[Crustacea • 2026] Lemurophusa empusa & Balssiathelphusa inopinata • Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)

Lemurophusa empusa

Ng & Guinot, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 

 Abstract 

The systematics of the gecarcinucid genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 is revised. Balssiathelphusa has an atypical distribution pattern for a freshwater crab genus, with the four known species recorded from Sumatra, Borneo and Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. The type species, Para-Perithelphusa sucki Balss, 1937 [sic, see infra], is redescribed and figured, and the genus is redefined to include B. sucki, B. cursor Ng, 1986, from East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, and a new species, B. inopinata n. sp., also from East Kalimantan. The type locality of B. sucki was reported as southeastern Sumatra, but the available evidence suggests the holotype was actually collected from South Kalimantan in Borneo. Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, from Natuna Island, is transferred to a new monotypic genus, Natunusa n. gen., while B. phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, collected from a cave in East Kalimantan, is referred to a separate genus, Lemurophusa n. gen. A new species, L. empusa n. gen., n. sp., is also described from another karst system in East Kalimantan, whereas a juvenile female from a nearby cave in East Kalimantan is treated as Lemurophusa sp. Particular attention was paid to the thoracic sternum and its sutures, to the median bridges between the sternites, as well to the median line, characters often overlooked but that are particularly useful in this group of small gecarcinucid crabs.

KEYWORDS: Borneo, Sumatra, Natuna Islands, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, freshwater crab, cave crab, new genera, new species 

 

Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969

Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969: 364; 1970: 98. — Ng 1986a: 207.

Included species. — Balssiathelphusa sucki (Balss, 1937), B. cursor Ng, 1986; B. inopinata n. sp.

Balssiathelphusa inopinata n. sp.

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin “inopinatus” for “unexpected” as it had been previously believed that Nobili's (1903) record was Balssiathelphusa cursor and not a new species.

Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb., ♂ 12.9 × 11.3 mm (ZRC 2021.0831), Natuna Island:
A, overall dorsal habitus; B, dorsal view of carapace; C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, frontal median triangle, antennules, antennae and epistome; E, buccal cavity, anterior thoracic sternum, telson and pleonal somites 5 and 6; F, posterior thoracic sternum and pleonal somites 1-4; G, sternopleonal cavity.

Genus Natunusa n. gen.

 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, 

by original designation and monotypy.

Diagnosis. — Carapace quadrate, just wider than long; carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae rugose, low but visible, not cristate; postorbital cristae low, rugose, discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista straight; external orbital tooth with outer margin 3.0-4.0 times length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by small notch; rest of anterolateral margins gently convex; posterolateral ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the name of the type locality, Natuna Island, in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. The gender of the name is feminine.

Included species. — Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb.

Lemurophusa empusa n. gen., n. sp.:
 A, C, holotype, ♀ 24.2 × 18.5 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan;
B, D, paratype ♀ 22.2 × 17.2 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan.
A, B, overall dorsal habitus; C, D, dorsal view of carapace.

Genus Lemurophusa n. gen. 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, 

by present designation.

Included species. — Lemurophusa phasma (Ng & Guinot, 2014) n. comb.; Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Diagnosis. — Carapace transversely ovate, wider than long, carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae low, rugose but visible; postorbital cristae low, rugose, just discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista medially bent, fused with lateral cristae; external orbital tooth distinct, with outer margin about twice length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by notch; rest of anterolateral margins ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin word “lēmurēs” for “spirits of the dead”; in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. This alludes to the cave habitat of the species. The gender of the name is feminine.

Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Etymology. — The species is named after Empusa, a demigoddess of Greek mythology. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Peter K. L. Ng and Danièle Guinot. 2026. Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). Zoosystema. 48 (18); 557-587. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 (13 July 2026)

Révision du genre de crabes d'eau douce d'Asie du Sud-Est Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae).

Bornéo, Sumatra, îles Natuna, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, crabe d'eau douce, crabe cavernicole, genres nouveaux, espèces nouvelles

[Botany • 2026] Homalomena randii (Araceae) • A New Species of Araceae from West Kalimantan, Borneo

Homalomena randii  

in Irsyam  et Hariri, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.36.1203 

 facebook.com: Muhammad Rifqi Hariri

Abstract

Homalomena randii is described and illustrated here as a new species of Araceae from West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The new species is assigned to the Cyrtocladon Supergroup based on a combination of morphological characters, including typically hastate leaf blades with pronounced posterior lobes; staminate flowers consisting of (3–)4(–5) truncate stamens, each surmounted by a large, flat, cream-colored connective; and the presence of conspicuous resin droplets secreted between the staminate flowers. This discovery underscores the strong potential for further discoveries of Homalomena species in underexplored regions of Indonesian Borneo, highlighting the continuing importance of botanical exploration in the area.

Homalomena randii 

 

 

Irsyam A.S.D. and Hariri M.. 2026. Homalomena randii, A New Species of Araceae from West Kalimantan, Borneo. Rheedea. 36(2), e1203. DOI: doi.org/10.22244/rheedea.36.1203 [30.06.2026]

  facebook.com/xirayuq.reef/posts/10233483341853480

 

[Botany • 2026] Tweeddalea capsiciformis (Araceae: Schismatoglottideae) • Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea from Indonesian Borneo

 

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri,

in Irsyam, Hariri et Setiawan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0  

  linkedin.com

Abstract

A new species of the genus Tweeddalea (Araceae), Tweeddalea capsiciformis, is described and illustrated from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This species increases the number of described species in the genus to fifteen. The discovery of T. capsiciformis not only extends the known distribution range of the genus but also highlights the rich yet still insufficiently explored diversity of Araceae in Borneo.

Keywords: Aroid, Kalimantan, Malesia, Multiflora clade, Schismatoglottideae

Tweeddalea capsiciformis.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence position. C. Spathe. D. Spadix. E. Close-up spadix. F. Close-up staminate flowers zone. G. Close-up pistils and interstice zone.

 (A–F from the holotype.).

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri., sp. nov.

  

 Etymology. The specific epithet capsiciformis refers to the chili-like shape of the spathe, which resembles the fruit of Capsicum L. (Solanaceae).

Arifin S. D. Irsyam, Muhammad R. Hariri & Ade Agus Setiawan. 2026. Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea (Araceae) from Indonesian Borneo. Brittonia. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0 [30 April 2026] 

 linkedin.com/posts/arifin-surya-dwipa-irsyam-5b46a916a_a-new-discovery-from-the-forests-of-kalimantan-activity-7455934737178812416-w7WN

[Botany • 2026] Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, 

in Zainudin, Idris et Yudistira, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

Abstract

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) is here described as a new species from Kalimantan, Indonesia, adding to the diversity of Aeschynanthus in Borneo. The species is morphologically similar in its inflorescence to A. dasycalyx Hallier f. but distinguished by elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, ovate-elliptic bracteoles, and a tubular-cupuliform calyx that is brown to bright greenish-yellow. It further differs in having a bright greenish-yellow and longer corolla. The new species is also distinct from A. flavidus Mendum & P. Woods by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, tubular-cupuliform calyx, and markedly shorter corolla, which is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length. Notes on distribution, ecology, conservation status, and comparative illustrations are provided.

Keyword: Aeschynanthus dasycalyx, Aeschynanthus flavidus, Borneo, Gesneriaceae, Lipstick flower, Xanthanthos

  

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Plant habit; B. Stem with Inflorescences; C. Abaxial side of leaf; D. to E. Inflorescences at different stages of development; F. Close-up mature flower (front, lateral, and back view); G. Corolla with rare red coloration; H. Longitudinal corolla section; I. Dissection of calyx (inner surface); J. Close up inner surface of calyx; K. Corolla lobes margin; L. Close up inner surface of corolla tube; M. Sparsely papillose scabrid filaments; N. Disk; O. The close-up part of pistil showing glandular hairs under stigma; P. Pistil; Q. Capsule.

Photos taken by Zainudin, based on Zainudin ZBA301090724 and Zainudin ZBA302250622.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Stem with inflorescences and capsule; B. Close-up mature flowers; C. Corolla split open showing stamens and pistil; D. Longitudinal corolla section; E. Pistil; F. Anther; G. Style and Stigma.

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.   

 Diagnosis: A. luteoflorus is similar to A. dasycalyx Hallier f., but differs in having elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. ovate); ovate-elliptic bracteoles (vs. linearlanceolate); and a tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. ovatesubcylindrical to sub-urceolate) that is brown to bright greenish yellow (vs. shiny blackish blue). Furthermore, it possesses a longer corolla (2.3–2.5 cm vs. 1.8–2 cm), that is bright greenish yellow (vs. vivid red). A. luteoflorus also differs from A. flavidus Mendum & P.Woods, another yellow-flowered species from Borneo, by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. narrowly to broadly elliptic), tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. tubular to infundibuliform), and a significantly shorter corolla (2.3– 2.5 cm vs. 5.5–6.3 cm) that is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length (vs. >2 times) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the flower color; 'luteoflorus' translates to yellow-flowered. This term is a combination of two Latin roots: luteus (yellow) and florus (derived from flos, flower).  

Vernacular name: In the Banjar language, Aeschynanthus is called "Kambang Gincu," which means "lipstick flower" (kambang = flower, gincu = lipstick). 

 Zainudin, Abdul Rahim Idris and Yuda Rehata Yudistira. 2026. Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(3); 477-482. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.477 [24 May 2026] taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

[Ichthyology • 2020] Macrognathus kris • A New, uniquely patterned Spiny Eel (Synbranchiformes: Mastacembelidae) from southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia

 Macrognathus kris

 Ng & Tan, 2020

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.9 

Abstract

A new species of Macrognathus of the M. aculeatus species group is described from the Kahayan River drainage in southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Macrognathus kris, new species, is distinguished from all Asian congeners in having the following unique combination of characters: rim of anterior nostril with two fimbriae and two fimbrules; 43–45 rostral tooth plates; 24–25 dorsal spines; 46–55 dorsal-fin rays; 51–59 anal-fin rays; 20–23 principal caudal-fin rays; 76–78 total vertebrae; body depth at anus 11.8–15.9% SL; color pattern consisting of light brown stripe on dorsum and 11–14 irregular pentagonal dark brown blotches on sides of body.

Synbranchiformes, Macrognathus, biodiversity, Pisces

 Macrognathus kris,
A. MZB 10978, holotype, 189.4 mm SL; B. ZRC 51203, paratype, 99.8 mm SL;
C. ZRC 51202, paratype, 227.3 mm SL; D. ZRC 51204, 370.0 mm SL.

Macrognathus kris 

Distribution. This species is currently known only from the Rungan River sub-drainage of the Kahayan River drainage in Central Kalimantan, Borneo ( Fig. 2). We hypothesize that it may occur also in neighboring sub-drainages within the Kahayan River drainage, or even in adjacent river drainages (e.g. the Mentaya River drainage). Further surveys are needed to confirm this.

Habitat. Macrognathus kris inhabits blackwater habitats associated with peat swamp forests. Sungai Panta (where some of the paratypes have been collected) is a blackwater feeder stream flowing into Rungan River, with alluvial forest and flooded forest habitats. Syntopic fish species include: Brevibora cheeya Liao & Tan, Crossocheilus pseudobagarius Duncker, Desmopuntius foerschi (Kottelat), D. johorensis (Duncker), D. rhomboocellatus (Koumans), Eirmotus cf. insignis Tan & Kottelat, Malayochela maassii (Weber & de Beaufort), Osteochilus pentalineatus Kottelat, O. spilurus (Bleeker), Striuntius lineatus (Duncker) ( Cyprinidae), Kottelatia brittani (Axelrod), ...., Betta anabatoides Bleeker, B. edithae Vierke, Luciocephalus aura Tan & Ng, Parosphromenus filamentosus Vierke, Sphaerichthys acrostoma Vierke, S. selatanensis Vierke, Trichopodus leerii (Bleeker) ( Osphronemidae), Achiroides sp. ( Soleidae), and Pao palembangensis (Bleeker) ( Tetraodontidae). The inhabitants are a mix of riverine—with mainly swamp forest and peat swamp—taxa.

Etymology. The kris is a wavy-bladed dagger carried and used by local nobility and warriors. The name is used as a noun in apposition, in allusion to the wavy or zigzag pattern on the body of the spiny eel and the general resting posture of the fish when viewed from above.

 

Heok Hee Ng and Heok Hui Tan. 2020. A New, uniquely patterned Spiny Eel (Teleostei: Mastacembelidae) from southern Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 4819(1); 170-178. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.9 

[Herpetology • 2025] Limnonectes meratusensis • Unveiling A New Species of Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from southeastern Borneo, Indonesia

 

Limnonectes meratusensis 

Gonggoli, Shimada, Nishikawa, Matsui, Larson, Smith & Hamidy, 2025   

DOI: doi.org/10.12782/specdiv.30.177 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394367011

Abstract

We describe a new species of anuran in the species complex of Limnonectes kuhlii (Tschudi, 1838) from the Meratus Mountain Range of Borneo Island, Indonesia. Mitochondrial DNA analysis places the new species as a sister of L. cintalubang Matsui, Nishikawa, and Eto, 2014. The new taxon differs from all other recognized species of L. kuhlii complex by a large genetic distance and a combination of morphological, bioacoustic, and larval characteristics. This discovery provides new insights into the taxonomic diversity of the L. kuhlii complex in Borneo, particularly within the Meratus Mountain Range, and highlights the importance of conserving this unique and understudied region.

Keywords: Limnonectes, new species, Meratus Mountain Range, mitochondrial DNA, molecular phylogeny

Dorsolateral, dorsal, and ventral views of Limnonectes meratusensis sp. nov.,
male holotype, MZB Amph 33611 (A–C), and female paratype, MZB Amph 33612 (D–F).
Scale: 10 mm. Photographs by Tomohiko Shimada.

Limnonectes meratusensis sp. nov. in life.
A, Non-vouchered specimens; B, holotype male, MZB Amph 33611, from Mt. Halauhalau, South Kalimantan;
C, female paratype, MZB Amph 31570; D, juvenile non-type, MZB Amph 31582, both from Mt. Lumut, East Kalimantan.
The green arrows indicate a distinctive double band pattern on the dorsum. Photographs by Tomohiko Shimada (A, B), Misbahul Munir, and Thornton Larson (C, D).

Ade Damara Gonggoli, Tomohiko Shimada, Kanto Nishikawa, Masafumi Matsui, Thornton Larson, Eric N. Smith and Amir Hamidy. 2025. Unveiling A New Species of Fanged Frog (Amphibia: Anura: Dicroglossidae) from southeastern Borneo, Indonesia. Species Diversity. 30(2); 177-191. DOI: doi.org/10.12782/specdiv.30.177 

  Researchgate.net/publication/394367011_A_New_Species_of_Dicroglossidae_from_SE_Borneo_Indonesia

  x.com/Species_Divers/status/1954047901061284022

[Ichthyology • 2025] Barbucca heokhuii • A New Species of loach (Teleostei: Barbuccidae) from central Borneo

 Barbucca heokhuii

 Kottelat, 2025

 

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 

Abstract

 Barbucca heokhuii, new species, is described from the Kahayan drainage in central Borneo. It is distinguished from the other species of the genus by its miniature size (the largest known specimen is 21.5 mm SL), a truncate to rounded caudal fin, an incomplete lateral line, and a distinctive colour pattern made, among others, of five pairs of irregular bars on the flank, narrower than interspaces, many of which may be dissociated into several small blotches. It occurs in syntopy with B. diabolica. Sexual dimorphism is reported for the first time for a member of the family; in males, the 2nd to 4th branched pectoral rays are thicker than the others and with a patch of small tubercles along their posterior edge. 

Key words. Cobitoidei, loach, miniature fish, sexual dimorphism, black water, peat swamp forest

 Barbucca heokhuii, ZRC 66766, 16.2 mm SL; Borneo, Kalimantan Tengah: Kahayan drainage.

(Photographs by Tan H. H.).

Barbucca heokhuii, new species  

 Diagnosis. Barbucca heokhuiiis distinguished from the other named species of Barbucca by having: a smaller adult size (the largest known specimen is 21.5 mm SL, vs. 37.2 in B. diabolica and 34.3 in B. elongata), a deeper body (depth at dorsal-fin origin 17–21 % SL, vs. 14–18 in B. diabolica and B. elongata); a truncate to rounded caudal fin (vs. emarginated); the lateral line incomplete, reaching to below posterior half of dorsal fin (vs. complete); absence of large tubercles on head and body (vs. presence on posterior part of flank, between above the tip of the pelvic fins and the base of the caudal fin); anus about halfway between pelvic-fin base ...

Etymology. Named for Tan Heok Hui (LKCNHM) in appreciation for his work on Southeast Asian fishes, and especially fishes of peat swamp forests and loaches of Borneo, and for the long lasting friendship, collaboration and companionship in the field. 

MAURICE KOTTELAT. 2025. Barbucca heokhuii, A New Species of loach from central Borneo (Teleostei: Barbuccidae). Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 54–66.

 Researchgate.net/publication/389338300_Barbucca_heokhuii_a_new_species_of_loach_from_central_Borneo

[Botany • 2025] Begonia bukitrayaensis & B. kalimantana (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • Two New Species from Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, Kalimantan, Indonesia

 

Begonia kalimantana Randi & Ardi, 

in Randi, Mustaqim, Kadhafi, Nursub’i et Ardi, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.1

Abstract

Two new species of Begonia were discovered during an expedition to Mount Bukit Raya, the highest peak in Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. Full descriptions with colour plates and distribution map are provided.

Begonia bukitrayaensis, Begonia kalimantana, herbs, national park,plant taxonomy, west Malesia, Eudicots

Begonia bukitrayaensis Randi & Mustaqim, sp. nov. 

§. Petermannia 

 

Diagnosis:—Begonia bukitrayaensis is similar to Begonia chakensis S.Julia & C.Y.Ling (2015: 108) in its creeping habit and ovate, asymmetric leaves, but differs in having glabrous vegetative parts except for stiff red bristle-like trichomes between the veins on the adaxial leaf surface (vs. densely pilose stems, petioles, and abaxial veins in B. chakensis). The leaves of B. bukitrayaensis have red-dentate margins and a rounded to slightly cordate base (vs. minutely serrate margins and an acute or slightly cordate base). The stipules are falcate with recurved margins and a cuspidate apex (vs. broadly ovate, serrate, and acute). Male flowers bear fewer stamens (25–28 vs. 39–40).

Begonia kalimantana Randi & Ardi.
A. Plant habit in the wild; B–C. Adaxial and abaxial surface of leaves; D. Stipule; E. Stem and inflorescences; F. Staminate flower (top view); G–H. Pistillate flower (top and side view).

Photographs: A. Randi (all from Randi AR-1366).

Begonia kalimantana Randi & Ardi, sp. nov. 

§. iPetermannia  

Diagnosis:—Begonia kalimantana resembles Begonia eutricha Sands (1997: 434) in erect habit with distichous and falcate leaves, however it can be easily distinguished by striking consistent color pattern, dark olive green with shiny silvery white stripe along the midrib (vs. plain green), lamina surface hirtellous (vs. densely hispid); shorter male flower pedicels 8–12 mm long (vs. 22–24 mm long); ovary reddish and glabrous (vs. ovary white tinged with pink, and covered with soft white erect hairs), wings margin glabrous (vs. ciliate), and longer ovary beaked 3–5 mm long (vs. 1 mm long).

Agusti RANDI, Wendy A. MUSTAQIM, Andi M. KADHAFI, Firasadi NURSUB’I and Wisnu H. ARDI. 2025. Two New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Bukit Baka Bukit Raya National Park, Kalimantan, Indonesia.  Phytotaxa. 704(2); 99-105. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.1 [2025-06-06]

[Botany • 2025] Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species of section Macrocaulia from Mount Bukit Raya, Indonesia [Contributions to the Orchid Flora of Kalimantan II]

Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense  Yudistira & Mustaqim,  

in Yudistira, RANDI, JOHARUDIN et Mustaqim, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.700.3.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391644817

 

Abstract

A new species of Bulbophyllum section Macrocaulia named Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense Yudistira & Mustaqim is described from the mid-montane forest zone of Mount Bukit Raya, Kalimantan Barat Province. It is similar to Bulbophyllum scabrum but differs in having the lower surface of the labellum with two times approaching margin undulation. The new species also have coarsely rugose upper ¼ surface of the labellum (vs smooth) and ovary covered by papillose-muriculate indumentum (vs glabrous). A full description, notes, and fresh photograph plates are given.

Bulbophyllum, endemic, epiphyte, taxonomy, West Malesia, Monocots

Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense (A) in its habitat alongside Bulbophyllum succedaneum J.J.Sm. (Smith 1927: 67).

Photographby Wendy A. Mustaqim.

 Bulbophyllum bukitrayaense Yudistira & Mustaqim sp. nov.

Yuda R. YUDISTIRA, Agusti RANDI, Didin JOHARUDIN and Wendy A. MUSTAQIM. 2025. Contributions to the Orchid Flora of Kalimantan II: A New Bulbophyllum sect. Macrocaulia from Mount Bukit Raya, Indonesia. Phytotaxa. 700(3); 251-256. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.700.3.1 [2025-05-09] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391644817_A_new_Bulbophyllum_from_Bukit_Raya_Kalimantan_Indonesia

[Botany • 2025] Hoya biruensis (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New night-blooming Species of Hoya from Borneo

Hoya biruensis Rodda & S.Rahayu,

in Rodda et Rahayu, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04787  

  facebook.com/MicheleRodda

illustration by Eunike Nugroho www.instagram.com/inikeke

Abstract

In the present paper, we describe Hoya biruensis, a new species from Borneo, Indonesia, West Kalimantan. It is characterised by a shrubby epiphytic pendulous habit, linear leaves, exceptionally long green peduncles produced at almost every node, and single, night-blooming flowers. We compare it to two morphologically similar species, H. spartioides and H. retrorsa, which are also endemic to Borneo.

Keywords: epiphyte, Hoya retrorsa, Hoya spartioides Indonesia, West Kalimantan

Hoya biruensis Rodda & S.Rahayu, sp. nov. 

illustration by Eunike Nugroho 

www.instagram.com/inikeke

 

Hoya biruensis Rodda & S.Rahayu, sp. nov.  

Michele Rodda and Sri Rahayu. 2025. A New night-blooming Species of Hoya (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) from Borneo. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04787 [17 April 2025]

 facebook.com/MicheleRodda/posts/10235199958194987

[Funga • 2024] Cyathus magnipilosus (Basidiomycota: Nidulariaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Borneo

Cyathus magnipilosus

in Góis, Cruz, Baseia et Hosaka, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3 

 x.com/RhudsonCruz 

 

Abstract

In this study, we present the first new species of Cyathus from Indonesia. Cyathus magnipilosus is characterized by having light-colored basidiomata, an exoperidium with long tomentum, single-layered cortex, black peridioles with a smooth surface and elongated basidiospores. The new species is presented with morphological illustrated description, and phylogenetic analyses using ITS and LSU sequences. Cyathus magnipilosus fits in the pallidum group, based on recent classifications. Comparative analyses with related taxa and a detailed discussion are provided as well as an identification key to the known species of Cyathus in the pallidum group for the world.

biodiversity, bird's nest fungi, new taxa, phylogeny, systematics, Fungi

 

Jefferson Dos Santos GÓIS, Rhudson Henrique Santos Ferreira da CRUZ, Iuri Goulart BASEIA and Kentaro HOSAKA. 2024. A New Species of Cyathus (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) from Kalimantan, Borneo.  Phytotaxa. 677(1); 66-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.677.1.3

  x.com/RhudsonCruz/status/1867030844831043887

[Crustacea • 2024] Lepidothelphusa menneri (Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae) • First Record of the Genus from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Lepidothelphusa menneri 

Ng & Wowor. 2024 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.3

 

Abstract

The gecarcinucid freshwater crab genus, Lepidothelphusa Colosi, 1920, is known only from Sarawak in northern Borneo, with six recognised species i.e. Lepidothelphusa cognettii (Nobili, 1903); L. flavochela Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. limau Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. loi Grinang & Ng, 2015; L. padawan Grinang & Ng, 2015; and L. sangon Grinang & Ng, 2015. The genus is now reported from Indonesian Borneo for the first time, from specimens recently collected from Gunung Kelam in Sintang Regency, Kalimantan Barat Province. Lepidothelphusa menneri n. sp. has a very distinctive tri-coloured pattern in life, unique among congeners. It can also easily be separated from congeners by carapace, epistome, male pleonal and male first gonopod characters.

Crustacea, taxonomy, Gecarcincoidea, new taxon, freshwater crab, western Borneo, Southeast Asia.

Peter K. L. Ng and Daisy Wowor. 2024. Lepidothelphusa menneri n. sp. (Crustacea: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae), First Record of the Genus from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5397(2); 218-224. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5397.2.3

 Researchgate.net/publication/377151155_Lepidothelphusa_menneri_n_sp__first_record_of_the_genus_from_Kalimantan_Indonesia

[Ichthyology • 2023] Phenacostethus sikat • A New Species of Phenacostethus (Atheriniformes: Phallostethidae) endemic to Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesian Borneo, reveals Deep mtCOI Divergence among Miniature Species

 

 Phenacostethus sikat

Parenti, Lumbantobing & Haryono, 2023

Raffles. Bull. Zool. 71; 

 twitter.com/DNLumbantobing

 Abstract

 Phenacostethus sikat, new species, is described from coastal drainages of Kalimantan Selatan, the southeastern province of Indonesian Borneo, that flow into the Java Sea and the Straits of Makassar. This discovery and description brings the number of valid species of priapiumfishes, the atheriniform subfamily Phallostethinae, to 24 and extends the known distribution of the phallostethines to drainages on the eastern margin of the modern Sunda Shelf. Phenacostethus sikat differs from congeners in features of the priapium, the complex bilaterally asymmetric, subcephalic copulatory organ of males, and is readily distinguished by a unique, brush-shaped seminal papilla in males, as opposed to a simpler, ruffled seminal papilla in Phe. smithi, its inferred sister species based on morphology, and a smooth seminal papilla in males of Phe. posthon and Phe. trewavasae. Males of Phe. sikat and Phe. smithi are either sinistral or dextral, the hooked toxactinium arises on the right or left side of the head and curves strongly under the head towards the aproctal side of the body. Males of Phe. posthon and Phe. trewavasae are exclusively dextral or sinistral, respectively. Males of Phe. sikat have an ossified inner pulvinular bone which is cartilaginous or absent in Phe. smithi. Males of Phe. sikat and Phe. smithi have a curved and pointed or blunt second ctenactinium as opposed to a highly reduced second ctenactinium in males of Phe. posthon and Phe. trewavasae. Females of the new species lack rudimentary pelvic fins which are present in adult females of Phe. smithi, Phe. posthon, and Phallostethus. The new species is also diagnosed by a colour pattern with few or no melanophores along the horizontal septum anterior to the anal-fin origin. The mtCOI sequences of Phe. sikat differ from those of congeners by 13.85–24.23%, with an average of 21.54%, an extraordinarily high level of divergence comparable to that of other diminutive fishes. Like congeners, Phe. sikat is a miniature species. The largest specimen known is an adult female just 15.3 mm SL.

  Key words. allopatry, DNA barcode, endemism, Phenacostethus sikat, Phenacostethus smithi, Sunda Shelf

  

Phenacostethus sikat, new species

 Lynne R. Parenti, Daniel N. Lumbantobing and Haryono. 2023. Description of A New Species of Phenacostethus (Atheriniformes: Phallostethidae) endemic to Kalimantan Selatan, Indonesian Borneo, reveals Deep mtCOI Divergence among Miniature Species. Raffles. Bull. Zool. 71; 553–571.

  twitter.com/DNLumbantobing/status/1707816683145146430

[Botany • 2023] Trichoglottis najibii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from eastern Kalimantan, Indonesia

Trichoglottis najibii Yudistira & Mustaqim,

in Yudistira et Mustaqim. 2023.

DOI: 10.7751/telopea17325

Researchgate.net/publication/372785307

  facebook.com/NjibMuhammad

Abstract

Trichoglottis najibii Yudistira & Mustaqim is described here as a species new to science based on a specimen collected from eastern Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. The most unique characteristics of this species are the the labellum’s lateral lobes adnate to the column and the 8–9 mm long cylindric and slightly curving spur. A detailed description, distribution, habitat and ecology, notes, illustrations, and photographs are provided for the new species.

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Indonesia, New Species, Trichoglottis

Trichoglottis najibii Yudistira & Mustaqim.
 A: inflorescences. B: flower frontal view. C: median sepal abaxial and adaxial side. D: petals abaxial and adaxial side. E: lateral sepal abaxial and adaxial side. F: ovary, column, and labellum lateral view. G: column and labellum ventral view. H: column and labellum lateral view. I: labellum on halved. J: column and ovary. K: column abaxial side. L: anther cap adaxial and abaxial side. M: pollinia.

Photographs by Yuda R. Yudistira (Voucher: M. Najib 001).

Trichoglottis najibii Yudistira & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: This species is unique among Trichoglottis in having the upper side of labellum lateral lobes adnate to the column for almost their entire length and cylindrical, slightly curving spur 8–9 mm long. 

Distribution: Endemic to East Kalimantan: known only from the type location. 

Habitat and Ecology: Lowland mixed forest, hilly area north of Sangkulirang Mangkalihat range, at elevation c. 70 m a.s.l. 

Etymology: This new species is named after Muhammad Najib, an orchid enthusiast from East Kalimantan, Indonesia who collected the only known specimen.

Yuda R. Yudistira and Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim. 2023. A New Species of Trichoglottis (Orchidaceae) from eastern Kalimantan, Indonesia. Telopea. 26: 127–131. DOI: 10.7751/telopea17325  

Researchgate.net/publication/372785307_A_new_species_of_Trichoglottis_from_eastern_Kalimantan_Indonesia

  facebook.com/NjibMuhammad/posts/1375524943028618