[Arachnida • 2026] Trogloraptor tulishpun • A New northern Species of Trogloraptor (Araneae: Trogloraptoridae), Genetic Diversity and Natural History

 

 Trogloraptor tulishpun Jones & Binford,

in Jones, Watson, Hedin et Binford, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.1.5 

photos by M. Hedin

Abstract

We present a morphological description of a recently discovered species of spider in the family Trogloraptoridae from the Columbia River Gorge in northwestern Oregon. The family was previously monotypic (Trogloraptor marchingtoni) and only known from populations near the southwestern Oregon—northern California border. Trogloraptor tulishpun sp. nov. retains the key family synapomorphy, distinctive subsegmented raptorial tarsi, and an oblique membranous division of the basal segment of the anterior lateral spinnerets. Trogloraptor tulishpun is distinguished from T. marchingtoni by its color pattern, clypeal height, vulvar and palp structure. We have found T. tulishpun in four localities in the Columbia River Gorge, which show little mitochondrial sequence divergence from one another, but are highly genetically distinct from T. marchingtoni. Trogloraptor tulishpun is found in basalt features, including lava tubes and shallow talus caves, and has been observed to eat arachnids and moths, making them top predators in these environments.

Araneae, arachnophagy, caves, invertebrate conservation, mitochondrial divergence, subterranean biodiversity

Habitus of live Trogloraptor tulishpun from Herman Creek Talus Cave.
A male in captivity, B female in captivity,
C male in Herman Creek Talus Cave, D female in Herman Creek Talus Cave on sparse web,
 E male on non Trogloraptor web, F female in Herman Creek Talus Cave.

(all photos by M. Hedin)

Habitus of male Trogloraptor tulishpun (holotype, USNMENT02418340) from Herman Creek Talus Cave.
A, B dorsal views, C, E ventral views, D anterior view.

Trogloraptor tulishpun, Jones and Binford, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. Trogloraptor tulishpun resembles T. marchingtoni (Griswold et al., 2012) by its similar carapace and abdominal shape and coloration, its subsegmented raptorial tarsi, and the partly sclerotized genital region (Figs 2, 3, 5, 7). It is clearly distinguished by its conspicuous scalloped patterning along the lateral and posterior edges of the carapace which is absent in T. marchingtoni. The abdominal patterning is different from the chevron pattern of T. marchingtoni, with oval-shaped spots down the center of the dorsal side that have a thin line of beige down the ...

Etymology. Tulishpun (pronounced too-lish-pun) is a word, simplified for ease of pronunciation, from the Sahaptin River dialect meaning “cave predator, owner of the domain”. The Sahaptin River dialect is from the Columbia River area, the type locality of this species, and the name was given to us by elders from the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. The specific epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 

MADELINE M. JONES, FINN WATSON, MARSHAL HEDIN and GRETA J. BINFORD. 2026. Beneath the Surface: A New northern Species of Trogloraptor (Araneae: Trogloraptoridae), Genetic Diversity and Natural History.  Zootaxa. 5828(1); 103-116. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.1.5 [2026-06-08]

[Arachnida • 2026] Theridion himalayana • On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, 

in Tripathy et Priyadarshini, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 

Abstract

A new species of Theridion is reported here from Uttarakhand, India which resembles and exhibits polymorphism like the Happy-face spiders reported from the Hawaiian Islands, Theridion grallator. The species is polymorphic in both sexes and exhibits patterns of a smiling face with dots in colours of red, black and white arranged differently. 32 different morphs of the species have been reported here which have been collected from three different locations in the northwestern state of India, Uttarakhand. This Theridion species also builds webs to hang upside down like the other polymorphic spiders T. californicum and T. grallator. The phylogenetic position of the species is also reported here which was compared against some of the Asian and Neotropical species across the world using the COI marker. A genetic variation of around 8.5% is observed from the Hawaiian Happy-face spider which indicates a separately evolved species in Asia where several morphs have been found. Despite moderate overall divergence, T. himalayana appears to be phylogenetically isolated from both its Palearctic and Nearctic congeners. This supports its distinctiveness within the genus and raises broader questions about lineage dispersal, parallel evolution of colour polymorphism and independent evolution of species in montane forests. A dichotomous key to the Theridion species described form India is also presented here.

Key Words: Happy-face spider, polymorphism, dichotomous key, Phylogeny, Theridiidae, Uttarakhand, India

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Theridion himalayana sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from other Indian congeners by the unique configuration of the copulatory ducts (CD) and fertilisation ducts (FD). In T. himalayana sp. nov., the CD is elongate, strongly curved, and prominently protruding forward, with both ducts running almost parallel before terminating downward. The CD which is longer than the spermathecae exhibits a distinctive sew-hook–like appearance, which is not observed in any other examined species. The fertilisation ducts are short, narrow, and directed upwards, diverging away from each other to form a V-shaped orientation. The FD arises below the spermatheca, with each duct directed opposite to the CD. This configuration clearly separates T. himalayana sp. nov. from T. odisha, which has a S-shaped, coiled CD that terminates in oval loops and FD inclined towards each other; T. bengalensis, where CD is short, slender, and directed away from each other, while FD appears tapering distally and directed away from spermatheca; T. melanostictum, characterized by extremely long, highly coiled CD and downward-directed, sickle-shaped FD; T. zonulatum, which possesses short, uncoiled CD and looped FD directed upwards.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘himalayana’ is assigned to species owing to the locality from which it was first found as an ode to the mighty Himalayan Mountain range that holds a wealth of biodiversity.

Suggested common name. Himalayan Happy-Face Spider.

 Ashirwad Tripathy and Devi Priyadarshini. 2026. On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history. Evolutionary Systematics. 10(1): 63-84. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 [24 Apr 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Limnonectes gyrinophorus, L. kinabaluensis, L. nephophilus, L. phylax, ... • Cryptic Radiation within the Tadpole-carrying Guardian Frogs from Borneo, Limnonectes palavanensis and L. finchi (Anura: Dicroglossidae), with the Description of Eight New Species

  

Limnonectes gunungensis sp. nov., L. kinabaluensis sp. nov., L. nephophilus sp. nov., 
L. oreibates sp. nov., L. phylax sp. nov., 
L. sarawakensis sp. nov., L. suboliferus sp. nov. and L. gyrinophorus

Dehling, Neokleous, Das, Grafe, Min & Hertwig, 2025 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5650.1.1 

Abstract

We assess genetic, morphological, bioacoustic, and ecological variation within two nominal taxa of tadpole-carrying frogs, the Smooth Guardian Frog (Limnonectes palavanensis) from Borneo and Palawan and the Rough Guardian Frog (L. finchi) from Borneo. The nominal taxon L. palavanensis has been considered to have a wide geographic range on the islands of Palawan and Borneo, both located on Sundaland. Our integrative approach on variation reveals significant differences not only between the populations from Palawan and Borneo but also between sites on Borneo. We designate a lectotype of Limnonectes palavanensis, present a redescription and restrict the range of the nominal species to Palawan Island in the Philippines. We present multiple lines of evidence to demonstrate that the Bornean populations, hitherto assigned to L. palavanensis, in fact represent multiple distinct and evolutionary independent lineages and describe seven new species: Limnonectes gunungensis sp. nov., L. kinabaluensis sp. nov., L. nephophilus sp. nov., L. oreibates sp. nov., L. phylax sp. nov., L. sarawakensis sp. nov., and L. suboliferus sp. nov. We found that the nominal taxon L. finchi consists of two deeply divergent genetic lineages that exhibit consistent corresponding differences in morphology and ecology. We describe the unnamed lineage as a new species, L. gyrinophorus sp. nov. The 10 species within the L. palavanensis group and the L. finchi group can be distinguished by quantitative morphometrics (discriminant analysis, success rate: 91.2% among adult males, 90.3% among adult females) and several qualitative morphological characters, as well as by pairwise genetic divergence of 4.4–18.6% in a segment of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. With few exceptions, the lineage members show allopatric distributions, separated in altitudinal and geographical space. Five of the eight species of the L. palavanensis group from which bioacoustic data are available are distinguished by properties of their advertisement calls. We provide the first analysis of advertisement call properties of L. finchi.

Amphibia, DNA barcoding, systematics, taxonomy, bioacoustics, advertisement call, Malaysia, Sarawak, Sabah, Brunei, Limnonectes parvus, cology, parental care

J. Maximilian DEHLING, Dario N. NEOKLEOUS, Indraneil DAS, T. Ulmar GRAFE, P. Y. MIN and Stefan T. HERTWIG. 2025. Cryptic Radiation within the Tadpole-carrying Guardian Frogs from Borneo, Limnonectes palavanensis and L. finchi (Anura: Dicroglossidae), with the Description of Eight New Species. Zootaxa. 5650(1); 1-80. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5650.1.1 [2025-06-23]

[Herpetology • 2025] Holaspis ngalangi • The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species

 Holaspis ngalangi 

Parrinha, Marques, Gonçalves, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 SALAMANDRA. 61(1);   

 Researchgate.net/publication/388994950 

 facebook.com/DGHTeV 

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

 The members of the Afrotropical lacertid genus Holaspis are strikingly specialized lizards, adapted for gliding in forest canopies, with serrated blue tails. Two species are currently recognized within the genus: Holaspis guentheri from West and Central Africa, and Holaspis laevis from East Africa. The currently known southern limits of H. guentheri are in the northern Angolan Guineo-Congolian habitats, which are remnants of forests connecting the country to West/Central Africa. The oldest record of the species in Angola, dating back to the 19th century, is based on a currently lost specimen collected by José d’Anchieta near Caconda, southwest Angola. Caconda is situated on the Angolan Central Plateau, which is part of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa. The loss of Anchieta’s specimen and its geographic context led most authors to disregard it, leaving its taxonomic identity dubious until now. The rediscovery of two additional specimens from Caconda, collected by William John Ansorge in the early 20th century and deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, allowed us to confirm the presence of the genus in the region, prompting targeted surveys and examination of additional material. Our surveys failed to locate any Holaspis near Caconda, with alarming rates of deforestation in the region raising the possibility that this population may already be extinct. The reexamination of the extant Caconda specimens and comparison with H. guentheri and H. laevis revealed consistent morphological differences that suggests that the Caconda population may represent a distinct taxonomic unit. Here we describe the Holaspis from Caconda as a new species, presumably endemic to the Angolan Central Plateau. These findings and their implications are discussed in the biogeographical context of the highlands of western Angola, a recognized hotspot of diversity and endemism for several taxonomic groups.  

Key words. Taxonomy, biogeography, natural history collections, deforestation, highlands.

Illustration of Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. in its putative habitat, with threats such as deforestation represented in the background.

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. 

Defnition: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. is defned by the following combination of characters: 1) Head, body and tail strongly depressed, with serrated fringes on hindlimbs and tail; 2) frontoparietals fused with interparietal; 3) two series of transversely enlarged vertebral plates along dorsum and tail; 4) dorsum black with three pairs of pale stripes, with paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates; 5) an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between ventral and precloacal scales (see Fig. 7). 

Diagnosis: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. can be readily distinguished from both of its congeners, H. guentheri and H.  laevis, by the presence of an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between the last row of ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale (versus last ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale separated by at least one row of small granular scales in H. guentheri and H. laevis; see Fig. 7); it can be further distinguished from H. laevis by having a pair of dorsolateral stripes (versus only paravertebral and lateral stripes in H. laevis) and a pair of paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates (versus paravertebral stripes not confned to enlarged dorsal plates in H. laevis). 

Etymology: Te specifc epithet “ngalangi” is a noun in apposition and is given in honor of the Ovimbundu Kingdom of Ngalangi, which dominated northern Huila Province and had its capital in present day Caconda. Te Kingdom of Ngalangi was dismantled by the Portuguese during the Portuguese-Ovimbundu wars in the late 1760s. We suggest “Ngalangi Gliding Lizard” and “Lagartixa Planadora Galangue” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

 

Parrinha, D., M. P. Marques, F. M. P. Gonçalves, A. Tiutenko, A. M. Bauer and L. M .P. Ceríaco. 2025. The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 53-69. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388994950_The_genus_Holaspis_in_Angola

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1138667334936081

[Arachnida • 2021] Conothele isan, Latouchia maculosa, ... • Four New Trapdoor Spider Species in the Subfamily Ummidiinae (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Halonoproctidae) from Thailand

  

 Latouchia maculosa 

 Decae, Schwendinger & Hongpadharakiree, 2021

 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4984.1.22  

 Researchgate.net/publication/352293985

Abstract

Males and females of four mygalomorph spider species (family Halonoproctidae, subfamily Ummidiinae) are newly described from Thailand, and the taxonomy of Ummidiinae is discussed. This is the first time that trapdoor spider species in this subfamily are described from Thailand. Two of these new species belong to the genus Conothele, the other two species are placed in the genus Latouchia. Conothele martensi spec. nov. was found in the north of the country (Chiang Mai Province), C. isan spec. nov. and Latouchia incerta spec. nov. were collected in northeastern Thailand (Buri Ram Province, Surin Province and Roi Et Province), and L. maculosa spec. nov. was found in the southern coastal province of Prachuap Khiri Khan.

Keywords: Araneae, Asia, Conothele, Latouchia, taxonomy, arachnology, morphology, natural history

 Latouchia maculosa spec. nov., photos taken in the field.
 A Habitat at the type locality. B Closed trapdoor (indicated by white arrow). C Burrow entrance with the trapdoor fully opened (note the dense white silk lining of the burrow walls and of the inside of the trapdoor). D Characteristic defence behaviour of many fossorial trapdoor spiders: clinging onto the inside of the trapdoor and pulling it back into the closed position against an external force. E Living female outside her burrow.

Arthur E. Decae, Peter J. Schwendinger and Komsan Hongpadharakiree. 2021. Descriptions of Four New Trapdoor Spider Species in the Subfamily Ummidiinae from Thailand (Araneae, Mygalomorphae, Halonoproctidae). Zootaxa. 4984(1); 300–323. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4984.1.22

  Researchgate.net/publication/352293985_Four_new_species_in_the_subfamily_Ummidiinae_from_Thailand

[Herpetology • 2025] Brachycephalus nanicus • A New Species of Flea-toad of the Genus Brachycephalus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the Cloud Forests of Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil

 

Brachycephalus nanicus 

Nunes, Lyra, Machado, Carrasco-Medina, de Andrade, Haga, Botelho, Pedrozo, Velasco, Jacinavicius, Gray, Blackburn, Kohlsdorf, Muscat & Toledo, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.2.3

  facebook.com/JaimiGray

Abstract

Species of the genus Brachycephalus are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, where they inhabit amidst the leaf litter. Depending on their phenotypic traits, these small-sized amphibians are commonly referred to as either flea-toads or pumpkin toadlets. Among them, the pumpkin toadlets (with a bufoniform phenotype) have received more extensive research attention. These individuals are often conspicuous, and prevalent in their natural habitat. In contrast, the flea-toads (leptodactyliform species) are brownish, cryptic with the background. This scarcity has led to their reduced scientific attention, including in the realm of taxonomy. Thus, we herein describe a new species of the genus Brachycephalus from montane forests of the Estação Ecológica de Bananal, in the municipality of Bananal, state of São Paulo, Brazil. The new species is characterized by having a leptodactyliform body; adult SVL 6.9–9.0 mm for males and 9.2–9.6 mm for females; smooth skin lacking hyperossification; snout rounded in dorsal view; finger II with pointed tips; toe I absent (lacking phalanges), and toes II, III, IV and V distinct; toe II with rounded tips; brown background with few golden spots scattered aleatory in the general coloration of dorsal surfaces and cloacal region; presence of a dark brown stripe along the flanks and the thigh; yellow blotches on the ventral surfaces; presence of dark brown strips on the legs. Based on molecular phylogeny, we recognize the Brachycephalus puri species group, based on a clade composed by B. puri sister to the new species plus a candidate new species. The new species probably has a restricted geographic distribution, and its discovery reinforces the importance of deeper taxonomic effort with the brownish leptodactyliform species of the genus.

Amphibia, Atlantic Forest, taxonomy, natural history, phylogeny, Brachycephaloidea, direct-developing anurans

Brachycephalus nanicus sp. nov. 

Ivan NUNES, Mariana L. LYRA, Thatnara M. MACHADO, Andres Santiago CARRASCO-MEDINA, Felipe Silva de ANDRADE, Isabelle Aquemi HAGA, Lucas M. BOTELHO, Mariana PEDROZO, Isabel G. VELASCO, Fernando De Castro JACINAVICIUS, Jaimi A. GRAY, David C. BLACKBURN, Tiana KOHLSDORF, Edélcio MUSCAT and L. Felipe TOLEDO. 2025. A New Species of Flea-toad of the Genus Brachycephalus Fitzinger, 1826 (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the Cloud Forests of Serra do Mar, southeastern Brazil.  Zootaxa. 5691(2); 231-256. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5691.2.3 [2025-09-09]

  facebook.com/JaimiGray/posts/10235174749456818

[Arachnida • 2025] Noegus sombrerovueltiao • A New Species of Jumping Spider of the Genus Noegus Simon 1900 (Araneae: Salticidae: Amycini) from Colombia

Noegus sombrerovueltiao Suárez-Martínez & Bedoya-Roqueme,

in Suárez-Martínez, Bedoya-Roqueme et Quirós-Rodríguez, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.2476/asjaa.74.9 

 Researchgate.net/publication/394676459

 

Abstract

A new salticid species of the genus Noegus Simon 1900 is described herein as N. sombrerovueltiao sp. nov. (♂♀), found in the dry forest of the Córdoba department in northwestern Colombia. Photographs and illustrations of the diagnostic characters for males and females and ecological comments are provided. Distribution maps and habitat photographs are also included.

Keywords: Arachnida, dry forest, Neotropics, taxonomy, zoogeography

Noegus sombrerovueltiao sp. nov.
Female paratype (1, 2), views of a specimen in life from Momil, Mata de Caña;
male holotype (3, 4), views of a specimen in life from Momil, Córdoba department, Colombian Caribbean.

Habitus Noegus sombrerovueltiao sp. nov.
 Male holotype (5, 6); female paratype (7, 8).
5, 7, dorsal view; 6, 8 ventral view. Scales = 2.0 mm.

 Male holotype of Noegus sombrerovueltiao sp. nov. 
 13, palp in ventral view; 14, palp in dorsal view; 15, palp in prolateral view; 16, palp in retrolateral view. Scales = 0.5 mm.

Taxonomy

Family Salticidae Blackwall 1841 

Subfamily Salticinae Blackwall 1841 

Tribe Amycini F.O. Pickard-Cambridge 1900 Genus Noegus Simon 1900 

Type species: Noegus vulpio Simon 1900 

Noegus sombrerovueltiao Suárez-Martínez & Bedoya-Roqueme sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “sombrerovueltiao” is in homage to the “Sombrero Vueltiao”, a piece of clothing (hat) autochthonous of the region where the specimens were collected, whose design of lines turning around is similar to the turns that the embolus makes around the pedipalp of the male.

Leiner A. Suárez-Martínez, Edwin Bedoya-Roqueme and Jorge A. Quirós-Rodríguez. 2025. A New Species of Jumping Spider of the Genus Noegus Simon 1900 (Araneae: Salticidae: Amycini) from Colombia. Acta Arachnologica. 74(1); 9-18. DOI: doi.org/10.2476/asjaa.74.9

 Researchgate.net/publication/394676459_A_new_species_of_Noegus_from_Colombia

https://x.com/LSuarezm_8legs/status/1958026220223762936

[Arachnida • 2024] Neonella almita • A New Species of Neonella Gertsch, 1936 (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini), new records and conservation issues for the genus from Uruguay

 

Neonella almita Hagopián & Simó,

in Hagopián, Cajade, Maldonado, Pompozzi, Laborda et Simó. 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.13156/arac.2024.19.9.1143 

  Researchgate.net/publication/385522126

Abstract

A new species of Neonella Gertsch, 1936 is described from Uruguay: N. almita n. sp., which inhabits natural grasslands. Additionally, first records of N. acostae Rubio, Argañaraz & Gleiser, 2015, and new records of N. lubrica Galiano, 1988, N. minuta Galiano, 1965, and N. montana Galiano, 1988 are given. Illustrations of the habitus, sexual characters, photographs of living specimens, natural history data and a distribution map of species of Neonella from Uruguay are provided. Conservation issues based on distributional patterns of the species are proposed.

 KEYWORDS: conservation, Jumping spiders, natural history, taxonomy

Neonella almita n. sp., photographs in vivo.
A grassland with Saccharum angustifolium (Nees) Trin;
B, D, F male; C, E, G female.

Salticidae Blackwall, 1841

Salticinae Blackwall, 1841

Euophryini Simon, 1901

Neonella Gertsch, 1936

Neonella Gertsch, 1936: 24 

(type species by monotypy: Neonella vinnula Gertsch, 1936).

Neonella almita Hagopián & Simó n. sp. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is a Spanish noun in apposition and means ‘small soul’, in reference to the small size of the species and because it is one of the smallest jumping spiders in the world. 

Damián Hagopián, Manuel Cajade, M. Belén Maldonado, Gabriel Pompozzi, Álvaro Laborda and Miguel Simó. 2024. A New Species of Neonella Gertsch, 1936 (Araneae: Salticidae: Euophryini), new records and conservation issues for the genus from Uruguay. Arachnology. 19(9):1143-1151. DOI: doi.org/10.13156/arac.2024.19.9.1143 [13 November 2024] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/385522126_A_new_species_of_Neonella_from_Uruguay

[Invertebrate • 2025] Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 

in Narayanan, Priyadarsanan, Ranjith, Sahanashree et Ananthram, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2483434 

ABSTRACT

Typhloperipatus williamsoni, a long-lost species of the phylum Onychophora (velvet worms), is rediscovered after over a century in the Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The rediscovery is based on two individuals, one collected near the type locality (Kalek, Arunachal Pradesh, India) and the other from a previously unknown location (Yingku, Arunachal Pradesh, India). We provide additional natural history and distribution information about this poorly known species, and the first live images. Molecular data for T. williamsoni is generated for the first time to understand its phylogenetic position within Peripatidae. The phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S and COI) recovered T. williamsoni as a sister to Southeast Asian Eoperipatus. Further, the biogeographic scenario of Asian peripatids is briefly discussed based on the molecular dating analysis.

KEYWORDS: Velvet worms, Siang expedition, natural history, molecular analysis, biogeography

 

 Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 

Surya Narayanan, D.R. Priyadarsanan, A.P. Ranjith, R. Sahanashree and Aravind Neelavar Ananthram. 2025. Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Natural History. 59(17-20); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2483434 [11 Apr 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Sepsina caluanda • Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae), from Angola

 Sepsina caluanda

 Parrinha, Marques, De Sousa, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 

 Abstract

Burrowing skinks of the genus Sepsina Bocage, 1866 (Squamata: Scincidae) have a complex taxonomic history and are particularly diverse, although poorly known, in Angola. With elongated bodies and reduced limbs, the five recognized species of the genus can be diagnosed based on the presence or absence of forelimbs and the number and relative size of digits. Sepsina bayonii (Bocage, 1866) is the most distinctive species of the genus, being the only taxon without forelimbs and a single digit on the hind limbs. Revision of historical material from the collections of the California Academy of Sciences revealed the presence of two specimens without forelimbs, but differing from S. bayonii in the number of digits on each hind limb. Considering this unique combination of morphological diagnostic characters, we herein describe a new species from Angola, Sepsina caluanda. This discovery highlights the importance of natural history collections and the revision of historical material for the description of biodiversity and alerts to the threat of habitat loss due to rapid urban growth.

KEYWORDS: Africa, Endemism, herpetofauna, Luanda, natural history collections, taxonomy

 Sepsina caluanda sp. nov. 

Diogo Parrinha, Mariana P. Marques, Ana Carolina Andrade De Sousa, Aaron M. Bauer and Luis M.P. Ceríaco. 2025. Buried in the Sands of Time: A New Species of Sepsina Bocage, 1866, from Angola (Squamata: Scincidae). Annals of Carnegie Museum. 90(3); 183-193. DOI: doi.org/10.2992/007.090.0302 (10 January 2025) 

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

 

Vrydagzynea suddeei  Chuchuea & Seelanan

in Chuchuea et Seelanan, 2025.

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

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural 

 Abstract

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

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

Vrydagzynea suddeei Chuchuea & Seelanan

เอื้องพรุสุดดี, เอื้องพรุตรอกนอง

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

 facebook.com/chanachonnatural/posts/9753444978045297

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Rediscovery of the Skink Sphenomorphus anomalopus (Boulenger, 1890) (Squamata: Scincidae): First Documentation of its natural history and live coloration

 

  Sphenomorphus anomalopus (Boulenger, 1890)  

in Sinovas et Grismer, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5620.3.8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/390665918 

iNaturalist.org

 facebook.com/PabloSINOVAS

Abstract

The rediscovery and photographic documentation of Sphenomorphus anomalopus from Gunung Leuser National Park in North Sumatra, Indonesia, after a 109-year hiatus allowed us, for the first time, to observe its behavior and assess its microhabitat. Historical descriptions of this species’ coloration were never based on live material and, as such, did not convey the vibrant and contrasting nature of its lemon-yellow, orange, reddish, and greyish pattern configuration. Its color pattern and possible sexual dichromatism are described based on seven males and one presumed female photographed in situ. A short observation period clearly indicated that S. anomalopus is not an arboreal species, as had been previously hypothesized, but a terrestrial species that forages in rock-strewn leaf litter in sun-exposed localities, such as beneath canopy gaps and other open areas like many other terrestrial skinks.

Scincidae, Sumatra, Indonesia, Penang, coloration, conservation, Reptilia

 Sphenomorphus anomalopus from Sumatra, Indonesia.
 A. Female from Bukit lawang, Bohorok, Kabupaten de langkat, North Sumatra 20852, Indonesia. Photo by Ivan leshukov.
B. Male from Langkat Regency, North Sumatra, Indonesia showing elongate 4 th toe. Photograph by Marco Mora.
C-E. Male from Gunung leuser National Park, North Sumatra, Indonesia. Photographs by Pablo Sinovas.

Pablo SINOVAS and L. Lee GRISMER. 2025. Rediscovery of the Skink Sphenomorphus anomalopus (Boulenger, 1890) (Squamata: Scincidae): First Documentation of its natural history and live coloration.  Zootaxa. 5620(3); 485-492. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5620.3.8 [2025-04-10]

 Researchgate.net/publication/390665918_Rediscovery_of_Sphenomorphus_anomalopus__first_documentation_of_its_natural_history_and_live_coloration

 facebook.com/PabloSINOVAS/posts/10170985734730384

 facebook.com/groups/fieldherpetology/permalink/10162306653333592/

https://www.iNaturalist.org/taxa/112917-Sphenomorphus-anomalopus

 

[Herpetology • 2023] Identity of the Holotype and Type Locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China

 

Rhabdophis leonardi  (Wall, 1923)

 in Yang, Savitzky, Gower, Deepak, Mori, ... et Zhu, 2023.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10032 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370470860

(photos by S. Yang, G. Zhu, W. Tang, Xu from Huangcao Village & L. Ding)

Abstract

The original description of Natrix leonardi (currently Rhabdophis leonardi) by Frank Wall in 1923, based on a specimen from the “Upper Burma Hills,” lacked important morphological details that have complicated the assignment of recently collected material. Furthermore, although the holotype was never lost, its location has been misreported in one important taxonomic reference, leading to further confusion. We report the correct repository of the holotype (Natural History Museum, London), together with its current catalog number. We also describe key features of that specimen that were omitted from the original description, and provide new details on the morphology of the species, including sexual dichromatism unusual for the genus, based upon specimens from southern Sichuan, China. Rhabdophis leonardi is distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: 15 or 17 DSR at midbody and 6 supralabials; distinct annulus around the neck, broad and red in males, and narrow and orange with a black border in females; dorsal ground color light green or olive; some lateral and dorsal scales possessing black edges, the frequency of black edges gradually increasing from anterior to posterior, forming irregular and ill-defined transverse black bands; eye with prominent green iris; black ventral spots with a red edge, most numerous at midbody but extending halfway down the length of the tail. In southwestern China, this species is frequently found at 1730–2230 m elevation. It has been documented to prey upon anuran amphibians, including toads. A recently published phylogenetic analysis showed this species to be deeply nested with the genus Rhabdophis, as a member of the R. nuchalis Group. That analysis also revealed the existence of two closely related but geographically distinct subclades in the molecular analysis, one of which may represent an unnamed taxon.

Keywords: distribution, morphology, Natricidae, Sinlum Kaba, snakes, systematics

Photos of the holotype of Rhabdophis leonardi, BMNH 1946.1.12.86 (female). Top row (left to right), details of head in dorsal, right lateral, ventral, and left lateral views. Center row (left to right), dorsal and ventral views of entire specimen. Bottom row (left to right), details of posterior body and tail in dorsal (2 views), ventral, and left lateral views. (photos by Kevin Webb, Photo Unit, Natural History Museum, London).

Photos of Rhabdophis leonardi in life.
(a) Male (SICAU201705031) (photo by Shijun Yang); (b) Female (SICAU201705027) (photo by Guangxiang Zhu);
(c) offspring of SICAU201705027, incubated in laboratory (SICAU201707021) (photo by Wenjiang Tang); (d) out-of-focus photo of R. leonardi consuming a toad in the field (photo by Mr. Xu from Huangcao Village, Panzhihua City, China);
(e, f) individual (not collected) from the West Mountain of Kunming, Yunnan Province, China (photos by Li Ding).

Shi-Jun Yang, Alan H. Savitzky, David J. Gower, V. Deepak, Akira Mori, Rahul Khot, Jing-Song Shi, Li Ding, Mian Hou, Hai-Yuan Xu, Qin Wang and Guang-Xiang Zhu. 2023. Identity of the Holotype and Type Locality of Rhabdophis leonardi (Wall, 1923) (Colubridae: Natricinae), with notes on the morphology and natural history of the species in southwestern China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.10032 

 Researchgate.net/publication/370470860_Identity_of_the_holotype_of_Rhabdophis_leonardi_Wall_1923_Colubridae_Natricinae