The genus Jordan & Fowler, 1903 comprises small benthic gobionid fishes widely distributed in East Asia. However, due to the unclear generic characteristics as defined in the original description, the taxonomic status o...The genus Jordan & Fowler, 1903 comprises small benthic gobionid fishes widely distributed in East Asia. However, due to the unclear generic characteristics as defined in the original description, the taxonomic status of the species within this genus remains controversial, and its definition needs clarification. This study examined the morphology of the type species, (Basilewsky, 1855), to more accurately redefine generic characteristics. The genus can be distinguished from all other gobionid genera by the following characteristics: mouth inferior; lips thick, relatively smooth, with small less-developed papillae or shallow grooves; lower lip with anterior fold, medial pad forming two oval protuberances; jaws covered by lips, without horny margin; barbel one pair; the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray thin and soft; with five branched anal-fin rays; pharyngeal teeth in one row; air-bladder moderately large, possessing two soft chambers; anterior chamber enclosed in membrane capsule. Based on morphological characters and phylogeny of mitochondrial genome sequences, has been reassigned to the genus . Further, based on the morphology of from Cao Bàng Province, this species is reassigned to the genus . Thus, the genus becomes a monotypic genus.
A new species of the genus Fitzinger, 1843 is described from north-central Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. . can be distinguished from its congeners by distinct body size, head and...A new species of the genus Fitzinger, 1843 is described from north-central Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. . can be distinguished from its congeners by distinct body size, head and body scalation, dorsal scale shape, number of lamellae beneath finger IV and toe IV, and color pattern. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as a sister taxon to and genetically at least 6.9% and up to 16.6% divergent from other species in the genus based on two fragments of the mitochondrial 16S and COI genes, respectively.
Four new species of the flabby whalefish genus Parr, 1934 are described based on female specimens: . from the southern Atlantic, . from the Northern Hemisphere, Su & Ho, . from the Pacific and Atlantic, and . from t...Four new species of the flabby whalefish genus Parr, 1934 are described based on female specimens: . from the southern Atlantic, . from the Northern Hemisphere, Su & Ho, . from the Pacific and Atlantic, and . from the northern Pacific. Each of the new species differs from congeners in the length of gill filaments on fourth gill arch, numbers of dorsal- and anal-fin rays, gill rakers, head and lateral-line pores, anal lappets and vertebrae, distribution of cavernous tissue, and the shape and length/width ratio of copular tooth plate. Moreover, three species groups are defined: species group, species group, and species group. Each group differs in the length of gill filaments, numbers of anal lappet and gill rakers, and distribution of cavernous tissue. Diagnostic characters and detailed descriptions of the new species are provided and compared to congeners, with variations discussed. Finally, an identification key to species groups and all known species is provided.
In recent years, an increase in baseline arthropod surveys and closer scrutiny of specimens from current and past collections have resulted in a rise of adventive psyllid species discoveries in the Hawaiian Islands. In s...In recent years, an increase in baseline arthropod surveys and closer scrutiny of specimens from current and past collections have resulted in a rise of adventive psyllid species discoveries in the Hawaiian Islands. In some cases, the new records reported here may have been known for some time but not officially published in the literature. In other cases, specimens remained unidentified for several years. We provide an updated checklist of the 23 adventive psyllid species in the Hawaiian Islands, including six new state records, and at least one new island record. The majority of recent psyllid establishment records, including those newly reported here, are in the subfamily Spondyliaspidinae (Aphalaridae). These records are overwhelmingly Australasian in origin, with host plant associations in the family Myrtaceae, predominantly . One of these new Australasian-origin records, Matsunaga & Percy, ., is described here as a new species from adults and immatures. A molecular systematic overview of the phylogenetic placement of native and adventive taxa includes an analysis of the position of within .
The subfamily Trichomyiinae Tonnoir, 1922 and the genus Haliday in Curtis, 1839 are recorded for the first time in China. A new species, ., is described, and photographs of an in situ adult male and its habitat are pro...The subfamily Trichomyiinae Tonnoir, 1922 and the genus Haliday in Curtis, 1839 are recorded for the first time in China. A new species, ., is described, and photographs of an in situ adult male and its habitat are provided. An updated key to species from the Palearctic and Oriental regions is presented.
is distributed in the Australasian region and the New World. A new species of Collin is described from the Colombian Andean-Amazon cloud forest, namely Ramos-Pastrana & Córdoba-Suarez, . (type locality: Vereda Sucre, F...is distributed in the Australasian region and the New World. A new species of Collin is described from the Colombian Andean-Amazon cloud forest, namely Ramos-Pastrana & Córdoba-Suarez, . (type locality: Vereda Sucre, Florencia, Caquetá). New records for and , previously known only from their type locality (Huila, Garzón), are reported further south in Colombia (Caquetá, Florencia). Illustrations of the new species, an updated key for South American species and a distribution map for Colombian species are presented.
The genus Woźnica, 1993 (Diptera: Heleomyzidae) was previously considered monotypic and endemic to the Aberdare Mountains, Kenya. Here, we describe . from Qinghai Province, China, marking the first record of the genus...The genus Woźnica, 1993 (Diptera: Heleomyzidae) was previously considered monotypic and endemic to the Aberdare Mountains, Kenya. Here, we describe . from Qinghai Province, China, marking the first record of the genus outside the Aberdare Mountains in Kenya and revealing a remarkable Afrotropical-Palearctic disjunction (>6000 km). The new species differs significantly from , in traits such as having reduced setae on the mid tibia (only anterodorsal and posterodorsal setae) and only spine-like setae on the female cercus (absence of hair-like setae). Through a taxonomic revision of the genus, we provide a diagnostic key, detailed morphological comparisons, and discuss the biogeographic implications of this transcontinental distribution, suggesting either ancient vicariance or avian-mediated dispersal. This discovery highlights the underestimated diversity of high-altitude Diptera in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau.
is the second-most diverse genus in the family Oenonidae, with about 50 species known so far. However, until now, there has been no detailed taxonomic information on species in the East China Sea. In this study, we desc...is the second-most diverse genus in the family Oenonidae, with about 50 species known so far. However, until now, there has been no detailed taxonomic information on species in the East China Sea. In this study, we describe a new species, ., discovered in the sea off Gouqi Island, Zhejiang, China, using integrated morphological and molecular evidence. This species is characterized by the following features: a pygidium with two swollen pads, short notopodial cirri, a bifid robust left and a gracile falcate right maxilla I (MxI), short left and long right maxilla II (MxII), a posterior postchaetal lobe shorter than the chaetae, and gradually tapering of the ventralmost chaetae. Phylogenetic analysis based on both COI and 16S rDNA gene sequences showed that . forms a distinct, fully supported monophyletic clade. These findings were further supported by substantial Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) genetic distances between the new species and other reported species, which ranged from 9.9% to 24.2% for COI and from 5.5% to 25.2% for 16S rDNA. This study provides essential data for understanding the taxonomy of in the East China Sea and emphasizes the need for further research on this group in the region.
Five new species of the leafhopper genus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) from southern China are described and illustrated: Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Li, Qu &...Five new species of the leafhopper genus (Hemiptera, Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae) from southern China are described and illustrated: Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai, Li, Qu & Dai, and Qu, Li, Dietrich & Dai. These species are morphologically similar to (Walker, 1858) but can be distinguished by diagnostic differences in the male genitalia, particularly in the shape of the aedeagal shaft, processes, and associated structures. The species group is established to accommodate these five new species and four other related species. Detailed descriptions, diagnoses, and illustrations are provided for all new taxa. An updated checklist and an identification key to males of the 41 known Chinese species are also presented. Type specimens are deposited in the Institute of Entomology, Guizhou University (GUGC).
The genus Lehtinen, 1967 (Araneae, Dictynidae) from Xizang, China is reviewed, including one new combination and four new species: (Hu, 2001), ., . (♂♀), . (♂♀), . (♂) and . (♂♀). Additionally, the males of (Hu, 2...The genus Lehtinen, 1967 (Araneae, Dictynidae) from Xizang, China is reviewed, including one new combination and four new species: (Hu, 2001), ., . (♂♀), . (♂♀), . (♂) and . (♂♀). Additionally, the males of (Hu, 2001) and (Hu, 2001) are described here for the first time.
The (Michaelsen, 1892) species complex is widely distributed across Asia, yet its taxonomy remains challenging due to morphological conservatism and cryptic diversity. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, a new spec...The (Michaelsen, 1892) species complex is widely distributed across Asia, yet its taxonomy remains challenging due to morphological conservatism and cryptic diversity. Using an integrative taxonomic approach, a new species, Qiao & Zhao, ., is described from the Yintiaoling National Nature Reserve in Chongqing, China. The new species is characterized by its small body size (22.0-47.0 mm), the absence of dorsal and female pores, and a unique comma-shaped spermathecae distinguished from the similar species sensu stricto, Liu & Zhao, 2025, and Liu & Zhao, 2025 within the same complex. Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning (ASAP), the Generalized Mixed Yule Coalescent (GMYC) phylogenetic approach, and Bayesian Phylogenetics and Phylogeography (BPP) yielded congruent results recognizing the new species. Significant K2P genetic distances (18.0-19.9%) from related species also further corroborate its validity. Molecular phylogenetic analyses, incorporating 13 protein-coding genes from the mitochondrial genome and four nuclear loci, collectively support its stable basal phylogenetic position and further confirm its species status as an early-diverging lineage. This study revises the diversity profile of the species complex and underscores the importance of integrating multiple lines of evidence for resolving species boundaries.
A new species of the genus Gray is described from the eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal state, India. The new species is assigned to the species group and is readily distinguished from its regional congeners by a...A new species of the genus Gray is described from the eastern Himalayan region of West Bengal state, India. The new species is assigned to the species group and is readily distinguished from its regional congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters. These include dorsal scalation comprising small granules intermixed with enlarged, feebly keeled, weakly pointed tubercles arranged in 15-22 fairly regular longitudinal rows at midbody; 11-14 subdigital lamellae beneath the first digit and 17-23 beneath the fourth digit; nine precloacal pores and 6-9 femoral pores in males; 10-12 supralabials; and nine infralabials. Molecular analyses based on mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence data further support the distinctiveness of the new species, which exhibits 11.8-19.8% uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence from its closest congeners. Specifically, it differs from by 11.8-12.0% and from by 18.5-19.8%, while showing divergences exceeding 20.5% from other congeners examined. In addition to the description of the new species, detailed redescriptions of the holotypes of two regional congeners, and , are provided based on direct examination. The discovery of this new taxon highlights the underestimated diversity of in the eastern Himalayas and underscores the importance of integrated morphological and molecular approaches in resolving species boundaries within this speciose gecko genus.
The molecular phylogeny and morphological-anatomical characteristics of the terrestrial snail genus Godwin-Austen, 1918 from Thailand are investigated, and we describe two new species. Phylogenetic analysis of 11 recogn...The molecular phylogeny and morphological-anatomical characteristics of the terrestrial snail genus Godwin-Austen, 1918 from Thailand are investigated, and we describe two new species. Phylogenetic analysis of 11 recognised Thai species reveal that these species are phylogenetically well separated from each other by mtDNA phylogeny and COI sequence divergences of 0.048-0.192. . is described from a limestone hill in Nong Bua Lamphu Province, northeastern Thailand; it is characterised by its angulated whorls, a strongly keeled shell, and small flagellum with curved ends. The second new species, . is described from a limestone hill in Sa Kaeo Province, eastern Thailand. It has a conical-lenticular, sharply keeled shell, and a very long, slender flagellum.
A new spider species of the genus Lucas, 1837 is described from China: . (♂♀). The male of Li & Xu, 2022 is described for the first time. Detailed descriptions, photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs, as wel...A new spider species of the genus Lucas, 1837 is described from China: . (♂♀). The male of Li & Xu, 2022 is described for the first time. Detailed descriptions, photographs of the habitus and copulatory organs, as well as the COI gene confirming that the male belongs to are provided. The distribution map and taxonomic key to Chinese species are presented.
Brady, 1880 is considered to be distributed worldwide and is the type species of Brady, 1880 that, in turn, is the type genus of the family Nannopodidae Brady, 1880. However, its original description and subsequent amen...Brady, 1880 is considered to be distributed worldwide and is the type species of Brady, 1880 that, in turn, is the type genus of the family Nannopodidae Brady, 1880. However, its original description and subsequent amendments are discrepant and is insufficiently detailed, giving rise to considerable taxonomic confusion thus hampering species delimitation, further revisions, and other taxonomical acts. This paper presents a detailed morphological redescription of both sexes of with the designation of a neotype from material recently collected from the type locality. We compared key characteristics of the newly collected specimens of with those of other species of . Morphological and molecular analyses, including 18S rDNA, support the subdivision of the genus into two species groups as proposed by Sciberras et al. (2021). Specimens from several distant populations, previously identified as were reexamined. Specimens from the Westerschelde estuary (SW Netherlands) and Small Adzhalyk Estuary (NW Black Sea) were found to be identical to those from the type locality and were attributed to . Specimens from the White Sea, however, turned out to be conspecific with Fiers & Kotwicki, 2013. Specimens from the Vellar estuary (Bay of Bengal) and Lake Hinuma (Japan) likely represent distinct, yet undescribed species of . An updated generic diagnosis is provided, offering a clearer framework for future taxonomic studies.
A new species of the genus is described from Central Vietnam based on collected specimens from Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ngai provinces. The new species differs from its congeners by small size (SVL of 23.76...A new species of the genus is described from Central Vietnam based on collected specimens from Dak Lak, Gia Lai, Khanh Hoa and Quang Ngai provinces. The new species differs from its congeners by small size (SVL of 23.76-27.50 mm in males and 27.86-34.60 mm in females); tongue cordiform, round posteriorly; fingers free of webbing, toes two-thirds webbed; external vocal sac absent in males; males with a nuptial pad on finger I; dorsum relatively smooth with several small tubercles, venter smooth; dorsal surface brown with a dark brown or a yellow stripe. The genetic distance between the new species and other taxa is ≥ 5.50% (16S rRNA gene fragment). New records of are also reported from Gia Lai and Quang Ngai provinces.
The Oriental fire-bellied newt , widely distributed in eastern China, has long faced taxonomic ambiguities. Although the nominate subspecies of and the other subspecies, , are known to exhibit geographic segregation, th...The Oriental fire-bellied newt , widely distributed in eastern China, has long faced taxonomic ambiguities. Although the nominate subspecies of and the other subspecies, , are known to exhibit geographic segregation, the taxonomic status and distribution pattern of these two groups remain unverified by integrated evidence and comprehensive sampling. In addition, the color-pattern polymorphism of this newt is poorly studied. Herein, based on extensive geographic sampling (128 samples, 19 localities), morphological examination, and phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene fragments, we elevate the Dabie Mountain region subspecies to distinct-species status as ., and reassess its distribution range. Morphologically, this newly ranked taxon distinctly differs from by its smaller body length ratios (TOL/SVL and TAL/SVL), smaller fore-limb length ratio (FLL/SVL); longer internasal distance in males, longer interorbital distance in females; rust-red or rust-white patches on the dorsum; discontinuous dorsal ridge lines; the presence of orange-red patches on finger I; discontinuous or absent black stripes on the venter; and relatively inconspicuous vertebral ridge. Molecularly, the newly ranked taxon forms an independent clade with strong support (1.00/99) in the phylogenetic trees; the uncorrected group mean genetic distance between the newly ranked taxon and was 3.5%. Geographically, the newly ranked taxon and are separated by the Yangtze River, Luoxiao Mountains, Jiuling Mountains and Mufu Mountains. The number of species in the genus now reaches 12. Meanwhile, we further report on the intraspecific color-pattern polymorphism of sensu lato. The potential species richness and color-pattern polymorphism in salamanders deserves further attention.
The taxonomic validity of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 is re-evaluated in light of new morphological evidence. This araneoid family was originally established based on a single specimen, the male hol...The taxonomic validity of the spider family Fonteferreidae Wunderlich, 2023 is re-evaluated in light of new morphological evidence. This araneoid family was originally established based on a single specimen, the male holotype, that lacked both distinctive somatic characters and reproductive structures. Upon re-examination, the holotype specimen was found to be a subadult male, and consequently the diagnostic traits previously cited to justify its familial status are found to be unsubstantiated. In absence of the necessary empirical evidence, the erection of the family Fonteferreidae, the genus Wunderlich, 2023, and Wunderlich, 2023 must be rejected. We recommend that , the genus , and the family Fonteferreidae be formally treated as a within Araneae.
We describe a new species of the genus Brescovit, 1997 from the Andean region of Colombia using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines morphological and molecular data. We assess the phylogenetic position of th...We describe a new species of the genus Brescovit, 1997 from the Andean region of Colombia using an integrative taxonomic approach that combines morphological and molecular data. We assess the phylogenetic position of the new species using four molecular markers: COI, 16S, 28S, and H3. The distinctiveness of the new species, ., is supported by its placement in the phylogenetic tree, unique morphological characteristics, and uncorrected pairwise genetic distances. We also provide new morphological data and geographic records for Brescovit, 1997. Additionally, we present a distribution map of the genus and an updated identification key for all known species of .
Errant polychaetes of the family Sigalionidae are active, scale-covered predators inhabiting sandy marine bottoms. Knowledge of this family in tropical America is scarce, with only a few species reported from Costa Rica....Errant polychaetes of the family Sigalionidae are active, scale-covered predators inhabiting sandy marine bottoms. Knowledge of this family in tropical America is scarce, with only a few species reported from Costa Rica. In this study, seven specimens of were collected from the intertidal zone of Playa Naranjo, Área de Conservación Guanacaste, on the North Pacific coast of Costa Rica. Morphological examinations and Bayesian phylogenetic analyses based on DNA barcoding (COI) were conducted to determine their taxonomic identity. The specimens were recovered within the clade, forming a distinct and well-supported subclade that includes from Europe and representatives from Asia, and that differs from western Pacific congeners. Morphologically, the new species . differs from other Eastern Tropical Pacific congeners by the absence of serrations on the shafts of neurochaetae throughout the body, stylodes without papillae, and anterior elytra bearing a notch on the supra-interior margin that diminishes posteriorly. The species inhabits saturated sand in the intertidal zone and exhibits a unique elytral coloration pattern reminiscent of a jaguar's coat. This study describes a new species of from sandy beaches of the Pacific coast of Costa Rica and provides an updated identification key for the genus in the region, expanding the known diversity and distribution of Sigalionidae in the Tropical Eastern Pacific.