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Thursday, April 17th, 2025
| Time | Event | ||||||||
| 1:31a | [Herpetology • 2025] Lycodon latifasciatus • A New Species of Wolf Snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 (Squamata: Colubridae) from China and Myanmar, and New Data on Lycodon gongshan
Abstract We describe a new species of wolf snake in the genus Lycodon Fitzinger based on eight specimens collected from the Xizang Autonomous Region of southwestern China and the Sagaing Region of northern Myanmar (Burma). The new species, Lycodon latifasciatus sp. nov., was previously confused with Lycodon fasciatus Anderson and Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo but differs from each species by having a dorsal color pattern consisting of broad dark brown and orange crossbands and a higher number of subcaudal scales (90–96). Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequences (16s ribosomal RNA, cytochrome b, and recombination activation gene 1) recover Lycodon latifasciatus sp. nov. as a well-supported outgroup to a clade containing five species: Lycodon fasciatus, Lycodon gongshan, Lycodon butleri Boulenger, L. cavernicolus Grismer, Quah, Anuar, Muin, Wood & Nor, and L. sidiki Wostl, Hamidy, Kurniawan & Smith. It is further distinguished from all members of that clade by having uncorrected pairwise distances ranging from 6.65–12.94% (based on cytochrome b sequences), and by a lack of haplotype sharing based on nuclear DNA sequences (recombination activation gene 1). A redescription with new molecular and morphological data of L. gongshan is provided, including confirmation of recent records from Sichuan Province, China and a new record from Kachin State, Myanmar. mt DNA, nu DNA, phylogeny, systematics, Southeast Asia, Lycodon latifasciatus sp. nov., Reptilia
 
Lycodon latifasciatus sp. nov. Tan Van NGUYEN, Justin L. LEE, Ke JIANG, Li DING, May Thu CHIT, Nikolay A. POYARKOV and Gernot VOGEL. 2025. A New Species of Wolf Snake Lycodon Fitzinger, 1826 from China and Myanmar (Squamata: Colubridae), and New Data on Lycodon gongshan Vogel & Luo, 2011. Zootaxa. 5621(1); 1-51. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5621.1.1 [2025-04-14] | ||||||||
| 2:12a | [Ichthyology • 2025] Characidium dumonti • A New Species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Iguaçu National Park, Rio Iguaçu Basin, Paraná, Brazil
Abstract A new species of Characidium is described from the Iguaçu National Park, Brazil. The new species can be diagnosed from the congeners by the absence of conspicuous vertical bars, blotches and spots along the sides of the body, the presence of a scaled isthmus and adipose fin, a series of scales below lateral line and the presence of a thin dark midlateral stripe. The reticulated colour pattern of melanophores along the posterior edge of scales found in the new species is similar to that found in C. xanthopterum, with which it presents 4.2% of genetic distance. Morphological and molecular analyses showed that it is a new species, supported by multiple species delimitation methods (Assemble Species by Automatic Partitioning, the General Mixed Yule Coalescent method, and the Poisson Tree Process and its Bayesian implementation). The new species is a sister group of C. itarare, a species that occurs in the Paranapanema river basin (upper Paraná river). Despite being located within a conservation unit, the new species is known from only two creeks, raising concerns about its long-term conservation. Keywords: COI, conservation unit, freshwater fish, integrative taxonomy, south American darters
Characidium dumonti, sp. nov. Diagnosis: Characidium dumonti can be distinguished from its congeners, except Characidium bolivianum Pearson 1924, C. chicoi da Graça, Ota & Domingues 2019, C. iaquira Zanata, Ohara, Oyakawa & Dagosta 2020, C. kamakan Zanata & Camelier 2015, C. lanei Travassos 1967, C. nana Mendonça & Netto-Ferreira 2015, C. samurai Zanata & Camelier 2014, C. summus Zanata & Ohara 2015, C. tapuia Zanata, Ramos & Oliveira-Silva 2018, and C. xanthopterum Silveira, Langeani, da Graça, Pavanelli & Buckup 2008 by the absence of conspicuous dark-brown vertical bars, blotches and spots along the sides of body (vs. presence of conspicuous dark-brown vertical bars, blotches and spots along the sides of body in the remaining congeners). Characidium dumonti can be distinguished from C. bolivianum, C. iaquira, C. kamakan, C. lanei and C. summus by the scaled isthmus (vs. scaleless isthmus). From C. chicoi and C. nana by the presence of adipose fin (vs. absence of adipose fin). From C. xanthopterum by the presence of five scales series below lateral line (vs. four). From C. samurai and C. tapuia by the presence of a thin dark midlateral stripe occupying half scale height in vertical through dorsal-fin origin and one scale height on caudal peduncle (vs. broad lateral stripe occupying at least one scale height). The new species can be further distinguished from all congeners except C. xanthopterum by the presence of a reticulated colour pattern, with melanophores along the posterior edge of the scales (vs. absence of a reticulated colour pattern, without melanophores along the posterior edge of the scales) and from C. xanthopterum by the shorter dorsal and pelvic-fin height, 19.1%–23.7% and 12.1%–18.1% of Ls (vs. 24.9%–32.2% and 21.6%–27.4% of Ls), and shorter predorsal distance 44.5%–48.0% of Ls (vs. 49.2%–56.7% of Ls). Etymology: The specific name dumonti was chosen in honour of Alberto Santos-Dumont (1873–1932), who is regarded as the father of aviation. In 1916, Dumont visited the area around the Iguaçu Falls and worked to convince the government to create a natural park there. His efforts were essential for the establishment of the Iguaçu National Park, a place that protects the type locality of Characidium dumonti and home of many other species. A genitive.
Bruno H. M. Stabile, Renan B. dos Reis, Alessandra V. de Oliveira and Weferson J. da Graça. 2025. A New Species of Characidium (Characiformes: Crenuchidae) from the Iguaçu National Park, Rio Iguaçu Basin, Paraná, Brazil. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70035 [09 April 2025] | ||||||||
| 2:22a | [Crustacea • 2025] Gaillardiellus magiruber • A New Species of Gaillardiellus Guinot, 1976 (Brachyura: Xanthidae) from the coral reefs of the South China Sea
Abstract A new xanthid species of Gaillardiellus Guinot, 1976, is described from the coral reefs of the Xisha and Nansha Islands in the South China Sea. The new species, Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov., closely resembles G. rueppellii (Krauss, 1843) but can be distinguished mainly by its closer proximity of the outer orbital angle and anterolateral margin, which lacks an accessory lobe, a broader and non-protruding front, and notable differences in live coloration and size. Molecular analysis of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences further corroborates the validity of this new species. An updated identification key for Gaillardiellus is provided. Key words: Actaeinae, COI, Gaillardiellus, identification key, morphology, new species, rock crabs, taxonomy
Gaillardiellus magiruber sp. nov. Diagnosis. Carapace (Figs 1A, B, 2A, 3A, B, 4A, B) transversely oval, regions clearly defined, short setae present within grooves and between granules, long setae scattered between granules; front not protruding, slightly curved downwards, divided into 2 lobes by broad V-shaped notch; anterolateral margin divided into 4 granular lobes, first lobe small, slightly larger than outer orbital angle, adjacent to latter; posterolateral margin shorter than anterolateral margin, distinctly concave. Thoracic sternum (Figs 1D, 3D) with low granules, sternites 1 to 4 covered with soft setae. Male pleonite 6 (Figs 1D, 2B) with expanded lateral distal angles, wider than long; telson wider than long, terminal end blunt. G1 (Fig. 2F, G, J, K) curved outwards, distal third with small spines, long setae near distal end, terminal lobe slender. Orange-red to vibrant bright red in life (Fig. 5). Etymology. The new species is named after the fiery Stand “Magician’s Red” from the manga “JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure”, wielded by the character Muhammad Avdol. This name alludes to the species’ changing flame-like red coloration. YUAN Ziming, JIANG Wei and SHA Zhongli. 2025. A New Species of Gaillardiellus Guinot, 1976 (Crustacea, Brachyura, Xanthidae) from the coral reefs of the South China Sea. ZooKeys. 1234: 1-17. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1234.144026 | ||||||||
| 2:26a | [Botany • 2025] Santolina razaneae (Asteraceae) • A New steppic Species from Morocco
Abstract Based on morphological characters, Santolina razaneae, a new Asteraceae species growing in the steppic habitats of eastern Morocco (Moulouya valley and High Plateaus), is described and illustrated. This species is distinguished from other Santolina species present in Morocco by its unique morphological traits, including elliptic leaflets and pinnate leaves with obtuse lobes, triangular, lacerate, and glabrous paleae, and florets with triangular, pale pinkish lobes. A key to the spontaneous Santolina species occurring in Morocco is provided. Compositae, Distribution, Endemics, Morphological traits, Taxonomy, Varieties, Eudicots   Santolina razaneae Homrani-Bakali, Chamboul. & Léger sp. nov. Abdelmonaim HOMRANI BAKALI, Mathieu CHAMBOULEYRON and Jean-François LÉGER. 2025. Santolina razaneae (Asteraceae), A New steppic Species from Morocco. Phytotaxa. 693(3); 235-244. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.693.3.4 [2025-03-14] facebook.com/HomraniBakali www.teline.fr/en/photos/asteraceae/santolina-razaneae Researchgate.net/publication/389851037_Santolina_razaneae_a_new_steppic_species_from_Morocco | ||||||||
| 2:54a | [PaleoEntomology • 2025] Basiceros enana • A Fossil-informed pattern of Body Size increase and local extinction in Basiceros dirt ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae)
Abstract Basiceros dirt ants are morphologically distinct and widely distributed members of Neotropical communities. These ants possess features that aid in leaf litter camouflage and are larger than other closely related lineages with similar cryptic adaptations. Here, we report the first fossil of this genus group, Basiceros enana sp. nov., from Miocene-aged Dominican amber, which reveals a pattern of body size evolution and disjunct biogeography. The fossil evidences the local extinction of Basiceros in the Caribbean, even as living Basiceros are known from Honduras to Southern Brazil. Using combined morphological and molecular datasets of all closely related lineages, we recover the evolutionary trajectory for body size within the group, demonstrating that body size was initially small in these ants and followed by a rapid expansion of body size in the common ancestor of all living species. Results reflect the capacity for early morphological evolution to influence perceived patterns of body size increase through a mosaic of ancestral legacy and continuous enlargement. Keywords: fossil, local extinction, ancestral state reconstruction, Caribbean evolution, body size
Basiceros enana sp. nov. Gianpiero Fiorentino, Rodolfo Probst, Adrian Richter, Evan P. Economo and Phillip Barden. 2025. A Fossil-informed pattern of Body Size increase and local extinction in Basiceros dirt ants (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). Proc. R. Soc. B. 292; 20242171. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2024.2171 [16 April 2025] | ||||||||
| 3:04a | [Ichthyology • 2025] Phalloceros mimbi • A New Species of the Phalloceros harpagos species complex (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the middle and lower Uruguay River Floodplains
Abstract Phalloceros mimbi sp. nov. is described from specimens collected in the floodplains of the middle and lower Uruguay River in Uruguay (Río Negro and Salto Departments) and Argentina (Entre Ríos Province). This species belongs to the P. harpagos species complex and is diagnosed by the following unique combination of characters: 1) presence of a symmetric hood-like structure located immediately anterior to the urogenital papilla in females, 2) absence of large papillae at the mandibular symphysis of large adult females, 3) possession of well-developed hooks positioned in distal portion of gonopodial appendices of males and 4) lateral spot usually present in both sexes. To date, P. mimbi has not been found coexisting in sympatry with other Phalloceros species. The geographically closest species is P. caudimaculatus, who differs from P. mimbi by the absence of hooks in gonopodial appendix in males. Two of the three known populations of P. mimbi are relatively protected from the main threats to the species. However, conservation initiatives should consider its presence and ensure that it receives the necessary attention; considering that its global distribution occupies less than 200.000 km2 and its occurrence area represents less than 10% of the national territory it must be considered a priority for conservation and an Threatened Species for the species list of Sistema Nacional de Áreas Protegidas (SNAP) of Uruguay. Keywords: Poeciliinae, freshwater fishes, conservation, Argentina, Uruguay   Phalloceros mimbi sp. nov.  Wilson Serra, Fabrizio Scarabino, Noelia Gobel and Gabriel Laufer. 2025. A New Species of the Phalloceros harpagos species complex (Cyprinodontiformes: Poeciliidae) from the middle and lower Uruguay River floodplains. Acta Zoológica Lilloana. 309–326. DOI: doi.org/10.30550/j.azl/2096  | ||||||||
| 3:35a | [Entomology • 2025] Nocticola baiguensis, N. cordiformis & N. appendiculata • Three New Species of the Cockroach Genus Nocticola Bolívar, 1892 (Blattodea: Corydioidea: Nocticolidae) from China
Abstract Three new species of Nocticola Bolívar, 1982 from Guangxi Province, China are described: Nocticola baiguensis sp. nov., Nocticola cordiformis sp. nov., and Nocticola appendiculata sp. nov. Morphological features associated with the wings, the specialized abdominal tergum, and genitalia of these new species are described and illustrated in detail. A key to the recorded Nocticola species from China is provided in this paper. Key words: Cave cockroach, epigean, identification key, new species, Nocticola, taxonomy
Ting-Ting Li, De-Xing Liu, Jian Chen, Xiao-Ya Wei, Qiao-Yun Yue and De-yi Qiu. 2025. Three New Species of the Cockroach Genus Nocticola Bolívar, 1892 (Blattodea, Corydioidea, Nocticolidae) from China. ZooKeys 1232: 267-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1232.136907 |
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