[Entomology • 2025] Protosticta sooryaprakashi • A New Species of Protosticta (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Protosticta sooryaprakashi

 Haneef, Chandran, Sawant, Beevi, Koparde & Kunt, 2025

Kodagu Shadowdamsel  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3 

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Abstract

We erect a new species of damselfly, Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. from Sampaje, Kodagu District, Karnataka, India (type specimens are deposited in the Biodiversity Lab Research Collections, currently held at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru). Morphologically, this species shows close affinity with the members of the P. sanguinostigma Fraser, 1922 group; however, it is distinguished by unique features in its prothorax, caudal appendages, and accessory genitalia. Additionally, the analyses also revealed a significant genetic distance between the new species and other species of this group. We present an updated identification key to the males of Protosticta Selys, 1885 species in the Western Ghats, incorporating newly available diagnostic information.

Odonata, Karnataka, phylogeny, Sampaje, species discovery, sympatry, taxonomy

Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov.

 

 

Koolikkunnu Abdul Razak Muhammed HANEEF, Ayikkara Vivek CHANDRAN, Dattaprasad SAWANT, Yousuf Pachani Maimoonath BEEVI, Pankaj KOPARDE and Krushnamegh KUNTE. 2025. Description of Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats, India.  Zootaxa. 5723(3); 359-383. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3 [2025-11-26] 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys yangchunensis • A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura: Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners

Boulenophrys yangchunensis 

 Zhao, Lin, Li, Lyu, Zheng, Zeng, Borzée & Wang, 2025

Yangchun Horned Toad Chinese | 阳春角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400 

Abstract

The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., B. yunkaiensis, and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

Key Words: conservation assessment, management suggestions, molecular phylogeny, morphological conservatism, range extension, reassessment, sympatry, systematics

Life aspect of Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.:
 holotype GEP a170 (A, B); paratype GEP a168 (C); paratype GEP a172 (D).

Photos by Jian Wang.

 Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.

 English name: Yangchun Horned Toad 

Chinese name: yáng chūn jiǎo chán (阳春角蟾)

Diagnosis. (1) small size (SVL 27.6–28.7 mm in five adult males); (2) snout sharpened in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a small horn-like prominent tubercle, supratympanic fold distinct and narrow, curving posteroventrally to above arm; (7) two metacarpal tubercles distinct, inner one observably enlarged, relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, distinct subarticular tubercle at base of each finger; (8) heels just meeting when hindlimbs folded, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching middle to anterior corner of eye; (9) toes without webbing and lateral fringes, inner metatarsal tubercle long ovoid, outer one absent, relative toe length I < II < V < III < IV; (10) dorsal surface yellowish-brown to dark brown, with indistinct irregular dark-brown patches and small orange dots; dark-brown triangular marking between eyes; dorsal limbs and digits light brown with dark-brown transverse bands; and (11) a single nuptial pad bearing dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males, subgular vocal sac present in males.

Etymology. The specific epithet yangchunensis is in reference to the type locality, Yangchun City.

  Yi-Yang Zhao, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Ke Zheng, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Amaël Borzée and Jian Wang. 2025. A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura, Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners. Herpetozoa. 38: 345-357. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400   

[Ichthyology • 2025] Branchenchelys megacephala • A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean

Branchenchelys megacephala

Tighe & Kodeeswaran, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726 

facebook.com: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of ilyophine eel, Branchenchelys megacephala, is described based on five specimens collected in the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. The new genus is distinguished from all other ilyophine genera by its relatively large head with large gill openings and a very large branchial chamber with an increased number of branchiostegal rays and hypertrophied gill filaments.

Pisces, Teleostei, taxonomy, Branchenchelys megacephala

 

Kenneth A. TIGHE and Paramasivam KODEESWARAN. 2025. A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 5722(4); 555-569. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6 [2025-11-21]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726_A_new_genus_and_species_of_Anguilliformes_Synaphobranchidae_from_the_Arabian_Sea_western_Indian_Ocean

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[Botany • 2025] Kaempferia grandis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from southwestern Thailand

Kaempferia grandis Noppornch.

in Nopporncharoenkul et Limtaropas, 2025. 

เปราะยักษ์เขียว  ||  facebook.com/iSIRBOOM

Kaempferia grandis Noppornch., a new species belonging to subgen. Kaempferia and endemic to Kanchanaburi Province, southwestern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It can be easily recognised by its 1–4 leafy shoots on each rhizome; the leafy shoots being adpressed to the substrate and consisting of a solitary leaf and inflorescence; broadly ovate to suborbicular leaf blade, which is the largest of any species in subgen. Kaempferia; and the inflorescence being enclosed by a leaf sheath and a bladeless sheath. Detailed photographs of plants and dissected flowers as well as information on phenology, distribution and habitat are provided, as well as an identification key to the species of Kaempferia subgen. Kaempferia in Thailand.

𝐾𝑎𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠 Noppornch.

เปราะยักษ์เขียว

 Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul and Chanon Limtaropas. 2025. Kaempferia grandis (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Ann. Bot. Fennici. 62: 307–314. 

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[Botany • 2025] Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae: Grewioideae) • A New Species from Laos

 

Grewia souladethiana Phengmala & Tagane, 

in Phengmala, Tagane, Dang, Kongxaisavath, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Sengthong, Trong et Yamazaki, 2025. 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 

 facebook.com/KajonesukPHAENGMALA3 

Abstract

Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae-Grewioideae) is described and illustrated from Phou Hin Poun National Park, Khammouane Province, in central Laos. The new species grows at the edge of evergreen broad-leaved forest and in open grassland on the foot of limestone hills. To confirm the validity of the new species, diagnostic morphological characters were compared based on literature and herbarium materials at BKF, FOF, KAG an VNM as well as online digitized images. Morphologically it is similar to G. thailandica in having acuminate leaf apex, serrate leaf margin, and axillary inflorescences which are 2‒3-flowered and with erect peduncle, but distinguished by its tree habit, shorter petioles, smaller sepals and petals, and solitary or 2-lobed fruits. A description, photographs, line drawings, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it, as well as a key to species of Grewia in Laos is provided.

Endemic, flora, Indochina, limestones, Malvales, Eudicots

 

Grewia souladethiana sp. nov. Phengmala & Tagane 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ  

Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van Son DANG, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Anousone SENGTHONG, Pham Quoc TRONG and Kaito YAMAZAKI. 2025. Grewia souladethiana, A New Species of Malvaceae from Laos. Phytotaxa. 728(1); 61-68. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 [2025-11-11]

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[Botany • 2025] Gastrodia biruensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from East Java, Indonesia

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim,

in Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira et Mustaqim, 2025. 

openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL

Abstract

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from the eastern part of Java, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. It is similar to two other Javan endemics G. crispa J.J.Sm. and G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat, but differs in several morphological details, as well as flower colour. Information on its distribution and ecology, photographs and illustrations are provided.

Keywords: biodiversity, herbs, orchids, conservation, taxonomy, mycoheterotrophic orchids, terrestrial

Morphology of Gastrodia biruensis.
A. Plant habit, B. Rhizome, C. Scale, D. Flower frontal view, E. Dorsal view, F. Flower lateral dissection, G. Sepals and petal adaxial view, H. Sepals and petal abaxial view, I. Pedicel, ovary, column and labellum lateral view, J. Column with ovary, K. Column stelidia, L. Column dorsal view, M. Labellum adaxial surface, N. Labellum abaxial surface, O. Anther-cap, abaxial and adaxial view, P. Pollinarium, Q. Floral bract, adaxial (ad) and abaxial view (ab).

All from type material. Photograph by Fariq I. A. Shidiq and design by Yuda R. Yudistira.

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Gastrodia biruensis is similar to G. crispa J.J.Sm., but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs 1.8–2 × 0.9–1.3 cm), smooth (vs warty) outer sepal surface, petals white with an orange center extending to the apex (vs pure white), a larger labellum (11–13 × 7–10 mm vs 7–7.6 × 6–7 mm), labellum whitish-orange in the basal half and orange in the upper half, with two orange calli (vs white suffused pale yellowish green near apex), apex of labellum obtuse (vs acute), a longer column (10 mm vs 6.5–7 mm), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. Gastrodia biruensis is also similar to G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs c. 1.7 × 0.9 cm), labellum much longer than the column by c. 1.6 times (vs 1.1–1.3), yellowish basal calli (vs pure white), labellum orange in the upper half distal calli (vs yellowish white), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. (Table 1) 

Galuh A.C. Dwitara, Muhammad Al Fatih, Yuda R. Yudistira, Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim. 2025. A New Species of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) from East Java, Indonesia. Telopea. 29; 285–291.

 openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL/article/view/21366

[Crustacea • 2025] Macrobrachium debaratae • Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of A New Species of the Genus Macrobrachium (Caridea: Palaemonidae) from Songkhram River, Northeast Thailand

Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, 

in Siriwut, Chaowvieng, Jeratthitikul, Chanabun, Panha et Sutcharit, 2025. 

Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 

กุ้งเทพรัตน์  ||  https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH 

Abstract

The recognized diversity of Macrobrachium prawns in Thailand has increased recently due to taxono-mic investigation using integrative approaches, i.e. from morphology and DNA barcoding. The freshwater habitats in northeast Thailand such as riparian wetland ecosystems provide diverse ecological conditions that promote adaptive diversification among organisms. The varying condition of the freshwater bodies can support the existence of cryptic species among the aquatic animal fauna, including in prawns of the genus Macrobrachium. Several Macrobrachium species have previously been reported in association with the vast network of tributaries that form the Mekong River basin. Newly described species and unidentified morphospecies have particularly been reported from this area in previous systematic studies, which indicates that the current known diversity of the aquatic fauna is likely to be largely incomplete. In this study, a new species of the genus Macrobrachium from the Songkhram River, one of the Mekong tributaries, is described and named as Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. This new species contains several distinct morphological characters from its congeneric and co-existing species group, such as the rostral teeth formula, the size and the shape of second pereiopods, and the tooth present on the cutting edge of the fingers of the chelae of the second pereiopods. Genetic distance analysis among the known Macrobrachium species supported this morphological classification as a new species with an interspecific COI divergence of 13%. The COI phylogenetic tree indicated that M. debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. was monophyletic and was placed close to M. sirindhorn, a member within the M. pilimanus species group. This study highlights the need for a detailed morphological inspection to examine the variability in the taxonomic characters of Macrobrachium, particularly in the M. pilimanus species group found in mainland Southeast Asia tributaries. Further taxonomic review based on intensive sampling is required to provide a more adequate understanding of the diversity of Macrobrachium in the Mekong basin.

 

Keywords: Macrobrachium, Thailand, Songkhram River, New species, COI barcode

Morphological characteristics and chromatophore pattern variation in Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov.
 A, B, D, E.Colouration and morphology of male specimens. C.Colouration and morphology of female specimen. Scale bar indicates 5 mm.

Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. 

Etymology.–The specific name “debaratae”derives from “Debaratana”, which means the insignia gem of goddess.The name is given in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as a token of recognition. Her Royal Highness has been devoted to supporting and kindly participating in several pioneer projects studying Thai biodiversity and conservation led by government and private sectors.

Habitat of Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov.  
A. Location of type locality. B.Aquatic plant (Potamogeton crispus L.) found dominantly in type locality. C, D. Habitat characteristics of middle Songkhram River.

Warut Siriwut, Apisara Chaowvieng, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Ratmanee Chanabun, Somsak Panha and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2025. Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of A New Species, Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov. (Caridea, Palaemonidae) from Songkhram River, Northeast Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  493-511. 

https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/268420

[Invertebrate • 2025] Lepidonella sirindhornae • A New Collembola Species (Entomobryidae: Paronellinae) from Southern Thailand

Lepidonella sirindhornae Nilsai & Jantarit,

in Nilsai, Engchuan et Jantarit. 2025. 

 Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  

แมลงหางดีดถ้ำเจ้าฟ้า  || https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH 

Abstract

The genus Lepidonella is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Melanesian region, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. To date, only a single species of the genus has been formally recorded from Thailand. However, numerous undescribed species, particularly from southern Thailand, have been reported, indicating a greater diversity than currently recognized. This study presents the first formal description of a Lepidonella species from a cave habitat in the country. Lepidonella sirindhornae Nilsai & Jantarit, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Tham Phraya Bangsa in Satun Province. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including labial chaetotaxy formula (M1m2rEL1L2), elongation of antennal length (3.5–5.1 antenna: head ratio), presence of 6+6 eyes and a distinctive number of chaetae on both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the ventral tube. Additionally, this study provides a distribution map of the genus Lepidonella found in Thailand, underscoring the diversity of cave-dwelling species in the region and the need for further taxonomic investigation.

Keywords: cave, Entomobryoidea, Isthmus of Kra, new species, taxonomy

Lepidonella sirindhornae Nilsai & Jantarit, sp. nov.

แมลงหางดีดถ้ำเจ้าฟ้า

 from Tham Phraya Bangsa, Satun Province

Areeruk Nilsai, Ronnaphon Engchuan and Sopark Jantarit. 2025. The Lepidonella sirindhornae sp. nov., A New Collembola species from Southern Thailand.  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  449-459. 

https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/267503  [2025-11-17]

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

 

 Lentipes ptasan

Jhuang, Nañola, Li & Liao, 2025 

 

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

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Abstract

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

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

 

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

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

  Lentipes ptasan sp. nov.

Chinese common name: 紋面韌鰕虎.

English common name: Tattooed-face Goby.

  

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

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

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

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

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[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Pseudocorax heteroserratus • Pseudocorax (Chondrichthyes: Lamniformes: Pseudocoracidae) in the Upper Maastrichtian Phosphates of Khouribga Province, Morocco

 

Pseudocorax heteroserratus

Egli, Goode, Rempert & Rego, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10183  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397832548

Abstract

A new species of Pseudocorax (Lamniformes, Pseudocoracidae), Pseudocorax heteroserratus n. sp., is described from the upper Maastrichtian phosphates of Morocco. This novel taxon is recognized by a large sample of isolated teeth collected from the upper Couche III layer at the Sidi Chennane quarry in the Oulad Abdoun Basin, Khouribga Province, Morocco. P. heteroserratus is differentiated from other Pseudocorax species by bearing a mesiodistally elongated tooth base, broad crown, and highly variable serrations. The variability in number and extent of serrations along the carinae ranges from completely absent to fully serrated and finely to coarsely serrated, raising speculation on broader Pseudocorax phylogenetics and as to whether the genesis of serrations within Pseudocorax occurred in a singular progressive event or rather from two distinct events. The morphological variability within the new species highlights the importance of large sample sizes in selachian odontological studies using isolated teeth.

Systematic paleontology

Class Chondrichthyes Huxley, Reference Huxley, 1880

Subclass Elasmobranchii Bonaparte, Reference Bonaparte, 1838

Cohort Euselachii Hay, Reference Hay, 1902

Subcohort Neoselachii Compagno, Reference Compagno, 1977

Order Lamniformes Berg, Reference Berg, 1958

Family Pseudocoracidae Cappetta, Reference Cappetta, 2012

Genus Pseudocorax Priem, Reference Priem, 1897

Type species: Pseudocorax affinis (Münster in Agassiz, Reference Agassiz1843), from the upper Maastrichtian, Netherlands.

 Upper anterior Pseudocorax heteroserratus n. sp. 
 (1–5) MMNS VP-12820 (holotype), upper left anterior tooth in (1) lingual, (2) basal, (3) apical, (4) profile, and (5) labial views.
(6–10) MMNS VP-12827.01, upper left anterior tooth in (6) lingual, (7) basal, (8) apical, (9) profile, and (10) labial views. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Pseudocorax heteroserratus new species 

Diagnosis: Crown and tooth base mesiodistally expanded, especially along upper and lower jaw anterior teeth. Mesial shoulder generally more prominent along basal crown, extending further apically. Variable serrations, from absent to full and coarse to fine, regardless of jaw position or potential ontogenetic stage. Deep basal margin on tooth base with variable tooth base lobe morphology.

Occurrence: Upper Couche III layer of the Oulad Abdoun Basin, Sidi Chennane quarry, near Oued Zem, Khouribga Province, Morocco.

 

Etymology: “Hetero-”, Latin for “different”, and “serratus” for “serrations,” highlighting the variability in the presence and size of serrations along the crown.

 Upper lateroposterior Pseudocorax heteroserratus n. sp. teeth.
(1–5) MMNS VP-12823 (paratype), upper left lateroposterior tooth in (1) lingual, (2) basal, (3) apical, (4) profile, and (5) labial views. (6–10) MMNS VP-12827.05, (?) upper right lateroposterior tooth in (6) lingual, (7) basal, (8) apical, (9) profile, and (10) labial views.
(11–15) MMNS VP- 12827,06, (?) upper left lateroposterior tooth in (11) lingual, (12) basal, (13) apical, (14) profile, and (15) labial views. (16–20) MMNS VP-12827.07, upper left lateroposterior tooth in (16) lingual, (17) basal, (18) apical, (19) profile, and (20) labial views.
(21–25) MMNS VP-12827.08, upper right lateroposterior tooth in (21) lingual, (22) basal, (23) apical, (24) profile, and (25) labial views. (26–30) MMNS VP-12827.09, upper left lateroposterior tooth in (26) lingual, (27) basal, (28) apical, (29) profile, and (30) labial. Scale bars = 5 mm.

Hunter Chase Egli, Benjamin Goode, Trevor Rempert and Christopher Rego. 2025. Pseudocorax (Chondrichthyes, Lamniformes, Pseudocoracidae) in the Upper Maastrichtian phosphates of Khouribga Province, Morocco. Journal of Paleontology. Journal of Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2025.10183  [21 November 2025]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397832548_Pseudocorax_in_the_Upper_Maastrichtian_phosphates_of_Khouribga_Province_Morocco 

 

Non-technical Summary: A new species of extinct shark, Pseudocorax heteroserratus n. sp., has been identified through isolated teeth from fossil-rich Cretaceous rock in Morocco. Unlike previously known Pseudocorax species, this new species is distinguishable through its broad crown, elongated tooth base, and unusually variable serrations. These serrations range from unserrated to coarsely serrated and provide new insights into Pseudocorax evolutionary history. It raises the question of whether serrations in this lineage evolved gradually in a continuous process or from multiple independent origins. The findings of this study emphasize how large sample sizes of shark teeth are critical in palaeoichthyology, especially when species are known only from their teeth.

[Botany • 2025] Begonia shunzhii (Begoniaceae, sect. Reichenheimia) • A New Species from Guizhou, China

 

Begonia shunzhii D.K.Tian, Z.Y.Guo & X.X.Bai, 

in Guo, Bai, Zhou, Chen, Li et Tian, 2025.

顺志秋海棠  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.2.12

Abstract

Begonia shunzhii, a new species of Begonia sect. Reichenheimia from Guizhou Province of China is described and illustrated. It mostly resembles B. qingchengshanensis and B. puerensis in the same section but considerably differs from the latter two in some characteristics. A detailed morphological comparison of the three species is provided. According to the Guidelines for Using IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the conservation status of new species is assessed as Endangered (EN B1ab(i,ii,iii,iv,v)).

Begonia, New taxon, Karst landform, Morphology, Conservation status, Guizhou, China, Eudicots

Habitat, habit and morphology of Begonia shunzhii D.K.Tian, Z.Y.Guo & X.X.Bai
A, B. Habitat; C–E. Habit in different locations; F. Stipule; G. Adaxial leaf surface showing short bristles; H. Abaxial leaf surface; I. Bracts (left: side view, right: back view); J. Front (left two) and back (right) views of staminate flowers; K. Androecium and stamens; L. Front and side views of pistillate flowers; M. Side view of immature fruits; N. Cross-section of ovary showing placentae. (Photos A–C, G, H, J-left, L by Daike Tian; D, J-right two, K, M by Zhiyou Guo, F, I, N by Xinxiang Bai, E by Meng Dong).

Begonia shunzhii D.K.Tian, Z.Y.Guo & X.X.Bai, sp. nov. 

§ sect. Reichenheimia 

(顺志秋海棠) (shùn zhì qiū hǎi táng)  

 Type:—CHINA. Guizhou Province, Kaiyang County (开阳县), Nanjiang town (南江乡), Nanjiang Grand Valley (南江大峡谷), ..., alt. 760 m, ...

Diagnosis:—Begonia shunzhii is mostly similar to B. qingchengshanensis Li et al. (2018: 198) but differs mainly by its smaller (2–3 × 1–1.5 mm vs. 3–7 × 2–5 mm) stipules with ciliate (vs. entire) margins without keel (vs. keeled); shorter (1.5–10.5 cm vs. 11–19 cm) petioles, leaves usually greenish-white-spotted (vs. very rarely spotted) and adaxially sparsely short-bristled and non-waxy (vs. subglabrous and waxy), smaller (2–4 × 0.5–2 mm vs. 4.5–5.5 × 3–4.5 mm) bracts, narrowly oblong to sublinear (vs. triangular or ovate-triangular), shorter (8–11 mm vs. 9–25 mm) pedicels, outer tepals ovate to subcircular (vs. narrowly to broadly ovate), smaller (5–9 × 2–3 mm vs. 7−12 × 3−5 mm) inner tepals of staminate flowers, and valvate (vs. separated) two sides of stigmas (Table 1).

Zhi-You GUO, Xin-Xiang BAI, Xing-Xue ZHOU, Zhi-Lin CHEN, Yu-Hui LI and Dai-Ke TIAN. 2025. Begonia shunzhii (sect. Reichenheimia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. Phytotaxa. 728(2); 220-226. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.2.12 [2025-11-12]

[Botany • 2025] Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, 

in Wu, Guo, Zhou, Wang, Shan, Yong et Zhang, 2025. 

汶川盆 距兰  || https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135

Abstract

The newly discovered orchid, Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae, Orchidaceae), found in Wenchuan, Sichuan of China, is described here based on the data of its morphology, phenology, ecology and distribution. This entity bears resemblance to G. formosanus, G. wolongensis, G. nanchuanensis, G. sinensis, G. minjiangensis and G. armeniacus, but can be distinguished by a distinctive vein on both the petals and sepals, as well as an epichile and hypochile that are devoid of spots or stripes. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) and four plastid regions (atpI, matK, psbA, and trnL-F), supports the conclusion that Gastrochilus wenchuanensis is a new species and is sister to G. formosanus.

Keyword: Gastrochilus, molecular phylogenetics, morphology, new species, sect. Caespitosi

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis
  A. Flowering plant. B. Inflorescence. C. Flower (front view). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Labellum (view from below). F. Anatomy of flowers (F1: dorsal sepals; F2 and F3: lateral sepals; F4 and F5: petals; F6: labellum). G. Flowers (view from rear). H. Capsule. I. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). J. Pollinia. K. Stigma.

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower (front view). C. Flowers (view from rear). D. Leaves (view from above and from below). E. Sepal and petal. F. Pollinia. G. Labellum (view from above and from below). H. Labellum (longitudinal dissection). I. Inflorescence. J. Capsule.

Plant and inflorescence with flowers for Gastrochilus wenchuanensis 
A. Habitat. B. Plant with flowers in wild. C. Plant with flowers in cultivation. D. Plant with fruit.

Gastrochilus sect. Caespitosi Z. H. Tsi 

Gastrochilus wenchuanensis P.Y.Wu & C.Y.Zhou, sp. nov 

Diagnosis: The new species resembles G. formosanus, but differs in the morphology of the epichile and the markings on both the petals and sepals. It also deviates from G. wolongensis due to its shorter inflorescences, an undimpled and spotless epichile, and a stripeless hypochile. The distinguishing characteristics of the new species compared to G. armeniacus include leaf morphology, flower pigmentation, sepal length, epichile trichome density, and the absence of hypochile surface ridges. The distinctive stripe on the petals and sepals, along with the morphology of the hypochile and epichile, serves to distinguish this species from G. minjiangensis. It differs from G. nanchuanensis by its reniform epichile, green and fully open flowers. The shape of the epichile and a distinct purple stripe on the petals and sepals distinguish it from G. sinensis.

  

Peng-Yu Wu, Jiaxu Guo, Cheng-Yuan Zhou, Zi-Yang Wang, Qian-Tong Shan, Heng Yong, Yu-Tian Zhang. 2025. Gastrochilus wenchuanensis (Aeridinae; Orchidaceae): A New Species from China based on molecular and morphological data. Taiwania. 70(4): 757‒765.  DOI: 10.6165/tai.2025.70.757

   https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2135 [2025 November 14]