Protected areas are created to serve two major objectives, which include the securing of ecosystem services and the conservation of biodiversity. However, the status of primates around the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park,...Protected areas are created to serve two major objectives, which include the securing of ecosystem services and the conservation of biodiversity. However, the status of primates around the Fazao-Malfakassa National Park, which is the last refuge for threatened primates in Togo, is a call for concern. Using a questionnaire survey with a semi-structured interview protocol, this study examines primate diversity and its relationship with surrounding communities. Of the 12 primate species identified through community interviews, was the most frequently cited (23.18% of citations), followed by (14.29%). The species assemblage included the endangered and the locally extinct or extremely rare . Analysis of human-primate relationships revealed that local communities utilize primates primarily as a food source (45.45% of respondents), for cultural representations (31.82%), and for religious purposes (18.18%) (percentages calculated from multiple-response questionnaires). The study also found three endogenous primate conservation and management principles that focus on the control of crop destruction and adherence to local cultural and religious norms. Due to this complex relationship between local populations and primates, it is necessary to adapt integrated approaches that combine monitoring efforts, awareness campaigns, law enforcement, and ecotourism development while prioritizing primate conservation and ecosystem functions.
Phoresy is an important dispersal strategy in pseudoscorpions, yet associations with Diptera have not been comprehensively revised for more than two decades. An updated synthesis of pseudoscorpion-Diptera phoresy is pres...Phoresy is an important dispersal strategy in pseudoscorpions, yet associations with Diptera have not been comprehensively revised for more than two decades. An updated synthesis of pseudoscorpion-Diptera phoresy is presented based on newly collected European material, a revision of previously studied Slovak material, a critical reassessment of worldwide published records, and available fossil evidence. In total, 11 previously unreported cases of pseudoscorpion phoresy from four European countries are documented, including the first records of (C.L. Koch, 1835) from France and of (Hermann, 1804) from Slovenia. Seven dipteran species and three dipteran families are newly recorded worldwide as hosts of pseudoscorpion phoresy, and one case of multiple phoresy was recorded from Slovakia. Altogether, 172 records spanning the period from 1761 to 2025 were compiled and evaluated. Compared with previous syntheses, the number of known dipteran hosts was increased to 74 species from 30 families, and pseudoscorpion phoronts to 39 species from seven families. This study provides the most comprehensive overview of pseudoscorpion-Diptera phoresy to date and establishes a robust framework for future taxonomic, ecological, and evolutionary studies.
The brachyceran family Vermileonidae (wormlion flies) is characterised by larvae that construct pitfall traps for predation. The Oriental genus Wheeler, 1930 previously included four described species distributed in Chi...The brachyceran family Vermileonidae (wormlion flies) is characterised by larvae that construct pitfall traps for predation. The Oriental genus Wheeler, 1930 previously included four described species distributed in China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In 1978, unidentified larvae of were collected by Fa-Sheng Li from Yadong, Xizang, China, but the adult stage remained unknown. During a 2025 expedition, adult specimens were obtained, enabling their association with the larvae and recognition as a new species. Herein, . is described, with accounts of its immature stages and notes on its biology. This discovery increases the number of species recorded from China from one to two, the total number of species in the genus from four to five, and all the extant species in the family from 66 to 67. The biogeographical implications for are also discussed.
The spiders of the species group are primarily distributed across five mountain ranges in East Asia: the Lüliang Mountains and the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains in North China, the transitional uplands between the Yanshan-T...The spiders of the species group are primarily distributed across five mountain ranges in East Asia: the Lüliang Mountains and the Yanshan-Taihang Mountains in North China, the transitional uplands between the Yanshan-Taihang and Changbai Mountains, the Changbai Mountains straddling the China-North Korea border, and the Taebaek-Sobaek Mountains on the Korean Peninsula. In this study, we report the first records of this group from Inner Mongolia, northern China, describing two new species: Wang & Yao, . (♂♀, from Alashan Zuoqi) and Yan & Yao, . (♂♀, from Chifeng). The discovery of . extends the group's western distribution limit by 5.2° longitude (from c. 111.0°E to 105.8°E), representing a significant zoogeographic range expansion.
de Bormans, 1903 is a large spongiphorid earwig, known from Japan, China, Laos, and Vietnam. Although many previous authors have placed this species under (Nesogastrinae) focusing on their developed tegminal (forewing)...de Bormans, 1903 is a large spongiphorid earwig, known from Japan, China, Laos, and Vietnam. Although many previous authors have placed this species under (Nesogastrinae) focusing on their developed tegminal (forewing) keels, the taxonomy of this species, which shows specific mycophily to fruiting bodies of , requires further scrutiny. In this study, multiple lines of evidence for placement of this species under (Spongiphorinae) are provided. The morphologies of the male and female genitalia (the latter reported for the first time) and DNA barcodes indicate close affinities of to two spongiphorine genera, and . Embryonic development in this species begins within the ovaries, indicating ovarian fertilization, a phenomenon previously documented in several species of Spongiphorinae, Labiinae, and Sparattinae, but not in Nesogastrinae. Although the tegminal keel structures of resemble those of true , their different orientations support reinstating the combination (de Bormans, 1903). Our integrative taxonomy analysis reveals instability in the subfamilial classification of Spongiphoridae, which relies heavily on a limited set of traits prone to convergent evolution. A revised key for Spongiphoridae subfamilies is also presented, and a new mainland Sumatra record of (Sparattinae) is reported.
The morphology, morphogenesis, and multi-gene phylogeny of a new hypotrich, ., from a temporary pond in Gangneung-si, South Korea, were investigated. The new species inhabits a gelatinous lorica that is often branched,...The morphology, morphogenesis, and multi-gene phylogeny of a new hypotrich, ., from a temporary pond in Gangneung-si, South Korea, were investigated. The new species inhabits a gelatinous lorica that is often branched, forming a colony. Diagnostic features include two frontal cirri, one buccal cirrus, a short parabuccal row, two frontoventral cirral rows, a single marginal row on each side, and three dorsal kineties, each with a caudal cirrus. The frontoventral rows, marginal rows, and dorsal kineties spiral by half to one turn around the long body axis. Detailed morphogenesis is documented in the genus for the first time: the oral primordium arises close to the left frontoventral row; the parental adoral zone is fully retained; frontoventral rows, both marginal rows, and all dorsal kineties develop at two levels via within-row anlagen formation; and the parabuccal row originates from the oral primordium. Phylogenetic analyses of 18S rDNA place . within Chaetospiridae, forming a sister group to members of the family Gonostomatidae and the core urostylids. A concatenated rDNA gene dataset shows that Chaetospiridae is sister to hypotrichs with gonostomatid oral apparatus. These data refine the diagnosis of Chaetospiridae and confirm the generic assignment of .
The genus Emery, 1869 is a diverse group of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, with a total of 89 recognised species and subspecies recorded worldwide. A new species of the group . is described herein, from China, base...The genus Emery, 1869 is a diverse group of ants in the subfamily Myrmicinae, with a total of 89 recognised species and subspecies recorded worldwide. A new species of the group . is described herein, from China, based on worker morphology. The main diagnostic characters of this new species are as follows: 11-segmented antennae; occiput partly smooth and shining; clypeus broad and robust; mesosomal dorsum strongly convex and mostly smooth; metanotal groove absent; and petiolar peduncle long and slender. The new species is similar to Wheeler, 1935, but it differs in a smooth and shining occipital surface, evenly convex anterior clypeal margin, more elevated mesosomal outline, and more elongated petiolar peduncle. Additionally, a new synonymy is proposed: Zhou, 2001, . (= Forel, 1899). Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images and high-resolution colour images of Chinese species are provided, with a taxonomic key to the Chinese species based on worker caste.
, the only species reported in the Arabian region, was originally described from Senegal, western Africa. In this work, the morphological and genetic (COI and ITS2) variation of several populations of from different lo..., the only species reported in the Arabian region, was originally described from Senegal, western Africa. In this work, the morphological and genetic (COI and ITS2) variation of several populations of from different localities in Kuwait, Oman, and western Africa were analyzed. The type material of is described, and molecular data provided for specimens collected close to the type locality. Based on the molecular analysis, at least twelve lineages were recognized in the studied area (eight in the Arabian region and four in the western Africa), with being a species complex composed of at least eleven lineages. The species name is assigned to the lineage found close to the type locality, restricting the species distribution to the coastal areas of Senegal. One lineage from off Kuwait was described as a new species, ., differing from in fine chaetal characters. Another lineage was identified as , originally described from Sri Lanka, representing a new record of this species for the Arabian region. Further investigation is needed to describe or to name the other lineages belonging to the species complex. With the description of ., the genus comprises 31 species worldwide. However, the number of discovered genetic lineages in this study indicates a high proportion of undescribed species diversity in the genus.
The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Singapore, previously almost entirely undocumented, is analyzed through examination of approximately 500 specimens. A critical reassessment of the limited published records is also provid...The earwig (Dermaptera) fauna of Singapore, previously almost entirely undocumented, is analyzed through examination of approximately 500 specimens. A critical reassessment of the limited published records is also provided. In total, 29 species identified to the species level are reported, including one Diplatyidae, two Pygidicranidae, one Apachyidae, seven Anisolabididae, two Labiduridae, nine Spongiphoridae, four Chelisochidae, and three Forficulidae. Of these, 17 species are newly recorded for Singapore: Kamimura & Nishikawa, 2016, (Burr, 1913), Ramamurthi, 1967, Dohrn, 1867, Borelli, 1926, (Dubrony, 1879), (Dufour, 1829), (Motschulsky, 1863), (Motschulsky, 1863), (Srivastava, 1978), Borelli, 1926, (Bormans, 1894), (Yersin, 1860), (Stål, 1860), (Bormans, 1894), (Kirby, 1891), and (Stål, 1860). Additional morphological notes are provided for selected taxa. A new synonymy is proposed, synonymizing Srivastava, 1990 with de Bormans, 1900, resulting in (Kirby, 1903), . as the only dermapteran species currently considered endemic to Singapore. Additionally, (Karny, 1927) is reported as the first national record of Zoraptera (angel insects). These findings are discussed in the context of Singapore's urbanization and the biogeographic affinities of its insect fauna with those of neighboring regions.
Based on several small collections, new taxonomic and faunistic data on spiders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon are presented. Six species are described as new to science: Szűts & Za...Based on several small collections, new taxonomic and faunistic data on spiders of the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and Lebanon are presented. Six species are described as new to science: Szűts & Zamani, . (♂; Saudi Arabia), Szűts & Zamani, . (♂; Saudi Arabia) (both Eresidae), Zamani & Marusik, . (♀; UAE), Zamani & Marusik, . (♀; UAE) (both Gnaphosidae), Zamani & Marusik, . (♂♀; UAE) (Lycosidae), and Zamani & Marusik, . (♀; UAE) (Prodidomidae). In addition, the previously unknown male of (Levy, 1999) (Gnaphosidae) is illustrated and described. Finally, one new family record, 16 new generic records and 22 new species records are documented, and the previous record of (Kulczyński, 1901) (Filistatidae) from Yemen is rejected.
Despite considerable advances in statistical methods, taxonomic delimitation using morphometric data (morphometric delimitation) has not significantly progressed beyond the use of simple summary statistics or univariate...Despite considerable advances in statistical methods, taxonomic delimitation using morphometric data (morphometric delimitation) has not significantly progressed beyond the use of simple summary statistics or univariate tests to quantify differences among predefined operational taxonomic units (OTUs). These methods typically rely on visual inspection of graphs or -value thresholds to determine if character means are statistically different. Tiburtini et al. (2025) introduced a conceptually different approach for morphometric delimitation using Bayesian model-testing and Gaussian Mixture Models (GMM). This approach can infer morphological clusters with or without OTU groupings and jointly evaluates the fit of alternate taxonomic hypotheses to the data, providing a probabilistic, model-based framework that moves beyond traditional significance testing. Additionally, a machine-learning method was proposed to identify diagnostic characters based on a Random Forest classification algorithm. Initially developed for plant morphometrics, we adapted Tiburtini et al.'s approach for any morphometric dataset and integrated it into GroupStruct2, a Shiny R-based application with a full graphical user interface that also includes conventional statistical methods (e.g. univariate/multivariate tests, PCA, DAPC, MFA). We demonstrate that a more robust, nuanced, and comprehensive perspective on morphological variation and character diagnoses can be achieved using GroupStruct2's integrative workflow that combines classical statistical analyses with Bayesian GMM and machine-learning methods. The integration of frequentist and Bayesian methods within a user-friendly graphical interface democratizes access to robust statistical analyses and enables researchers to adopt quantitative rigor in taxonomic studies.
In April 2025, adult specimens of Diptera were collected in Henan Province, China., and based on an integrated analysis of DNA barcodes and morphology, a new species is formally described as Lei & Zhang, . Adult males c...In April 2025, adult specimens of Diptera were collected in Henan Province, China., and based on an integrated analysis of DNA barcodes and morphology, a new species is formally described as Lei & Zhang, . Adult males can be distinguished from all known congeners by a unique combination of morphological traits: a greater hypopygium ratio (1.98-2.11) and longer hypopygium (3.77-4.01), the presence of a white ring on the femur, the wing with a dark spot near the cross vein r-m, and a superior volsella bearing six bristles. Adult females are characterized by a small antennal ratio (AR 0.37-0.39); the wing with a dark spot near the cross vein r-m; genitalia with two ovoid, transparent seminal capsules; and a large, elliptical, densely setose cercus. The average interspecific genetic distance of the new species with congeners substantially exceeds the established threshold for species divergence in , providing strong molecular evidence supporting this novel species. An updated taxonomic key to the known male adults of from China is also provided.
Two new species of the complex are described from southeastern and northeastern Yunnan Province, China, respectively, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The two new species can be distinguished from the thre...Two new species of the complex are described from southeastern and northeastern Yunnan Province, China, respectively, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The two new species can be distinguished from the three known species of this complex and each other by the difference in the skin texture, the visibility of the tympanum, the ventral coloration, and the distribution of the spines on the ventral surface of the head in adult males. Phylogenetically, the two new species formed two distinct clades in the complex and differ from other species of the complex and each other by 2.4-5.0% in the 16S gene sequences and 9.8-11.3% in the ND2 gene sequences. This study brings the total number of recognized species of the genus to 36, of which 27 occur in China and 13 in Yunnan.
A new species of the genus Mittleman, 1950 is described from south-central Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. . is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL up to...A new species of the genus Mittleman, 1950 is described from south-central Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. . is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL up to 48.3 mm); primary temporals two; external ear opening without lobules; loreals two; supralabials seven (rarely 8); infralabials six; enlarged nuchals, 0-2; midbody scales in 32-34 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in eight rows across the back; paravertebral scales 68-70, not widened; ventral scales in 64-68 rows; 10 or 11 smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 16 or 17 beneath toe IV; toes not reaching the fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze brown with a discontinuous black vertebral stripe, one scale wide, from middle of neck to tail base; a black stripe, two scales wide, interrupted by small pale spots, from nostril to eye and extending from posterior margin of eye along upper part of flank and tail base. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as an independent lineage with no clear sister taxon and shows at least 11.2% genetic divergence from other species in the genus based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene.
To study the diversity and taxonomy of marine nematodes on the Rizhao coast, undisturbed sediment samples have been systematically collected since 2022. Two new species of the family Comesomatidae, . and . are describe...To study the diversity and taxonomy of marine nematodes on the Rizhao coast, undisturbed sediment samples have been systematically collected since 2022. Two new species of the family Comesomatidae, . and . are described. . is characterized by having the outer labial sensilla setiform, the buccal cavity cup-shaped with a cuticularized projection, the amphidial fovea wide with 2.5 turns, spicules L-shaped with faint striation, the gubernaculum short with a small caudally directed apophysis, 10 or 11 papilliform precloacal supplements, and a conico-cylindrical tail with two long terminal setae. . is characterized by having the cuticle ornamented with transverse punctations and lateral pores, four long cephalic setae, a wide buccal cavity with three ridges, a wide amphidial fovea with 2.5-2.75 turns, spicules curved with a cephalate proximal end, the gubernaculum with a dorso-caudal apophysis, 11 or 12 tubular precloacal supplements, and a conico-cylindrical tail with a short, cylindrical portion.
The family Rhaphidophoridae (Orthoptera, Ensifera) was established by Walker in 1869 with Serville, 1838 as the type genus. Morphologically, all species are completely wingless, with a flattened, dorsally convex body, a...The family Rhaphidophoridae (Orthoptera, Ensifera) was established by Walker in 1869 with Serville, 1838 as the type genus. Morphologically, all species are completely wingless, with a flattened, dorsally convex body, a longitudinally furrowed head vertex, slender legs, and foretibiae without tympana. Herein, two new species, Feng & Zhao, . and Diestramima (Baculitettix) phytophylacis Feng & Zhao, ., are described and illustrated. Both new species were collected from Jiaozishan Town, Xixiu District, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China. All specimens examined in this study are deposited in the collection of Anshun University, Anshun City, Guizhou Province, China.
. (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Lomechusini) is described, a socially integrated myrmecophile associated with Foerster, 1850. The species is documented from Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Belarus, and Wes.... (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Aleocharinae: Lomechusini) is described, a socially integrated myrmecophile associated with Foerster, 1850. The species is documented from Sweden, Finland, Estonia, Poland, Belarus, and Western Russia (incl. Ural Mountains) based on both newly collected and museum specimens. Field observations show beetles on the surface of host mounds and within nest material, indicating a close association with red wood ant hills. Morphological comparison of the new species and similar species is provided, including an identification key for species of Northern Europe, and an update to the global group key. A detailed account of differences between the new species and (hosted by ), for which it has until now been misidentified as, is made. Mitochondrial COI barcodes are provided to support the morphology and show low but robustly supported genetic divergence (0.7%) between . and , which are similar to divergences between other currently recognised species in the genus. Key diagnostic characters include the shape of the pronotum, colour and microsculpture of the head, pronotum and abdomen, dimensions of the antennae, genital structures, as well as the ant host. Our study clarifies long-standing confusion over records of "" from nests of the group and suggests that host specificity is prevalent within . The holotype is deposited at the Natural History Museum Denmark.
We describe two new species of the genera Bock, 1913 and Faubel, 1983, which have not been reported for nearly a century. Herein, the genus represents a rare group of polyclads inhabiting brackish waters. . is charac...We describe two new species of the genera Bock, 1913 and Faubel, 1983, which have not been reported for nearly a century. Herein, the genus represents a rare group of polyclads inhabiting brackish waters. . is characterized by: i) a grayish-brown dorsal surface with a slightly darker median region, ii) numerous cerebral eyespots forming two scarcely separate clusters, and iii) an ejaculatory duct joining the prostatic duct at the distal end of the penis. . is distinguished from its congeners by: i) the presence of a true seminal vesicle, ii) a heart-shaped brain, iii) gonopores positioned closer to the posterior end of the body, and iv) a U-shaped Lang's vesicle with two swollen ends. We provide the first partial DNA maker sequences for these two new species and employ them to analyze the phylogenetic relationships of their corresponding genera. Our molecular phylogenetic analyses show that and are nested within the Stylochoidea clade. In addition, we have revised the genus ; its familial affiliation remains unresolved, and additional species are required to clarify its phylogenetic position.
The synigonymy of Ogloblin, 1936 with Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 is supported. Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, . is regarded as a new synonym of Ogloblin, 1936. A new genus . is described. Jacoby, 1892 and Gressitt & Kimoto...The synigonymy of Ogloblin, 1936 with Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 is supported. Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, . is regarded as a new synonym of Ogloblin, 1936. A new genus . is described. Jacoby, 1892 and Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963 (resurrected from synonymy with Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963) are transferred to . Nine new species of . are described as follows: ., ., ., ., ., ., ., ., and .
Five new scaled species, belonging to three genera of Entomobryinae, are described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, China. . is characterised by small blue spots on the body; ., ., and...Five new scaled species, belonging to three genera of Entomobryinae, are described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and Chongqing Municipality, China. . is characterised by small blue spots on the body; ., ., and . by their colour pattern and dorsal chaetotaxy of the body; and . by its colour pattern. A key to the scaled genera of the subfamily Entomobryinae and a key to the species of are provided.