[Mollusca • 2026] Pagodapalaina euphrosyne • A New open-coiled Microsnail Species of the Genus Pagodapalaina (Caenogastropoda: Diplommatinidae) from Thailand

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit,

 

in Sutcharit, Srisonchai, Maneewan, Jeratthitikul et Annate, 2026. 

หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคลายเกลียวยูโฟรซีน  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1556/1777.2026.00169  

  facebook.com/ASRUChula

 

Abstract

A new species of Pagodapalaina from southern Thailand is described. Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit, sp. nov. is characterised by a sinistral, elongate-fusiform shell with an open-coiled teleoconch, well-developed radial ribs restricted to the penultimate and last whorls, and the presence of the parietalis and columellaris. Unlike all other congeners, the detached teleoconch subsequently resumes regular coiling, with the last whorl becoming tightly reattached to the preceding whorl. This previously undocumented developmental pattern raises fundamental questions about current understanding of the developmental constraints governing shell coiling in terrestrial caenogastropods.

Keywords: limestone; endemic species; whorl detachment; ecophenotypic plasticity; micro-CT

A, approximate locations of the type locality of all Pagodapalaina species.
Numbers correspond to: 1) P. acme (Laidlaw, 1949) [= Diplommatina laemsonensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023]; 2) P. attenuata (Laidlaw, 1949); 3) P. carinaspinosa (Maassen, 2002); 4) P. diminuta (von Möllendorff, 1891); 5) Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov.; 6) P. gadutensis (Maassen, 2002); 7) P. hidagai (Panha, 1998a); 8) P. hortulanica Chen, 2025; 9) P. jirasaki (Panha, Kanchanasaka & Burch, 2002); 10) P. karoensis (Maassen, 2002); 11) P. krabiensis (Panha & Burch, 1998); 12) P. lenggongensis (Tomlin, 1941) [= Diplommatina lenggongensis nawawii Davison, 1995]; 13) P. parabates (Laidlaw, 1949); 14) P. pongrati (Panha, Kanchanasaka & Burch, 2002); 15) P. prakayangensis (Panha, 1998b); 16) P. sinistra (Tomlin, 1938) [= Diplommatina prakaiphetensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023]; 17.1) P. superba superba (Godwin-Austen & Nevill, 1879); 17.2) P. superba brevior (Laidlaw, 1949); 18) P. suratensis (Panha & Burch, 1998);
B, live snail of  Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov.

Systematics

Superfamily Cyclophoroidea Gray, 1847

Family Diplommatinidae Pfeiffer, 1856

Genus Pagodapalaina Chen, 2025

Pagodapalaina Chen in Chen et al. 2025: 390, 391.

Type species: Diplommatina acme Laidlaw, 1949, by original designation.

Remark: The genus is characterised by a sinistrally coiled, elongate-fusiform shell with tightly to loosely coiled whorls and a shell surface bearing low ridges to prominent and trough-like radial ribs. The internal lamellar system comprises a well-developed columellaris, a parietalis varying from small to well developed, a vertical palatalis that may be absent, and a constriction ranging from weak to strong.

The genus currently comprises 18 recognised species (Chen et al. 2025, MolluscaBase 2026, this study). Of these, three species are known from Sumatra, Indonesia, and nine species, including the new species described herein, are recorded from Thailand. The northern distributional limit of the genus is currently considered not to extend beyond the Isthmus of Kra (Fig. 1A).

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov., paratypes CUMZ 14506 from the type locality.
A, B, adult specimens with narrowly expanded lip;
C, juvenile specimen shows an early stage of penultimate whorl, and onset of tall trough-like radial ribs

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov. from the type locality.
A, holotype CUMZ 14505, insets show the aperture with columellaris;
B, paratype CUMZ 14506, juvenile with penultimate and last whorl reattached but lip not yet expanded;
C, paratype CUMZ 14506, insets show the protoconch sculpture

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Shell small, sinistral, elongate-conical, fusiform, with ∼6 whorls. Earlier teleoconch whorls solute for about two whorls, with smooth surface. Penultimate and last whorls regularly coiled, tightly attached, sculptured with very tall, trough-like radial ribs, and fine spiral striations throughout. Peristome double, expanded. Aperture rounded, with four barriers: one parietalis, two vertical palatalis and one columellaris.

Etymology: The specific epithet, euphrosyne, is a noun in apposition derived from Euphrosyne, one of the Three Graces (Charites) in Greek mythology, the personification of joy, beauty, and elegance. It refers to the graceful and delicate shell morphology of the new species.

  Chirasak Sutcharit, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Nattaphong Maneewan, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul and Supunya Annate. 2026. A New open-coiled Microsnail Species of the Genus Pagodapalaina (Caenogastropoda: Diplommatinidae) from Thailand. Animal Taxonomy and Ecology. DOI: doi.org/10.1556/1777.2026.00169 [16 Sep 2026]

𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙚𝙪𝙥𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙚 Sutcharit, 2026 หรือ หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคลายเกลียวยูโฟรซีน ค้นพบที่ถ้ำทะลุ อำเภอละงู จังหวัดสตูล โดยตั้งชื่อชนิดตามรูปร่างเปลือกที่ละเอียดอ่อนและสง่างาม เสมือน “ยูโฟรซีน” ผู้เป็น 1ใน 3เทพีแห่งความงามของเทพปกรณัมกรีก 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/1522937986517592

[Entomology • 2026] Paragomphus matroka • A New Hooktail Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) from the Rainforests of eastern Madagascar

 

Paragomphus matroka

Bedjanič, Bernard, Daraż & Yu, 2026  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.2.4

Abstract  

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. (holotype ♂: Madagascar, Taolagnaro District, Iaboakoho, Réserve de Ressources Naturelles de la Forêt Naturelle de Tsitongambarika, Ampasy; Lat. -24.57840°, Lon. 47.14493°; 4.xii.2024; to be deposited in RMNH, Leiden), is described as new to science. The new endemic species is known only from the holotype, the paratype deposited in the MNHN, Paris, and an additional specimen deposited in NHRS, Stockholm. It has been recorded from three localities in the eastern part of the island, scattered over a distance of 1,033 km, within the Madagascar Humid Forests ecoregion. Despite the pronounced variation in the colour pattern, the three known specimens are interpreted as conspecific based on concordant diagnostic morphological characters, particularly the nearly identical structure of the secondary genitalia and cerci. The new species is related to P. fritillarius (Selys, 1892) and P. sofiae Bernard & Daraż, 2026. From these two more brightly coloured, spotted Hooktail species, P. matroka sp. nov. differs in its considerably darker colouration, a reduced pattern of smaller light markings on the synthorax, and clearly different secondary genitalia. The discovery of a new species underlines the need for additional intensive odonatological studies in Madagascar. Improving knowledge of species distributions, taxonomy, phenology and ecological requirements is crucial, especially in the context of threat assessments and conservation of endemic odonate fauna. 

Odonata, dragonflies, Anisoptera, endemic, new species, Paragomphus fritillarius, taxonomy, biogeography, Malagasy Region 

 

Male of Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. (holotype, type locality); 
(a) habitus in lateral view; (b) synthorax in lateral view; (c) secondary genitalia and part of proximal portion of hind wing with anal triangle and tornus; (d) head in dorsofrontal view; (e) penis in lateral view, subsequently expanded; (f) caudal appendages in lateral view; (g) S7–10 and caudal appendages in ventral view; (h) S7–10 and caudal appendages in dorsal view.

Photographs by Kuang-Ping Yu & Matjaž Bedjanič. 

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov., male (paratype, MNHN Paris; Moramanga District, central-eastern Madagascar).
 (a) habitus in dorsal view and labels; (b) head, thorax and anterior part of abdomen (S1–4) in lateral view; (c), (d), and (e) S10 and caudal appendages in dorsal, lateral and ventral view, respectively; (f) secondary genitalia in lateral view, with penis partly exposed; (g) secondary genitalia in ventral view; (h) secondary genitalia in lateroventral view to show hook of the posterior hamule hidden behind its outline. 

Photographs by Bogusław Daraż.

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov., male holotype, colouration in life:
 (a) dorsolateral view; (b) frontolateral view (Right tributary of the ampasy River 700 m NW of ampasy Research Station, tsitongambarika, anosy Region, southeastern Madagascar; 4.xii.2024).

Photographs by Matjaž Bedjanič. 

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. 

Common name (en): Dark Hooktail  

 Nom commun (fr): Paragomphe sombre

Differential diagnosis. Paragomphus matroka is a large, dark endemic representative of the genus, belonging to a group of two additional endemic Madagascan species with a “spotted” thorax—P. fritillarius and P. sofiae—which closely resemble each other and are characterized by brighter, predominantly yellow-and-black colouration.

The new species remotely resembles P. fritillarius in the pattern of yellow spots on the synthorax and abdomen, the reddish-brown terminal abdominal segments, and the general shape of the cerci. However, it is readily distinguished by its overall darker colouration and the unique morphology of the hamules. the most significant colouration differences occur on the face, which is predominantly brown in P. matroka, versus interspersed yellow and black in P. fritillarius, and on the dark brown synthorax sides, where the yellow spots within the mesepimeral and metepimeral stripes are distinctly ...

Etymology. the species epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition. it is derived from the Malagasy word “matroka”, meaning “dark-coloured” and it refers to the relatively dark colouration of the new species in comparison to its congeners.

Matjaž BEDJANIČ, Rafał BERNARD, Bogusław DARAŻ and Kuang-Ping YU. 2026. Paragomphus matroka sp. nov.—A New Hooktail Species from the Rainforests of eastern Madagascar (Odonata: Gomphidae).  Zootaxa. 5821(2); 219-235. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.2.4 [2026-05-29]

[Crustacea • 2026] Caridina srivijaya, C. takkola, C. tambralinga, ... • A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda: Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species

A. Caridina cf. rangoona, from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; 

C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov. from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;

E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Phrasaeng District, Bang Sawan Spring; 

G. C. takkola sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi NHA. 

Macharoenboon, von Rintelen, Klotz, Sutcharit, Siriwut & Jeratthitikul, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168

Abstract

A comprehensive taxonomic review of the genus Caridina in southern Thailand is presented, integrating extensive field surveys with comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses to document the species diversity. Phylogenetic tree reconstructed from partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and COI) indicated 18 distinct lineages, recognized as species in our study, belonging to six species groups, from southern Thailand. Five of these are new to science and are described as Caridina kuehnei sp. nov., C. nangroma sp. nov., C. srivijaya sp. nov., C. takkola sp. nov., and C. tambralinga sp. nov. Including historical records, there are 21 species of Caridina found in southern Thailand of which almost half are endemic to the region. Updated distribution maps and a key to all known species in the region are also provided. Our findings highlight that while morphological identification is challenging due to significant intraspecific variation and interspecific similarity, molecular data is essential for helping taxonomists to delineate species boundaries.

Key words: Amphidromous, crustacean, freshwater fauna, landlocked, Malay Peninsula, molecular phylogeny, Thailand

Living specimens of Caridina species.
 A. C. thai, topotype MUMNH-CAR861-F1 from Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Pak Chong District, Muak Lek Waterfall; B, C. C. gracillima, specimens; B. MUMNH-CAR626-P1 from Trang Province, Mueang District, Trang River; C. MUMNH-CAR631-P1 from Krabi Province, Mueang District, Tha Hindarn Stream; D. C. gracilipes, specimen MUMNH-CAR462-P1 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Khanom District, Khao Phlai Dam;
E. C. macrophora, specimen MUMNH-CAR800 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Bang Khan District, Lam Dang Stream; F. C. peninsularis, specimen MUMNH-CAR633-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Khum Mut Stream; G. C. excavatoides, specimen MUMNH-CAR616-F2 from Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, Thung Song District, Tha-Luang Stream; H. C. temasek, specimen MUMNH-CAR835-P1 from Pattani Province, Mueang District, Pattani River. Scale bar: 4 mm.

Living specimens of Caridina species.
A. C. cf. rangoona, specimen MUMNH-CAR434-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, specimen MUMNH-CAR471-P1 from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov.; C. paratype MUMNH-CAR404-P1 and D. specimen MUMNHCAR474-P1 from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;
E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., paratypes; E. MUMNH-CAR502-P1; F. MUMNH-CAR502-M1; G. C. takkola sp. nov., paratype MUMNH-CAR469-P1; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., specimen MUMNH-CAR489-P1 from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area. Scale bar: 3 mm.

Caridina kuehnei sp. nov. 

C. nangroma sp. nov. 

C. srivijaya sp. nov. 

C. takkola sp. nov. 

C. tambralinga sp. nov. 

 

 Kongkit Macharoenboon, Thomas von Rintelen, Werner Klotz, Chirasak Sutcharit, Warut Siriwut and Ekgachai Jeratthitikul. 2026. A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda, Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species. ZooKeys. 1292: 1-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168 [15 Sep 2026]

[Mollusca • 2025] Pagodapalaina gen. nov. & Pagodapalaina hortulanica • A New sinistral Genus of Diplommatinidae (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, with Description of A New Species from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov.
Pagodapalaina hortulanica gen. & sp. nov.
 Pagodapalaina spp. 

in Chen, Sutcharit et Ablett, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.3.5  

  facebook.com/ASRUChula 

 

Abstract

A new diplommatinid genus, Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov., is erected for several sinistral species from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra originally assigned to Diplommatina Benson, 1849. In addition, a new species of this new genus, Pagodapalaina hortulanica sp. nov., is described from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. The genus Pagodapalaina gen. nov., is characterised by a sinistral and conical shell with a mostly keeled periphery; the radula consists of a strong central tooth with a large central cusp and smaller lateral cusps; the basal plate of the central tooth bears two small cusps; the lateral and marginal teeth have very short basal parts. An annotated type catalogue of all known species is presented, with illustrations provided for most taxa. Additionally, Diplommatina laemsonensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 and Diplommatina prakaiphetensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 are recognised as synonyms of Pagodapalaina acme (Laidlaw, 1949) comb. nov., and Pagodapalaina sinistra (Tomlin, 1938) comb. nov., respectively.

Mollusca, Micro snails, new genus, new species, Southeast Asia, systematics, taxonomy

Pagodapalaina hortulanica gen. & sp. nov., holotype, NHMUK 19930124.

Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov.

Etymology. The name of the new genus is derived from “Pagoda”, referring to the tiered, keeled and tower-like shape of the shell, reminiscent of East Asian pagodas, and diplommatinid genus name Palaina . This genus name is feminine.

Distribution. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia. The known species of the new genus are distributed on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.

Pagodapalaina hortulanica sp. nov.

Etymology. We adopted Davison’s manuscript name with minor modification. The name hortulanica, meaning “garden-dwelling” in Latin, may refer to the flourishing vegetation of the type locality.

 Pagodapalaina spp. 

FIG. 3. A. Pagodapalaina lenggongensis, syntype, NHMUK 1943.6.28.1. B. Pagodapalaina hidagai, paratype, CUMZ Di 005. C. Pagodapalaina parabates, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.6. D. Pagodapalaina pongrati, paratype, CUMZ Di 044. E. Pagodapalaina prakayangensis, paratype, CUMZ Di 007. F. Pagodapalaina sinistra, syntype, NHMUK 1938.10.25.4. G. Pagodapalaina superba brevior, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.7, the outline of shell follows Laidlaw (1949). H. Pagodapalaina suratensis, paratype CUMZ Di 029. Scale bars = 1 mm.

FIG. 2. A. Pagodapalaina acme, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.5. B. Pagodapalaina attenuate, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.8. C. Pagodapalaina carinaspinosa, paratype, NHMUK 20030224/1. D. Pagodapalaina diminuta, holotype, SMF 105374/1. E. Pagodapalaina gadutensis, paratype, NHMUK 20030225/1. F. Pagodapalaina jirasaki, paratype, CUMZ Di 041. G. Pagodapalaina karoensis, paratype, NHMUK 20030226/1. H. Pagodapalaina krabiensis, paratype CUMZ Di 032. Scale bars = 1 mm.

ZHE-YU CHEN, CHIRASAK SUTCHARIT, JONATHAN D. ABLETT. 2025. Pagodapalaina, A New sinistral Genus of Diplommatinidae from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, with Description of A New Species from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea). Zootaxa. 5737(3); 389-400. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.3.5 [2025-12-24]

  facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/1299427112202015

[Invertebrate • 2026] Polycapus rubrum, Stelletta plana, ... • Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida)

 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov.

Lehnert, Rooney & Everett, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov 

 

Abstract

An investigation of Alaska’s extraordinarily rich sponge fauna was conducted utilizing samples retained as bycatch during National Marine Fisheries Service stock assessment bottom trawl surveys in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands between 1997 and 2021. Subsequent analysis of the samples revealed four new species, which are representatives of four different orders of demosponges: Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov., Julavis borealis sp. nov., Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov., and Stelletta plana sp. nov.. The new species are described and compared to congeners. Polycapus rubrum was assigned to the Hymedesmiidae but the combination of acanthoxeas and chelae does not occur in any other existing genus within the family which necessitates a new genus. These new collections further highlight the richness of the sponge fauna from the region.

Porifera, new species, North Pacific, Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Tetractinellida, Axinellida, Haplosclerida, Stelletta, Polycapus, Julavis, Cladocroce, 28S

Cladocroce cylindrica, is a stalked, branching sponge distinguished by a unique spicule framework that forms a complex, web-like network. 

Julavis borealis, grows like a thin mat over organisms. Its presence in Alaska represents a massive high-latitude geographic leap for a group previously found only in warm, tropical environments. 

Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov.  

Julavis borealis sp. nov.  

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov. 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Helmut LEHNERT, Sean C. ROONEY and Meredith V. EVERETT. 2026. Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida).  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 317-334. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 [2026-07-29]

Nine Species of Deep-Sea Sponges Discovered in Alaska

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov/feature-story/nine-species-deep-sea-sponges-discovered-alaska

[Arachnida • 2026] Pancorius subyingjiang, P. yangming & P. yunnan • Three New Species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 (Araneae: Salticidae) from China

 

Pancorius yangming 

Zhou, Wang & Peng, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.1.12 

 

Abstract

Three new species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 are described from China and named as P. subyingjiang sp. nov. (female), P. yangming sp. nov. (male, female) and P. yunnan sp. nov. (female). Detailed descriptions, photos of somatic features and copulatory organs, as well as a distribution map are provided. Nucleotide data for the barcoding gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of P. yangming sp. nov. (male, female) are provided.

Araneae, morphology, Plexippinae, taxonomy, South China

 

YUCHEN ZHOU, SHULIN WANG and XIANJIN PENG. 2026. Three New Species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 (Araneae: Salticidae) from China.  Zootaxa. 5782(1); 193-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.1.12  [2026-03-23]

[Entomology • 2026] Tipula jingkei • A New crane fly Species of Subgenus Pterelachisus (Diptera: Tipulidae) from North China

 

 Tipula (Pterelachisus) jingkei

Gao & Yang, 2026

 

荆轲普大蚊  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.006

Highlights: 

• A new crane fly species, Tipula (Pterelachisus) jingkei sp. nov., is described from Beijing, China.

• The species is diagnosed by a distinctive V-shaped white marking in the wing and unique male genitalia.

• Detailed descriptions and illustrations of male and female terminalia are provided.

• This study represents the first record of the subgenus Pterelachisus from Beijing.

ABSTRACT

A new species of crane fly, Tipula (Pterelachisus) jingkei sp. nov., is described from Beijing, China. The new species is distinguished from related species by the characteristic wing pattern and the structure of the male hypopygium, particularly the nearly truncate caudal margin of tergite 9 bearing two spinous median extensions and a small median spur. Illustrations and detailed morphological descriptions of the adult are provided. This species represents the first record of the subgenus Pterelachisus from Beijing and expands the known diversity of the group in northern China.

 

Keywords: Crane flies, Nematocera, Tipulinae, Taxonomy, Beijing

 Tipula (Pterelachisus) jingkei sp. nov.
 (A) thorax of the male, lateral view; (B) thorax of the male, dorsal view; (C) thorax of the female, dorsal view; (D) wing of the male; (E) habitus of the male adult, lateral view; (F) habitus of the female adult, lateral view; (G) thorax of the female, lateral view.

Order Diptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Tipulidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Tipulinae Latreille, 1802

Genus Tipula Linnaeus, 1758

Subgenus Pterelachisus Rondani, 1842

 Tipula (Pterelachisus) jingkei sp. nov.

荆轲普大蚊

Diagnosis. Generally yellow to reddish brown with white pollen. Nasus distinct and cylindrical. Prescutum and presutural scutum reddish-brown pruinose with four brownish stripes. Wing generally yellowish brown, with a clearly defined white pattern. The main pattern includes V-shaped white markings centered on cell dm, near Rs and CuP. Hypopygium with sternite 8 without a tuft or group of sparse long setae.

Etymology. The species is named after Jing Ke, a famous assassin in Chinese history, whose hometown was located in northern China; the name is treated as a noun in apposition.

  

Yuetian Gao and Ding Yang. 2026. A New crane fly Species of Subgenus Pterelachisus (Diptera: Tipulidae) from North China. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.006 [25 July 2026] 

[Arachnida • 2021] Loxosceles coheni & L. turanensis • ‘Burning Violin’: The Medically Important Spider Genus Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae) in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, with Two New Species

Loxosceles coheni

Zamani, Mirshamsi & Marusik, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa257 

  facebook.com/AZamni

 

Abstract

The taxonomic status of the medically important spider genus Loxosceles Heineken et Lowe, 1832 (Sicariidae) in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan is revised. Two species are described as new to science: Loxosceles coheni sp. n. (♂♀, southwestern Iran) and Loxosceles turanensis sp. n. (♂♀, southern Turkmenistan and eastern Iran). Additionally, Loxosceles alicea Gertsch, 1967 syn. n. (♀, Peru) is synonymized with Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820). The local distribution of all treated species is mapped (including several new records), and reported cases of loxoscelism from this region are briefly reviewed.

Keywords: Central Asia, loxoscelism, Peru, recluse spiders, violin spiders

Taxonomy

Family Sicariidae Keyserling, 1880

Genus Loxosceles Heineken et Lowe, 1832

Type species. Scytodes rufescens Dufour, 1820, 

by subsequent designation of Bonnet (1957).

Loxosceles coheni sp. n.

Etymology. The new species is named in honor of Leonard Norman Cohen (21 September 1934 to 7 November 2016), a Canadian singer, songwriter, poet, novelist, and the most favorite artist of the first author, because his music kept him working during the long, cold, and dark winters of Finland.

Loxosceles turanensis sp. n.

  

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to Turan, a term of Iranian origin referring to a historical region in Central Asia and northeastern Iran, in which the currently known range of the new species is located.

Loxosceles persica Ribera et Zamani, 2017

Loxosceles rufescens (Dufour, 1820)

Alireza Zamani, Omid Mirshamsi and Yuri M Marusik. 2021. ‘Burning Violin’: The Medically Important Spider Genus Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae) in Iran, Turkmenistan, and Afghanistan, with Two New Species. Journal of Medical Entomology. 58(2); 666–675. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jme/tjaa257

  facebook.com/AZamni/posts/10217225792468659

New Species of Recluse Spider Named for Leonard Cohen

 entomologytoday.org/2021/01/08/new-species-recluse-spider-named-for-leonard-cohen

[Entomology • 2025] Lyriothemis abrahami • A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India

 

Lyriothemis abrahami  Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, 

in Sadasivan, Jose, Palot, Sudheer, Augustine, Kochunarayanan, Nair et George, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470  

Researchgate.net/publication/393568494

Abstract

A new species of phytotelma-breeding dragonfly, Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov., is described from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. The new taxon was previously misidentified as L. flava Oguma, 1915 (= L. tricolor Ris, 1916). In contrast to L. flava, the new species is sexually dimorphic, with males easily identified based on the characteristic shape of the hamules. Females are identified by their jet black and yellow colour with triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. Photographs of mature adults, tenerals, hamules, illustrations of vesica seminalis, vulvar lamina, and a key to Lyriothemis of the Indian subcontinent are provided.

KEY WORDS: Anisoptera, new taxon, taxonomy, dragonfly, phytotelmata, Kerala

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. Holotype TORG # 1053.
A–lateral view of the holotype; B–close-up of head; C–lateral view of segment 2; D–dorsal view of head, prothorax and synthorax; E–lateral view of head, prothorax, and synthorax; F–dorsal view of abdomen; G–lateral view of abdomen; H–dorsal view of S8–10, and anal appendages; I–lateral view of S8–10, and anal appendages. © Kalesh Sadasivan

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. in life.
A–mature male from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary © Kalesh Sadasivan; B–lateral view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; C–dorsal view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; D–lateral view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; E–dorsal view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; F–female ovipositing in a phytotelma © Jebine Jose. (B–E, reared from the larvae collected in Pooyamkutty, Ernakulam District, Kerala)

Lyriothemis abrahami Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Males of Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. are identified by the combination of the following characters: two short oval paradorsal streaks on the mesepisternum not extending halfway up the thorax towards the alar sinus; anterolateral yellow thoracic band as broad as or narrower than the black area just posterior to it; in anteroventral view hamule trapezoid, higher than wide; hamular inferolateral angle right-angled and well-defined, medial border with a distinct insinuation at the junction of its inferior and middle third, inferior border straight. The elongated shape of the hamule is a distinct characteristic of the new taxon. Sexual dimorphism is strongly exhibited in L. abrahami sp. nov., with the females identified by their jet-black and yellow colour with characteristic triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. The new species is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India, south of Coorg, and its distribution does not overlap with the range of L. flava, as far as it is known.

Etymology. The species is named after Dr. Abraham Samuel, a pioneer of odonatology from Kerala, for his contributions to the field and his constant encouragement to the authors. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case.

Kalesh Sadasivan, Jebine Jose, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Shanas Sudheer, Toms Augustine, Baiju Kochunarayanan, Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair and Maya George. 2025. A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata, Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.  ENTOMON. 50(2); 203-214. DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470 [2025-06-30]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393568494_A_new_species_of_Lyriothemis_from_the_Western_Ghats_of_Peninsular_India

[Mollusca • 2025] Songkhlanaia songkhramensis • An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia: Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species

 Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov.

Jeratthitikul, Sutcharit & Prasankok, 2025

S. tamodienica, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand; 
 S. moreleti, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549  

facebook.com/ASRUChula

Abstract

Mainland Southeast Asia, also known as Indochina, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot for freshwater mussels, hosting a significant number of species and exhibiting high levels of endemism. Recently, the monotypic genus Songkhlanaia was described from the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand. In this study, two additional lineages are revealed, S. moreleti comb. nov. and S. songkhramensis sp. nov., from the Mekong Basin through an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The multi-locus phylogenetic inference supported the monophyly of the genus and further elucidated the sister relationship between S. moreleti and the new species, and with S. tamodienica positioned as a basal lineage. Pairwise uncorrected COI p-distances among these three species also supported the species validity and ranged from 4.2% to 8.24%. Notably, S. songkhramensis sp. nov. and S. moreleti exhibit similarities in shell morphology; however, the new species can be differentiated by more robust pseudocardinal teeth. Both species are distinguishable from S. tamodienica by their approximately twice larger size, more inflated shells, and more prominent, roughened, irregular growth lines on the shell surface. Furthermore, based on the current data, these three species are recognized as endemic and are restricted to disjunct biogeographic areas in Indochina: S. tamodienica in the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand, S. moreleti in the Tonle Sap and Lower Mekong basins, and S. songkhramensis sp. nov. in the Songkhram Basin and its nearby tributaries of the Middle Mekong Basin.

Key words: Freshwater mussels, Indochina, Mekong Basin, multi-locus phylogeny, new taxa, Pseudodontini, taxonomic revision, Thailand

Family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820

Subfamily Gonideinae Ortmann, 1916

Tribe Pseudodontini Frierson, 1927

Subtribe Pseudodontina Frierson, 1927

Genus Songkhlanaia Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov, 2023

Songkhlanaia Konopleva et al., 2023: 13, 14. Bolotov et al. 2023: 12.

Type species: Songkhlanaia tamodienica Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov in Konopleva et al. 2023 (by original designation).

Species included: Songkhlanaia currently consists of three species: S. tamodienica (type species), S. moreleti comb. nov., and S. songkhramensis sp. nov.

Shells of Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov. 
A holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 and B paratype MUMNH-UNI3023 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand C specimen MUMNH-UNI0925 from Songkhram River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand.

Pseudocardinal teeth, left valve on the left-hand side, and right valve on the right-hand side
A S. tamodienica, topotype MUMNH-UNI2956 from Tamot Stream, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand B S. moreleti, specimen MUMNH-UNI0301 from Phrom Hot Stream, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand C S. songkhramensis sp. nov., holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand. Scale bars: 10 mm.

 Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Chirasak Sutcharit and Pongpun Prasankok. 2025. An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia, Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species. ZooKeys. 1224: 187-209. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549

  facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/1032639838880745 

[Crustacea • 2026] Cambarus emegi • A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

 

Cambarus emegi 

Lieb, Williams, Foltz & Loughman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 

  facebook.com/WLUCrayfish

Abstract

A new species of crayfish, Cambarus emegi sp. nov., is described from the upper James and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and the lower Delaware River basin in Pennsylvania, where it occurs in streams and small rivers. The species was formerly part of the Cambarus acuminatus species complex (Cambarus species C complex), a long-standing taxonomic enigma that is widely distributed across the Atlantic slope drainages of eastern North America. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Cambarus acuminatus due to the absence of a well-defined subpalmar tubercle, greater number of punctations across its areola, and differences in the mesial process of the form I male gonopod. Coloration and pattern in life differ between the two species. Additionally, the distributions of C. emegi sp. nov. and C. acuminatus are separated by hundreds of kilometers. The ranges of two other undescribed members of the Cambarus species C complex border that of C. emegi sp. nov. in Virginia. These species do not appear to overlap geographically; C. emegi sp. nov. is confined to the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, whereas the two undescribed species are found in the Blue Ridge and northern inner Piedmont regions. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is morphologically similar but visually and genetically different from the undescribed species directly to the south in the upper Roanoke River system. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is both visually and morphologically similar but genetically distinct from the undescribed species immediately downstream in the James River basin. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is threatened by several potentially interacting factors including invasive crayfishes, narrow range, and urban and agricultural development. Alarmingly, the species is being rapidly replaced by invasive Faxonius species across a substantial part of its range. This paper represents an important step in providing the information needed to conserve and manage Cambarus emegi sp. nov.

Crustacea, Cambarus species C., Cambarus acuminatus, new species, Ridge and Valley, Northern Piedmont, Delaware, James, Roanoke, invasive crayfish

 Cambarus emegi sp. nov., color in life: (a) holotype, NCSM 95987; (b) allotype, NCSM 95988.

Life color and color pattern of adult  Cambarus emegi sp. nov.:
 (a) dorsal view; (b) oblique lateral view (photo credit Zackary A. Graham).

 Life color and color pattern of juvenile  Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Body and eyes pigmented. Rostrum weakly to moderately excavated and ventrally deflected anteriorly; rostral margins subparallel, pronounced and entire through acumen, and more thickened posteriorly than anteriorly; acumen acuminate with prominent dorsally deflected spiniform tubercle at terminus. Areola 2.2–3.6 (¯x=2.7, n=42, s=0.4) times as long as wide, with 6–10 (¯x=8.5, n=42, s= 0.7) punctations across narrowest point. Lateral portion of branchiostegal region of carapace heavily punctate; hepatic regions also punctate with welldeveloped tubercles. Strong cervical spines present; branchiostegal spine prominent; postorbital ridge terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Weak to acute suborbital angle typically present, rarely absent; suborbital angle terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Antennal basipodite spines prominent; ischiopodite spines present but not prominent.

Etymology.—Derived from the Turkish work “emeği” meaning “labor of” or “hard work of”, which seems appropriate given this project required many years and the collection of thousands of specimens from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Additionally, the name honors Emily (Em) and Megan (Meg) Lieb, the senior author’s two daughters, who happily accompanied him on many crayfish sampling trips as children and later helped him collect C. emegi sp. nov. from sites in its Pennsylvania range. 

Common name.—We propose Enigma Crayfish as the common name.

David A. LIEB, Bronwyn W. WILLIAMS, David A. FOLTZ II and Zachary J. LOUGHMAN. 2026. Description of A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status.  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 [2026-07-29]

 facebook.com/WLUCrayfish/posts/1731022025695189