[Herpetology • 2026] Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis • A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura: Megophryidae) from Xizang, China

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan,
Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

in Liu, Zhang, Wei, Ai, Lu, Li, Zhou, Chen et Yuan, 2026. 

墨脱绿角蟾  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945

Abstract

Motuo County, located in the eastern Himalayas and within the lower section of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, is characterized by steep elevational gradients and complex topography, supporting high levels of biodiversity and endemism that remain insufficiently explored. Based on integrated evidence from morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new subgenus and a new species of Asian horned toads from Motuo County, Xizang, China, are described. The new subgenus, Viridophrys subgen. nov., with its type species Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., represents an independent evolutionary lineage within the broadly defined Megophrys, as supported by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses. Although its exact sister-group relationship is not consistently resolved among different datasets, the new lineage is phylogenetically close to the subgenera Brachytarsophrys and Atympanophrys. Morphologically, the new subgenus can be distinguished from other major megophryine lineages by a combination of morphological characters. The discovery of Viridophrys subgen. nov. and M. (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. highlights the underestimated diversity of megophryids in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region and emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts in the eastern Himalayas.

Key Words: Himalayas, Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., taxonomy, Viridophrys subgen. nov., Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region

Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Megophrys Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

Subgenus Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

 Type species. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis
Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The subgenus Viridophrys subgen. nov. can be distinguished from other subgenera within the broadly defined Megophrys by the following diagnostic characteristics: (1) medium body size, mean SVL < 50 mm in adult females; (2) dorsal skin rough, with vivid green dorsal coloration and reddish markings, and ventral surfaces covered with irregular blotches; (3) head wider than long; (4) snout obtusely rounded and without rostral appendage; (5) maxillary teeth present; (6) vomerine teeth and vomerine ridges absent; (7) palpebral appendages absent, with minute tubercles along the outer edge of the upper eyelid; (8) temporal region short, tympanum large, distinct, close to posterior corner of eye, supratympanic fold thick and slightly curved over tympanum; (9) occipital fold absent; (10) dorsolateral fold absent; (11) presence of V-shaped parietoscapular ridge and arcuate central dorsal ridge; (12) flanks bearing scattered white-tipped tubercles, with a few tubercles occasionally present along the ventrolateral boundary; (13) lower jaw smooth, asperities absent; (14) subarticular tubercles on fingers absent; (15) webbing between toes is absent, toe fringe is lacking (Figs 4, 5).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. adult female holotype SWU 0015893 in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsolateral view; D. Profile of head; E. Cloacal area.

Photographs by Ren-Da Ai.

Habitat of Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. at the type locality, Beibeng Township, Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A. Broadleaf and coniferous mixed forest; B. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. in the wild (SWU 0015893).

Habitat photograph by Wen-Zhu Lu. Species photograph by Ren-Da Ai.

Etymology. The subgeneric name Viridophrys subgen. nov. is derived from the Latin viridis, meaning green, and the Greek ophrys, meaning eyebrow, in reference to the extensive green markings on the dorsum of the new taxon. The gender of the name is feminine.

Common name. Green horned toad subgenus /
Lǜ jiǎo chán yà shǔ (绿角蟾亚属).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Etymology. The name “motuoensis” originated from the type locality: Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

Common name. Motuo green horned toad /
Mò tuō lǜ jiǎo chán (墨脱绿角蟾).

 

Xiao-Long Liu, Yin-Peng Zhang, Ping-Fan Wei, Ren-Da Ai, Wen-Zhu Lu, Xian-Qi Li, Wei-Wei Zhou, Jin-Min Chen and Zhi-Yong Yuan. 2026. A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura, Megophryidae, Megophryinae) from Xizang, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1295-1313. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945 [21 Oct 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Staphylus neideae, S. ricardoi, ... • Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Capilla Grishin, 2023, Subgenus of Staphylus Godman & Salvin, 1896 (Lepidoptera: Hesperiidae: Pyrginae), with Descriptions of Four New Species

[M–P] Staphylus (C.) nicoleae Lemes, sp. nov.; [Q, R] S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.; 
[S, T] S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov.; [U–X] S. (C.) neideae Lemes, sp. nov.: 

in Lemes, Siewert, Mielke, Casagrande et Warren, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e179328 

Abstract

The taxonomy of the subgenus Staphylus (Capilla) is reviewed, including redescriptions of known species, identification keys, and detailed distribution maps. The female genitalia of Staphylus (Capilla) azteca (Scudder, 1872), S. (C.) caribbea (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) corumba (Williams & Bell, 1940), S. (C.) eryx Evans, 1953, S. (C.) tucumanus (Plötz, 1884) and S. (C.) tyro (Mabille, 1878) are described and illustrated for the first time. Four new species are described: Staphylus (Capilla) nicoleae Lemes sp. nov. from Colombia and Venezuela, S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov. from Peru, S. (C.) neideae Lemes sp. nov. and S. (C.) neivae sp. nov. from Brazil. Pholisora imperspicua Hayward, 1940 is a syn. nov. of Staphylus (C.) lizeri lizeri (Hayward, 1938) and Hesperia melangon epicaste Mabille, 1903 is a syn. nov. of Staphylus (C.) melangon melangon (Mabille, 1883). Neotypes are designated for Staphylus epicaste Mabille, 1903, Nisoniades tucumanus Plötz, 1884 and Staphylus fascia Hayward, 1933. Lectotypes are designated for Pholisora azteca Scudder, 1872, Bolla machuca Schaus, 1913, Helias tyro Mabille, 1878, Staphylus anginus Schaus, 1902, Hesperia melangon 1883, Hesperia musculus Burmeister, 1875 and Helias aurocapilla Staudinger, 1876.

Keywords: Butterflies, Cytochrome oxidase subunit 1, Neotropical, Skippers

Species of Staphylus (Capilla) in dorsal and ventral views.  
A–D S. (C.) ascalon: A, B male (Brazil, São Paulo, Teodoro Sampaio, Morro do Diabo, OM 17.996); C, D female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Passa Quatro, DZ 46.813).
E, F S. (C.) buena: male (Bolivia, Santa Cruz, Buenavista, holotype, CMNH 7188).
G–J S. (C.) caribbea: G, H male (Costa Rica, Limón Province, La Bomba, MGCL 1112082); I, J female (Costa Rica, Limón Province, Germania, MGCL 1112078).
K–N S. (C.) eryx: K, L male (Brazil, Pará, Santarém, DZ 46.566); M, N female (Brazil, Pará, Santarém, MGCL 1112109).
O–R S. (C.) corumba: O, P male (Brazil, Pará, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Reserva Sonho Azul, DZ 45.033); Q, R female (Brazil, Pará, Santo Antônio do Tauá, Reserva Sonho Azul, DZ 45.005).
S, T S. (C.) lizeri album: male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Carmo do Rio Claro, OM 2.788). U–X S. (C.) lizeri lizeri: U, V male (Peru, Madre de Dios, Tambopata Reserve, DZ 46.176); W, X female (Colombia, Meta, Villavencio, Bosque Bavaria, DZ 45.526).

 Scale bar = 1 cm.

Species of Staphylus (Capilla) in dorsal and ventral views.
A–D S. (C.) tucumanus: A, B male (Argentina, Salta, Pichanal, DZ 45.125); C, D female (Paraguay, Presidente Hayes, Estancia Victoria, Rio Norte Lindo, OM 37.963).
E–H S. (C.) azteca: E, F male (El Salvador, La Libertad, Santa Tecla, MGCL 1112133); G, H female (Mexico, Chiapas, San Jerónimo, DZ 45.085).
I–L S. (C.) tyro: I, J male (Venezuela, Aragua, Ocumare de la Costa, DZ 22.893); K, L female (Venezuela, Aragua, Ocumare de la Costa, DZ 46.608).

M–P Staphylus (C.) nicoleae sp. nov.: M, N male (Colombia, Cundinamarca, El Boqueron, holotype, DZ 45.163); O, P female (Colombia, no specific locality, paratype, NHMUK015052554);
Q, R S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.: male (Brazil, Paraíba, São José da Mata, Campina Grande, holotype, DZ 44.944).
S, T S. (C.) ricardoi sp. nov.: male (Peru, Tingo Maria, holotype, OM 41.643).
U–X S. (C.) neideae sp. nov.: U, V male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, holotype, OM 55.562); W, X female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, paratype, OM 55.476).

Scale bar = 1 cm.

M–P Staphylus (C.) nicoleae sp. nov.: M, N male (Colombia, Cundinamarca, El Boqueron, holotype, DZ 45.163); O, P female (Colombia, no specific locality, paratype, NHMUK015052554);
Q, R S. (C.) neivae sp. nov.: male (Brazil, Paraíba, São José da Mata, Campina Grande, holotype, DZ 44.944). 
S, T S. (C.) ricardoi sp. nov.: male (Peru, Tingo Maria, holotype, OM 41.643).
U–X S. (C.) neideae sp. nov.: U, V male (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, holotype, OM 55.562); W, X female (Brazil, Minas Gerais, Brumadinho, paratype, OM 55.476).

Scale bar = 1 cm.

Staphylus (Capilla) nicoleae Lemes sp. nov. from Colombia and Venezuela, 

S. (C.) ricardoi Lemes, sp. nov. from Peru, 

S. (C.) neideae Lemes sp. nov. and S. (C.) neivae sp. nov. from Brazil.  

 José Ricardo Assmann Lemes, Ricardo Russo Siewert, Olaf Hermann Hendrik Mielke, Mirna Martins Casagrande and Andrew David Warren. 2026. Integrative Taxonomic Revision of Capilla Grishin, 2023, Subgenus of Staphylus Godman & Salvin, 1896 (Lepidoptera, Hesperiidae, Pyrginae, Carcharodini), with Descriptions of Four New Species. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 123-173. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e179328 [24 Feb 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Cryptomantis subgenus nov. & Pristimantis paganus • Vast Cryptic Diversity in Direct-developing Frogs Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae): A New Subgenus and the Description of A New Species from the eastern Andes of Ecuador

 

Pristimantis paganus  

Loza-Carvajal, Yánez-Muñoz, Quilumbaquin & Ortega-Andrade, 2025

 

Amazonian pagan rainfrog| Cutín pagano Amazónico  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20512

Abstract 

Pristimantis, a genus of direct-developing frogs within the family Strabomantidae, comprises 617 recognized species, making it the most species-rich genus of vertebrates worldwide. This group include 264 described (43% of the world) species in Ecuador, being one of the countries in the region with the highest rate of species description, greatest diversity and endemism. In this study, we analyze the phylogenetic position and describe a new Pristimantis species from the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park in northeastern Ecuador, using phylogenetic, genetic, morphological, and geographic evidence. Additionally, we propose a new subgenus within Pristimantis that includes the Pristimantis prolatus and Pristimantis bicantus species groups. Our results indicate that the new species and related species form a well-supported group with significant genetic divergence based on the 16S rRNA gene (average uncorrected p-distance = 2.8–7.5%), within the Pristimantis bicantus species group. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a black to dark-gray dorsum and marbled venter (less intense or brown in males), being endemic to the Guacamayos mountain range and the Llanganates region in the northeastern Andean foothills of Ecuador. We emphasize the importance of including topotypic specimens to analyze and compare species groups to delimiting species, like Pristimantis.

 

Keywords: Integrative taxonomy, Cryptic diversity, Pristimantis paganus sp. nov., Pristimantis prolatus group, Pristimantis bicantus group, Cryptomantis gen. nov.

Pristimantis paganus sp. nov. 
Holotype in life DHMECN 16810, adult female, SVL = 27.2 mm.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) frontal view; (C) lateral view; (D) ventral view. Photographs by Mario H. Yánez Muñoz.

Pristimantis paganus sp. nov.

Suggested common English name: Amazonian pagan rainfrog

Common name in Spanish: Cutín pagano Amazónico.

Diagnosis. Pristimantis paganus sp. nov. (Figs. 2–7) is a member of the subgenus Cryptomantis and P. bicantus species group, characterized by the following combination of characters: (1) dorsal skin finely granular with dorso-laterally aligned flattened warts, areolate venter, discoidal fold present and visible posteriorly, dorsolateral folds weak and discontinuous in females, continuous in males; scapular W-shaped fold in males; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus present, round, horizontal diameter of tympanum equal to 38% of eye diameter, antero-dorsal margin with a supratympanic fold and large subconical postrictal tubercles; (3) snout short, subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile with slightly flared lips; (4) upper eyelid with at least three to four large rounded tubercles surrounded by several small rounded tubercles, two subconical tubercles behind each eye; no cranial crest; (5) dentigerous processes of vomers, oblique in outline each process with 3–8 teeth; (6) vocal slits absent; no nuptial pad and no vocal sac; (7) Finger I shorter than Finger II; broad, expanded disks dilated with circummarginal grooves; (8) fingers with thin lateral cutaneous fringes; (9) subarticular tubercles, present, prominent; hyperdistal subarticular tubercle, present; ulnar tubercles absent; (10) heel with one subconical tubercle; outer edge with two flattened tubercles, tarsal fold absent; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle oval in females 3 times larger than rounded outer metatarsal tubercle; supernumerary tubercles absent; (12) toes with thin lateral fringes present, interdigital membrane absent, Toe V longer than Toe III; (13) The distinctive coloration of females, characterized by a uniformly black dorsum and black markings on a cream to pinkish-cream background on the flanks, belly, and throat, distinguishes this species from its congeners and other Pristimantis species inhabiting the eastern montane forests of Ecuador; (14) adult males, SVL = 17.20–21.5 mm (mean = 19.6, n = 13), females SVL= 24.8–29.8 mm (mean = 29.6 mm, n = 6), (Tables 2, 3, S3).

Etymology. The specific epithet is from the Latin word “paganus”, an adjective derived from “pagus”, which refers to the inhabitants of the forest or village, far from civilization and towns, referring to the remote and unexplored sites where this species inhabits, in the montane cloud forests at the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park, northeastern flanks of the Andes in Ecuador.

Habitat and specimens of Pristimantis paganus sp. nov.
(A) Cloud forest with epiphytic plants, type locality, Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve; (B) female, DHMECN 19962;
(C) paratype, male, DHMECN 15602; (D) paratype, adult female, DHMECN 17222.

Photographs: Jorge Brito (A), Keyko D. Loza-Carvajal (B), H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade (C), Zane Libke (D).

Representative species of the subgenus Cryptomantis.
Subclade A-Pristimantis prolatus species group: (A) Pristimantis ganonotus DHMECN 16961, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo; (B) P. burtoniorum DHMECN 14479, Paratype, Mayordomo Reserve, Tungurahua; (C) P. prolatus DHMECN 11564, Topotype, Río El Reventador, Sucumbíos;
(D) P. c.sp. 1, DHMECN 15674, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo.
Subclade B-Pristimantis bicantus species group: (E) P. c.sp. 2, QCAZ 70020, Llanganates National Park, Napo; (F) P. marcoreyesi, DHMECN 13833, Tungurahua volcano, Tungurahua; (G) P. paganus sp. nov. DHMECN 15606, Colonso Chalupas Reserve, Napo;
(H) P. tungurahua, DHMECN 14428, Vizcaya Reserve, Tungurahua; (I) P. sacharuna, QCAZ 52496, Zúñag Reserve, Tungurahua; (J) P. c.sp. 3, QCAZ 51553, San Antonio de Juval, Cañar;
(K) P. nelsongalloi, DHMECN 5223, Zúñag Reserve, Tungurahua; (L) P. bicantus, DHMECN 12359, El Reventador, Sucumbíos; (M) P. c.sp. 5, QCAZ 52489, Sangay National Park, Morona Santiago.

Photo credit: Gustavo Pazmiño, Bioweb (E); Santiago Ron, Bioweb (I), Bioweb (J, M); Keyko D. Loza, Carvajal (A); Mario H. Yánez Muñoz (B, C, F, H, K, L); H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade (D, G).

Conclusions: 

We described a new species, Pristimantis paganus, from the Colonso Chalupas Biological Reserve and Llanganates National Park, northeastern Ecuador. Furthermore, we define a new subgenus, Cryptomantis, within Pristimantis that includes the Pristimantis prolatus and Pristimantis bicantus species groups. Our results indicate at least five Candidate species within Cryptomantis. We emphasize the importance of including topotypic specimens to analyze and compare specios groups to delimiting species, like Pristimantis.

 

Keyko D. Loza-Carvajal, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Walter Quilumbaquin and H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade​. 2025. Vast Cryptic Diversity in Direct-developing Frogs Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae): A New Subgenus and the Description of A New Species from the eastern Andes of Ecuador. PeerJ. 13:e20512. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20512 [December 17, 2025]

 

[Entomology • 2025] Ceraphron chularoipaad • Review of the Subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the Genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera: Ceraphronidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand

 

Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad   

Ghafouri Moghaddam, Salden & Butcher,

in Moghaddam, Salden, Latibari et Butcher, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.98.151607 

Abstract

The subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 is reviewed, and a new species, Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad sp. nov., from Thailand is described and illustrated. This represents the first species-level record of the genus Ceraphron in Thailand. Additionally, we provide the redescriptions and illustrations of three previously known species viz., C. (L.) huggerti, C. (L.) sylviae, and C. (L.) tobiasi. We also include two identification keys for all known subgenera of Ceraphron and species of the subgenus Larsoceraphron.

Keywords: Identification key, Oriental, redescription, species discovery, Taxonomy 

 

Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad sp. nov., female holotype from Thailand (CUMZ)
A habitus and antenna, lateral view B fore and hind wing C head, dorsofrontal view D head, lateral view E head, dorsal view F mesosoma, dorsal view G posterior mesosoma and anterior syntergum, dorsal view H syntergum, dorsal view I head and mesosoma, lateral view J metasoma, lateral view K posterior metasoma, dorsal view.

 Ceraphron (Larsoceraphron) chularoipaad 

Ghafouri Moghaddam, Salden & Butcher, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet chularoipaad is derived from “Chula”, referring to Chulalongkorn University, and “roi paad”, which means “one hundred and eight” in Thai, commemorating the 108th anniversary of Chulalongkorn University in 2025. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Mostafa Ghafouri Moghaddam, Tobias Salden, Minoo Heidari Latibari and Buntika A. Butcher. 2025. Review of the Subgenus Larsoceraphron Dessart, 1981 of the Genus Ceraphron Jurine, 1807 (Hymenoptera, Ceraphronidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand. Journal of Hymenoptera Research. 98: 579-602. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jhr.98.151607 

[Botany • 2024] A Synopsis of Carex subgenus Psyllophorae, sect. Junciformes (Cyperaceae) in South America

 Carex subgenus Psyllophorae, sect. Junciformes

in Morales-Alonso, Muñoz-Schüler, Pereira-Silva, Donadío, Martín-Bravo et Jiménez-Mejías, 2024. 

DOI: 10.1093/botlinnean/boae038 

 x.com/AnaM_sp_

 

Abstract

This is the second study of a series of thorough studies into the taxonomy and systematics of Carex in South America. Here, we present the systematic placement, taxonomic account, formal typifications, and summarized distributions for the 31 accepted South America species of Carex subg. Psyllophorae, all belonging to sect. Junciformes. We have conducted an exhaustive revision of literature, more than 400 specimens from 32 South and North American and European herbaria have been studied, and a Sanger phylogenetic study with four DNA regions and morphometric analyses for the C. phalaroides group have been performed. We present an enlarged phylogenetic study where sect. Junciformes sampling has increased by 11 species regarding previous studies, only lacking four species of the group (C. herba-alpacae, C. moorei, C. nelmesiana, and C. transandina). South American species of sect. Junciformes are grouped into four major lineages: C. camptoglochin Clade, Aciculares Clade (South America and Australia–New Zealand), C. phalaroides group, and Junciformes Clade. We have resolved the C. phalaroides complex into six independent species with a clear geographic structure. We successfully unravelled the systematic placement of three species included here for the first time (C. boelckeiana, C. reicheana, and C. manuelbarrosii). An identification key is provided for the studied species. We propose 30 new typifications, and four new species are described (C. herba-alpacae, C. manuelbarrosii, C. melliza, and C. via-montana).

neotropics, phylogeny, taxonomy

 Representative images of living specimens of sect. Junciformes.
A, C. andina (Chile, Ñuble). B, C. aphylla (Chile, Biobío). C, C. argentina (Chile, Metropolitana de Santiago). D, C. herba-alpacae (Peru, Lima),
E, C. camptoglochin (Chile, Los Lagos). F, C. boelckeiana (Chile, Araucaní). G, C. caduca (Chile, Los Lagos). H, C. reicheana (Chile, Araucanía).
I, C. setifolia (Chile, Maule). J, C. pungens (Chile, Valparaíso). K, C. sorianoi (Chile, O’ Higgins). L, C. vallis-pulchrae subsp. barrosiana (Argentina, Tierra del Fuego).
M, C. chlorolepis (Chile, Biobío). N, C. phalaroides (Brazil, Paraná). O, C. paraguayensis (Brazil, Rio Grande do Sul). P, C. via-montana (Ecuador, Pichincha).

Pictures: P. Muñoz-Schüler(A, B, E, I, J, M), M. Maldonado (D), P. Jiménez-Mejías (F, G, O), S. Martín-Bravo (C, H), M. Luceño (K, L, N), and A. Morales-Alonso (P).

Representative inflorescence variation displayed by sect. Junciformes species. 
From A to J, Aciculares Clade; from L to Y, Junciformes Clade; and from Z to AE, C. phalaroides group. ...

Scale bar = 4 cm.

Ana Morales-Alonso, Paulo Muñoz-Schüler, Luciana Pereira-Silva, Sabina Donadío, Santiago Martín-Bravo and Pedro Jiménez-Mejías. 2024. A Synopsis of Carex subgenus Psyllophorae, sect. Junciformes (Cyperaceae) in South America. Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society. boae038. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/botlinnean/boae038

  x.com/AnaM_sp_/status/1819985349453476084

[Entomology • 2024] Lasioglossum iridescens, L. dilisena & L. silveirai • A Problematic Species Complex of Lasioglossum Subgeneric Diagnostics in North America (Hymenoptera: Halictidae)

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) dilisena

 Hettiarachchi & Gibbs, 2024

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5404.1.13

 twitter.com/ThilinaHA

 

Abstract

A problematic species complex within Lasioglossum subgenus Sphecodogastra with unusual metallic reflections on the mesosoma is described from North America. Three new species in this complex are described and illustrated: Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) iridescens sp. nov., Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) dilisena sp. nov., and Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) silveirai sp. nov. Our study addresses the challenge of diagnosing Lasioglossum subgenera within North America. We present an updated key for the North American Lasioglossum subgenera.

Key words: Apoidea, classification, cryptic species, new species, taxonomy

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) iridescens sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the iridescent colouration of the new species.

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) dilisena sp. nov. , ♀, holotype.
A. Dorsal habitus. b. Face. C. Lateral habitus. D.Metasoma.

Scale bars = 1 mm.

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) dilisena sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘dilisena’ is derived from the Sinhala word ‘dilisena’ දිලිසෙන, which means ‘shining’, but is used here as a noun in apposition. This name was chosen because all three species described in this paper have an unusual metallic reflection on the mesosoma that is not seen in other known North American species in the subgenus Sphecodogastra. The first author is also a native speaker of Sinhala from Sri Lanka. Sinhala language is one of the official and national languages of Sri Lanka and the mother tongue of the majority people of Sri Lanka. Through this naming choice, we hope to honour all the linguistic and cultural diversity of the world.

 

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) silveirai sp. nov., ♀, holotype.
A. Dorsal habitus. b. Face. C. Lateral habitus. D. Metasoma.

Scale bars = 1 mm.

Lasioglossum (Sphecodogastra) silveirai sp. nov.

Etymology. This species is named in honour of the late Fernando Silveira (Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais) for his contributions to bee taxonomy and his warm, jovial spirit, which made it a delight to attend international conferences on pollinators.

  

Thilina Hettiarachchi and Jason Gibbs. 2024. A Problematic Species Complex of Lasioglossum Subgeneric Diagnostics in North America (Hymenoptera: Halictidae). Zootaxa. 5404(1); 206-235. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5404.1.13

 twitter.com/ThilinaHA/status/1750370254780236012

[Herpetology • 2023] Nanorana laojunshanensis • A New Species of Nanorana (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Northwestern Yunnan, China, with Comments on the Taxonomy of Nanorana arunachalensis and Allopaa

 Nanorana laojunshanensis 

Tang, Liu & Yu, 2023

Laojunshan Slow Frog | 老君山倭蛙  ||  DOI: 10.3390/ani13213427 

 Researchgate.net/publication/375407677

 Abstract

The genus Nanorana contains three subgenera, namely Nanorana, Paa, and Chaparana, and currently, there are four species known to science in Nanorana (Nanorana). In this study, we describe a new species belonging to the subgenus Nanorana from northwestern Yunnan, China. Phylogenetically, the new species, Nanorana laojunshanensis sp. nov., is the sister to the clade of N. pleskei and N. ventripunctata. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from known congeners by the combination of following characters: present tympanum, equal fingers I and II, small body size, yellow ventral surface of limbs, distinct vomerine teeth, indistinct subarticular tubercles, head width greater than head length, slender supratympanic fold, absent dorsolateral fold, nuptial spines present on fingers I and II in adult males, absent vocal sac, and paired brown spines on the chest. Moreover, we suggest moving the genus Allopaa into Nanorana (Chaparana) and consider that N. arunachalensis is neither an Odorrana species nor a member of the subfamily Dicroglossinae (therefore Nanorana), but probably represents a distinct genus closely related to Ingerana or belongs to Ingerana, pending more data. Additionally, we consider that Nanorana minica deserves the rank of an independent subgenus, and we suggest assigning N. arnoldi, N. blanfordii, N. ercepeae, N. polunini, N. rarica, N. rostandi, N. vicina, N. xuelinensis, and N. zhaoermii into the subgenus Paa and placing N. kangxianensis, N. phrynoides, and N. sichuanensis in the subgenus Chaparana.

Keywords: Nanorana; Paa; Chaparana; Allopaa; northwestern Yunnan

 Holotype of Nanorana laojunshanensis sp. nov.
in life (A,B) and in preservative (C,D).

Nanorana (Nanorana) laojunshanensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The new species was assigned to Nanorana (Nanorana) using the following morphological characters: oval tongue, shallowly notched posterior; blunt finger and toe tips; absent webbing between fingers, absent supernumerary tubercle; developed webbing between toes; paired patches of spine on chest [Fei, et al., 2009]. The new species can be distinguished from other members of Nanorana by having a combination of the following characters: (1) present tympanum; (2) small body size; (3) distinct vomerine teeth; (4) indistinct subarticular tubercles; (5) head width greater than head length; (6) slender supratympanic fold; (7) finger I equal to finger II; (8) absence of dark blotches on ventral surface and yolk-yellow ventral surface of limbs; (9) absent dorsolateral fold; (10) nuptial spines present only on fingers I and II in adult males; (11) absent vocal sac; and (12) paired brown spines on chest.

...

Etymology: The specific epithet is named after the type locality, Mt. Laojun, Lijiang, Yunnan, China. We suggested “laojunshan slow frog” for the common English name and “老君山倭蛙 (Lǎo Jūn Shān Wō Wā)” for the common Chinese name.

Minipaa subgen. nov.

Type species: Nanorana minica (Dubois, 1975)

Included species: Nanorana minica (Dubois, 1975).

Distribution: Nepal, India, Bhutan.

Etymology: From the Latin mini, “small”, and from the generic name Paa, Dubois, 1975 (from the Tamang name paa, “frog”), in which this species was originally placed. This name refers to the small body size of this taxon.

 

 Shangjing Tang, Shuo Liu and Guohua Yu. 2023. A New Species of Nanorana (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Northwestern Yunnan, China, with Comments on the Taxonomy of Nanorana arunachalensis and Allopaa. Animals. 13(21), 3427. DOI: 10.3390/ani13213427 

 Researchgate.net/publication/375407677_A_New_Species_of_Nanorana_from_Yunnan_China

 

Simple Summary: Currently, the genus Nanorana contains thirty-two species, and four of them belong to the subgenus Nanorana, namely N. bangdaensis, N. parkeri, N. pleskei, and N. ventripunctata. In this study, on the basis of molecular and morphological evidence, we described a new species of Nanorana (Nanorana) from northwestern Yunnan, China, where only one member (N. ventripunctata) of Nanorana (Nanorana) has been reported. Additionally, the taxonomic status of Nanorana arunachalensis and Allopaa hazarensis were discussed, and subgeneric allocations of Nanorana species were suggested. The findings in this study bring the number of Nanorana species to 33 and improve our understanding on the taxonomy of genus Nanorana and the species diversity of Nanorana (Nanorana), an alpine group widely distributed in the southern and southeastern Qinghai–Tibetan Plateau.

[Botany • 2023] Phylogeny based Generic Reclassification of Muscari sensu lato (Asparagaceae) using Plastid and Genomic DNA

Inflorescences of Muscari species incorporated in this study.
A–H, M. subg. Muscari: A, M. anatolicum; B, M. adilii; C, M. armeniacum; D, M. discolor; E, M. sivrihisardaghlarense; F, M. vuralii; G, M. neglectum; H, M. commutatum.
I, M. subg. Muscarimia: M. macrocarpum.
J–L, Muscari subg. Pulchella (subg. nov.): J, M. latifolium; K, M. pulchellum; L, M. bourgaei.

 — Names listed above follow the new classification here proposed. 

in Böhnert, Neumann, Quandt & Weigend, 2023.

 DOI: 10.1002/tax.12864 

Images: T. Böhnert. twitter.com/TimBoeh

Abstract

The grape hyacinth (Muscari) represents an important ornamental plant group in Asparagaceae subfamily Scilloideae, comprising some 80 species distributed mainly in the Mediterranean. However, genus delimitation has repeatedly shifted over the past two centuries and a general consensus has not been reached so far. The present study investigates the phylogeny of Muscari s.l. (i.e., including the disputed segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia) with a broad sampling of about half the currently recognized species using both chloroplast markers (trnK(matK)-psbA, trnL-trnF, rpl16) and genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) data generated by double-digest restriction site-associated DNA sequencing (ddRAD). We perform concatenated maximum likelihood inference for both datasets as well as a coalescent-based approach and principal component analysis (PCA) on the ddRAD data. We find that the morphological characters traditionally used to distinguish different genera are not diagnostic for the clades here retrieved. Also, the segregates Pseudomuscari and Leopoldia are deeply nested in Muscari and we therefore propose a broadly defined Muscari with five subgenera. The subgenera roughly correspond to previously recognized entities, with the exception of the newly identified clade here proposed as M. subg. Pulchella subg. nov. We provide a provisional assignment of the 80 currently accepted taxa to these subgenera.

Keywords: ddRAD, geophyte, Leopoldia, Mediterranean, Pseudomuscari, Scilloideae

Inflorescences of 16 Muscari species incorporated in this study.
A–H, M. subg. Muscari: A, M. anatolicum; B, M. adilii; C, M. armeniacum; D, M. discolor; E, M. sivrihisardaghlarense; F, M. vuralii; G, M. neglectum; H, M. commutatum.
I, M. subg. Muscarimia: M. macrocarpum.
J–L, M. subg. Pulchella (subg. nov.): J, M. latifolium; K, M. pulchellum; L, M. bourgaei.
M–P, M. subg. Pseudomuscari: M, M. parviflorum; N, M. chalusicum; O, M. inconstrictum; P, M. coeruleum.

 — Names listed above follow the new classification here proposed. 

Images: T. Böhnert.

CONCLUSION AND OUTLOOK: 

Muscari is a very natural group, best recognized as a single genus. The ddRAD data are able to reconstruct a highly resolved and highly supported phylogeny. Comprehensive sampling of the remaining ca. 45 species would be highly desirable to reach a comprehensive understanding of this important geophyte genus. Our data show evidence for lineage admixture and future analyses should be directed towards understanding the role of hybridization in the evolution of the genus by testing for introgression and possibly ongoing gene flow. It would also be expected that the evolution of Muscari is correlated to the geological and climatic history of the Mediterranean basin and this could be tested with a dated phylogeny of this genus. Beyond molecular data, additional and critical morphological analyses are required to hopefully provide a morphological characterization of the different subgenera.

Tim Böhnert, Michael Neumann, Dietmar Quandt and Maximilian Weigend. 2023. Phylogeny based Generic Reclassification of Muscari sensu lato (Asparagaceae) using Plastid and Genomic DNA. TAXON. DOI: 10.1002/tax.12864

 twitter.com/TimBoeh/status/1618211244061884418

[Entomology • 2022] Dasypolia sejilaensis & D. cerritula • Taxonomic Review of the Subgenus Tatsipolia of the Genus Dasypolia (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) with Descriptions of Two New Species from southern Xizang, China

 Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) sejilaensis
 Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) cerritula

 Chen, Pan, Volynkin, Saldaitis & Benedek, 2022.

 DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1115.84527

Abstract

The subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011 of the genus Dasypolia Guenée, 1852 is reviewed. Two new species, D. (T.) sejilaensis sp. nov. and D. (T.) cerritula sp. nov. are described from the Linzhi (Nyingchi) Prefecture in southern Xizang, China. The adults and the male and female genitalia of all species in the subgenus are illustrated. Additionally, Dasypolia (Auropolia) carlotta Floriani, Benedek, Behounek & Saldaitis, 2011 is reported from Xizang for the first time.

Keywords: Antitypina, new record, Noctuinae, Owlet moth, systematics, taxonomy, Xylenini

Noctuidae Latreille, 1809

Noctuinae Latreille, 1809

Xylenini Guenée, 1837

Antitypina Forbes & Franclemont, 1954

Genus Dasypolia Guenée, 1852

 

Subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011

Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) Benedek et al. 2011: 108. 

Type species: Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) ruficilia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011, by original designation.

Diagnosis: Members of the subgenus are small moths (forewing length is 11-13 mm) externally similar to taxa of the subgenus Cteipolia. However, despite the external similarity, the subgenus is characterised by the following diagnostic features in the male genitalia: (1) The uncus is short but wide, triangular, dorso-ventrally flattened; (2) The harpe is reduced, tubercle- or spine-like; (3) The digitus is robust, thorn-like; (4) The juxta bears a medial process posteriorly; and (5) The phallus is relatively short but broad, with vesica bearing one or two clusters of spine-like cornuti. In the female genitalia, the broad ostium bursae and the sideways curved ductus and corpus bursae are characteristic for the subgenus.

Distribution: Species of the subgenus are known only from south-western China (Sichuan and southern Xizang).

Species content of Dasypolia (Tatsipolia)

D. (T.) sejilaensis sp. nov.

D. (T.) cerritula sp. nov.

D. (T.) vignai L. Ronkay & Zilli, 1993.

D. (T.) ruficilia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis, 2011.

Dasypolia (Tatsipolia and Auropolia) spp., adults.
 Depositories of the specimens: 1–4 and 8 in TAAHU 5 in AFM 6 in HNHM (photo by B. Tóth) 7 in ZSM.

 Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) sejilaensis sp. nov.

Distribution: The new species is known only from Sejila Mountain in southern Xizang Province of China.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the type locality [Sejila Mountain].

 Dasypolia (Tatsipolia) cerritula sp. nov.

Distribution: The new species is known only from Sejila Mountain in southern Xizang Province of China.

Etymology: In Latin, ‘cerritulus’ means ‘weird.’ The specific epithet refers to the unusual cucullus densely covered with robust, spine-like setae.

Enyong Chen, Zhaohui Pan, Anton V. Volynkin, Aidas Saldaitis and Balázs Benedek. 2022. Taxonomic Review of the Subgenus Tatsipolia Benedek, Behounek, Floriani & Saldaitis of the Genus Dasypolia Guenée with Descriptions of Two New Species from southern Xizang, China (Insecta, Lepidoptera, Noctuidae). ZooKeys. 1115: 187-198. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1115.84527

[Botany • 2021] Indigofera wenholdiae (Fabaceae, Indigofereae) • A New Species from the Western Cape Province, South Africa

 Indigofera wenholdiae du Preez & Schrire, 

in du Preez, Dreyer, ... et Schrire, 2021. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.182.72170

Abstract

In this study, Indigofera wenholdiae, a new species of Fabaceae from the Agulhas Plain Region of the Western Cape Province, South Africa, is described. A composite photographic plate is included along with a distribution map, description of habitat and ecology and proposed IUCN conservation status. Indigofera wenholdiae is unique in the I. brachystachya group by having digitately compound (vs. pinnately compound) leaves, white and unscented flowers (vs. pink and sweetly scented flowers) and grows on sandstone hillsides (vs. coastal limestone plains and outcrops).

Keywords: Indigofera, Leguminosae, Greater Cape Floristic Region, fynbos, taxonomy

Figure 1. Indigofera wenholdiae du Preez & Schrire
 A single inflorescence B flower lateral view C leaf abaxial view D multiple inflorescences on branches E whole plant.

Photographs by Brian du Preez. Voucher B. du Preez 836 (BOL).

Indigofera wenholdiae du Preez & Schrire, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Similar to I. brachystachya, but differs in its digitately compound, 5–7 foliolate leaves (versus pinnately compound, 7–9 foliolate leaves), leaflets 4–6 mm long (versus leaflets 9–15 mm long), racemes up to 7 mm long, flowers ± 4–5 per raceme (versus racemes > 10 mm long, flowers > 8 per raceme), flowers creamy white, unscented (versus flowers pale pink, scented), branching divaricate (versus branching random), populations restricted to sandstone fynbos (versus populations restricted to limestone fynbos).

Etymology: The specific epithet “wenholdiae” is assigned in honour of Mrs Hannerie Wenhold who has funded large-scale conservation efforts in this area, including the funding of the botanist post at Grootbos Nature Reserve of Miss Rebecca Dames who brought this species to our attention in April 2020.

 Brian du Preez, Leanne L. Dreyer, Charles H. Stirton, A. Muthama Muasya and Brian D. Schrire. 2021. Indigofera wenholdiae (Indigofereae, Fabaceae), A New Species from the Western Cape Province, South Africa. PhytoKeys. 182: 107-112.  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.182.72170