[Crustacea • 2026] Merapohra karsticola • On A New Genus and Species of Karst-dwelling Freshwater Crab (Brachyura: Potamidae) from Peninsular Malaysia

 

Merapohra karsticola  

Tan, Ooi & Ng, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.181453  

Abstract

Recent explorations of caves in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia yielded specimens of an unusual long-legged terrestrial, cave-dwelling crab. Morphological examinations of the specimens collected, in comparison with known species from the region suggests that they belong to a new genus and species, which are described herein. Merapohra karsticola gen. nov. et sp. nov., is differentiated from other potamids by characters of the carapace epigastric and postorbital cristae, ambulatory legs, male thoracic sternum, male pleon, and diagnostic structure of the male first gonopod. The discovery of this new genus and species of cave-dwelling crab highlights the importance and high diversity of karst systems in Peninsular Malaysia, which are imperilled in light of ongoing quarrying and mining activities.

Key words: Cave, karst, limestone, Potamiscinae, taxonomy

Merapohra karsticola gen. nov. et sp. nov., in life.
A. Holotype, male (37.2 × 26.7 mm) (ZRC 2024.0327);
B. Paratype, female (30.0 × 21.4 mm) (ZRC 2024.0328).

(Photo credit: Mr. Ang Yu Pin for the paratype).

Merapohra karsticola gen. nov. et sp. nov.

 Zhi Wan Tan, Qie Ooi, Peter K. L. Ng. 2026. On A New Genus and Species of Karst-dwelling Freshwater Crab (Crustacea, Brachyura, Potamidae) from Peninsular Malaysia. ZooKeys. 1277: 113-136.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.181453 [9 Apr 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]

 

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

 

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & 
Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis 

 Hong, Anuar, Grismer & Quah, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822

 

Abstract

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

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

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

Photographs by L. Lee Grismer.

 Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. 

Suggested English common name: Langkawi Island slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Pulau Langkawi 

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

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

 Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov.

 Suggested English common name: Gunung Jerai slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Gunung Jerai 

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

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

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

[Crustacea • 2026] Geosesarma wongi • A distinctive New Species of semiterrestrial crab (Brachyura: Sesarmidae) from Tapah Hills in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia; with Notes on G. peraccae (Nobili, 1903) and G. cataracta Ng, 1986

Geosesarma wongi

Ng. 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1266.172575

Photograph: Francis Seow-Choen.

Abstract

A new species of semiterrestrial freshwater crab is described from Tapah Hills in Peninsular Malaysia. Geosesarma wongi sp. nov. is the 13th member of the genus reported from the country and is most similar to G. peraccae (Nobili, 1903) and G. cataracta Ng, 1986, but easily separated by its distinct carapace features and structures of the adult male chela and male first gonopod. The types of G. peraccae are figured for the first time. Geosesarma cataracta is also figured in detail, and the type series is shown to be mixed.

Key words: Comparative taxonomy, freshwater crab, Malay Peninsula, new taxon, sesarmid crab, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

Geosesarma wongi sp. nov., holotype male (12.7 × 11.3 mm) (ZRC 2025.0023), Perak. Colour in life.

Photograph: Francis Seow-Choen.

Geosesarma wongi sp. nov., holotype male (12.7 × 11.3 mm) (ZRC 2025.0023), Perak.
A. Dorsal habitus; B. Dorsal view of carapace; C. Frontal view of cephalothorax; D. Ventral surface of cephalothorax.

 Geosesarma wongi sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Carapace rectangular, wider than long, width to length ratio 1.11–1.14, lateral margins almost straight, gently divergent towards posterior carapace margin (Fig. 2A, B); dorsal surfaces with well-defined regions, anterior half with prominent low, rounded tubercles and granules; postfrontal lobes distinct, median lobes with transverse row of relatively dense short setae, setae sparser on lateral lobes; epibranchial region raised; protogastric region gently convex; urogastric region raised, with gastrocardiac groove deep (Fig. 2A, B); frontal margin distinctly deflexed, frontal lobes broad, with gently convex margins in dorsal view, separated by wide shallow median concavity; postfrontal cristae sharp, distinct (Fig. 2A–C); external orbital angle triangular, directed anteriorly, not extending beyond lateral carapace margin, outer lateral margin gently convex; separated from first epibranchial tooth by V-shaped cleft; first epibranchial tooth distinct, wide, second epibranchial tooth just visible as low lobe (Fig. 2A, B); merus of third maxilliped subovate; exopod slender, flagellum elongate, longer than width of merus (Fig. 5A); outer surfaces of palm of chela covered with ...

Peter K. L. Ng. 2026. Geosesarma wongi sp. nov., A distinctive New Species of semiterrestrial crab from Tapah Hills in Perak, Peninsular Malaysia; with Notes on G. peraccae (Nobili, 1903) and G. cataracta Ng, 1986 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Sesarmidae). ZooKeys. 1266: 281-298. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1266.172575

[Botany • 2025] Tarenna khoonmengiana (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular Malaysia and Peninsular Thailand

Tarenna khoonmengiana Junhao Chen & Y.H.Cheah,

in Chen et Cheah, 2025. 

 Sandakania. 27; 

A new species, Tarenna khoonmengiana (Rubiaceae), from Peninsular Malaysia and Peninsular Thailand is described and illustrated here. Notes on the ecology, etymology and morphological distinctions from similar species are provided here.

Tarenna khoonmengiana Junhao Chen & Y.H.Cheah, sp. nov.

Similar to Tarenna stellulata (Hook.f.) Ridl. and Tarenna insularis (Ridl.) Ridl. in having corolla lobe tips that are divergent in the bud, but differing from the former in the glabrous lower leaf lamina surface that is smooth to the touch (vs minute erect hairy lower leaf lamina surface that is rough to the touch), glabrous (vs conspicuously ciliate) corolla lobe margins and acute (vs awl-like) corolla lobe apex, and differing from the latter in the broadly triangular (vs linear) calyx lobes 0.5–1 mm long (vs 1.5–3 mm long) and glabrous (vs densely short-puberulent) corolla outer surface in bud.

Junhao Chen & Y.H. Cheah. 2025. Tarenna khoonmengiana (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Peninsular Malaysia and Peninsular Thailand. Sandakania. 27; 49-58. 

 

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

Eugnathogobius ganuensis

Koreeda, Seah & Motomura, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040071

Abstract

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

Keywords: taxonomy; morphology; Calamiana; South China Sea

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

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

Eugnathogobius ganuensis n. sp.

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

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

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

 

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

 

Thismia selangorensis  Siti-Munirah & Gim Siew,  

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

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.267.157968 

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

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

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

 

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

[E, F, G] N. vittatus (Haan, 1844). 

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

 DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.761.1449 

facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

ABSTRACT

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

 

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

 

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Orthoptera Latreille, 1793

Suborder Ensifera Chopard, 1920

Superfamily Grylloidea Laicharting, 1781

Family Gryllidae Laicharting, 1781

Subfamily Eneopterinae Saussure, 1874

Tribe Nisitrini Robillard, 2004

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

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

Genus Nisitrus Saussure, 1878

Type species: Nisitra vittatus (Haan, 1844).

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

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

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

Photograph: Ming Kai Tan.

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

Researchgate.net/publication/353514179_Revision_of_Nisitrus

 facebook.com/100004187887445/posts/2025765667573010

facebook.com/ArthurCHUNG123799/posts/2025765667573010

  

[Herpetology • 2025] Ingerophrynus chrysolophus • A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand

Ingerophrynus chrysolophus 

Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Nguyen, Suwannapoom, Smith & Poyarkov,

 in Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Gorin, Bragin, Nguyen, Hamidy, Muin, Kurniawan, Brown, Suwannapoom, Smith et Poyarkov, 2025.

 Golden-crested Dwarf Toad | คางคกแคระหัวทอง  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173 

 facebook.com: R I M 

Abstract

A review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvus s. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. and I. parvus s. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvus s. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures.

Key Words: Asia, integrative taxonomy, Kangar-Pattani Line, morphology, systematics

Ingerophrynus chrysolophus sp. nov. in life in situ.
 A. Holotype ZMMU A-8030 (adult female) from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand; B. Paratype ZMMU A-8034 (adult male) from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand;
C. ZMMU A-8020 (adult male) from Pa Klok, Phuket, Thailand; D. ZMMU A-8059 (adult male) from Mt. Khao Kra Jom, Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, Thailand. Photographs by N.A. Poyarkov.

Holotype of Ingerophrynus chrysolophus sp. nov. from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand, in life—specimen ZMMU A-8030 (adult female).
 Dorsal aspect (A); ventral aspect (B); lateral view of head (C); dorsal view of head (D); volar view of the left hand (E); plantar view of the right foot (F).

Photographs by N.A. Poyarkov. Scale bars: 5 mm.

 Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Nguyen, Suwannapoom, Smith & Poyarkov, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A member of the genus Ingerophrynus with the following combination of morphological characters: a medium-sized species (SVL 30.3–35.7 mm in males, 34.0–42.4 mm in females); head large and wide (HL/HW 0.81–0.98 in males, 0.80–0.96 in females); parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; parotoid not continuous with an oblique row of conspicuously enlarged warts; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length (TD/ED 0.53–0.64 in males, 0.51–0.77 in females); tibia relatively short (TIL/SVL 0.40–0.44 in males, 0.39–0.43 in females); males with a subgular vocal sac; no tarsal ridge or tibial gland; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange.

Etymology. The species name “сhrysolophus” is a Latinized adjective in the nominative singular, masculine gender, derived from the Ancient Greek words “χρυσός” or “chrysos,” meaning “gold,” and “λόφος” or “lophos,” meaning “crest” or “ridge.” The species name is given in reference to the characteristic golden-orange coloration of supratympanic crests in the new species. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: Golden-crested Dwarf Toad (in English), Khang kok khrae hua tong (คางคกแคระหัวทอง, in Thai), and Zlatogrebnistaya shlemonosnaya zhaba (Златогребнистая шлемоносная жаба, in Russian).

 

 Dmitriy V. Arkhipov, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Goutam Sarker, Vladislav A. Gorin, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen, Amir Hamidy, Mohd Abdul Muin, Nia Kurniawan, Rafe M. Brown, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Eric Smith and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand. Herpetozoa. 38: 271-297. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173

  facebook.com/100088301342746/posts/778531451766893

[Ichthyology • 2023] Schistura ataranensis, S. kuehnei, S. peninsulae, ... • Revision of the Schistura cincticauda species group (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) using molecular and morphological markers

(A) Schistura ataranensis, Myanmar: Kayin Province: Ataran drainage; 

(B) S. hartli, Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Khao Sok; 

(C) S. myaekanbawensis, Myanmar: Tanintharyi Region: Tanintharyi drainage; 

(D) S. kuehnei, Thailand: Surat Thani Prov.: Tapi drainage, Khlong Sok watershed;. 

(E) S. peninsulae, Malaysia: Kedah Prov.: Langkawi Island.

 Dvořák, Jörg Bohlen, Maurice Kottelat and Vendula Šlechtová. 2023

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42852-1 

 

Abstract 

To approach the taxonomy of large and complex animal groups it is of advantage to focus on species groups with shared derived character state. We investigate the composition, morphological characteristics and relationships of and within the Schistura cincticauda species group, whose members are small freshwater fishes that inhabit streams and rivers in eastern Myanmar and western and southern Thailand. A phylogenetic analysis using molecular genetic markers demonstrated the monophyly of this group; a combined genetic and morphological analysis revealed the inclusion of at least twelve species. They share the presence of a pair of black marks on the lower lip, one on each side of the median interruption (these marks may be reduced to few melanophores or even missing in some individuals). Additionally, all species share a small body size (max. 60 mm SL), an incomplete lateral line reaching at most to vertical through anal-fin base, and the absence of sexual dimorphism. Each of the 12 species is diagnosed by a unique combination of character states in fin ray numbers, anus position, presence/absence of an axillary pelvic lobe, and colour pattern. The distribution areas of several species overlap and five cases of syntopic occurrence are known. Five unnamed species are described herein.

  

Species of the cincticauda species group described before 2023: 

(A) Schistura aurantiaca, CMK 14530, 45.8 mm SL; Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong basin; (B) Schistura balteata, CMK 17236, 53.5 mm SL; Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong basin: Pilok stream; (C) Schistura cincticauda, ZRC 38458, neotype, 29.3 mm SL; Thailand: Tak province: Salween basin: Moei River;

 (D) Schistura crocotula, CMK 16458, 30.4 mm SL; Thailand: Prachuap Khiri Khan province; (E) Schistura paucifasciata, BMNH 1930.3.3:4, paratype, 46.6 mm SL: Myanmar: Monglong; (f) Schistura robertsi, CMK 5346, paratype, 30.0 mm SL; Thailand: Phang Nga province: Phang Nga basin; (G) Schistura tenebrosa, UF 181417, holotype, 45.1 mm SL: Thailand: Kanchanaburi province: Mae Khlong drainage. (from Kangrang et al. 2012).

The Schistura cincticauda species group

Schistura aurantiaca Plongsesthee, Page & Beamish, 2011

Schistura balteata (Rendahl, 1948)

Schistura cincticauda (Blyth, 1860) 

Schistura crocotula Plongsesthee, Kottelat & Beamish, 2013

Schistura paucifasciata (Hora, 1929)

Schistura robertsi Kottelat, 1990 

Distribution: Widely distributed in most drainages of the Andaman Sea slope of Thailand, from the Isthmus of Kra southwards to Phuket Island. It was also found in some localities east of the Tenasserim Range in the upper Khlong Sok and upper Tapi River, which drain to the Gulf of Thailand, and in the Krabi River basin (Fig. 7). It occurs in sympatry with S. kuehnei in the upper Khlong Sok and with S. peninsulae in the upper Tapi.

Schistura tenebrosa Kangrang, Page, Beamish, 2012

Schistura ataranensis, new species

Distribution Known only from the upper Ataran River drainage, in Myanmar.

Etymology Named after River Ataran, where the type series was collected. An adjective, -is, -is, -e.

Remarks Schistura ataranensis is traded as ornamental fish since at least 2006 under names like ‘Sumo loach’, ‘Sumo loach II’, ‘Schistura cf. balteata’22. However, pictures of fishes from the ornamental fish trade suggest that additional species are confused under these names.

The new species described in the present study. 

(A) Schistura ataranensis, ZRC 61579, holotype, 43.5 mm SL; Myanmar: Kayin province: Ataran drainage; (B) Schistura hartli, ZRC 61581, holotype, 41.0 mm SL; Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Khao Sok; (C) Schistura myaekanbawensis, MHNG 2790.081, holotype, 29.8 mm SL; Myanmar: Tanintharyi Region: Tanintharyi drainage; 

(D) Schistura kuehnei, ZRC 61582, holotype, 37.1 mm SL; Thailand: Surat Thani Province: Tapi drainage, Khlong Sok watershed;. (E) Schistura peninsulae, ZRC 61584, holotype, 35.6 mm SL; Malaysia: Kedah province: Langkawi Island.

Schistura hartli, new species

Distribution Known only from three specimens, collected in Khao Sok NP in a small forest stream (Fig. 7). Exact position of the locality unknown.

Etymology Named for Andreas Hartl, who collected the type material. Noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Schistura myaekanbawensis, new species 

Schistura kuehnei, new species

Distribution Known only from a small forest stream draining from Khao Sok NP into stream Khlong Sok (River Tapi drainage) in Surat Thani province (Fig. 7); at the type locality it co-occurs with S. robertsi.

Etymology Named after Jens Kühne, in acknowledgement of his long-time support of our ichthyological work in Southeast Asia. Noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Schistura peninsulae, new species

Etymology Named after its wide distribution on the Malay Peninsula; it also is the most southern species of Schistura on the Malay Peninsula. A noun in genitive, indeclinable.

Bayesian tree of the concatenated dataset (mitochondrial cytochrome b plus nuclear IRBP 2 genes) showing the phylogenetic relationships of the species of the Schistura cincticauda species group and the proposed position of S. paucifasciata as concluded from its shared rare pigmentation element with S. balteata. The Bayesian (BAY) and maximum likelihood (ML) analyses revealed congruent topologies; the rectangles at the nodes indicate the posterior probabilities and bootstrap support. The map indicates the geographic origin of the analysed samples of the species. Colours in the tree correspond to colours in map; the values at the nodes represent the posterior possibilities.

 

Tomáš Dvořák, Jörg Bohlen, Maurice Kottelat and Vendula Šlechtová. 2023. Revision of the Schistura cincticauda species group (Teleostei, Nemacheilidae) using molecular and morphological markers. Scientific Reports. 13: 16996. DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42852-1