[Paleontology • 2026] Jinjuichnus procerus • New large Pterosaur Tracks from Korea and their implications on terrestrial behavior

Jinjuichnus procerus and tetrapod trackmakers. The neoazhdarchian trackmaker is following the small vertebrate.

Jung, Kim, Xing & Choi, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-48019-y 

illustration created by Jun Seung Yi.  

Abstract

Pterosaurs were important components of Mesozoic ecosystems, occupying diverse ecological niches from the Late Triassic to the end of the Cretaceous. Among them, neoazhdarchians have been hypothesized as terrestrial carnivorous based on anatomical and functional evidence, yet direct indications of predation on land have remained elusive. Here we report Jinjuichnus procerus ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov., a new pterosaur track discovered in the Jinju Formation of South Korea. The track, characterized by a compact and long metatarsus in its pedal configuration, is consistent with neoazhdarchian pterosaurs. The trackway is preserved in close association with a small tetrapod trackway that exhibits abrupt changes in direction and increased stride length. This association provides the potential ichnological evidence of terrestrial vertebrate interaction by a pterosaur. Nonetheless, an alternative interpretation of the two trackways remains possible, making it difficult to confirm any direct interaction between the trackmakers. The paired trackways offer insight into the factors to consider when evaluating potential interactions with the trackmaker. While scenarios such as predation remain ambiguous, they nonetheless highlight the interpretive complexity inherent in assessing behavioral associations preserved in trackway assemblages.

Life reconstruction drawing of Jinjuichnus procerus and tetrapod trackmakers. The neoazhdarchian trackmaker is following the small vertebrate. The illustration in this figure was created by Jun Seung Yi. Reproduced with permission from the copyright holder and published under CC BY 4.0 license.

Systematic ichnology

Pterosauria Kaup 1834.

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901.

Ichnofamily Agadirichnidae Masrour et al., 2018.

Ichnogenus Junjuichnus ichnogen. nov.

Etymology – The generic name Jinjuichnus combines Jinju, the location where the specimen was found, with Greek ichnus (ἴχνος), meaning “track.”

Ichnospecies Jinjuichnus procerus ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name procerus is a Latin adjective meaning “extended” or “elongated,” describing the notably elongated manus impressions.

  

Conclusion: 

A new pterosaur ichnotaxon, Jinjuichnus procerus et ichnogen. et ichnosp. nov., is described from the Lower Cretaceous Jinju Formation of South Korea. This trackway is characterized by a large size, highly elongated digit III, a blunt digit I, and a wide manus divarication angle, features that distinguish it from previously reported pterosaur ichnotaxa. Based on pedal morphology and comparative analysis, the trackmaker is most plausibly attributed to a neoazhdarchian pterosaur that inhabited the Korean Peninsula during the Early Cretaceous.

...

Jongyun Jung, Kyung Soo Kim, Lida Xing and Byung-Do Choi. 2026. New large Pterosaur Tracks from Korea and their implications on terrestrial behavior. Scientific Reports. 16: 12363. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-48019-y [16 April 2026]

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Doolysaurus huhmini • A New Dinosaur Species from Korea and its implications for early-diverging neornithischian diversity

 Doolysaurus huhmini

Jung, Kim, Jo & Clarke, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/fr.29.178152 

Abstract

The Korean dinosaur fossil record is exceptionally rich in trackways and eggs, yet skeletal remains are exceedingly rare. Two species have been described based on postcranial elements, and a taxon known from cranial materials has not yet been reported. Here, we report a new early-diverging neornithischian species, known from a small, partially articulated skeleton comprising cranial and postcranial elements as well as gastroliths. The specimen is from the mid-Cretaceous Ilseongsan Formation of Aphae Island (Aphaedo). X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) revealed the anatomy of the new species, including the first studied cranial remains of a dinosaur from Korea. The size and anatomical features of the specimen, along with histological analysis, indicate that it is not a fully grown individual, probably 0–2 years old. Gastroliths are present, with morphologies and a relative mass proposed to be consistent with a more omnivorous diet. Phylogenetic analyses recover the new species, Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov., as a thescelosaurid. The recovery of Doolysaurus with most other Asian thescelosaurids near the base of this clade provides further evidence for its origin and early biogeography. The new discovery suggests that other small dinosaur fossils may be found at Aphaedo or at sites with similar taphonomic conditions in Korea; Doolysaurus is consistent with richer dinosaurian diversity in the Cretaceous of Korea than is represented in its rich trace fossil record.

Key Words: Aphaedo, Doolysaurus huhmini, mid-Cretaceous, Neornithischia, Thescelosauridae, Shinan

Skeletal anatomy of Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov.

All scale bars are 10 mm. Artwork by Janet Cañamar.

Abbreviations: 4th tr: fourth trochanter; be: buccal emargination; boc: basioccipital condyle; bpro: boss for articulation with proatlas; bt: basal tubera; cc: cnemial condyle; cfo: carotid aorta foramen; cpc: coronoid process; dh: dorsal head; dtt: dentary tooth; ec: endocranial cavity; eoas: exoccipital articular surface; fm: foramen magnum; lc: lateral condyle; lw: lateral wing; mc: medial condyle; mkc: Meckelian canal; mt: metatarsal; mw: medial wing; mxt: maxillary tooth; ns: neural spine; oc: occipital condyle; pd: pedal digit; plp: posterolateral process; pop: paroccipital process; poz: postzygapophysis; prz: prezygapophyses; pscf: posterior semicircular canal foramen; ptf: posttemporal foramen.

An artist’s interpretation of a juvenile Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov.
 It is depicted alongside birds and other dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous in what is now South Korea.

Artwork by Jun Seong Yi.

 Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp.

Diagnosis. Doolysaurus huhmini is a small-bodied, early-diverging neornithischian dinosaur with the following unique combination of features recovered from analysis of the Fonseca et al. (2024) dataset, including one optimized autapomorphy (*): (1) the lateral condyle of the quadrate is larger than the medial condyle (shared with Orodromeus and Haya) (ch.196:2); (2) Exoccipital, relative positions of the exits of the hypoglossal nerve (XII) combined into a single exit (shared with Jeholosaurus) (ch. 254:2); (3) Basioccipital, contribution to the border of the foramen magnum more than 1/3 its basioccipital condyle size (shared with Fona) (ch. 261: 0); (4) the apex of the maxillary teeth is located posterior to the center (shared with ...

Etymology. The generic name Doolysaurus honors “Dooly the Little Dinosaur,” an iconic Korean cartoon baby dinosaur character created by Soo-Jung Kim in 1983; saurus is from the Greek σαῦρος (sauros), meaning “lizard.” The specific name, huhmini, honors Professor Dr. Min Huh, a paleontologist who conducted research on a theropod fossil nest from the Aphaedo site, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the study of dinosaurs in Korea over the past 30 years.

 Jongyun Jung, Minguk Kim, Hyemin Jo and Julia A. Clarke. 2026. A New Dinosaur Species from Korea and its implications for early-diverging neornithischian diversity. Fossil Record 29(1): 87-113. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/fr.29.178152 

https://blog.pensoft.net/2026/03/19/fossil-x-ray-reveals-new-species-of-baby-dino-named-after-iconic-korean-cartoon

[Paleontology • 2025] Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis • A New, Early Cretaceous carettochelyid Turtle (Trionychia: Carettochelyidae) from South Korea provides insights into Softshell Evolution and Aquatic Ecology

 

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis

Kim, J. Jung, Joyce, Park, H.-Y. Jung, Jo & Huh, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00415-z 

Abstract

Here, we present a new Cretaceous carettochelyid turtle, Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov., from the Lower Cretaceous Hasandong Formation of Yeosu, Korea. A nearly complete shell and select elements of the girdles and limbs provide crucial insight into the evolution and aquatic adaptation of this family. Phylogenetic analyses place Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis at the most basal position within Carettochelyidae. The mid-sized plastron of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis appears to be plesiomorphic for the group. The expansion of the plastron during carettochelyid evolution, especially during the Paleogene, may be an evolutionary response to increasing body size or the threat of mammalian predators. Although the shell of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis lacks distinct scute sulci, traces are apparent that are reminiscent of juvenile scutes in the extant Carettochelys insculpta, suggesting that scute loss was facilitated in trionychian evolution through the thickening of the epidermis. Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis possesses a plesiomorphic humerus with a proximally located lateral process and a sigmoidal shaft lacking torsion, implying rowing locomotion rather than the underwater flapping seen in more recent carettochelyids. The repeated acquisition of a softshell in two clades of trionychians during the mid-Cretaceous may be related to an environmental shift towards humid climates at that time, perhaps reflecting a remarkable adaptation to freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis, Early Cretaceous, Hasandong formation, Korea, Carettochelyidae, Paleoecology, Micro-CT

Systematic paleontology

Testudines Batsch, 1788

Cryptodira Cope, 1868

Trionychia Hummel, 1929

Carettochelyidae Gill, 1889

Geographical and geological settings of the type locality of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov. 
A, Geographical map of South Korea. B, Geological map of Gyeongsang Basin in South Korea. C, Geological map of Gwangyang Bay. D, Aerial photograph of Soneuk Island with adjacent islands. E, Photographs of the holotype in situ. The red asterisks indicate fossil locality

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov.
Photographs (A, C) and micro-CT generated three-dimensional models (B, D) of the holotype [KDRC-YS-SR-001]
A, B, shell in dorsal view. C, D, shell in ventral view.

Abbreviations: co, costal; ent, entoplastron; epi, epiplastron; hyo, hyoplastron; hypo, hypoplastron; nc, nuchal; ne, neural; pe, peripheral; py, pygal; spy, suprapygal; xip, xiphiplastron

 

Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis can be diagnosed as a member of Carettochelyidae by the presence of 10 pairs of peripherals, a single, triangular suprapygal, a thickened pygal with an anterior groove, plastral kinesis, a triangular entoplastron, and the absence of plastral scutes. It differs from other carettochelyids by the unique combination of the following characters: neurals and pygal lacking midline keel, neural series broad and continuous, a reversal of neural orientation at neural II, vermiculated peripheral ornamentation, absence of distinct carapacial scute sulci, a lack of paired nuchal processes, a relatively broad cruciform plastron, long cervical vertebrae, and a humerus with sigmoidal shaft and lateral and medial processes at the level of the humeral head.

Type Locality and Horizon—Soneuk Island, Yeosu, Republic of Korea, near the Aptian/Albian boundary, Early Cretaceous.

Etymology—The genus name ‘Byeoljubuchelys’ is derived from the combination of the Korean word ‘Byeoljubu’, a turtle character in Sugungga, one of the epic tales of Pansori (a traditional Korean musical storytelling art), and the Ancient Greek word ‘chelys’ meaning turtle. The species name ‘yeosuensis’ is derived from Yeosu City, where the fossil was found.

 

The peripherals and pygal of KDRC-YS-SR-001, holotype of Byeoljubuchelys yeosuensis gen. et sp. nov. 
Interpretive drawing of carapace in dorsal view and micro-CT generated three-dimensional models of peripherals in dorsal and posterior view. Dotted lines express the reconstructed outline of peripherals and pygal. pe, peripheral

 

 

Minguk Kim, Jongyun Jung, Walter G. Joyce, Jae-Il Park, Hye-Yeon Jung, Hyemin Jo and Min Huh. 2025. A New, Early Cretaceous carettochelyid Turtle from South Korea provides insights into Softshell Evolution and Aquatic Ecology. Swiss Journal of Palaeontology. 144, 75. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s13358-025-00415-z [08 December 2025]

[Chilopoda • 2025] Strigamia asiatica, S. laterisetosa, S. obliquidentata, ... • Taxonomy of the Strigamia Centipedes (Geophilomorpha: Geophilidae) from the East Asian Mainland

H. Strigamia longiglanda sp. nov., holotype; I. S. dianguiensis sp. nov., holotype; J. S. obliquidentata sp. nov., holotype;
L. S. ziyunensis sp. nov., holotype; M. S. asiatica sp. nov., holotype.
G.  S. laterisetosa sp. nov., holotype; N, O. live specimens of S. laterisetosa (Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China; photo by Chao Jiang).

Jiang & Yu, 

in Yu, You et Jiang, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.160146 

Abstract

In this study, 15 centipede species of the genus Strigamia Gray, 1843 were recorded from the East Asian mainland, including 7 newly discovered species: S. asiatica Jiang & Yu, sp. nov., S. dianguiensis Jiang & Yu, sp. nov., S. laterisetosa Jiang & Yu, sp. nov., S. longiglanda Jiang & Yu, sp. nov., S. obliquidentata Jiang & Yu, sp. nov., S. xizangensis Jiang & Yu, sp. nov. and S. ziyunensis Jiang & Yu, sp. nov. Strigamia monoporus (Takakuwa, 1938) was proposed as a nomen dubium because it was likely derived from immature specimens and lacked sufficient diagnostic information. A key to Strigamia species from the East Asian mainland is provided.

Key Words: Chilopoda, distribution, morphology, new species, taxonomic key

Forcipular segments of Strigamia spp. (A–M).
A. S. svenhedini (Verhoeff, 1933) (spm. CMMI 20220903086); B. S. japonica (Verhoeff, 1935) (spm. CMMI 20231128001D); C. S. tenuiungulata (Takakuwa, 1938) (spm. CMMI 20230414002D); D. S. bicolor Shinohara, 1981 (spm. CMMI 20210227106);
E. S. platydentata Shinohara, 1981 (spm. CMMI 20210702003D); F. S. korsosi Bonato, Bortolin, Drago, Orlando, Dányi, 2017 (spm. CMMI 20191031044);
G.  S. laterisetosa sp. nov., holotype; H. S. longiglanda sp. nov., holotype; I. S. dianguiensis sp. nov., holotype; J. S. obliquidentata sp. nov., holotype; K. S. xizangensis sp. nov., paratype; L. S. ziyunensis sp. nov., holotype; M. S. asiatica sp. nov., holotype.
N, O. live specimens of S. laterisetosa (Zhoushan, Zhejiang Province, China; photo by Chao Jiang).

Scale bars: 250 μm (A–M).

 Yifei Yu, Chunxue You and Chao Jiang. 2025. Taxonomy of the Strigamia centipedes from the East Asian Mainland (Geophilomorpha, Geophilidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2065-2101. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.160146 

[Arachnida • 2025] Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis, S. yamigulensis ... • Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis

Jeong, Harms, Yoo & Kim, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375

Abstract

Karst research in Korea is still in its infancy and the invertebrate fauna of subterranean systems across the country is poorly known. One of the very diverse lineages in caves across Korea, the pseudoscorpions, are almost undocumented although they represent stunning examples of cave adaptations and troglomorphism. In this study, we provide a phylogenetic hypothesis for the pseudoscorpion Spelaeochthonius Morikawa, 1954 (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae) in South Korea; a genus that exclusively occurs in caves across China, Japan and the Korean Peninsula. We report seven species of which four are newly described and illustrated based on molecular, distributional and morphological data: Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., S. geumgulensis sp. nov., S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. and S. yamigulensis sp. nov. All species are strongly cave-adapted and known from a single cave or karst system only, emphasizing the need to implement conservation strategies for Korean karst systems and their fauna.

 

Habitus of Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov.
A. Holotype male, dorsal view; B. Holotype male, ventral view;
C. Paratype female, dorsal view; D. Paratype female, ventral view.

Scale bar: 1 mm.

Spelaeochthonius dugigulensis sp. nov., 

S. geumgulensis sp. nov., 

S. magwihalmigulensis sp. nov. 

S. yamigulensis sp. nov.

Kyung–Hoon Jeong, Danilo Harms, Jung-sun Yoo and Sora Kim. 2025. Four New Species of Dragon Pseudoscorpions (Pseudoscorpiones: Pseudotyrannochthoniidae: Spelaeochthonius) from Caves in South Korea revealed by integrative taxonomy. PLoS One. 20(7): e0325375.  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0325375 [July 9, 2025]

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron tyaihyonii & R. kantoense • Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae)

 

  the Rhododendron keiskei complex. B–D, Morphological comparisons of:
B, Rhododendron keiskei Suzuki (1932) R. keiskei var. keiskei;
C, Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum;
D, Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. Rhododendron sp.

in Sakaguchi, H.-J. Choi, Yoichi, Takahashi, ..., H.-J. Choi et S.-C. Kim, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288 

 facebook.com: Shota Sakaguchi

 — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

 

Abstract

Unraveling species boundaries is pivotal for evolutionary biology and conservation endeavors. However, it proves challenging in instances where recent speciation is intertwined with complex demographic histories and natural selection processes. The Rhododendron keiskei complex, an evergreen rhododendron distributed in East Asia, consists of a widespread variety (R. keiskei var. keiskei) and a more restricted R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Intriguingly, the latter is exceptionally rare yet displays a disjunction that spans approximately 1100 km. This study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary backgrounds of the enigmatic disjunctions of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and to propose species delimitation within the species complex. An integrative approach, combining genomic data (MIG-seq and GBS-derived SNPs) with Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of leaf microstructures was adopted in this study. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant divergence among the studied rhododendrons. Genetic demographic analyses favored the population models that assumed non-monophyly of two disjunct populations of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum indicating their independent origins. Recent gene flow between the widespread R. keiskei var. keiskei and “var. hypoglaucum” populations were limited due to geographic and habitat isolation factors, even in areas where their distributions overlap. Detailed morphological assessments detected distinctions between morphologically similar “var. hypoglaucum” populations based on leaf microstructures and flowering habits. Our study has shown that the apparent disjunctions of rare rhododendrons are more likely attributed to morphological convergence, possibly due to similar environmental selections in unrelated taxa. The finding highlights the importance of an integrative approach for resolving taxonomic challenges in plant species complexes.

Keywords: demographic modeling, disjunct distribution, East Asia, endangered species, phylogeny, species delimitation

A) Rhododendron tyaihyonii; B) R. kantoense; C) R. keiskei 

R. keiskei var. keiskei

R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum (R. kantoense nom. & stat. nov.)

Rhododendron sp. (R. tyaihyonii sp. nov.; formerly identified as var. hypoglaucum)

A, The geographic distribution of the Rhododendron keiskei complex.
B–D, Morphological comparisons of: B, R. keiskei var. keiskei; C, R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum; D, Rhododendron sp. 
E, Comparison of leaf blade morphology of three taxa, based on the voucher specimens (suppl. Table S1). Note that the leaf morphological variation of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and Rhododendron sp. overlap. — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. 

Distribution: SOUTH KOREA. Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Samseon-myeon. Narrowly endemic to Daesambudo Island.

Ecology: The plants are found on the northern slope of Daesambudo Island. They inhabit coastal rocky places with the evergreen woody species of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Camellia japonica L, Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “tyaihyonii”, is named in honor of Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971), known as the father of plant taxonomy in Korea and the first curator of Sungkyunkwan University Herbarium (Ha Eun Herbarium, SKK). We have a better understanding of Korean flora thanks to his work in the early to mid-1900s.

Korean name: Seom-Jin-Dal-Rae.

Japanese name: Chosen-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

English name: Tyaihyon's rhododendron.

Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. 

≡ Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum Suto & T.Suzuki in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Formosa 22: 23. 1932 

– Holotype: JAPAN. Kanto District, Tochigi (Shimotsuke), Kanuma, Mt. Ozaku, 1 May 1931, E. Kitamura ST3902 (TAI barcode TAI 119040 [image!] [fl.]; isotype: TNS barcode TNS 55292 [image!]).

Note: Rhododendron kantoense is similar to R. tyaihyonii, the differences being: the latter has petiole 4–7 mm long; stomata type anomocytic; inflorescence with 2–6 flowers.

Distribution: JAPAN. Kanto, Prefectures of Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama and Tokyo. Endemic to the chert and limestone mountain ridges of Kanto District.

Etymology: The specific epithet “kantoense” is derived from the Kanto District, where this species is distributed.

Japanese name: Urajiro-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

Korean name: Il-bon-Huin-Jin-Dal-Rae.

English name: Kanto rhododendron.

 

Shota Sakaguchi, Hee-Joo Choi, Watanabe Yoichi, Daiki Takahashi, Shun K. Hirota, Masayuki Maki, Shoki Murakami, Taichi Harada, Nobuo Kobayashi, Yuji Kurashige, Jun-Ho Song, Hyeok-Jae Choi and Seung-Chul Kim. 2024. Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae). TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288

  facebook.com/100008375208096/posts/3904914266464375

[Botany • 2024] Chrysosplenium insularis (Saxifragaceae) • A New Species from the southern islands of South Korea

 Chrysosplenium insularis J.E.Jang, K.H.Lee & H.Y.Gil,

in Jang, Park, Lee, Kim et Gil, 2024. 

섬괭이눈 || DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.248.131291

Abstract

We describe a new species, Chrysosplenium insularis J.E.Jang, K.H.Lee & H.Y.Gil, belonging to the family Saxifragaceae, from the southern islands of the Republic of Korea. Chrysosplenium insularis is morphologically similar to C. japonicum (Maxim.) Makino but can be distinguished by fairly persistent bulbils, green to yellowish-green sepals, four stamens, and cylindrical papillose seeds. Chrysosplenium insularis is also distinguished from C. alternifolium L., which is distributed in Europe, northern Russia, and the Caucasus, by the absence of stolons and green bracts. Phylogenetic analyses, based on one nuclear ribosomal (ITS) and two chloroplast (rbcL, matK) regions, confirmed that the new species was monophyletic and that C. insularis and C. alternifolium formed a sister relationship with robust support. Herein, we provide a detailed morphological description of C. insularis with its corresponding geographical distribution and comparison table and figures of related species.

Key words: Chrysosplenium, morphology, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

Holotype of Chrysosplenium insularis.

 Chrysosplenium insularis
A habit B bulbils C stem D basal leaf E inflorescence, F bracteal leaves G flower H, I capsule J seed.

Photographs by Ju Eun Jang and Kang-Hyup Lee.

 Chrysosplenium insularis J.E.Jang, K.H.Lee & H.Y.Gil, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Chrysosplenium insularis differs from C. japonicum in having fairly persistent bulbils, green to yellowish-green sepals, four stamens, and cylindrical papillose seeds.

Etymology: The specific epithet “insularis” refers to its distribution on islands.

Vernacular name: Island golden saxifrage: Seom-gwaeng-i-nun (섬괭이눈).

 Ju Eun Jang, Beom Kyun Park, Kang-Hyup Lee, Hyuk-Jin Kim and Hee-Young Gil. 2024. Description and Phylogenetic Position of A New Species, Chrysosplenium insularis J.E.Jang, K.H.Lee & H.Y.Gil (Saxifragaceae), from the southern islands of South Korea. PhytoKeys. 248: 91-104. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.248.131291

[Paleontology • 2024] Theropod Trackways as indirect evidence of Pre-avian Aerial Behavior

The animal responsible for Dromaeosauriformipes rarus tracks is believed to be a small microraptorine related to the ancestors of birds.

in Dececchi, Kim, Lockley, Larsson, Holtz, Farlow et Pittman, 2024.

DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2413810121 

facebook.com/PalaeoPittman  cmns.UMD.edu

artwork: Julius Csotonyi.  

Abstract

Body fossils set limits on feasible reconstructions of functional capacity and behavior in theropod dinosaurs, but do not document in-life behaviors. In contrast, trace fossils such as footprints preserve in-life behaviors that can potentially test and enhance existing reconstructions. Here, we demonstrate how theropod trackways can be used as indirect evidence of pre-avian aerial behavior, expanding the approaches available to study vertebrate flight origins. This involved exploring the behavioral implications of a two-toed Cretaceous-aged theropod trackway produced by a small, bird-like microraptorine moving at high speed. Applying first principle running biomechanics, we were able to conclude that the trackway is atypical, indirectly evidencing pre-avian aerial behavior. This trackway documents the evidence of wing-assisted aerodynamic force production during locomotion, supporting a broader distribution of this behavior than currently known. These findings support previously proposed aerial behavior in early bird-like theropods, showing how trackways will help to deepen our understanding of theropod flight origins.

Illustrated reconstruction of Dromaeosauriformipes rarus running along the muddy shore of an ancient lake.

artwork: Alex Boersma

The animal responsible for Dromaeosauriformipes rarus tracks is believed to be a small microraptorine related to the ancestors of birds.

artwork: Julius Csotonyi.  

 T. Alexander Dececchi, Kyung Soo Kim, Martin G. Lockley, Hans C.E. Larsson, Thomas R. Holtz Jr., James O. Farlow and Michael Pittman. 2024. Theropod Trackways as indirect evidence of Pre-avian Aerial Behavior. PNAS. 121 (44) e2413810121. DOI: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2413810121 

facebook.com/PalaeoPittman/posts/1955746624888160

   facebook.com/JuliusCsotonyi/posts/10159909081901396

Researchers Solve Mystery of ‘Dinky’ Dinosaur’s Unusually Long Stride 

UMD paleontologist Thomas R. Holtz Jr. helped recreate the movements of a bird-sized raptor, shedding new light on the origin of flight.

https://cmns.UMD.edu/news-events/news/thomas-holtz-helps-solve-mystery-microraptorine-footprints

[Ichthyology • 2024] Limnichthys koreanus • A New Species of creediid fish (Acropomatiformes: Creediidae) from Korea

Limnichthys koreanus 

Lee & Kim, 2024

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1214.128977

Abstract

Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov. is described on the basis of the holotype and 11 paratypes from subtidal waters of Seogwipo, Jeju Island, Korea. The new species had previously been regarded as the Northern Hemisphere population of the anti-equatorial L. fasciatus, but molecular analyses of mitochondrial COI and 16S genes recovers deep genetic divergences of 9.4% and 15.0% between the new species and topotypical specimens of L. fasciatus. Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov. is distinguished from all other species of Limnichthys based on the following combination of colouration and morphological characteristics: 38-40 vertebrae; 0–6 dorsal saddles joining mid-lateral stripe; small infraorbital sensory pores; a single median interorbital pore; and well-developed vomerine teeth. Summary characters for comparative congeneric species are provided.

Key words: benthic species, Jeju Island, sand burrower, taxonomy

Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov.
A holotype, MABIK PI00060703 (PKU 63120), 37.3 mm SL, Moseulpo B paratype, MABIK PI00060704 (PKU 63121), 38.4 mm SL, Moseulpo C paratype, MABIK PI00060705 (PKU 63122), 40.0 mm SL, Moseulpo D paratype, PKU 21528, 34.5 mm SL, Moseulpo
E paratype, PKU 21529, 33.6 mm SL, Moseulpo F paratype, PKU 21530, 33.4 mm SL, Moseulpo G paratype, PKU 22626, 33.8 mm SL, Seongsanpo H paratype, PKU 22627, 35.7 mm SL, Seongsanpo.

Scale bars indicate 10 mm. Left images showing lateral views; right images showing dorsal views. Voucher numbers are annotated in the bottom right corner of each image. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Acropomatiformes Gill, 1893 

(new Korean name: Ban-dit-bul-ge-reu-chi-mok)

Creediidae Waite, 1899 

(new Korean name: Byeol-ba-ra-gi-gwa)

Limnichthys Waite, 1904 

(new Korean name: Byeol-ba-ra-gi-sok)

 Limnichthys koreanus sp. nov.

 English name: Korean sand burrower; 

new Korean name: Tti-byeol-ba-ra-gi

Diagnosis: Combined number of dorsal and anal fin rays 52–55; vertebrae 38–40; lateral line scales 42–46; a single median interorbital pore; vomerine teeth well developed; pelvic girdle separated each other; dorsal saddle patterns 5–9; dorsal saddles joining mid-lateral stripe 0–6 (Fig. 3A, Table 2).

Etymology: The epithet of the new species, koreanus, refers to the type locality (Korea) where the species were collected.

 

Yu-Jin Lee and Jin-Koo Kim. 2024. Limnichthys koreanus, A New Species of Creediid Fish (Teleostei, Acropomatiformes, Creediidae) from Korea. ZooKeys. 1214: 59-75. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1214.128977

[Botany • 2020] Tofieldia ulleungensis (Tofieldiaceae) • A New Species, endemic to Ulleungdo Island, Korea

Tofieldia ulleungensis H. Jo,  

in Jo, Ghimire, Ha, Lee et Son, 2020. 

DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2020.50.3.343 

 Researchgate.net/publication/344299369

 

Abstract

Tofieldia ulleungensis, a new species of the genus Tofieldia from the Nari Basin on Ulleungdo Island, Korea, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to T. yoshiiana var. koreana in terms of the plant height and in that it has having a long raceme, whitish tepals, and whitish stigma, but can be readily distinguished from the latter by the presence of 1-2 linear cauline leaves, a slightly bent leaf apex, basal leaves which are twice as wide, a shorter pedicel, a revolute style, and crescent-shaped seeds.

Keywords: Tofieldiaceae; Tofieldia ulleungensis; endemic; Ulleungdo Island; Korea

Tofieldia ulleungensis.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence. C. Two-ranked leaves. D. Leaf apex. E. Flower (top view). F. Flower (abaxial view). G. Flower (side view). H. Pistil with three styles. I. Stamen. J. Tepal and stamen. K. Fruit (top view). L. Fruit (side view). M. Capsule. N. Seeds.

Illustrations by Hyeryun Jo.

  Holotype of Tofieldia ulleungensis. 

Tofieldia ulleungensis. 
 A. Plant habit. B. Plant. image of the holotype. C. Inflorescence. D. Basal leaf. E. Basal leaf margin. F. Cauline leaf. G. Flower. H. Pistil, stamen, and tepal. I. Capsule. J. Seed.

Photographs by Kang-Hyup Lee and Hyeryun Jo.

Tofieldia ulleungensis H. Jo, sp. nov.

Hyeryun JO, Balkrishna GHIMIRE, Young-Ho HA, Kang-Hyup LEE, Dong Chan SON. 2020. Tofieldia ulleungensis (Tofieldiaceae): A New Species, endemic to Ulleungdo Island, Korea. Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomy. 50(3); 343-350.DOI: doi.org/10.11110/kjpt.2020.50.3.343

  Researchgate.net/publication/344299369_Tofieldia_ulleungensis_A_new_species_endemic_to_Ulleungdo_Korea

[Entomology • 2024] Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae • A peculiar Insular Race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of Mountain Formation of the Island

  

 Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu,  

 

in Hsu​, Lo et Lin. 2024. 

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17172

Abstract 

A peculiar population of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) was discovered from the Yinggeling Mountain Mass of central Hainan. Its wing pattern and COI barcode data show considerable distinction from other geographic populations of R. nivea, including that of Bawangling, approximately only 40 km away and also located in Hainan. The p-distance value of the COI barcode between the Yinggeling and Bawangling populations was 1.1%, considerably higher than the value (0.6%) between Bawangling population and populations in eastern China, where the subspecific name howarthi Saigusa, 1993 applies. The population is regarded as a distinct subspecies ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov. The distinctness and high degree of COI haplotype diversity of R. nivea found in Hainan and Taiwan suggest continental islands may serve as glacial refugees for the butterfly and other organisms during previous glaciations, and the presence of the relict populations of montane butterflies like R. nivea may provide useful clues towards a better understanding of the geological history of mountain formation within islands.

Adults of Ravenna nivea.
(A) ssp. howarthi Saigusa, male, upperside, Bawangling, Hainan. (B) Undersides. (C) Same, female, upperides. (D) Undersides.
(E) ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov., paratype, male, upperside, Yinggeling, Hainan. (F) Undersides. (G) Same, holotype, female, upperside. (H) Undersides.

Adults of Ravenna nivea ssp. ngiunmoiae Lo & Hsu, subsp. nov., Yinggeling, Hainan. 
paratype, male, (E) upperside, (F) Underside. 
holotype, female,(G) upperside. (H) Underside.

 

Yu-Feng Hsu​, Yik Fui Philip Lo and Rung-Juen Lin. 2024. Discovery of A peculiar Insular Race of Ravenna nivea (Nire, 1920) (Lepidoptera: Lycaenidae) endemic to Yinggeling Mountain of Hainan, suggesting heterogeneous geological history of Mountain Formation of the Island. PeerJ. 12:e17172 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17172

[Entomology • 2022] Dichetophora koreana & D. nigricorpa • First Record of the Snail-killing Fly Genus Dichetophora Rondani (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) in Korea, with Descriptions of Two New Species

  Dichetophora nigricorpa  

Son & Suh, 2022

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5068.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/356219392

Abstract

This paper provides the first report of the snail-killing fly genus Dichetophora Rondani, 1868 on the Korean peninsula with the discovery of two new species, D. koreana sp. nov. and D. nigricorpa sp. nov. Descriptions and illustrations of the new species and keys to the Palearctic species of this genus are given.

 Keywords: Diptera, Dichetophora koreana, Dichetophora nigricorpa, new species, Korea

 

  Dichetophora nigricorpa sp. nov. (male, holotype).
habitus in left lateral view.

Yeongjin Son and Sang Jae Suh. 2022. First Record of the Snail-killing Fly Genus Dichetophora Rondani (Diptera: Sciomyzidae) in Korea, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Zootaxa. 5068.1; 125-132. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5068.1.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/356219392_First_record_of_Dichetophora_in_Korea

[Botany • 2019] Allium ulleungense (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species endemic to Ulleungdo Island, Korea

Allium ulleungense  H. J. Choi & N. Friesen,

in Choi, S. Yang, J.-C. Yang et Friesen, 2019.  

DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2019.49.4.294

Abstract
Allium ulleungense (subg. Anguinum, Amaryllidaceae), from Ulleungdo Island, Korea, is described as a new species. It is clearly distinguished from its close relatives, A. microdictyon and A. ochotense, by its broader leaves and larger whitish perianth and by its diploid chromosome number, which is 2n = 2x = 16. The lengths of the chromosomes range from 11.3 to 15.75 μm. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using nuclear and chloroplast markers also clearly indicate that A. ulleungense is genetically distinct from other species of the subg. Anguinum.

Keywords: Amaryllidaceae, Anguinum, Allium ulleungense, Ulleungdo Island, Korea

Allium ulleungense. A. Habit. B. Tunic. C. Scape. D. Shape of scape in cross section. E. Inflorescence. F. Flower. G. Tepal and filament arrangement. H. Pistil. I. Capsule. J. Seed.

Illustrations by Hyeryun Jo.

Allium ulleungense. A. Habit (from the holotype). B. Inflorescence. C. Underground structure and bulb tunic (r, rhizome). D. Tepal and filament arrangement.  

Allium ulleungense H. J. Choi & N. Friesen, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “ulleungense,” is based on the name of the location, Ulleungdo Island, where Allium ulleungense was discovered.

Comparative photographs of inflorescences, flowers, tepal and filament arrangement, and leaf blades of Allium ulleungense (A–D), A. microdictyon (E–H), and A. ochotense (I–L).

 
Hyeok-Jae CHOI, Sungyu YANG, Jong-Cheol YANG and Nikolai FRIESEN. 2019. Allium ulleungense (Amaryllidaceae), A New Species endemic to Ulleungdo Island, Korea. Korean Journal of Plant Taxonomists. 49(4); 294-299. DOI: 10.11110/kjpt.2019.49.4.294