[Entomology • 2026] Ancyroleon, Melanobaliga, Orientaleon gen. n., ... • UCE Phylogenomics improves the Classification of the cosmopolitan Pit-building Antlion tribe Myrmeleontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmeleontinae)

 

Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., 
Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., 
Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., ...

in Zheng, Badano, Machado, Tu, U. Aspöck, H. Aspöck, Nel, Winterton et Liu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70040

Abstract

Myrmeleontini is a widespread antlion tribe within the lacewing family Myrmeleontidae, well known for its larvae building cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap prey. The monophyly of the tribe is well supported, but the monophyly of many genera within the tribe as well as the definition of the genus Myrmeleon Linnaeus has long been questioned. Here, we present a phylogenomic analysis of Myrmeleontini with emphasis on the Eurasian fauna, using ultraconserved elements (UCE) data. Our results recovered Myrmeleon as a diverse grade, with Baliga Navás, Callistoleon Banks, Euroleon Esben-Petersen, Hagenomyia Banks and Megistoleon Navás deeply nested within it. Based on our sampling of type species of many genera (including those synonymized with Myrmeleon) and detailed morphological comparisons, we provide a new phylogeny-based classification of Myrmeleontini. Accordingly, Myrmeleon s. str. only refers to the formerly recognized M. formicarius group from Palaearctic region. The status of 12 genera that were previously considered as junior synonyms of Myrmeleon is restored (i.e., Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., Bordus Navás stat. rev., Callistoleon Banks stat. rev., Cocius Navás stat. rev., Enza Navás stat. rev., Macroleon Banks stat. rev., Moreyus Navás stat. rev., Morter Navás stat. rev., Neleon Navás stat. rev., Neseurus Navás stat. rev., Myrmeleodes Navás stat. rev. and Tafanerus Navás stat rev.), while Neohornius stat. rev., previously treated as a subgenus of Myrmeleon, is herein elevated to genus. Additionally, based on comprehensive sampling from the Oriental region, five new genera from this region are described, that is, Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n. and Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n.

Keywords: biogeography, classification, lacewing, phylogeny, systematics

Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., 

Bordus Navás stat. rev., 

Callistoleon Banks stat. rev., 

Cocius Navás stat. rev., 

Enza Navás stat. rev., 

Macroleon Banks stat. rev., 

Moreyus Navás stat. rev., 

Morter Navás stat. rev., 

Neleon Navás stat. rev., 

Neseurus Navás stat. rev., 

Myrmeleodes Navás stat. rev. 

Tafanerus Navás stat rev.

Neohornius stat. rev.

 five new genera:

 Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., 

Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. 

Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., 

Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n. 

Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n.

 

Yuchen Zheng, Davide Badano, Renato Jose Pires Machado, Yuezheng Tu, Ulrike Aspöck, Horst Aspöck, André Nel, Shaun W. Winterton and Xingyue Liu. 2026. UCE Phylogenomics improves the Classification of the cosmopolitan Pit-building Antlion tribe Myrmeleontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmeleontinae). Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70040 [27 March 2026]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Aeschnosomatidae, Lauromacromiidae, Macromidiidae fam. nov.; Austrocorduliidae, Gomphomacromiidae, Idionychidae, stat. rev., ... • Systematic and Taxonomic Revision of Emerald and Tigertail Dragonflies (Anisoptera: Synthemistidae and Corduliidae)

 

Synthemistidae and Corduliidae

in Goodman, Abbott, Bybee, Ehlert, Frandsen, Guralnick, ... et Ware, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70000 

Abstract

Libelluloidea is the most species-rich superfamily within dragonflies (Odonata: Anisoptera), yet intrafamilial relationships have remained contested for the past 150 years. Here we present a phylogenetic hypothesis for two families within Libelluloidea which together form a complex of distantly related lineages, Corduliidae s.l. (Emeralds) and Synthemistidae s.l. (Tigertails) based on comprehensive taxon sampling at species level (Corduliidae: 141/165 spp., Synthemistidae: 123/150 spp.) for which we generated anchored hybrid enrichment (AHE) high-throughput molecular sequences (10–1054 loci). Furthermore, we combined our molecular dataset with 100 discrete morphological characters based on wing, body, nymphal and genital characters. Using our molecular data, and an evaluation of morphological characters via ancestral character state reconstruction, we propose a new classification for these taxa. Here, three new families are erected: Aeschnosomatidae fam. nov.; Lauromacromiidae fam. nov.; Macromidiidae fam. nov.; and the status is revised for six families: Austrocorduliidae Bechly, 1996 stat. rev.; Gomphomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Idionychidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Idomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; Neophyidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; and Pseudocorduliidae Lohmann, 1996 stat. rev. Furthermore, we synonymized Procordulia Martin, 1907, with the genus Hemicordulia Selys, 1870. Finally, we recover five enigmatic taxa (Archaeophya Fraser, 1959, Libellulosoma Martin, 1907, Austrophya Tillyard, 1909, Apocordulia Watson, 1980 and Cordulisantosia Fleck & Costa, 2007) for which no molecular data was previously available within these families with revised status or new with high support using a total-evidence approach. Character state reconstructions revealed widespread homology among traditional characters used to identify groups within each family. We estimate the ancestral Libelluloidea possessed an ovuloid anal loop, prominent uniform labial palp dentition in the nymphs and a reduced ovipositor. Finally, time-divergence analyses estimate Libelluloidea to have originated within the Early Cretaceous, with subsequent families diversifying throughout the Cenozoic.

Keywords: anchored hybrid enrichment, classification, comparative morphology, dragonflies, synapomorphies

three new families are erected: 

Aeschnosomatidae fam. nov.; 

Lauromacromiidae fam. nov.; 

Macromidiidae fam. nov.

the status is revised for six families: 

Austrocorduliidae Bechly, 1996 stat. rev.; 

Gomphomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Idionychidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Idomacromiidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Neophyidae Tillyard & Fraser, 1940 stat. rev.; 

Pseudocorduliidae Lohmann, 1996 stat. rev.

 

Aaron Goodman, John C. Abbott, Seth Bybee, Juliana Ehlert, Paul B. Frandsen, Rob Guralnick, Vincent J. Kalkman, Lacie Newton, Ângelo Parise Pinto and Jessica L. Ware. 2025. Systematic and Taxonomic Revision of Emerald and Tigertail Dragonflies (Anisoptera: Synthemistidae and Corduliidae). Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70000  [09 October 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Genome-wide Pphylogeny reshapes our Understanding of the Evolution of Deep-sea Dragonfishes, bristlemouths, viperfishes, and allies (Stomiiformes)

Stomiiformes phylogeny

in Chang, Heiple, Hays, Melendez-Vazquez, Lee, Frable, Pogonoski, Martinez, Betancur-R et Arcila, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02453-0 

Abstract

Background: 

The evolutionary relationships within Stomiiformes, a diverse order of deep-sea fishes dominating the mesopelagic and bathypelagic zones, remain contentious due to conflicting morphological and molecular evidence. These fishes, comprising 464 species across four traditionally recognized families (Gonostomatidae, Sternoptychidae, Phosichthyidae, and Stomiidae), exhibit remarkable adaptations such as bioluminescence, ultra-black pigmentation, and extreme jaw morphologies. Their global abundance and ecological significance, including contributions to the biological carbon pump, underscores the need to resolve their phylogeny amid escalating threats from climate change and human activities.

Results: 

We conducted the most comprehensive phylogenomic analysis of Stomiiformes to date, integrating 936 nuclear loci from 60 species and an expanded dataset of 135 species with mitochondrial sequences from publicly available repositories such as the Barcode of Life Data Systems (BOLD) database. We used maximum likelihood and coalescent-based approaches to assess family monophyly and relationships, including extensive quality control to address contamination in public databases. Our analyses reveal unstable tree topologies and complex evolutionary histories that challenge traditional classifications, while our quality control analyses identified 29% of BOLD sequences as misidentified or contaminated, emphasizing rigorous curation for deep-sea taxa. Congruent with a recent taxonomic treatment of Stomiiformes, the families Phosichthyidae and Gonostomatidae exhibit polyphyly and paraphyly, respectively, while subfamilies within Stomiidae are extensively non-monophyletic, leading us to recommend their abandonment. We propose the recognition of eight monophyletic families: Vinciguerriidae, Diplophidae, Gonostomatidae, Yarrellidae, Ichthyococcidae, Phosichthyidae, Sternoptychidae, and Stomiidae, supported by robust molecular and morphological evidence.

Conclusions: 

This revised classification reflects the morphological and ecological diversity of Stomiiformes, aligning with their evolutionary diversification in the deep sea. Our phylogenomic framework resolves longstanding systematic uncertainties and highlights the power of genome-wide data in tackling taxonomically challenging clades. These findings provide a foundation for understanding deep-sea fish diversification and assessing the potential ecBMC Ecology and Evolution  Article

Genome-wide phylogeny reshapes our understanding of the evolution of deep-sea dragonfishes, bristlemouths, viperfishes, and allies (Stomiiformes)

Keywords: Mesopelagic Fishes, Taxonomic Classification, Morphological Diversity

 

Solomon Chang, Zach Heiple, Delson Hays, Fernando Melendez-Vazquez, Casey Lee, Benjamin W. Frable, John Pogonoski, Christopher M. Martinez, Ricardo Betancur-R  and Dahiana Arcila. 2025. Genome-wide Pphylogeny reshapes our Understanding of the Evolution of Deep-sea Dragonfishes, bristlemouths, viperfishes, and allies (Stomiiformes). BMC Ecol Evo. 25, 111. DOI: doi.org/10.1186/s12862-025-02453-0 [21 October 2025] 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Integrated Molecular and Morphological Analyses Resolve Long-Standing Classification Challenges in the Sinistral Flatfish Family Bothidae (Teleostei: Carangiformes)

  

Bothidae Smitt, 1892
Taeniopsettidae Amaoka, 1969

Monolenidae  n. fam. 
Grammatobothidae n. fam. 

in Tongboonkua, Chanet et Chen, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/zsc.70020  

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ABSTRACT

The flatfish family Bothidae comprise 170 currently recognised species in 20 genera, classified under two subfamilies. Although previous morphological and molecular studies have supported the monophyly of the family, its intrafamilial relationships remain largely unexplored, and the monophyly of the 20 existing genera has yet to be thoroughly evaluated. This study aims to address these long-standing systematic issues, particularly at the generic level, and to elucidate the sister-group relationships within Bothidae using a comprehensive set of samples of 87 morphospecies across 19 genera, and DNA sequence data from two mitochondrial and three nuclear gene markers. Our results reveal that the subfamily Bothinae is paraphyletic with respect to monophyletic Taeniopsettinae. Additionally, ‘Bothinae’ can be subdivided into three main clades (Bothinae 1–3). At the generic level, while Grammatobothus is resolved as monophyletic (=Bothinae 1) and as the sister group to the remaining bothids, four other specious genera—Arnoglossus, Laeops, Parabothus, and Psettina—are not. To resolve these taxonomic inconsistencies, we integrate evidence from phylogeny, morphology, and biogeography. Consequently, we propose elevating Taeniopsettinae to family status, establishing two new families—Monolenidae (=Bothinae 2) and Grammatobothidae—each comprising a single genus, and restricting the family Bothidae to Bothinae 3. We also refine the usage of the valid generic names Arnoglossus (=Arnoglossus V), Laeops (=Laeops II), Parabothus (=Parabothus III), and Psettina (=Psettina III), and recommend the resurrection of previously synonymised bothid genera as well as the establishment of new genera. These taxonomic revisions are ongoing and will be elaborated upon in a forthcoming study.

Keywords: left-eyed flounder, morphology, multigene phylogeny, new family, Pleuronectoidei, systematics

Bothidae Smitt, 1892 

Taeniopsettidae Amaoka, 1969

Monolenidae  n. fam. Tongboonkua, Chanet & Chen, 2025

Type genus: Monolene Goode, 1880

Grammatobothidae n. fam. Tongboonkua, Chanet & Chen, 2025

Type genus: Grammatobothus Norman, 1926

 

Pakorn Tongboonkua, Bruno Chanet and Wei-Jen Chen. 2025. Integrated Molecular and Morphological Analyses Resolve Long-Standing Classification Challenges in the Sinistral Flatfish Family Bothidae (Teleostei: Carangiformes). Zoologica Scripta. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/zsc.70020 [25 September 2025]

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[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]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Crunomys tompotika • Systematics and Historical Biogeography of Crunomys and Maxomys (Rodentia: Muridae: Murinae), with the Description of A New Species from Sulawesi and New Genus-level Classification

Crunomys tompotika Achmadi & Fabre

in Giarla, Achmadi, Fabre, Handika, Chipps, Swanson, Nations, Morni, ..., Rowe et Esselstyn, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf006    

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Abstract

Crunomys and Maxomys are closely related murine genera from forested regions of Southeast Asia and western portions of the Indo-Australian Archipelago. Previous phylogenetic analyses suggested that a taxonomic reappraisal is necessary for these genera, but limited taxon sampling prevented formal changes. We produced a mitochondrial DNA dataset that includes 376 individuals representing all 22 recognized species and a nuclear dataset comprising thousands of ultraconserved elements missing only 1 recognized species. Our phylogenetic inferences consistently show that Crunomys is nested within Maxomys. We transfer all Maxomys species to the older genus Crunomys to resolve the paraphyly. We also conducted a morphological analysis of species from Sulawesi and described a new species of Crunomys from the eastern peninsula of the island. We identify 43 geographically defined mitochondrial haplogroups across all species of Crunomys, many of which also are inferred as distinct in a multilocus species delimitation analysis. Historical biogeographic reconstructions consistently inferred multiple dispersal events to and from oceanic islands and among continental shelf islands and mainland Southeast Asia. On both large continental shelf islands like Borneo and large oceanic islands like Sulawesi, in situ divergence produced high levels of diversity.

Indo-Australian Archipelago, overwater dispersal, Philippines, Rattini, rodents, species delimitation, Sulawesi, Sunda Shelf, Wallacea

View of the cranium and dentary of the holotype Crunomys tompotika sp. nov. (MZB36997/FMNH213454) from Mt. Tompotika, Sulawesi.

Crunomys tompotika sp. nov.

Authority. Anang S. Achmadi and Pierre-Henri Fabre

Mount Tompotika Spiny Rat

Etymology: This species is named for its geographical provenance of Mt. Tompotika, a peak near the tip of the eastern peninsula of Sulawesi, used as a noun in apposition.

Distribution and habitat: Known only from Mt. Tompotika in secondary lowland tropical forest, from near sea level to 760 m. Montane forest is almost certainly present near the summit of Mt. Tompotika (1,540 m), but no trapping was undertaken above 760 m. 

Thomas C Giarla, Anang S Achmadi, Pierre-Henri Fabre, Heru Handika, Austin S Chipps, Mark T Swanson, Jonathan A Nations, Muhd Amsyari Morni, Julius William-Dee, Nurul Inayah, Endah Dwijayanti, Muhammad Rizaldi Trias Jaya Putra Nurdin, Kyra E Griffin, Faisal Ali Anwarali Khan, Lawrence R Heaney, Kevin C Rowe and Jacob A Esselstyn. 2025. Systematics and Historical Biogeography of Crunomys and Maxomys (Muridae: Murinae), with the Description of A New Species from Sulawesi and New Genus-level Classification. Journal of Mammalogy. 106(4); 832–858, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jmammal/gyaf006 [13 June 2025]

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[Entomology • 2025] A Revised Classification of the Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) based on combined analysis of phylogenomic and morphological data

 

Assassin bug diversity and examples of unique morphological and behavioural adaptations found across the family.

in Masonick, Knyshov, Gordon, Forero, Hwang, ... et Weirauch, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12646

  

Abstract

Assassin bugs (Hemiptera: Reduviidae Latreille) comprise not only one of the largest radiations of predatory animals (22 subfamilies; >6,800 spp.) but also include the medically important kissing bugs (Triatominae Jeannel). Reduviidae are morphologically diverse, engage in an astounding array of predatory strategies and have evolved some of the most unique anti-predator and stealth techniques in the animal kingdom. While significant progress has been made to reveal the evolutionary history of assassin bugs and revise their taxonomy, the non-monophyly of the second largest assassin bug subfamily, Reduviinae Latreille, remains to be addressed. Leveraging phylogenomic data (2,291 loci) and 112 morphological characters, we performed the first data- and taxon-rich (195 reduvioid taxa) combined phylogenetic analysis across Reduvioidea and reconstructed morphological diagnostic features for major lineages. We corroborated the rampant polyphyly of Reduviinae that demands substantial revisions to the subfamilial and tribal classification of assassin bugs. Our new classification for Reduviidae reduces the number of subfamilies to 19 and recognizes 40 tribes. We describe three new subfamilies to accommodate distantly related taxa previously classified as Reduviinae (Heteropinae subfam. nov., Nanokeralinae subfam. nov., and Pasirinae subfam. nov.). Triatominae sensu nov. are expanded to include closely related predatory reduviine genera. Cetherinae Jeannel, Chryxinae Champion, Pseudocetherinae Villiers, Salyavatinae Amyot & Serville and Sphaeridopinae Amyot & Serville are treated as junior synonyms of Reduviinae sensu nov. Epiroderinae Distant are synonymized with Phimophorinae Handlirsch sensu nov. and Bactrodini Stål stat. nov. are reclassified as a tribe of Harpactorinae Amyot & Serville. Psophidinae Distant is treated as a valid subfamily. This new classification represents a robust framework for future taxonomic and evolutionary research on assassin bugs.

Keywords: ancestral state reconstruction, Cimicomorpha, phylogenetic systematics, revised classification, taxonomy, true bugs

 

Assassin bug diversity and examples of unique morphological and behavioural adaptations found across the family.
(a) Holoptilinae: Ptilocnemus femoralis Horváth (© Martin Lagerwey, Australia); (b) Phymatinae: Phymata americana Melin male mate guarding female (© Marie-Lise Beaudin, Canada); (c) Peiratinae: Rasahus arcuiger (Stål) (© sandralamberts, Peru);
(d) Psophidinae stat. nov.: Korinchocoris insolitus Miller (© Joshua Wong, Singapore); (e) Ectrichodiinae: nr. Ectrichodia Lepeletier and Serville communal feeding of adults and nymphs on a millipede (© Nick Ramsey, Equatorial Guinea); (f) Emesinae: Ghilianella sp. Spinola (© Thomas Shahan, Belize);
(g) Stenopodainae (© Damien Brouste, New Caledonia); (h) Triatominae sensu nov.: Zelurini trib. nov.: Zelurus festivus (Stål) (© sandralamberts, Peru); (i) Triatominae sensu nov.: Rhodniini: Rhodnius sp. Stål nymph engorged on blood-meal (© César Favacho);
(j) Phimophorinae sensu nov.: Physoderes sp. Westwood (© Nick Porch, Republic of Mauritius); (k) Harpactorinae sensu nov.: Ectinoderini: Amulius sp. Stål forelegs coated with resin (© Julius Simonelli, Indonesia); (l) Harpactorinae sensu nov.: Bactrodini stat. nov.: Bactrodes sp. Stål (© Stephen_WV, Brazil),
 (m) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Reduviini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Reduvius sonoraensis Usinger (© James Bailey, USA); (n) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Acanthaspidini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Inara flavopicta Stål nymph with corpse backpack (© budak, Singapore); (o) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Salyavatini stat. nov.: Salyavata macmahanae van Doesburg and Brailovsky (© Tom Murray, Honduras).

Habitus plate of newly described reduviid subfamilies and other revived taxa.
(a)–(b) Heteropinae subfam. nov. (a) Heteropinus mollis (UCR_ENT 00115568). (b) Platymicrus sp. (UCR_ENT 00129721).
(c) Nanokeralinae subfam. nov.: Hadrokerala major (UCR_ENT 00052179).
(d)–(e). Pasirinae subfam. nov. (d) Pasira sp. (UCR_ENT 00052217). (e) Pasiropsis sp. (UCR_ENT 00052178).

(f) Triatominae sensu nov.: Opisthacidiini trib. nov.: Opisthacidius sp. (UCR_ENT 00012957). (g) Phimophorinae sensu nov.: Nalata squalida (UCR_ENT 00002748).
(h)–(j) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Lenaeini stat. nov. (h) Pseudozelurus arizonicus (UCR_ENT 00004573). (i) Dyakocoris vulnerans (UCR_ENT 00052204). (j) Tiarodes versicolor (UCR_ENT 00052171).

(k) Reduviinae sensu nov.: Euphenini stat. nov., sensu nov.: Australocleptes sp. (AMNH_PBI 00218999). (l)–(m). Reduviinae sensu nov.: Psyttalini trib. nov. (l) Varus flavoannulatus (UCR_ENT 00004574). (m) Cerilocus nero (UCR_ENT 00129676)
(n)–(o). Reduviinae sensu nov.: Acanthaspidini stat. nov., sensu nov. (n) Plynoides sp. (UCR_ENT 00129678). (o) Eriopreda feai (UCR_ENT 00129696).

Paul K. Masonick, Alex Knyshov, Eric R. L. Gordon, Dimitri Forero, Wei Song Hwang, Rochelle Hoey-Chamberlain, Tatiana Bush, Stephanie Castillo, Madison Hernandez, Jamie Ramirez, Samantha Standring, Junxia Zhang and Christiane Weirauch. 2025. A Revised Classification of the Assassin Bugs (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Reduviidae) based on combined analysis of phylogenomic and morphological data. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12646 [17 July 2024]

[Mammalogy • 2025] Nagasorex albidens • The Shrew of Nagaland: A Remarkable New Genus and Species from Northeast India, With A Discussion of The Phylogeny and Classification of The Soricidae (Mammalia)

 

Nagasorex albidens 

Hutterer, Swanson, Esselstyn & Heaney, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1206/0003-0090.474.1.1

digitallibrary.AMNH.org

Abstract

A new genus and species of extant shrew, Nagasorex albidens, is described based on a single specimen obtained in Nagaland, northeastern India, in 1950. The new species shows novel characters, such as a total tooth number of 34, not found in any extant genus though they are found in extinct genera such as †Miosorex, †Lartetium, †Pseudotrimylus, and †Domnina. To determine the phylogenetic relationships of the new species, we first analyzed craniodental characters from all extant and many extinct genera of Soricidae. Although statistical support for most nodes was low, the nearest relatives of the new taxon appear to be certain Miocene and Pliocene taxa from Europe and Asia—†Dobenflorinia (new name), †Clapasorex, †Miosorex, and †Crocidosorex—followed by the extant African genera Congosorex, Myosorex, and Surdisorex, all of which we treat as members of the Myosoricinae. We then conducted a molecular phylogenetic study of extant genera using mitochondrial and nuclear genes. Although the genetic data we obtained from the new shrew are limited, our results place Nagasorex as the sister taxon of Crocidurinae (mitochondrial genes), or sister to Myosoricinae + Crocidurinae (nuclear genes). We tentatively place the new genus in the Myosoricinae. Additionally, we replace the preoccupied generic name Soricella with a new name, Dobenflorinia. Based on these results, we present a new systematic arrangement of the Soricidae.

Keywords: Shrews, India, Nāgāland, Classification, Phylogeny, Nagasorex albidens

Order Eulipotyphla Waddel et al. (1999) Family Soricidae Fischer, 1814

Nagasorex, new genus

Type Species: Nagasorex albidens, new species.

Included Species: The type species only.

Etymology: The generic name combines the place of origin (Naga Hills) with the Latin sorex (shrew); the gender is masculine. The specific epithet combines the Latin albus (white) and dens (tooth).

A, Dorsal; B, ventral; and C, lateral aspects of the holotype skin of Nagasorex albidens (FMNH 76197). Total length of specimen is 97 mm. Also shown are photographs of the original field label and subsequent FMNH label.

Nagasorex albidens, new species Diagnosis: A small dark shrew with narrow tail covered by very short hairs (fig. 8); cross section of guard hairs with H-profile (fig. 13); ear conch small, round and almost naked (fig. 8); skull roof with traces of the foramina vascularia (fig. 9); 34 nonpigmented teeth, tooth formula I 3/1 C 1/1 P 3/2 M 3/3 (figs. 10, 11); p4 with a distinct “myosoricine” Y-pattern (fig. 12B); mandibular articulation with upper and lower facets (fig. 11); plus the unique combination of characters described in the following section.

Rainer Hutterer, Mark T. Swanson, Jacob A. Esselstyn and Lawrence R. Heaney. 2025. The Shrew of Nagaland: A Remarkable New Genus and Species from Northeast India, With A Discussion of The Phylogeny and Classification of The Soricidae (Mammalia). Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. (474); 1-72. DOI: doi.org/10.1206/0003-0090.474.1.1 [18 June 2025]

digitallibrary.AMNH.org/collections/7f37d745-a9ae-46d0-9cb9-840b06458c19

[Botany • 2025] Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Asparagaceae: Agavoideae)

 

1) Yucca lacandonica, 2) Y. queretaroensis, 3) Y. reverchonii, 

7) Y. baccata, 8) Y. valida, 

12) Y. aloifolia, 13) Y. madrensis, 14) Y. arizonica, 

4) Y. brevifolia, 5) Y. linearifolia, 6) Y. gloriosa, 9) Y. faxoniana, 10) Y. rostrata,   

17–18) Y. jaliscensis, 19–20) Y. rigida, 21–22) Y. grandiflora, 

25–26) Y. gigantea, 27–28) Y. torreyi, 

23) Y. elata, 29–30) Y. filifera, 31–32) Y. carnerosana, 

37–38) Y. coahuilensis, 39–40) Y. schottii 

in Ayala-Hernández, Fehlberg, García-Mendoza,  Solano, García-Sandoval et Samain, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.2.2

Abstract

The current classification of Yucca (Asparagaceae, Agavoideae) is based on morphological characters, mainly on fruit type, caulescence, leaf margin and inflorescence type. To investigate the evolution of these characters, and their potential taxonomic significance as synapomorphies for some groups within Yucca, a phylogenetic analysis was performed with 44 Yucca and eight outgroup species. Divergence times were estimated to produce a suitable phylogenetic framework for the investigation of morphological character evolution. Maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses showed closer phylogenetic relationship between Hesperoyucca and Hesperaloe than either of these two genera with Yucca. The series previously proposed within the genus were not recovered as monophyletic, but based on fruit type we recovered two main clades which we name here clade Aloifolia and clade Rupicola. The ages of the Yucca stem and crown groups were estimated at 14.34 (95% HPD: 14.64–14.2) and 7.45 (95% HPD: 11.31–3.48) million years, respectively. More recent diversification events occurred in both the species with fleshy and dry fruits. Yucca is monophyletic with two main clades, corresponding to the species with dry fruit (clade Rupicola) and fleshy fruit (clade Aloifolia). Partial geographical concordances were observed in both clades. The dispersal type could be a key character in the diversification of the genus. Leaf margin, caulescence, and inflorescence type are not consistent with phylogenetic relationships.

ABK clade, ancestral-characters, classification, fruit-type, Hesperoyucca, morphological evolution, phylogeny, yuccas, Monocots

1) Yucca lacandonica, 2) Y. queretaroensis, 3) Y. reverchonii, 4) Y. brevifolia, 5) Y. linearifolia, 6) Y. gloriosa, 
7) Y. baccata, 8) Y. valida, 9) Y. faxoniana, 10) Y. rostrata, 11) Y. sp. Chihuahua,
12) Y. aloifolia, 13) Y. madrensis, 14) Y. arizonica, 15) Y. thompsoniana, 16) Y. capensis,

(Photographs by E. Solano & R. Ríos-Gómez; 

Figure 1 was prepared by B. Ayala-García).

 17–18) Y. jaliscensis, 19–20) Y. rigida, 21–22) Y. grandiflora,
23–24) Y. elata, 25–26) Y. gigantea, 27–28) Y. torreyi,
29–30) Y. filifera, 31–32) Y. carnerosana, 33–34) Hesperoyucca whipplei,
35–36) Y. schidigera, 37–38) Y. coahuilensis, 39–40) Y. schottii

(Photographs by E. Solano & R. Ríos-Gómez; 

Figure 1 was prepared by B. Ayala-García).

María M. AYALA-HERNÁNDEZ, Shannon D. FEHLBERG, Abisai J. GARCÍA-MENDOZA, Eloy SOLANO, Ricardo GARCÍA-SANDOVAL and Marie-Stéphanie SAMAIN. 2025. Phylogenetic Relationships and Character Evolution in Yucca (Agavoideae, Asparagaceae). Phytotaxa. 687(2); 176-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.2.2 [2025-02-18]

[Entomology • 2024] Halleriaphagus gen. nov. & Ouma gen. nov. • Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera

 Halleriaphagus van Noort & Burks, gen. nov., 
Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. 

in van Noort, Mitroiu, Burks, Gibson, Hanson, Heraty, Janšta, Cruaud et Rasplus, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12630 

Abstract

The circumscription of the family Ormyridae (Hymenoptera: Chalcidoidea) is revised after phylogenetic analysis based on ultra-conserved elements (UCEs) and comparative morphological assessment of the chalcid ‘Gall Clade’. Six genera are treated in the family, including two new genera, Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov., and Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov. One genus, Eubeckerella Narendran, is re-assigned to the family, and Ormyrulus Bouček is synonymised with Ormyrus Westwood, syn. nov., resulting in the new combination Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček), comb. nov. The six genera are classified in three subfamilies, two of which are newly described, Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., and Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. Halleriaphagus is established for the newly described type species Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov., and Ouma is erected for O. daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov., and O. emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov. Asparagobius is revised with description of Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov., and Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov. Asparagobius and Halleriaphagus are classified in Asparagobiinae, Hemadas in Hemadinae and Eubeckerella, Ormyrus and Ouma in Ormyrinae. The molecular support defining the ormyrid clade is corroborated by the proposed morphological synapomorphy of a foliaceous prepectus overlying the tegula base. Identification keys to the genera of Ormyridae and to the species of Asparagobius and Ouma are provided. Online Lucid identification keys and images of all the species treated herein are available at: http://www.waspweb.org.

Keywords: classification, gall clade, molecular, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, ultra-conserved elements 

Proposed reclassification of Ormyridae

•• Asparagobiinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov., 

• Asparagobius Mayr, 1905.

Asparagobius bouceki van Noort, sp. nov.

Asparagobius braunsi Mayr, 1905.

Asparagobius copelandi Rasplus and van Noort, sp. nov.

• Halleriaphagus van Noort and Burks, gen. nov.

Halleriaphagus phagolucida van Noort and Burks, sp. nov.

•• Hemadinae van Noort, Burks, Mitroiu and Rasplus, subfam. nov. 

• Hemadas Crawford, 1909.

Hemadas nubilipennis (Ashmead, 1887).

•• Ormyrinae Förster, 1856.

• Eubeckerella Narendran, 1999.

Eubeckerella malaica Narendran, 1999.

• Ormyrus Westwood, 1832.

Ormyrus 144 species [for full list see UCDW, 2023].

Ormyrus gibbus (Bouček, 1986), comb. nov.

• Ouma Mitroiu, gen. nov.

Ouma daleskeyae Mitroiu, sp. nov.

Ouma emazantsi Mitroiu, sp. nov.

Simon van Noort, Mircea-Dan Mitroiu, Roger Burks, Gary Gibson, Paul Hanson, John Heraty, Petr Janšta, Astrid Cruaud and Jean-Yves Rasplus. 2024. Redefining Ormyridae (Hymenoptera, Chalcidoidea) with Establishment of Subfamilies and Description of New Genera. Systematic Entomology. 49(3); 447-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.12630 

[Ornithology • 2024] Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Passeriformes: Alaudidae)

African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae)

in Alström, Mohammadi, Donald, Nymark, Enbody, Irestedt, ... et Stervander, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107 

 twitter.com/nesospiza

 

Abstract

The species complex comprising the rufous-naped lark Corypha africana, Sharpe’s lark Corypha sharpii, the red-winged lark Corypha hypermetra, the Somali long-billed lark Corypha somalica and Ash’s lark Corypha ashi encompasses 31 recognised taxa across sub-Saharan Africa, many of which are extremely poorly known and some not observed for decades. Only 17 taxa have been studied molecularly and none comprehensively for morphology, vocalisations or other behaviours. Here, we undertake comprehensive integrative taxonomic analyses based on plumage and morphometrics (for 97% of the taxa), mitochondrial and nuclear loci (77%), ≤ 1.3 million genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (68%), song (many described for the first time; 52%) and additional behavioural data (45%). All polytypic species as presently circumscribed are paraphyletic, with eight primary clades separated by ≤ 6.3–6.8 Myr, broadly supported by plumage, morphometrics, song and other behaviours. The most recent divergences concern sympatric taxon pairs usually treated as separate species, whereas the divergence of all clades including C. africana subspecies is as old as sister species pairs in other lark genera. We propose the recognition of nine instead of five species, while C. ashi is synonymised with C. somalica rochei as C. s. ashi. The geographical distributions are incompletely known, and although the nine species are generally para-/allopatric, some might be sympatric.

Africa, behaviour, bird, morphometrics, new classification

Remaining species and name recommendations are:

Highland lark (C. kurrae)

Plains lark (C. kabalii)

Plateau lark (C. nigrescens)

Rufous-naped lark (C. africana s.s.)

Sentinel lark (C. athi)

Somali lark (C. somalica)

Red-winged lark (C. hypermetra s.s.)

Kidepo lark (C. kidepoensis)

Per Alström, Zeinolabedin Mohammadi, Paul F. Donald, Marianne Nymark, Erik D. Enbody, Martin Irestedt, Emmanuel Barde Elisha, Henry K. Ndithia, B. Irene Tieleman, Derek Engelbrecht, Urban Olsson, Loïs Rancilhac and Martin Stervander. 2024.  Integrative Taxonomy reveals Unrecognised Species Diversity in African Corypha Larks (Aves: Alaudidae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. zlad107. DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlad107

  twitter.com/nesospiza/status/1708435961779020040