[Ichthyology • 2024] Indoreonectes amrabad, I. kalsubai & I. radhanagar • Three New Species of Hill Stream Loach Genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from peninsular India

 

Indoreonectes amrabad, 
I. kalsubai, 
I. radhanagar

Jadhav, Karuthapandi, Jaiawal, Shiva Shankar, Dinesh, Raghunathan & Banerjee, 2024 

 

Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(1);  

  RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/ZSoI/article/view/172675 

Abstract

Fishes of the genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) are widely distributed and endemic to the peninsular India. An integrative taxonomic approach-based study including morphology, geography, genetic distance and mt Cytb genebased molecular phylogenetic analysis resulted in the description of three new species of Indoreonectes namely, I. amrabad sp. nov. from the Eastern Ghats, whereas I. kalsubai sp. nov. and I. radhanagari sp. nov. from the northern Western Ghats. Overall, species diversity of the genus has increased from five species to eight species in peninsular India, wherein six species are known from the Western Ghats and two species from the Eastern Ghats. We also provide DNA analysis based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequence to support the distinction of the new species.

Keywords: Eastern Ghats, Freshwater Fish, Indoreonectes, Taxonomy, Western Ghats

Indoreonectes radhanagari, paratype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4042, 29.3 mm SL) in life.
Indoreonectes kalsubai, holotype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4039, 44.3 mm SL) in life.
Indoreonectes amrabad, holotype (ZSI/ FBRC/F/4036, 49.3 mm SL) in life.

Indoreonectes amrabad sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the name of the type locality, ‘Amrabad Tiger Reserve’, a protected area  in  the  state  of  Telangana.  The  species  epithet  is  a  noun in apposition to the generic name.

Indoreonectes kalsubai sp. nov.

Etymology:The specific epithet is derived from the name ‘Kalsubai’, one of the highest mountain peaks in the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, which also comprises the type locality. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Indoreonectes radhanagari sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after ‘Radhanagari Wildlife Sanctuary’, the type locality for the species and a protected area in Maharashtra. The species epithet is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

 Shrikant Jadhav, M. Karuthapandi, Deepa Jaiawal, C. Shiva Shankar, K. P. Dinesh, C. Raghunathan and Dhriti Banerjee. 2024. Three New Species of Hill Stream Loach Genus Indoreonectes (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae) from peninsular India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 124(1); 11-24. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v124/i1/2024/172675

  RecordsofZSI.com/index.php/ZSoI/article/view/172675

[Ichthyology • 2024] Parauchenoglanis dolichorhinus, P. megalasma, P. poikilos, ... • Nine in One: Integrative Taxonomic Evidence of Hidden Species Diversity in the widespread Zambezi Grunter, Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae), from southern and south-central Africa

Parauchenoglanis spp. 

Sithole, Vreven, Bragança, Musschoot & Chakona, 2024 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae121

 saiab.AC.za 

Abstract

The Zambezi grunter, Parauchenoglanis ngamensis, is currently distributed across four (sub)basins in southern and south-central Africa, namely the Okavango, upper Zambezi, Kwanza, and Kasai. The present study used a combination of molecular (barcoding), colour pattern, and other morphological data to explore the possible existence of hidden species diversity within this species. Based on the available samples, analyses of molecular data uncovered seven well-supported (.96–1.00 Bayesian posterior probabilities) candidate species, with 1.6%−8.5% genetic divergence between them. These, in addition to two more candidate species without genetic data, exhibited a combination of consistent colour pattern and other morphological differences that supported their distinction. The present study redescribes P. ngamensis, which is confined to the Okavango and upper Zambezi (sub)basins, and describes eight new species: two from the Kwanza Basin and six from the Kasai sub-basin. The fact that some of the species occur allopatrically, whereas others are sympatric and even syntopic indicates the complex palaeogeographical history of these basins. In addition, the high species diversity discovered in the Kasai sub-basin seems to be related to its highly peculiar hydrography. Accurate delimitation of species boundaries and mapping of their distribution is crucial for conservation assessments and guiding their protection.

allopatric speciation, barcoding, catfish, colour pattern, conservation

A. Parauchenoglanis patersoni

This species is named in honour of Dr. Angus Paterson, who was the Managing Director of the NRF-South African Institute for Aquatic Biodiversity (NRF-SAIAB) the time this paper was accepted. The name acknowledges Dr. Paterson’s dedication to developing taxonomic expertise and advancing ichthyological research in the poorly explored regions of southern Africa.

B. Parauchenoglanis ernstswartzi

This species is named in honour of Dr. Ernst Swartz, recognising his significant contributions to ichthyology, including the collection of specimens used in this study. Dr. Swartz’s pioneering exploration of the Kwanza and Kasai basins was instrumental in the discovery of several new species.

C. Parauchenoglanis dolichorhinus

The name ‘dolichorhinus’ is derived from the Greek words “dolichos” meaning “long,” and “rhinus” meaning “snout”. This name refers to the notably long snout of this species compared to others in the P. ngamensis group.

D. Parauchenoglanis poikilos

The name of this species is derived from the Greek adjective “poikilos,” which means “spotted”. The numerous distinctive spots along its body are a key characteristic of its identification.

E. Parauchenoglanis megalasma

The name of this species is derived from the Greek words “mega” meaning “large,” and “melasma” meaning “black spot”. It refers to the prominent, large black blotches along its lateral line.

G. Parauchenoglanis lueleensis

The suffix “-ensis” means “lives in” and refers to the Luele River in the Kasai sub-basin, where this species is found.

H. Parauchenoglanis luendaensis

Named after the Luenda River in the Kasai sub-basin, this species also carries the suffix “-ensis,” indicating the region it inhabits.

I. Parauchenoglanis chiumbeensis

This species is named after the Chiumbe River, which is also located in the Kasai sub-basin. The name acknowledges the region as the habitat of this newly identified species.

Yonela Sithole, Emmanuel J W M N Vreven, Pedro H N Bragança, Tobias Musschoot, Albert Chakona. 2024. Nine in One: Integrative Taxonomic Evidence of Hidden Species Diversity in the widespread Zambezi Grunter, Parauchenoglanis ngamensis (Siluriformes: Auchenoglanididae), from southern and south-central Africa. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 202(3); zlae121. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae121 saiab.AC.za

Unveiling New Species: How Eight New Catfish Species Were Named

  saiab.AC.za/unveiling-new-species-how-eight-new-catfish-species-were-named/

 

[Entomology • 2024] Plutella copaquillaensis • A New Species of Plutella Schrank (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae) from the Andes of northern Chile

 

Plutella copaquillaensis

Vargas. 2024 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139664

Abstract

Background: 

The moth genus Plutella Schrank, 1802 (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae) includes 26 described species. In addition to the diamondback moth, P. xylostella (Linnaeus, 1758), which is an important and widely distributed pest of cruciferous crops, only two species have been previously recorded in Chile, both with distribution ranges restricted to the southern temperate rainforests.

New information: 

Plutella copaquillaensis sp. nov. is described and illustrated, based on adults reared from larvae collected on Neuontobotrys lanata (Walp.) Al-Shehbaz (Brassicaceae) in the arid highlands of the Andes of northern Chile. The new species resembles P. xylostella in wing pattern, but clearly differs in genitalia morphology.

Keywords: arid environments, diamondback moth, Neotropical Region, taxonomy, South America

Habitus of Plutella copaquillaensis sp. nov.
A Holotype, dorsal; B Holotype head, lateral; C Holotype head, anterior;
D Paratype male, dorsal; E Paratype female, dorsal; F Paratype female, dorsal; G Paratype female, dorsal.

 Scale bars 1, 0.5, 0.5, 1, 1, 1, 1 mm, respectively.

Plutella copaquillaensis Vargas, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Plutella copaquillaensis sp. nov. is recognised. based on genitalia morphology. The male lacks a gnathos and basal hook-like processes of the phallus ("lateral hooks" of Baraniak (2007)), has a triangular juxta and a cluster of spiniform setae on the sacculus near the convex part of the ventral margin of the valva and the female has the posterior projection on sternum VII arising between two small excavations. The forewing pattern of P. copaquillaensis sp. nov. is variable and closely resembles that of P. xylostella (Landry and Hebert 2013; figs. 10–16). Although the forewing of some specimens of P. copaquillaensis sp. nov. is more yellowish than that of P. xylostella, much of the variation overlaps between the two species. However, differences in genitalia morphology allow ...

  Héctor A. Vargas. 2024. A New Species of Plutella Schrank (Lepidoptera, Plutellidae) from the Andes of northern Chile. Biodiversity Data Journal. 12: e139664. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.12.e139664

[Entomology • 2023] Salassa sunwukongi • A New Species and A New Group of Salassa Moore, 1859 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) with a molecular study based on partial COI

 Salassa sunwukongi  Zheng & Wang, 2023
 (A-D) male; (E, F) female.

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.10  

 

Abstract

Salassa is a genus of the family Saturniidae. It comprises over 30 species that are widely distributed in Asia. This study describes a new species, Salassa sunwukongi sp. nov., found in Chinese Yunnan province. The first molecular study of Salassa was conducted using COI fragments. Molecular and morphological analyses revealed the presence of a monophyletic group, royi-group, distributed in the Himalayas. A key to members of the royi-group, along with species lists and distinguishing characteristics of all three groups of Salassa, is provided.

Lepidoptera, Salassinae, giant silk moth, systematics, taxonomy

 Adults of Salassa sunwukongi sp. nov.:
 (A) male holotype (dorsal view); (B) male holotype (ventral view);
(C) male paratype (dorsal view); (D) male paratype (dorsal view);
(E) female paratype (dorsal view); (F) female paratype (ventral view).

Scale bars: 10.0 mm.

 

Salassa sunwukongi sp. nov.

Distribution. China: Yunnan Province.

Etymology. The new species was named after Sun Wukong, the Monkey King in Chinese Mythology, for the diverse colours and monkey-face-like pattern in the hindwing of the new species.

Xuhongyi ZHENG and DONG WANG. 2023. Description of A New Species and A New Group of Salassa Moore, 1859 (Lepidoptera: Saturniidae) with a molecular study based on partial COI.  Zootaxa. 5375(2); 285-296. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5375.2.10 

 facebook.com/LeslieLin9562/posts/7213681108650789

[Entomology • 2024] Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae)

  Hamotus heidiae Parker,

in Parker, Maruyama, Okamoto, Schultz et Alvarado, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00040-024-01005-x 

 x.com/Pselaphinae

  facebook.com/InsectesSociaux

Abstract

Colonies of Atta and Acromyrmex leafcutter ants provide niches for diverse insect species, but few such organisms have evolved obligate myrmecophilous associations inside host colonies. We report a remarkable pselaphine rove beetle myrmecophile, Hamotus heidiae sp. nov., discovered in galleries of Acromyrmex histrix Latreille in lowland tropical rainforest within Tambopata National Reserve, Peruvian Amazonia. Presence of adults and putative larvae inhabiting the central nest implies an obligate relationship, with development of the beetle likely occurring inside the colony environment. Phylogenetic analysis of four genomic loci confirms that H. heidiae is a morphologically derived member of the New World Hamotus-generic complex and is tentatively placed into Hamotus Aubé on morphological grounds. The new species is phylogenetically distant to the genus Attapsenius Bruch—previously, the only pselaphine taxon known with certainty to be an obligate myrmecophile of leafcutter ants. Both H. heidiae and Attapsenius emerge from a newly recognized “Tyrine-group” within Pselaphinae—a major radiation that includes multiple independent origins of myrmecophily and termitophily. We were unable to detect cuticular hydrocarbons (CHCs) on the body surface of H. heidiae adults. Chemical insignificance may form part of the strategy that this myrmecophile, and possibly other pselaphines, employ to infiltrate host colonies.

Keywords: Pselaphinae, Myrmecophily, Cuticular hydrocarbons, Leafcutter ants, Chemical ecology, Evolution

Hamotus heidiae Parker, new species

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of Dr Heidi Kay Parker, for her scientific intuition, expertise, and accomplishments, her passion for and deep knowledge of the biological world, and for her love, support, and encouragement of the first author’s interest in beetles.

 

J. Parker, M. Maruyama, T. Okamoto, T. R. Schultz and M. Alvarado. 2024. Evolution of Leafcutter Ant Myrmecophiles: Hamotus heidiae, A New symbiont of Acromyrmex Colonies with undetectable hydrocarbons (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae). Insectes Sociaux. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00040-024-01005-x

  x.com/Pselaphinae/status/1856020959792378253

  x.com/InsSociaux/status/1857339907527630987

  facebook.com/InsectesSociaux/posts/1110771294384927

[Botany • 2024] Phelipanche cingularum (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from southern France

 

Phelipanche cingularum Croze, Carlón, J.-M.Tison, Michaud, J.Molina & Moreno Mor., 

in Croze, Carlón Ruiz, Tison, Michaud, Molina et Moreno Moral. 2024. 

Phélipanche des vires  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/381394062  

 facebook.com/CBNMediterraneen

photos by T. Croze.

Abstract

A new species of Phelipanche has been discovered in various steep places in southern France at meso- and supra-mediterranean levels. It is always parasitic on Brassicaceae, almost exclusively on Hesperis laciniata, a plant that had never been reported as host for any Orobanchaceae previously. The new species, named Phelipanche cingularum for its rocky ledge (cingula) habitat, is described and illustrated. Diagnostic characters against up to 16 presumably related species are given. We also present the results of molecular analyses well-supporting its independence. The distribution and the unusual ecology of the plant are considered and illustrated, and its conservation status is evaluated.

Cévennes, conservation, Liguro-Provençal Pre-alps, Mediterranean, molecular phylogeny, Provence, taxonomy, Eudicots

Phenological stages.

photos by T. Croze.

Phelipanche cingularum Croze, Carlón, J.-M.Tison, Michaud, J.Molina & Moreno Mor., sp. nov.

Etymology:—the specific epithet is from a feminised late Latin form (genitive of cingula) derived of the classical Latin cingulum (belt), having given place to several words applied in southern France to grassy fringes surrounding limestone cliffs along its base or in ledges. It refers to the peculiar ecology of the plant grows on small flat rocky areas,or « vires » in French.

French name:—Phélipanche des vires. 

 

Thomas Croze, Luis Carlón Ruiz, Jean-Marc Tison, Henri Michaud, James Molina, Gonzalo Moreno Moral. 2024. Phelipanche cingularum (Orobanchaceae), A New Species from southern France. Phytotaxa. 653(1); 1-19. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.653.1.1

  Researchgate.net/publication/381394062_Phelipanche_cingularum_a_new_species_from_southern_France

  facebook.com/CBNMediterraneen/posts/871926318289785

[Botany • 2024] Echinoagave nievesiorum (Asparagales: Agavaceae) • A New Species from the Sierra Madre Occidental, Jalisco, Mexico

 

Echinoagave nievesiorum  A. Vázquez, A.T. Nuño, Cházaro, Padilla-Lepe & García-Mor., 

in Vázquez-García, Nuño-Rubio, García-Morales, Lomelí-Hernández, Cházaro-Basañez, Padilla-Lepe, Cristóbal-Gabriel,  Hernández-Vera et Muñiz-Castro, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.647.2.2 

  Researchgate.net/publication/380428022

 

Abstract

Echinoagave nievesiorum (Agavaceae, Asparagales), a new species endemic to the Sierra Wixárika (Huichola), part of the Sierra Madre Occidental, Jalisco, Mexico, is described. This species shares morphological characteristics with Echinoagave rzedowskiana but it differs from the latter by having narrower and striate leaves; leaf sheaths shorter, triangular and wider at the base; narrower ovary width; shorter tube length; tepal lobes at anthesis converging and tightening the filaments; larger filament length to flower length ratio; fruiting spikes thicker and denser with the peduncle covered by the capsules and the bracts usually deciduous; capsules broadly ellipsoid with dorsally blackish valves. A distribution map with biogeographic provinces is provided to place the species in an ecological and evolutionary context.

Allopatric speciation, endemic, Group Striatae, Sierra Huichola, subgen. Littaea, Monocots

  Echinoagave nievesiorum.
A. fruiting rosette on top of Sierra Wixárika, Cerro El Gallo, Bolaños, Jalisco. B. Stages of flower and inflorescence development, from a specimen cultivated at Huentitán El Alto, Jalisco, México.
C. Miguel Cházaro on Cerro El Gallo, Bolaños, Sierra Wixárika. D. At moist vertical cliffs with Dasylirion acrotrichum and Brahea sarukhanii at El Nalgazo, Bolaños,

Photographs: A by M. Chazaro, B by A.T. Nuño-R. (April 2021); C & D by J.A. Vázquez-García (April 2004 and October 2022, respectively).

Echinoagave nievesiorum A. Vázquez, A.T. Nuño, Cházaro, Padilla-Lepe & García-Mor. sp. nov.

Diagnosis:—Echinoagave nievesiorum shares with E. rzedowskiana a similar rosette size and cespitose habit, rigid leaves, length of flowers, ovaries, tepal lobes, and size of capsules; however, it differs from the latter by having mature leaves bluish-white to whitish (vs. pale-green to green), narrower at the widest part (12.0–12.5 mm vs. 13.0–14.0 mm), and narrower at the middle of the leaves (6.0–6.5 mm vs. 7.0–10.0 mm); leaf sheaths shorter (9.0–11.0 mm vs. 28.0–34.0 mm), triangular and wider at the base (vs. rectangular and wider above the base); inflorescences usually straight and erect, sometimes vertically-curved or geniculate, rarely dropping (vs. usually horizontally-curved, often dropping and sinuous) narrower ovary width (4.5–5.1 mm vs. 5.7–7.5 mm); shorter tube length (5.5–6.4 mm vs. 7.0–10.0 mm); tepal lobes at anthesis converging and tightening the filaments (vs. diverging and not tightening the filaments); larger filament length to flower length ratio (2.0–2.3 vs. 1.8–1.9); fruiting spike narrowly pyramydal thicker (3.5–4.5 cm vs. 2.4–2.5 cm) and denser with the peduncle covered by the capsules and the bracts usually deciduous (vs. cylindroid, slim and lax, with the peduncle conspicuous and the bracts usually persistent); mature capsules broadly ellipsoid with dorsally blackish and opaque valves (vs. broadly ovoid, slightly depressed, with dorsally light brown and shiny valves) (Table 1).

Etymology:—The specific epithet honors the family members of Prof. Gregorio Nieves Hernández, who have contributed notably for over a decade to the knowledge of vascular flora and ethnobotany of the Sierra Wixarika.

 

J. Antonio Vázquez-García, Ana T. Nuño-Rubio, Leccinum Jesús García-Morales, Juan Luis Lomelí-Hernández, Miguel. J. Cházaro-Basañez, Jesús Padilla-Lepe, Saúl Cristóbal-Gabriel, Gerardo Hernández-Vera and Miguel A. Muñiz-Castro. 2024. Echinoagave nievesiorum (Agavaceae, Asparagales): A New Species from the Sierra Madre Occidental, Jalisco, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 647(2); 144-158. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.647.2.2 

  Researchgate.net/publication/380428022_Echinoagave_nievesiorum_A_new_species_from_the_Sierra_Madre_Occidental_Jalisco_Mexico

[Ichthyology • 2024] Urkumayu gen. nov. & ‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi • Integrative Phylogeny of Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with an emphasis on Northwestern La Plata Species, including Descriptions of A New Genus and Species

  

Urkumayu micracanthus  (Regan 1912)
Urkumayu gladysae (Calviño & Alonso 2010) 

Urkumayu, new genus 

Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber & Mirande, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2024.11.006

 facebook.com/FelipeAlonsoIctio

Highlights

• New phylogenetic hypothesis for diverse Neotropical fish genus Corydoras

• Integration of molecular and morphological data from 153 species

• Discovery of a new clade, including Andean and upper Paraná basin species

• Identification of emerging endemicity hotspots in NW La Plata basin

• Description of a new species and assessment of conservation status

Abstract

The knowledge about the diversity and phylogeny of South American callichthyid armored catfishes of the subfamily Corydoradinae is still growing, after important recent contributions, and many species have uncertain relationships. In this study, we present the first combined phylogenetic hypothesis for the genus based on five genes, 83 morphological characters, and 153 species, providing synapomorphies for some of the main genera of Corydoradinae, as recently defined. The inclusion of species not previously analyzed in a phylogenetic context challenged the monophyly of Hoplisoma and required the definition of a new genus for endemic species from the Andean portion of the northwestern La Plata basin (ANWLP): Hoplisoma gladysae, H. micracanthum, and H. petracinii. We found Hoplisoma non monophyletic with Hoplisoma sensu stricto not sister to a clade of species herein named the ‘Hoplisoma’ paleatum clade. In this clade we recovered a new species of Hoplisoma, which is endemic to the upper Bermejo basin, as sister to ‘Hoplisoma’ paleatum from the lower La Plata basin. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by a unique coloration similar to that of the syntopic H. micracanthum, suggesting a putative case of Müllerian co-mimicry.

Key words: Müllerian co-mimicry, coloration, endemic species, Upper Bermejo, threatened species

 Live individuals. (A)  Urkumayu micracanthus (CI-FML 7014, 30.3 mm SL).
(B) Urkumayu gladysae (CI-FML 8109, 30.1 mm SL).
(C) Urkumayu petracinii (CI-FML 8110, 26.9 mm SL).

Urkumayu, new genus Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber, Mirande

 

Type species: Corydoras gladysae Calviño & Alonso 2010

Diagnosis: Urkumayu is distinguished from the remaining genera of Corydoradinae by the following unique combination of characters: supraoccipital and nuchal plate not in contact, posterior expansion of pharyngobranchial triangular, and ossified portion of pectoral spine strongly reduced.

Included species: Urkumayu gladysae (Calviño & Alonso 2010) n. comb., Urkumayu micracanthus (Regan 1912) n. comb., Urkumayu petracinii (Calviño & Alonso 2010) n. comb.

Etymology: Urkumayu, masculine gender, from the Quechua language, compound of urku meaning mountain and mayu for river, referring to the habitat where most species of this genus are found.

Distribution: It has a disjunct distribution in northwestern Andean La Plata Basin in Argentina.

 ‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi n. sp. alive individual immediately after capture (CI-FML 5360, 41.6 mm SL). 
 ‘Hoplisoma’ osvaldoi n. sp. (left) (CI-FML 5360, 41.6 mm SL) and Urkumayu micracanthus (right) (CI-FML 7011, 28.8 mm SL) immediately after capture. Anta Muerta creek (-23.117134 S, -64.497133 W).

 Hoplisoma osvaldoi, new species Alonso, Terán, Aguilera, Montes, Serra Alanís, Calviño, Vera-Alcaraz, Cardoso, Koerber, Mirande

Etymology: The specific epithet honors Jorge Osvaldo Fernández Santos, an esteemed aquarist and fish collector who made significant contributions to the knowledge of Argentinean fish by collecting and generously donating numerous specimens to scientific collections and collaborating with ichthyologists. He had been an avid promoter of the fish keeping hobby, particularly with respect to native species. As a result, this species is named in recognition of Osvaldo’s contributions to the study and knowledge of Argentina’s fishes.

Felipe Alonso, Guillermo Enrique Terán, Gastón Aguilera, Martin Miguel Montes, Wilson Sebastián Serra Alanís, Pablo Calviño, Héctor Samuel Vera-Alcaraz, Yamila Cardoso, Stefan Koerber and Juan Marcos Mirande. 2024. Integrative Phylogeny of Corydoradinae (Siluriformes: Callichthyidae) with an emphasis on Northwestern La Plata Species, including Descriptions of A New Genus and Species. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2024.11.006

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[Entomology • 2024] Eccoptopterus formosanus & E. intermedius • Two New Species of Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863 Ambrosia Beetle (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Scolytinae: Xyleborini) from Taiwan and Thailand

 

Eccoptopterus formosanus Lin, Sittichaya & Smith,

in Sittichaya, Lin, Smith, Pornsuriya et Cognato, 2024.  

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1217.129707

Abstract

Two xyleborine ambrosia beetles, Eccoptopterus formosanus sp. nov. and E. intermedius sp. nov. are described from Taiwan and Thailand, respectively, based on DNA sequences (COI and CAD) and morphological characteristics. A key to the Eccoptopterus species of Southeast Asia is provided.

Key words: Ambrosia beetle, molecular, new species, Taiwan, taxonomy, Thailand, xyleborine

 Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863

Eccoptopterus formosanus sp. nov.
A–E holotype female A dorsal view B lateral view C frons D posterolateral view of abdomen E declivital face;
F–I paratype male F dorsal view G lateral view H frons I posterolateral view of abdomen.

 Eccoptopterus formosanus Lin, Sittichaya & Smith, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Female, 2.56−2.64 mm long (mean = 2.61 mm; N = 4), 2.13−2.17× as long as wide (mean = 2.14×; N = 4). Medium body size, declivital armature composed of a pair of major spines on declivital summit and 2–4 minor denticles unevenly spaced on each lateral margin; protibiae slender, broadest at apical 1/3, outer margin armed with six or seven moderated socketed denticles; scutellum broadly linguiform; elytra tapering laterally.

Etymology: Formosa, the former name of Taiwan island, in reference to the collection locality of types. An adjective.

Distribution: Taiwan (Nantou County).

Eccoptopterus intermedius sp. nov.
Holotype, female, A dorsal view B lateral view C posterolateral view D frons E antenna.

 Eccoptopterus intermedius Sittichaya, Lin & Smith, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Female, 1.70−1.90 mm long (mean = 1.80 mm; N = 6), 2.03−2.38× as long as wide (mean = 2.13×; N = 6). Small body size, declivital armature composed of a pair of major spines at interstriae 3 on declivital summit and four minor spines unevenly spaced on each lateral margin, declivity covered with flattened scale-like setae; protibiae slender, broadest at apical 1/3, outer margin armed with four or five moderated socketed denticles, elytra tapering laterally.

Etymology: L. inter + medius = in the middle. The name refers to the morphological characters of the species which lie between those of E. limbus and E. spinosus. An adjective.

Distribution: Thailand (Chiang Mai, Lamphun, Tak, Ubon Ratchathani provinces).

Wisut Sittichaya, Ching-Shan Lin, Sarah M. Smith, Chaninan Pornsuriya and Anthony I. Cognato. 2024. Two New Species of Eccoptopterus Motschulsky, 1863 Ambrosia Beetle from Taiwan and Thailand (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Scolytinae, Xyleborini). ZooKeys. 1217: 247-262.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1217.129707

[Entomology • 2024] Euclimacia radioquaesentis • A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia (Neuroptera: Mantispidae) from Vietnam

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis 

Ehlers, Li, Kirschey & Ohl, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Abstract

A new species of the family Mantispidae (Neuroptera) from Vietnam is described. Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. shows a unique colour pattern, which is distinctive within the genus. The colouration and morphology of both sexes of the new species are described in detail and illustrated. The naming of the new species is linked to a popular citizen-science event in choosing the name for this species (and three other species from different undescribed species by taxonomists of the Museum für Naturkunde Berlin).

Key Words: Adaption, lacewings, mimicry, new species, parasitoid, polymorphism, sexual dimorphism, Southeast Asia, wasp mimic

 

Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. male holotype and female paratype with distribution map.
A. Habitus dorsal holotype male. Insert shows asymmetrical bifurcation between left and right costal area of fore-wings. Antecostal sutures (acs) and glabrous marks (gm) visible. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band;
B. Localities (red rhombus) in Vietnam of the radioquaesentis type series. The number in the rhombus symbol indicates the count of specimens in this locality;
C. Female paratype radioquaesentis dorsal view. The two black lines on the margin of the wing apex of the right fore-wing indicate the width of the oblique apical dark band. Scale bars: 5 mm (A, B).

Euclimacia radioquaesentis male.
A. Head frontal view. The subantennal suture (sas) is curved outwards; B. Head and thorax in dorsal view. The epicranial sutures are comprised by the frontal sutures (fs) and the coronal suture (cs). A black transversal band runs along the pronatal groove over the maculae (mc) and the pronatal humps (ph). The horizontal dashed lines indicate the three areas of the prothorax, the prozona (p1), the metazona (p2) and the pronatal base (p3);
C. Lateral view on head, thorax and forelegs.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A); 2 mm (B, C).

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Neuroptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Mantispidae Leach, 1815

Subfamily Mantispinae Leach, 1815

Genus Euclimacia Enderlein, 1910

Type species: Euclimacia partita Enderlein, 1910: 366, by original designation.

 Euclimacia radioquaesentis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The combination of colour characters in the new species is unique within Euclimacia. The contrast between the head and prothorax and the rest of the thorax and abdomen is striking. The prothorax and head have a distinct yellow colour, the remaining thorax is almost uniformly black. The abdomen of the male is also almost completely black with only a few brown markings. The female has a brownish abdomen with a black base. The wing colour is also unique in combination with the body colouration. The wings of E. radioquaesentis have the prominent feature of differently-coloured pterostigmata in fore and hind wing. Whereas the fore-wing pterostigma is yellow, the hind-wing pterostigma is brown. There are currently six species in Euclimacia with this diagnostic character, but these species differ distinctly in body colouration. Whereas in E. radioquaesentis sp. nov., the head and the prothorax are markedly yellow, in the other six species both parts are either ferruginous (E. rhombica Navás, 1914), reddish-brown (E. morosa (Gerstäcker, 1893); E. zonalis Navás, 1914; E. regina Esben-Petersen, 1917; E. rufocincta Handschin, 1961) or completely black (E. gerstaeckeri Banks, 1920).

Etymology: The species epithet is made up of two words ‘radio’ and ‘quaesentis’. The latter derives from Latin and means ‘searched for’. The name was chosen as part of a radio show. Citizens were invited to submit name suggestions. The most suitable was radioquaesentis – searched for on the radio.

 Sarah Ehlers, Hongyu Li, Lukas Kirschey and Michael Ohl. 2024.  A New Species of the Mantidfly Genus Euclimacia from Vietnam (Neuroptera, Mantispidae). Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 71(2): 255-264. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.71.123553 

Researchgate.net/publication/385126981_A_new_species_of_Euclimacia_from_Vietnam

[Entomology • 2024] Celaenorrhinus qianhanae • A New Species of the Genus Celaenorrhinus Hübner, [1819] (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae) from Hainan, China

 

Celaenorrhinus qianhanae Li & Li, 
C. aspersa Leech, 1891

in H.-Z. Li, Liu et J.-L. Li. 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5405.2.6 

Abstract

A new species, Celaenorrhinus qianhanae Li & Liu sp. nov., is described from Hainan, China. Its unique genital characteristics and wing markings are compared with other congeneric species from this island and adjacent regions, including Vietnam and China, etc. In addition, its COI gene is sequenced for molecular analysis, and the secondary sexual character, hair tufts on hind tibiae, is discussed for comparison.

Lepidoptera, Tagiadinae, Celaenorrhinini, genitalia, phylogeny

 

Hua-Zhao LI, Zhe LIU and, Jia-Ling LI. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Celaenorrhinus Hübner, [1819] from Hainan, China (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae). Zootaxa. 5405(2); 265-272. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5405.2.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/377777709_A_new_species_of_Celaenorrhinus_from_Hainan_China

 www.yahoo.com/news/peculiar-winged-creature-found-island-225546214.html

[Botany • 2024] Alocasia roseus • A New Species of Alocasia from Aceh, Indonesia [The Araceae of Sumatra I]

 

Alocasia roseus   Asih & Yuzammi,

in Asih, Erlinawati, Yuzammi et Hadiah, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.133737

Abstract

Alocasia roseus is described as a new species from Aceh Besar Regency, Sumatra (Indonesia). The plants found produce stunning inflorescence, leading to over-collecting in the wild. The new species is morphologically similar to A. flemingiana but differs by its greyish green adaxial leaves and pale reddish to greenish purple or pale brownish green abaxial leaves, lacking interprimary veins and sinus not naked, thecae overtopped by synconnective, and a pale pink appendix. The new species is also similar to A. arifolia, from which it differs by the glabrous and pale dull green petiole, the colour of abaxial and adaxial leaves, not forming interprimary vein, sinus not naked, and pale pink appendix. The new species is compared with other similar Indonesian taxa and an identification key to the species of Alocasia in Sumatra, supplemented with photographs, are provided.

Key words: Aceh Besar, Alocasia roseus, Indonesian flora, new taxon

Alocasia roseus: A habit B adaxial leaf C abaxial leaf D petiole E inflorescence with spathe F inflorescence with the spathe removed showing the zonation of reproductive organs G female zone (♀) H sterile interstice zone (s) I male zone (♂) J appendix (a).

 (Photographed and edited by Ni Putu Sri Asih and Julisasi Tri Hadiah).

 Alocasia roseus Asih & Yuzammi, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: (Table 1). Alocasia roseus is morphologically similar to A. flemingiana and A. arifolia from which it differs by having greyish green adaxial leaves and pale reddish to greenish purple or pale brownish green abaxial leaves, interprimary vein absent, sinus not naked, and pale pink appendix (vs. mid-green to dark green adaxial and green-yellowish/paler abaxial leaves, forming poorly to conspicuous interprimary vein, sinus naked up to 3 cm, and cream/pale apricot appendix).

Distribution and habitat: The species is only known from Aceh Besar, Sumatra Island. It grows on the hillside of the forest, in shade and humid areas.

Etymology: The specific epithet, roseus, is based on the pale pink appendix of the staminodes found in this new species. This color of the appendix is rarely found in the genus.

Ni Putu Sri Asih, Ina Erlinawati, Yuzammi and Julisasi Tri Hadiah. 2024. The Araceae of Sumatra I: A New Species of Alocasia from Aceh, Indonesia. PhytoKeys. 249: 223-229. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.249.133737