[Funga • 2025] Samsoniella scoliopterygis (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) • A New Species of Samsoniella on the herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix (Noctuoidea: Erebidae), from caves in the British Isles

Samsoniella scoliopterygis  H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo,

in Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap et Araújo. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.09 

 

Abstract

Samsoniella scoliopterygis (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales), pathogenic on the herald moth Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), is described as a new species, based on morphological, ecological and molecular evidence. Infected specimens of this troglophilic moth were recorded from caves, as well as from a copper mine, in southern England (Devon, Norfolk), Northern Ireland (Fermanagh) and the Republic of Ireland (Sligo). The moths were found consistently on the cave floor or rock ledges, rather than on the ceiling amongst the overwintering, healthy moth populations; producing multiple, white or non-pigmented clavae of the cordyceps-like sexual morph. Synnemata of the asexual morph occurred sporadically in situ but were produced consistently in vitro. The ecology and taxonomy are discussed in relation to previous records of entomopathogenic fungi on Scoliopteryx libatrix and other trogloxene moths.

 Keywords: Samsoniella scoliopterygis; ecology; entomopathogenic fungi; new taxon; phylogenetics; systematics 

Samsoniella scoliopterygis sp. nov., holotype IMI 507611.
A, B. Sexual morph on herald moth, (Scoliopteryx libatrix), dried specimen from floor of Boho Caves (Co. Fermanagh, Northern Ireland), showing the superficial perithecia on stromata emerging from the dorsal surface and orifices (mouth and anus). C, D. Transverse section of an ascostroma showing the superficial, flask-shaped perithecia with a wide, prominent neck region and wall. E. Perithecial tip showing the asci and ascospores oozing from the ostiole. F. Ascus showing prominent cap.

 Scale bars: A, B = 2 mm; C = 100 µm; D = 30 µm; E = 15 µm; F = 5 µm.

Samsoniella scoliopterygis, IMI 507613, on herald moths in situ in Boho Caves, July 2024.
 A. Infected moth on ledge in twilight zone (arrow), ca. 6 m from cave entrance in background. B. Close-up of stromata showing the white, superficial, crowded perithecia. C–E. Infected moths in various positions within the dark zone of the cave system, all with white stromata.

Scale bars: B = 1 mm; C, E = 8 mm; D = 5 mm.

Samsoniella scoliopterygis H.C. Evans & J.P.M. Araújo, sp. nov.

 

H.C. Evans, T. Fogg, A.G. Buddie, Y.T. Yeap and J.P.M. Araújo. 2025. A New Species of Samsoniella (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) on the herald moth, Scoliopteryx libatrix (Erebidae: Noctuoidea), from caves in the British Isles. Fungal Systematics and Evolution. 15(1); 201-224. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.09 (June 2025) 

x.com/joaofungo/status/1885628021882659155

[Fungi • 2026] Gibellula mineira • The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

 

Abstract

In tropical forests, there is a high diversity of parasites that use arthropods as resource, particularly arachnids. One of the most frequent groups of spiders’ parasites in tropical forests are fungi of the genus Gibellula, for which a considerable knowledge gap remains in these environments. In this study, we present the description of a new species that infects spiders of the species Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Gibellula mineira sp. nov. We also described the prevalence of the new fungal species in the host spider population and evaluated whether the host size influences their probability of parasitism. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that G. mineira represents a distinct species forming a clade with 100% support of bootstrap and showing a close phylogenetic relationship with Gibellula aurea. The characteristics that distinguish it from other species of the genus include light brown hyphae, white and slightly larger conidiophores, and thinner phialides. We observed a high prevalence of parasitism in this interaction, reaching 25% of the observed I. censoria population. Furthermore, we noted that the cadavers of parasitized spiders are exclusively attached to the underside of leaves, following the typical pattern observed for Gibellula species. Parasitism is more frequent in smaller I. censoria individuals, which is probably associated with thinner cuticles or higher foraging activity in smaller individuals. We suggested that G. mineira is an important natural enemy of I. censoria, directly influencing the population dynamics of this spider and expanding our knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of araneopathogenic fungi.

 

Keywords: Hypocreales, Araneae, Behavioral manipulation, Parasitism, Araneopathogenic fungi

 Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.
(A) Unparasitized individual foraging in vegetation; (B) Silk retreat built by unparasitized spiders on the leaf lamina;
(C) Adult I. censoria individual infected by G. mineira at an early stage of fungal development; (D) G. mineira colony at mature stage of development;
(E) I. censoria individual showing newly formed synnemata (white); (F) I. censoria individual showing mature synnemata (light brown);
(G) Detail of a white synnema, at the beginning of development, with conidiophores showing chains of conidia; (H) Developed light brown synnema, with dense, white conidiophores.

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

Aline dos Santos, Thairine Mendes-Pereira, Camila de Fátima Ferreira Ribeiro and Thiago Gechel Kloss. 2026. The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Fungal Biology. 130(3); 101748. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

[Botany • 2025] Untangling tightly bound knots: a reappraisal of Campbellia (Orobanchaceae), with the Rediscovery of C. aurantiaca after more than 175 years

Campbellia aurantiaca  

in Salim, Mathew, Arunraj, Sanjai et Gopallawa, 2025.    

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10282-z 

Summary

The long-standing ambiguities on the taxonomic status of Campbellia Wight and C. aurantiaca Wight are resolved, and this particular species is rediscovered after more than 175 years from the Western Ghats, India.

Key Words: Christisonia-Campbellia complex, endemic, holoparasite, Robert Wight, Western Ghats

Campbellia aurantiaca Wight

 

P. M. Salim, Jose Mathew, P. T. Arunraj, V. N. Sanjai and B. Gopallawa. 2025. Untangling tightly bound knots: a reappraisal of Campbellia (Orobanchaceae), with the Rediscovery of C. aurantiaca after more than 175 years.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10282-z [02 December 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu, 

in Fu, Zhou, Liao, Zhang, Xu et Li, 2025. 

信芬蛇菰 | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400

 

Abstract

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L.Fu, M.Li & B.Xu, a new species discovered in Xizang, China, is described and illustrated here. Molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons strongly support B. xinfeniae as a new species within the genus Balanophora. The most distinctive characteristic of the new species is its dioecious sexual system, with male flowers having a 3-lobed perianth, opposite leaves with serrated tips, and yellow scapes. Although it shares morphological similarities with B. henryi, B. xinfeniae can be distinguished by its flat spheroid tubers without stellate lenticels, yellow scape, prominently serrated apical leaf margins, and nearly spherical or ovoid-ellipsoid female inflorescences.

Key words: Balanophora xinfeniae, China, holoparasitic plants, phylogeny, taxonomy

Line illustration of Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu.
 A. Male individual; B. Male flower; C. Female individual; D. Female flowers surrounding one claviform body.
Drawn by Zi-Heng Yu based on YLZB11691-A and YLZB11691-B specimens stored in CDBI.

Balanophora xinfeniae C.L. Fu, M. Li & B. Xu.
 A, B. Habitats (both male and female; arrows point to female individuals); C. Female individual (upper) and male individual (lower); D. Male individual; E. Female individual; F. Leaves and scape; G. Leaves; H. Tuber; I. Male inflorescence; J. Female inflorescence; K. Female flower and claviform body.

Photos by Meng Li and Chen-Long Fu.

Morphology of Balanophora xinfeniae (A–C), B. henryi (D–F),
B. involucrata (G–I), and B. flava (J–M).
A, D, G, J, K. Male and female individuals; B, E, H, L. Leaves; C, F, I, M. Tubers.

Photos by Meng Li and Wei-Hua Liao.

 Balanophora xinfeniae C.L.Fu, M.Li & B.Xu, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Balanophora xinfeniae is morphologically similar to B. henryi, but the two species can be distinguished by several features. The tuber branching shape of B. xinfeniae is characterized as flat spheroid or subglobose, whereas that of B. henryi is irregularly spherical or oblate. The scapes of B. xinfeniae are yellow, in contrast to the red or red-to-yellow scapes of B. henryi. In B. xinfeniae, the apical margins of the leaves are prominently serrate, whereas those of B. henryi are entire. The female inflorescence of B. xinfeniae is nearly spherical or ovoid-ellipsoid, while that of B. henryi is broadly ovoid. The flowering period of B. xinfeniae is from April to May, compared to September to November for B. henryi (Table 2; Fig. 2).

Etymology. The species epithet xinfeniae honors Prof. Xin-Fen Gao (former curator of the CDBI Herbarium), a distinguished botanist who made significant contributions to the taxonomy of seed plants, lycopods, and pteridophytes.

Vernacular name. Chinese Mandarin: Xìn fēn shé gū (信芬蛇菰).

Chen-Long Fu, Jia-Ning Zhou, Wei-Hua Liao, Tong Zhang, Bo Xu and Meng Li. 2025. Balanophora xinfeniae (Balanophoraceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 241-252. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.147400 [19 Nov 2025]

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Rutrizoma donoghuei & R. pisanii • Specialized Bark-gnawing Beetles (Coleoptera: Trogossitidae) reveal Phragmotic Defence and Subcortical Ecology in the Cretaceous

Rutrizoma donoghuei, Poinarinius aristovi and polyaspidoid mites
Rutrizoma Li & Cai gen. nov.
 

in Li, Leschen, Kolibáč, Engel, Zhang, Yu, Huang et Cai, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.1004 

Artwork by Ding-Hua Yang

Abstract

Ecological interactions are fundamental to understanding species’ trophic relationships and the evolution of ecosystem functions. However, the fossil record seldom captures these intricate dynamics, as most fossils preserve individual organisms rather than the interactions that shaped ancient ecosystems. Here, we describe a new genus of bark-gnawing beetles (Trogossitidae), Rutrizoma gen. nov., from mid-Cretaceous amber in northern Myanmar. This fossil genus reveals a rare combination of predatory and antipredatory adaptations, shedding light on the ecological complexity of Mesozoic forest ecosystems. Rutrizoma has specialized morphological features, such as shortened elytra and unidentate mandibles, suggesting an active predatory lifestyle in narrow wood galleries. Interestingly, some morphological traits of Rutrizoma mirror those of its potential prey, particularly bostrichid beetles, from the same amber deposit. One such trait is its specialized abdominal declivity, which probably functioned as a protective shield against predators and competitors, representing marked convergence with the elytral declivity of other subcortical beetles, such as bark and ambrosia beetles (Scolytinae and Platypodinae) and Bostrichidae. The presence of phoretic mites associated with Rutrizoma, along with co-preserved bostrichid prey, underscores the complex community dynamics beneath Cretaceous tree bark. This finding reveals a subcortical ecosystem that parallels modern ecological interactions.

Keywords: Cretaceous, beetle, phragmosis, defence, ecological interaction

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Trogossitidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Trogossitinae Latreille, 1802

Genus Rutrizoma Li & Cai gen. nov.

Type species. Rutrizoma donoghuei sp. nov., here designated.

Etymology. The generic name is formed based on the Latin rutrum, shovel, referring to the bordered declivity at the abdominal apex, and part of the name Nemozoma Latreille, a closely related trogossitid genus. When Latreille [1804] established the genus name Nemozoma, he likely intended it to reference the elongate body (νῆμα [nema]: thread + σῶμα [soma]: body). Although Latreille improperly latinized the second component, since ζῶμα (zoma) is still a Greek neuter noun, according to ICZN Article 30.1.2, Nemozoma should be treated as neuter (S. Laplante & P. Bouchard 2025, personal communication; contrary to [Kippenhan, 2023]). The new name Rutrizoma should thus also be neuter.

Diagnosis. Body slender. Frons with weak longitudinal median groove, without paired horn-like processes. Antennae with 11 antennomeres; club weakly asymmetrical; antennomeres 9 and 10 without exposed sensorial field; antennomere 11 with exposed sensorial field. Mandibles with one prominent apical tooth. Galea with ciliate setae. Pronotal disc elongate, with longitudinal median groove. Procoxal cavities narrowly separated, closed externally. Elytra strongly shortened, apically truncate, leaving abdominal segments IV–VII fully exposed, each with five distinct longitudinal grooves. Mesocoxal cavities narrowly separated, open laterally. Metacoxae contiguous, medially projecting, laterally not reaching lateral margin of metathorax. Protibia with robust spine on mesal edge. Abdominal tergite VII specialized, forming bordered declivity; margins with dense ciliate setae. Abdominal ventrites strongly convex.

Rutrizoma donoghuei sp. nov., under brightfield (A–C) or confocal (D–F) microscopy.
(A) NIGP205681, dorsal view. (B) NIGP166142, lateral view. (C) NIGP166143, ventral view. (D) NIGP205682-1, head, dorsal view, with arrow indicating median groove on frons. (E) NIGP166142, head, ventrolateral view, with arrow indicating ciliate setae of galea. (F) NIGP166142, abdominal declivity, dorsal view, with arrow indicating projected lobes. Abbreviations: an, antenna; md, mandible. Scale bars: 1 mm in (A–C); 200 μm in (D–F).

Rutrizoma donoghuei Li & Cai sp. nov. 

 

Etymology. The species is named after the evolutionary biologist Dr Philip C. J. Donoghue.

Differential diagnosis. Rutrizoma donoghuei differs from R. pisanii in the smaller body size (about 4.1 mm long in the holotype and similar in all the paratypes) and the edge of abdominal declivity with projected lobes at the base.

 Rutrizoma pisanii sp. nov., NIGP205685-1, under brightfield (A,B) or confocal (C,D) microscopy.
(A) Dorsolateral view. (B) Ventrolateral view. (C) Head, ventrolateral view. (D) Abdominal declivity, dorsolateral view. Abbreviations: an, antenna; md, mandible; t6−7, abdominal tergites VI–VII. Scale bars: 1 mm in (A,B); 300 μm in (C,D).

 

Rutrizoma pisanii Li & Cai sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named after the evolutionary biologist Dr Davide Pisani.

Differential diagnosis. Rutrizoma pisanii differs from R. donoghuei in the larger body size (about 5.4 mm long in the holotype) and the simple edge of abdominal declivity.

Woodboring beetles and mites associated with Rutrizoma, under brightfield (A–D) or confocal microscopy (E).
(A) NIGP205682, syninclusion of Rutrizoma donoghuei, Poinarinius aristovi and polyaspidoid mites. (B,C) NIGP205686, syninclusion of Rutrizoma sp., Poinarinius sp., and mites. (D) NIGP205687-3, Poinarinius aladelicatus preserved along with two individuals of Rutrizoma. (E) Detail of NIGP205682, showing polyaspidoid mites associated with Rutrizoma. Scale bars: 2 mm in (A–C); 500 μm in (D); 200 μm in (E).

 Artistic reconstruction of Cretaceous Rutrizoma pursuing Poinarinius beneath bark.

Artwork by Ding-Hua YANG

Yan-Da Li, Richard A. B. Leschen, Jiří Kolibáč, Michael S. Engel, Zhi-Qiang Zhang, Yali Yu, Diying Huang and Chenyang Cai. 2025. Specialized Bark-gnawing Beetles reveal Phragmotic Defence and Subcortical Ecology in the Cretaceous. Proc. R. Soc. B. 292: 20251004. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.1004 [11 June 2025]

 

[Funga • 2025] Ophiocordyceps floriformis, O. muscae, ... • Multi-locus Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis reveals Four New Species and A New Record of Ophiocordyceps (Hypocreales: Ophiocordycipitaceae) on dipteran hosts in Thailand

 Ophiocordyceps muscae 
 Ophiocordyceps tabani 
 Ophiocordyceps thilosuensis

Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard,

in Mongkolsamrit, Thanakitpipattana, Noisripoom, Tasanathai, Liangsiri, Jaiyen, Rungjindamai, Stadler et Luangsa-ard, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.119.155439

Abstract

During field surveys conducted in various regions of Thailand, several fungal specimens parasitising flies were discovered. These fungi exhibited morphological characteristics consistent with the broad concept of Ophiocordyceps dipterigena, including yellow to orange-brown cylindrical stromata bearing fertile ascomata at the tip. Multi-locus phylogenetic analyses based on ITS, LSU, TEF1, and RPB2 sequences revealed that these specimens belong to a well-supported monophyletic clade, referred to as the 'O. dipterigena' complex, which forms a distinct subclade within the hymenostilboid clade. This complex comprises four newly described species with clearly defined host associations: O. floriformis, found on robber flies (Asilidae), particularly on Clephydroneura sp.; O. muscae, isolated from the housefly (Musca domestica); O. tabani, parasitising horse flies (Tabanus sp.); and O. thilosuensis, infecting fruit flies (Anastrepha obliqua) and soldier flies (Sarginae). Additionally, several strains clustered with the previously described O. philippinensis, which was also collected from Clephydroneura sp. This marks the first record of O. philippinensis in Thailand.

Key words: cryptic species, entomogenous fungi, Hymenostilbe, new taxa, phylogenetic analyses

 Ophiocordyceps floriformis Tasanathai, Noisripoom & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. The name refers to the fungus’s outer appearance on the host, which resembles a small flower.

 Ophiocordyceps muscae Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Named after the host genus, Musca domestica.

 Ophiocordyceps tabani Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Named after the host genus, Tabanus.

 Ophiocordyceps thilosuensis Mongkolsamrit, Liangsiri, Thanakitpipattana & Luangsa-ard, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refers to the locality where the type specimen was found, Thi Lo Su Waterfall.

 Suchada Mongkolsamrit, Donnaya Thanakitpipattana, Wasana Noisripoom, Kanoksri Tasanathai, Kanraya Liangsiri, Somruetai Jaiyen, Nattawut Rungjindamai, Marc Stadler and Jennifer Luangsa-ard. 2025. Multi-locus Molecular Phylogenetic Analysis reveals Four New Species and A New Record of Ophiocordyceps (Ophiocordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) on dipteran hosts in Thailand. MycoKeys. 119: 235-261. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.119.155439

[Paleontology • 2025] Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae & P. ironomyiae • Cretaceous Entomopathogenic Fungi illuminate the early Evolution of Insect–fungal Associations

An Cretaceous ant carries a fungus-infected ant pupa 

in Zhuang, Luo, Tang, Araújo, Yu, Zhao, Haelewaters, Nyunt, Zhang, Jarzembowski, Meng, Ran, Liu et Wang, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.0407  

 x.com/joaofungo

artwork by Dinghua Yang

Abstract

Throughout evolution, entomopathogenic (insect-pathogenic) fungi have played a pivotal role in regulating insect populations. However, little is known about ancient entomopathogenic fungi due to the scarcity of fossils displaying typical pathogenic structures on their presumed hosts. Here, we report two new fungi, Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae sp. nov. and Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae sp. nov., from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber (approx. 99 million years old). They share common traits with Ophiocordyceps and are associated with an ant pupa and a fly, respectively. These fossils are among the oldest fossil records of animal-pathogenic fungi. In addition, we performed a divergence time estimation analysis showing that Ophiocordyceps likely originated during the Early Cretaceous. We further compiled the hosts of extant Ophiocordyceps and inferred the evolution of host associations within the genus based on ancestral character state reconstruction. Our results suggest that Ophiocordyceps made a host jump from Coleoptera to Lepidoptera and Hymenoptera during the Cretaceous, and its subsequent speciation was probably related to the increase in diversity and abundance of its moth and ant hosts. Our results not only highlight the ecological significance of pathogenic fungi in Mesozoic terrestrial ecosystems, but also provide new insights into the coevolution between entomopathogenic fungi and host insects.

Keywords: fossil, Mesozoic, host–parasite association, ant, amber

 Paleoophiocordyceps gerontoformicae sp. nov. 

 Paleoophiocordyceps ironomyiae sp. nov.

Yuhui Zhuang, Cihang Luo, Dexiang Tang, João Paulo Machado de Araújo, Hong Yu, Jing Zhao, Danny Haelewaters, Thet Tin Nyunt, Qingqing Zhang, Edmund A. Jarzembowski, Guoliang Meng, Hao Ran, Yu Liu and Bo Wang. 2025. Cretaceous Entomopathogenic Fungi illuminate the early Evolution of Insect–fungal Associations. Proc. R. Soc. B. 292; 20250407. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.0407 [11 June 2025]  

  x.com/joaofungo/status/1933220876876452260

https://www.sciencenews.org/article/zombie-fungi-infecting-ants-fossil

https://www.nhm.ac.uk/discover/news/2025/june/origins-of-parasitic-fungi-that-inspired-the-last-of-us-revealed.html

[Botany • 2025] Pedicularis rajeshiana (Orobanchaceae) • A New hemiparasitic Species from Western Himalaya, India

Pedicularis rajeshiana Arti Garg, 

in Garg, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.2.3 

 facebook.com: Arti GARG 

Abstract

A new hemiparasitic species, Pedicularis rajeshiana (Orobanchaceae), from Rohtang in the Western Himalayas, India is described and illustrated. The new species differs from all the previously known species of Pedicularis by it’s corolla having deeply-incised labium lobes and unusual staminal insertion points at three levels on the corolla tube. Critical macro- and micro-morphological character analysis including the pollen morphology, supported this species delineation from all the other known species of Pedicularis L. and the new species is placed in the series Debiles of section Orthorrhynchae, subsection Euorthorrhynchae having plants with low grassy habit and the filaments inserted above middle of corolla tube. The new species is closely allied to the two species, P. porrecta and P. heydei but differs from both these by its tiny size, fewer-flowered inflorescence, fewer leaf-pinnae, deeply-incised labium lobes almost to the base, stamens inserted at three different levels on corolla tube and bicolpate, prolate pollen grains with crotonoid exine sculpture. Two flowers with twin (double) galea were observed which is an innovative floral trait never found earlier in this genus, suggesting acquired, adaptive and evolutionary transition towards more precise pollination.

Himachal Pradesh, Rohtang, Pedicularis porrecta, Pedicularis heydei, Pedicularis series Debiles, Eudicots

Arti GARG. 2025. Pedicularis rajeshiana (Orobanchaceae), A New hemiparasitic Species from Western Himalaya, India. Phytotaxa. 702(2); 149-165. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.702.2.3 [2025-05-27] 

facebook.com/ArtiGARG1481/posts/30477704345161314 

[Arachnida • 2024] Vigdisia praesidens, gen. et sp. nov. • A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider and An Ant compete for Termite Food

 

 Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, 

in Gregorič, Yu, Ravelojaona, Agnarsson et Kuntner, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 

 Researchgate.net/publication/382253438

ABSTRACT

Ants and termites are insect groups that make up most of the insect biomass in tropical ecosystems. Due to their social structure and abundance, they are some of the most bountiful prey available to other invertebrates such as spiders. However, ants and termites possess dangerous defense strategies, thus limiting their accessibility to general predators. Here, we report on an unexpected finding of a three-way predator-prey-kleptoparasite interaction in Madagascar among a termite Nasutitermes sp. (prey), a previously unknown theridiid spider Vigdisia praesidens gen. nov., sp. nov. (predator), and an ant Pheidole spinosa (kleptoparasite). Our field observations suggest that the spiders are able to detect a damaged termite nest from a distance to disperse onto it and prey on its residents. Kleptoparasitic ants also arrive on the scene to steal from the spiders their termite prey. Both the spider and the ant seem to possess some degree of behavioural prey specialisation for Nasutitermes termites. The here described ecological interaction warrants further study to better understand the exploitation of signals by such phylogenetically diverse arthropods.

KEYWORDS: Heterospecific competition, opportunistic predation, prey specialisation, kleptoparasitism, alarm signals, stenophagy, spider web

 Vigdisia praesidens with two termites wrapped. 
Camp Mantella, Marojejy National Park, Madagascar, 30. March 2022. 

Family Theridiidae Sundevall, 1833. 

Subfamily Spintharinae Simon, 1894.

Vigdisia Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new genus

Vigdisia praesidens Agnarsson, Kuntner, Yu & Gregorič, new species

Etymology: The genus name, feminine in gender, honors Vigdís Finnbogadóttir, former president of Iceland (1980-1996) and the first democratically elected female pre-sident in the world. Vigdís shares the spider ́s elegance and wits.  

 

Matjaž Gregorič, Kuang Ping Yu, Jeremia Ravelojaona, Ingi Agnarsson and Matjaž Kuntner. 2024. A perilous Malagasy triad: A Spider (Vigdisia praesidens, gen. and sp. nov.) and An Ant compete for Termite Food. New Zealand Journal of Zoology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/03014223.2024.2373185 [14 Jul 2024]

  Researchgate.net/publication/382253438_Vigdisia_praesidens_gen_et_sp_nov_and_an_ant_compete_for_termite_food

https://www.newspeciespodcast.net/all-episodes/a-new-malagasy-spider-with-matja-gregori

[Botany • 2023] Castilleja eggeri (Orobanchaceae: Pedicularideae) • A New endemic Species from Mexico

Castilleja eggeri Franc.Gut., Cházaro & Avendaño,

 

in Francisco-Gutiérrez, Cházaro-Basáñez et Avendaño-Reyes, 2023.   

DOI: 10.1111/njb.04057 

 twitter.com/NordicJBotany 

 

Abstract

The new species Castilleja eggeri (Orobanchaceae) is described, compared and illustrated. The species is distinguished by its reduced number of 1–5 flowers per inflorescence, decumbent stems and dissected leaves. It is distributed in a narrow and very humid area of cloud forest in the mountains of central Veracruz in eastern Mexico. It is compared with Castilleja moranensis, morphologically the most similar species. Conservation assessment classifies the species as critically endangered (CR). Also, a key and distribution map of Castilleja taxa in the state of Veracruz are provided. This species is added to the endemisms of Castilleja in Mexico, where one third of the total diversity of the genus in the Americas is found.

Keywords: Castillejinae, hemiparasitism, parasitic species, Scrophulariaceae

Castilleja eggeri sp. nov.

Antonio Francisco-Gutiérrez, Miguel Cházaro-Basáñez and Sergio Avendaño-Reyes. 2023. Castilleja eggeri (Orobanchaceae: Pedicularideae), A New endemic Species from Mexico. Nordic Journal of Botany. e04057. DOI: 10.1111/njb.04057  [17 August 2023]

  twitter.com/NordicJBotany/status/1699771197364305946

[Botany • 2025] Orobanche andryalae (Orobanchaceae) • A New Species from the Canary Islands

 

Orobanche andryalae C.J.Thorogood, M. Hernández González, Rumsey & Reyes-Bet.,

in Thorogood, Hernández González, Rumsey et Reyes-Betancort, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.141300

Abstract

A new species of Orobanche is described from the Canary Islands. The plant belongs to the complicated Subsection Minores and has a distinct combination of morphological features, ecology, and host specificity. The markedly cernuous corolla, high filament insertion and colouration distinguishes Orobanche andryalae from closely related species with which it has been previously confused, and which do not occur in the Canary Islands, including O. amethystea subsp. castellana and O. calendulae; these features remain stable in cultivation. Orobanche andryalae appears to be parasitic almost exclusively on Andryala spp., and occurs on thermophilus volcanic substrates in northern Lanzarote, northwest Tenerife and Jandía in Fuerteventura. An updated key to the Orobanche of the Canary Islands is presented, including the new taxon we describe here.

Key words: Andryala, broomrape, endemism, Macaronesia, parasitic plant

Orobanche andryalae 
A habit B lower stem C corolla D corolla cross section E carpel F stamen G calyx lobe H bract.

A Orobanche andryalae in cultivation at the University of Oxford Botanic Garden B O. amethystea in the Algarve, Portugal C O. calendulae in the Algarve, Portugal
D the habitat of O. andryalae in Lanzarote: volcanic cliffs (Famara area, northern Lanzarote) E O. andryalae in Lanzarote, with its host plant Andryala perezii F O. andryalae collected from Fuerteventura (putatively parasitising Asteriscus sericeus) G, H O. andryalae in northwest Tenerife growing on Andryala pinnatifida (the corolla dorsal line of the specimen in H is atypical in being less conspicuously cernuous).

 Orobanche andryalae C.J.Thorogood, M. Hernández González, Rumsey & Reyes-Bet., sp. nov.

Description: Stems 6–16(25) cm, glandular-hairy, pale orange to light reddish-brown. Stem scarcely swollen below; subterranean bracts broadly triangular, yellow; those above (reduced leaves) rather sparse, brown, 8–15 mm. Flowers 5–15(20), arranged on the upper quarter or third of the stem, lax. Bracts 10–12 mm, rather shorter than the corolla, broadly triangular, brown, glandular-hairy. Calyx 5–7 mm with segments fused, strongly unequal (rarely entire), not exceeding the corolla tube. Corolla 10–15 mm, pale yellow with faint reddish veins and scattered glandular hairs, strongly cernuous when mature, remaining so in fruit, sometimes abruptly geniculate; upper lip bilobed; lower lip 3-lobed, the lateral lobes slightly exceeding the central; all lobes minutely-toothed. Filaments sparsely hairy below, glabrous above; inserted conspicuously (c.5 mm) above the corolla base; anthers ± glabrous. Stigma lobes touching, mid to dark red-orange.

Etymology. Orobanche andryalae is named in accordance with its main host species, Andryala perezii.

 Chris J. Thorogood, Matías Hernández González, Fred J. Rumsey and Jorge Alfredo Reyes-Betancort. 2025. Orobanche andryalae (Orobanchaceae): A New Species from the Canary Islands. PhytoKeys. 252: 275-285. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.141300

[Funga • 2025] Gibellula attenboroughii (Hypocreales: Cordycipitaceae) • The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Tetragnathidae: Metainae)

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype, on Meta menardi.
 

Evans, Fogg, Buddie, Yeap, & Araújo, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

 

Abstract  

The genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) comprises species pathogenic on and specific to spider hosts. Here, we report on the occurrence of a novel species infecting cave-dwelling, orb-weaving spiders of the sub-family Metainae (Tetragnathidae) in the British Isles. The new species, Gibellula attenboroughii is described and illustrated and its ecology is discussed; leading to the conclusion that infected spiders exhibit behavioural changes similar to those reported for zombie ants. The hidden diversity of the genus Gibellula in the British Isles is further highlighted based on fungarium records and literature searches. Two spider pathogens, previously assigned to the genus Torrubiella, are now transferred to the genus Gibellula, based on their Granulomanus synasexual morphs, in accordance with the one fungus-one name initiative: Gibellula albolanata comb. nov. and G. aranicida comb. nov.

Keywords: Gibellula attenboroughii; entomopathogenic fungi; host manipulation; new taxa; systematics

 

Gibellula attenboroughii, habitat and paratype IMI 507598, on Meta menardi.
A. Whitefathers’ Caves, showing the dark zone above the River Barran, County Cavan, Republic of Ireland. B. Entrance and twilight zone. C. Infected spider in situ, on cave ceiling, showing early infection with immature synnemata on compact, white subiculum, the specimen was found immediately above the figure in the centre. D. Dried specimen, showing creamish-yellow subiculum covering ventral abdomen.

 Scale bars: C = 0.5 mm; D = 0.25 mm.

  Evans, H.C.; Fogg, T.; Buddie, A.G.; Yeap, Y.T. and Araújo, J.P.M. 2025. The araneopathogenic genus Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae: Hypocreales) in the British Isles, including A New Zombie Species on Orb-weaving Cave Spiders (Metainae: Tetragnathidae).  Fungal Systematics and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.3114/fuse.2025.15.07 

  x.com/joaofungo/status/1884185595884487080

[Crustacea • 2024] Cryptione grandis • Resurrection of the parasitic isopod genus Cryptione Hansen, 1897 (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) and Description of A New Species of parasitic isopod (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) from the deep-sea shrimp Notostomus gibbosus (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with an analysis of its phylogenetic position based on molecular data

Cryptione grandis sp. nov. from Notostomus gibbosus

 Williams, Horch, Ceballos & Bracken-Grissom, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-024-01475-z 

Abstract

A new species of pseudionine parasite is described from the deep-sea shrimp Notostomus gibbosus A. Milne-Edwards, 1881, collected in the Gulf of Mexico, the first record of a bopyrid parasitizing any member of the family Acanthephyridae Spence Bate, 1888. Morphological and molecular data are provided to support the inclusion of the new species and 12 other branchial ectoparasites of caridean shrimps in the genus Cryptione Hansen, 1897 that is resurrected herein. Cryptione is sister to the genus Pseudione sensu stricto, ectoparasites of axiid and callianassid shrimps as well as nephropid lobsters. The new species Cryptione grandis can be distinguished from its closest congeners including C. parviramus (Adkison, 1988) from the Gulf of Mexico by several female and male characters. The epicaridium larvae of C. grandis were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), only the second description of this stage for any species in the genus. A table listing all species in Cryptione and taxonomic notes on some species are provided.

Keywords: Bopyrid, Ectoparasite, Epicaridium larva, New species, Pseudioninae

Systematics

Order Isopoda Latreille, 1816

Suborder Epicaridea Latreille, 1825

Superfamily Bopyroidea Rafinesque, 1815

Family Bopyridae Rafinesque, 1815

Subfamily Pseudioninae Codreanu, 1967

Cryptione Hansen, 1897

Cryptione grandis sp. nov. from Notostomus gibbosus
(a–d female holotype (USNM 1716194); e male allotype (USNM 1716195)).
 a Lateral view of N. gibbosus with C. grandis sp. nov. extending from right branchial chamber (ventral view of female with larvae in brood chamber shown); b lateral view of N. gibbosus with C. grandis sp. nov. removed and positioned dorsal side up (male attached to posterior pleon, shown with arrow); c female dorsal view; d female ventral view; e male dorsal view.

Scale bars: a–d = 5 mm; e = 1.5 mm

Cryptione grandis sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet grandis is Latin for large or great, denoting the size of the female parasite.

Type locality: Northern Gulf of Mexico ...; type host: Notostomus gibbosus.

Jason D. Williams, Amanda P. Horch, Angela Ceballos and Heather Bracken-Grissom. 2024. Resurrection of the parasitic isopod genus Cryptione Hansen, 1897 (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) and Description of A New Species of parasitic isopod (Epicaridea: Bopyridae) from the deep-sea shrimp Notostomus gibbosus (Caridea: Acanthephyridae) with an analysis of its phylogenetic position based on molecular data. Marine Biodiversity. 54, 86. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-024-01475-z