[Botany • 2025] Pleurothallis vallejoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A new species from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology

 

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, 

in Sierra-Ariza, Alvarez-Diaz, Tinoco et Wilson. 2025.

 revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480

Abstract

A new species of Pleurothallis subgenus Talpinaria, discovered in the department of Tolima, Central Andes of Colombia, is described, illustrated, and discussed. The new species, Pleurothallis vallejoi is compared with P. talpinaria from Colombia and Venezuela, P. trimeroglossa from Peru and Ecuador, P. jostii, presumed to occur in Ecuador, and P. gracilicolumna from Colombia. The new species is distinguished from the previous ones by a lip with subquadrate lateral lobes, with narrowly elliptical basal auricles, and a callus that is elongated, thin, and slightly elevated, with the median lobe occupying almost half of the total lip length. Additionally, the pollination mechanism of the P. talpinaria complex is described and discussed.

Keywords: Andean orchids, Diptera, Pleurothallis gracilicolumna, Pleurothallis jostii, Pleurothallis talpinaria, Pleurothallis trimeroglossa, Sylvicola

Lankester composite digital plate of Pleurothallis vallejoi.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth. D. Lip and column lateral view. E. Lip. F. Column.

LCDP by M. A. Sierra-Ariza based on M.A. Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Fernando Tinoco 491 (Holotipo: TOLI).

Pleurothallis vallejoi Sierra-Ariza, J. Alvarez-Diaz & Mark Wilson, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: P. vallejoi is morphologically most similar to P. trimeroglossa (Fig. 2), from which it differs in the sub-quadrate lateral lobes of the lip, 1.7–2.0 × 1.2–1.5 mm (vs. transversely oblong, 1.8–2.1 × 1.1–1.3 mm), basal auricles that are narrowly elliptical, 1.7–2.0 × 0.6–0.8 mm (vs. narrowly oblong, 2.0–2.3 × 0.4–0.6 mm), a callus that is elongated, thin, slightly elevated, and inconspicuous (vs. dome-shaped, flattened, and notably visible), and a median lobe of 4.1–4.3 mm long (vs. 4.8–5.1 mm).

Mario Alexei Sierra-Ariza, José Armando Alvarez-Diaz, Fernando Tinoco and Mark Wilson. 2025.A new species of Pleurothallis (Pleurothallidinae) from the P. talpinaria complex, with Notes on Comparative Floral Morphology and Pollination Ecology. LANKESTERIANA. 25(3): 151–166. DOI: 10.15517/zzdx7h51 

https://revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/rlankesteriana/article/view/2944

 Researchgate.net/publication/396843480_A_New_Species_of_PLEUROTHALLIS_from_the_P_TALPINARIA_COMPLEX

[Botany • 2025] Uvariopsis niangadoumae (Annonaceae) • Passion and Combat on a Floral Stage: A New Species from Monts de Cristal, Gabon, with Notes on its Unique Pollination Ecology

Uvariopsis niangadoumae  Couvreur & Dagallier,

in Couvreur, Niangadouma, Nguimbit, Paradis, Dagallier, Baudoin-Huit, Collin, Haran et Droissart, 2025. 

    DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.152843

Abstract

Background and aims – Gabon is a major centre of biodiversity. We describe a new species from the tropical plant family Annonaceae: Uvariopsis niangadoumae sp. nov., known from a single population in the Monts de Cristal National Park.

Material and methods – Field work was conducted to collect plant specimens and observe floral visitors. Pollen samples were collected and prepared for microscopic analysis. The phylogenetic tree of Uvariopsis was reconstructed using a maximum likelihood method and based on hundreds of nuclear markers. Pollination biology was studied using a DIY camera trap (PICT) placed near a female flower to record floral visitors and their behaviour for one full day. Several flower visitors were collected and identified using DNA barcoding.

Key results – Uvariopsis niangadoumae is a tree reaching five metres tall, characterized by strong-scented leaves, few-flowered cauliflorous foul-smelling flowers, and large pollen grains shed in tetrads. The species is endemic to a small area within the Monts de Cristal National Park. Phylogenetic analysis places U. niangadoumae within the “large-leaved clade” species complex with now five taxa. Pollination is diurnal, and the primary pollinator is a rove beetle (Staphylinidae), which uses the female flowers as a mating site, with males fighting for control of the flower. The rove beetles might be attracted by a chemical cue, the foul scent of the flowers, and visual cues, with the inner part of the petals resembling mushrooms.

Conclusion – These results emphasize once again the importance of the Monts de Cristal National Park for biodiversity and highlight conservation concerns for the newly described species. The new species is monitored regularly, especially for fruiting individuals, to support ex situ propagation. The Kinguélé Aval project maintains a conservation nursery with 56 species, including 20 individuals of this new species.

Keywords: camera trap, hydrological dam, IUCN conservation, plant-insect interactions, saprocantharophily, Staphylinidae

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, detail of male and female flowers. 

A. Detail of inner side of female (left) and male (right) flowers, one petal removed. B. Detail of female flower, one petal removed. C. Detail of inner side of one female petal. D. Old female flower. E. Detail of sepals on male flower. F. Young male flower, not at anthesis yet. 

From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur. Scale bars: A–D = 0.5 cm.

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, natural habit and vegetative characters.
A. Habitat along a small stream. B. General view. C. Young leaves, light green, dropping. D. Detail of adaxial side of leaf base. E. Detail of abaxial side of leaf base.

From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur.

Uvariopsis niangadoumae, detail of fruits and flower visitors.
A. One monocarp. B. Longitudinal section of a single monocarp showing the seeds. C. Male flower with small Diptera visitors. D. Female flower with one large Staphylinidae beetle. F. Upper side of male flower covered with Crematogaster sp. ants. F. Male flower with large Staphylinidae beetle emerging covered in pollen.

 From Couvreur 1803. Photos by Thomas L.P. Couvreur. Scale bars: A, B = 1 cm.

 Uvariopsis niangadoumae Couvreur & Dagallier, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Uvariopsis niangadoumae resembles U. korupensis in the shape and dimensions of its leaves and the overall size of the flowers. It differs by having strong scented leaves versus no clear scent in U. korupensis. Furthermore, U. niangadoumae bears no more than two, few-flowered inflorescences on small protrusions at the base of the trunk, whereas in U. korupensis the base of the trunk is densely covered with inflorescences. Flowers of U. niangadoumae have free petals with a length:width ratio between 1.3 and 1.7 vs fused at base and a l:w ratio between 2.2 and 7 in U. korupensis. Uvariopsis niangadoumae also has fewer carpels than U. korupensis (20–25 vs 25–120).

Etymology: This species is dedicated to the Gabonese botanist Raoul Niangadouma who participated in the (long and arduous) botanical inventories that led to the official recognition of the Monts de Cristal National Park. Raoul Niangadouma is also one of the collectors of the type specimen of this species.

 Thomas L.P. Couvreur, Raoul Niangadouma, Igor Nguimbit, Anne-Hélène Paradis, Léo-Paul M.J. Dagallier, Lola Baudoin-Huit, Myriam Collin, Julien M. Haran and Vincent Droissart. 2025. Passion and Combat on a Floral Stage: A New Species of Uvariopsis (Annonaceae) from Monts de Cristal, Gabon, with Notes on its Unique Pollination Ecology. Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 294-308. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.152843

[Entomology • 2022] Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), the Bowenia-Pollinating Cycad Weevils in Australia, with Description of a New Species and Implications for the Systematics of Bowenia

Miltotranes wilsoni 

Hsiao & Oberprieler, 2022

DOIL doi.org/10.3390/insects13050456  

 facebook.com: Yun Hsiao

 

Simple Summary: 

Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 is a genus of weevils pollinating Bowenia cycads belonging to two small endemic Australian species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and CITES Appendix II. We provide the first taxonomic revision of Miltotranes resulting in the identification of two previously described species and a newly recognised species, M. wilsoni sp. n. from the McIlwraith Range of the Cape York Peninsula. Morphological comparison reveals its affinity to Tranes, whose species are the pollinators of Macrozamia and Lepidozamia cycads. It appears that the association of Miltotranes with Bowenia may represent a secondary host switch in the Tranes group due to a closer relationship between Macrozamia, Lepidozamia and African Encephalartos than with Bowenia. The coincidence of the geographic ranges of Miltotranes weevils with distribution of their cycad hosts indicates that the isolated Bowenia population in the McIlwraith Range may represent a distinct, third species of Bowenia. Likely, the conspecificity of the Miltotranes weevils occurring in the Wet Tropics also suggests that several morphologically enigmatic localised populations represent B. spectabilis, confirming earlier botanical conclusions. The present study highlights the significance of systematic study of tightly plant-associated insects and its relevance for the taxonomy of their host plants.

Abstract

The Australian endemic weevils of the genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Tranes group), comprising two species, M. prosternalis (Lea, 1929) and M. subopacus (Lea, 1929), are highly host-specific and the only known pollinators of Bowenia cycads, which comprise two CITES-protected species restricted to Tropical Queensland in Australia. In the present study, the taxonomy of Miltotranes is reviewed, a lectotype for the name Tranes prosternalis Lea, 1929 is designated and a new species associated with the Bowenia population in the McIlwraith Range is described as M. wilsoni sp. n. The descriptions and diagnoses of all species are supplemented with illustrations of their habitus and salient structures, and an identification key to all species and a distribution map are provided. Potential implications of the new species and of the taxonomy and biogeography of Miltotranes overall on the systematics and conservation of Bowenia are discussed. 

Keywords: Australia; cycad systematics; cycad pollinators; new taxa; taxonomy; conservation

Yun Hsiao and Rolf G. Oberprieler. 2022. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), the Bowenia-Pollinating Cycad Weevils in Australia, with Description of a New Species and Implications for the Systematics of Bowenia. Insects. 13(5); 456. DOIL doi.org/10.3390/insects13050456 [12 May 2022]

 facebook.com/YunHsiao332867/posts/5482845991746894

twitter.com/YHsiaoBeetle/status/1524924081526964224

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Vetunitidula mandibulata • A Cretaceous Sap Beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) with Specialized Mandibles

 

Vetunitidula mandibulata 

Zhao, Engel, Huang & Cai, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241761 

 

Abstract

Sap beetles (Nitidulidae) are species-rich, highly diverse, widely distributed and exhibit varied food habits. However, studies on nitidulids in Kachin amber are scarce, particularly those involving nitidulids with specialized mandibles. Here, we report a new genus and species of Nitidulidae, Vetunitidula mandibulata gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (approx. 99 Ma). This species is characterized by distinctly enlarged mandibles and a loose three-article antennal club, suggesting it as a stem-group nitidulid. The enlarged mandibles may be a manifestation of sexual dimorphism, as in some extant species. Together with previous studies of fossil nitidulids, our discovery highlights the remarkable diversity and morphological disparity of sap beetles during the late Mesozoic.

Keywords: taxonomy, palaeoentomology, sexual dimorphism, pollination

 

Photomicrographs of Vetunitidula mandibulata gen. et sp. nov. (NIGP203942) and a stenurothripid thrips from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber; under normal reflected light.

(a) Dorsal view. (b) Ventral view.

(c) Dorsal view of thrips (cf. Didymothrips abdominalis Guo et al. 2024).

Scale bars: 1 mm in (a, b) and 0.2 mm in (c).

Systematic palaeontology

Order: Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Superfamily: Nitiduloidea Latreille, 1802

Family: Nitidulidae Latreille, 1802

Genus: Vetunitidula gen. nov.  

 Type species: Vetunitidula mandibulata sp. nov.

 Etymology: The generic name is a combination of the Latin adjective vetus, meaning, ‘old’, and the generic name Nitidula Fabricius; the name is feminine in gender.

   Diagnosis: Body elongate, dorsally glabrous. Head rectangular, with distinct occipital ridge. Clypeus transverse, labrum distinct. Mandibles large, straight, with distinct medial (mediolongitudinal) carina (complete on left mandible, incomplete on right mandible), with at least two distinct teeth on the mesal edge of each mandible. Antenna concealed, with a loose club composed of three articles. Pronotal and elytral sides explanate horizontally, discs punctured. Prosternal process prolongate, with small lateral projection, procoxal cavities closed incompletely. Elytra truncate, with over two abdominal segments exposed. Meso- and meta-tibiae armed with two longitudinal rows of spines dorsally; two tibial spurs present.

Conclusion: 

Nitidulidae are a diverse family of beetles with high biodiversity, yet reports of nitidulids in Kachin amber are rare. We describe a new genus and species of Nitidulidae characterized by distinctly enlarged mandibles, representing the first fossil record of Mesozoic nitidulids with carinae on specialized mandibles. And, we briefly discuss the possibility of the specialized mandibles being sexual dimorphism, as inferred from comparisons with extant male nitidulids with large mandibles. Additionally, we tentatively propose the hypothesis that co-preservation of thrips in the same amber piece may provide insights into the habitat and ecological function of V. mandibulata during the mid-Cretaceous.

Qian Zhao, Michael S. Engel, Diying Huang and Chenyang Cai. 2025. A Cretaceous Sap Beetle with Specialized Mandibles (Coleoptera : Nitidulidae). R. Soc. Open Sci. 12; 241761. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241761  [26 February 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Vrydagzynea suddeei (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) • A New Species from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology

 

Vrydagzynea suddeei  Chuchuea & Seelanan

in Chuchuea et Seelanan, 2025.

เอื้องพรุสุดดี  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural 

 Abstract

Vrydagzynea suddeei, a new species discovered at Trok Nong Nature Trail in Namtok Phlio National Park, Chanthaburi Province, Thailand, is described. Vrydagzynea suddeei is distinct from V. deliana in having larger, greyish-green leaves with a central silver stripe, and a labellum with entire apical margins, a minutely bilobed apex, and papillae on the upper surface. A detailed morphological description, illustrations, distribution, habitat, phenology, and a comparison with similar species are provided, along with a key to all known Vrydagzynea species in Thailand. Vrydagzynea suddeei employs females of sweat bee Lipotriches (Maynenomia) sp. as its pollinators, offers nectar as a reward, and is not capable of autonomous self-pollination or agamospermy.

Monocots, Cranichideae, endemism, floral reward, Halictidae, Orchidoideae, plant taxonomy, reproductive success

Vrydagzynea suddeei Chuchuea & Seelanan

เอื้องพรุสุดดี, เอื้องพรุตรอกนอง

CHANACHON CHUCHUEA and TOSAK SEELANAN. 2025. A New Species of Vrydagzynea (Orchidaceae: Goodyerinae) from southeastern Thailand with field observations on its pollination biology.  Phytotaxa. 698(1); 15-27. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.1.2 [2025-04-22]

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural/posts/9753444978045297

 

[Entomology • 2024] Zimmiodes australis & Z. papuanus • An Integrative Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Approach reveals A New Genus of Australasian Cycas-pollinating Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae)

Zimmiodes australis

 Hsiao & Oberprieler, 2024 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad190

 

Abstract

Cycas is the second-largest genus of cycads in Australia and the sole cycad genus in Papua New Guinea. In contrast to the other Australian cycads, which are mainly pollinated by weevils of the Tranes group of Molytinae, the Australian Cycas species are pollinated by tiny weevils belonging to the subfamily Cossoninae but representing an unnamed genus. This study evaluates the taxonomic status of these weevils by combining morphological examination with molecular phylogenetic analyses and species delineation based on mitochondrial DNA. The results reveal that the Cycas-pollinating weevils in Australia comprise only one species, here described as Zimmiodes australis gen. et sp. nov., with another species in Papua New Guinea, described as Zimmiodes papuanus sp. nov. The phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparison reveal that Zimmiodes belongs in the tribe Pentarthrini of Cossoninae and that the related Tychiodes group includes not only Tychiodes Wollaston, Tychiosoma Wollaston and Nanoplaxes Heller but also Tyrpetes Heller and is also assignable to Pentarthrini. The conspecificity of Zimmiodes weevils from all Australian Cycas species sampled suggests the likely taxonomic oversplitting of the Australian Cycas species and thus provides new insights into the taxonomy of the Australian cycads.

Australasia, cycad pollinators, cycad weevils, new taxa, species delimitation, taxonomy

Superfamily Curculionoidea Latreille, 1802

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Cossoninae Schoenherr, 1825

Zimmiodes gen. nov.

Derivation of name: The genus name is dedicated to the late Dr Elwood Curtin Zimmerman (1912–2004), former weevil taxonomist at the ANIC, who is renowned for his invaluable works on Australian weevils; the gender of the name is masculine.

 Habitus of Zimmiodes, dorsal view. 

A, Zimmiodes australis, male, holotype. B, Z. australis, female, paratype. 

C, Zimmiodes papuanus, male, holotype. D, Z. papuanus, female, paratype. 

Scale bars: 1.00 mm.

 Habitus of Zimmiodes, lateral view. 

A, Zimmiodes australis, male, holotype. B, Z. australis, female, paratype. 

C, Zimmiodes papuanus, male, holotype. D, Z. papuanus, female, paratype. 

Scale bars: 1.00 mm.

  

Zimmiodes australis and host plants in the field.
 A, Cycas media banksii in northern Queensland. B, weevils aggregating among sporophylls of male cone of Cycas media banksii. C, ditto, male cone of Cycas maconochiei. D, weevil, enlarged. E, weevil preparing to fly, showing well-developed hindwings. F, larva tunnelling and feeding in microsporophyll of Cycas maconochiei. G, pupa in pupation chamber in microsporophyll of Cycas maconochiei.

 Zimmiodes australis gen. et sp. nov. 

 Zimmiodes papuanus sp. nov.

 

Yun Hsiao and Rolf G. Oberprieler. 2024. An Integrative Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Approach reveals A New Genus of Australasian Cycas-pollinating Weevils (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Cossoninae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(2); zlad190. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad190

[Botany • 2020] Primulina spiradiclioides (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen,

in Xin, Huang, Fu, Li, Wang et Wen, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.057.0408 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342178681

Abstract

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen (Gesneriaceae), a new species from limestone areas in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It resembles P. curvituba, but can be easily distinguished from it by several characters, especially by its straight corolla tube. We found only one population with fewer than 200 mature individuals at the type locality.

 

Primulina spiradiclioides Z.B. Xin & F. Wen

Zi-Bing Xin, Zhang-Jie Huang, Long-Fei Fu, Shu Li, Bing-Mou Wang and Fang Wen. 2020. Primulina spiradiclioides (Gesneriaceae), a New Species from Limestone Areas in Guangxi, China.  Annales Botanici Fennici. 57(4-6); 245-248. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.057.0408 [28 October 2020]

  Researchgate.net/publication/342178681_Primulina_spiradiclioides_Gesneriaceae_a_New_Species_from_Limestone_Areas_in_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2024] Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China

 

Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, 

in Ding, Liu, Zhang, Wang, Huang, Lin, Pan et Li, 2024. 

细瓣石山苣苔 ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70670 

Researchgate.net/publication/386229258

ABSTRACT

The genus Petrocodon is renowned for its remarkably diverse floral morphology, exhibiting a high level of disparity compared to most genera within Gesneriaceae. In this study, we present a detailed description and illustration of Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, a new species with unique floral features that is native to Guangxi, China. This species is geographically close to P. jingxiensis H.S. Gao & W.B. Xu and is indistinguishable from P. jingxiensis in vegetative characteristics. However, it can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter pedicels, slender tubular corolla, shorter corolla tube, distinctly unequal corolla lobes with upper ones linear and reflexed and lower ones oblanceolate, and included chiritoid-like stigma. The presence of linear upper lobes and the chiritoid-like stigma has not been previously reported in Petrocodon, and the emergence of this new species will further expand the morphospace occupied by this morphologically diverse genus.

Keywords: disparity, floral morphology, Gesneriaceae, pollination taxonomy

Petrocodon gracilis:
(a) habitat, (b) habit, (c) inflorescence, (d) corolla in the front view, (e) corolla in the side view, (f) longitudinal section of the corolla, (g) capsule, (h1) stigma in a bud, and (h2–h4) stigmas in opening flowers.

Petrocodon gracilis T. Ding & B. Pan, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: The new species is most similar to P. jingxiensis but can be distinguished from the latter by the short pedicels of 1–4 mm long (vs. long pedicels 10–22 mm), a slender tubular corolla (vs. narrowly funnel-shaped corolla), a short corolla tube of 8–12 mm long (vs. a long corolla tube of 15–25 mm long), distinctly unequal corolla lobes with the upper ones linear and reflexed and the lower ones oblanceolate (vs. subequal ovate corolla lobes with the upper ones erect), and included stigma (vs. exserted stigma).

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from the almost linear upper corolla lobes. The Chinese name given is Xi Ban Shi Shan Ju Tai (细瓣石山苣苔).

 

Tao Ding, Ming Liu, Qiang Zhang, Peng-Fei Wang, Xing Huang, Yan-Xiang Lin, Bo Pan and Peng-Wei Li. 2024. Petrocodon gracilis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from southwestern Guangxi, China. Ecology and Evolution. 14(12); e70670. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.70670

 Researchgate.net/publication/386229258_Petrocodon_gracilis_a_New_Species_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2024] Telipogon leisberthvelezii (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Oncidiinae) • A New orchid Species from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador

Telipogon leisberthvelezii Iturralde, M.M.Jiménez & H.Garzón,  

in Jiménez, Martel, Garzón-Suárez, Baquero, Mashendo et Iturralde, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10145-5

Summary

Telipogon leisberthvelezii Iturralde, M.M.Jiménez & H.Garzón, a new species of orchid, discovered in the Cordillera del Cóndor in southern Ecuador, is described and illustrated and its morphological similarities to other species are discussed. The new species is morphologically most similar to T. jostii (Dodson) N.H.Williams & Dressler but differs in the ellipsoid-obovoid petals with a bilobed base, the lip having a deltoid midlobe and dolabriform lateral lobes and a lower density of setae on the column. It is currently known from a single locality only, occurring as an epiphyte in lower montane forest.

Key Words: Lower montane forest, miniature Telipogon, southern Ecuador, Stellilabium, Telipogon jostii, Telipogon pogonostalix, Zamora Chinchipe Province

 

Telipogon leisberthvelezii Iturralde, M.M.Jiménez & H.Garzón sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY. The species is named after Leisberth Vélez Abarca, an Ecuadorian orchidologist from El Pangui, who first spotted the plant here used as the type specimen. Thanks to his avid interest in orchid identification, he has described several new orchid species from the Cordillera del Cóndor region.

Marco M. Jiménez, Carlos Martel, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Luis E. Baquero, Viviana Mashendo & Gabriel A. Iturralde. 2024. Telipogon leisberthvelezii (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae), A New orchid Species from the Cordillera del Cóndor in Ecuador. Kew Bulletin. DOI: 10.1007/s12225-023-10145-5

[Botany • 2024] Elleanthus loxensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Sobralieae) • A New white-flowered Elleanthus from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Notes on Hummingbird Pollination of Elleanthus scopula

Elleanthus loxensis M.M.Jiménez & Iturralde,

 in Jiménez, Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Lapo-González, Vélez-Abarca, Salagaje et Iturralde, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.1

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Abstract

A new species of Elleanthus from southern Ecuador is described and illustrated here. Elleanthus loxensis is characterized by having ramified stems with coriaceous, plicate leaves and white flowers. Its ecological, morphological, and taxonomic traits are compared with other similar species within the genus and discussed here. Additionally, comments on the pollination of Elleanthus scopula are presented.

cloud forests, Loja, orchids, South America, upper elevation, Zamora Chinchipe, Monocots

Elleanthus loxensis. 
A, B. In situ photographs in the El Madrigal of Podocarpus Reserve. C, D. Plant in flower in Tapichacala Reserve. E. The first author is photographing the new species in Tapichalaca Reserve.

Photos: by Marco M. Jiménez (A, B) and James H. Muchmore Jr. (C–E).

Lankester Composite Dissection Plate (LCDP) of Elleanthus loxensis.
A. Habit with a close-up of the internode of a branch (A1) and a leaf in adaxial view (A2). B. Detail of the inflorescence with a flower in frontal view (B1). C. Dissected flower with a closeup of the apical margin (C1) and corpuscules of the lip (C2). D. Lip, column and ovary in lateral views with a longitudinal section of the lip showing the column and corpuscules. E. Column in ventral and ¾ views. F. Pollinarium and anther in adaxial and abaxial views.

Elaborated by Nadia Lapo-González based on photographs of the type.

 

Elleanthus loxensis M.M.Jiménez & Iturralde, sp. nov. 

Elleantus loxensis is most similar to E. maculatus but it is distinguished by the stems branching along its length (vs. branching only from the base), the white flowers (vs. purple) with shorter spathulate-lanceolate sepals (7.5–8.3 × 3.5–3.6 mm vs. oblong petals 14–18 × 2–3 mm), the smaller, membranaceous, laciniate lip (9.0–9.9 × 7.3–10.1 mm vs. fleshy, fimbriate lip, 17 × 10 mm), and the base with subreniform calli (vs. obpyriform, globose calli).

Hummingbirds visiting Elleanthus scopula.
A, B, C. Metallura tyrianthina (female) with pollinarium in its bill. D, E. Chalcostigma herrani.

Photos by Luis Salagaje.

Marco M. Jiménez, J.R. Kuethe, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Nadia Lapo-González, Leisberth Vélez-Abarca, Luis A. Salagaje M. and Gabriel A. Iturralde. 2024. A New white-flowered Elleanthus (Orchidaceae: Sobralieae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador and Notes on Hummingbird Pollination of Elleanthus scopula.  Phytotaxa. 662(3); 209-223. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.662.3.1

  facebook.com/NadiaLapoGonzales/posts/7975710739191234

[Entomology • 2024] Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae • A New osmiine Bee (Hymenoptera: Anthophila: Megachilidae) with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction

Hoplitis onosmaevae

Aubert, Müller & Praz, 2024

  DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Abstract

A new osmiine bee species, Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), is described. So far, this species is exclusively known from the Mercantour National Park in the southwestern French Alps and from mountainous ranges in Turkey and northern Iraq, two areas separated by at least 2000 km. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear genes revealed that H. onosmaevae is closely related to H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) and H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae is presumably narrowly oligolectic and harvests pollen only on flowers of Onosma L. (Boraginaceae). It has a particularly long proboscis, which is probably an adaptation to collect nectar from the long-tubed flowers of this plant genus. The females collect pollen by buzzing the Onosma flowers, a rare behavior in megachilid bees. The species nests in insect burrows in dead wood, similar to H. adunca and H. manicata but unlike other closely related representatives of the subgenus Hoplitis, suggesting a single origin of nesting in dead wood and hollow stems in this lineage. In France, H. onosmaevae inhabits alpine steppe-like habitats close to forests and appears to be extremely local, since only two populations are currently known. The conservation status of this extremely rare bee species in Europe is discussed.

Key Words: Anthophila, Apiformes, Hoplitis, Onosma, osmiine bees, buzzing, conservation, France, Iraq, Turkey

Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov., foraging habitat and behaviour (France, Saint-Dalmas-le-Selvage, 23.6.2020). 15. Foraging habitat with patch of the host plant, Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 16. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights, with unfolded proboscis; 17. Male resting on stone between two patrolling flights; 18. Female on a flower of Onosma tricerosperma subsp. fastigiata; 19. Female concentrating nectar with widely open mandibles.

Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae Aubert, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: In most species of Hoplitis (Hoplitis), the length of the proboscis is at most one-third as long as the body. Only H. linguaria, H. holmboei, H. homalocera and H. semilinguaria have a longer proboscis, which reaches about half of the body length. Hoplitis onosmaevae possesses an even longer proboscis, which is approximately as long as the body (Fig. 3). In both sexes of H. holmboei and H. homalocera, the vertex is comparatively short (ocelloccipital distance less than two ocellar diameters) and, when seen in front view, not elevated behind ocelli, but regularly rounded across its width; in H. onosmaevae the vertex is longer (ocelloccipital distance about ...

Etymology: The species epithet onosmaevae refers to the assumed close association with plants of the genus Onosma (see section on pollen hosts below) and to Maëva Gardenat, to whom the first author wishes to dedicate this species.

 Matthieu Aubert, Andreas Müller and Christophe Praz. 2024. A New osmiine Bee with a spectacular Geographic Disjunction: Hoplitis (Hoplitis) onosmaevae sp. nov. (Hymenoptera, Anthophila, Megachilidae). Alpine Entomology. 8: 65-79. DOI: 10.3897/alpento.8.118039

Résumé: Une nouvelle espèce d’abeille appartenant à la tribu des Osmiini, Hoplitis onosmaevae sp. nov. (Megachilidae), est décrite. Elle est à ce jour connue du Parc national du Mercantour dans le Sud des Alpes françaises et de zones montagneuses de Turquie et du Nord de l’Irak, deux aires distantes de plus de 2000 km. Des analyses phylogénétiques de gènes mitochondriaux et nucléaires indiquent que cette nouvelle espèce est apparentée à H. adunca (Panzer, 1798), H. benoisti (Alfken, 1935) et H. manicata (Morice, 1901). Hoplitis onosmaevae est certainement oligolectique, spécialisée pour la récolte du pollen sur les fleurs d’Onosma L (Boraginaceae). Elle est caractérisée notamment par un proboscis très allongé, qui est probablement une adaptation à la collecte du nectar dans les fleurs de ce genre botanique. Les femelles en exploitent le pollen en les faisant vibrer («buzzing»), comportement rare au sein de la famille des Megachilidae. Il a été observé que cette nouvelle espèce nidifie dans des galeries existantes dans le bois mort, à l’instar de H. adunca et de H. manicata, mais contrairement à d’autres représentants du sous-genre Hoplitis, ce qui suggère une origine unique de l’emploi du bois mort et des tiges creuses en tant que substrat de nidification au sein de ce groupe. En France, H. onosmaevae semble extrêmement localisée : elle n’a été trouvée que sur deux stations, correspondant à des habitats d’altitude d’affinité steppique, non loin de boisements. Son statut de conservation en Europe est discuté.

[Botany • 2024] Solenangis impraedicta (Orchidaceae) • A New orchid Species expands Darwin’s predicted pollination guild in Madagascar

Solenangis impraedicta Stévart, Farminhão, Savignac, Verlynde & Ramand.,

in Farminhão, Savignac, Droissart, Lowry, Rajaonarivelo, Ramandimbisoa, Verlynde, Todivelo et Stévart, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.012 

Researchgate.net/publication/378867402

Summary

The world-renowned pollination system of the long-spurred orchid Angraecum sesquipedale Thouars and the long-tongued hawkmoth Xanthopan praedicta (Rothschild & Jordan, 1903), from Madagascar, is the best-known example of the predictive power of evolutionary ecology, yet its actual degree of specialisation remains poorly described due to the incompleteness of the pollination record of X. praedicta. Here, we describe another species from Madagascar, an angraecoid orchid distantly related to the genus Angraecum Bory, that has evolved these extreme adaptations to a single pollinator after a pollinator shift. It bears the longest spur of any flowering plant, relative to flower diameter, reaching 33 cm. The discovery of a species with such an exceptionally long spur is a rare event, the most recent dating to 19653. This novelty is described here as Solenangis impraedicta (Figure 1A–F) and discussed in a phylogenetic framework. Its conservation status is assessed as Endangered.

    

Solenangis impraedicta Stévart, Farminhão, Savignac, Verlynde & Ramand., sp. nov.

João Farminhão, Marie Savignac, Vincent Droissart, Porter P. Lowry II, Nirina Rajaonarivelo, Brigitte Ramandimbisoa, Simon Verlynde, Arsela Todivelo and Tariq Stévart. 2024. A New orchid Species expands Darwin’s predicted pollination guild in Madagascar. Current Biology. 34(5); R189-R190. DOI: 10.1016/j.cub.2024.01.012  

  Researchgate.net/publication/378867402_A_new_orchid_species_expands_Darwin's_predicted_pollination_guild_in_Madagascar

International team discovers new species of orchid from Madagascar

 pages.uc.pt/en/uc-news/articles/international-team-discovers-new-species-of-orchid-from-madagascar/

 www.nybg.org/planttalk/international-team-of-scientists-describe-new-orchid-species-related-to-famous-darwins-orchid/