[Entomology • 2023] Cyana karsticola, C. khami, ... • Taxonomic Review of the Cyana adelina (Staudinger) Species-group (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and One New Subspecies from Laos, Thailand and China

 

Cyana khami sp. n., C. bacillla, C. karsticola sp. n. 

Volynkin, Černý, Huang et Saldaitis, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5323.4.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/372906414

 

Abstract

The Cyana adelina (Staudinger, 1887) species-group is established and reviewed. Three new species and one new subspecies are described: Cyana yunnanensis regia ssp. n. (Northern Thailand and northern Laos), Cyana dubernardi sp. n. (China: Yunnan), Cyana khami sp. n. (central Laos), and Cyana karsticola sp. n. (northern Laos). Two new synonyms are established: Cyana yunnanensis yunnanensis (Hampson, 1903) (Chionaema) = Chionaema hoenei Daniel, 1952, syn. n., and Cyana griseilinea de Joannis, 1930 = Cyana succincta Černý, 2016, syn. n. Lectotypes are designated for Bizone adelina Staudinger, 1887 and Bizone pratti Elwes, 1890. Adults, male and female genitalia are illustrated.

Lepidoptera, Asia, lectotype, Lithosiini, new synonym, Nudariina, Vietnam

 Cyana spp.: adults.
Cyana khami sp. n., Cyana bacillla, Cyana karsticola sp. n. 
Depositories of the specimens: 26, 30 and 32 in MWM/ZSM (26 and 32 ex CKC); 27 and 33 in CKC; 28, 29 and 31 in GMF-B.

Anton V. VOLYNKIN, Karel ČERNÝ, Si-Yao HUANG and Aidas SALDAITIS. 2023. Taxonomic Review of the Cyana adelina (Staudinger) Species-group (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) with Descriptions of Three New Species and One New Subspecies from Laos, Thailand and China. Zootaxa. 5323(4); 477-498. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5323.4.2 [2023-08-03]

  Researchgate.net/publication/372906414_Taxonomic_review_of_the_Cyana_adelina_species-group

[Entomology • 2022] Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), the Bowenia-Pollinating Cycad Weevils in Australia, with Description of a New Species and Implications for the Systematics of Bowenia

Miltotranes wilsoni 

Hsiao & Oberprieler, 2022

DOIL doi.org/10.3390/insects13050456  

 facebook.com: Yun Hsiao

 

Simple Summary: 

Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 is a genus of weevils pollinating Bowenia cycads belonging to two small endemic Australian species included in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species and CITES Appendix II. We provide the first taxonomic revision of Miltotranes resulting in the identification of two previously described species and a newly recognised species, M. wilsoni sp. n. from the McIlwraith Range of the Cape York Peninsula. Morphological comparison reveals its affinity to Tranes, whose species are the pollinators of Macrozamia and Lepidozamia cycads. It appears that the association of Miltotranes with Bowenia may represent a secondary host switch in the Tranes group due to a closer relationship between Macrozamia, Lepidozamia and African Encephalartos than with Bowenia. The coincidence of the geographic ranges of Miltotranes weevils with distribution of their cycad hosts indicates that the isolated Bowenia population in the McIlwraith Range may represent a distinct, third species of Bowenia. Likely, the conspecificity of the Miltotranes weevils occurring in the Wet Tropics also suggests that several morphologically enigmatic localised populations represent B. spectabilis, confirming earlier botanical conclusions. The present study highlights the significance of systematic study of tightly plant-associated insects and its relevance for the taxonomy of their host plants.

Abstract

The Australian endemic weevils of the genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Curculionidae: Molytinae: Tranes group), comprising two species, M. prosternalis (Lea, 1929) and M. subopacus (Lea, 1929), are highly host-specific and the only known pollinators of Bowenia cycads, which comprise two CITES-protected species restricted to Tropical Queensland in Australia. In the present study, the taxonomy of Miltotranes is reviewed, a lectotype for the name Tranes prosternalis Lea, 1929 is designated and a new species associated with the Bowenia population in the McIlwraith Range is described as M. wilsoni sp. n. The descriptions and diagnoses of all species are supplemented with illustrations of their habitus and salient structures, and an identification key to all species and a distribution map are provided. Potential implications of the new species and of the taxonomy and biogeography of Miltotranes overall on the systematics and conservation of Bowenia are discussed. 

Keywords: Australia; cycad systematics; cycad pollinators; new taxa; taxonomy; conservation

Yun Hsiao and Rolf G. Oberprieler. 2022. Taxonomic Revision of the Genus Miltotranes Zimmerman, 1994 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Molytinae), the Bowenia-Pollinating Cycad Weevils in Australia, with Description of a New Species and Implications for the Systematics of Bowenia. Insects. 13(5); 456. DOIL doi.org/10.3390/insects13050456 [12 May 2022]

 facebook.com/YunHsiao332867/posts/5482845991746894

twitter.com/YHsiaoBeetle/status/1524924081526964224

(This article belongs to the Section Insect Systematics, Phylogeny and Evolution)

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Megafauna Mobility: Assessing the Foraging Range of an extinct macropodid from central eastern Queensland, Australia

 

  Fossil Protemnodon individuals recovered from cave deposits at Mt Etna 

in Laurikainen Gaete, Dosseto, Arnold, Demuro, Lewis et Hocknull, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319712 

 

Abstract

Understanding the factors that influence the geographic range of extinct megafaunal species is crucial for reconstructing their ecology and extinction dynamics. For extant herbivores, it has been demonstrated that large body mass provides the potential for greater geographic range. Allometric scaling relationships are observed in placental mammals but have not been well-established for marsupials, in particular, extinct marsupial megafauna. Here, we employ a phylogenetic generalised least squares regression model using extant macropodids to estimate home ranges for individuals from the extinct genus Protemnodon. The regression model predicts a mean home range of 11.6 ±  5.8 km2 This prediction, centred on Mt Etna caves, incorporates several distinct geological features with variable, known 87Sr/86Sr isotope ratios. Fossil Protemnodon individuals recovered from cave deposits at Mt Etna returned 87Sr/86Sr values similar to that of the host limestone, in which the cave systems formed, and the broader Mount Alma Formation. This similarity suggests that individuals foraged close to where they were fossilised, indicating a smaller home range than predicted. Smaller home ranges for individuals with a large body-mass were unexpected, attributed to a unique combination of individual behaviour, diet and/or locomotion regime within stable rainforest environments. Our results suggest that, foraging ranges in marsupial megaherbivores may be more strongly associated with environmental quality rather than body mass. New in-situ uranium-thorium and single-grain TT-OSL ages refine, and are in agreement with, previous interpretations of chronology, indicating that rainforest-adapted fauna persisted at Mt Etna until at least 280 ka. We propose that small home ranges in a stable environment, such as rainforests, predisposed these megafauna macropodids to extinction after 280ka, driven by an increasingly dry and unstable climate. Our results underscore the need for regionally specific biologies of individuals, populations and species when considering extinction pathways for Pleistocene fauna.

 

Cross sections of megafauna enamel. Samples QML1311H-WIGL8543 to QML1312-WIGL8554. Strontium transects can be identified by a series of large depressions running along the enamel/dentine. 

   

Conclusions: 

New TT-OSL ages and open system U-Th ages support previous site chronologies established for the Mt Etna caves, and further constrain fossil accumulation in stratigraphic units QML1311H, QML1311C/D, to ~ 280 – 330 ka. Whilst linear regression models predict species of Protemnodon should have occupied relatively large ranges, strontium isotope measurements of teeth indicate that Protemnodon from Mt Etna Caves had a limited foraging range with movements restricted to the local Mount Alma Formation, with the exception of one specimen originating at least 1 km away. Limited foraging ranges and therefore home range in Mt Etna Protemnodon contrast modelled ranges based on body mass. These differences are suggested to have been driven by resource availability, dietary preferences, and/or locomotory biomechanics, that limited the terrestrial dispersal capacity. Limited foraging ranges support conclusions drawn from extant macropodids suggesting foraging ranges may be more strongly associated with climate and environment. There is potential these limiting ranges may have also been a contributing factor to extinction of Protemnodon at Mt Etna caves. Localised, restricted, populations of Protemnodon may have been well-adapted to a closed-forest environment, however, they were unable to sustain this as intensifying aridification and resource degradation, predisposed them to localised extinction due to their limited dispersal capabilities.

Christopher Laurikainen Gaete, Anthony Dosseto, Lee Arnold, Martina Demuro, Richard Lewis and Scott Hocknull. 2025. Megafauna Mobility: Assessing the Foraging Range of an extinct macropodid from central eastern Queensland, Australia. PLoS ONE. 20(4): e0319712. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0319712  [April 23, 2025]

https://theconversation.com/fossil-teeth-show-extinct-giant-kangaroos-spent-their-lives-close-to-home-and-perished-when-the-climate-changed-250057

[Ichthyology • 2024] Gigantactis paresca • A New Species of the Anglerfish Genus Gigantactis (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) from the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, an Ecosystem Threatened by Deep-Sea Mining

 

Gigantactis paresca

Rickle, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023056 

Abstract  

A new species of Gigantactis is described from a single female collected from the eastern North Pacific. As with others of this genus, this species is distinguished by its unique luring apparatus, most obviously through the presence of a relatively short illicium, bearing a secondary escal-like appendage.

Gigantactis paresca sp. nov.

Samantha Z. Rickle. 2024. A New Species of the Anglerfish Genus Gigantactis (Lophiiformes: Ceratioidei) from the Clarion Clipperton Zone of the Eastern North Pacific Ocean, an Ecosystem Threatened by Deep-Sea Mining. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 112(2); 153-155. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023056 (17 May 2024) 

https://www.soest.hawaii.edu/soestwp/announce/news/new-deep-sea-anglerfish-top-10-2024/

[Entomology • 2024] Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi & Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. • A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia. Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.)

Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi 

Fleck, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 

 

Abstract

The new species, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., dedicated to the late Jean Legrand, is described and illustrated based on a single pair of specimens from Mont Panié, New Caledonia. The male of this large species has unusual strongly sinuous and distally down curved white cerci 7 mm long and exhibits on abdominal segment 10 a remarkable clump of strong setae mimicking a dorsal horn. The female wingspan slightly exceeds 100 mm. In addition, on the basis of adult and larval characters, Neocaledosynthemis gen. nov. is erected to accommodate two other New Caledonian synthemistids, Synthemis fenella Campion (type species) and Synthemis ariadne Lieftinck. New Caledonian synthemistids are probably more closely related to Parasynthemis Carle than to Synthemis Selys Longchamps, both from Australia.

Odonata, Mont Panié, Calesynthemis jeanlegrandi sp. nov., Neocaledosynthemis gen nov.

Günther FLECK. 2024. A remarkable new synthemistid from New Caledonia (Odonata: Anisoptera: Synthemistidae s. str.). Taxonomic and Phylogenetic Note on New Caledonian Synthemistidae and erection of a new genus.  Zootaxa. 5403(3); 320-330. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5403.3.2 [2024-01-22]

  facebook.com/Opie.odonates/posts/400401169316415

[Botany • 2025] Begonia ducii, B. quangnamensis, B. zonata, ... (Begoniaceae) • Five New Species from Vietnam

Begonia quangnamensis, B. zonata, B. ducii,
B. thuanchauensis and B. lii 

in Nguyen, Bui, Le, Pham et Lin, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.2.2 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

Over the past decade, our understanding of Begonia diversity in Vietnam has steadily grown, with numerous new taxa described. Most Begonia species in Vietnam exhibit highly restricted to moderately limited distributions, and many others have yet to be formally described and named. As part of our ongoing research on Vietnamese Begonia, we identified several previously unknown species within the country. After thorough morphological examination and a comprehensive review of the literature, we found that the characteristics of these specimens did not match any currently described Begonia species from Indochina, leading us to conclude that they are new to science. Here, we describe five new species: Begonia quangnamensis, B. zonata, B. thuanchauensis, B. lii and B. ducii.

biodiversity, endemism, Indochina, plant conservation, taxonomy, Vietnam, Eudicots

 

Cuong Huu NGUYEN, Huong Van BUI, Anh Tuan LE, Dien Van PHAM and Che Wei LIN. 2025. Five New Species of Begonia (Begoniaceae) from Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 698(2); 82-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.698.2.2 [2025-04-24]

  facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10228522618314031

[Botany • 2025] Iris longnanensis (Iridaceae) • A New Species in Iris section Pseudoregelia from Gansu, China

Iris longnanensis Z.F.Bai, Y.E.Xiao, F.Y.Yu, 

in Yu, Bai, Chen et Xiao, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04515 

  facebook.com/NordicJBotany

 

Abstract

Iris longnanensis Z.F.Bai, Y.E.Xiao, F.Y.Yu (Iridaceae: Iris subg. Iris sect. Pseudoregelia), a novel herbaceous species native to the arid and thermal valleys of Longnan city, Gansu Province, China, is described and illustrated here. Morphologically akin to I. leptophylla Lingelsheim, I. longnanensis is distinguished by its dense, persistent foliage and notably short new leaves (6.6–15.1 cm) during the blooming season, along with its distinctive purplish-brown flowering stem. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast DNA sequences corroborate the classification of I. longnanensis within the section Pseudoregelia, highlighting the significance of this new species discovery for understanding the evolution and diversity within the genus.

Keywords: Longnan, plastid DNA, Iris longnanensis, section Pseudoregelia

 

Iris longnanensis Z.F.Bai, Y.E.Xiao, F.Y.Yu sp. nov. 

 

Feng-yang Yu, Zengfu Bai, Xuelin Chen and Yuee Xiao. 2025. A New Species in Iris section Pseudoregelia (Iridaceae) from Gansu, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04515 [13 February 2025]

 facebook.com/NordicJBotany/posts/1222348109894416

[Botany • 2025] Piper hongheense (Piperaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, 

in Fan, Zhao, F. Su, Li, Ji, B.-F. Su, Xia et Hao, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao, Illustration by F. Su

Abstract

Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province of China, is here described and illustrated. Morphologically it is similar to Piper boehmeriifolium and Piper boehmeriifolium var. glabricaule, from which it can be easily distinguished by the combination of characters: height 0.7–1 m, leaves oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, infructescences ±0.6 cm in diam., berries and bracts white when mature. The description of the new species includes photographs, a detailed description, notes on etymology, distribution and habitat, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species.

Magnoliids, Asia, Honghe Prefecture, morphology, taxonomy, tropical flora

Line drawing of Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia.
A branch with female infructescence; B adaxial surface of monopodial leaf on the left, and abaxial surface of sympodial leaf on the right; C detail of the leaf base and the prophyll; D magnified view of male inflorescence; E magnified view of the longitudinal section of male inflorescence; F stamen; G magnified view of female inflorescence; H magnified view of infructescence.

Illustration by F. Su based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov.
 A habit; B adaxial surface of leaf; C abaxial surface of leaf; D adaxial surface of leaf base and petiole; E abaxial surface of leaf base and petiole;
F male spike; G female spike; H mature infructescence; I close-up of portion of the male spike; J close-up of portion of the female spike (some bracts were removed); K close-up of portion of the mature infructescence.

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov. 

Erect subshrub, 0.7–1 m high, aromatic, dioecious. Stem greenish, terete, 3–4 mm in diameter, young branchlet sparsely puberulent, glabrescent, finely striate when dry, swollen at node. Leaf dimorphism present, prophyll 1–2 cm long. Sympodial leaf membranous to chartaceous, finely glandular, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, base subequilaterally truncate to oblique, one side rounded, the other tapered and acute; apex acutely acuminate to long acuminate, adaxially green and glabrous, abaxially pale greenish and sparsely puberulent on veins; petioles glabrous, 5–7 mm long; venation plinerved, veins 5–9, reticulate, uppermost distal pair of secondary veins alternate, arising 1–3 cm above base, reaching leaf apex, others basal. Monopodial leaf exhibits morphological similarities to sympodial leaf, with the primary distinction being that the base of monopodial leaf is predominantly ...

Rui FAN, Wen-Jing ZHAO, Fan SU, Yang LI, Xun-Zhi JI, Bao-Fen SU, Nian-He XIA and Chao-Yun HAO. 2025. Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 697(1); 129-137. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9 [2025-04-10]

[Botany • 2025] Rediscovery of Crepidium parryae After Nearly 100 Years and Taxonomic Notes on Crepidium purpureum and C. khasianum [Notes on Asian Orchidaceae II]

 

Crepidium parryae (Tang & F.T.Wang) Marg. [1926]

in Gogoi & Kumar, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70009  

 facebook.com/sahanipankaj

ABSTRACT

Crepidium parryae, originally known from Mizoram, has been rediscovered in Arunachal Pradesh after nearly 100 years. This paper provides a comprehensive description of the species, including taxonomic notes, color plates, line drawings, habitat information, and an assessment of its conservation status. Furthermore, Crepidium assamicum K. Gogoi & J. Sharma and C. meghalayense M. Murugesan, Sushil K. Singh, & A. A. Mao are now synonymized under C. purpureum (Lindl.) Szlach., while C. falcifolium Nuammee, Seelanan & H. A. Pedersen, and C. matsudae (Yamam.) Szlach. are synonymized under C. khasianum (Hook.f.) Szlach., based on their morphological similarities. Taxonomic notes supporting these synonymies are also included.

Keywords: C. metallicum, C. octodentatum, Crepidium acuminatum, Malaxideae, new synonyms

Crepidium parryae (Tang & F.T.Wang) Marg.

Khyanjeet Gogoi and Pankaj Kumar. 2025. Notes on Asian Orchidaceae II: Rediscovery of Crepidium parryae After Nearly 100 Years and Taxonomic Notes on Crepidium purpureum and Crepidium khasianum. Feddes Repertorium. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70009 [27 March 2025]

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[Herpetology • 2025] Anolis torresfundorai • A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup (Squamata: Anolidae) supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species

 

Anolis torresfundorai 

Torres, Reilly, Nuñez-Penichet, Reynolds & Glor, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

 

Abstract

Cuba is the only landmass with more than one species in the Anolis carolinensis subgroup. We test the hypothesis that three rather than two distinct species occur on Cuba, based on substantial prior evidence of paraphyly. To test this hypothesis, we collected phenotypic data from all described species in the subgroup, including eastern and west-central Cuban populations of A. porcatus, and assessed phenotypic diagnosability using uni- and multivariate analyses. We also examined geographic isolation using all available occurrence records for Cuban lineages. Additionally, we conducted ecological niche modeling and niche overlap analyses, considering only Cuban lineages, to test for ecological differentiation. Finally, we reconstructed phylogenetic trees, incorporating all species from the subgroup for the first time. Our results support the recognition of three species in Cuba: A. allisoni and eastern and west-central A. porcatus as two distinct cryptic species, showing minimal phenotypic differentiation but clear geographic isolation, distinct ecological niches, and deep genetic divergence. We restrict the name A. porcatus to west-central Cuba, with Havana as the type locality, and formally describe the eastern Cuban populations as Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov., designating Baracoa, Guantánamo, as the type locality.

Keywords: Genetic divergence, geographic isolation, green anoles, niche modeling, species delimitation, sublabial scales

Life coloration of phenotypically alike Cuban green anoles.
 Left panel: adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.
Right panel: mating pair of A. porcatus from Havana with both individuals lacking the paramedian stripes. The female is in dark phase.

Photo credit: Alexis Callejas (A. torresfundorai sp. nov.) and Tomás M. Rodríguez-Cabrera (A. porcatus).

adult males Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. from Santiago de Cuba with dark brown and dark green paramedial stripes (top and bottom, respectively). The male in the top is in transition to dark phase.

Photos by Alexis Callejas

Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. 

Common name. Eastern Cuba Green Anole

Diagnosis. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. is diagnosable from all species of the A. carolinensis subgroup. Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. was not unambiguously differentiated from A. porcatus in either of the uni- or multivariate analyses (Tables 1, 2; Figs 2, S1–S12). Ultimately, A. torresfundorai sp. nov. was diagnosable from its cryptic relatives, Cuban A. porcatus and continental A. carolinensis, based on one categorical character, keelation of sublabial scales. These scales are heavily keeled in the former species and smooth in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. with occasional weak keelation that does not go beyond the 4th scale (Fig. 1). Anolis torresfundorai sp. nov. differs from A. longiceps and A. maynardii in having a pink dewlap, yellow or pale yellow in the others. Anolis allisoni and A. brunneus have blue heads or torsos, green in A. torresfundorai sp. nov. Anolis smaragdinus has a more strongly keeled tail and is usually more homogeneous in coloration, with or without a faint mid-dorsal stripe or scapular spots. Additionally, only three members of the A. carolinensis subgroup occur in Cuba (A. allisoni, A. porcatus, and A. torresfundorai sp. nov.).

 

Etymology. The species epithet is a Latinized patronym honoring Emeritus Professor Orlando J. Torres Fundora, for a lifetime dedicated to the study and conservation of Cuban nature and the education of Cuban scientists at the University of Havana, Cuba.

   

Javier Torres, Dexter Reilly, Claudia Nuñez-Penichet, R. Graham Reynolds and Richard E. Glor. 2025. A Revision of the Anolis carolinensis subgroup supports three species in Cuba, including A New cryptic Species (Squamata: Anolidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 107-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e152054

[Ichthyology • 2025] Imparfinis arceae • Integrative Taxonomy Reveals a New Species of Imparfinis (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Xingu River Basin

Imparfinis arceae

 Silva, Sabaj, Carvalho & Oliveira, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023097 

Abstract  

Imparfinis is a genus of small catfishes with 21 valid species broadly distributed throughout the main river basins of the Neotropical region. Here, a new species of Imparfinis is described from the headwaters of the Rio Xingu. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the presence of a wide dark stripe from snout tip to caudal peduncle sharply contrasting pale underside and aligned with dark stripe centered on dorsal portion of lower caudal-fin lobe, 11–12 gill rakers on the first ceratobranchial, 39 vertebrae, maxillary barbel surpassing vertical through dorsal-fin origin, and absence of short, flexible extension of the anteriormost pectoral, dorsal, and upper caudal-fin rays. In addition, assemble species by automatic partitioning (ASAP) and the Poisson tree processes model (bPTP) analyses support the validity of this new species. Our molecular phylogeny based on the cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 mitochondrial gene (COI) corroborates the placement of the new species in Imparfinis and its close relationship with I. guttatus. Species delimitation in Imparfinis is discussed.

Imparfinis arceae
Left column: holotype, MCP 55325, 47.9 mm SL.
Right column: ANSP 187252, from top to bottom: 50.5 mm SL; 43.9 mm SL; 40.6 mm SL; 36.9 mm SL.

Imparfinis arceae, new species 

Etymology.—The specific name, arceae, honors Dr. Mariangeles Arce Hernández, Executive Director of the Center for Systematic Biology and Evolution at The Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University, for her valuable contributions to studies of the systematics and evolution of catfishes. A genitive noun.

 

Gabriel de Souza da Costa e Silva, Mark Henry Sabaj, Kaylane Rodrigues de Carvalho and Claudio Oliveira. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy Reveals a New Species of Imparfinis (Siluriformes: Heptapteridae) from the Upper Xingu River Basin. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 113(1); 143-153. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2023097 (3 April 2025) 

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Vetunitidula mandibulata • A Cretaceous Sap Beetle (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) with Specialized Mandibles

 

Vetunitidula mandibulata 

Zhao, Engel, Huang & Cai, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241761 

 

Abstract

Sap beetles (Nitidulidae) are species-rich, highly diverse, widely distributed and exhibit varied food habits. However, studies on nitidulids in Kachin amber are scarce, particularly those involving nitidulids with specialized mandibles. Here, we report a new genus and species of Nitidulidae, Vetunitidula mandibulata gen. et sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (approx. 99 Ma). This species is characterized by distinctly enlarged mandibles and a loose three-article antennal club, suggesting it as a stem-group nitidulid. The enlarged mandibles may be a manifestation of sexual dimorphism, as in some extant species. Together with previous studies of fossil nitidulids, our discovery highlights the remarkable diversity and morphological disparity of sap beetles during the late Mesozoic.

Keywords: taxonomy, palaeoentomology, sexual dimorphism, pollination

 

Photomicrographs of Vetunitidula mandibulata gen. et sp. nov. (NIGP203942) and a stenurothripid thrips from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber; under normal reflected light.

(a) Dorsal view. (b) Ventral view.

(c) Dorsal view of thrips (cf. Didymothrips abdominalis Guo et al. 2024).

Scale bars: 1 mm in (a, b) and 0.2 mm in (c).

Systematic palaeontology

Order: Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Superfamily: Nitiduloidea Latreille, 1802

Family: Nitidulidae Latreille, 1802

Genus: Vetunitidula gen. nov.  

 Type species: Vetunitidula mandibulata sp. nov.

 Etymology: The generic name is a combination of the Latin adjective vetus, meaning, ‘old’, and the generic name Nitidula Fabricius; the name is feminine in gender.

   Diagnosis: Body elongate, dorsally glabrous. Head rectangular, with distinct occipital ridge. Clypeus transverse, labrum distinct. Mandibles large, straight, with distinct medial (mediolongitudinal) carina (complete on left mandible, incomplete on right mandible), with at least two distinct teeth on the mesal edge of each mandible. Antenna concealed, with a loose club composed of three articles. Pronotal and elytral sides explanate horizontally, discs punctured. Prosternal process prolongate, with small lateral projection, procoxal cavities closed incompletely. Elytra truncate, with over two abdominal segments exposed. Meso- and meta-tibiae armed with two longitudinal rows of spines dorsally; two tibial spurs present.

Conclusion: 

Nitidulidae are a diverse family of beetles with high biodiversity, yet reports of nitidulids in Kachin amber are rare. We describe a new genus and species of Nitidulidae characterized by distinctly enlarged mandibles, representing the first fossil record of Mesozoic nitidulids with carinae on specialized mandibles. And, we briefly discuss the possibility of the specialized mandibles being sexual dimorphism, as inferred from comparisons with extant male nitidulids with large mandibles. Additionally, we tentatively propose the hypothesis that co-preservation of thrips in the same amber piece may provide insights into the habitat and ecological function of V. mandibulata during the mid-Cretaceous.

Qian Zhao, Michael S. Engel, Diying Huang and Chenyang Cai. 2025. A Cretaceous Sap Beetle with Specialized Mandibles (Coleoptera : Nitidulidae). R. Soc. Open Sci. 12; 241761. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.241761  [26 February 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Sonerila bababudangiriensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species of herb from the Western Ghats of India

 

Sonerila bababudangiriensis Karadakatti & Kakkalameli,

in Karadakatti et Kakkalameli, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.9636.17.4.26917-26922

Abstract

Sonerila bababudangiriensis is a caulescent or tuberous new species found in Bababudangiri, Chikkmagaluru District, Karnataka, which lies in the Western Ghats. The species has distinguished characteristics that sets it apart from the other species of the genus Sonerila worldwide. It is compared to Sonerila wallichii Benn., a species from the same habitat. The two species differ in characteristics such as tuber, leaf morphology, inflorescence structure, and micromorphology, which are described and illustrated in relevant images. The present report discusses the newly described species, Sonerila bababudangiriensis, from Western Ghats, India.

Keywords: Bababudangiri hill, Caulescent, Claret tinge spine, Evergreen forest, Hill slopes, Stemless Sonerila, Karnataka, papillae, shola forest, Sonerila, stemless  

Sonerila bababudangiriensis sp. nov.:
a—habit | b—leaf dorsal | c—leaf ventral | d—flower front view | e—flower side view | f—hypanthium | g—petal adaxial | h—petal abaxial | I—anthers | j—anther lobe | k— gynoecium | l—capsule.

© Prashant Karadakatti.

Sonerila bababudangiriensis sp. nov.:
a—habitat | b—habit | c—Caulescent tuber | d—leaf dorsal | e—leaf ventral | f—inflorescence | g—flower front view | h—flower side view | I—Hypanthium (Inc. Anther & Gynoecium) | j—stamens | k—anther | l—petal dorsal | m—petal ventral | n—gynoecium | o—fruit side view | & p—fruit front view.

photos Prashant Karadakatti & Shreyas Betageri.

Sonerila bababudangiriensis Karadakatti & Kakkalameli sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Herb, perennial, erect, caulescent, tuber measures 1–1.5 cm diameter, spherical; habit 8–15 cm tall. Root branches fleshy, white to pale green at the lower to the upper. Leavesare 3–5 cm wide, 5–8 cm long, petiole 3–5 cm long with glabrous & claret tinge, six nerved, veins pinnate, three pairs arising from the base, 1–2 pairs from midrib above; lamina dark green dorsal side with claret tinge spines or papillae scattered measured  1–3  mm,  claret  at  ventral  side,  glabrous, densely gland-dotted, serrate, leaf base slightly orbicular with equal base and cordate; petioles 3–6 cm long, claret tinge, subscapose. Inflorescence bostryx cyme, 5–15 cm long, 4–12 flowered, unbranched; peduncle 4–13 cm long, claret tinge to pale green, glabrous, slightly quadrangular;  pedicels  5–8  mm  long,  gland-tipped ...

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality that is Bababudangiri, from  Chikkamagaluru District, Karnataka, India; the locality lies near the highest peak of Karnataka, Mullayangiri (1,930 m).

Prashant Karadakatti and Siddappa B. Kakkalameli. 2025. Sonerila bababudangiriensis (Melastomataceae), A New Species of herb from the Western Ghats of India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 17(4); 26917-26922. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.9636.17.4.26917-26922

[Entomology • 2025] Perigrapha belyalovi • A New Species (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae) from Central Asia

 Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. nov. 

P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

P. centralasiae Bartel, 1906 

in Titov, Volynkin, Tóth et Rakhimov, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/389889466

Abstract

A new species of the genus Perigrapha Lederer, 1857, Perigrapha belyalovi Volynkin & Titov, sp. n. is described from Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan. The diagnostic comparison is made with the sympatric Perigrapha centralasiae Bartel, 1906 and the allopatric Perigrapha heidi Hreblay, 1996. Adults as well as male and female genitalia of all three species are illustrated.

Key words: Balkhash-Alakol Depression, Dzhungar Alatau, Orthosiini, Perigrapha centralasiae, Perigrapha heidi, Tien Shan

Figures 1-8. Adults of Perigrapha spp. 

 Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. heidi Hreblay, 1996

Depositories of the specimens: 1-3 and 5 in CAV; 4 in ZISP; 6 in MH/HNHM; 7 and 8 in BBM (photos by B. Benedek).

Figures 9-16. Adults of Perigrapha centralasiae. 

Depositories of the specimens: 9-13 in CAV; 14-16 in ZISP.

Collecting site of  Perigrapha belyalovi sp. nov. and P. centralasiae:
SE Kazakhstan, Zhetysu Region, Sholak Mts, 750m, 43°__N 77°__E, 20.III.2024 (photo by S. Titov).

Sergey V. Titov, Anton V. Volynkin, Balázs Tóth and Ruslan D. Rakhimov. 2025. Perigrapha belyalovi, A New Species from Central Asia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae: Noctuinae). Ecologica Montenegrina. 83; 1-11. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.1

 Researchgate.net/publication/389889466_Perigrapha_belyalovi_a_new_species_from_Central_Asia