New morphological, taxonomic, and faunistic data on the genus Assing, 2022 from China are provided. Two new species of are described: . (Guangdong: Shaoguan) and . (Xizang: Medog). Assing, 2022 is recorded from Chin...New morphological, taxonomic, and faunistic data on the genus Assing, 2022 from China are provided. Two new species of are described: . (Guangdong: Shaoguan) and . (Xizang: Medog). Assing, 2022 is recorded from China for the first time. New provincial records are provided for (Cameron, 1914) from Fujian, Guangdong, Guangxi, and Xizang, and for Assing, 2022 from Guangdong. Two unidentified species were recorded, and the previously unknown female of is described for the first time. A key to the species from China is given.
A new species of spiny mouse, Mus (Pyromys) dumbara., is described from the Dumbara (Knuckles) Mountain Range in Sri Lanka, based on an integrated assessment of external morphology, cranial characteristics, mitochondrial...A new species of spiny mouse, Mus (Pyromys) dumbara., is described from the Dumbara (Knuckles) Mountain Range in Sri Lanka, based on an integrated assessment of external morphology, cranial characteristics, mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data. This species is assigned to the subgenus on the basis of two defining cranial characteristics: the presence of a supraorbital ridge and incisive foramina that extend to the mid-length of first upper molar. . is characterised by a tail distinctly longer than its combined head and body length and a moderately prominent supraorbital ridge which is clearer at the junction between parietal and frontal upon the orbit. There are several other external and cranial characteristics which can be used to distinguish . from each species. Genetic analysis further confirms the distinctiveness of . Mitochondrial cytochrome- sequences reveal deep divergence from other Sri Lankan spiny mice ( and ), with uncorrected pairwise genetic distances exceeding 11.7%. This level of genetic separation, combined with its distinctive morphology and geographically restricted distribution in the Dumbara valley, provides strong evidence for its status as a new species endemic to Sri Lanka.
The taxonomic identity and distribution of Pakistan's in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not been confirmed at species level using molecular data; historical records relied on morphology alone and often referred to the now-restr...The taxonomic identity and distribution of Pakistan's in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has not been confirmed at species level using molecular data; historical records relied on morphology alone and often referred to the now-restricted . A combination of field surveys, morphology, bioacoustics, and mitochondrial DNA was utilized to confirm species identity and map the distribution of in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP), Pakistan. 125 individuals were collected in 13 districts spanning three climatic zones (arid, semi-arid, and hilly/temperate) from lowland plains to lower montane elevations. Adults and tadpoles were examined morphologically; advertisement calls were recorded from one male; and mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI fragments were sequenced and analyzed with maximum-likelihood phylogenetics. Three COI sequences from Pakistan were identical to one another and matched the mitogenome from Nepal, and the 16S sequence formed a well-supported clade with Nepalese , distinct from and . Verified records document at 19 localities in KP, primarily in shallow, human-modified wetlands (paddy fields, irrigation channels, roadside ditches, floodplain ponds), indicating a wider western distribution along the Himalayan foreland than previously documented. These data constitute the first genetically validated records of in Pakistan, refine regional biogeography at the Indomalayan-Palearctic boundary, and provide a baseline for future genomic, acoustic, and ecological work. Future efforts should pair genome-scale markers with temperature-standardized call libraries, denser spatial sampling, and curated vouchers to assess population structure, refine range limits, and evaluate potential contact with congeners.
The Himalaya and Hindu Kush remain among the least scientifically explored mountain regions of Asia. Within their vertebrate fauna, pitvipers of the (Günther, 1864) complex have long presented taxonomic challenges due t...The Himalaya and Hindu Kush remain among the least scientifically explored mountain regions of Asia. Within their vertebrate fauna, pitvipers of the (Günther, 1864) complex have long presented taxonomic challenges due to limited sampling in remote areas and the absence of integrative analyses. Here, we present a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the complex using an integrative framework that combines genetic and distributional data, external morphology, osteology, and ecological evidence. Our dataset also uniquely incorporates both newly collected material and DNA sequences obtained from 19- and early 20-century museum specimens, including one of the syntypes of (BMNH 1946.1.19.64), underscoring the enduring value of historical collections in modern taxonomy. Analyses of four mitochondrial and three nuclear genes from populations across the western and central Himalaya and the Hindu Kush, many of which were genetically studied for the first time, recover five well-supported monophyletic lineages: sensu stricto, , and three previously unrecognised lineages from the Hindu Kush of north-western Pakistan, the Hazara region of north-eastern Pakistan at the western margin of the Himalaya, and the Himalaya of western and central Nepal. Genetic distances in protein-coding mtDNA markers indicate species-level divergence among these lineages, ranging from 9.2-12.6% in cyt and 8.1-14.1% in ND4, with additional support from partial allelic differentiation in phased nuclear markers, morphology, and osteology. Based on these results, we formally describe three new species, substantially expanding the known diversity of along the southern Himalaya. To stabilise the nomenclature, we designate a lectotype for Günther. By integrating modern and historical data, this study demonstrates the lasting scientific relevance of natural history collections and emphasises the urgent need for conservation of these narrowly distributed and potentially regionally threatened mountain snakes.
A new species of is described from the limestone karst forest in northern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, . is distinguishable from its congeners by the following c...A new species of is described from the limestone karst forest in northern Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Morphologically, . is distinguishable from its congeners by the following combination of characteristics: size medium (SVL 37.4 mm in male, 47.1-54.7 mm in females); head longer than wide; tympanum distinct, round, ~50% of the diameter of eye; vomerine teeth present; males without external vocal sac; nuptial pad present on finger I in males; webbing formula I0-1II0-1III0-11/3IV11/3-1/4V; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching the tip of snout when hindlimb adpressed along body; dorsolateral conical spines present; dorsolateral fold present; dorsum moss-green with brown mottling; ventral surface cream with dark brown mottling. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences supported the new species as a sister taxon to an unresolved clade consisting of , , , and (UFB = 98, PP = 1). The uncorrected p-distances of 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congeners were 2.33% and 6.33%, respectively.
The order Glomerida (pill millipedes) represents a group of terrestrial invertebrates of high ecological and taxonomic significance, yet its diversity and distribution in China remain poorly documented. Employing an inte...The order Glomerida (pill millipedes) represents a group of terrestrial invertebrates of high ecological and taxonomic significance, yet its diversity and distribution in China remain poorly documented. Employing an integrative taxonomic approach that combines traditional morphological examination with COI gene sequence analysis, this study describes a new species of the genus , ., collected from Dinghushan National Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province. This discovery represents the first formal record of the genus from China, thereby filling in a major distributional gap for this endemic Oriental genus and extending its known range north of Indochina to southern China. Phylogenetic analyses based on COI sequences, using maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference, reveal that the genus as currently circumscribed seems to be polyphyletic. The new species, ., forms a well-supported clade together with , challenging the current generic delimitation and highlighting the need for a comprehensive revision of the genus.
Male ants remain one of the least documented sources of morphological information in ant taxonomy, despite their frequent occurrence in biodiversity surveys and their potential value for systematic research. Within the a...Male ants remain one of the least documented sources of morphological information in ant taxonomy, despite their frequent occurrence in biodiversity surveys and their potential value for systematic research. Within the ant subfamily Formicinae, identification resources for male ants are particularly limited in the Nearctic region. The only comprehensive treatment remains Smith's (1943) key to male ants of the United States, which predates modern taxonomic revisions and advances in morphological terminology. In this work, a revised identification key to the genera of Nearctic Formicinae is presented, based exclusively on male morphology. An illustrated key to the 14 formicine genera recorded from the Nearctic region is provided, supported by updated diagnoses and figures of diagnostic characters, including genitalia and wing venation. This study provides the first modern synthesis of male morphological characters for Nearctic Formicinae and enables reliable identification of males, including specimens collected independently of workers in light traps, Malaise traps, and flight-intercept traps, thereby facilitating the broader integration of male morphology into taxonomic and biodiversity research on ants.
Three new species of the genus are described from the Oriental region. The first species, ., was collected in Malaysia and differs from its congeners in the presence of a strongly sclerotized furrow on the dorsal shiel...Three new species of the genus are described from the Oriental region. The first species, ., was collected in Malaysia and differs from its congeners in the presence of a strongly sclerotized furrow on the dorsal shield and very long setae on the central area of the dorsal shield. The second species, ., was found in Sarawak (Malaysia) and differs from other species of the genus in the shape of the setae on the caudal part of the dorsal shield and the shape of the female genital shield. The third species, ., was collected from Sumatra (Indonesia) and has a tile-like sculptural pattern on the ventral shield; the dorsal shield is covered with large and irregular pits, and bears serrate setae on the caudal margins of the dorsal shield; these represent a unique character combination within the genus. Hutufeideriidae. is diagnosed, with as the type genus. A list of known species is provided.
Three new macropterous species of the genus Erichson, 1839 from China, are described and illustrated: Tang & Peng, . (Libo, Guizhou), Tang & Peng, . (Yingjiang, Yunnan) and Tang & Peng, . (Qujing, Yunnan). Rougemont...Three new macropterous species of the genus Erichson, 1839 from China, are described and illustrated: Tang & Peng, . (Libo, Guizhou), Tang & Peng, . (Yingjiang, Yunnan) and Tang & Peng, . (Qujing, Yunnan). Rougemont, 2018 is reported from China for the first time. Additional provincial records are provided: Cameron, 1940 from Hubei, Guangdong and Yunnan; Kraatz, 1859 from Zhejiang, Guangdong and Hainan; and Duan, Yue & Li, 2024 from Guangxi. A key to the macropterous species from China is provided.
The Neotropical genus Eschscholtz, 1822, is one of the most speciose genera in the tribe Deltochilini. This genus of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) is divided into eight subgenera. The subgenus Lane, 1946, w...The Neotropical genus Eschscholtz, 1822, is one of the most speciose genera in the tribe Deltochilini. This genus of dung beetles (Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) is divided into eight subgenera. The subgenus Lane, 1946, with 51 valid species, is the most diverse in the genus and was recently divided into 19 species groups. This paper presents the description of eight new species from the plebejum species group: ., ., ., ., ., ., ., and . These species are distributed along the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia and the Venezuelan Andes, with one species also found in the Sierra Nevada de Santa Marta (Colombia). The lectotype for Balthasar, 1939 is designated herein. Three identification keys (for major males, minor and medium-sized males, and females), along with descriptions, photographs, and distribution maps are presented for all species. Additionally, redescriptions of and Martínez, 1947, originally included in this species group, are presented. With these new species, the number of valid species in the subgenus reaches 59.
Truncatelloidea is the richest and most diverse group within Mollusca. Both morphological and molecular studies have sought to resolve its phylogenetic framework; however, the phylogenetic relationships among some lineag...Truncatelloidea is the richest and most diverse group within Mollusca. Both morphological and molecular studies have sought to resolve its phylogenetic framework; however, the phylogenetic relationships among some lineages remain controversial. To explore the phylogenetic relationships within Truncatelloidea, this study presents a mitochondrial phylogenomic framework, reconstructed from a dataset integrating 15 newly sequenced mitochondrial genomes with existing data from NCBI and encompassing 20 genera from 11 families. Both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference analyses supported that the superfamily was resolved into two major clades (I and II). Within Clade I, Assimineidae and Stenothyridae form a sister group, while Baicaliidae and Bithyniidae are distantly related to the remaining families. Within Clade II, and Clenchiellidae form a sister group, with Iravadiidae occupying the most basal position. Furthermore, the monophyly of all other families and genera is strongly supported except for within Assimineidae. Additionally, based on morphological observations, phylogenetic analyses of COI, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA gene fragments, species delimitation methods (ABGD, ASAP, bPTP), and genetic distance calculations of the collected Truncatelloidea specimens, a new species, sp. nov., was identified and described, while an undetermined species, sp., was recorded. The findings strongly support the recognition of as an independent lineage, offering more comprehensive morphological character descriptions and molecular evidence for this genus.
Two new species of the genus Fieber, 1866 and Fujinuma & Hayashi, 2025, Tang, Li & Chen, . and Tang, Li & Chen, ., are described and illustrated from China (Guizhou). A key to all known Chinese and species, and eco...Two new species of the genus Fieber, 1866 and Fujinuma & Hayashi, 2025, Tang, Li & Chen, . and Tang, Li & Chen, ., are described and illustrated from China (Guizhou). A key to all known Chinese and species, and ecological photos of the two new species, are provided.
The hymenopteran parasitoid complex of the families Eurytomidae and Pteromalidae associated with Boheman, 1836 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) developing on sugar beet is studied in China (Xinjiang region). Mayr, 1878 (Eur...The hymenopteran parasitoid complex of the families Eurytomidae and Pteromalidae associated with Boheman, 1836 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) developing on sugar beet is studied in China (Xinjiang region). Mayr, 1878 (Eurytomidae) was reared from the larvae of and recorded for Xinjiang, China, for the first time. A new species, . (Pteromalidae), a hyperparasitoid of , is described from China. Illustrations and a detailed morphological description of the new species, as well as a redescription of the types of related species, are provided. An identification key for females of the species is given.
This paper presents a systematic study on the Chinese species of the genus Say. Four new species of from Yunnan, Guangxi, and Zhejiang provinces are described and illustrated: Li & Li, Li & Li, Li & Li, and Li & Li...This paper presents a systematic study on the Chinese species of the genus Say. Four new species of from Yunnan, Guangxi, and Zhejiang provinces are described and illustrated: Li & Li, Li & Li, Li & Li, and Li & Li. Diagnostic characters distinguishing these species from their congeners are provided. A key to known and new species of the genus from China is provided.
Five new cave-dwelling species and one newly recorded litter-dwelling species belonging to the family Tetrablemmidae are described from Thailand, i.e., Lehtinen, 1981 (♂♀), Tong & Li, . (♂♀), Tong & Li, . (♂♀), Tong...Five new cave-dwelling species and one newly recorded litter-dwelling species belonging to the family Tetrablemmidae are described from Thailand, i.e., Lehtinen, 1981 (♂♀), Tong & Li, . (♂♀), Tong & Li, . (♂♀), Tong & Li, . (♂), Tong & Li, . (♂) and Tong & Li, . (♂). Diagnoses and illustrations for all six species are given.
There is a lack of studies focusing on caprellid amphipods along the coasts of Uruguay. So far, only three species, , , and , have been recorded from Uruguay. Sampling was carried out for one year (from April 2022 to Mar...There is a lack of studies focusing on caprellid amphipods along the coasts of Uruguay. So far, only three species, , , and , have been recorded from Uruguay. Sampling was carried out for one year (from April 2022 to March 2023) along the Uruguayan coast between latitudes 34°02'43.4"S and 34°55'05.7"S at rocky outcrops in the localities of Piriápolis, Punta Ballena, La Barra, La Paloma, La Pedrera, and Punta del Diablo. At each sampling point, scraping was performed in intertidal and shallow waters up to a depth of 10 m by snorkeling and SCUBA. All substrata, consisting mainly of algae and bryozoans, were collected within a 50 × 50 cm grid. Additionally, in Punta del Diablo, buoyant material stranded on the beach was also collected. This work represents the first record of the species , , , and Paracaprella aff. pusilla for Uruguay, increasing the number of known species in the country to seven. Herein, an illustrated key to the seven species known to occur in Uruguay is presented. The low caprellid diversity in Uruguay could be related to the highly variable abiotic characteristics of the Uruguayan coast, mainly due to the freshwater input from the Río de la Plata, and to other biotic factors such as the low diversity of macroalgae. The taxonomical impediment (lack of taxonomists and scarce sampling in the area) could also cause an underestimation of species richness. Therefore, additional sampling efforts, especially in deeper waters and sediment habitats, are still necessary to properly characterize this amphipod group in Uruguay.
Chan & Lee, . (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) is described from north-eastern Taiwan based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners...Chan & Lee, . (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) is described from north-eastern Taiwan based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique colour pattern consisting of a translucent white body covered with numerous small, round, black pigment spots and fewer, larger, yellow spots and five gills. While sharing a similar spotted colour pattern with , the new species can be clearly distinguished by its significantly smaller body size (maximum length < 3 mm). Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA, confirmed it as a new species in . The molecular data places . as a sister species to , with a significant interspecific COI divergence of 14.17%. This discovery highlights the rich, yet under documented, marine biodiversity of Taiwan and underscores the value of combining traditional morphological examination with molecular phylogenetics for accurate species delimitation in cryptic nudibranch lineages.
The Ceratopogonidae (Diptera, Nematocera) is a highly diverse family of insects inhabiting a wide range of habitat types that is only absent from polar regions and remote islands. Despite this broad diversity, scientific...The Ceratopogonidae (Diptera, Nematocera) is a highly diverse family of insects inhabiting a wide range of habitat types that is only absent from polar regions and remote islands. Despite this broad diversity, scientific knowledge of this family remains incomplete, including the genus Skuse, 1889. Although several species have been reported from Europe, no detailed study has yet been conducted to resolve the taxonomy of this genus and clarify species occurrence. Here, the first comprehensive study of diversity in southwest Spain is provided based on extensive sampling conducted in 2023-2024. In total, eight species were collected using carbon-dioxide suction traps: Leptoconops (Leptoconops) noei Clastrier & Coluzzi, 1973, Leptoconops (Leptoconops) irritans Noé, 1905, and four new species: Leptoconops (Leptoconops) nigrithorax González & Tanase, ., Leptoconops (Leptoconops) triangularis González & Tanase, sp. nov., Leptoconops (Leptoconops) pseudoirritans González & Tanase, ., and Leptoconops (Leptoconops) communis González & Tanase, . Additionally, Leptoconops (Leptoconops) bidentatus Gutsevich, 1960, was recorded for the first time from the Iberian Peninsula. One species of the subgenus : Leptoconops (Holoconops) cf. Kieffer, 1908, was also identified. Molecular support for the morphological identification is provided using COX1 barcode sequences. A brief review of species occurrence in Europe is also included, with detailed morphological descriptions supported by high-quality images of the newly described species, and a complete identification key for dry-preserved and slide-mounted adult females of the subgenus ().
In this work, the hypselostomatid land snail genus F.G. Thompson & Upatham, 1997 in Southeast Asia is revised. Characters based on which the genus was originally erected are thoroughly examined and evaluated. The genus...In this work, the hypselostomatid land snail genus F.G. Thompson & Upatham, 1997 in Southeast Asia is revised. Characters based on which the genus was originally erected are thoroughly examined and evaluated. The genus is subdivided into six species groups based on similarities in shell surface sculpture and apertural barrier morphology. Four out of five species originally described in , as well as species described from Vietnam and Cambodia are moved to . Thirteen new species of are described as follows: Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Auffenberg & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Tongkerd & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, ., Gojšina, Hunyadi & Páll-Gergely, . Thus, the total number of species increases to 19, all inhabiting Thailand and Myanmar.
Fricke (2024) described a new genus and a new species, Fricke, 2024, based on a single specimen. A re-examination of the holotype revealed several errors in the original description, including the numbers of dorsal- and...Fricke (2024) described a new genus and a new species, Fricke, 2024, based on a single specimen. A re-examination of the holotype revealed several errors in the original description, including the numbers of dorsal- and anal-fin rays. Our results suggest that it is not a member of Hemerocoetidae and is in fact conspecific with Fourmanoir, 1985 (family Pinguipedidae). A detailed observation of the holotype is provided and compared to data of other specimens of . As we found no difference between those two species, we propose that Fricke, 2024 is a junior synonym of Bleeker, 1863, and is a junior synonym of .