[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)

[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 

Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 

Abstract

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 

4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 

Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., 

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Solenostomus snuffleupagus • A hairy Ghost Pipefish (Syngnathiformes: Solenostomidae) from the Southwest Pacific, with an integrative comparison to S. paegnius

Solenostomus snuffleupagus

Short & Harasti, 2026   

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70497

 

Abstract

A new species of ghost pipefish, Solenostomus snuffleupagus sp. nov., is described from the Coral Sea based on specimens (18–34 mm SL) collected from coral reef habitats in Queensland, Australia. The species is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: abundant elongate integumentary filaments imparting a conspicuously shaggy appearance; 36 total vertebrae (vs. 32–34 in all congeners); compact body form with a short, deep pretrunk (11%–14% SL); sexually dimorphic supraoccipital crests (moderately elevated in females, strongly developed in males); and two modified anchor-like ossicles spanning the pterygiophores in both soft dorsal and anal fins. Micro-CT imaging reveals distinctive pretrunk ossicle configuration characterized by deep angular interspaces and absence of a ventral ossicle series. Mitochondrial COI sequences indicate an uncorrected p-distance of 22.0% from the superficially similar S. paegnius, a species with which it has long been confused in museum collections and citizen science databases. Field observations document consistent association with dense filamentous red macroalgae, with body coloration closely matching host substrate. The species is currently known from the southwest Pacific, including northeastern Australia (Coral Sea), Papua New Guinea, New Caledonia, Fiji and Tonga, representing a southwestern Pacific distribution.

Solenostomus snuffleupagus, in situ, Great Barrier Reef, Australia, 2022: (a) adult individual; (b) female specimen used for genetic analysis; (c) male specimen used for genetic analysis (photographs by David Harasti).

Micro-CT reconstructions (lateral view) of Solenostomus snuffleupagus:
(a) holotype, female, AMS I.33751-047; (b) paratype, male, NTM S.13600–047. DF, dorsal-fin; PF, pectoral-fin; sAF, soft anal-fin; sDF, soft dorsal-fin. Numbers 1 and 2 indicate the respective pterygiophores supporting the soft dorsal- and anal-fins.

 Taxonomy

Family Solenostomidae 

Genus Solenostomus Lacépède 1803 

 Solenostomus snuffleupagus, Short and Harasti, new species

Diagnosis: A species of Solenostomus distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: body compact and vertically deep anteriorly; pretrunk deep (24.4%–29.2% SL); abundant, elongate integumentary filaments conferring a conspicuously shaggy appearance, particularly dense on snout, jaws, head and fin extremities; pretrunk ossicles are narrow and elongated, separated by deep angular interspaces, forming a distinctive compact lattice; There are total 36 vertebrae. The supraoccipital crest is elevated and rounded in females, but strongly pronounced in males. There are two modified anchor-like ossicles spanning the pterygiophores in both the soft dorsal fin (19–20 rays) and anal fin (18–19 rays). The soft dorsal fin has 19–20 rays, the anal fin has 18–19 rays, the pectoral fin has 27 rays, the caudal fin has 15 rays.

Etymology: The specific epithet snuffleupagus refers to the shaggy character Mr. Snuffleupagus, also known as ‘Snuffy’, from the children's television series Sesame Street™, in allusion to the species' distinctly shaggy, filamentous appearance and snout reminiscent of the character's covering and trunk. The name is treated as a noun in apposition (ICZN Article 31.1.2).

Solenostomus paegnius, in situ: (a) Indonesia (photograph by Richard Smith); (b) Philippines, male–female pair with the female positioned above the male in the water column (photograph by Lynn Funkhouser); (c) Philippines, male–female pair with the female positioned above the male in the water column (photograph by Alex Tyrrell @dive4photos).

 

Graham Short and David Harasti. 2026. Solenostomus snuffleupagus sp. nov., A hairy Ghost Pipefish (Teleostei: Solenostomidae) from the Southwest Pacific, with an integrative comparison to S. paegnius. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70497 [10 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Meiogyne saundersii & M. stenophylla (Annonaceae) • Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon in the Asia-Pacific Region

[C, D] Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and fruit,;
[E, F] Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and early developing fruit.
[A] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu;
[B] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of M. cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden;

in Liu, Munzinger et Chen, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385

Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Abstract

Two new species of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) are described from Malesia based on morphological evidence and the results of a recent molecular phylogenetic study: Meiogyne saundersii from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, and Meiogyne stenophylla from New Guinea. Meiogyne saundersii is morphologically similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its leaf apex (abruptly caudate vs. acute, rarely shortly acuminate) and inner petal corrugation (tentacular vs. weakly longitudinally grooved). Meiogyne stenophylla is unique in the genus in its extremely narrow leaves (< 2 cm wide) with an attenuate apex; it is also similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate) petals and weakly warty (vs. weakly longitudinally grooved) outgrowth on the adaxial surface of the inner petals. In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Meiogyne wilsonii and Monoon papuanum, based on the results of the most recent molecular phylogeny of Meiogyne and related genera.

Key words: Annonaceae, Borneo, Meiogyne cylindrocarpa, New Guinea, Vanuatu

A. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu (C. Hansen 1511); B. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden (Thomas 3418);
C, D. Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 6945) flower and fruit, reproduced from Munzinger et al. (2020);
E, F. Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 3589) flower and early developing fruit. Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu, sp. nov.

Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger, sp. nov.

Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger, comb. nov.

Monoon papuanum (I.M.Turner & Utteridge) M.F.Liu & Junhao Chen, comb. nov.

 Ming-Fai Liu, Jérôme Munzinger and Junhao Chen. 2026. Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon (Annonaceae) in the Asia-Pacific Region. PhytoKeys. 272: 21-36. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385 [20 Mar. 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae) • A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia

Peperomia kauaiana  K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, 

in Wood, Wagner, et Fawcett, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

 

Abstract

A new species of Peperomia with alternate leaves from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated, with notes on its conservation status, distribution and ecology. We present a dichotomous key to all five Hawaiian Peperomia species with alternate leaves and include notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia species, namely P. degeneri and P. subpetiolata. Peperomia kauaiana sp. nov. differs morphologically from its Hawaiian congeners by its unique combination of diminutive leaves 5–14(–18) mm long, 4–11(–14) mm wide, palmately 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular with margins revolute, petioles 2–5 mm long and spikes 11–17(–22) mm long. Plants have been documented in three distinct windward Kaua‘i locations to date, including the southern ridges of Wahiawa, the central ridges of Wai‘ahi and the north-eastern ridges of the Makaleha Mountains. Peperomia kauaiana represents a newly-described wet forest species endemic to the island of Kaua‘i and is currently in need of conservation. Its discovery raises the total number of endemic Hawaiian Peperomia species to 24 and single-island endemic Peperomia on Kaua‘i to three.

Key words: ‘ala‘ala wai nui, endangered species, Hawaiian flora, pepper family, plant extinction prevention, single-island endemism, subgenus Micropiper

A–C. Peperomia kauaiana, fertile plants in situ, decumbent to sub-erect habit with terminal spikes, terrestrial in moss; D. View from Kawaikini looking south along the windward ridgeline of eastern Kaua‘i showing buttressed ridges descending to the east (left), which are prime habitat for Peperomia kauaiana.

Field photos: A, B Wai‘ahi, 4 Apr 2019, Wood et al. 18149 C Wai‘ahi, 22 Oct 2020, Wood et al. 18580 D photo taken 28 Jan 2022.

 

 Peperomia kauaiana K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Peperomia kauaiana is morphologically most similar to P. degeneri Yunck. from which it differs by the following combination of characteristics: stem internodes 3–5 mm long (vs. 10–15 mm long), leaves 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular, 0.5–1.4(–1.8) cm long, margins revolute (vs. leaves 3-nerved, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 1.5–2(–3.5) cm long, margins flat), petioles 0.2–0.5 cm long (vs. petioles 0.8–1.2 cm long) and spikes 1.1–1.7(–2.2) cm long (vs. spikes 2.5–4.8 cm long).

Etymology. The epithet refers to the island of Kaua‘i, oldest and most floristically rich of all the high Hawaiian Islands and the only known location for Peperomia kauaiana.

Vernacular name. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui is the Hawaiian name for related species. Hawaiians used the ash of their burned leaves and stems as a grey-green dye in kapa making (Krauss 2001).

Kenneth R. Wood, Warren L. Wagner, Susan Fawcett. 2026. Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae), A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia. PhytoKeys. 269: 113-129. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

[Entomology • 2022] Dematotrichus gen. nov., Dematotrichus comatulus, D. hirtus, D. horridus, D. villosus, ... • Integrative Systematic Revision of A New Genus of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) endemic to New Caledonia

 

Dematotrichus gen. nov. 
Dorsal views of the male holotype and one female paratype of Dematotrichus hirtus sp. nov. (a), the male holotype of D. pubescens sp. nov. (b), the male holotype of D. capillaris sp. nov. (c), the male holotype and one female paratype of D. comatulus sp. nov. (d), and the male holotype and one female paratype of D. villosus sp. nov. (e).

Gómez-Zurita. 2022

DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2084471

 twitter.com/GomezZuritaLab

Abstract

The monophyletic group of species around Dematochroma pilosa Jolivet, Verma & Mille is identified in this work by combining information from mitochondrial DNA data and morphological features. A series of defining traits diagnosing this species assemblage from its closest phylogenetic relatives, including the genera Thasycles Chapuis and Atrichatus Sharp, is used to argue for its taxonomic separation and propose a new genus, named Dematotrichus gen. nov. Both Dematochroma pilosa and Montrouzierella hispida Jolivet, Verma & Mille are transferred to the new genus as D. pilosus (Jolivet, Verma & Mille) comb. nov. and D. hispidus (Jolivet, Verma & Mille) comb. nov., and 11 new species are described: D. capillaris sp. nov., D. capillosus sp. nov., D. comans sp. nov., D. crinitus sp. nov., D. comatulus sp. nov., D. hirtus sp. nov., D. hirsutus sp. nov., D. horridus sp. nov., D. pubescens sp. nov., D. setosus sp. nov. and D. villosus sp. nov. The work includes an identification key for all the species in the new genus.

 

Key words: Dematotrichus gen. nov., Dematochroma, Eumolpinae, island radiation, New Caledonia

  Dorsal views of the male holotype and one female paratype of Dematotrichus hirtus sp. nov. (a), the male holotype of D. pubescens sp. nov. (b), the male holotype of D. capillaris sp. nov. (c), the male holotype and one female paratype of D. comatulus sp. nov. (d), and the male holotype and one female paratype of D. villosus sp. nov. (e).

Dematotrichus gen. nov.

Diagnosis. One particularly remarkable feature of this genus in the context of the diversity of New Caledonian Eumolpinae, which shall help recognizing it right away, is the relatively homogeneous dorsal pubescence, only thinner perhaps on head. Such type of vestiture is not common at all among members of the tribe Eumolpini, although a few other genera or evolutionary lineages of New Caledonian Eumolpinae exhibit some degree of dorsal pubescence. However, these groups can be told apart very easily based on the shape of their pronota. One of the closest relatives to Dematotrichus gen. nov. is the genus Thasycles Chapuis. These genera show some external similarities, including the presence of setae on pronotum and elytra, but in Thasycles they are sparser and not uniform, mostly at sides and apex of elytra, and have a distinctive pronotum, transverse, with flat anterior angles (Gómez-Zurita & Pàmies-Harder, 2022). The species of Taophila Heller have some pubescence on elytra and often on pronotum, but it is also much sparser and/or patchier, and they have an unmistakable body structure, in good part because of the shape of pronotum, as well, narrower than elytra, about as long as wide, narrowing at both ends, and without lateral suture or very finely margined laterally (Platania & Gómez-Zurita, 2022). Tricholapita Gómez-Zurita & Cardoso have more generalized pubescence on both pronotum and elytra, but once again, the pronotum is very different from Dematotrichus (or any other known related genus), showing three and most often two prominent teeth at sides (Platania et al., 2020). Samuelsonia pilosa Jolivet et al., 2007a, S. mayonae Jolivet, Verma & Mille, 2010 (in Jolivet et al., 2009) and a group of undescribed species related to them also have pubescent dorsum, but these are immediately recognizable because of their much smaller size (2–3× smaller), typically greenish or cupreous dorsal shine and pronotum not much narrower than elytra, widened posteriorly. The last known hairy representative of New Caledonian Eumolpinae, Dematochroma doiana Jolivet et al., 2007b, shows the same dense uniform pubescence on dorsum as all the species of Dematotrichus, and the penis has similar appearance, but the pronotum is very different, transverse, with anterior and posterior borders of similar length and anterior angles not compressed at sides of head.

Derivatio nominis. The generic name is composed of the same Greek root word for Dematochroma, Demato- (perhaps with the original meaning of bundle or bond; Brown, 1954), combined with a transliteration derived from the Greek word θρίξ or hair, -trichus, of intended masculine gender and in reference to the hairy dorsum of all species known to belong to this genus.

JesúS Gómez-Zurita. 2022. Integrative Systematic Revision of A New Genus of Eumolpinae (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae) endemic to New Caledonia: Dematotrichus gen. nov. and its numerous new hairy species. Systematics and Biodiversity. 20(1); 1-28. DOI: 10.1080/14772000.2022.2084471

 twitter.com/GomezZuritaLab/status/1552197512190218240

 

[Entomology • 2025] Omoplax hisasuei, O. inugusu & O. hisasuei • An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912

A. Omoplax inugusu sp. nov., male; B. O. inugusu sp. nov., female; C. O. kobugashi sp. nov., male; D. O. kobugashi sp. nov., female; E. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fifth instar nymph; F. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fourth instar nymph; G. O. majorcarinae, male; H. O. majorcarinae, female; I. O. hisasuei sp. nov., male.
  
E. Neolitsea sericea var. aurata Hahajima Island, damaged by O. hisasuei sp. nov.; F. M. boninensis from Hahajima Island, damaged by O. inugusu sp. nov.; H. M. kobu from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. kobugashi sp. nov.

Souma, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.160064

Abstract

The lace bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from the Ogasawara Islands, Japan, which are known as “Oriental Galapagos”, are taxonomically revised. The following eight species belonging to the two endemic genera, Acanthomoplax Souma & Kamitani, 2021 (Tinginae, Tingini) or Omoplax Horváth, 1912 (Tinginae, Tingini) are recognized from the islands: A. tomokunii Souma & Kamitani, 2021, O. desecta (Horváth, 1912), O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. karubei Souma, 2022, O. kobugashi sp. nov., O. majorcarinae Guilbert, 2001, and O. mukojimensis Souma, 2022. In previous studies published in the 2020s, O. inugusu sp. nov. and O. kobugashi sp. nov. were misidentified as O. majorcarinae, while O. majorcarinae, re-diagnosed in the present study, was confused with O. desecta. Host plants for seven of the eight species, excluding O. mukojimensis, were revealed based on field and captive observations. Five of these seven species—A. tomokunii, O. hisasuei sp. nov., O. inugusu sp. nov., O. kobugashi sp. nov., and O. majorcarinae—feed on evergreen lauraceous trees. An illustrated key is also provided to identify all eight lace bug species from the Ogasawara Islands. Moreover, differences in host plants and distribution ranges of the eight endemic species are also discussed. Future research directions necessary for the conservation of endemic lace bugs are proposed.

Key words: Allopatric distribution, East Asia, endemic taxa, host plant, Lauraceae, phytophagous insect, oceanic island, Oceanian Region

Living individuals of three tingid species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.
A. Omoplax inugusu sp. nov., male; B. O. inugusu sp. nov., female; C. O. kobugashi sp. nov., male;
D. O. kobugashi sp. nov., female; E. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fifth instar nymph; F. O. kobugashi sp. nov., fourth instar nymph;
G. O. majorcarinae, male; H. O. majorcarinae, female; I. O. majorcarinae, fifth instar nymph.

Host plants of seven tingid species endemic to the Ogasawara Islands, Japan.
A. Machilus kobu from Ototojima Island, damaged by Acanthomoplax tomokunii; B. M. thunbergii planted in northern Honshu, damaged by A. tomokunii in captivity; C. Rhaphiolepis indica var. tashiroi from Chichijima Island, damaged by Omoplax desecta;
D. Calophyllum inophyllum from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. desecta; E. Neolitsea sericea var. aurata Hahajima Island, damaged by O. hisasuei sp. nov.; F. M. boninensis from Hahajima Island, damaged by O. inugusu sp. nov.;
 G. R. indica var. tashiroi from Mukojima Island, damaged by O. karubei (photographs taken by Jinhyeong Park); H. M. kobu from Chichijima Island, damaged by O. kobugashi sp. nov.; I. N. sericea var. aurata Ototojima Island, damaged by O. majorcarinae.

 Jun Souma. 2025. An Illustrated Key to the Lace Bugs (Hemiptera, Heteroptera, Tingidae) from “Oriental Galapagos” (the Ogasawara Islands, Japan), with Descriptions of Three New Species of the endemic Genus Omoplax Horváth, 1912. ZooKeys. 1250: 243-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1250.160064

[Botany • 2025] A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species, Jacquemontia mohotaniensis

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud,

in Staples, Butaud et Halford, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 

Abstract 

Examination of specimens from the Marquesas Islands, French Polynesia, disclosed the presence of an undescribed species of Jacquemontia Choisy from the uninhabited island of Mohotani: the new species Jacquemontia mohotaniensis is described here and its conservation status is proposed as critically endangered. To place this novelty in context, a review of the native and naturalized Indo-Pacific taxa of Jacquemontia is provided; 14 names are accounted for and some taxonomic problems are highlighted for future study. New combinations are made for two Australian species, J. distigma (Benth.) Halford and J. flexuosa (Spreng.) Halford; a second step typification is provided for the latter name to stabilize the nomenclature.

KEYWORDS: biodiversity, Oceania, Marquesas, French Polynesia, Australia

 Jacquemontia mohotaniensis growth habit and plant parts.
(A) Habit showing flowers with fully reflexed corolla lobes and exserted genitalia; (B) flower with erect corolla lobes; (C) fruits, lateral view; (D) fruits, apical view, note 8 valves; (E) seeds in adaxial and abaxial views, note palisade of stiff hairs along margins and ventral keel, scale = 2 mm.

Photos A–D, J.-F. Butaud from living plants in DIREN; 

photo E, G. Staples, voucher: Butaud 4587 (A).

Jacquemontia mohotaniensis Staples & Butaud, sp. nov.

 TYPE: French Polynesia. Society Islands: ...

 DIAGNOSIS: Jacquemontia mohotaniensis resembles most closely J. paniculata but differs from that species in the larger flowers, 1.5–1.8 cm long and up to 1.9 cm in diameter, the corolla subsalverform, 5-lobed, pure white, with exserted stamens and stigmas (Figure 1). The unequal sepals, the outer 2 larger and covering the inner, narrowly ovate-elliptic and 6–8 mm long 2–2.5 mm broad (Figure 2) serve to distinguish this new species from all other known Jacquemontia.

G. Staples, Jean-François Butaud and David A. Halford. 2025. A Synopsis of the Genus Jacquemontia (Convolvulaceae) in the Indo-Pacific with the Description of One New Species. Pacific Science 78 (2), 153-163. DOI: doi.org/10.2984/78.2.3 (6 January 2025) 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Neotrygon romeoi • A New Blue-spotted Maskray Species (Myliobatiformes: Dasyatidae: Neotrygon) from Fiji

 

Live colouration of Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. from around Fiji:
(a) Lautoka, mixed rocky and sand habitat (©Leon Perrie, observed 1 July 2023, inaturalist.org); (b) Near South Sea Island, rocky reef, (©Jack Crosbie, 17 August 2023,  inaturalist.org); (c) Drawaqa Island, Yasawas on sand flat with some seagrass in ≃18 m of water, (©Robert Macfarlane, 7 January 2024, modified); (d) Suva foreshore, on seagrass in ≃0.2 m of water (©Tom Vierus, observed 24 March 2022, inaturalist.org); (e) Mana Island, over seagrass (©Floyd E. Hayes, observed 27 March 2018, inaturalist.org).

Glaus, White, O'Neill, Thurnheer & Appleyard, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70094

 Researchgate.net/publication/392529313

Abstract

Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. (Dasyatidae), a new species of blue-spotted maskray from Fiji, previously confused with Neotrygon kuhlii (Müller and Henle 1841) or Neotrygon trigonoides (Castelnau 1873), is described based on nine specimens (310–397 mm disc width) from Fiji. Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. is a large maskray with a broadly angled snout, long claspers in adult males and a median row of thornlets extending from the nape to the tail base. Fresh specimens have a brownish dorsal surface with dark mask-like marking covering across and between the eyes (sometimes indistinct), two large brown to black branchial blotches posterior to the spiracles, numerous black pepper-like spots mainly concentrated in masked area and the branchial blotches, and sometimes having small, dark-edged pale blue to whitish spots. The new species is further characterized by ocellated spots in the medial belt usually absent. Molecular analysis based on 570 bp of partial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COI) mitochondrial gene also supports that N. romeoi n. sp. is a distinct species from other congeners. The new species, known only from the Fiji Islands, may thus warrant inclusion in Fiji's Endangered and Protected Species Act.

Keywords: Fiji, endemic, new species, Oceania, South Pacific Ocean, species complex

Live colouration of Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. from around Fiji:
(a) Lautoka, mixed rocky and sand habitat (©Leon Perrie, observed 1 July 2023, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/171357979); (b) Near South Sea Island, rocky reef, (©Jack Crosbie, observed 17 August 2023, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/180044335); (c) Drawaqa Island, Yasawas on sand flat with some seagrass in ≃18 m of water, (©Robert Macfarlane, 7 January 2024, modified); (d) Suva foreshore, on seagrass in ≃0.2 m of water (©Tom Vierus, observed 24 March 2022, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/109579248); (e) Mana Island, over seagrass (©Floyd E. Hayes, observed 27 March 2018, modified, www.inaturalist.org/observations/99347812).

Neotrygon romeoi n. sp. 

 Etymology: The epithet is dedicated to the late Romeo Glaus, the father of the first author, in recognition of his lasting inspiration, enduring support and deep respect for nature. 

Vernacular: Fiji Maskray.

Kerstin Glaus, William T. White, Helen L. O'Neill, Sarah Thurnheer and Sharon A. Appleyard. 2025. A New Blue-spotted Maskray Species (Neotrygon, Dasyatidae) from Fiji. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70094 [09 June 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392529313_A_new_blue-spotted_Maskray_Neotrygon_from_Fiji

[Botany • 2025] Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen, 

in Docot, Haevermans, Sule et Poulsen. 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291 

 x.com/AxelGinger 

Researchgate.net/publication/390905548

Abstract

During explorations of the ginger flora of the Bismarck Archipelago in 2013 and 2023, we made collections of the ginger genus Alpinia sensu lato, some of which had unusually elongated cincinni composed of distichously arranged bracteoles and in the present paper we conclude that these collections document a distinct species new to science, Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen. The choice of epithet refers to the spider-like appearance of the inflorescence. Similar morphology of the cincinni is found in other lineages of Alpinia, but our molecular analysis using the Internal Transcribed Spacer (ITS) marker established a close relationship with A. oceanica from which the new species differs by having cincinni with more flowers and linear labellum. An ink drawing and colour plates, information on distribution and habitat, and provisional conservation status are provided for the new species as well as a key to species of Alpinia in the Bismarck Archipelago.

Keywords: Alpinia oceanica, Alpinia vittata, Bismarck Archipelago, ITS, Zingiberaceae

 

Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen
A. Pseudostem showing the sheaths and ligules. B. Inflorescences in different stages. C. Cincinnus with supporting bract. D. Flower (front view). E. Fruits.

Based from A.D. Poulsen et al. 2893 (type). Photos: A.D. Poulsen.

 Alpinia arachniformis A.D.Poulsen sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: Similar to Alpinia oceanica Burkill in the vegetative characters but differs by the erect inflorescence (vs mostly pendulous); exposed distal peduncle (vs hidden within sheaths); cincinni laxly arranged (5–8 mm apart) along the rachis, 3–11 cm long with 2 mm long stalk at base and composed of up to 15 flowers (vs congested, 3–7 cm long, sessile, up to 7); and linear labellum with a retuse apex (vs narrowly triangular, apex truncate).

Etymology: The elongated cincinni suggest a spider-like resemblance.

Rudolph Valentino A. Docot, Thomas Haevermans, Bernard Sule and Axel Dalberg Poulsen. 2025. Alpinia arachniformis (Zingiberaceae): A New Species from New Ireland, Papua New Guinea. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 80(1); 51-65. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-17291

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1913203038895907107

 Researchgate.net/publication/390905548_Alpinia_arachniformis_a_new_species_from_New_Ireland_Papua_New_Guinea

[Entomology • 2024] Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi & Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. • A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia. Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.)

Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi 

Fleck, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 

 

Abstract

The new species, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., dedicated to the late Jean Legrand, is described and illustrated based on a single pair of specimens from Mont Panié, New Caledonia. The male of this large species has unusual strongly sinuous and distally down curved white cerci 7 mm long and exhibits on abdominal segment 10 a remarkable clump of strong setae mimicking a dorsal horn. The female wingspan slightly exceeds 100 mm. In addition, on the basis of adult and larval characters, Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. is erected to accommodate two other New Caledonian synthemistids, Synthemis fenella Campion (type species) and Synthemis ariadne Lieftinck. New Caledonian synthemistids are probably more closely related to Parasynthemis Carle than to Synthemis Selys Longchamps, both from Australia.

Odonata, Mont Panié, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., Neocaledosynthemis gen nov.

Günther FLECK. 2024. A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.). Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus.  Zootaxa. 5403(3); 320-330. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 [2024-01-22]

  facebook.com/Opie.odonates/posts/400401169316415

[Entomology • 2023] Nikoulabasis roseosticta • A New Species of Nikoulabasis (Odonata: Coenagrionidae) from Fiji

 

Nikoulabasis roseosticta

Beatty, Rashni, Cordero-Rivera & Marinov, 2023

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.2   

 Researchgate.net/publication/376408470

Abstract

Nikoulabasis roseosticta sp. nov. (holotype ♂, Fiji, Vanua Levu Island, Navuturerega creek, 6 August 2009, Christopher Beatty leg.) is erected as a new taxon. Illustrations of key characters and a distribution map are provided.

Odonata, Vanua Levu, Pacific Odonata, taxonomy, nomenclature, new species

Nikoulabasis roseosticta sp. nov. 

Christopher D. BEATTY, Bindiya RASHNI, Adolfo CORDERO-RIVERA and Milen MARINOV. 2023. Nikoulabasis roseosticta, sp. nov. from Fiji (Odonata: Coenagrionidae).  Zootaxa. 5383(2); 135-152. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5383.2.2 [2023-12-11] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/376408470_Nikoulabasis_roseosticta_sp_nov_from_Fiji 

[Herpetology • 2025] Iguanas rafted more than 8,000 km from North America to Fiji

 

A Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) resting on a coconut palm on the island of Fiji in the South Pacific. The four species of iguanas that inhabit Fiji and Tonga today are descended from ancestors that colonized the island within the past 34 million years, probably by rafting 5,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from western North America.

in Scarpetta, Fisher, Karin, Niukula, Corl, Jackman et McGuire, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2318622122

Abstract

Founder-event speciation can occur when one or more organisms colonize a distant, unoccupied area via long-distance dispersal, leading to the evolution of a new species lineage. Species radiations established by long-distance, and especially transoceanic, dispersal can cause substantial shifts in regional biodiversity. Here, we investigate the occurrence and timing of the greatest known long-distance oceanic dispersal event in the history of terrestrial vertebrates—the rafting of iguanas from North America to Fiji. Iguanas are large-bodied herbivores that are well-known overwater dispersers, including species that colonized the Caribbean and the Galápagos islands. However, the origin of Fijian iguanas had not been comprehensively tested. We estimated the phylogenetic relationships and evolutionary timescale of the iguanid lizard radiation using genome-wide exons and ultraconserved elements (UCEs). Those data indicate that the closest living relative of extant Fijian iguanas is the North American desert iguana and that the two taxa likely diverged during the late Paleogene near or after the onset of volcanism that produced the Fijian archipelago. Biogeographic models estimate North America as the most probable ancestral range of Fijian iguanas. Our analyses support the hypothesis that iguanas reached Fiji via an extraordinary oceanic dispersal event from western North America, and which spanned a fifth of the earth’s circumference (>8,000 km). Overwater rafting of iguanas from North America to Fiji strengthens the importance of founder-event speciation in the diversification of iguanids and elucidates the scope of long-distance dispersal across terrestrial vertebrates.

A Fijian crested iguana (Brachylophus vitiensis) resting on a coconut palm on the island of Fiji in the South Pacific. The four species of iguanas that inhabit Fiji and Tonga today are descended from ancestors that colonized the island within the past 34 million years, probably by rafting 5,000 miles across the Pacific Ocean from western North America.

photo: Nicholas Hess

A map of the world 34 million years ago, showing hypothesized scenarios for the colonization of Fiji by Brachylophus. Based on new research, the most likely scenario is represented by the dark blue arrow from western North America to Fiji. The small red stars represent sites in North America where fossil iguanids have been found. The ranges of modern iguanids — in the Americas and Fiji and Tonga — are shown in light blue.

Simon G. Scarpetta, Robert N. Fisher, Benjamin R. Karin, Jone B. Niukula, Ammon Corl, Todd R. Jackman and Jimmy A. McGuire. 2025. Iguanas rafted more than 8,000 km from North America to Fiji. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. 122 (12) e2318622122. DOI: doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2318622122 [March 17, 2025]

Iguanas floated to Fiji millions of years ago on an unprecedented raft journey, scientists say

https://news.berkeley.edu/2025/03/17/iguanas-floated-one-fifth-of-the-way-around-the-world-to-colonize-fiji/

https://www.universityofcalifornia.edu/news/iguanas-floated-fiji-millions-years-ago-unprecedented-raft-journey-scientists-say

 

Significance: Transoceanic dispersal to far-away islands is an important mechanism for the generation of new species lineages and biotas and has captivated scientists since at least the time of Darwin. Determining whether and how such events occur is challenging, particularly for hypothesized dispersals spanning thousands of kilometers. We addressed the enigmatic occurrence of Fijian iguanas via phylogenomic and biogeographic analyses, providing strong evidence that iguanas rafted >8,000 km from North America as early as the Paleogene. This represents the longest documented transoceanic dispersal in terrestrial vertebrates. Our findings elaborate on the importance of long-distance dispersal in the diversification of iguanids. Iguanid lizards display a propensity for overwater dispersal, which could stimulate further research into the predictability of these incredible biogeographic events.