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

 Macrognathus kris

 Ng & Tan, 2020

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4819.1.9 

Abstract

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

Synbranchiformes, Macrognathus, biodiversity, Pisces

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

Macrognathus kris 

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

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

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

 

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

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

 Barbucca heokhuii

 Kottelat, 2025

 

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 

Abstract

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

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

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

(Photographs by Tan H. H.).

Barbucca heokhuii, new species  

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

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

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

 Researchgate.net/publication/389338300_Barbucca_heokhuii_a_new_species_of_loach_from_central_Borneo

[Ichthyology • 2025] Betta iaspis & B. mulyadii • Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species

Betta iaspis  &  B. mulyadii  

Ding, Lei, Haryono, Shi & Zhang, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

Abstract

The Betta coccina complex is a diverse taxonomic group of fighting fish widely distributed in isolated islands in Southeast Asia. This genus is an ideal model for investigating freshwater fish evolutionary patterns and historical biogeography in the Malay Archipelago. In this study, based on principal component analysis of morphological traits, taxonomic diagnoses, and phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, two new species are described from Sumatra Island, Betta iaspis sp. nov. and Betta mulyadii sp. nov. The former has a distinctive black anal fin with a few red patches on the posterior half, while the latter is red and unspotted throughout, distinguishing them with their five or six subdorsal scales from other members of the Betta coccina complex. Phylogenetic analysis of the Betta coccina complex based on Cyt b further suggests that the speciation and present distributional pattern of this complex cannot be explained simply by the current geographic isolation of the Strait of Malacca, but by the connection-isolation scenario in the Pleistocene biogeographic context in Sundaland. This metapopulation of extant Betta species suggests a potential radiative evolution before the Last Glacial Maximum. These findings advance our understanding of the taxonomy and biogeographic evolution of Betta species in Southeast Asia.

Key words: Betta, biodiversity, mitochondrial cytochrome b gene, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

Illustrations of Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A MZB.26963, 19.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved after collection in field (laterally inverted) B male, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted)
C male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta iaspis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Betta iaspis sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: less dorsal-fin rays (8–10*) and subdorsal scales (5–6*); shorter dorsal–fin base (7.5–19.1% SL, mean 11.7%); male with dark blackish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; dorsal-, pelvic- and caudal fins red without significant marks; blackish anal fin with reddish patches on posterior part.

Etymology. A Latin noun iaspis is derived from the Greek ἴασπις, for the gemstone jasper, which is usually red or green/blue in color, referring to the distinct combination of the fish’s iridescent bluish/greenish body and reddish fins.

Type locality photographs for Betta iaspis sp. nov.
A freshly collected specimens of male from type locality in dry season (laterally inverted), coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai B photograph of remaining puddles in the forest in dry season, photograph by Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai 2023 C the surface of the type locality appear to be dried-up in dry season, while the mud beneath the thick layer of dead leaves often remain moist D this area will turn to swamp in rain season, photograph by Agus 2022 E type locality in Jambi, a small forest swamp directly adjacent to a huge oil-palm plantation.

Illustrations of Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
 A MZB.26964, 18.5 mm SL male holotype, freshly preserved B male holotype, in stress coloration immediately after capture C breeding male with a bubble-nest, not preserved (laterally inverted) D female, in courtship coloration, not preserved E Bmale, live coloration, not preserved (laterally inverted).

 Betta mulyadii sp. nov.

Betta sp. Riau Red—Linke 2014: 228.

Diagnosis. Betta mulyadii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the B. coccina group by the following unique combination of characters: fewer dorsal-fin rays (8*–10) and subdorsal scales (5*-6); shorter dorsal-fin base (9.89–15.1% SL, mean 12.5%); male with reddish body; without green iridescent mid-lateral body patch; unpaired fins red without significant marks (dorsal and caudal fins with bright bluish margins).

Etymology. The species is named after Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai, who discovered this species and contributed much first-hand field information on this genus during the last 30 years. Previously the species was widely known by the common name “api-api” given by the discoverer, which means flame/fire in Bahasa Indonesia referring to the reddish body and lanceolate caudal fin.

Type locality photographs for Betta mulyadii sp. nov. 
A swamp shaded by secondary shrubs B a tiny swamp surrounded by a huge oil-palm plantation C freshly collected specimens of male B. mulyadii from type locality, coll. Mulyadi Tjoa Hong Tjai.

Jiali Ding, Wen Lei, Haryono Haryono, Wentian Shi and Wanchang Zhang. 2025. Phylogenetic Analysis of Betta coccina Complex (Teleostei, Osphronemidae) from Peninsular Malaysia and Sumatra Island with Descriptions of Two New Species. ZooKeys. 1238: 161-181. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1238.142857

[Ichthyology • 2023] Betta andrei • A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish (Teleostei: Osphronemidae) from Singkep Island, Riau Islands, Indonesia

 

Betta andrei

Tan, 2023

a, B. waseri, d, B. spilotogena and j, B. andrei. 

  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71

Abstract

 A new species of Betta from the B. waseri group is described based on a single specimen from Singkep Island. It appears to be closely allied to B. spilotogena. Betta andrei, new species, differs from B. spilotogena in having a different throat pattern, comprised of a black lower jaw, continuous with a large pitcher-like pattern on throat, ending with a protruding segment on buccal membrane (vs. isolated teardrop shaped black mark on throat); opercle uniform brown with dark brown spots along posterior margin; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal- and caudal-fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin. 

Keywords. Betta, new species, Indonesia, peat swamp, biodiversity

Betta andrei, ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL:
topmost – live fish; second from top – freshly preserved fish with white background; third from top – freshly preserved fish with black background; bottom – radiograph.

Composite of head region of Betta andrei (ZRC 64279, 50.7 mm SL),
showing oblique (top) and ventral (bottom) views.

Betta andrei, new species 

Diagnosis. Betta andrei can be distinguished from other members of the B. waseri group in having the following combination of characters: black lower jaw, continuous with large black pitcher-shaped mark on throat, ending with a protrusion on buccal membrane (see Figs. 2–3); opercle uniform brown with dark brown mottling along posterior margin, operculum without lower distal margin black; faint black transverse bars on the dorsal and caudal fin interradial membranes; absence of a dark distal border on anal fin.

Etymology. This species is named for Andre Chandra, an intrepid fish collector and enthusiast, who rendered much assistance to the author in procuring specimens and information; fishy discussions and good meals. A noun in the genitive.

Stream in which the holotype of Betta andrei was collected (Photograph: Andre Chandra).

Schematic diagrams of throat pattern of the Betta waseri group in chronological order of discovery: a, B. waseri, b, B. hipposideros, c, B. tomi, d, B. spilotogena, e, B. chloropharynx, f, B. renata, g, B. pi, h, B. pardalotos, i, B. omega, and j, Betta andrei.

 

Tan Heok Hui. 2023. A New Species of Black Water Fighting Fish from Singkep Island (Teleostei: Osphronemidae).  RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71: 491–495. 

 

    

[Botany • 2022] Lophopetalum tanahgambut (Celastraceae) • A New Endemic Giant Tree Species from Peat Swamp Forest of Sumatera, Indonesia, with the First Pseudoverticillate Leaf Arrangement in Genus Lophopetalum

  

Lophopetalum tanahgambut Randi, Utteridge & Wijedasa, 

in Randi, Wijedasa & Utteridge, 2022. 

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.573.1.7 

facebook.com/RandiAgusti

  Researchgate.net/publication/365450298

Abstract

A new large tree species from peat swamp forest of Sumatera, Indonesia is described here with new notes on vegetative characters for the genus. Colour plates, as well as distribution, habitat, phenology, uses and observation notes are provided.

Keywords: Celastraceae, Lophopetalae, Lophopetalum tanahgambut, flora of Sumatera, rawa gambut, peatswamp, Eudicots

  Lophopetalum tanahgambut Randi, Utteridge & Wijedasa.
A. Base of the trunk on mature tree. B. Knee roots system. C. Twig with infructescence. D. Adaxial surface (upper) and abaxial surface (below) of leaves. E. Young tip of twig with three pseudoverticillate leaves. F. Winged petiole and base of blade. G. Leaf apex. H. Older branch with four pseudoverticillate leaves.

All photos by A. Randifrom holotype (Randi GB-129). 

  Lophopetalum tanahgambut Randi, Utteridge & Wijedasa.
A. Panicle. B. Anthesis flower and buds. C. Flower (side view). D. Flower (top view). E. Fruit (side view). F. Cross section of fruit. G. Ripe fruit splits and seeds.

Photos A-D from A. Randi (Randi GB-150); photos E-G from A. Randi (Randi GB-141).

  Distribution map of Lophopetalum tanahgambut Randi, Utteridge & Wijedasa (red dot).

Lophopetalum tanahgambut Randi, Utteridge & Wijedasa, sp. nov. 

Type:—INDONESIA. Sumatera Selatan Province: Musi Banyuasin Regency, Bayung Lencir District, Muara Medak Village, conservation area of PT Tri Pupajaya forest production concession, 10 m. elev., 1°45’30.66”S, 104°12’19.13”E, 17 April 2021, Randi GB-129 (holotype: BO!; isotypes: WAN!, FIPIA!, SING!).

Diagnosis:—This species is the only known Lophopetalum with 3–4 leaves in a pseudoverticillate arrangement, leaf apex retuse to emarginate, petiole with a pair of ridges to conspicuously winged, panicles solitary in terminal leaf, calyx lobes much wider than long, disk convex, 5-angular with rounded corners, slightly thickened at lobe edges where the stamens are inserted. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet ‘tanah gambut’ is formed from the Bahasa Indonesian words for peat soil or peat swamp habitat where this species is found.

Vernacular name:—Kerupuk, Perupok (Palembang Malay); this vernacular name is also used for all species of the genus Lophopetalum, as well as several Kokoona species. 

 

Agusti Randi, Lahiru S. Wijedasa and Timothy M.A. Utteridge. 2022. Lophopetalum tanahgambut, A New Endemic Giant Tree Species from Peat Swamp Forest of Sumatera, Indonesia, with the First Pseudoverticillate Leaf Arrangement in Genus Lophopetalum (Celastraceae). Phytotaxa. 573(1); 115-122. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.573.1.7

 facebook.com/RandiAgusti/posts/10218967751339852

Researchgate.net/publication/365450298_Lophopetalum_tanahgambut_a_new_endemic_giant_tree_species_from_peat_swamp_forest_of_Sumatera_Indonesia

[Botany • 2022] Bulbophyllum pulanense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • Bulbophyllum of Indonesian Borneo: A New Species and First Record for B. lyriforme

Bulbophyllum pulanense Yudistira, F.H.Kurniawan & Mustaqim,

in Yudistira, Kurniawan & Mustaqim, 2022. 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/1872 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice 

Abstract

A new species of orchid, Bulbophyllum pulanense, is described based on specimens collected from Kapuas Hulu Regency, Kalimantan Barat Province of Indonesian Borneo. Bulbophyllum lyriforme, is also presented here as a new record for Borneo, formerly only known from cultivated plants collected from New Guinea. Both species are described and illustrated with both line drawings and photographs.

Keyword: Bulbophyllum alticaule, B. haematostictum, B. pulanense, heath forest orchid, Malesian orchid, peatland orchid

Morphology of Bulbophyllum pulanense sp. nov. 
A. Plant habit; B. Inflorescence; C. Flower; D. Median sepal; E. Petal; F. Lateral sepal; G. Labellum; H. Labellum adaxial view; I. Labellum abaxial view; J. Labellum lateral view with column; K. Labellum detailed surface; L. Anther abaxial view; M. Anther adaxial view; N. Pollinia in pairs; O. Pollinia single.

Illustrated by F.H.Kurniawan.

Bulbophyllum pulanense sp. nov.
A. Habits; B. Roots from internode; C. Leaf blade; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower front view; F. Flower side view; G. Pedicel with column; H. Perianth adaxial view; I. Perianth abaxial view; J. Labellum adaxial view; K. Labellum abaxial view; L. Labellum lateral view with column; M. Stelidia; N. Anther adaxial view; O. Anther abaxial view; P. Pollinia.

 Photographed by F.H. Kurniawan / Yayasan Akar Banir Indonesia

Bulbophyllum pulanense Yudistira, F.H.Kurniawan & Mustaqim, sp. nov. 

Bulbophyllum pulanense is similar to B. haematostictum but differs in the flowers fully open (vs. not fully open) and fragrant (vs. smell foul), lateral sepals strongly reflexed in the upper third (vs. straight), labellum with margin entire (vs. irregular), labellum distinctly concave at the base (vs. slightly concave) with the base not drawn out (vs. drawn out), labellum with a distinct longitudinal ridge running from the base to 1/2–2/3 of its length on each side (vs. blunt), apical margin with distinct sinus on each side (vs. sinus absent), abaxial side with longitudinal median groove (vs. ridged), apex obtuse (vs. acute), and stelidia shorter (0.4–0.5 mm vs. 0.8–1.8 mm) with apical cusp (vs. cusp absent). This species is also similar to B. alticaule but differs in having inflorescence sub-umbellate (vs. raceme) bearing 2–3 flowers (vs. 8– 22), shorter peduncle (1.5–2.8 cm vs. 13–16 cm), rachis shorter (0.5–1.1 mm vs. 3–6 cm), flower resupinate (vs. not resupinate), lateral sepals reflexed (vs. straight), petals cuspidate to shortly caudate (vs. rounded), labellum larger, 8.4–10.4 × 5.7–8.3 mm (vs. c. 5 × 4 mm), apical margin with distinct sinus on both sides (vs. absent), stelidia with apical cusp (vs. absent), tooth along the lower margin deltoid (vs. rounded); anther not drawn out in front (vs. drawn out) (Table 1). 

Distribution: Endemic to Indonesian Borneo: Kalimantan Barat Province, only known from Kapuas Hulu Regency (Fig. 3).

 Ecology: Lowland heath and peat swamp forest, from 45–90 m asl. 

Etymology: The epithet refers to the Pulan hamlet where the type specimen was collected.

Yuda R. Yudistira, Firman H. Kurniawan and Wendy A. Mustaqim. 2022. Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) of Indonesian Borneo: A New Species and First Record for B. lyriforme. Taiwania. 67(4); 544-551. taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1872

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/3214226135465860

[Botany • 2022] Bulbophyllum sungaiutikense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species of Bulbophyllum sect. Beccariana from Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia

Bulbophyllum sungaiutikense F.H.Kurniawan, Yudistira & Mustaqim, 

in Kurniawan, Yudistira & Mustaqim, 2022.

DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.544.1.8 

 mipabiologi.UNSAM.ac.id

Abstract

Bulbophyllum sungaiutikense is a new orchid species from Kapuas Hulu, Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia, and a member of the B. sect. Beccariana, allied to B. nabawanense. It differs from the latter in having tetragonal lateral sepals with an elongate triangular apical part, long acuminate petals, different and longer labellum with flattened base and verrucose adaxial surface. Notes on ecology and phenology, discussion of morphologically similar species, amendments to the key to B. sect. Beccariana in Borneo, illustrations and photographs are included here.

Keywords: Lowland, Malesia, Orchid, peat swamp, taxonomy, Monocots

Bulbophyllum sungaiutikense F.H.Kurniawan, Yudistira & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

Etymology:— Named for Sungai Utik, the hamlet where the type specimen was collected.

Firman H. Kurniawan, Yuda R. Yudistira and Wendy A. Mustaqim. 2022. A New Species of Bulbophyllum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) from Kalimantan Barat, Indonesia.  Phytotaxa. 544(1); 89-94. DOI:  10.11646/phytotaxa.544.1.8

Dosen Biologi UNSAM ikut temukan spesies baru anggrek Bulbophyllum Sungai Utik

 mipabiologi.UNSAM.ac.id/2022/05/06/dosen-biologi-temukan-spesies-baru-anggrek 

[Botany • 2022] Disepalum rawagambut (Annonaceae) • A New Tree Species from Peat Swamp Forest of Sumatra, Indonesia

Disepalum rawagambut Randi, D.C.Thomas & Wijedasa,

in Randi, Wijedasa & Thomas, 2022.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.530.1.14  

 Researchgate.net/publication/357620000 

photos by A. Randi.  facebook.com/RandiAgusti 

Disepalum Hooker (1860: 156) is a small genus of nine species of trees and shrubs distributed from southern China to western Malesia (Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra and Borneo; Johnson 1989, Li et al. 2015, Li et al. 2017). The genus has characteristic carpophores derived from receptacle tissue, whereas the vast majority of Annonaceae genera have monocarp stalks derived from carpel tissue (Van Setten & Koek-Noorman 1992). Johnson (1989) provided detailed species descriptions in his revision of the genus, and the phylogenetic relationships, intergeneric classification, morphological character distribution and evolution and historical biogeography of Disepalum were studied by Li et al. (2015, 2017). Phylogenetic analyses placed Disepalum in tribe Annoneae (Annonaceae) and indicate a sister relationship with the Neotropical genus Asimina Adanson (1763: 365; Erkens et al. 2014; Li et al. 2015).

....

Three of the nine Disepalum species have been reported from the Indonesian island of Sumatra (Johnson 1989, Li et al. 2015, Li et al. 2017, POWO 2019), all subgenus Disepalum, and two of these endemic (Table 1). This new fourth Sumatran species has flowers with two sepals, four connate petals and persistent sepals in fruit, which clearly place it in D. subgen. Disepalum (Johnson 1989, Li et al. 2015). Terminology largely follows Beentje (2010). We provisionally assess the conservation status of the new species following IUCN criteria (IUCN 2019).

Disepalum rawagambut Randi, D.C.Thomas & Wijedasa.
A. Flower with pedicel (side view). B. Flower (top view). C. Flower (side view).
D. Infructescence. E. Carpophore and monocarp.F. Immature monocarp (longitudinal section). G. Mature monocarp (longitudinal section) and seeds.

All photos by A. Randi from the holotype (Randi GB-035)

Disepalum rawagambut Randi, D.C.Thomas & Wijedasa. 
A. Trunk and stilt roots on old tree. B. Twig with flowers and infructescence. C. Close-up of twig. D. Adaxial surface (upper) and abaxial surface (below) of leaves.

All photos by A. Randi from the holotype (Randi GB-035). 

Disepalum rawagambut Randi, D.C.Thomas & Wijedasa, sp. nov.

Disepalum rawagambut has flowers with two sepals and four relatively short, spatulate corolla lobes that are thickened in the distal part with blunt apices similar to those of D. anomalum (Borneo) and D. longipes (Malay Peninsula, Sumatra). The new species can be differentiated by a combination of characters including its habit, large sepals, smaller corolla lobes and larger fruit (larger torus, longer carpophores, and larger monocarps; Table 1).

Etymology:— The species epithet refers to the specific habitat of the new species in Bahasa Indonesia: rawa gambut (peat swamp).

 Agusti Randi, Lahiru S. Wijedasa and Daniel C. Thomas. 2022. Disepalum rawagambut (Annonaceae), A New Tree Species from Peat Swamp Forest of Sumatra, Indonesia. Phytotaxa. 530(1); 121-126. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.530.1.14 

  facebook.com/RandiAgusti/posts/10217652812187195

Researchgate.net/publication/357620000_Disepalum_rawagambut_a_new_species_from_Sumatra_Indonesia

Keywords: Annonaceae, Disepalum rawagambut, peat swamp, rawa gambut, Sumatra, plant taxonomy, Magnoliids

[Entomology • 2021] Luciola singapura • Molecular Systematics of the Firefly Genus Luciola (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with the Description of a New Species from Singapore

Luciola singapura Jusoh & Ballantyne

in Jusoh, Ballantyne, Chan, et al., 2021.  

 DOI: 10.3390/ani11030687 

 LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg 

  twitter.com/WanFAJusoh 

Abstract

The firefly genus Luciola sensu McDermott contains 282 species that are distributed across major parts of Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia, and the Pacific islands. Due to phenotypic similarities, species identification using external morphological characters can be unreliable for this group. Consequently, decades of piecemeal taxonomic treatments have resulted in numerous erroneous and contentious classifications. Furthermore, our understanding of the group’s evolutionary history is limited due to the lack of a robust phylogenetic framework that has also impeded efforts to stabilize its taxonomy. Here, we constructed molecular phylogenies of Luciola and its allies based on combined mitogenomes and Cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (COX1) sequences including a newly sequenced mitogenome of an unidentified taxon from Singapore. Our results showed that this taxon represents a distinct and hitherto undescribed evolutionary lineage that forms a clade with L. filiformis from Japan and L. curtithorax from China. Additionally, the Singaporean lineage can be differentiated from other congeners through several external and internal diagnostic morphological characters, and is thus described herein as a new species. Our phylogeny also strongly supported the paraphyly of Luciola with regard to L. cruciata and L. owadai, which were inferred to be more closely related to the genus Aquatica as opposed to other members of Luciola sensu stricto. The genus Hotaria was inferred as a derived clade within Luciola (sister to L. italica), supporting its status as a subgenus of Luciola instead of a distinct genus. This is the first time since 1909 that a new species of luminous firefly has been discovered in Singapore, highlighting the need for continued biodiversity research, even in small, well-studied and highly developed countries, such as Singapore.

Keywords: Hotaria; Luciola cruciata; Luciola owadai; Nee Soon Swamp Forest; taxonomy; phylogenetics; conservation

Map of Singapore showing the location of Luciola singapura Jusoh & Ballantyne sp. nov. in the Nee Soon Swamp Forest (NSSF) (inset). Numbered dots represent type localities of Luciola species in Asia and the Pacific islands that were examined and/or analysed in this study. 

Males of Luciola singapura sp. nov.
Habitus (A, B), head and pronotum (C); Tergite 8 after dissection (D). A. Holotype male, from recent collection preserved in ethanol, light organ (LO) located on ventrite 6 (V6) and ventrite 7 (V7), presence of fat body along apex of suture, arrowed; (B). Habitus of paratype male. Coloration of paratype male collected 30 years ago preserved as dry specimen, arrow indicated presence of fat body along suture, tergite 8 (T8) from dorsal view and pronotum (inset); (C). Top: Head and pronotum of paratype male, below: Mouthpart and some parts of antenna; (D). Dissection parts of holotype male: tergites 7‐8 indicated with aedeagus and aedeagal sheath.

Luciola singapura Jusoh and Ballantyne sp. nov. 

English name: Singapore firefly 

Malay name: Kunang‐kunang Singapura

Diagnosis: A small species (less than 5 mm long) with distinctive dorsal coloration of black head, orange to yellowish brown with dark markings on pronotum, and orange to yellowish brown elytra which have diffuse darker brown to black markings towards the apex, with paler basal markings restricted to basal area near suture and an accumulation of whitish fat body along apex of suture and round elytral apex. Metasternum with median dark marking.   

Etymology: The specific epithet, singapura, is the Malay name for the country Singapore, which is the type locality of the new species. 

Distribution: Known only from the type locality of NSSF, Central Catchment Nature Reserve in Singapore but may also occur in other parts of the island where habitat is suitable.

Conclusions:

The discovery of a new species of firefly from the last remaining freshwater swamp forest in Singapore—one of the most developed and urbanized countries in the world— highlights the importance of continued biodiversity research in the region. This study also underscores the utility of molecular approaches to resolve taxonomic problems and better understand the evolutionary history of fireflies.

 Wan F. A. Jusoh, Lesley Ballantyne, Su Hooi Chan, Tuan Wah Wong, Darren Yeo, B. Nada and Kin Onn Chan. 2021. Molecular Systematics of the Firefly Genus Luciola (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) with the Description of a New Species from Singapore. Animals. 11(3), 687. DOI: 10.3390/ani11030687   

Researchers from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore, have discovered a new species of firefly from the last remaining freshwater swamp forest in Singapore. This is the first time since 1909 that a new species of luminous firefly has been discovered in Singapore—highlighting the need for continued biodiversity research, even in small, well-studied, and highly developed countries such as Singapore.

LKCNHM.nus.edu.sg/singapore-firefly

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Simple Summary: Fireflies have a scattered distribution in Singapore but are not as uncommon as many would generally assume. A nationwide survey of fireflies in 2009 across Singapore documented 11 species, including “Luciola sp. 2”, which is particularly noteworthy because the specimens were collected from a freshwater swamp forest in the central catchment area of Singapore and did not fit the descriptions of any known Luciola species. Ten years later, we revisited the same locality to collect new specimens and genetic material of Luciola sp. 2. Subsequently, the mitochondrial genome of that population was sequenced and specimens were subjected to rigorous morphological examinations. We then collated published mitogenomes and shorter mitochondrial markers from closely related taxa to infer a phylogeny for the subfamily Luciolinae. Our results reveal that Luciola sp. 2 is both genetically and morphologically distinct from other congeners and is thus described herein as a new species Luciola singapura sp. nov. This marks the first time since 1909 that a new species of luminous firefly has been discovered in Singapore, highlighting the need for continued biodiversity research, even in small, well-studied and highly developed countries such as Singapore that can still harbor undescribed biodiversity.

[Ichthyology • 2020] Parosphromenus barbarae • A New Species of Licorice Gourami (Anabantiformes: Osphronemidae) from Sarawak, Borneo

Parosphromenus barbarae 

Tan & Grinang, 2020

  DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-07 

In Sarawak, there are two main populations of Parosphromenus known, the eastern population linked to the Rejang River basin being P. allani, and the western population linked to the Batang Kayan basin, is herein described as P. barbarae, new species. Parosphromenus barbarae differs from its most similar species, P. allani, in having a distinct black ocellus on caudal-fin base, indistinct dark brown ocellus on posterior base of dorsal-fin; presence of clearly demarcated subdistal hyaline band on anal fin (vs. faint); dorsal-fin rays XI – XIV, 4 – 5 (total count 15 – 18, mode 17); anal-fin rays XI – XIII, 6 – 10 (total count 19 – 21, mode 21); lateral scales 29 – 31½ (mode 29).

Key words: Allopatric speciation, Anabantiformes, biodiversity, peat swamps, Southeast Asia.

Fig. 3. Parosphromenus barbarae, ZRC 61245, ca. 25.0 mm SL male paratype (when live; right-side reversed).

Parosphromenus barbarae, new species

Diagnosis. Parosphromenus barbarae can be differentiated from its congeners with the following unique combination of characters: presence of faint ocellus on posterior base of dorsal-fn; presence of distinct ocellus on caudal fn base; presence of distinct three cream and two and half dark brown stripes on body; dorsal-fn rays XI –XIV, 4 –5 (total count 15 – 18, mode 17); anal-fn rays XI –XIII, 6–10 (total count 19–21, mode 21); lateral scales 29–31½ (mode 29).

Distribution. This species is currently known only from the remnant peat swamp forest near Batang Kayan in Lundu, near the western tip of Sarawak (Fig. 4). 

Etymology. Named for Barbara Brown, spouse of Allan Brown, who frst collected this species. This is the allopatric species to P. allani, being found in southern Sarawak, east of the Lupar divide. 

Tan Heok Hui and Jongkar Grinang. 2020. Parosphromenus barbarae, A New Species of Licorice Gourami from Sarawak, Borneo (Teleostei: Osphronemidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 70(3); 349-356. DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-3-2020-07