a potential Late Jurassic age that extends the Temporal and Geographical Range of the Genus

Paralycoptera sp. || Hong Kong’s first dinosaur-era fish - a specimen of the Chinese osteoglossoid osteoglossomorph fish 

Abstract

We describe a Mesozoic fish Paralycoptera sp. (Teleostei: Osteoglossoidei), on the basis of a postcranial skeleton collected from the volcaniclastic mudstones of the Lai Chi Chong Formation of Hong Kong, China. The new finding—representing the city’s first Mesozoic fish—extends the geographical distribution of Paralycoptera from eastern mainland China into Hong Kong, demonstrating a wider distribution than previously appreciated for this genus. A radiometric age for the Lai Chi Chong Formation of 146.6 ± 0.2 Ma implies a temporal range expansion for Paralycoptera of approximately 40 million years back from the Early Cretaceous (∼110 Ma). However, spores found in the Formation suggest an Early Cretaceous age that is consistent with the existing age assignment to Paralycoptera. We argue that the proposed temporal range extension is genuine because it is based on recent high precision radiometric age data, but given the discrepancies with the biostratigraphic ages further investigation is needed to confirm this. This study provides an important step towards revealing Hong Kong’s Mesozoic vertebrate fauna and understanding its relationship to well-studied mainland Chinese ones.

Figure 1: Hong Kong’s first dinosaur-era fish - a specimen of the Chinese osteoglossoid osteoglossomorph fish Paralycoptera sp. 

Image: IVPP

Figure 7: Skeletal reconstruction of Paralycoptera. Reconstructed skeleton of Paralycoptera

(Xu & Chang, 2009; used with the permission of the authors). 

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.865

Figure 4: Life reconstruction of Paralycoptera

Illustration: Wu Feixiang, IVPP

Systematic Palaeontology

SUBDIVISION TELEOSTEI Müller, 1846

SUPERORDER OSTEOGLOSSOMORPHA Greenwood et al., 1966

ORDER OSTEOGLOSSIFORMES Regan, 1909

SUBORDER OSTEOGLOSSOIDEI Regan, 1909

GENUS †PARALYCOPTERA Chang & Chou, 1977

†PARALYCOPTERA sp.

Lai Chi Chong’s rock strata

 photograph: Tse Tze-kei

Tze-Kei Tse, Michael Pittman​ and Mee-mann Chang. 2015. A Specimen of Paralycoptera Chang & Chou 1977 (Teleostei: Osteoglossoidei) from Hong Kong (China) with a potential Late Jurassic age that extends the Temporal and Geographical Range of the Genus. PeerJ. 3:e865. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.865

Hong Kong’s first identified dinosaur-era vertebrate 

HKU’s Department of Earth Sciences: the fish Paralycoptera lived in Lai Chi Chong more than 140 million years ago

http://www.hku.hk/press/news_detail_12547.html

[Botany • 2015] Thismia hongkongensis • A New Mycoheterotrophic Species (Thismiaceae) from Hong Kong, China, with Observations on Floral Visitors and Seed Dispersal

 Thismia hongkongensis S.S.Mar & R.M.K.Saunders

Flower structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov. A Mature flower, showing outer tepals (ot), inner tepals (it) and abscission zone (ab) at the base of the perianth tube. B Entire plant (S.S. Mar 1, HK).

doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Figure 1. Flower development in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
A, B Root system, with young flowering stalk developing (arrowed). C–G Developing flower, photographed over a 17-day period (10th, 14th, 16th, 19th and 23rd May, respectively) (S.S. Mar 1, HK). I, J Post-fertilization flower, showing abscission of perianth tube.

Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Abstract

A new species, Thismia hongkongensis S.S.Mar & R.M.K.Saunders, is described from Hong Kong. It is most closely related to Thismia brunonis Griff. from Myanmar, but differs in the number of flowers per inflorescence, the colour of the perianth tube, the length of the filaments, and the shape of the stigma lobes. We also provide inferences on the pollination ecology and seed dispersal of the new species, based on field observations and interpretations of morphology. The flowers are visited by fungus gnats (Myctophilidae or Sciaridae) and scuttle flies (Phoridae), which are likely to enter the perianth tube via the annulus below the filiform tepal appendages, and exit via small apertures between the filaments of the pendent stamens. The flowers are inferred to be protandrous, and flies visiting late-anthetic (pistillate-phase) flowers are possibly trapped within the flower, increasing chances of pollen deposition on the receptive stigma. The seeds are likely to be dispersed by rain splash.

Keywords: Burmanniaceae, China, mycoheterotrophic, pollination, rain splash dispersal, Thismia, Thismiaceae, new species

Figure 3. Fruit structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
A Flower (rear right), immature fruit, shortly after fertilization (left), and mature fruit with exposed seeds (front). B Two fruiting individuals, each with three fruits.

 Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Figure 3. Fruit structure in Thismia hongkongensis sp. nov.
C Lateral view of fruiting specimen, illustrating elongated fruit stalk. D Mature fruit with exposed seeds. E Dehydrated fruit. F Rehydrated fruit, after rainfall.

Photos by S.S. Mar. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963

Shek Shing Mar and Richard Saunders. 2015. Thismia hongkongensis (Thismiaceae): A New Mycoheterotrophic Species from Hong Kong, China, with Observations on Floral Visitors and Seed Dispersal. PhytoKeys 46: 21-33. doi: 10.3897/phytokeys.46.8963