[Entomology • 2024] Melanabropsis formosensis & M. guizhouensis • Macropterous Species of Genus Melanabropsis Wang & Liu, 2020 (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsini) from Taiwan and Guizhou

Melanabropsis formosensis   

 Chen, 2024 

    

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5538.5.5

 

Abstract

The genus Melanabropsis currently consists of four micropterous species and one macropterous species from continental Asia and west Pacific islands. Yin (2024) predicted several potential habitats suitable for Melanabropsis species including Taiwan and Guizhou. In this study two additional new species from Taiwan and Guizhou are described, confirming the distribution prediction proposed by Yin. The distribution pattern of seven Melanabropsis species is discussed.

Orthoptera, Taiwan, Melanabropsis, taxonomy, new species, tegmina, distribution

Melanabropsis formosensis & 

Melanabropsis guizhouensis

Po-Wei CHEN. 2024. Macropterous Species of Genus Melanabropsis Wang & Liu, 2020 (Orthoptera: Anostostomatidae: Anabropsini) from the localities predicted in a previous study.  Zootaxa. 5538(5); 457-464. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5538.5.5 [2024-11-19]

 facebook.com/100011515621580/posts/2136055463454954

facebook.com/MGOrthoptera/posts/1142514841212225

[Crustacea • 2025] Umalia modesta • A New Species of Frog Crab Genus Umalia Guinot, 1993 (Brachyura: Raninidae) from the South China Sea, with A Key to Species in the Genus

 

Umalia modesta

Ng, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.18353/crustacea.54.0_53

Abstract 

A new species of raninid frog crab, Umalia modesta n. sp., is described from the northern part of the South China Sea, near Tungsha Islands. The species is morphologically most similar to U. chinensis (Chen & Sun, 2002) (from southern China) and U. tenuiocellus (Davie & Short, 1989) (from Australia) but can easily be distinguished from them by its carapace form, well developed cornea, and structures of the rostrum, thoracic sternum, third maxilliped and ambulatory legs.  

Key words: Tungsha Islands, Taiwan, Raninoidea, new species, comparative taxonomy, genus key

Umalia modesta n. sp., holotype female (11.0×14.0 mm) (ZRC 2024.0500), South China Sea.
A, overall dorsal view; B, frontal half of carapace (dorsal view); C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, left anterolateral view of cephalothorax; E, third maxillipeds.

Umalia modesta n. sp., male, station CP4115,
southwest of Tungsha Island, South China Sea [specimen not examined]

[Photograph: T.-Y. Chan].

Superfamily Raninoidea De Haan, 1839 

Family Raninidae De Haan, 1839 

Subfamily Notopodinae Serène & Umali, 1972 

Umalia Guinot, 1993

Umalia modesta, new species 

Diagnosis: Carapace shape trapezoidal, anterior part much wider than posterior part, lateral margins almost straight, subparallel; carapace width more than 0.7 total length; fronto-orbital distance less than half width of carapace; anterior ...

Etymology: From the Latin “modesta” for unassuming, alluding to the simple characters of the species

Peter K. L. Ng. 2025. On A New Species of Frog Crab, Umalia modesta n. sp. (Brachyura: Raninidae) from the South China Sea, with A Key to Species in the Genus. Crustacean Research. 54; 53-61. DOI: doi.org/10.18353/crustacea.54.0_53 [September 27, 2025]

[Crustacea • 2026] Frodromia elegans, F. granulosa, ... • Revision of Frodromia McLay, 1993 (Brachyura: Dromiidae) and the Status of Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005

A, Frodromia atypica (Sakai, 1936),; B, F. reticulata (Sakai, 1974);
C, F. elegans, new species, holotype male, Taiwan; D, F. granulosa, new species, holotype male, Vanuatu;
 E, F, F. iners, new species, holotype male, Philippines. 

Ng, 2026 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 

Photographs: C, T.-Y. Chan; D, J.C.E. Mendoza; E, F, P.K.L. Ng.

Abstract

 The taxonomy of the West Pacific dromiid genus, Frodromia McLay, 1993, is revised using a suite of characters pertaining to the carapace form and armature, proportions of the ambulatory dactylus, and structures of the pereopods, thoracic sternum, male pleon, and gonopods. The identity of the poorly known type species, F. atypica (Sakai, 1936), is clarified and the species is rediagnosed and illustrated based on the single non-type dried specimen available. Frodromia reticulata (Sakai, 1974) is also rediagnosed on the basis of a series of Japanese specimens. The material identified as F. atypica by McLay (1993) from New Caledonia and the Indonesian Moluccas is here shown to belong to two new species, F. granulosa and F. caileani, respectively; with F. granulosa also reported from Vanuatu. Two other new species, F. elegans and F. iners, are described from the South China Sea and the Philippines, respectively. As a result, Frodromia is hereby classified in the subfamily Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005, which was originally established as a tribe in Sphaerodromiinae Guinot & Tavares, 2003, and which is here redefined and rediagnosed.

Key words. sponge crab, Dromioidea, systematics, subfamily definition, new species, key to taxa, Indo-West Pacific

Colour in life. A, Frodromia atypica (Sakai, 1936), after Sakai (1936: pl. 2 fig. 1); B, F. reticulata (Sakai, 1974), after Sakai (1976: pl. 5 fig. 1);
C, F. elegans, new species, holotype male (6.6 × 7.5 mm) (ZRC 2024.0144), Taiwan; D, F. granulosa, new species, holotype male (6.5 × 7.1 mm) (ZRC 2024.0517), Vanuatu;
E, F, F. iners, new species, holotype male (6.3 × 7.0 mm) (ZRC 2024.0518), Philippines [partly covered with sand particles and debris].

Photographs: C, T.-Y. Chan; D, J.C.E. Mendoza; E, F, P.K.L. Ng.

Frodromia granulosa 

F. caileani 

F. elegans 

 F. iners

PETER K. L. NG. 2026. Revision of Frodromia McLay, 1993 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Dromiidae) and the Status of Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 332–358. DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2026-0023  [4 May 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Crossorhombus pescadores • A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei: Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan

Crossorhombus pescadores 

 Amaoka, Su & Ho, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628

Abstract

A new lefteye flounder, Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from Penghu Islands. This new species differs from the other four congeners by having a pair of small black spots on the caudal fin, a horizontal triangular bluish-black marking on the blind side of body in male, the front wings of the marking reaching the base of dorsal and anal fins, and a combination of morphometric characters, including a larger head, deeper body, smaller eyes, fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays and lateral-line scales, and other characters. A key to all five nominal species of Crossorhombus is provided.

Key words: Biodiversity, ichthyology, identification key, sexual dimorphism, taxonomy, western Pacific

Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., NMMB-P 42260, holotype, male, 99.8 mm SL, preserved.
A. Ocular side; B. Blind side.

Paratypes of Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., showing ocular sides (odd numbers) and blind sides (even numbers).
A. HUMZ 237066, immature male, 74.8 mm SL; B. NMMB-P 42263, female, 92.4 mm SL; C. NMMB-P 42262, immature female, 58.0 mm SL.

 Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov

Diagnosis. A species of Crossorhombus differing from its congeners in having: caudal fin with light-gray band along posterior sub-margin; a pair of small black spots on band at upper and lower fourth rays, respectively; a bluish-black, horizontal triangular marking on blind side of body in male; a series of dark blotches along dorsal and ventral margins of body; combination of some meristic and proportional characters: large head; small upper and lower eyes; slightly longer pectoral-fin on ocular side; fewer dorsal- and anal- fin rays and fewer scales in lateral line and others.

Etymology. The specific name “pescadores” is the old name of the type locality, meaning “fishermen” in Portuguese. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Kunio Amaoka, Yo Su and Hsuan-Ching Ho. 2026. A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei, Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1273: 15-25. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628 [13 Mar. 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Rhinogobius chongkangensis • A New freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Chongkang River Basin, Western Taiwan

Rhinogobius chongkangensis 

 Chen, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.24

 

Abstract

A new freshwater goby of Rhinogobius was recently collected from the Chongkang River basin of Western Taiwan. The new species, Rhinogobius chongkangensis sp. nov., can be well distinguished from all other congeners by the unique combination of the following features: (1) fins: second dorsal fin rays I/9; anal fin rays I/8; pectoral fin rays modally 16; (2) squamation: longitudinal scale series 32–33 (modally 32); perdorsal scales 12–15 (modally 14); (3) vertebral count 27; (4) mouth oblique, rear edge extending to vertical between anterior margin of orbit and anterior edge of pupil in male and (5) specific colouration: lateral body with 7–8 longitudinal rows of small orange to brownish red spots about 1/6–1/10 size of pupil diameter in male; cheek and opercle with 24–32 rather small orange or brownish red spots in male, with 13–16 small brown spots in female; branchiostegal membrane with many 14–18 tiny orange or brownish red spots in male; basal region of first dorsal fin with 8–12 orange or brownish red spots in male, second dorsal fin pale with 3–4 longitudinal rows of orange spots; pectoral fin with two rows of orange to red orange spots which 4–5 larger orange spots or sometimes fusing a vertical line on upper side on anterior row in male; a snow white vertical band between the two rows of orange spots in male. A brief discussion with all nominal congeneric species is also provided.

 

Pisces, new goby, freshwater fish, Rhinogobius, fish fauna, Taiwan

Rhinogobius chongkangensis new species, the Chongkong River basin, Miaoli County, Taiwan, ROC.
A. male, holotype, 36.9 mm SL.; B. female, paratypes, 31.9 mm SL. 

 

 I-SHIUNG CHEN. 2025. A New freshwater Goby of Rhinogobius (Teleostei: Gobiidae) from the Chongkang River Basin, Western Taiwan.  Zootaxa. 5738(1);197-204. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.24 [2025-12-30]

 

[Entomology • 2024] Kalimyia, A New Genus of tachinid flies (Diptera: Tachinidae) from the Oriental Region, with Description of A New Species

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.; holotype ♂ 

Zeegers, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2024.395167 

Scale bars: 1 mm.

 Abstract  

The tachinid fly known as Parapales sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), from Taiwan, does not fit the concept of the genus Parapales Mesnil, 1950. A new genus, Kalimyia gen. n., is proposed to accommodate this species, as Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n. Kalimyia seems more related to the genus Blepharipa Rondani, 1856 than to Parapales, and is tentatively placed in the tribe Goniini. A second species in this genus, Kalimyia estherae sp. n., is described from Nepal. As a consequence, the genus Parapales is now endemic to Madagascar.

KEYWORDS: Goniini, Madagascar, Nepal, new taxa, Parapales, taxonomy, Taiwan

Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n.; holotype ♂ (SDEI).
1. Habitus, dorsal view. 2. Habitus, lateral view. 3. Head, dorsal view. 4. Head, lateral view.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.; holotype ♂ (Naturalis Biodiversity Center, Leiden, The Netherlands).
5. Habitus, dorsal view. 6. Habitus, lateral view. 7. Head, dorsal view. 8. Head, lateral view. 9. Abdomen, lateral view, showing patches of specialized hairs on ventral sides of tergites 3 and 4. 10. Thorax, dorsal view. 11. Hind tibia, anterior view. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Kalimyia estherae sp. n.

 

Theo Zeegers. 2024. Kalimyia, A New Genus of tachinid flies from the Oriental Region, with description of A New Species (Diptera: Tachinidae). Integrative Systematics: Stuttgart Contributions to Natural History. 7(2); 155-163. DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2024.395167  (31 December 2024)  

Die Tachinide Parapales sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950) aus Taiwan weist nicht die Kriterien zur Einordnung in die Gattung Parapales Mesnil, 1950 auf. Eine neue Gattung, Kalimyia gen. n., wird vorgeschlagen, um diese Art unter dem Namen Kalimyia sturmioides (Mesnil, 1950), comb. n. im System einzuordnen. Kalimyia erscheint mehr mit der Gattung Blepharipa Rondani, 1856 verwandt als mit Parapales und wird vorläufig in den Tribus Goniini gestellt. Eine zweite Art dieser Gattung, Kalimyia estherae sp. n. wird aus Nepal beschrieben. Demzufolge ist jetzt die Gattung Parapales endemisch für Madagaskar.

[Ichthyology • 2025] Liopropoma terecaudum • A New liopropomine basslet (Perciformes: Epinephelidae) from northern Taiwan

Liopropoma terecaudum 

 Tang, Lai & Ho, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70086 

facebook.com/TVictorCN

Abstract

Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov. is described based on 12 specimens collected off northern Taiwan. The new species most closely resembles two sympatric species, L. japonicum and L. dorsoluteum, but differs from both species and all other congeneric species of Liopropoma based on the following combination of morphological and colouration characters: caudal fin round; dorsal-fin elements VIII, 13 and lacking a distinct notch; lateral side of body with a broad red stripe; base of caudal fin with a large red blotch. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA barcode sequences places L. terecaudum in a clade with L. dorsolutum and L. japonicum. The average genetic divergences between L. terecaudum and L. dorsoluteum, and between L. terecaudum and L. japonicum, are measured to be 11.8% and 11.9%, respectively. The description of L. terecaudum brings the total number of Liopropoma in Taiwanese waters to 11.

Keywords: deep reefs, Ichthyology, integrative taxonomy, species diversity

Fresh colouration of Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov.:
 (a) holotype, NMMB‐P34155, 146.6 mm SL; (b) NMMB‐P34205, paratype, 142.5 mm SL; (c) NMMB‐P34204, paratype, 140.8 mm SL.

Liopropoma terecaudum sp. nov. 

Chi-Ngai Tang, Nok-Wai Lai, Hsuan-Ching Ho. 2025. Description of A New liopropomine basslet, Liopropoma terecaudum, from northern Taiwan (Perciformes: Epinephelidae). Journal of Fish Biology. 107(3); 902-917. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70086 [29 May 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/392210819_Description_of_Liopropoma_terecaudum_from_northern_Taiwan

facebook.com/TVictorCN/posts/24548248174841819

[Entomology • 2025] Batophila alishanensis, B. chungi, B. tsoui, B. wusheensis ... • The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera: Chrysomeliae: Galerucinae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species

 

A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus; 
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Rubus wallichianus (Rosaceae); 
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

Lee, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of the genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 are revised. Batophila acutangula Heikertinger, 1921 is removed from the list of Taiwanese fauna. Batophila taiwanica Döberl, 2010 is recognized and redescribed. Additionally, eleven new species from Taiwan are described: B. alishanensis sp. nov., B. choui sp. nov., B. chungi sp. nov., B. houjayi sp. nov., B. huangi sp. nov., B. jungchani sp. nov., B. meihuai sp. nov., B. tsoui sp. nov., B. wusheensis sp. nov., B. yehi sp. nov., and B. yuae sp. nov. The species descriptions include illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae.

Key words: Host plant, leaf beetles, Melastomataceae, Polygonaceae, Rosaceae, Rubus, taxonomy

Field photographs of Batophila species
A. Rubus taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus (Rosaceae); B. Adult of Batophila chungi sp. nov. on underside of leaf of R. taitoensis var. aculeatiflorus;
C. Adult of B. houjayi sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of Persicaria chinense (Polygonaceae); D. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. resting on underside of leaf of R. wallichianus (Rosaceae);
E. Otanthera scaberrima (Melastomataceae); F. Adults of B. tsoui sp. nov. feeding on underside of leaf of O. scaberrima

 Chi-Feng LEE. 2025. The Genus Batophila Foudras, 1860 (Coleoptera, Chrysomeliae, Galerucinae, Alticitae) in Taiwan, with Descriptions of 11 New Species. ZooKeys. 1258: 73-118. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1258.163900 [03 Nov 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Eilemithuna gen. n., Mithunoconosia gen. n., Mithuna armata, M. bolovena, M. securis, M. thaica, ... • Taxonomic Review of the Genus Mithuna Moore (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini), with Descriptions of Two New Genera and Seventeen New Species

Mithuna thaica sp. n. (Thailand), M. securis sp. n. (Vietnam), 
... 
M. ochrocephala sp. n. (Thailand), M. wilemani sp. n. (Taiwan).

Volynkin & Černý, 2025

 Israel Journal of Entomology. 54; 

ij-entomology.online

Abstract

The Oriental footman-moth genus Mithuna Moore, 1878 is reviewed. Two new genera and 17 new species are described: Eilemithuna gen. n. (type species: Ilema transducta de Joannis, 1930); Mithunoconosia gen. n. (type species: Mithuna clivusa Bucsek, 2012); Mithuna armata sp. n. (NE India), Mithuna atkinsoni sp. n. (NE India), Mithuna bolovena sp. n. (Laos), Mithuna bucseki sp. n. (Thailand, Laos and Vietnam), Mithuna flabellata sp. n. (Thailand), Mithuna fletcheri sp. n. (NE India), Mithuna lamdonga sp. n. (Vietnam), Mithuna meghalaya sp. n. (NE India), Mithuna ochrocephala sp. n. (Thailand), Mithuna phahompoka sp. n. (Thailand), Mithuna pianma sp. n. (China, Yunnan), Mithuna robusta sp. n. (Thailand), Mithuna securis sp. n. (Vietnam), Mithuna suthepia sp. n. (Thailand), Mithuna swanni sp. n. (Myanmar), Mithuna thaica sp. n. (Thailand), and Mithuna wilemani sp. n. (Taiwan). Seven new combinations are introduced: Pseudopelosia fuscivena (Hampson, 1896), comb. n., Mithuna bilineata (Bucsek, 2020), comb. n., Eilemithuna dimidilinea (Černý, 2009), comb. n., Eilemithuna transducta (de Joannis, 1930), comb. n., Mithunoconosia clivusa (Bucsek, 2012), comb. n., Mithunoconosia pulverea (Bucsek, 2012), comb. n. and Mithunoconosia strigifera (Hampson, 1900), comb. n. Lectotype is designated for Mithuna arizana Wileman, 1911. Adults and male and female genitalia of all species considered are illustrated.

Keywords: Biodiversity, footman moth, lectotype, Lithosiina, Oriental Region, new combination, South Asia, taxonomy, taxonomy, Lepidoptera

Eilemithuna gen. n. (type species: Ilema transducta de Joannis, 1930); 

Mithunoconosia gen. n. (type species: Mithuna clivusa Bucsek, 2012); 

Mithuna armata sp. n. (NE India), 

Mithuna atkinsoni sp. n. (NE India), 

Mithuna bolovena sp. n. (Laos), 

Mithuna bucseki sp. n. (Thailand, Laos and Vietnam), 

Mithuna flabellata sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna fletcheri sp. n. (NE India), 

Mithuna lamdonga sp. n. (Vietnam), 

Mithuna meghalaya sp. n. (NE India), 

Mithuna ochrocephala sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna phahompoka sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna pianma sp. n. (China, Yunnan), 

Mithuna robusta sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna securis sp. n. (Vietnam), 

Mithuna suthepia sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna swanni sp. n. (Myanmar), 

Mithuna thaica sp. n. (Thailand), 

Mithuna wilemani sp. n. (Taiwan)

Anton V. Volynkin and Karel Černý. 2025. Taxonomic Review of the Genus Mithuna Moore (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae: Lithosiini), with Descriptions of Two New Genera and Seventeen New Species. Israel Journal of Entomology. 54; 113–165. 

https://ij-entomology.online/ojs/index.php/ije/article/view/332

[Ichthyology • 2025] Lentipes ptasan • A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis

 

 Lentipes ptasan

Jhuang, Nañola, Li & Liao, 2025 

 

紋面韌鰕虎 | Tattooed-face Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277  

  facebook.com/WeiChengJhuang 

Abstract

Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from Taiwan and Mindanao Island. It is a large-sized Lentipes species distinguished by several male-specific characteristics, including an upper lip protruding beyond snout obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from the front of the eye through the nostrils to the tip of the snout, a wide brown longitudinal band at the base of the anal fin, and the distinctive nuptial coloration featuring a brown vertical band extending from back to belly on the middle of the body. The complex distribution of Lentipes species and their genetic differentiation may be influenced by sexual selection, historical biogeographic events and contemporary ecological processes. However, due to the recent divergence of Lentipes species, 11 out of 14 species could not be distinguished by the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Furthermore, Lentipes mindanaoensis is redescribed, with L. adelphizonus treated as its junior synonym.

Keywords: amphidromous goby, Sicydiinae, taxonomy, the Philippines, western Pacific Ocean

 

Live photos of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. from Taiwan and Mindanao islands:
 (a, b) holotype, ASIZP0082286, male, 31.1 mm SL, Taiwan ((a) non-courting individual, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (b) nuptial colour, photograph by M. Hhuang);
 (c) paratype, ASIZP0082288, male, 35.6 mm SL, Taiwan (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang); (d) paratype, PNM15807, male, 41.9 mm SL, Mindanao (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang);
(e) paratype, PNM15811, female, 52.5 mm SL, Mindanao (photograph by F. Li); (f) aquarium photograph showing courtship behaviour of a male L. ptasan toward a female, specimens unpreserved, Mindanao (photograph by Z. H. Deng). Yellow arrowheads indicate the orange pattern on the female.

Close-up of the longitudinal band of the anal fin on two Lentipes species:
(a-1) Lentipes ptasan, holotype, ASIZP0082286, Taiwan (photograph by M.-T. Zhou); (a-2) L. ptasan, paratype, ASIZP0082288, Taiwan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (a-3) L. ptasan, paratype, PNM15807, Mindanao (photograph by W. C. Jhuang);
 (b-1) L. armatus, specimen not preserved, Taiwan (photograph by M. T. Zhou); (b-2) L. armatus, DOS09187-1, Cagayan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (b-3) L. armatus, DOS09891-4, Aurora (photograph by C. C. Yu).

  Lentipes ptasan sp. nov.

Chinese common name: 紋面韌鰕虎.

English common name: Tattooed-face Goby.

  

  Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combination of characters and colour patterns: in males, a black spot on second dorsal fin, upper lip protruding obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from front of eye through anterior and posterior nostrils to tip of snout, anal-fin base with a brown wide longitudinal band, and nuptial coloration with a brown vertical bar extending from dorsum to belly at midbody; in females, an orange pattern around anus.

Etymology: The specific name ‘ptasan’ is derived from the Truku language (an indigenous tribe in Taiwan), meaning ‘facial tattoo’. It refers to the dark facial lines of the new species (Figure 7a,b), which resemble the facial tattoo traditions of indigenous peoples in Taiwan and the Philippines. A noun in apposition.

Facial portraits of males in 14 Lentipes species.
(a, b) Two types of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. ((a) paratype, DOS10026, from Taiwan, photograph by K. H. Chen; (b) paratype, ASIZP0082288, from Taiwan, photograph by H. P. Liang);  (c) L. armatus from Taiwan, photograph by C. C. Yu;
(d) L. bunagaya from Taiwan, photograph by W. C. Jhuang; (e) L. dimetrodon from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (f) L. ikeae from West Java, photograph by H. P. Liang;
 (g) L. kijimuna (DOS09892-3) from Luzon, photograph by C. C. Yu; (h) L. kaaea from Taiwan, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (i) L. mekonggaensis from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(j) L. mindanaoensis from Halmahera, photograph by H. P. Liang; (k) L. multiradiatus from Seram, photograph by H. P. Liang; (l) L. palawanirufus from Palawan, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(m) L. kolobangara from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (n) L. venustus from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (o) L. whittenorum from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang. (c–f) and (h–o) Unpreserved specimens.

Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Cleto L. Nañola Jr., Xiao Fei Li and Te-Yu Liao. 2025. Lentipes ptasan, A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277 [21 November 2025]

 facebook.com/WeiChengJhuang/posts/4290413877844107

[Entomology • 2025] Montichneumon immortalibestia • A New Genus of Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from the high mountains of Taiwan

 Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi, 

in Chen, Kikuchi et Shiao, 2025  

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2997 

 x.com/chp_shampooh

Abstract

A new genus and species, Montichneumon Chen & Kikuchi gen. nov. and Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi gen. et sp. nov., are described from the high mountains of Taiwan. This new genus is identified as belonging to the Amblyteles genus-group (previously known as subtribe Amblytelina, tribe Ichneumonini). The status of the new genus is confirmed based on morphological comparison and a multigene phylogeny using concatenated 28S and COI sequences. Montichneumon can be distinguished from other related genera by its enlarged second segment of maxillary palps, smooth and sparsely punctate postpetiole, weakly convex scutellum without lateral carina, and narrow, elongate gastrocoelus. The new genus is compared with morphologically similar genera Achaius Cameron, 1903, Achaiusoides Tereshkin, 2011, Diphyus Kriechbaumer, 1890, Hepiopelmus Wesmeal, 1845, Limerodops Heinrich, 1949, Serratichneumon Riedel & Sheng, 2023, and Tricholabus Thomson, 1894. A diagnostic key to these morphologically similar genera of the Amblyteles genus-group is provided, and the generic position of this new genus is also discussed.

Keywords: Darwin wasp, generic placement, molecular phylogeny, high-elevation, taxonomy

Montichneumon Chen & Kikuchi gen. nov. 

Etymology: The generic name ‘Montichneumon’ is derived from the Latin dative singular noun ‘monti-’ (‘mountain’) plus ‘ichneumon’, reflecting that this new genus was collected from the high-elevation mountain of its type locality in Taiwan. The gender is masculine.

Montichneumon immortalibestia Chen & Kikuchi gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name ‘immortalibestia’ is derived from the Latin words ‘immortali-’ (‘immortal’) plus ‘bestia’ (‘beast’), meaning ‘the undying beast’. The name refers to the superhero character ‘Wolverine’ from the Marvel Comics series ‘X-Men’, who has the abilities of regeneration and beast-like retractable metal claws, as the yellow and black color pattern of this species resembles the costume of this character. Specific name is a noun in apposition.

Hsuan-Pu Chen, Namiki Kikuchi and Shiuh-Feng Shiao. 2025. Montichneumon, A New Genus of Ichneumoninae (Hymenoptera, Ichneumonidae) from the high mountains of Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy, 1007(1); 1–23. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2997

  x.com/chp_shampooh/status/1952321177323700716

[Invertebrate • 2025] Breviturma securis • A New brittle star of the Genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan

Breviturma securis 

 Chang & Shih, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919 

 facebook.com/HsiTeSHIH

Abstract

The genus Breviturma, a group of brittle stars inhabiting intertidal and shallow subtidal zones, includes eight recognized species distributed mainly across the Indo-West Pacific. This study describes a new species, Breviturma securis sp. nov., from Taiwan. The new species is distinguishable from its congeners through both morphological and molecular evidence, including disc granule density, arm spine sequences, and distinctive color patterns on the dorsal disc and dorsal arm plates. Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA and COI genes support its unique status, revealing interspecific divergence distances of 18.27–26.66% between B. securis and other congeners in the Indo-West Pacific. Based on the distribution patterns of its congeners, B. securis is expected to be widely distributed in other regions of the Indo-West Pacific. A newly recorded species, Breviturma krohi (Stöhr, Boissin & Hoareau, 2013), from Taiwan is also reported.

Keywords: Breviturma securis sp. nov., Breviturma krohi, East Asia, 16S rDNA, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI)

Breviturma securis sp. nov.
A–F. In situ.A–D. Adults.E–F. Juveniles.G–H. A specimen(NCHUZOOL 17241) with a parasitic snail (Eulimidae sp.) attached at the base of an arm. G. Ventral view. H. Dorsal view.

Breviturma securis sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name securis is derived from the Latin word meaning ‘axe’, referencing the axe-shaped dark patterns on the dorsal arm plates. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Kai Chang and Hsi-Te Shih. 2025. Description of A New brittle star of the Genus Breviturma (Ophiuroidea: Ophiocomidae), with a new record from Taiwan. European Journal of Taxonomy. 997(1); 28–50. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.997.2919

  facebook.com/HsiTeSHIH/posts/10236799703918661

[Entomology • 2018] Thecobathra minuta, T. taiwanensis, ... • Taxonomic Review of the Genus Thecobathra (Lepidoptera: Yponomeutidae) from Taiwan

 

1. Thecobathra minuta n. sp.; 2. T. pauciguttata n. sp;
3. T. taiwanensis n. sp.; 4. T. heppneri n. sp.

 Sohn, 2018

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2018.01.020

Highlights

• The Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are reviewed.

• Four new species of Thecobathra: heppneri n. sp., minuta n. sp., pauciguttata n. sp., and taiwanensis n. sp. are described.

• The female genitalia of T. basilobata are described for the first time.

• Keys to all the Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are provided.

Abstract

The Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are reviewed. Four new species of Thecobathra: T. heppneri n. sp., T. minuta n. sp., T. pauciguttata n. sp., and T. taiwanensis n. sp. are described. The female genitalia of T. basilobata are described for the first time. Keys to all the Taiwanese species of Thecobathra are provided.

 

Keywords: Lepidoptera, New species, Taiwan, Taxonomy, Thecobathra, Yponomeutidae

 Adults of Thecobathra.
1. Thecobathra minuta n. sp., holotype; 2. T. pauciguttata n. sp., holotype;
3. T. taiwanensis n. sp., holotype; 4. T. heppneri n. sp., holotype.

Scale bars = 3 mm.

Jae-Cheon Sohn. 2018. Taxonomic Review of the Genus Thecobathra (Lepidoptera, Yponomeutidae) from Taiwan. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 21(1); 374-379. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2018.01.020

[Botany • 2024] Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis (Liliaceae) • Taxonomic Revision of Tricyrtis in Taiwan and A New Species

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis Y.H. Chen & T.H. Huang,

in Chen, Huang, Lu et Shen, 2024. 

凌雲巖油點草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.655.3.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/381732336 

Photos taken by Y.H. Chen.

Abstract

We examined morphological characteristics, elevation, and phenology to revise Tricyrtis in Taiwan. As a result, we confirmed five species and one variety. Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis is a new species found only in the north on Wunfong Mountain, Chiayi Country, Taiwan, at an elevation of approximately 1100 m. This study provides a detailed assessment of the morphology of each species by offering descriptions and comparative photographs.

morphology, new taxon, Sect. Hirtae, Tricyrtis formosana, Tricyrtis lasiocarpa, Tricyrtis ravenii, Monocots

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis.
A. Habit. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, side view. D. Mature capsule with transverse slits. E. Seed. F. Adaxial surface of tepal, inner (left), outer (right). G. Abaxial surface of tepal, inner (left), outer (right). H. Adaxial surface of leaf. I. Abaxial surface of leaf.

Photos taken by Y.H. Chen.

Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis Y.H.Chen & T.H.Huang, sp. nov.  

líng yúnyányóu diǎn cǎo (凌雲巖油點草)

Yu-Huan CHEN, Ting-Hsuan HUANG, Chang-Tse LU and Rong-Show SHEN. 2024. Taxonomic Revision of Tricyrtis (Liliaceae) in Taiwan and A New Species, Tricyrtis lingyunyanensis. Phytotaxa. 655(3); 231-248. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.655.3.2 [2024-06-26]

 Researchgate.net/publication/381732336_Taxonomic_revision_of_Tricyrtis_in_Taiwan_and_a_new_species_Tricyrtis_lingyunyanensis

[Botany • 2025] Arisaema globiceps (Araceae) • A New Species from Taiwan

 Arisaema globiceps T.C. Hsu, W.J. Huang & S.W. Chung, 
 

in Hsu, Huang et Chung, 2025. 

頂珠天南星  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2069 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

Abstract

A new species, Arisaema globiceps (Araceae), is described from southern Taiwan. Morphologically, it is closely related to A. consanguineum and A. formosanum but can be readily distinguished by its spadix appendix, which is apically abruptly dilated into a globular knob. Additional information about its morphology, distribution and ecology is provided.

Keyword: Arisaema consanguineum, Arisaema formosanum, Aroideae, Arisaematae, taxonomy

 Morphology of Arisaema globiceps, from Hsu 11448 (A–H, J, L; type), Chang ZXC001608 (I), Hsu 14070 (K, M) and Hsu 13232 (N). A. Habitat and habit. B. Leaf. C. Tuber and plant base. D. Inflorescence. E. Male inflorescence, with spathe expanded. F– I. Globose tips of spadix appendix from different plants. J. Male spadix. K. Female spadix. L. Synandra. M. Ovaries. N. Infructescence.

Scale bars: A = 20 cm; B, D, E, N = 5 cm; C, J, K = 2 cm; F–I = 5 mm; L, M = 1 mm.

Arisaema globiceps T.C. Hsu, W.J. Huang & S.W. Chung, sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Arisaema globiceps resembles A. consanguineum and A. formosanum in terms of gross morphology but can be readily distinguished by its globose dilation at the tip of its spadix appendix. In contrast, A. consanguineum features a clavate spadix appendix, while that of A. formosanum is filiform.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from globus, meaning “ball” or “sphere”, and –ceps, meaning “headed”, referring to its diagnostic globose dilation at the tip of the spadix appendix. We also propose a Mandarin vernacular name “頂珠天南星”.

Tian-Chuan Hsu, Wei-Jie Huang and Shih-Wen Chung. 2025. Arisaema globiceps (Araceae), A New Species from Taiwan. Taiwania. 70(2); 281-284. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.281 [01 April 2025]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2069

  facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice/posts/1059495946201096