In the present study, a distinctive lineage of lymnaeid gastropods from the deep-water deposits of the Late Miocene Lake Pannon (Central Europe) is revised. The examined material includes specimens from museum collection...In the present study, a distinctive lineage of lymnaeid gastropods from the deep-water deposits of the Late Miocene Lake Pannon (Central Europe) is revised. The examined material includes specimens from museum collections as well as newly collected fossils from different parts of the Pannonian Basin System. During the past 150 years, at least 30 deep-water lymnaeid species assigned to ten genera have been described from the Lake Pannon deposits; however, our examination of more than 700 specimens shows that these records represent only 11 species belonging to five genera. Lectotypes are designated for four species for which earlier type designations were invalid. Species belonging to the ---- lineage form one of the most extraordinary molluscan groups of Lake Pannon. Their interest lies in their distinctive shell morphology - large (sometimes exceeding 10 cm), wide, thin, cap-like shells with reduced coiling and undulated ribs - and their deep-water mode of life, supported by occurrences in drill cores and bathymetrically calibrated by seismic sections. This taxonomic revision enables the lineage to be applied in deep-water biostratigraphy of Lake Pannon sediments. Based on first appearance datums of key lineage species and associated taxa from other mollusc groups, four new lineage zones are proposed, integrated with the established deep-water mollusc biozonation. In contrast to the anagenetic evolutionary patterns typical of biostratigraphically important Lake Pannon bivalves, this gastropod lineage shows predominantly anacladogenetic speciation.
Meiofauna samples were collected using the multicorer during three FS POLARSTERN research expeditions to the Southern Ocean between 2013 and 2019. The samples yielded, among other representatives of the CopepodaHarpactic...Meiofauna samples were collected using the multicorer during three FS POLARSTERN research expeditions to the Southern Ocean between 2013 and 2019. The samples yielded, among other representatives of the CopepodaHarpacticoida, 11 individuals of a previously unknown species of the Ancorabolidae Sars. The six males and five females could be assigned to the genus Conroy-Dalton & Huys, within which they form a separate species. . differs from the two already known species (George) from the Beagle Channel (Chile) and Garlitska, George & Chertoprud from the Barents Sea (Russia) in the following autapomorphies: (i) the female antennule has only nine setae on the last segment instead of ten, (ii) the inner apical seta on P2enp2 is strongly shortened and only reaches half the length of the outer apical seta. In addition to the detailed description of the new species, a morphologically based comparison with the taxa Sars and Conroy-Dalton & Huys confirmed the monophyletic status of . A key to the species is also provided. . has a very limited distribution range. To date, it has only been found on the continental shelf at the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula and on the continental slope in Bransfield Strait, at depths between 420 and 750 metres. The sediments at the stations where the new species was found were characterised by low bottom temperatures, a high silt and clay content (84-89%), and high pigment content, indicating a high food availability.
A new species of the benthic harpacticoid genus Thompson IC & Scott A, 1903 (Tetragonicipitidae), collected from intertidal habitats along the coast of Korea, is described. . is clearly distinguished from its congeners...A new species of the benthic harpacticoid genus Thompson IC & Scott A, 1903 (Tetragonicipitidae), collected from intertidal habitats along the coast of Korea, is described. . is clearly distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: a seven-segmented female antennule, a ventral cuticular expansion with an undulating edge on the first free abdominal somite of females, a C-shaped proximal dorsolateral expansion and auriform lateral elevation on the caudal rami of females, a markedly elongate inner seta on P4exp-2, and a hoe-shaped outer spine on the P3 endopod of males. The copepodid V stage is also described, allowing assessment of developmental changes and the retention of morphological characters. Detailed morphological examination reveals previously overlooked characters with potential diagnostic value at both the genus and species levels.
Within the family Osphronemidae, mouth-brooding fighting fishes are small, air-breathing fish species that hold their eggs and offspring in their buccal cavities as a parental care behavior, usually found in running wate...Within the family Osphronemidae, mouth-brooding fighting fishes are small, air-breathing fish species that hold their eggs and offspring in their buccal cavities as a parental care behavior, usually found in running waters and distributed in the wild throughout Southeast Asia. This study aims to describe the morphological development and generate identification keys for the larval and juvenile stages of seven wild mouth-brooding fighting fish species found in Thailand, i.e., , , , , , , and from the wild. The broodstocks were collected from type localities or based on characteristics that most closely matched each species description, with healthy fishes selected and breeding continued for our size-series collection, including , a previous study. The results showed that mouth-brooders released their offspring when developed to the post-flexion stage within 11-12 (mode = 11) days after fertilization (DAF), except , which took 18-20 DAF, and the post-flexion larva developed to the juvenile stage within 18-30 days after release. The main characteristics of the new-release post-flexion larva were an oblong and depressed body, a large head, an oval to rounded eye, and rays where the caudal fin began to develop, as well as having fully developed ventral fins with two or three dorsal, central, and ventral stripes and a caudal spot. Myomere numbers and fin rays differed among species across a range of 8-10 dorsal, 10-13 pectoral, 6 ventral, 24-31 anal, and 10-13 caudal fin rays. Diagnostic characters were selected to create a dichotomous identification key, with an illustration provided. In terms of taxonomy, the different larval stages also differed in pigmentation patterns among species, with pigmentation patterns on head (pre-orbital, sub-orbital, post-orbital, and sub-opercular bands) and longitudinal stripes on the side of the body able to be used to distinguish among different development stages as well as different species.
A catalogue of the type specimens for nominal species-group taxa currently assigned to deposited in the Shanghai Entomological Museum is presented. Type material of 22 of the 24 nominal species of stated in the origina...A catalogue of the type specimens for nominal species-group taxa currently assigned to deposited in the Shanghai Entomological Museum is presented. Type material of 22 of the 24 nominal species of stated in the original paper to have type specimens deposited in the Shanghai Entomological Museum was recovered and examined, and these are documented with photographs for the first time. Two non-type specimens of Senior-White, 1924 are shown to have been incorrectly labelled as paratypes but are included for completeness. No type material was recovered for the species Sarcophaga (Beziella) shenzhenensis (Fan, 2002) and Sarcophaga (Beziella) pudongensis (Fan, Chen & Lu, 2003). A syntype of Quo, 1952 is shown to have been incorrectly labelled as holotype.
The genus is nearly cosmopolitan and exhibits considerable dispersal capacity among geophilomorph centipedes. However, its taxonomic study in China remains notably inadequate. Based on specimens resembling collected fr...The genus is nearly cosmopolitan and exhibits considerable dispersal capacity among geophilomorph centipedes. However, its taxonomic study in China remains notably inadequate. Based on specimens resembling collected from 23 provincial-level administrative regions across China, this study confirms the occurrence of five species of in China, four of which are newly described: ., ., . and . A key to species of genus is provided.
Two new species of lizards, . and ., are diagnosed and described from Thailand. These new species are most closely related to and , which are members of the complex, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondri...Two new species of lizards, . and ., are diagnosed and described from Thailand. These new species are most closely related to and , which are members of the complex, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA data (ND2 and COI genes) coupled with morphometric and osteological data. . and . are distinguished from true by having a wider PelvW, but a smaller head size in adult males. In particular, adult males of . obviously differ from both and by having a longer supratympanic spine, whereas . has a distinctly longer hindlimb than that of and . As a result, two new species increase the list of known species in Thailand to four species; ., ., and .
We describe and illustrate a new genus of Staphylinina, ., with two new species: . from Yunnan, China, and . from northern Laos. The new genus is placed within the -group and is hypothesized to be sister to the linea...We describe and illustrate a new genus of Staphylinina, ., with two new species: . from Yunnan, China, and . from northern Laos. The new genus is placed within the -group and is hypothesized to be sister to the lineage. The synapomorphic characters of the lineage are discussed, and its diagnosis is updated.
The Steppe Eagle, Hodgson, 1833, is a migratory, endangered raptor experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and human persecution. This study aims to construct a high-quality nuclear genome and complete mit...The Steppe Eagle, Hodgson, 1833, is a migratory, endangered raptor experiencing population declines due to habitat loss and human persecution. This study aims to construct a high-quality nuclear genome and complete mitochondrial genome assembly using PromethION Oxford Nanopore long-read and MGI short-read sequencing technologies. The assembled genome size was 1.21 Gb and contained 16,192 predicted protein-coding genes. Phylogenomic reconstruction based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs) robustly placed within Aquilinae, with (Linnaeus, 1758) identified as its closest extant relative. Mitogenome-based analyses recovered congruent topology but revealed dataset-dependent differences in divergence time estimation. The most recent common ancestor of and other species was estimated at approximately 3-13 million years ago, depending on dataset, whereas divergence between and occurred around 22 Mya. Comparative genomic analyses further identified positively selected genes associated with vesicle trafficking, secretion, and tissue development, suggesting potential adaptive signatures related to physiological performance. In conclusion, these genomic and evolutionary insights establish a foundational reference for future population genomic, adaptive, and conservation studies of this endangered raptor.
Significant progress has been made in the cockroach faunistics of some South American countries (i.e., Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and the Guiana shield) during the last 25 years while the Peruvian fauna has remained almo...Significant progress has been made in the cockroach faunistics of some South American countries (i.e., Brazil, Ecuador, Colombia, and the Guiana shield) during the last 25 years while the Peruvian fauna has remained almost entirely understudied. The Peruvian Amazonia is recognized as having one of the most biodiverse and endemic faunas in the world. Yet, this is not reflected in the relatively depauperate species list of cockroaches from Peru. We partially rectify this knowledge gap by providing a thorough report on the Blaberidae of the department of Madre De Dios and an updated checklist of Blaberidae of Peru. To accomplish this, we conducted a partial revision of Epilamprinae, accompanied with a diagnostic key and visual guide that distinguishes all Peruvian genera, and most other genera, based on male sexual morphology. This includes the description of one new species group, five newly described species of (, , , , ), and three potential new species not described due to taxonomic uncertainty ( "placa", "barra", E. sp. cf. azteca ). Additionally, we described a new species, ., and the first new species of , . in 160 years. We also provided new country records of three existing taxa, one of them ( Hebard, 1933) for the whole South America. Overall, we provided a checklist to the 30 species of Blaberidae in Madre De Dios, bringing the count for all of Peru up to 39.
Two new cave-dwelling species, . and ., are described from karst caves in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. . is distinguished from other hypogean congeners by body scaleless, dorsal with pigment spots, lateral li...Two new cave-dwelling species, . and ., are described from karst caves in Guizhou Province, southwestern China. . is distinguished from other hypogean congeners by body scaleless, dorsal with pigment spots, lateral line complete; eye degenerated into small black spot or disappears, anterior nostril with barbel-like tip; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; tip of pelvic fin not reaching to anus. . is distinguished from other hypogean congeners by body naked, without skin pigmentation, lateral line complete; eye reduced, with diameter of head length 5.3-7.1%; outer rostral barbel reaching to or beyond posterior margin of posterior nostrils; distal margin of dorsal fin truncate; tip of pectoral fin not reaching to pelvic-fin origin. To further validate their taxonomic status, mitochondrial cytochrome (Cyt ) gene sequences were used to reconstruct phylogenetic relationships and assess genetic distances. The molecular data corroborate the morphological findings and support the recognition of both species as distinct evolutionary lineages. These discoveries highlight the underestimated diversity of in subterranean habitats and emphasize the ecological importance of karst groundwater systems as sheltered habitats for specialized cave-adapted fauna.
., collected from China, is described and illustrated. The species belongs to the tribe Boreoheptagyiini (Diamesinae). The genus is newly recorded from China. Phylogenetic analyses based on five molecular markers (18S,...., collected from China, is described and illustrated. The species belongs to the tribe Boreoheptagyiini (Diamesinae). The genus is newly recorded from China. Phylogenetic analyses based on five molecular markers (18S, 28S, CAD, COI-5p, and COI-3p) confirm the new species belongs to a highly supported clade together with the known species . Morphologically, the two species are somewhat similar but can be distinguished by the number of antennal flagellomeres, and the structure of the hypopygium. Through careful slide preparation of the holotype and integrated morphological and molecular cross-validation, this study revealed that variations in slide-mounting techniques can produce morphological artifacts, thereby directly affecting taxonomic conclusions. These findings highlight that for taxa characterized by fine morphological structures, meticulous slide preparation and thorough verification are essential for ensuring robust taxonomic outcomes.
In this study, we conducted a taxonomic examination of type specimens of South American (Ichneumonidae) described by Charles Porter and deposited in the entomological collection of the Instituto Fundación Miguel Lillo (...In this study, we conducted a taxonomic examination of type specimens of South American (Ichneumonidae) described by Charles Porter and deposited in the entomological collection of the Instituto Fundación Miguel Lillo (IFML), Argentina. This study aims to facilitate the morphological understanding of South American species through the application of modern imaging techniques. A total of 11 species were examined: , , , , , , , , , , and . For all species, except , diagnoses distinguishing Porter's species from other Neotropical species of , together with digital images, are presented for the first time. In addition, a taxonomic key to females of the Argentine species of is provided.
Zacatecas is in the north-central region of Mexico. Its territorial extension, as well as the unique combination of climatic and physiographic characteristics, favor high biological diversity. However, until now, it has...Zacatecas is in the north-central region of Mexico. Its territorial extension, as well as the unique combination of climatic and physiographic characteristics, favor high biological diversity. However, until now, it has been considered one of the states with lowest herpetofaunal diversity, mainly due to low sampling effort. We provide an updated checklist of the herpetofauna of Zacatecas, including the physiographic provinces and ecoregions where they occur, a summary of their conservation status, and a comparison with neighboring states. Zacatecas has 25 species of native amphibians and 119 native reptiles, with five introduced species (1 frog, 2 lizards, 1 snake and 1 turtle). Of 149 species, four have their type locality in Zacatecas, 16 represent new state records, and 232 records from 79 species are new municipal contributions. More than half of the native herpetofauna (53.5%) of Zacatecas is endemic to Mexico. However, it does not have state endemics, but harbors populations of regional endemics that only inhabit north-central Mexico. Of the native amphibian and reptile species in Zacatecas, 2.8% are listed by IUCN in threatened categories (i.e., Vulnerable, Endangered, Critically Endangered), 13.9% are placed in a protected category by SEMARNAT (i.e., Threatened and in Danger of Extinction), and 33.3% are categorized as high vulnerability by the EVS criteria. Among adjacent states with which it shares a border, Zacatecas is the fourth with the largest territorial extension, the fifth in herpetofauna diversity, and the third with the highest number of country endemic species. Large areas of the state remain underexplored, suggesting that the herpetofauna richness of Zacatecas may increase in the future.
We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, ) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs o...We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, ) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs on iNaturalist, extending its inferred distribution into Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. We integrate specimen and citizen-science occurrences to generate a species distribution model using WorldClim bioclimatic variables, predicting highest suitability along temperate to high-elevation Andean regions. We discuss the utility and limitations of citizen-science imagery for delimiting and mapping species and summarize available information on clinical aspects of envenomation in Peru associated with the local "lucacha" widow spider.
We revise the diagnosis of the flathead genus Jordan & Seale, 1907 and describe a new species based on specimens purchased from a fish market in the southern Philippines. The new species differs from the only previously...We revise the diagnosis of the flathead genus Jordan & Seale, 1907 and describe a new species based on specimens purchased from a fish market in the southern Philippines. The new species differs from the only previously valid species in the genus, (Steindachner, 1876), in having a large eye, a broad lateral vomerine tooth patch, a medial vomerine tooth patch, two pores on each lateral-line scale, a greater number of scale rows above the lateral line, an absence of a filamentous ray extending from the upper lobe of the caudal fin, a transparent dorsal-fin membrane with no dark pigmentation, and a wholly dark peritoneum. Analysis of cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) data supports both genetic differentiation between and the new species as well as monophyly of the genus . The new species is known only from specimens purchased in the General Santos Public Market in General Santos City caught in Sarangani Bay, in contrast to , which is broadly distributed in the western Pacific Ocean to the Malacca Strait and Andaman Sea.
A new species of freshwater goby, ., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Tchang, 1939 and...A new species of freshwater goby, ., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Tchang, 1939 and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of sensory canals and pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes; second dorsal fin with 9-11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings; incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin; branchiostegal membrane bright yellow.
The following new taxa are described from northern Vietnam: Páll-Gergely & Dedov, ., Páll-Gergely, . (type species: Morlet, 1886), Páll-Gergely, . The reproductive anatomy of all three species is described. Helix (Ch...The following new taxa are described from northern Vietnam: Páll-Gergely & Dedov, ., Páll-Gergely, . (type species: Morlet, 1886), Páll-Gergely, . The reproductive anatomy of all three species is described. Helix (Chloritis) gereti Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900 is moved to ., and Thach & F. Huber, 2018 is moved to .
. (Italy: Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Sicilia; Greece: Central Greece, Peloponnesus) is herein described and figured and compared to three congeners from the Western Palaearctic Region. A key to species is given. (R.... (Italy: Basilicata, Campania, Calabria, Sicilia; Greece: Central Greece, Peloponnesus) is herein described and figured and compared to three congeners from the Western Palaearctic Region. A key to species is given. (Reitter, 1877) is newly reported from Northern Macedonia and Olexa, 1982 is new to Azerbaijan.
A new planthopper genus, Sui, Li & Chen, ., is established within the tribe Cedusini Emeljanov, 1992 of the subfamily Breddiniolinae Fennah, 1950 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Derbidae) to accommodate two new species from...A new planthopper genus, Sui, Li & Chen, ., is established within the tribe Cedusini Emeljanov, 1992 of the subfamily Breddiniolinae Fennah, 1950 (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Derbidae) to accommodate two new species from China: Sui, Li & Chen, . (type species) and Sui, Li & Chen, . Both species are described and illustrated in detail. A comprehensive checklist and an identification key to the genera of Cedusini from China are also provided.