[Entomology • 2024] Actinote pyrrhosticta • A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

 

Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall,

C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco; 

   I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, 

J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago,   

K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, Peru, Amazonas,   
   

in Willmott, Lamas, Hall, Boyer, Pyrcz et Florczyk, 2024.  

Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1) 

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

Abstract  

We describe one new species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., and Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. We treat Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 as a new synonym of Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., and treat Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 as a subspecies, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. We illustrate adult specimens of all described taxa of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) and A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, and representatives of A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). We also provide illustrations of male and female genitalia for select taxa, distribution maps, and a revised, annotated synonymic list for all four species.

  

Images of new Actinote taxa in nature.
A, B) Mating pair of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., female in foreground (A), and male (B), resting on rocks and low vegetation near edge of stream gully at type locality;
C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco, above Mollepata (photographs by David Geale). C) Last instar; D) Pupal case with freshly emerged adult adjacent; E) Cluster of pupae; F,G) Males nectaring on Asteraceae flowers; H) Female nectaring on Asteraceae flowers;
I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, Cochorco (photograph by Jonathan Newman);
J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, puddling on damp gravel, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago, Cebadas-Macas road;
K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, dorsal (K) and ventral (L), Peru, Amazonas, Abra Patricia (photographs by David Geale).  

Habitats of new Actinote taxa. A) Ecuador, Loja, Jimbura-San Andrés road, type locality of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., stream gully and road where numerous individuals were observed on the morning of 12 June 2014; B) Peru, Cajamarca, El Pargo, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp. C) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Angasocha, type locality of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.D) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Uspacocha, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.E) Peru,Lambayeque, Cañaris, type locality of A. eresia canyaris n. ssp.F) Ecuador, Zamora-Chinchipe, San Francisco, type locality of Actinote hilaris arcoiris n. ssp.  

Keith R. Willmott, Gerardo Lamas, Jason P. W. Hall, Pierre Boyer, Tomasz Pyrcz and Klaudia Florczyk. 2024. A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 1-20.

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

 inabio.biodiversidad.gob.ec/2023/10/27/una-nueva-especie-y-ocho-nuevas-subspecies-de-mariposas-son-descritas-en-colombia-ecuador-y-peru/

En este trabajo describimos una especie nueva y ocho nuevas subspecies altoandinas de Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) encontradas en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., y Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. Consideramos a Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 como un nuevo sinónimo de Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., y a Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 como una subespecie, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. Ademas, ilustramos especímenes adultos de todos los taxa descritos de A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) y A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, y algunos representantes de A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). También presentamos ilustraciones de las genitalias masculinas y femeninas de algunos taxones seleccionados, junto con mapas de distribución, y una lista de sinonimos revisada para las cuatro especies. 

Shinichi Nakahara, Albert Thurman, Gordon B. Small. 2024. A new species of Pseudodebis Forster, 1964 from Panama (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 21-28.  

[Entomology • 2025] Igoria parwanae, Colotois shabazherica, ... • Four new ennomine Moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae) from Iraqi Kurdistan

  Igoria parwanae gen. n. et sp. n. 
Colotois shabazherica sp. n. 

 Khudhur & Axel Hausmann, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2025.2535148

 

Abstract

In this paper, we describe a new genus, three new species, and one new subspecies of moths from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq: Aleucis orientalis suleimana ssp. n., Pseudopanthera kurdistanica sp. n., Colotois shabazherica sp. n., and Igoria parwanae gen. n. et sp. n. We provide detailed differential diagnoses along with images of adult specimens and both male and female genitalia. Analysis of the mitochondrial COI gene (barcoding region) reveals genetic divergences ranging from 2.45% to 7.35% between these newly described taxa and their closest related congeners.

 

Keywords: Aleucis, Pseudopanthera, Colotois, Igoria gen. nov., Middle East 

Aleucis orientalis suleimana ssp. n.

 Pseudopanthera kurdistanica sp. n.

 Colotois shabazherica sp. n.

Igoria parwanae gen. n. et sp. n. 

Farhad A. Khudhur & Axel Hausmann. 2025. Four new ennomine Moths from Iraqi Kurdistan (Lepidoptera: Geometridae). Zoology in the Middle East. 71(3); 339-350. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09397140.2025.2535148 [23 Jul 2025]

[Mollusca • 2022] Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis, Pupina bilabiata, Pupina latisulci, ... • Annotated Checklist of the Operculated Land Snails from Thailand (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda): the Family Pupinidae, with Descriptions of several New Species and Subspecies, and Notes on Classification of Pupina Vignard, 1829 and Pupinella Gray, 1850 from mainland Southeast Asia

 

  [A] Pupina artata from Ratchaburi;
[D, E] Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. from Uthai Thani; 

H Pupina siamensis, Chonburi. 

[A] Pupina siamensis from Rayong;
[B–D] Pupina bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. from Chumphon, Nong Bua Lam Phu and Surat Thani;

[E, F] Pupina godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov.  from Uthai Thani;

[G, H] Pupina aureola: from Nakhon Sri Thammarat. 

in Jirapatrasilp, Sutcharit et Panha, 2022.

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1119.85400 

 facebook.com/ASRUChula

Abstract 

Thailand is located at the crossroads of several biogeographical regions, and boasts a high level of biodiversity, especially among the malacofauna. The most recent checklist of land snail species in Thailand was compiled more than twenty years ago, and so this checklist needs revision and the addition of newly discovered taxa. This study updates the taxonomy and species list of the operculated land snail family Pupinidae from Thailand. This snail family is diverse and abundant, and can be found in various natural habitats in Southeast Asia. Although the taxonomy of some Southeast Asian pupinid genera has been reviewed, studies of Pupina Vignard, 1829, which contains the highest number of species, and a lesser-known genus Pupinella Gray, 1850 are still lacking. Herein we present an annotated checklist with an up-to-date systematic framework of the Pupinidae in Thailand based on both field investigations and literature surveys, and include the taxonomic treatment of all Pupina and Pupinella species from mainland Southeast Asia.

This annotated checklist contains 30 nominal species and two subspecies from seven genera currently known to occur in Thailand. We describe two species of Pseudopomatias (Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov. and P. pallgergelyi Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov.), five species and one subspecies of Pupina (Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. latisulci Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., P. stoliczkai Jirapatrasilp, sp. nov., and P. dorri isanensis Jirapatrasilp, ssp. nov.) as new to science. New records of Coptocheilus sumatranus, Pupinella mansuyi, and Rhaphaulus tonkinensis are also reported from Thailand. The mainland Southeast Asian Pupina species are classified into three species groups (Pupina artata group, Pupina arula group, and Pupina aureola group) based on the distinction of shell teeth and canals, and operculum. Three species formerly in Pupina from Vietnam are allocated to Pupinella (P. illustris comb. nov., P. sonlaensis comb. nov., and P. thaitranbaii comb. nov.) due to the presence of a funnel-like anterior canal.

Keywords: Biodiversity, malacofauna, “prosobranch”, systematics, taxonomy

 

Habitat and vegetation around A Luang Cave, Chiang Rai, northern Thailand B Wang Daeng Cave, Phitsanulok, central Thailand C Tak Fa, Nakhon Sawan, central Thailand D Klong Had, Sra Keo, eastern Thailand E Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani, central Thailand F Phanom, Surat Thani, southern Thailand, and G Tham Khiriwong Temple, Prachub Kirikhan, western Thailand.

 

Live specimens of A, B Pollicaria mouhoti mouhoti: specimens A CUMZ 12166 and B CUMZ 12175 from Wang Daeng Cave, Phitsanulok C Pollicaria mouhoti monochroma, paratype CUMZ 1562 from Tam Pha Bing Temple, Loei D Tortulosa tortuosa, specimen CUMZ 12155 from Tham Suea Temple, Krabi
E–H Pupina artata: specimens of E CUMZ 12006 from Pha Daeng Cave, Mae Hong Son F CUMZ 12008 from Tham Nam Pha Pha Ngam Temple, Lampang, and G, H CUMZ 12029 from Khao Tham Raet Temple, Chachoengsao showing the brown (G) and grey (H) shell morphs;

All not to scale.

 

Live specimens of A–C Pupina artata: specimens A CUMZ 12020 from Buri Ratchawanaram Temple, Ratchaburi B CUMZ 12022 from Golden Dragon Cave, Ratchaburi, and C CUMZ 12037 from Wua Ta Lap Island, Surat Thani D, E Pupina bensoni sp. nov. D paratype CUMZ 12045/2 from Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani and E specimen CUMZ 12047 from Tham Namthip Bureau of Monks, Uthai Thani F, G Pupina peguensis: specimens F CUMZ 12050 from Chai Thong Wararam Temple, Nakhon Sawan and G CUMZ 12051 from Tham Saeng Wiset Bureau of Monks, Nakhon Sawan H Pupina siamensis, specimen CUMZ 12069 from Khao Chi Chan Buddha Image, Chonburi. All not to scale.

Live specimens of A Pupina siamensis, specimen CUMZ 12071 from Tham Khao Loi Temple, Rayong B–D Pupina bilabiata sp. nov. B paratype CUMZ 12073/2 from Banpot Pisai Temple, Chumphon and specimens C CUMZ 12082 from Pha Jor Cave, Nong Bua Lam Phu and D CUMZ 12087 from Ban Yai, Surat Thani E, F Pupina godwinausteni sp. nov.: paratypes E CUMZ 12090/26 and F CUMZ 12091 from Khao Wong Cave, Uthai Thani G, H Pupina aureola: specimens G CUMZ 12117 from Lod Cave, Nakhon Sri Thammarat and H CUMZ 12121 from Tham Thong Panara Temple, Nakhon Sri Thammarat, showing its microhabitat in rotten log. All not to scale.

 

Parin Jirapatrasilp, Chirasak Sutcharit and Somsak Panha. 2022. Annotated Checklist of the Operculated Land Snails from Thailand (Mollusca, Gastropoda, Caenogastropoda): the Family Pupinidae, with Descriptions of several New Species and Subspecies, and Notes on Classification of Pupina Vignard, 1829 and Pupinella Gray, 1850 from mainland Southeast Asia. ZooKeys. 1119: 1-115. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1119.85400 

 

รายชื่อของหอยทากบกในวงศ์ Pupinidae ที่พบในประเทศไทยทั้งสิ้น 30 สปีชีส์และ 2 สปีชีส์ย่อยจากทั้งหมด 7 สกุลด้วยกัน และเป็นชนิดใหม่ของโลกทั้งสิ้น 7 สปีชีส์และ 1 สปีชีส์ย่อยดังนี้

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/460933692615441 

1. Pseudopomatias doiangkhangensis Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยกระสวยจิ๋วขึ้นสันดอยอ่างขาง

พบได้ที่ดอยอ่างขาง อ.ฝาง จ.เชียงใหม่

2. Pseudopomatias pallgergelyi Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยกระสวยจิ๋วขึ้นสันพอลล์เกิร์จลี

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ Dr. Barna Páll-Gergely นักสังขวิทยาชาวฮังการีที่ศึกษาวิจัยหอยทากบกหลายกลุ่ม รวมทั้งหอยทากบกในวงศ์ Pupinidae พบได้ที่ถ้ำผาแดง อ.เมือง จ.แม่ฮ่องสอน

3. Pupina bensoni Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันเบนสัน

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ W.H. Benson นักสังขวิทยาชาวไอริชในช่วงคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากอินเดียและเมียนมาร์ รวมถึงชื่อของหอยเปลือกมันสกุล Pupina ที่เก่าแก่ที่สุดในภูมิภาคนี้ 2 ชนิด พบได้ที่ถ้ำเขาวง อ.บ้านไร่ จ.อุทัยธานี

4. Pupina bilabiata Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันปากซ้อน

โดยชื่อ "bilabiata" หมายถึงปากเปลือกที่มีสองชั้น พบได้ที่ภาคอีสานและภาคใต้ของไทย

5. Pupina godwinausteni Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันก็อดวินเอาสเทน

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ H.H. Godwin-Austen นักสังขวิทยาชาวอังกฤษในช่วงปลายคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ พบได้ที่ จ.อุทัยธานี

6. Pupina latisulci Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันร่องกว้าง
โดยชื่อ "latisulci" หมายถึงร่องตรงฟันเปลือกที่กว้างขึ้นทั้งสองร่อง พบได้ที่เขาอกทะลุ อ.เมือง จ.พัทลุง

7. Pupina stoliczkai Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันสโตลิกซกา 

ตั้งชื่อเป็นเกียรติแด่ F. Stoliczka นักสังขวิทยาชาวเช็คในช่วงคริสต์ศตวรรษที่ 19 ที่ศึกษาและตั้งชื่อหอยทากบกชนิดใหม่ของโลกจำนวนมากจากภูมิภาคเอเชียใต้และเอเชียตะวันออกเฉียงใต้ พบได้ที่วัดราชบูรณะ อ.หลังสวน จ.ชุมพร

8. Pupina dorri isanensis Jirapatrasilp, 2022 หอยเปลือกมันอีสาน 

พบได้ที่เขาหินปูนทางภาคอีสาน

 

[Ornithology • 2025] Birds of a feather: Comprehensive Plumage Colour Analysis for A Revised Subspecies Classification of the Chestnut-winged Babbler Cyanoderma erythropterum species complex

Map of Southeast Asia showing type localities (large flag markers) and collection localities of museum specimens (small circles) for the various taxa described under Cyanoderma erythropterum and C. bicolor.

 

in Teo, Sin, Nieves et Rheindt, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.avrs.2025.100307 

Images of Babblers modified from Eaton et al. (2016).

 

ABSTRACT

Quantitative analysis of colouration is an essential tool for subspecies delimitation but has always posed a challenge in avian taxonomy. In this study on the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) species complex from tropical Southeast Asia, we made use of colour measurements taken with digital cameras and applied two methodologies—(1) the 75% subspecies rule on quantitative colourimetric variables, and (2) the CIEDE2000 colour distance method to generate phylograms, which has probably never been applied in taxonomy before. Given its large number of described subspecies, many of which have been synonymised in modern taxonomies, the species complex serves as an appropriate model to test subspecies validity. Our data indicate that one synonymised subspecies (C. e. apega), from the islands of Bangka and Belitung, requires re-instalment and recognition, whereas one widely recognised subspecies (C. e. fulviventre), from the Banyak Islands, should be synonymised. Our approach also allowed us to redraw geographic subspecies boundaries. Our work indicates that current subspecies taxonomies of many poorly known tropical species may remain error-ridden and highlights the importance and viability of large-scale taxonomic revisions targeting avian subspecies globally while incorporating quantitative colourimetric approaches.

Keywords: Chestnut-winged Babbler, Colour distance, Subspecies boundaries, Subspecies rule, Taxonomy

Map of Southeast Asia showing type localities (large flag markers) and collection localities of museum specimens (small circles) for the various taxa described under Cyanoderma erythropterum and C. bicolor.
Flag markers are positioned precisely at type localities except in the case of C. e. pyrrhophaeum, whose type locality is ill-defined as ‘Sumatra’. Subspecies that are widely synonymised are shown with the same colour (both in font and type locality flag) as the taxon under which they are usually subsumed. Underlined names refer to subspecies that have widely been accepted prior to this study. Red dots indicate the localities of specimens from the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum (Singapore), while light-blue dots indicate the localities of specimens from other museums. Black stippled lines represent subspecies boundaries widely followed prior to this study, while yellow stippled lines represent revised subspecies boundaries proposed in this study. The dark-grey shaded area in Borneo reflects remaining uncertainty around the boundary between C. b. bicolor and C. b. rufum.

Images of babblers modified from Eaton et al. (2016).

Conclusions: 

Our results validate the current synonymisation of neocarum and sordidum with erythropterum, and of pellum with pyrrhophaeum. Our data also show that a widely recognised subspecies, fulviventre from the Banyak Islands, is indistinct in plumage and should be synonymised with pyrrhophaeum. Subspecies apega from the Bangka and Belitung islands is widely synonymised in modern taxonomies, but emerged as distinct in its crown colouration, exhibiting a pattern that would render it intermediate between C. erythropterum and C. bicolor. We advocate a resurrection of this subspecies, and confirm its placement within C. erythropterum on the basis of vocal data. Our examination of specimens indicates that the subspecies boundary between rufum and bicolor is much further south than widely assumed, although we do not rule out the possibility that rufum may form part of a cline of crown colour across Borneo.

The following is our proposed subspecies taxonomy for the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) complex:

● Cyanoderma erythropterum (Blyth, 1842): 

Chestnut-winged Babbler

○ C. e. erythropterum (Blyth, 1842) – Type locality: Singapore

■ Range: Thai-Malay Peninsula, Singapore, Riau Islands, Natuna Islands

■ Synonyms: sordidum Baker, 1917; neocarum Oberholser, 1932

○ C. e. pyrrhophaeum (Hartlaub, 1844) – Type locality: “Malacca and Sumatra” (here restricted to Sumatra, as Malacca was a trading hub)

■ Range: Sumatra, Batu and Banyak Islands

■ Synonyms: pellum Oberholser, 1912; eripellum Oberholser, 1922; fulviventre Richmond, 1903

■ Main diagnosis: Grey breast darker than erythropterum

○ C. e. apega Oberholser, 1922 – Type locality: Tanjong Tedong, Bangka Island

■ Range: Bangka Island and Belitung Island

■ Main diagnosis: Incomplete chestnut crown with front half being slate grey unlike complete chestnut crown in erythropterum and pyrrhophaeum

● Cyanoderma bicolor (Blyth, 1865): 

Bicoloured Babbler

○ C. b. bicolor (Blyth, 1865) – Type locality: Labuan (Malaysian Borneo)

■ Range: Northern and central Borneo, Banggi Island

○ C. b. rufum (Chasen & Kloss, 1927) – Type locality: Sampit, south coast of Kalimantan

■ Range: Southern Borneo, likely found only across the Central Kalimantan Depression

■ Main diagnosis: Rufous colouration extending to the nape, and even to some extent to the crown, unlike the grey colouration observed in bicolor

Shen Han Teo, Yong Chee Keita Sin, Mayjean Marie Ines Nieves and Frank E. Rheindt. 2025. Birds of a feather: Comprehensive Plumage Colour Analysis for A Revised Subspecies Classification of the Chestnut-winged Babbler (Cyanoderma erythropterum) species complex. Avian Research. In Press, 100307. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.avrs.2025.100307  [4 October 2025]

[Botany • 2021] Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense (Zingiberaceae) • A New Subspecies from South-East Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi, 

in Ardiyani, Ardi et Santoso, 2021.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.1.3 

 facebook.com/KebunRayaBogorBRIN

Abstract

A new subspecies of Zingiber ultralimitale Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen was found at Matarombeo, South-East Sulawesi. Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi, was described, illustrated and barcoded using four barcoding loci (rbcL, trnH-psbA, Internal Transcribed Spacer-ITS, and matK). Provisional conservation status assessment indicates a Critical Endangered (CR) status. The taxonomic placement into section was determined based on morphology, molecular, and pollen SEM data.

Keywords: Indonesia, limestone, scanning electron microscope, South-East Sulawesi, Wallacea, Monocots

Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi

MARLINA ARDIYANI, WISNU H. ARDI, WAHYUDI SANTOSO. 2021. Zingiber ultralimitale subsp. matarombeoense Ardiyani & Ardi (Zingiberaceae), A New Subspecies from Sulawesi.  Phytotaxa. 527(1); 32-40. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.527.1.3 [2021-11-26]

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[Herpetology • 2025] Scutiger khumbu • Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguities in Extant Himalayan Lazy Toads: A New Species of the Genus Scutiger (Anura: Megophryidae) from eastern Nepal

Scutiger khumbu 

Hofmann, Ohler, Baniya, Dubois, Flecks, Jablonski, Schmidt & Dufresnes, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.989.2893

Abstract

The biodiversity of the Himalaya remains significantly understudied and, at the same time, is increasingly threatened by habitat loss due to rising anthropogenic pressures and climate change. Lazy Toads of the genus Scutiger are endemic to the Himalaya-Tibet orogen and form a diverse and characteristic component of the Himalayan montane zone. In our study, we re-assess material of Scutiger sikimmensis s. lat. using both molecular and morphological data. Our findings support the description of a new species, Scutiger khumbu sp. nov., with the nominotypical subspecies distributed in the Nepalese Khumbu Himal, and the subspecies Scutiger khumbu makalu subsp. nov. from the adjacent Makalu range

Keywords: Amphibia, Himalaya, molecular systematics, morphology, Scutiger, taxonomy

Scutiger khumbu sp. nov., nominotypical subspecies
Holotype, ♂ (ZFMK 104174), adult male in life.
A. Dorsolateral view. B. Ventral view. C. Dorsal view of hand. D. Dorsal view of foot.

Sylvia Hofmann, Annemarie Ohler, Chitra B. Baniya, Alain Dubois, Morris Flecks, Daniel Jablonski, Joachim Schmidt and Christophe Dufresnes. 2025. Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguities in Extant Himalayan Lazy Toads: A New Species of the Genus Scutiger (Anura, Megophryidae) from eastern Nepal. European Journal of Taxonomy. 989(1); 189–214. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.989.2893

 

[Entomology • 2024] Isoplectron bicolor, I. virgatum, Praecantrix silvatica, P. saxicola, etc. • Revision of the New Zealand Cave Wētā Genus Isoplectron (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), with synonymy of Petrotettix and Setascutum, and the Description of A New Genus

Live Isoplectron Hutton, 1896 and Praecantrix gen. nov. in their natural habitats.
A. Isoplectron virgatum sp. nov., adult ♀. B. Isoplectron ferratum sp. nov.
C. Isoplectron parallelum sp. nov., adult ♀. D. Praecantrix saxicola sp. nov., adult ♀. 
E. Praecantrix silvatica silvatica gen., sp. et subsp. nov. adult ♀. F. Praecantrix silvatica lutea gen., sp. et subsp. nov. adult ♀. 

in Hegg, Morgan-Richards et Trewick, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.971.2761 

Abstract  

The New Zealand cave wētā genus Isoplectron was first described by Hutton (1896) and included two species, Isoplectron armatum and I. calcaratum. Two more species, I. cochleatum and I. aciculatum, were described by Karny in 1935 and in 1937, respectively. The species I. cochleatum was later moved to the genus Pharmacus Pictet & de Saussure, 1893. Here we clarify the status and appearance of all known species of Isoplectron, and of other closely related cave wētā. Based on morphology and mtDNA sequences we determine that the genera Petrotettix Richards, 1972 and Setascutum Richards, 1972, belong in Isoplectron, and are thus synonymised with the latter. We also infer that Isoplectron aciculatum Karny, 1937 does not hold species rank, and that it should be considered a subspecies of Isoplectron armatum instead. The male of Isoplectron pallidum (Richards, 1972) comb. nov. and the female of Isoplectron armatum aciculatum Karny, 1937 are described here for the first time. Using molecular data, we also establish that two new species that are morphologically similar to Isoplectron are in fact more closely related to Pharmacus. These species are assigned to a new genus, Praecantrix gen. nov. We describe seven new species and two new subspecies of New Zealand rhaphidophorids belonging to the genera Isoplectron Hutton, 1896 and Praecantrix: Isoplectron bicolor sp. nov., I. maculatum sp. nov., I. virgatum sp. nov., I. ferratum sp. nov., I. parallelum sp. nov., Praecantrix silvatica silvatica gen., sp. et subsp. nov., P. silvatica lutea gen., sp. et subsp. nov. and P. saxicola gen. et sp. nov. Species demoted to subspecies rank: Isoplectron aciculatum Karny, 1937 becomes Isoplectron armatum aciculatum Karny, 1937. New combinations: Setascutum pallidum Richards, 1972 becomes Isoplectron pallidum (Richards, 1972) comb. nov.; Petrotettix serratus Richards, 1972 becomes Isoplectron serratum (Richards, 1972) comb. nov. New synonyms: Isoplectron calcaratum Hutton, 1896 = Isoplectron armatum Hutton, 1896 syn. nov.; Setascutum ohauensis Richards, 1972 = Isoplectron armatum Hutton, 1896 syn. nov.; Petrotettix spinosus Richards, 1972 = Isoplectron serratum (Richards, 1972) syn. nov.; Petrotettix cupolaensis Richards, 1972 = Isoplectron serratum (Richards, 1972) syn. nov.; Petrotettix nigripes Richards, 1972 = Isoplectron serratum (Richards, 1972) syn. nov.

Keywords: cave cricket, Isoplectron, Praecantrix, Rhaphidophoridae, New Zealand, systematics

Live Isoplectron Hutton, 1896 in their natural habitats.
A. I. pallidum (Richards, 1972) comb. nov., adult ♀. Staircase Hut Track, Waianakarua. B. I. maculatum sp. nov., adult ♂. Middle Mt Peel, South Canterbury.
C–F. I. serratum (Richards, 1972) comb. nov. C.Adult ♀. The Gap, Torlesse Range. D. Adult ♂. Mt Richmond, Richmond Range. E.Mating pair. Mt Altimarloch, Black Birch Range. F. Female nymph. Mt Altimarloch, Black Birch Range.

Live Isoplectron Hutton, 1896 and Praecantrix gen. nov. in their natural habitats.
A. Isoplectron virgatum sp. nov., adult ♀ on Astelia Banks & Sol. ex R.Br.leaf. Bob’s Hut, Matakitaki River. B. Isoplectron ferratum sp. nov. in black beech Fuscospora solandri (Hook.f.) Heenan & Smissen tree canopy. Cave Brook, Gouland Downs, Kahurangi NP.
C. Isoplectron parallelum sp. nov., adult ♀ on flax Phormium tenax J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. flower. Wellington. D. Praecantrix saxicola sp. nov., adult ♀. Mt St Bathans, Central Otago.
E. Praecantrix silvatica silvatica gen., sp. et subsp. nov. adult ♀. Mt Arthur Tablelands, Kahurangi NP. F. Praecantrix silvatica lutea gen., sp. et subsp. nov. adult ♀. Hinau Track, Kaikōura.

 

Danilo Hegg, Mary Morgan-Richards and Steven A. Trewick. 2024. Revision of the New Zealand Cave Wētā Genus Isoplectron Hutton (Orthoptera: Rhaphidophoridae), with synonymy of Petrotettix Richards and Setascutum Richards, and the Description of A New Genus. European Journal of Taxonomy, 971(1), 1–75. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2024.971.2761 

[Entomology • 2024] Lulavia mahwii, Idaea medianocturna walaila & Protorhoe drechseli nebuloides • New geometrid Moths (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Sterrhinae, Larentiinae) from Iraqi Kurdistan

 

Lulavia mahwii 

Khudhur & Hausmann, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5543.3.7

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Abstract

A large number of geometrid moths was collected by the first author in Iraqi Kurdistan including several undescribed species and subspecies. In this paper we describe three new geometrid taxa: Idaea medianocturna walaila ssp. nov., Lulavia mahwii sp. nov. and Protorhoe drechseli nebuloides ssp. nov. We present differential diagnoses and images of adult moths and genitalia.

Lepidoptera, Idaea, Lulavia, Protorhoe, fauna

 

Lulavia mahwii sp. nov., paratype, male. 

Lulavia mahwii Khudhur & Hausmann, sp. nov.

 

Differential diagnosis: In wing coloration and pattern no significant difference from Israeli Lulavia multipunctata (Staudinger, 1898). Male genitalia are very similar to those of L. multipunctata, but transtilla sclerites of the latter rounded towards the centre, less projecting, cornutus (bundle of microspinules) shorter: 0.3–0.4 mm.

 Etymology: The species is named after Mahwi who was one of the most prominent classical Kurdish poet and Sufis from Kurdistan. Mahwi was always using “Parwana – in Kurdish” meaning “Moth” as moth and flame metaphor in his poems.

 

Farhad A. Khudhur and Axel Hausmann. 2024. New geometrid Moths from Iraqi Kurdistan (Lepidoptera, Geometridae: Sterrhinae, Larentiinae).  Zootaxa. 5543(3); 423-432. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5543.3.7

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[Herpetology • 2024] Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis • Taxonomic Revision of Achalinus ningshanensis (Serpentes: Xenodermidae), with Description of a New Subspecies from Western China

Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis 

Xu, Ma, Cai, Yang, Zhang,Gu, Zhu, Huang & Peng, 2024 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425 

 

Simple Summary: The odd-scaled snake genus Achalinus Peters, 1869 is widely distributed in northern Vietnam, China, and Japan, but is a group of snakes about which there is meager information. Achalinu ningshanensis was first described in 2022 and is only known from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China. However, we detected a clear contradiction in the phylogenetic position between the type series and our newly collected topotypes. To solve this, we combined a mitochondrial phylogenetic analysis and morphological comparisons to revise the taxonomic status of A. ningshanensis in this study. Based on four mitochondrial combined gene fragments, molecular phylogenetic analyses indicated that A. ningshanensis is nested within a highly supported monophyletic group, forming a sister taxon to A. spinalis, which also revealed two well-supported lineages of A. ningshanensis. Based on morphology and phylogenetic methods, the lineage composed of the population from western Sichuan and southwestern Shaanxi represents a new subspecies, Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov., and the other lineage represents the original species from southern Shaanxi and northeastern Sichuan, which we allocated as Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis. Finally, we provide a further discussion of the phylogenetic and taxonomic issues among the genus Achalinus.

Abstract

Achalinu ningshanensis (Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink, and Huang, 2022) was first described in Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China in 2022, based on seven female specimens. In this study, based on phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial 12S ribosomal RNA (12S), 16S ribosomal RNA (16S), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1), cytochrome b (cyt b) gene fragments, and morphological examinations of specimens, we revise the taxonomic status of A. ningshanensis, and provide additional data on this species. The molecular phylogeny indicated that A. ningshanensis is nested in a highly supported monophyletic group, forming a sister taxon to A. spinalis, and is divided into two well-supported lineages, A and B, with an uncorrected p-distance between lineages from 3.6 to 4.3% for CO1. Therefore, we proposed that Lineage B from western Sichuan and southwestern Shaanxi is a new subspecies, Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov., and Lineage A from southern Shaanxi and northeastern Sichuan is allocated as Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis. Morphologically, the new subspecies can be distinguished from its congeners, especially from Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis, by the following characteristics: (1) the tail is relatively short, with a TAL/TL ratio of 0.202–0.226 in males, and 0.155–0.178 in females; (2) there are two pairs of chin-shields; (3) there are 21–22 maxillary teeth; (4) the length of the suture between internasals is significantly shorter than that between prefrontals, with an LSBI/LSBP ratio of 0.502–0.773; (5) there are six supralabials, with the fourth and fifth in contact with the eye; (6) there are five to six infralabials, and the first to third or fourth touches the first pair of chin-shields; (7) there is one hexagonal loreal, with an LorH/LorL ratio of 0.612–1.040; (8) the two anterior temporals are in contact with the eye; (9) there are 155–160 ventrals in males, and 165–174 in females; (10) there are 60–65 subcaudals in males, and 49–53 in females, which are not paired; and (11) the dorsum is iridescent and uniformly charcoal black, lacks a longitudinal vertebral line, and has a dark brown or dark gray ventral area.

Keywords: Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov.; Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis; mitochondrial DNA; morphological characters; taxonomy; molecular phylogeny

 Preserved specimen of the holotype of Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis (ANU 20220001, female).

Photos by Diancheng Yang and Yuhao Xu. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of living Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis. (A1,B1): QHU 2024017, male, from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province; (A2,B2): QHU 2023009, female, from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province.

Photos by Yuhao Xu. Scale bars are not shown. 

Achalinus ningshanensis ningshanensis Yang, Huang, Jiang, Burbrink and Huang, 2022

Ningshan odd-scaled Snake

Níng Shǎn Jǐ Shé Zhǐ Míng Yà Zhǒng (宁陕脊蛇指名亚种)

  Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of Achalinus ningshanensis occidentalis ssp. nov. in life.
(A1,B1): QHU 2023013, holotype, adult female, from Longquanyi District, Sichuan Province;
(A2,B2): QHU 2023014, paratype, adult male, from Longquanyi District, Sichuan Province;
(A3,B3): QHU 2024016, paratype, adult male, from Hongya County, Sichuan Province.

Photos by Yuhao Xu.

 Yuhao Xu, Shun Ma, Bo Cai, Diancheng Yang, Tianyou Zhang,Tianxuan Gu,Fengcheng Zhu,Song Huang and Lifang Peng. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of Ningshan Odd-Scaled Snake, Achalinus ningshanensis (Serpentes, Xenodermidae), with Description of a New Subspecies from Western China. Animals. 14(23); 3425. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani14233425 

Yang, D.C.; Huang, R.Y.; Jiang, K.; Burbrink, F.T.; Gong, Y.A.; Yu, J.; Zhang, Y.; Huang, T.Q.; Huang, S. 2022. A New Species of the Genus Achalinus (Squamata: Xenodermidae) from Ningshan County, Shaanxi Province, China. Zootaxa.5190(1); 127–140. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5190.1.5

[Botany • 2024] Rhododendron tyaihyonii & R. kantoense • Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae)

 

  the Rhododendron keiskei complex. B–D, Morphological comparisons of:
B, Rhododendron keiskei Suzuki (1932) R. keiskei var. keiskei;
C, Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum;
D, Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. Rhododendron sp.

in Sakaguchi, H.-J. Choi, Yoichi, Takahashi, ..., H.-J. Choi et S.-C. Kim, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288 

 facebook.com: Shota Sakaguchi

 — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

 

Abstract

Unraveling species boundaries is pivotal for evolutionary biology and conservation endeavors. However, it proves challenging in instances where recent speciation is intertwined with complex demographic histories and natural selection processes. The Rhododendron keiskei complex, an evergreen rhododendron distributed in East Asia, consists of a widespread variety (R. keiskei var. keiskei) and a more restricted R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum. Intriguingly, the latter is exceptionally rare yet displays a disjunction that spans approximately 1100 km. This study aimed to elucidate the evolutionary backgrounds of the enigmatic disjunctions of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and to propose species delimitation within the species complex. An integrative approach, combining genomic data (MIG-seq and GBS-derived SNPs) with Scanning Electron Microscopy analysis of leaf microstructures was adopted in this study. Phylogenetic analyses revealed significant divergence among the studied rhododendrons. Genetic demographic analyses favored the population models that assumed non-monophyly of two disjunct populations of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum indicating their independent origins. Recent gene flow between the widespread R. keiskei var. keiskei and “var. hypoglaucum” populations were limited due to geographic and habitat isolation factors, even in areas where their distributions overlap. Detailed morphological assessments detected distinctions between morphologically similar “var. hypoglaucum” populations based on leaf microstructures and flowering habits. Our study has shown that the apparent disjunctions of rare rhododendrons are more likely attributed to morphological convergence, possibly due to similar environmental selections in unrelated taxa. The finding highlights the importance of an integrative approach for resolving taxonomic challenges in plant species complexes.

Keywords: demographic modeling, disjunct distribution, East Asia, endangered species, phylogeny, species delimitation

A) Rhododendron tyaihyonii; B) R. kantoense; C) R. keiskei 

R. keiskei var. keiskei

R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum (R. kantoense nom. & stat. nov.)

Rhododendron sp. (R. tyaihyonii sp. nov.; formerly identified as var. hypoglaucum)

A, The geographic distribution of the Rhododendron keiskei complex.
B–D, Morphological comparisons of: B, R. keiskei var. keiskei; C, R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum; D, Rhododendron sp. 
E, Comparison of leaf blade morphology of three taxa, based on the voucher specimens (suppl. Table S1). Note that the leaf morphological variation of R. keiskei var. hypoglaucum and Rhododendron sp. overlap. — Photos: B, Shota Sakaguchi; C, Watanabe Yoichi; D, J.-C. Yang.

Rhododendron tyaihyonii S.Sakag., H.J.Choi & S.C.Kim, sp. nov. 

Distribution: SOUTH KOREA. Jeollanam-do, Yeosu-si, Samseon-myeon. Narrowly endemic to Daesambudo Island.

Ecology: The plants are found on the northern slope of Daesambudo Island. They inhabit coastal rocky places with the evergreen woody species of Rhaphiolepis indica var. umbellata (Thunb.) H.Ohashi, Ligustrum japonicum Thunb., Camellia japonica L, Litsea japonica (Thunb.) Juss.

Etymology: The specific epithet, “tyaihyonii”, is named in honor of Chung Tyaihyon (1883–1971), known as the father of plant taxonomy in Korea and the first curator of Sungkyunkwan University Herbarium (Ha Eun Herbarium, SKK). We have a better understanding of Korean flora thanks to his work in the early to mid-1900s.

Korean name: Seom-Jin-Dal-Rae.

Japanese name: Chosen-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

English name: Tyaihyon's rhododendron.

Rhododendron kantoense S.Sakag. & Y.Watan., nom. & stat. nov. 

≡ Rhododendron keiskei var. hypoglaucum Suto & T.Suzuki in Trans. Nat. Hist. Soc. Formosa 22: 23. 1932 

– Holotype: JAPAN. Kanto District, Tochigi (Shimotsuke), Kanuma, Mt. Ozaku, 1 May 1931, E. Kitamura ST3902 (TAI barcode TAI 119040 [image!] [fl.]; isotype: TNS barcode TNS 55292 [image!]).

Note: Rhododendron kantoense is similar to R. tyaihyonii, the differences being: the latter has petiole 4–7 mm long; stomata type anomocytic; inflorescence with 2–6 flowers.

Distribution: JAPAN. Kanto, Prefectures of Tochigi, Gunma, Saitama and Tokyo. Endemic to the chert and limestone mountain ridges of Kanto District.

Etymology: The specific epithet “kantoense” is derived from the Kanto District, where this species is distributed.

Japanese name: Urajiro-Hikage-Tsutsuji.

Korean name: Il-bon-Huin-Jin-Dal-Rae.

English name: Kanto rhododendron.

 

Shota Sakaguchi, Hee-Joo Choi, Watanabe Yoichi, Daiki Takahashi, Shun K. Hirota, Masayuki Maki, Shoki Murakami, Taichi Harada, Nobuo Kobayashi, Yuji Kurashige, Jun-Ho Song, Hyeok-Jae Choi and Seung-Chul Kim. 2024. Unraveling Enigmatic Disjunctions: Population Genetic Analysis Points to Independent Origins of Rare Rhododendrons in the Rhododendron keiskei complex (Ericaceae). TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13288

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