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Thursday, February 13th, 2025
| Time | Event | ||||||
| 2:01a | [Botany • 2025] Gynoxys yasgolgensis (Asteraceae: Senecioneae) • A New Species from northern Peru
Abstract Gynoxys (Asteraceae) includes a great diversity of species inhabiting the South American Andes, from Venezuela to northern Argentina. This genus currently comprises 130 species, from which 65 have been recorded in Peru. In this study, we describe a new species, G. yasgolgensis from northern Peru. This species was found in the Yasgolga mountain range at 3,300–3,500 meters above sea level, in the jalcas and altimontane (Pluvial) yunga forest of the Yasgolca-Santa Lucía Private Conservation Area from the Montevideo district, at the Amazonas department. It seems to have a restricted distribution nearby this area. Gynoxys yasgolgensis is a shrub or tree, differentiated from other related species, such as G. oleifolia, G. revolutifolia and G. ferreyrae, by the presence of coriaceous leaves with revolute margins and the indumentum composed of simple trichomes. In addition, it has a densely corymbose synflorescence and capitula with 6–8 ray florets and 21 disc florets. Data concerning its distribution, ecology and conservation status are provided. Jalca, Gynoxys, Senecioneae, Perú, Asteraceae, Department of Amazonas, Yasgolga mountain, Eudicots
Gynoxys yasgolgensis Revilla & Coronel-Castro, sp. nov. Diagnosis:—The new species is characterized by a woolly simple tomentum on the leaf underside with 6–8 mm
trichomes. Secondary veins are partially inconspicuous, and a reticulated tertiary venation becomes conspicuous when
the leaf is dried. Synflorescences have a yellowish ferruginous pubescence, with linear bracts of the calyculus (3–5
mm) that can be half the length of the phyllaries (4.5–6 mm). Etymology:—The epithet refers to the Cordillera Yasgolga where the type was collected. This mountain extends
from the north of the Department of San Martín to the east of La Jalca Grande, located in the Amazonas department.
Elevations vary between 2900 and 3300 meters above sea level. Hydrographically, this morphostructural feature constitutes the divortium acuarium of the Utcubamba River (to the west) and Shocol River (to the east) watersheds, an
important source of water for the Amazonas department (Rodríguez et al. 2012).
Italo REVILLA, Elver CORONEL-CASTRO, Gerson MEZA-MORI and Carlos A. AMASIFUEN GUERRA. 2025. Gynoxys yasgolgensis (Asteraceae, Senecioneae): A New Species from northern Peru. Phytotaxa. 684(2);139-146. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.684.2.1 | ||||||
| 2:06a | [Herpetology • 2025] Scincella truongi • A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam
Abstract A new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 is described from northern Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. Scincella truongi sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL up to 59.4 mm); primary temporals 2; external ear opening without lobules; loreals two; supralabials seven or eight; infralabials six or seven; nuchals in three pairs; midbody scales in 28 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in six rows across the back; paravertebral scales 60–67, not widened; ventral scales in 60–70 rows; ten smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 13–15 beneath toe IV; toes not reaching to fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze brown with few black spots, a dark stripe running from nostril to eye and extending from posterior corner of eye along upper part of flank to the middle of the tail. In the phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as an independent lineage with no clear sister taxon and at least 17.3% genetic divergence from other species in the genus based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene. Key words: COI, molecular phylogeny, morphology, Scincella truongi sp. nov., Sop Cop Nature Reserve, taxonomy
Scincella truongi sp. nov. Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from other species of Scincella by a combination of the following characteristics: size medium (SVL up to 594 mm); primary temporals two; external ear opening without lobules; loreals two; supralabials seven or eight; infralabials six or seven; nuchals in three pairs; midbody scales in 28 rows; dorsal scales smooth, in six rows across the back; paravertebral scales 60–67, not widened; ventral scales in 60–70 rows; ten smooth lamellae beneath finger IV and 13–15 beneath toe IV; toes not reaching to fingers when limbs adpressed along body; dorsal surface of body and tail bronze brown with few black spots, a dark stripe running from nostril to eye and extending from posterior corner of eye along upper part of flank to the middle of the tail. Etymology. We name the new species in honor of Prof. Dr. Truong Quang Nguyen from the Institute of Ecology and Biological Resources, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, in recognition of his great contributions to the herpetofaunal exploration of the Indochina region. We recommend “Truong’s Smooth Skink” as the common English name and “Thằn lằn cổ trường” as the common name in Vietnamese for the new species. Anh Van Pham, Thomas Ziegler, Cuong The Pham, Thao Ngoc Hoang, Hanh Thi Ngo and Minh Duc Le. 2025. A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1226: 319-337. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1226.139655 | ||||||
| 2:28a | [Herpetology • 2024] Amolops gudao • A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from the Gaoligong Mountains, China
Abstract The Gaoligong Mountains lie at the intersection of three global biodiversity hotspots. In recent years, with the continuous deepening of fieldwork in the region, studies have increasingly indicated that the amphibian diversity of this region remains poorly understood. During herpetological surveys in 2023, a series of Amolops specimens were collected from the Gaoligong Mountains of Yunnan Province, China. The integrated results of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate the presence of a separate and previously unknown lineage in the A. viridimaculatus group, which we herein confirm as a new species, Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov. Our discovery increases the number of Amolops species recorded in China to 59, and the total number of Amolops species to 86. The discovery of a new species in the Gaoligong Mountains further highlights the underestimated amphibian diversity in the region, emphasizing the need for continued fieldwork and research. Furthermore, Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov. exhibits obvious intraspecific variation in color patterns, a phenomenon also reported in several species within the A. viridimaculatus group, such as A. viridimaculatus and A. kaulbacki. Future studies on the taxonomy of A. viridimaculatus group should be careful with the use of color patterns as a diagnostic characteristic. Key words: Amolops viridimaculatus group, diversity, new species, phylogeny, sympatric species, Yunnan Province
Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov. Diagnosis. The new species is recognized as a member of the A. viridimaculatus group based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and can be distinguished from its groups by a combination of the following characters (Suppl. material 3): (1) medium body size (SVL 56.7–58.6 mm in males and 63.6–64.8 mm in females); (2) vomerine teeth developed, on two short oblique between choanae, “八”-shaped, almost equal in distance from each other as to choanae; (3) supratympanic fold indistinct; (4) true dorsolateral folds absent, discontinuous glandular dorsolateral fold from rear of eye to near vent present; (5) tongue cordiform, 1/2 notched posteriorly; (6) maxillary teeth developed; (7) circummarginal grooves present on tips of outer three fingers, absent on first finger; (8) inner metacarpal tubercle rounded, outer metacarpal tubercle indistinct; (9) tibiotarsal articulation of adpressed limb reaching the anterior corner of eye; (10) a black stripe below edge of the canthus rostralis extending from the nostril across the eyes, along dorsolateral glandular folds to near vent; (11) rictal gland absent; (12) iris distinctly bicolored, green in upper 1/4 and reddish brown in lower 3/4, black reticulations throughout; (13) vocal sac absent in males; (14) male with orange nuptial pad at the base of first finger. Etymology Baihualing, where the new species occurs, lies on the historical passage of the famous Southern Silk Road. The specific epithet gudao is derived from the Chinese alternative name for the Southern Silk Road. We propose the English common name Gudao Cascade Frog and the Chinese common name Gǔ Dào Tuān Wā (古道湍蛙).  Yun-He Wu, Zhong-Bin Yu, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Chen-Qi Lu, Jia-Hua Li, Yun-Peng Li, Yi-Juan Shi and Jing Che. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Anura, Ranidae) from the Gaoligong Mountains, China. ZooKeys. 1227: 349-367. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1227.131357 | ||||||
| 3:06a | [Botany • 2025] Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae) • A New Species from limestone karst in central Laos
In Southeast Asia, approximately 408,000 km2 is covered with limestone, most of which was originally fragmented in distribution (Clements et al. 2006). In Laos, the limestone area is about 30,000 km2, covering ca. 12.6% of land in northern and central Laos. Khammouane Province, central Laos, is one of the core sites of limestone in the country where two main national protected areas, Phou Hin Poun National Protected Area and Hin Nam No National Park, are well known. In addition, the Nam Sanam-Phou Pha Marn Provincial Protected Area (hereafter PPA) covers an area of about 1,500 km2, in which the Rock Viewpoint Phou Pha Marn covers a huge area of the PPA. . . During our field surveys in the limestone karst of the Rock Viewpoint Phou Pha Marn, a species of Orophea was
collected. After further comparisons with related taxa based on the literature and herbarium specimens, it was found
to be a species of subg. Sphaerocarpon, morphologically most similar to O. laotica, but differing from all previously
known species in the genus. Here, we describe it as a new species. Flora, inventory, Magnoliales, Sphaerocarpon, taxonomy, Magnoliids
Orophea phouphamarnensis D.Kong., Soulad. & Tagane, sp. nov. Orophea phouphamarnensis is most similar to O. laotica in leaf shape and size but distinguished by a number of morphological features, especially stamen and carpel numbers (Table 1). Etymology:—Referring to the type locality, Phou Pha Marn. Vernacular name:—Pha marn Inthy (ຜາມ່ານອິນທີ; Lao), proposed here. Pha marn refers to an area, and Inthy refers to Inthy Deuansavanh, who established walking trails on the limestone karst that enabled access to the core area of Phou Pha Marn. Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Shuichiro TAGANE, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Anousone SENGTHONG, Van-Son DANG, Quoc Bao NGUYEN, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Nobuyuki TANAKA, Kotaro T. TAKAHASHI and Phetlasy SOULADETH. 2025. Orophea phouphamarnensis (Annonaceae), A New Species from limestone karst in central Laos. Phytotaxa. 687(1); 15-20. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.687.1.3 [2025-02-13] | ||||||
| 6:10a | [Botany • 2025] Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China
Abstract Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), a new calcareous species found in Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. coccinea, S. scabrida, and S. purpureocaerulea in having pubescent stems and subglobose capsules, but it is easily distinguished by its cincinnous inflorescence and its triangular, 1–2 mm long, pubescent bracteoles. According to the IUCN criteria, it is considered Data Deficient (DD) until more information becomes available. Photographs, an illustration, a distribution map, and a comparative table with the most similar species are provided. Key words: Daxin County, limestone, new species, sinkhole, taxonomy  
Spiradiclis scorpiura Y.Nong & L.Wu, sp. nov. Chinese name: xiē wěi luó xù cǎo (蝎尾螺序草). Diagnosis: Spiradiclis scorpiura is most similar to S. coccinea but is different in its densely pubescent young stems that become glabrous when older (vs. glabrous or subglabrous), its cincinnous inflorescences (vs. cymose), its triangular, 1–2 mm long, pubescent bracteoles (vs. subulate, 3–4 mm long, glabrous), its calyx puberulent outside (vs. glabrescent outside), and its capsule 3–4 mm in diam. (vs. 4.5–5.5 mm in diam.). Etymology. The specific epithet “scorpiura” refers to the terminal, cincinnous inflorescences of the new species. You Nong, Li-Qun Lei, Lei Wu, Qi-Min Hu, Ying-Jing Li, Xin-Cheng Qu, Chuan-Gui Xu and Gui-Yuan Wei. 2025. Spiradiclis scorpiura (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 41-49. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.139783  | ||||||
| 9:09a | [Botany • 2025] Petrocodon curvitubus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China
Abstract A new species of Gesneriaceae, Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov. from Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to P. lui and P. tenuitubus, but can be easily distinguished by its elliptic to oblong-ovate leaves, corollas with two purple longitudinal stripes, and conical ovary. Key words: China, Gesneriaceae, Guangxi, limestone flora, new species
Petrocodon curvitubus J.X.Wei, B.Pan & T.Ding, sp. nov. Diagnosis: P. curvitubus is florally similar to P. lui and P. tenuitubus. However, it can be distinguished from these by leaf characteristics, with leaves elliptic to oblong-ovate, apex obtuse or slightly acuminate, base cuneate (vs P. lui, ovate or broadly ovate; apex subacute or obtuse, base cordate to shallowly cordate, oblique; vs P. tenuitubus, ovate to orbicular; apex obtuse, base cordate symmetrical or asymmetrical), corollas with purple stripes (vs absent in P. lui and P. tenuitubus), corolla lobes obovate-elliptic to oblong, apex acuminate (vs P. lui, lobes oblong, obovate to suborbicular, apex obtuse; vs P. tenuitubus, lobes narrowly ovate to ovate, apex obtuse), and ovary conical, ca. 2.5 × ca. 0.8 mm (vs P. lui, linear, ca. 3 × 1.5 mm; vs P. tenuitubus, ovoid, 1–2 × 1–1.5 mm) (Table 1). Etymology: The epithet originates from the strongly curved corolla tube. Vernacular name: Wān Guǎn Shí Shān Jù Tái (弯管石山苣苔), the first two words, “Wān Guǎn,” mean the corolla tube is strongly curved, and the following four words, “Shí Shān Jù Tái,” mean Petrocodon in Chinese. Jin-Xin Wei, Bo Pan and Tao Ding. 2025. Petrocodon curvitubus, A New Species of Gesneriaceae from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 252: 77-85. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.252.136306 | ||||||
| 10:14a | [Paleontology • 2025] First Occurrence of the Duck-billed Dinosaur Tribe Lambeosaurini (Hadrosauridae: Lambeosaurinae) in South China
ABSTRACT Late Cretaceous Laurasia contained a typical dinosaur fauna consisting of herbivorous hadrosaurids, ceratopsians, and carnivorous tyrannosauroids. Previously, tyrannosauroid teeth have been found in the Upper Cretaceous Dalangshan Formation of Sihui City, China. We describe a fragmentary skeleton of a duck-billed dinosaur from the same general region. The skeleton includes dorsal and caudal vertebrae, a humerus, ilium, femur and tibia. Morphological comparison and cladistic analyses support that this specimen belongs to the tribe Lambeosaurini, which is otherwise poorly represented in China. The new specimens and the previously discovered tyrannosauroid teeth represent the dominant taxa of the typical Late Cretaceous dinosaur fauna of Laurasia. KEYWORDS: Dinosauria, Hadrosauridae, Lambeosaurinae, Lambeosaurini, Maastrichtian   
Donghao Wang, Lida Xing, Jordan C. Mallon, Tetsuto Miyashita, Zaoqun Liang, Xianqiu Zhang, Zheng Ren, Zhicong Liang and Minyi Xian. 2025. First Occurrence of the Duck-billed Dinosaur tribe Lambeosaurini (Hadrosauridae: Lambeosaurinae) in South China. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2025.2454652 | ||||||
| 1:17p | [Herpetology • 2025] Dixonius hinchangsi • A New Sandstone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Dixonius) from Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand
Abstract We describe Dixonius hinchangsi sp. nov. from a sandstone area near Hin Chang Si, Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species differs from all currently recognized Dixonius by the following combination of morphological characters and pattern: maximal known snout-vent length of 50.1 mm, 12 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles; 30 to 34 paravertebral tubercles; 23 to 27 longitudinal rows of ventral scales across the abdomen; six to eight precloacal pores in males, no pores in females; no canthal stripe; strongly barred lips; and a spotted to uniform dorsal pattern in males and females. We provide a cranial osteological description and a phylogenetic analysis of the new species. This discovery brings the number of recognized Dixonius species to 19, among them nine species endemic to Thailand. Reptilia, Gekkota, morphology, taxonomy, Southeast Asia, Isan    Dixonius hinchangsi sp. nov.   Olivier S. G. PAUWELS, Sunandan DAS, Kirati KUNYA, Montri SUMONTHA, Nattasuda DONBUNDIT, Thomas P. C. PAUWELS, Gontran SONET, Jonathan BRECKO and Worawitoo MEESOOK. 2025. A New Sandstone-dwelling Leaf-toed Gecko (Gekkonidae: Dixonius hinchangsi) from Khon Kaen Province, northeastern Thailand. Zootaxa. 5584(4); 482-504. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5584.4.2 [2025-02-11]  |
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