This study describes a new species, Liu & Zhao, . integrating morphological characters and molecular data. The new species is assigned to the group, and is characterized by three pairs of spermathecal pores at 6/7-8/9,...This study describes a new species, Liu & Zhao, . integrating morphological characters and molecular data. The new species is assigned to the group, and is characterized by three pairs of spermathecal pores at 6/7-8/9, and absence of genital markings both anterior and posterior to the clitellum. The spermathecae are connected to the body wall through a disc-shaped atrium, which is interposed between them and the body wall. The molecular phylogenetic position of Liu & Zhao, . within the group was analyzed using mitochondrial genome data. This marks the initial documentation of a new species within the family Megascolecidae in northern China since the last decades.
In reviewing the nomenclature of genus-group names of the Chrysomelinae of the Americas, we uncovered six issues that we resolve here: (1) We explain priority between and . Both were described in the same work: Chevrola...In reviewing the nomenclature of genus-group names of the Chrysomelinae of the Americas, we uncovered six issues that we resolve here: (1) We explain priority between and . Both were described in the same work: Chevrolat, 1836. In synonymizing the two genera, Flowers (2004) became the First Reviser and gave priority to . We restore genus Chevrolat, 1836 as distinct from Chevrolat, 1836. (2) The work in which Megerle von Mühlfeld, 1823 was described is suppressed for the purposes of zoological nomenclature, making the next person to use the name, Latreille, 1829, the valid authority for . (3) Dejean, 1836 is a nomen nudum, and while Motschulsky likely intended to keep Dejean's spelling, Motschulsky, 1860 is the correct original spelling. (4) Agassiz, 1846 is an unjustified emendation of Chevrolat, 1843, and Chevrolat is a subsequent usage of the unjustified emendation. is not in prevailing usage, therefore Chevrolat, 1843 remains the correct original spelling. (5) The accent on Dr Juan Brèthes' name is often incorrect or missing. Brèthes described in volume 32 of the Revista Chilena de Historia Natural. Volume 32 claims it was published in 1928 but was published in 1929. The authority for is therefore Brèthes, 1929. (6) The authority previously known only as "Demay", 1838 refers to Dr Aloysius François De Mey (1793-1870); we provide a short biography, portrait, and updated list of the species described by De Mey, 1838.
A new precious coral species, . (Scleralcyonacea, Coralliidae), retrieved from a depth of 550 m in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is described, and an updated identification key for the genus is provided. The new species is...A new precious coral species, . (Scleralcyonacea, Coralliidae), retrieved from a depth of 550 m in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is described, and an updated identification key for the genus is provided. The new species is confirmed as belonging to the genus based on the presence of nonretractile but contractile autozooids with an ovate-cylindrical shape and sclerites comprising elongated rods, 6-8-radiates and double clubs, with elongated rods present exclusively in the tentacles. Moreover, the species is distinct from all its congeners in that it has orange coenenchyme and a pink axis, with autozooids distributed only on the front side of the branch, forming clusters at the branch tips. These morphological features differ from those of all previously described species of , and molecular analysis of mitochondrial sequences (16S, ND1, ND2, ND3, ND6, COI, MSH, and IGR1) further corroborates the validity of this new species. This is the first report of off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan.
A new tribe, Elibucini., is established in the subfamily Elicinae Melichar, 1915 (Hemiptera, Tropiduchidae) to accommodate the new genus Zhou & Chang, . The tribe is diagnosed by a distinctive combination of characters,...A new tribe, Elibucini., is established in the subfamily Elicinae Melichar, 1915 (Hemiptera, Tropiduchidae) to accommodate the new genus Zhou & Chang, . The tribe is diagnosed by a distinctive combination of characters, including steeply tectiform forewings with well-developed nodal and subapical lines, hind tibiae lacking lateral spines, an elongate phallobase reaching or approaching the apex of the aedeagus, and rounded gonoplacs lacking marginal teeth. Two new species are described from southern China, and illustrated: Zhou & Chang, . from Hainan, designated as the type species, and Zhou & Chang, . (Guizhou and Sichuan). Keys to the tribes of Elicinae and to the species of are provided.
Five new species of Bourgeois, 1879 are discovered from Hainan Island, China, and described as ., ., ., ., and . Three previously known species, including Kazantsev, 2011, (Pic, 1925), and Kazantsev & Pham, 2026...Five new species of Bourgeois, 1879 are discovered from Hainan Island, China, and described as ., ., ., ., and . Three previously known species, including Kazantsev, 2011, (Pic, 1925), and Kazantsev & Pham, 2026, are recorded to China for the first time. Females of and Fang, Yang, Yang & Liu, 2024 are identified for the first time. These species are illustrated with their habitus and male genitalia. An identification key to the species found on Hainan Island, China is provided.
Mayflies collected in the central mountain range of New Guinea (Highland Papua Province) revealed a new genus of Baetidae, . The larvae present a unique combination of characters, particularly: abdominal tergum IX with...Mayflies collected in the central mountain range of New Guinea (Highland Papua Province) revealed a new genus of Baetidae, . The larvae present a unique combination of characters, particularly: abdominal tergum IX with acute extension of the posterolateral corners; carina-like elevation on the frons; labium with glossae and paraglossae spread, and glossae much shorter than paraglossae. The new genus belongs to the tribe Labiobaetini. A new species, . is described and illustrated based on larva and subimago. Remarkably, it is known from a single locality only, despite the large amount of sampling done in New Guinea in the past years. COI sequences were obtained from three specimens. Morphological similarities and the relationship of the new genus to other genera of Baetidae are discussed.
As a result of our field surveys in April and July 2025 in the Kim Bang Proposed Species and Habitat Conservation Area, we provide an extended morphological description of three syntopic anuran species, namely , , and b...As a result of our field surveys in April and July 2025 in the Kim Bang Proposed Species and Habitat Conservation Area, we provide an extended morphological description of three syntopic anuran species, namely , , and based on newly collected specimens. In addition, we present data on the diet and trophic niche overlap of these syntopic anuran species. Using the stomach-flushing method, we analyzed stomach contents of 26 individuals of , 42 individuals of , and 48 individuals of . We found 878 prey items, belonging to five insect orders (Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Thysanoptera) and Araneae in the diet of ; 501 prey items, belonging to three insect orders (Coleoptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera) in ; and 280 prey items, belonging to eight insect orders (Coleoptera, Diptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera, Isoptera, Lepidoptera, Orthoptera, Thysanoptera), Decapoda, Isopoda, Gastropoda, Araneae, and Gobiiformes in . The highest frequency of occurrence (%F) of prey items identified in was Coleoptera (48.25%), whereas the highest frequency of occurrence of prey items identified in and was Isoptera (55.81% and 40.91%, respectively). The trophic niche breadth was highest in ( = 0.33), followed by ( = 0.06), and the lowest values of niche breadth was recorded for ( = 0.02). The overlap of trophic niche ( ) was 97% between and , 49% between and , and 47% between and .
Two new species of the genus Ditlevsen, 1918 from the subtidal zone of the Yellow Sea are described and illustrated. . is characterised by the lateral differentiation in the form of longitudinal rows of larger dots whi...Two new species of the genus Ditlevsen, 1918 from the subtidal zone of the Yellow Sea are described and illustrated. . is characterised by the lateral differentiation in the form of longitudinal rows of larger dots which consisting of three rows of dots in about the anterior 20% and posterior 20% of the total body length and two rows of dots in the rest portion of the body, by the multispiral amphidial fovea having three turns; slender, equal, arcuated spicules; cephalated proximal end with a short median cuticularised lamina; length 1.9-2.2 times the cloacal body diameter; gubernaculum with two geniculate curved apophyses and 14-17 papilliform precloacal supplements; and excretory pore posterior to nerve ring. . is characterised by having cephalic setae 6-7 μm long, amphidial fovea with three turns, lateral differentiation consisting of four longitudinal rows of larger dots in the pharyngeal and tail regions, three longitudinal rows of larger dots in the middle region of body, spicules slender and slightly curved, length 2.0-2.5 times the cloacal body diameter, and 18 small, pit-like precloacal supplements. An updated dichotomous key is provided for the 29 valid species of .
Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was originally described from Java Island, Indonesia, yet specimens from southern China, particularly Guangxi, have long been referred to this species based on general morphological resemb...Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was originally described from Java Island, Indonesia, yet specimens from southern China, particularly Guangxi, have long been referred to this species based on general morphological resemblance. Herein, the taxonomic status of Chinese populations previously referred to as is re-evaluated using an integrative approach combining morphological data and mitochondrial DNA analyses, based on four specimens from Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, and Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Chinese specimens as a distinct and well-supported lineage within . Notably, the Guangdong and Guangxi populations exhibit a relatively high intraspecific mitochondrial divergence (uncorrected -distance = 10.78% based on the cytochrome gene), despite the absence of consistent diagnostic morphological differences. Although mitochondrial DNA data from topotypic , are currently unavailable, the observed morphological differences, together with the pronounced geographic disjunction between Java and southern China, support the recognition of the Chinese population as a distinct species, herein described as . from Guangdong and Guangxi, China. Detailed morphological examinations reveal that . differs from and all of its currently recognized synonyms by having higher ventral scale counts in females, fewer subcaudal scales in males (but slightly more in females), a smaller maximum total length in males, and a shorter relative tail length in both sexes. Our results highlight the need for renewed field surveys in Java Island, Indonesia to rediscover sensu stricto, and emphasize that other populations previously identified as should be re-evaluated using integrative taxonomic approaches.
Luo & Wang, 2025 was recently split from sensu lato, yet its diversity and morphology remain poorly documented. Here we redescribe the type, (Hanitsch, 1927) and describe three new species, Luo & Che, ., Luo & Che, ....Luo & Wang, 2025 was recently split from sensu lato, yet its diversity and morphology remain poorly documented. Here we redescribe the type, (Hanitsch, 1927) and describe three new species, Luo & Che, ., Luo & Che, ., and Luo & Che, . Males and females are associated by using DNA barcoding. We present high-resolution photographs and detailed diagnoses for each species. Finally, the future research directions of the distinctive sclerite L3 were prospected.
Two new species of the bamboo-feeding leafhopper genus Distant, 1908 (Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae, Mukariini), Sun, Li, Chen & Yang, . and Sun, Li, Chen & Yang, . from Yunnan Province, China, are described and illus...Two new species of the bamboo-feeding leafhopper genus Distant, 1908 (Cicadellidae, Deltocephalinae, Mukariini), Sun, Li, Chen & Yang, . and Sun, Li, Chen & Yang, . from Yunnan Province, China, are described and illustrated. A checklist of all known species of is provided, along with an identification key.
Three species of the subgenus Homoneura (Homoneura) Wulp, 1891 from China are described as new to science: H. (H.) furcata., H. (H.) lishuiensis., and H. (H.) sexangula., which are assigned to the H. (H.) singularis grou...Three species of the subgenus Homoneura (Homoneura) Wulp, 1891 from China are described as new to science: H. (H.) furcata., H. (H.) lishuiensis., and H. (H.) sexangula., which are assigned to the H. (H.) singularis group. A key to the species of this species group in China is presented. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of male genitalia of these new species are provided.
Natural history collections contain vast numbers of small, fragile specimens whose morphology is difficult to capture using conventional 2D-imaging. Photogrammetric 3D-reconstruction from multi-view photographs can prese...Natural history collections contain vast numbers of small, fragile specimens whose morphology is difficult to capture using conventional 2D-imaging. Photogrammetric 3D-reconstruction from multi-view photographs can preserve surface colour and enable scaled measurement, but at macro magnification it typically requires dense viewpoint coverage with high overlap and extended depth-of-field (EDOF) imagery. Existing robotic systems often achieve viewpoint variation by rotating and tilting the specimen, which can be limiting for elongated, heavy, or fragile mounts and for objects whose geometry may change when reoriented. We present the Orbitoscope, an open-source six-axis macro-imaging robot that keeps the specimen stationary while moving the camera in translation (X-Y-Z) and orientation (A-B) around it, with a dedicated stacking axis (C) to acquire focus stacks automatically. We demonstrate the workflow by digitizing six insect specimens and generating scaled, textured 3D models suitable for preservation, measurement, and online dissemination. Basic measurement validation on one specimen showed a mean absolute percent error of 0.52% (max. 0.88%) relative to calibrated microscope reference measurements. Hardware, software, and documentation are openly released, with detailed build and operation instructions archived separately as a technical package.
We describe new species of the genus from Catanduanes Island, Philippines. . belongs to the group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 7/8. . belongs to the group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 5/6. . h...We describe new species of the genus from Catanduanes Island, Philippines. . belongs to the group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 7/8. . belongs to the group, with one pair of spermathecal pores in 5/6. . has spermathecal pores 0.19-0.24 of the circumference apart and copulatory bursae openings 0.12-0.26 of the circumference apart. The intestinal origin in XVI, the vestigial typhlosole, the presence of a septum 8/9, and wedge-shaped pads surrounding the copulatory bursal openings separate . from other species. . is distinguished by spermathecal pores 0.16 of the circumference apart, copulatory bursae openings 0.24 of the circumference apart, unpigmented segmental equators, hearts in XI-XIII, and an intestinal origin in XV. Another taxon of the urceolata group, represented by a single individual, was briefly described but not named.
Peru is a megadiverse country, home to some of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. This paper systematically reviews published studies on the phylum Rotifera in Peru, aiming to identify key features, knowle...Peru is a megadiverse country, home to some of the world's most important biodiversity hotspots. This paper systematically reviews published studies on the phylum Rotifera in Peru, aiming to identify key features, knowledge gaps, and research challenges, thereby contributing to the conservation of rotifers. A brief history of rotifer studies is presented, and the first annotated checklist is provided of all rotifer taxa recorded according to their most recent taxonomic status, valid nomenclature, and department distribution. The number of studies on Peruvian rotifer fauna is limited, with only 35 publications. These papers are primarily in the Spanish language and are published in national journals. Ecological studies, often conducted on a short-term basis, frequently dominate classical taxonomic works. Additionally, many departments and types of freshwater environments in the country remain understudied. To date, 203 valid rotifer species have been recorded. This number is unrepresentative, as more than half of the departments lack documented records. Most recorded rotifer species in Peru are from freshwater habitats in the eastern of the country, particularly near the Amazon Basin. Several important gaps are highlighted, including the need for precise revision of existing records, promoting taxonomic harmonization, and enhancing sampling efforts.
From 2020 to 2024, The Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et des Pêche (IMROP) and the Senckenberg Research Institute conducted five joint expeditions, exploring the marine biodiversity of the North-Maur...From 2020 to 2024, The Institut Mauritanien de Recherches Océanographiques et des Pêche (IMROP) and the Senckenberg Research Institute conducted five joint expeditions, exploring the marine biodiversity of the North-Mauritanian coastal habitats, primarily focusing on the Baie de l'Étoile north of Nouadhibou and to the Banc d'Arguin National Park. In order to establish a Mauritanian scientific reference collection of the marine fauna and to build up a DNA barcode library, macrozoobenthic invertebrates from all major groups were collected using various methods and gear. A total of 103 living marine macrozoobenthic invertebrate species were found and their key morphological features were described herein. This checklist gives an overview on the most common species of the Mauritanian coastal macroinvertebrates and provides a baseline for future biodiversity assessments along the Mauritanian coast.
Urban environments exhibit narrower environmental temperature profiles, with increases in mean temperature compared with natural environments. In this context, urban populations will exhibit narrow thermal tolerance rang...Urban environments exhibit narrower environmental temperature profiles, with increases in mean temperature compared with natural environments. In this context, urban populations will exhibit narrow thermal tolerance ranges, driven by a reduction in the ability to tolerate low temperatures and a more modest increase in the ability to tolerate high temperatures. Also, in the case of morphology, body size may vary with temperature in such urban-natural systems. Generally, there is a lack of knowledge on adaptive intraspecific variation in cold tolerance and body size of Collembola in these contrasting environments. In this study variation in these traits were explored in the common parthenogenetic springtail (Schäffer, 1896). The populations from warm urban habitats to tolerate lower temperatures less well than those inhabiting colder natural habitats was expected. Furthermore, whether the body size of populations may be related to habitat temperature was also explored. Significantly higher cold resistance was observed in the natural populations of compared to the populations from urban sites. The difference in the LD values between the populations also corresponded with their survival-temperature curves. The LD values correlated significantly with the soil temperature means at the sites. The body size of the populations decreased significantly with increasing soil temperature. Since elevation was the primary driver influencing temperature differences at sites, urbanisation effect could not be fully specified in our study. In conclusion, soil temperature, in combination with other environmental factors, plays a crucial role in the cold tolerance and body size of in urban and natural environments.
Recent explorations of caves in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia yielded specimens of an unusual long-legged terrestrial, cave-dwelling crab. Morphological examinations of the specimens collected, in comparison with k...Recent explorations of caves in Pahang, central Peninsular Malaysia yielded specimens of an unusual long-legged terrestrial, cave-dwelling crab. Morphological examinations of the specimens collected, in comparison with known species from the region suggests that they belong to a new genus and species, which are described herein. ., is differentiated from other potamids by characters of the carapace epigastric and postorbital cristae, ambulatory legs, male thoracic sternum, male pleon, and diagnostic structure of the male first gonopod. The discovery of this new genus and species of cave-dwelling crab highlights the importance and high diversity of karst systems in Peninsular Malaysia, which are imperilled in light of ongoing quarrying and mining activities.
This study is based on a comprehensive morphological examination of physical specimens, high-resolution photographs, and primary literature covering all known species of the genus Gerstaecker. Building upon this examina...This study is based on a comprehensive morphological examination of physical specimens, high-resolution photographs, and primary literature covering all known species of the genus Gerstaecker. Building upon this examination and utilizing specimens collected from China, three new species of are described: Chang & Li, ., Chang & Bi, . and Chang & Bi, . Illustrations and diagnostic characters of the new species are presented, with a key to all known species of . In addition, this study presents the first mitochondrial COI barcode data and ecological information for the recently described species Wang & Tomaszewska.
A new species of crocodile newt, ., is described from Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, Nghe An Province, in the border area between Vietnam and Laos, based on molecular divergence and morphological differences. . differs fro...A new species of crocodile newt, ., is described from Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, Nghe An Province, in the border area between Vietnam and Laos, based on molecular divergence and morphological differences. . differs from other species in the subgenus by its body size, tail length, glandular ridge on the midline of crown of head, parotoid shape, appearance of vertebral ridge, number of dorsolateral glandular warts, the presence of a gular fold, coloration of head and body, and the presence of lateral grooves on tail. In terms of genetic distance, the new species differs from other congeners for which comparable sequences are available by at least 5.33-5.35% () and 5.35-5.37% (), based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Our new finding brings the total number of known species in the genus from Vietnam to 10. Because the new species is currently known to be restricted to evergreen montane forests on Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, we recommend to be classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.