[Fungi • 2026] Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata • Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Hypocreales: Polycephalomycetaceae) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records

  

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata 

in Shahbaz, Mohadden, Rong, Wei et Seelan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1

 

Abstract

Pleurocordyceps is a group of hyperparasites that infects invertebrates, plants, and other fungi. It belongs to the family Polycephalomycetaceae, a newly established family separated from Ophiocordycipitaceae, order Hypocreales which includes several genera such as Dingleyomyces, Paradingleyomyces, Perennicordyceps, Pleurocordyceps, and Polycephalomyces. Pleurocordyceps currently comprises 26 species reported from South American and Asian regions In Asia, Malaysia has diverse forest ecosystems and rich fungal diversity; however, no previous studies have been reported on the occurrence of Pleurocordyceps species. The aim of the study is to explore the Pleurocordyceps diversity tropical rainforests of Malaysia using morpho-molecular analyses. During a fungal survey in Malaysia, fungicolous fungus associated with ants and cicadas nymphs were collected and subjected to morphological and molecular assessments. Two genetic loci—the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region and the translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF-1α) gene—were used to construct both individual and concatenated phylogenetic trees. The study describes a new species, Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. (BORH/F03651) from an ant, and two new records of P. aurantiaca (BORH/F03651), and P. nipponica (UTHM-CEF003.1) from Diptera and cicada nymph, respectively. These findings expand the knowledge of the geographic distribution of Pleurocordyceps and provide the first baseline data for the genus in Malaysia, thereby improving understanding of the diversity and evolutionary relationships within Polycephalomycetaceae.

arthropod hosts, entomopathogenic fungi, Pleurocordyceps, synnema, three taxa, typification, Fungi

Pleurocordyceps cornusynnemata sp. nov. 

MUHAMMAD SHAHBAZ, FIRDZA ZULKARNAIN MOHADDEN, JEREMIAH SIA YIAO RONG, YAP JING WEI and JAYA SEELAN SATHIYA SEELAN. 2026. Taxonomy and Phylogeny of Pleurocordyceps (Polycephalomycetaceae, Hypocreales) associated with Ants and Cicadas from Malaysia, including A New Species and New Records.  Phytotaxa. 750(4); 219-237. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.4.1 [2026-04-09]

[Fungi • 2026] Leptobacillium geminatum • A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) from Sabah, Malaysia

Leptobacillium geminatum

in Shahbaz, De Wint, Rong, Wei, Koid, Fayle, Tan, Abdullah, Palaniveloo et Seelan, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 

Abstract

Simplicillium and Leptobacillium are entomopathogenic fungal genera frequently associated with arthropods in tropical ecosystems and considered promising candidates for biological pest control. However, the diversity of these genera in tropical regions, particularly in Malaysia, has not been systematically investigated in the context of their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships. This study aimed to investigate the taxonomic diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium using integrated morphological and molecular analyses. During a survey of entomopathogenic fungi conducted in Malaysia from 2022–2023, parasitized insects were collected, including spiders and wasps infected by entomopathogenic fungi. Phylogenetic analyses were performed using concatenated datasets of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS) and translation elongation factor 1-alpha (TEF1-α) gene to construct phylogenetic trees. The study identified one novel species, Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov., isolated from a spider. In addition, five species are reported here as new records for Malaysia: S. formicae, L. leptobactrum. symbioticum, and L. coffeanum isolated from spiders and S. puwenense, isolated from a wasp. Morphological characteristics together with molecular phylogenetic evidence supported the taxonomic placement of these taxa. These findings represent the first comprehensive documentation of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium species from Malaysia, significantly expanding the known diversity and geographical distribution of these entomopathogenic fungi in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: concatenation, fungal diversity, morphology, Northern Borneo, taxonomy

 Leptobacillium geminatum sp. nov.

Muhammad Shahbaz, Frederik C. De Wint, Jeremiah Sia Yiao Rong, Yap Jing Wei, Qian-Qun Koid, Tom Fayle, Yee Shin Tan, Sumaiyah Abdullah, Kishneth Palaniveloo, Jaya Seelan Sathiya Seelan. 2026. A New Species of Leptobacillium and Additional Records of Simplicillium and Leptobacillium from Sabah, Malaysia. New Zealand Journal of Botany. 64(2); DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70107 [02 June 2026] 

[Crustacea • 2026] Geosesarma penrissen • A New Species of Vampire Crab of the Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892 (Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from A montane forest in southwestern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo

 

Geosesarma penrissen

Grinang, P. Y. C. Ng & P. K. L. Ng, 2026 

 

The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 74; 

Abstract 

 A new species of semiterrestrial crab, Geosesarma penrissen, new species, is described herein from Mount Penrissen in southwestern Sarawak, Malaysia. It represents the third species of Geosesarma known from the montane forests of Borneo, the other two being G. larsi Ng & Grinang, 2018 from Mount Ampungan in Serian, Sarawak, and G. aurantium Ng, 1995 from Mount Silam in Sabah. Diagnostic characters distinguishing G. penrissen, new species, from its congeners are provided, together with ecological notes on its highland habitat. 

Key words. freshwater crab, semiterrestrial, taxonomy, lowland forest, comparative morphology

Geosesarma penrissen, new species, live colouration.
A–C, holotype male (10.6 × 10.2 mm) (ZRC 2024.0567); D, paratype male (10.7 × 10.5 mm) (ZRC 2024.0171); E, adult male, on shrub, Batu Panggah trail, photographed 2311 hrs; 6 July 2023 (not collected); F, subadult, on shrub, Batu Panggah trail, photographed 2118 hrs, 6 July 2023 (not collected).

All specimens from Sarawak. E, F, photographed by Chien Lee.

 Geosesarma penrissen, new species

Diagnosis. Carapace almost square, width-to-length ratio 1.01–1.07, lateral margins gently sinuous, subparallel (Figs. 1A, D, 2A–D, 5A, C, F, 6A, D); dorsal surface with welldefined regions, anterior regions covered with small, rounded or flattened, squamate granules (Figs. 1A, C, E, F, 2A–D, 5A, C, E, 6A, D); front deflexed, with 2 broad subtruncate lobes, separated by shallow median concavity; postfrontal, protogastric lobe prominent, sharp-edged (Figs. 1A, C, D, 2A–D, 3A, 6C, F); external orbital tooth acutely triangular, outer margins curving anteriorly, tooth directed obliquely and laterally, clearly extending beyond lateral margin of carapace (Figs. 2A–D, 5A, C, E, 6A, D). Merus of third maxilliped ...

JONGKAR GRINANG, PAUL Y. C. NG and PETER K. L. NG. 2026. A New Species of Vampire Crab of the Genus Geosesarma De Man, 1892 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from A montane forest in southwestern Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo. The Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 74; 457–464.

[Botany • 2026] Bau djinna (Araceae) • A New Species from the Rejang Basin, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo [Schismatoglottideae of Borneo LXXX]

Bau djinna S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay, 

in Wong, Boyce et Hay, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70063

ABSTRACT

Bau djinna is described as a new species from Central Sarawak and compared with three species to which it is most similar. Recognition of B. djinna takes the genus to 27 species, 25 of which are endemic to Borneo. A brief note is provided on Schismatoglottis ambigua, a recently published name synonymous with Bau inculta. The paper also introduces the term ‘anthomorph’ for the flowering structure that in general is termed an inflorescence in the Araceae and explains why the term ‘bloom’ that the authors have employed previously is unsatisfactory.

Bau djinna.
 (A) Plant in habitat, the distinctive quilted leaf blades are clearly seen. (B) Stem ascending and rooting adventitiously. (C) Detail of petiole showing the longitudinal ridges and denticulate edges. All images the authors.

Bau djinna.
(A) Cluster of sequentually-maturing anthomorphs, the largest (oldest) at pistillate antheses. The cluster-preceding much-reduced foliage leaf and the prophyll associated with the second oldest anthomorphs are visible. (B) Anthomorph at end of staminate antheses with the spathe limb deliquessing. (C & D) Anthomorph at pistillate anthesis showing the full extent to which the spathe limb opens. All images the authors.

Bau djinna S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay, sp. nov  

 

  Diagnosis: Bau djinna belongs to a group of species in which during anthesis the spathe limb barely opens. Within this group B. djinna is vegetatively most similar to B. amosyui (S.Y.Wong, S.L.Low & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce (Figure 1B) and B. hendrikii (S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce (Figure 1C), differing from both by the plain deep green leaf blades and an ascending-rooting stem (vs leaf blades habitually silver variegated and stems clumping and abbreviated). Bau djinna is further distinguished from B. amosyui by lacking a partially naked interstice separating the pistillate and staminate florets, by the subcylindric (vs conical) pistillate zone long-obliquely inserted (vs barely obliquely inserted) and the blunt-tipped cream (vs pointed yellow) spadix appendix. From B. hendrikii B. djinna is distinguished by the conical stout pale green pistillate zone (vs rather slender cylindrical emerald-green), dense (vs rather lax) pistillate florets, button-like (vs broadly disk-like) stigma, and the blunt-tipped cream (vs pointed yellow) spadix appendix.

  Etymology: Djinn, in the context of ‘hidden beings’, originates from Arabic, an extension of the word meaning to hide, conceal, or cover, emphasizing the elusive and unseen nature of djinn, who are believed to inhabit a realm parallel to humans reflecting the belief that these beings are invisible to humans. Here the word is used in the feminine nominative, djinna, in the sense that the spadix is concealed by the hardly opening spathe.

Wong Sin Yeng, Peter C. Boyce and Alistair Hay. 2026. Schismatoglottideae (Araceae) of Borneo LXXX: Bau djinna, a New Species from the Rejang Basin, Sarawak. Feddes Repertorium. 137(1); e70063. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70063 [10 March 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & H. jeraiensis • Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia

 

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & 
Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis 

 Hong, Anuar, Grismer & Quah, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822

 

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses of newly discovered populations of Hemiphyllodactylus from sky-islands across Peninsular Malaysia using the mitochondrial gene ND2, recovered two new upland species embedded within the harterti group. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island and H. jeraiensis sp. nov. from Gunung Jerai are sister species with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.6% between them. Together, they formed the sister lineage to H. cicak from Penang Hill, with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.9–4.8% and 4.5–5.7%, respectively. Given that these three populations occur on mountain tops isolated by lowland habitat and the Straits of Malacca, gene flow between them is highly unlikely, and there are unique combinations of characters that differentiate them from one another, as well as from all other species of the harterti group. The time-calibrated BEAST phylogeny shows that the harterti group diversified across the uplands of Peninsular Malaysia in the Oligocene and Pleistocene, which is consistent with climatic fluctuations during this period. During the Middle Oligocene, the ancestral population of the harterti group diverged into two distinct populations, one in the Banjaran Titiwangsa and another in the Banjaran Timur. These two populations then radiated independently across Peninsular Malaysia, giving rise to at least nine additional species within the harterti group.

Keywords: Endemic species, herpetofauna, Gunung Jerai, integrative taxonomy, Kedah, Langkawi Island, Southeast Asia

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island.
A Male holotype (LSUHC 15050) B Female paratype (LSUHC 15081) C Female paratype (LSUHC 15082).

Photographs by L. Lee Grismer.

 Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. 

Suggested English common name: Langkawi Island slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Pulau Langkawi 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 35.6 mm; 5–7 chin scales; enlarged postmentals; four or five circumnasal scales; one or two scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine or 10 supralabials; 10 infralabials; 15 or 16 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven or eight ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 4454 or 4554 or 4555; lamellar formula on foot 4554 or 4565 or 4675 or 5655; four subdigital lamellae on first finger and four or five on first toe; 44 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; one cloacal spur on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to at least base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘puncak’ is the Malay word for peak and named in reference to this species being found on the peak of Gunung Raya on Langkawi Island.

 Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov.

 Suggested English common name: Gunung Jerai slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Gunung Jerai 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 36.5 mm; seven chin scales; enlarged postmentals; five circumnasal scales; three scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine supralabials; nine infralabials; 12 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 2333; lamellar formula on foot 2333; two subdigital lamellae on first finger and two on first toe; 39 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; two cloacal spurs on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘jeraiensis’ is in reference to the type locality of this species on Gunung Jerai, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia.

Zijia Hong, M. S. Shahrul Anuar, L. Lee Grismer and Evan S. H. Quah. 2026. Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 1-32.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822 [16 Jan 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Sarawakia khoonmengiana (Araceae) • A New rheophytic Species from southwest Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo [Schismatoglottideae of Borneo LXXIX]

Sarawakia khoonmengiana S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce,
 

in Wong & Boyce, 2025. 

 Sandakania. 27;

Photos: Boyce P.C.

Sarawakia khoonmengiana is described and illustrated as a new species from Lanjak Entimau Wildlife Sanctuary, southwest Sarawak, where it is restricted to exposed shale riverbanks.

Sarawakia khoonmengiana S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce.
A. Plants in habitat on vertical silt-covered shales. B. Detail of leaf blade venation, abaxial surface. C. Bloom at pistillate anthesis shown in natural position. D, E. Bloom at staminate anthesis with spathe limb characteristically degrading. Note damage to the appendix in D, and the perpetrators, chrysomelid beetles. F. Bloom at late pistillate antheses with nearside spathe artificially removed, note the expanded interstice staminodes.

Photos: Boyce P.C.

Comparison of spadix morphology of five Sarawakia species.
A. Sarawakia clausula. B. Sarawakia khoonmengiana. C. Sarawakia larynx. D. Sarawakia petradoxa. E. Sarawakia rejangica. Spadix of each with spathe partially or completely removed. Photos: Boyce P.C.

Wong Sin Yeng & Peter C. Boyce. 2025. Schismatoglottideae of Borneo LXXIX: Sarawakia khoonmengiana, A New rheophytic Species from southwest Sarawak, with a conspectus of plant names dedicated to Wong Khoon Meng. Sandakania. 27; 277-284.

[Ichthyology • 2025] Eugnathogobius ganuensis • A New Species of Eugnathogobius (Gobiidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

Eugnathogobius ganuensis

Koreeda, Seah & Motomura, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040071

Abstract

The new estuarine goby Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp. is described from 5 specimens (4 males: 27.0–31.5 mm standard length; 1 female: 27.5 mm standard length) collected from a small ditch in the lower reach of the Terengganu River basin, east coast of Peninsular Malaysia. The new species is easily distinguished from other congeners, except E. kabilia, by the following a combination of characteristics: 16 segmented caudal-fin rays; 30 or 31 longitudinal scale lows; high first dorsal fin (especially in males); no head pores; shoulder with oblique black band; transverse black markings on each scale; paired black blotches on caudal-fin base; and distinct black dots on upper caudal fin. Although E. kabilia is very similar to the new species, the latter has a shorter jaw in males (well-extended in the former), high first dorsal fin (low), first dorsal-fin second spine length > 16.8% of standard length (<13.6%), throat yellowish in the fresh condition (whitish), and a yellowish second dorsal fin (reddish in males of E. kabilia). Because the type locality of the new species is clearly not a natural environmental feature and no salinity during the low tide, despite being included in the tidal area, the true habitat is suggested as being the upper reaches of estuarine areas. 

Keywords: taxonomy; morphology; Calamiana; South China Sea

 Fresh holotype (male) of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp. (UMTF 13296, 30.0 mm SL).

Fresh paratypes of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp.
((A): KAUM–I. 219716, male; (B): KAUM–I. 219718, male;
(C): UMTF 13297, male; (D): KAUM–I. 219721, female).

Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp.

Type locality (A) and live individuals (B–D) of Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp., Terengganu, Peninsular Malaysia.

White and black arrows indicate E. ganuensis n. sp. and Oxyeleotris urophthalmus, respectively.

 Reo Koreeda, Ying Giat Seah and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2025. A New Species of Eugnathogobius (Gobiidae) from Peninsular Malaysia. Taxonomy. 5(4), 71. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040071 [17 December 2025]

 

[Botany • 2025] Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae) • A New mitriform Species of Thismia sect. Geomitra from Selangor, Malaysia

 

Thismia selangorensis  Siti-Munirah & Gim Siew,  

in Siti-Munirah, Siew, Mat-Tahir et Azhar, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968 

Abstract

Thismia selangorensis, a distinct mitriform species of the mycoheterotrophic genus Thismia, is described herein. It was first discovered in a tree hole on a riverbank in Taman Eko Rimba Sungai Chongkak, Selangor, Malaysia. This new species is superficially similar to members of Thismia section Geomitra in that it has coralliform roots, inner tepals forming a mitre with three appendages on top, and stamens with a prominent dorsal rib. However, T. selangorensis differs from known species of T. sect. Geomitra in several morphological features, including the colour of the flowers, the shape of the mitre, the shape of the inner tepal lobes forming the mitre, and the presence of translucent reticulation on the inner surface of the floral tube. Thismia selangorensis is provisionally classified as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Ecopark, endemic, Geomitra, mitre, achlorophyllous plant, Southeast Asian flora, taxonomy

Thismia selangorensis.
 A. Plants with flowers and roots; B. Top view of mitre (inner tepals); C. Side view of inner tepal; D. Ovary, stigma, and style; E. Floral tube with mitre removed and minute triangular outer tepal; F. Longitudinal section of floral tube with three stamens; G. Outer view of three pendulous stamens; H, I. View of inner side of floral tube, upper part (H), lower part (I); J. Bract; K. Leaf. Drawn by Mohammad Aidil Nordin from the spirit material (FRI 79179 & 79180).

Thismia selangorensis.
A. A plant with full flower and coralliform roots; A1. Claviform tip of mitre appendage; B. Outer tepal and filaments; C. Inner tepal forming a mitre; D. Floral tube and mitre; E. Mitre viewed from above; F. Floral tube with ovary and flower bud surrounded by bracts and tepals split on apex; G. Longitudinal section of floral tube, showing inner part (H); H. Inner surface of floral tube; I. Top view of stamens; J. Inner view of a stamen; K. Outer view of a stamen; L. Six stamens viewed from below; M. Stigma. Photos by Siti-Munirah MY and Mohd Faizal; all from FRI 79179 & 79180; images not to scale (see dimensions in description and Fig. 2).

Thismia selangorensis in its natural habitat.
A. Young flower that is not yet fully developed (uncollected plant); B. Mature flower living just beside the roots of a tree buttress (uncollected plant); C. A clump of T. selangorensis at different stages in its natural habitat (FRI 79182); D. A clump of flowers showing a different stage of mitre (FRI 79179 & FRI 79180). Photos by Gim Siew (A–C) and Mohd Faizal (D).

 Thismia selangorensis Siti-Munirah & Gim Siew, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Thismia selangorensis differs from other species of Thismia sect. Geomitra in the following combinations of characteristics: the flower is white to brownish with peach colouration; the distal part of inner tepals is arrow-like with distinct basal lobes, perfectly connate to each other when young, partly splitting on the sutures with age; mitre is wide and resembling a large umbrella, convex and trilobed when viewed from above in younger flowers, flat and irregularly hexalobed in old flowers.

 Mat Yunoh Siti-Munirah, Tan Gim Siew, Mohd Faizal Mat-Tahir and Ahmad Azhar. 2025. Thismia selangorensis (Thismiaceae): A New mitriform Fairy Lantern Species from Selangor, Malaysia.  PhytoKeys. 267: 9-21. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968 [28 Nov 2025]

[Entomology • 2021] Nisitrus crucius, N. malaya, N. rindu, ... • Revision of the Cricket Genus Nisitrus Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae) and Descriptions of Five New Species

 

[A, B, D] Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.

[E, F, G] N. vittatus (Haan, 1844). 

in Tan, Wahab, Japir, Chung et Robillard. 2021. 

 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.761.1449 

facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

ABSTRACT

Nisitrus Saussure, 1878 is a diurnal and monophyletic group of eneopterine crickets found in parts of Southeast Asia. Species often have vivid colourations which make them charismatic photograph subjects among macro photographers. However, their taxonomy has not been revised since their original descriptions, whereas there are also species awaiting to be discovered and described. A synoptic revision is therefore needed prior to studying the phylogenetic relationships of the genus, and before undertaking more precise studies on biogeography and evolution of traits. By holistically incorporating information about general morphology, male and female genitalia, and bioacoustics, we revise the taxonomy of these crickets and recognise 10 valid species of Nisitrus. Five new species are described: N. crucius Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo; N. danum Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo; N. hughtani Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Sumatra; N. malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Malay Peninsula; and N. rindu Robillard & Tan sp. nov. from Borneo. We redescribe N. brunnerianus and N. insignis; describe the calls of N. malaya sp. nov., N. musicus and N. vittatus. We consider N. sumatrensis as a junior synonym of N. insignis; and N. marginata as a junior synonym of N. vittatus. Nisitrus hyalinus requires further revision. We also consider N. maculosus as a dubious name.

 

Keywords: Nisitrini, key, lectotype, redescription, Southeast Asia

 

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Orthoptera Latreille, 1793

Suborder Ensifera Chopard, 1920

Superfamily Grylloidea Laicharting, 1781

Family Gryllidae Laicharting, 1781

Subfamily Eneopterinae Saussure, 1874

Tribe Nisitrini Robillard, 2004

A–D. Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.
E–H. N. vittatus (Haan, 1844). 
Adult ♂♂ (A–B, E–F) and ♀♀ (C–D, G–H) in their natural environment.

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

Genus Nisitrus Saussure, 1878

Type species: Nisitra vittatus (Haan, 1844).

Remarks on type species: Kirby (1906) and Chopard (1968) listed N. vittata as the type species of Nisitra and treated the original type species N. marginata Walker, 1869 as a synonym of N. vittata. Subsequent authors listed N. vittatusas the type species of the replacement name Nisitrus, although Otte (1994) reinstated N. marginatus as a valid species (Braun 2013 in Cigliano et al. 2020). The present revision revalidates the synonymy of N. marginatus under N. vittatus, making N. vittatus the valid type species of the genus.

Diagnosis (emended from Robillard & Tan 2013) Among genera of Eneopterinae, Nisitrus is characterised by an elegant, wasp-like, slender and colourful body (Figs 7–9). Size average for subfamily. Colouration vivid, dominantly yellow, whitish and black, with species-specific patterns, particularly in the head (Figs 10–11), pronotum (Figs 11–12) and FWs (Figs 12–14). Characteristic head shape with narrow fastigium and large prominent eyes with thin dorso-ventral black stripes. Pronotum setose, square-shaped to slightly trapezoidal, usually bisinuated posteriorly. Metanotum with large glandular structures in males, made of a wide pit on scutum and a pair of posterior pits on scutellum, with glandular pores mostly organised by groups of 2 or 3 (Fig. 15). FWs more or less as long as abdomen. Male Nisitrus show modified FW venation and characteristic glossy transparency. Hindwings longer than FWs, bicoloured in most species, their base transparent with a wide dark posterior margin. Legs long and thin, FIII with a characteristic narrowed area before knee. Other general traits: TI with two tympana, inner one slit-like, covered by a swollen cuticular expansion; outer tympanum oval, its membrane transversally plicate in dorsal half. TI with three apical spurs; outer dorsal spur missing. TII with four apical spurs, inner longest. TIII with three inner and three outer apical spurs, median longest on each side; four pairs of subapical spurs, inner and outer spurs almost straight, their apex hook-like; TIII serrulate over whole length, slightly furrowed dorsally. Tarsomeres III-1 with one row of dorsal spines on external edge in addition to apical spines. Apical claws of legs slightly indented. Both males and females show characteristic genitalia.

Nymphs in their natural environment.
A–C. Nisitrus malaya Robillard & Tan sp. nov.
 D–F. N. vittatus (Haan, 1844).

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

Ming Kai Tan, Rodzay bin Haji Abdul Wahab, Razy Japir, Authur Y.C. Chung and Tony Robillard. 2021. Revision of the Cricket Genus Nisitrus Saussure (Orthoptera: Gryllidae: Eneopterinae) and Descriptions of Five New Species. European Journal of Taxonomy. 761(1), 1-75. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.761.1449 

Researchgate.net/publication/353514179_Revision_of_Nisitrus

 facebook.com/100004187887445/posts/2025765667573010

facebook.com/ArthurCHUNG123799/posts/2025765667573010

  

[Crustacea • 2022] Borneosa gen. nov., Borneosa bario, B. kapit, B. serrata, ... • Establishment of A New Bornean Genus of Gecarcinucidae (Brachyura), with Descriptions of Five New Species

Borneosa bario 
B. sarawakensis
B. kapit 

Ng & Grinang, 2022 

DOI: doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2022.61-13 

The freshwater gecarcinucid species from Borneo previously referred to Sundathelphusa Bott, 1969, are transferred to a new genus. Borneosa gen. nov. can be diagnosed by the presence of a distinct frontal median triangle that is shorter than the frontal margin, a relatively longer male thoracic sternum in which the sternopleonal cavity reaches more anteriorly, and a male first gonopod that has the terminal segment prominently covered with long setae. The eight species recognised: B. tenebrosa (Holthuis, 1979), B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), B. brachyphallus (Ng, 2015), and five new species, B. niah, B. bario, B. kapit, B. sarawakensis and B. serrata; can be distinguished by characters of the frontal median triangle, epibranchial tooth, anterolateral margin, third maxillipeds, ambulatory legs, male sternum, male pleon and male first gonopod.   

Key words: Freshwater crab, Gecarcinucoidea, New species, New genus, Malaysia, Brunei, Indonesia, Taxonomy, Distribution, Key

A, type locality of Borneosa sarawakensis sp. nov., Sungei Musing, first order stream feeding Batang Ai reservoir, Sri Aman, Sarawak;
B, B. sarawakensis sp. nov., holotype male (35.5 × 28.1 mm) (ZRC 2021.0516), Batang Ai, Sarawak (freshly preserved);
C, B. kapit sp. nov., paratype male (32.3 × 25.6 mm) (ZRC 2021.0520), Sungei Lebau, Pelagus, Kapit, Sarawak (freshly preserved).  

Colour in life. A–C, Borneosa aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), female (44.5 × 33.7 mm (ZRC 2013.746), Temburong, Brunei; D, E, B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), female (44.1 × 33.1 mm) (ZRC 2014.845), Temburong, Brunei; F, G, B. aspera (Ng & Stuebing, 1989), male (32.3 × 25.4 mm) (ZRC 2014.845), Temburong, Brunei;
H, B. bario sp. nov., holotype male (29.6 × 23.1 mm) (ZRC 2021.0692), Bario, Sarawak; I, B. bario sp. nov., paratype male (31.1 × 23.9 mm) (UNIMAS.C.00011), Bario, Sarawak; J, B. bario sp. nov., Sungei Lawan, tributary of Sungei Tutoh, Baram basin, Miri, specimen not caught.

Photographs: A, B, Mohd. Abdul Majid; C–F, Low Yee Wen. 

  

Peter K. L. Ng and Jongkar Grinang. 2022. Establishment of A New Bornean Genus of Gecarcinucidae (Crustacea: Brachyura), with Descriptions of Five New Species. Zoological Studies. 61:13. DOI: doi.org/10.6620/ZS.2022.61-13 (05 May 2022 ) 

[Ornithology • 2025] Birds of a feather: Comprehensive Plumage Colour Analysis for A Revised Subspecies Classification of the Chestnut-winged Babbler Cyanoderma erythropterum species complex

Map of Southeast Asia showing type localities (large flag markers) and collection localities of museum specimens (small circles) for the various taxa described under Cyanoderma erythropterum and C. bicolor.

 

in Teo, Sin, Nieves et Rheindt, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.avrs.2025.100307 

Images of Babblers modified from Eaton et al. (2016).

 

ABSTRACT

Quantitative analysis of colouration is an essential tool for subspecies delimitation but has always posed a challenge in avian taxonomy. In this study on the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) species complex from tropical Southeast Asia, we made use of colour measurements taken with digital cameras and applied two methodologies—(1) the 75% subspecies rule on quantitative colourimetric variables, and (2) the CIEDE2000 colour distance method to generate phylograms, which has probably never been applied in taxonomy before. Given its large number of described subspecies, many of which have been synonymised in modern taxonomies, the species complex serves as an appropriate model to test subspecies validity. Our data indicate that one synonymised subspecies (C. e. apega), from the islands of Bangka and Belitung, requires re-instalment and recognition, whereas one widely recognised subspecies (C. e. fulviventre), from the Banyak Islands, should be synonymised. Our approach also allowed us to redraw geographic subspecies boundaries. Our work indicates that current subspecies taxonomies of many poorly known tropical species may remain error-ridden and highlights the importance and viability of large-scale taxonomic revisions targeting avian subspecies globally while incorporating quantitative colourimetric approaches.

Keywords: Chestnut-winged Babbler, Colour distance, Subspecies boundaries, Subspecies rule, Taxonomy

Map of Southeast Asia showing type localities (large flag markers) and collection localities of museum specimens (small circles) for the various taxa described under Cyanoderma erythropterum and C. bicolor.
Flag markers are positioned precisely at type localities except in the case of C. e. pyrrhophaeum, whose type locality is ill-defined as ‘Sumatra’. Subspecies that are widely synonymised are shown with the same colour (both in font and type locality flag) as the taxon under which they are usually subsumed. Underlined names refer to subspecies that have widely been accepted prior to this study. Red dots indicate the localities of specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (Singapore), while light-blue dots indicate the localities of specimens from other museums. Black stippled lines represent subspecies boundaries widely followed prior to this study, while yellow stippled lines represent revised subspecies boundaries proposed in this study. The dark-grey shaded area in Borneo reflects remaining uncertainty around the boundary between C. b. bicolor and C. b. rufum.

Images of babblers modified from Eaton et al. (2016).

Conclusions: 

Our results validate the current synonymisation of neocarum and sordidum with erythropterum, and of pellum with pyrrhophaeum. Our data also show that a widely recognised subspecies, fulviventre from the Banyak Islands, is indistinct in plumage and should be synonymised with pyrrhophaeum. Subspecies apega from the Bangka and Belitung islands is widely synonymised in modern taxonomies, but emerged as distinct in its crown colouration, exhibiting a pattern that would render it intermediate between C. erythropterum and C. bicolor. We advocate a resurrection of this subspecies, and confirm its placement within C. erythropterum on the basis of vocal data. Our examination of specimens indicates that the subspecies boundary between rufum and bicolor is much further south than widely assumed, although we do not rule out the possibility that rufum may form part of a cline of crown colour across Borneo.

The following is our proposed subspecies taxonomy for the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) complex:

● Cyanoderma erythropterum (Blyth, 1842): 

Chestnut-winged Babbler

○ C. e. erythropterum (Blyth, 1842) – Type locality: Singapore

■ Range: Thai-Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Riau Islands, Natuna Islands

■ Synonyms: sordidum Baker, 1917; neocarum Oberholser, 1932

○ C. e. pyrrhophaeum (Hartlaub, 1844) – Type locality: “Malacca and Sumatra” (here restricted to Sumatra, as Malacca was a trading hub)

■ Range: Sumatra, Batu and Banyak Islands

■ Synonyms: pellum Oberholser, 1912; eripellum Oberholser, 1922; fulviventre Richmond, 1903

■ Main diagnosis: Grey breast darker than erythropterum

○ C. e. apega Oberholser, 1922 – Type locality: Tanjong Tedong, Bangka Island

■ Range: Bangka Island and Belitung Island

■ Main diagnosis: Incomplete chestnut crown with front half being slate grey unlike complete chestnut crown in erythropterum and pyrrhophaeum

● Cyanoderma bicolor (Blyth, 1865): 

Bicoloured Babbler

○ C. b. bicolor (Blyth, 1865) – Type locality: Labuan (Malaysian Borneo)

■ Range: Northern and central Borneo, Banggi Island

○ C. b. rufum (Chasen & Kloss, 1927) – Type locality: Sampit, south coast of Kalimantan

■ Range: Southern Borneo, likely found only across the Central Kalimantan Depression

■ Main diagnosis: Rufous colouration extending to the nape, and even to some extent to the crown, unlike the grey colouration observed in bicolor

Shen Han Teo, Yong Chee Keita Sin, Mayjean Marie Ines Nieves and Frank E. Rheindt. 2025. Birds of a feather: Comprehensive Plumage Colour Analysis for A Revised Subspecies Classification of the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) species complex. Avian Research. In Press, 100307. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.avrs.2025.100307  [4 October 2025]