[Cnidaria • 2025] Pavona giannii • A New Reef-dwelling Coral (Hexacorallia: Scleractinia: Agariciidae), with an overview of the skeletal morphology of the type specimens of the genus Pavona

 

Pavona giannii  

Benzoni, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.167263

Abstract

Hard coral species in the agariciid genus Pavona are common in shallow and mesophotic coral reef communities across the Indo-Pacific, but their taxonomy has long been overlooked. Pavona giannii sp. nov. is here described based on newly collected material across the Indian Ocean, and historical museum specimens. In vivo and skeletal morphological features are described, diagnostic characters measured, and comparison with congeners performed. The new species forms an encrusting corallum devoid of raised ridges on its surface. Its corallites are flush with the surface, not inclined, and less than half a corallite diameter apart. Corallites arrangement is thamnasteroid and series can form locally. Where they occur, the radial elements run over the shared walls to the adjacent series’ corallites creating a ladder-like arrangement similar to that observed over the ridges in congeners like Pavona varians and Pavona chiriquiensis. Despite the lack of ridges, P. giannii sp. nov. has morphological affinities with these two species. However, based on previously published morphometrics and meristics, P. giannii sp. nov. corallites are larger and more crowded, and the primary septa are longer and more numerous. In vivo, the new species is distinguished by fully extended white to beige tentacles during the daytime, giving it a white-bearded appearance. Despite the ecological relevance of Pavona corals, a taxonomic revision of the genus is overdue, and the existing molecular studies indicate that it is polyphyletic. Here, the proposed placement of P. giannii sp. nov. in the genus is based on morphological evidence alone and phylogenomic analyses are currently in progress.

Key words: Morphometrics, museum collections, reef-building coral, skeletal morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Pavona giannii sp. nov. MNHN-IK-2012-14233
A. the whole colony in situ at Hyllanyia Island, Bir Ali, Yemen, prior to sampling and B. corallum of the sampled fragment. C. Top view of the corallum showing corallite arrangement and the position of some of the corallite series boundaries (dashed pink lines) marked by the presence of parallel radial elements running over and across them, and D. side view showing its even surface given by equally high and flat top margins of S1 and S2 septa, and the deep-seated fossae. Scale bars: 1 cm (B); 5 mm (C, D).

Pavona giannii sp. nov. in situ.
A. Typically white extended tentacles in the colony, from which specimen UNIMIB BAL252 was collected, encrusting a submassive Porites (living portion at the top right-hand side) at Balhaf, Yemen; B. Colony of UF 17957, Mirbat, Oman; C. Fully extended white tentacles covering the whole surface of the colony of UNIMIB SO078 at Socotra Island, Yemen; D. Colony with partially retracted tentacles allowing the polyps’ white oral disks to show, Mahé Island, Seychelles; E. Colony of UNIMIB MY069 at Mayotte Island; F. Colony with white tentacles and grey oral disks Balhaf, Yemen; G. Close-up of the polyps of colony UNIMIB BU049 with beige tentacles and white oral disks at Burum, Yemen.

 Francesca Benzoni. 2025. A New Reef-dwelling Coral, Pavona giannii sp. nov. (Scleractinia, Agariciidae), with an overview of the skeletal morphology of the type specimens of the genus Pavona. ZooKeys. 1260: 123-147. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.167263

[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]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Filistriatus gen. nov. • Unlocking the Genomic Potential of Historical and Formalin-fixed Specimens: Phylogenetic insights from Museum-preserved Threadfin Fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae)

Filistriatus gen. nov. Girard  
(A) Filistriatus plebeius (Broussonet 1782), Fresh specimen (USNM 471329) in lateral view.

Neurocranium in dorsolateral view of: 

(B) F. bifurcus (Motomura, Kimura & Iwatsuki 2001); (C) F. sexfilis (Valenciennes 1831);
 (D) Polydactylus virginicus (Linnaeus, 1758); (E) Leptomelanosoma indicum (Shaw, 1804) 

 in Girard​ et Chovanec, 2025.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20029

Abstract 

DNA sequencing continues to revolutionize our understanding of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution. While analyzing sequence data allows us to address countless questions, most of the world’s vertebrate museum specimens have been historically inaccessible for genetic sampling. This is partially due to the absence of modern genetic samples and/or the impact formalin has on DNA during the preservation of specimen vouchers. Recent studies have shown successful extraction of DNA from historic museum specimens using additional chemicals and/or exposing the sample(s) to heat, with these advances enhancing the possibility of capturing genomic information from type specimens, characterizing genetic diversity within species complexes, and incorporating rare samples into phylogenetic analyses. However, questions remain about the reliability of these data and utility of historic DNA in modern phylogenetic analyses. In this study, we use a commercial extraction kit that targets formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples to successfully extract DNA from historic museum specimens of threadfin fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae). These specimens represent rare, genetically uncharacterized taxa that have yet to be included in a phylogenetic analysis. Low-depth shotgun sequencing is then used to sequence mitochondrial loci from the historic samples. The resulting sequence data are assembled, validated, and incorporated into a newly generated mitochondrial dataset that is simultaneously analyzed with a previously published ultraconserved-element dataset to construct a phylogenetic framework. We then explore new and previously described morphological variation within this new evolutionary framework for threadfins, identifying several shared characters that warrant revision of the generic-level classification. These findings add to the growing body of literature that demonstrates sequencing historical DNA from museum specimens and analyzing these data with complementary datasets of molecular markers from modern genetic samples can provide reliable and comprehensive assessments of biodiversity, ecology, and evolution across fishes and other vertebrates.

Morphology relating to the monophyly of Filistriatus gen. nov.
 (A) Fresh specimen of Filistriatus plebeius gen. nov. (USNM 471329) in lateral view.
(B) Neurocranium of F. bifurcus gen. nov. (USNM 76627) in dorsolateral view. (C) Neurocranium of F. sexfilis gen. nov. (CSIRO C261) in dorsolateral view.
(D) Neurocranium of P. virginicus (FMNH 104648) in dorsolateral view. (E) Neurocranium of L. indicum (USNM 357716) in dorsolateral view.

Left frontal and medial supraorbital canal commissure colored in (B–E), with isolated colored frontals below each whole neurocranium. Arrow I indicates dark stripes along the longitudinal scale rows above the lateral line. Faint stripes also present along the longitudinal scale rows below the lateral line. Arrow II indicates reduced lateral pore of the supraorbital canal. Arrow III indicates reduced medial commissure of sensory canal on the dorsal surface of the frontal. Arrow IV indicates pronounced lateral pore of the supraorbital canal that is visible when viewing the side of the neurocranium. Arrow V indicates elevated medial commissure of sensory canal. Scale bars = five mm.

Taxonomic modifications to the Polynemidae

Filistriatus gen. nov. Girard  

Diagnosis: a genus of small-to-moderately-sized threadfins differentiated from all other genera of the Polynemidae by the following combination of characters: 7–9 dark stripes along the longitudinal scale rows above the lateral line, 7–9 faint stripes along the longitudinal scale rows below the lateral line, reduced lateral pore of the supraorbital canal, reduced sensory canal commissure on the dorsal surface of the frontal, 5–6 free pectoral-fin rays, and 54–72 lateral-line scales.

Type species: Polynemus sexfilis Valenciennes 1831

Included species: Polydactylus bifurcus Motomura, Kimura & Iwatsuki 2001, 

Polydactylus plebeius (Broussonet 1782), 

Polydactylus sexfilis (Valenciennes 1831), 

Polydactylus siamensis Motomura, Iwatsuki & Yoshino 2001.

Etymology: the generic name refers to the thread-like fin rays of the pectoral fin and the diagnostic stripes along the lateral flanks [fili (Latin) = thread and striatus (Latin) = striped]. Gender masculine.

Remarks: “Polydactylus” siamensis was characterized by several longitudinal dark stripes along the flank, 5 pectoral filaments, and 54–58 lateral-line scales (Motomura, Iwatsuki & Yoshino, 2001). Although we could not sample this taxon in this study, the species has the diagnostic characters of Filistriatus. The species is also reassigned to the new genus.

Matthew G. Girard​ and Kevin R. Chovanec. 2025. Unlocking the Genomic Potential of Historical and Formalin-fixed Specimens: Phylogenetic insights from Museum-preserved Threadfin Fishes (Teleostei: Polynemidae). PeerJ. 13:e20029. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20029 [September 30, 2025]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Crocidura stanleyi • Integrative Taxonomic Revision of endemic Dwarf Shrews Genus Crocidura (Soricidae) from the Ethiopian Highlands

 

Crocidura stanleyi

Craig, Bryjová, Bryja, Meheretu, Lavrenchenko & Peterhans, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060  

 Researchgate.net/publication/394761621

 Abstract  

The biodiversity of the Ethiopian Highlands features a significant level of endemism. Among its diverse fauna, the genus Crocidura (Soricidae), with many cryptic species, remains poorly documented, particularly for species of minute size. This study describes a newly discovered minute shrew – one of the smallest mammals worldwide – and addresses the taxonomy of the so-called ‘Afromontane clade’ of Crocidura in Ethiopia. We combined extensive field sampling of recent and historical specimens with advanced genetic analyses (genome skimming, Illumina sequencing, and cytb phylogenetics) and morphological examination (external and craniodental) to delineate the new species and address taxonomic affinities among other minute Crocidura from Ethiopia. One of our newly collected forms represents a distinct genetic lineage, corresponding with unique physical characteristics such as tail length and cranial features. Its discovery highlights the rich, yet still incompletely understood, mammalian diversity in the Ethiopian Highlands and underscores the importance of integrating morphological and molecular data in taxonomic studies.

 KEYWORDS: cryptic species, minute shrews, biodiversity, taxonomy, museomics, Morphometrics

Crocidura stanleyi, sp. nov.

Evan W. Craig, Anna Bryjová, Josef Bryja, Yonas Meheretu, Leonid A. Lavrenchenko and Julian C. Kerbis Peterhans. 2025. Integrative Taxonomic Revision of endemic Dwarf Shrews from the Ethiopian Highlands. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 74 (25060), 25060.1-18. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25060 (20 August 2025) 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394761621_Integrative_taxonomic_revision_of_endemic_Crocidura_from_the_Ethiopian_Highlands

[Herpetology • 2025] Holaspis ngalangi • The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species

 Holaspis ngalangi 

Parrinha, Marques, Gonçalves, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 SALAMANDRA. 61(1);   

 Researchgate.net/publication/388994950 

 facebook.com/DGHTeV 

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

 The members of the Afrotropical lacertid genus Holaspis are strikingly specialized lizards, adapted for gliding in forest canopies, with serrated blue tails. Two species are currently recognized within the genus: Holaspis guentheri from West and Central Africa, and Holaspis laevis from East Africa. The currently known southern limits of H. guentheri are in the northern Angolan Guineo-Congolian habitats, which are remnants of forests connecting the country to West/Central Africa. The oldest record of the species in Angola, dating back to the 19th century, is based on a currently lost specimen collected by José d’Anchieta near Caconda, southwest Angola. Caconda is situated on the Angolan Central Plateau, which is part of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa. The loss of Anchieta’s specimen and its geographic context led most authors to disregard it, leaving its taxonomic identity dubious until now. The rediscovery of two additional specimens from Caconda, collected by William John Ansorge in the early 20th century and deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, allowed us to confirm the presence of the genus in the region, prompting targeted surveys and examination of additional material. Our surveys failed to locate any Holaspis near Caconda, with alarming rates of deforestation in the region raising the possibility that this population may already be extinct. The reexamination of the extant Caconda specimens and comparison with H. guentheri and H. laevis revealed consistent morphological differences that suggests that the Caconda population may represent a distinct taxonomic unit. Here we describe the Holaspis from Caconda as a new species, presumably endemic to the Angolan Central Plateau. These findings and their implications are discussed in the biogeographical context of the highlands of western Angola, a recognized hotspot of diversity and endemism for several taxonomic groups.  

Key words. Taxonomy, biogeography, natural history collections, deforestation, highlands.

Illustration of Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. in its putative habitat, with threats such as deforestation represented in the background.

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. 

Defnition: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. is defned by the following combination of characters: 1) Head, body and tail strongly depressed, with serrated fringes on hindlimbs and tail; 2) frontoparietals fused with interparietal; 3) two series of transversely enlarged vertebral plates along dorsum and tail; 4) dorsum black with three pairs of pale stripes, with paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates; 5) an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between ventral and precloacal scales (see Fig. 7). 

Diagnosis: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. can be readily distinguished from both of its congeners, H. guentheri and H.  laevis, by the presence of an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between the last row of ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale (versus last ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale separated by at least one row of small granular scales in H. guentheri and H. laevis; see Fig. 7); it can be further distinguished from H. laevis by having a pair of dorsolateral stripes (versus only paravertebral and lateral stripes in H. laevis) and a pair of paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates (versus paravertebral stripes not confned to enlarged dorsal plates in H. laevis). 

Etymology: Te specifc epithet “ngalangi” is a noun in apposition and is given in honor of the Ovimbundu Kingdom of Ngalangi, which dominated northern Huila Province and had its capital in present day Caconda. Te Kingdom of Ngalangi was dismantled by the Portuguese during the Portuguese-Ovimbundu wars in the late 1760s. We suggest “Ngalangi Gliding Lizard” and “Lagartixa Planadora Galangue” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

 

Parrinha, D., M. P. Marques, F. M. P. Gonçalves, A. Tiutenko, A. M. Bauer and L. M .P. Ceríaco. 2025. The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 53-69. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388994950_The_genus_Holaspis_in_Angola

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1138667334936081

[Herpetology • 2025] Sepsina caluanda • Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae), from Angola

 Sepsina caluanda

 Parrinha, Marques, De Sousa, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 

 Abstract

Burrowing skinks of the genus Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae) have a complex taxonomic history and are particularly diverse, although poorly known, in Angola. With elongated bodies and reduced limbs, the five recognized species of the genus can be diagnosed based on the presence or absence of forelimbs and the number and relative size of digits. Sepsina bayonii (Bocage, 1866) is the most distinctive species of the genus, being the only taxon without forelimbs and a single digit on the hind limbs. Revision of historical material from the collections of the California Academy of Sciences revealed the presence of two specimens without forelimbs, but differing from S. bayonii in the number of digits on each hind limb. Considering this unique combination of morphological diagnostic characters, we herein describe a new species from Angola, Sepsina caluanda. This discovery highlights the importance of natural history collections and the revision of historical material for the description of biodiversity and alerts to the threat of habitat loss due to rapid urban growth.

KEYWORDS: Africa, Endemism, herpetofauna, Luanda, natural history collections, taxonomy

 Sepsina caluanda sp. nov. 

Diogo Parrinha, Mariana P. Marques, Ana Carolina Andrade De Sousa, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M.P. Ceríaco. 2025. Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866, from Angola (Squamata: Scincidae). Annals of Carnegie Museum. 90(3); 183-193. DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 (10 January 2025) 

[Cnidaria • 2024] Umimayanthus mirnangga, U. jebarra, U. raksasa, etc. • Museum Collections as Untapped Sources of Undescribed Diversity of Sponge-zoantharian Associations with the Description of Six New Species of Umimayanthus (Zoantharia: Parazoanthidae) from Western Australia and eastern Indonesia

 

Umimayanthus cf. aruensis (Pax, 1911) 

in Montenegro, Fromont, Richards, Kise, Gomez, Hoeksema et Reimer, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1163/18759866-bja10069 

 x.com/deepseaUWA 

  Researchgate.net/publication/383565499

 

Abstract

The zoantharian genus Umimayanthus consists largely of species that live in obligate symbioses with sponges. Although zoantharians have often been overlooked in field collecting campaigns and in research, sponges are usually well-collected, and many natural history museums harbor numerous sponge specimens. Thus, these sponge collections may also include previously overlooked zoantharian species. Such is the case in this research, in which we examined sponge specimens in museum collections from Western Australia and eastern Indonesia. Based on our morphological and molecular analyses, we herein describe six species of Umimayanthus new to science, and redescribe another species described over a century ago. These species can be distinguished by their sponge associations, gross polyp and colony morphology, and depth ranges. Based on these findings, it appears that the Central Indo-Pacific region of Western Australia and Indonesia can be considered a hotspot for sponge-associated zoantharian diversity. We provide a key for the identification of all formally described species in the genus, but caution that there are likely more Umimayanthus species awaiting discovery.

Keywords: Anthozoa; biodiversity; coral reefs; Porifera; species descriptions

Phylum Cnidaria Hatschek, 1888 

Subphylum Anthozoa Ehrenberg, 1831 

Class Hexacorallia Haeckel, 1896 

Order Zoantharia Rafinesque, 1815 

Family Parazoanthidae Delage & Hérouard, 1901 

Genus Umimayanthus Montenegro, Sinniger and Reimer 2015

Umimayanthus cf. aruensis (Pax, 1911) 

Umimayanthus mirnangga sp. nov. WAM Z88824 (holotype)

Umimayanthus mirnangga sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer

Etymology. The specific epithet “mirnangga” is derived from the phoneme used to refer to a young single woman in the Wunambal language. This in reference to the fact that the colonies of U. mirnangga sp. nov. are exclusively composed of solitary polyps. “mɨrnangga binya” n., B-class young woman. Syn: munangga. See Bengmoro et al. (1971) and Boona (2022).

Umimayanthus jebarra sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer

Etymology. The specific epithet “jebarra” is derived from the phoneme used to refer to the emu in Wunambal language. This in reference to the elongated shape of the polyps in U. jebarra sp. nov., which resemble the neck of an emu. As well, the name can act as a memorial to all the emus killed during the Great Emu Wars of 1932 in Western Australia. “jebarra anya” n., A-class. emu. Dromaius novaehollandiae. Syn: garnanganyja; jeebarra. See Mangglamarra (1991) and Karadada et al. (2011).

Umimayanthus wunanggu sp. nov. 

Umimayanthus wunanggu sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer

Etymology. The specific epithet “wunanggu” is derived from the phoneme used to refer to the hill white gum tree in Wunambal language. This in reference to U. wunanggu sp. nov. forming colonies of white polyps connected by a thin coenenchyma that extends on a linear branching pattern over the sponge surface. “wunanggu winya” n., W-class. /wunaŋgu/. hill white gum, tropical red box, Eucalyptus brachyandra von Mueller, 1859. See Capell (1941) and Karadada (2011).

Umimayanthus discolor sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer

Etymology. The specific epithet “discolor” means multiple colors in Latin. This is in reference to U. discolor sp. nov. forming colonies of polyps with contrasting colorations between the oral disk and the column, stolon, and coenenchyma.

Umimayanthus lynherensis sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer  

 Etymology. The specific epithet “lynherensis” is derived from the locality where the type specimen was collected, the Lynher Bank sea country north Kimberley, Western Australia, Australia.  

Umimayanthus raksasa sp. nov. Montenegro, Kise & Reimer

Etymology. The specific epithet “raksasa”, which means “giant” or “gigantic” in Indonesian, refers to the large size of the polyps of this species in comparison to the other members of its genus.

 

 Javier Montenegro, Jane Fromont, Zoe Richards, Hiroki Kise, Oliver Gomez, Bert W. Hoeksema and James Davis Reimer. 2024. Museum Collections as Untapped Sources of Undescribed Diversity of Sponge-zoantharian Associations with the Description of Six New Species of Umimayanthus (Zoantharia: Parazoanthidae) from Western Australia and eastern Indonesia.  Contributions to Zoology. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10069

  x.com/deepseauwa/status/1830439654870667504

Researchgate.net/publication/383565499_six_new_species_of_Umimayanthus_from_Western_Australia

[Ornithology • 2024] Museum Specimens, Photographs, and Sightings of White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae (Passeriformes: Hirundinidae)

White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae  Thonglongya, 1968

in Bond & Berryman, 2024.

DOI: 10.25226/bboc.v144i2.2024.a9

Abstract

White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae was described in 1968 and there have been no confirmed sightings since the 1970s. It is known only from Bueng Boraphet in central Thailand. Here, we compile the most comprehensive summary of museum specimens, photographic records (including two previously unpublished images) and sightings for this poorly known species. Specimens are held mainly in the Thailand Natural History Museum near Bangkok, with others at the Natural History Museum (Tring), American Museum of Natural History (New York) and National Museum of Natural History, Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC). At least three other mounts exist, all in Thailand, some of which may be composites from captive birds collected in the early 1970s. Photographs unearthed at Tring, and in unpublished reports, show birds that differ from the four previously known images and may represent individuals that are now museum specimens. With no confirmed sightings for more than 40 years, despite reasonable search effort (especially increasing citizen science data), it is very likely that White-eyed River Martin is now extinct.

Photographs of the White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae caught in November 1968 published by Tobias (2000) and deposited in the Macaulay Library, Cornell University; the bird is presumably an adult given the presence of tail-streamers and is believed to be THNHM B-07481 (H. E. McClure, © BirdLife International)

  

Photographs of White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae taken in the field in February 1968; it is now NHMUK 1968.68.1; the prints were sent by K. Thonglongya to NHMUK in April 1968 and Fig. 17 was also reproduced for an article in the newspaper Khaosod on 27 May 1992 about the species' discovery (Photographer unknown)

(left). Immature male White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae, paratype USNM 533542, collected on 28 January 1968, alongside the removed left central rectrix from USNM 510428 (adult, unknown sex; see Fig. 7) (© C. Milensky)

 

Alexander L. Bond and Alex J. Berryman. 2024. Museum Specimens, Photographs, and Sightings of White-eyed River Martin Pseudochelidon sirintarae. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. 144(2):162-182. DOI: 10.25226/bboc.v144i2.2024.a9

[Mollusca • 2021] Nineteen New Species of Alycaeidae (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) from Myanmar and Thailand

Nineteen new species of genera Chamalycaeus, Dicharax, and Metalycaeus 
from Thailand and Myanmar

 Páll-Gergely, Hunyadi, ... et Auffenberg, 2021.  

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4973.1.1

Researchgate.net/publication/351658361 

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Abstract

Nineteen new species of the alycaeid genera Chamalycaeus, Dicharax, and Metalycaeus are described from Thailand and Myanmar: Chamalycaeus buaboke Páll-Gergely & A. Reischütz, n. sp., C. erawan Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp., C. hirpex Páll-Gergely & A. Reischütz, n. sp., C. irmatallus Páll-Gergely, n. sp., C. krabiensis Páll-Gergely & A. Reischütz, n. sp., C. serratus Páll-Gergely & Auffenberg, n. sp., C. spiratus Páll-Gergely, n. sp., Dicharax (?) admirandus Páll-Gergely & Auffenberg, n. sp., D. cyclostoma Páll-Gergely, n. sp., D. ebrius Páll-Gergely & Auffenberg, n. sp., D. (?) gnomus Páll-Gergely, n. sp., D. mirounga Páll-Gergely, n. sp., D. ovatus Páll-Gergely & Auffenberg, n. sp., D. subroseus Páll-Gergely, n. sp., D. verrucosus Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp., Metalycaeus anas Páll-Gergely & A. Reischütz, n. sp., M. aries Páll-Gergely & Auffenberg, n. sp., M. bicarinatus Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp., M. pygmachos Páll-Gergely & Hunyadi, n. sp.

Alycaeus kengtungensis Godwin-Austen, 1914 is moved to the synonymy of Metalycaeus heudei (Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900). We also report exact localities of Dicharax ataranensis (Godwin-Austen, 1914), Dicharax notus (Godwin-Austen, 1914), and Dicharax omissus (Godwin-Austen, 1914). The new records extend the known distribution of Chamalycaeus and Metalycaeus in Thailand.

Keywords: Gastropoda, taxonomy, systematics, museum collections, biodiversity, shell

Dicharax sylheticus (Godwin-Austen, 1914)

in Páll-Gergely, Hunyadi, ... et Auffenberg, 2021. 

 DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4973.1.1

Barna Páll-Gergely, András Hunyadi, Jozef Grego, Alexander Reischütz and Kurt Auffenberg. 2021. Nineteen New Species of Alycaeidae from Myanmar and Thailand (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea). Zootaxa. 4973(1); 1–61. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4973.1.1

Researchgate.net/publication/351658361_Nineteen_new_species_of_Alycaeidae_from_Myanmar_and_Thailand

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[Mollusca • 2021] Taxonomic Revision of A Radiation of South-east Asian Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Contradentini + Rectidentini)

in Pfeiffer, Graf, Cummings & Page, 2021. 

DOI: 10.1071/IS20044 

 twitter.com/MusselGuy 

Abstract

The tribes Contradentini and Rectidentini (Unionidae) comprise a diverse clade of freshwater mussels endemic to South-east Asia. Our understanding of the diversity and phylogeny of this radiation has improved dramatically in recent years, but this systematic transformation has not yet benefited from comprehensive museum sampling or phylogenomic methods. A synthetic taxonomic revision of the Contradentini+Rectidentini that leverages these useful and accessible methods is needed. We set out to (1) generate a phylogenomic reconstruction of the supraspecific relationships of the Contradentini+Rectidentini using anchored hybrid enrichment, (2) revise the taxonomy and geographic boundaries of the generic and species-level diversity of the radiation, and (3) identify patterns of freshwater mussel diversity and distribution in this clade and discuss the processes that may have precipitated them. Our phylogenomic reconstruction using over 1600 loci, with a total alignment length of over a half a million nucleotides, recovers a well supported phylogeny of the clade that resolves four independent multispecies radiations endemic to the Mekong drainage. We examined, digitised, and imaged 1837 records from 15 natural history museums that provided the necessary data to document the morphological variation and geographic distributions of the focal taxa. We also analysed 860 COI sequences, 519 of which were generated in this study, to better understand the species boundaries and geographic distributions of the recovered clades. We recognise 54 valid species in the tribes Contradentini and Rectidentini, including 9 described herein as new to science. Out of this revision emerged several interesting biogeographic patterns that appear to have resulted from recent stream capture, historical confluence, and intradrainage barriers to dispersal. We hypothesise that these phenomena shaped the diversity and distribution of the Contradentini+Rectidentini, contributing to the formation of several characteristic freshwater mussel provinces in South-east Asia.

Fig. 10. Representatives of the genera of the Contradentini and Rectidentini.

Fig. 7. (A) UPGMA dendrogram of freshwater ecoregion Contradentini+Rectidentini assemblages.
(B) MNDS plot of phylogenetic b diversity (UniFrac) between drainages/landmass assemblages.
(C) Map of the South-east Asian subregion and its constituent freshwater ecoregions and provinces. Freshwater ecoregions (Abell et al. 2008) without known records of the Contradentini+Rectidentini assumed to be part of the greater province are denoted by a lighter shade.

Map of the South-east Asian subregion and its constituent freshwater ecoregions and provinces. Freshwater ecoregions (Abell et al. 2008) without known records of the Contradentini+Rectidentini assumed to be part of the greater province are denoted by a lighter shade.

Fig. 33. Representative specimens of Hyriopsis.

 Scale bar equals 1 inch (2.54 mm).

Fig. 20. Representative species of Pressidens, Solenaia and Trapezoideus. Scale bars equal 1 inch (2.54 mm).

Image of Trapezoideus lenya reproduced from Bolotov et al. (2020) (approximately to scale).

John M. Pfeiffer, Daniel L. Graf, Kevin S. Cummings and Lawrence M. Page. 2021. Taxonomic Revision of A Radiation of South-east Asian Freshwater Mussels (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Contradentini+Rectidentini). Invertebrate Systematics 35(4) 394-470. DOI:  10.1071/IS20044

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