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Thursday, July 31st, 2025
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| 1:25a | [Diplopoda • 2025] Eudigraphis huadongensis • A New Species of Eudigraphis (Polyxenida: Polyxenidae) from East China, with embryonic and post-embryonic development observations, and mitogenomic and genetic divergence analyses
Abstract Eudigraphis huadongensis Yang & Bu, sp. nov. from east China is described and illustrated. The new species is compared with other congeners in detail and observations about its embryonic and post-embryonic development are provided. The complete mitochondrial genome of the new species is also analyzed, which represents the first published mitogenome of Polyxenida. The genetic divergence between E. huadongensis sp. nov. and its congeners was analyzed using Neighbor-Joining inference based on COI gene sequences. Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov. clustered with E. nigricans and E. kinutensis, supporting the morphological identification. The newly assembled mitogenome is 15,206 bp in length and its gene order is unique, possibly representing a pattern among Polyxenida species. Key words: Bristle millipedes, mitochondrial genome, molecular analysis, taxonomy, stadium Class Diplopoda de Blainville in Gervais 1844 Subclass Penicillata Latreille, 1831 Order Polyxenida Verhoeff, 1934 Family Polyxenidae Lucas, 1840 Subfamily Monographinae Condé, 2008 Genus Eudigraphis Silvestri, 1948 Type species. Eudigraphis japonica Silvestri, 1948 (= Eudigraphis takakuwai); type locality: Ehime-ken and Kanagawa of Japan. Diagnosis. Head with eight ommatidia on each side. Body with ten segments, nine pleural projections, a telson, and 13 pairs of legs. Antenna with eight articles, the sixth antennal article has three long bacilliform sensilla, some species also have one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum; the seventh antennal article has two long bacilliform sensilla, some species also have one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum; eighth antennal articles is shorter than article VII, with four finger-shaped sensory cones. Tergites with two lateral clusters of trichomes plus a single continuous row of trichomes close to posterior edge. Caudal trichomes on telson arranged as a penicil of hooked and barbate trichomes. The mandible has a comb-lobe, an intermediate plate, and a proximal plate, without a molar tuft. Distribution. China (Jiangsu, Shanghai, Taiwan, Yunnan, Zhejiang), Japan.
Eudigraphis huadongensis Yang & Bu, sp. nov. Diagnosis. Eudigraphis huadongensis sp. nov. is characterized by three long bacilliform sensilla, one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum on the sixth antennal article, two long bacilliform sensilla, one conical sensillum and one setiform sensillum on seventh antennal article; posterior vertex trichome groups with 11–16 sockets in anterior row and 7–13 sockets in posterior row; 12 slender sensilla on lateral palp of gnathochilarium and 20 or 21 conical sensilla on the medial palp; 2+2 lamellae and 5+5 clypeo-labral setae on the labrum. The mandible has 14 branched comb teeth, ten rows of simple comb teeth, three longitudinal groups of intermediate sensilla, 14 serrate limbs, one smooth limb, 13 salivary ostioles, seven molar processes and seven molar combs. The leg setae have a coniform pleated base. The telson has 11–17 ornamental trichomes on each side dorsal to the caudal bundle; hooked caudal trichomes with a maximum of eight hooks. Etymology. The species was named after the Chinese words “Huadong” = “East China” which is the region where all type specimens were collected. Si-Qi Yang, Yun Bu, Nerivania Nunes Godeiro, Yan Gao and Ya-Li Jin. 2025. A New Species of Eudigraphis (Diplopoda, Polyxenida, Polyxenidae) from East China, with embryonic and post-embryonic development observations, and mitogenomic and genetic divergence analyses. ZooKeys. 1247: 63-88. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1247.155348 | ||||||||
| 2:02a | [Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus • Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia
Abstract Sangihe is the northernmost island in a string of a volcanic islands that extend northward from Sulawesi toward the Philippines. Sangihe is known to host one species of flying-frog in the genus Rhacophorus, which is currently classified as a subspecies of the widespread species, R. pardalis (as R. p. rhyssocephalus). Based on newly collected material obtained during a recent expedition in Sangihe, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of R. p. rhyssocephalus. Molecular sequences (12S rRNA, tRNA val, and 16S rRNA) were obtained for this species, and 66 additional Rhacophorid sequences were extracted from GenBank, including R. pardalis from Borneo. Our molecular analysis revealed that R. p. rhyssocephalus is sister to the Sulawesi Rhacophorus clade, and is not closely related to the widespread lineage of R. pardalis. Furthermore, R. pardalis and R. p. rhyssocephalus exhibit an uncorrected patristic distance of 16%. Our morphological comparisons also identified unique differences between Sangihe and Bornean populations of R. pardalis, such as a prominent U-shaped intraorbital ridge present in the Sangihe population but absent in Bornean population. Based on the available evidence, we elevated the taxonomic status of the Rhacophorus frog from Sangihe Island to Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus. This study highlights the taxonomic complexities and significant discoveries still to be made on this remote island, enhancing our understanding of insular evolutionary processes in this under-explored island archipelago. Key words: endemic, Morphometric analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, Remote Island
Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus Wolf, 1936 Etymology. We elevate Wolf’s (1936) proposed subspecies name to full species status. Rhyssocephalus is derived from Greek, with ‘Rhysso’ means ‘wrinkled’ and ‘Cephalus’ means ‘head’. We suggest the English common name “Sangir Flying-frog”. We suggest the Indonesian name “Katak-terbang Sangir.”  Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Efendi SABINHALIDUNA, Wahyu TRILAKSONO, Syahfitri ANITA, Awal RIYANTO, Amir HAMIDY, Isaac KRONE, Sina AMINI, María José Navarrete MÉNDEZ, Mark HERR, Jimmy A. MCGUIRE. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5636(1); 121-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5 [2025-05-15] | ||||||||
| 2:38a | [Entomology • 2025] Rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae): A rare endemic saproxylic Longhorn Beetle in the Djebel Edough Forest, Algeria
Abstract The rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885, a rare and endemic saproxylic longhorn beetle, in the Djebel Edough forest in Algeria is reported. Hind wings are for the first time showed and described, evidencing the brachyptery of this species. Erroneous nomenclatorial, biological and chorological data referred by previous authors are discussed and corrected. This species, which had not been observed in the region since 1900, is an obligate saproxylic insect exclusively associated with the Algerian oak Quercus canariensis Willd. Classified as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List due to its rarity and the threats to its habitat, P. ramalium represents a conservation priority. Its rediscovery highlights the need for further research to assess the current state of its population and better understand its ecological requirements. This information will be crucial for developing effective conservation strategies and preserving its fragile habitat. Coleoptera, Rediscovery, Pseudomyrmecion ramalium, saproxylic beetle, endangered species, Djebel Edough forest
RACHED HADIBY, MEHDI BOUKHEROUFA, FRANCESCO VITALI, YASMINE ADJAMI, ABDELAZIZ FRIH, FERIEL SAKRAOUI. 2025. Rediscovery of Pseudomyrmecion ramalium Bedel, 1885: A rare endemic saproxylic Longhorn Beetle in the Djebel Edough Forest, Algeria (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae). Zootaxa. 5632(3);547-556. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5632.3.7 [2025-05-08] | ||||||||
| 9:24a | [Diplopoda • 2024] On the Identity of the enigmatic Millipede Genus Inodesmus Cook, 1896 (Polydesmida: Haplodesmidae)
Abstract The identity of Inodesmus Cook, 1896 and its single species, Inodesmus jamaicensis Cook, 1896, has been a mystery for decades. This species was described from a Jamaican cave but not only did the repository of the type material remain unknown, but also the types were believed to be lost. Here we redescribe the species and designate a lectotype and a paralectotype from the newly found type material. The genus Agathodesmus Silvestri, 1910 from Australia and New Caledonia is presented as a new junior subjective synonym of Inodesmus. Besides I. jamaicensis, the genus Inodesmus includes 23 species: I. adelphus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. aenigmaticus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. agnus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. anici (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. baccatus (Carl, 1926) comb. nov.; I. bonang (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. bucculentus (Jeekel, 1986) comb. nov.; I. carorum (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. chandleri (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. gayundah (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. hahnensis (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. johnsi (Mesibov, 2009) comb. nov.; I. kerensis (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. kirrama (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. millaa (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. morwellensis (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. parapholeus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. quintanus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. sagma (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. steeli (Silvestri, 1910) comb. nov.; I. summus (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov.; I. urbanus (Romero-Rincon & Douch, 2024) comb. nov.; I. yuccabinensis (Mesibov, 2013) comb. nov. The bizarre disjunct distribution of Inodesmus is briefly discussed. Myriapoda, Diplopoda, Jamaica, Agathodesmus, synonymy, redescription
JUAN ROMERO-RINCON and SANTIAGO ALVEAR. 2024. On the Identity of the enigmatic Millipede Genus Inodesmus Cook, 1896 (Polydesmida: Haplodesmidae). Zootaxa. 5437(3); 433-440. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5437.3.8 [2024-04-15] | ||||||||
| 1:19p | [Entomology • 2025] Nemophora pendleburyi, N. vitalii, ... • A Taxonomic Revision of the tristrigella Species Group of the Fenus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg (Lepidoptera: Adelidae) from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia
Abstract This study defines and revises the monophyletic tristrigella species group of the genus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg, 1798, characterized by six presumably apomorphic traits, including (but not limited to) a glossy golden vertex and glossy golden basal part of forewing sharply contrasting with the coppery bronze apical part, which features a distinctive pattern of several yellow spots surrounded by dark brown scales. The group comprises four species: Nemophora pendleburyi Kozlov, sp. nov., from Malaysia; N. vitalii Kozlov, sp. nov., from Indonesia, Malaysia and Brunei; N. chalcotechna (Meyrick, 1937) from the Philippines; and N. tristrigella (Walker, 1866) from Indonesia and the Philippines. These species are described and illustrated herein, with identification keys based on external morphology and male genitalia provided. Particular attention is paid to similarities and dissimilarities between N. chalcotechna and N. tristrigella. Lepidoptera, biogeography, diagnoses, distribution, keys, new species, phylogeny, variation
Mikhail V. KOZLOV. 2025. A Taxonomic Revision of the tristrigella Species Group of the Fenus Nemophora Hoffmannsegg (Lepidoptera, Adelidae) from the Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei and Indonesia. Zootaxa. 5665(1); 99-110. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5665.1.6 [2025-07-21] | ||||||||
| 1:25p | [Botany • 2025] Stigmatodactylus maraiparaiensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo
The newly described Stigmatodactylus maraiparaiensis was spotted on Mt Kinabalu, one of Borneo’s most botanised mountains, where it is known from a remote plateau visited by many researchers over the last century. This work demonstrates the high value of periodic flora surveys even in well-explored areas to more effectively capture fleetingly emergent or ephemeral species at the fertile stage. Stigmatodactylus is widespread from eastern Asia into Oceania, but infrequently documented in tropical Asia. This is because they’re diminutive, have short and irregular flowering periods, and produce cryptic blooms that blend into the leaf litter of their deep shade habitats. Many also only grow in remote, high-elevation forests that few ever reach. Clearly, botanical surprises still lurk in the shadows! The description of Stigmatodactylus maraiparaiensis brings the total number of Stigmatodactylus species for Malaysia to three and the total number of accepted species in the genus to 29.   Siti Fatimah MD.-ISA, Vanielie Terrence JUSTINE and Alastair S. ROBINSON. 2025. A New Species of Stigmatodactylus (Orchidaceae) from Sabah, Malaysian Borneo. Phytotaxa. 711(2); 209-214. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.711.2.11 [2025-07-24] | ||||||||
| 1:28p | [Herpetology • 2025] Odorrana calciphila • Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura: Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China
Abstract While taxonomy of the odorous frog genus Odorrana has made considerable progress recently, far less attention was given to those newly-described karst-associated species. In this study, the taxonomic status of Odorrana lipuensis group, species living in karst environments, was revisited. Combining the scrutiny of previous literature, molecular analyses using two mitochondrial DNA fragments (i.e. 16S rRNA and CO1) and morphological analyses including a series of additional specimens, we defined the O. lipuensis group and revised the taxonomic accounts of recognised species. Based on these data, we described a new species, O. calciphila sp. nov. from the karst regions in northern Guangdong, China. Apart from this new species, the O. lipuensis group currently contains three other species distributed in southern China and northern Vietnam, namely O. concelata, O. liboensis and O. lipuensis. Morphological comparisons between this group and other congeners, together with a dichotomous identification key for each species within this group, were also presented. Finally, the known distribution, implications of morphological distinctiveness, ecological and evolutionary significances and existing taxonomic issues of these species were also discussed. Key Words: Identification key, Odorrana calciphila sp. nov., odorous frog, South China Karst, species group Anura Hogg, 1839 Ranidae Batsch, 1796 Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 Odorrana lipuensis group
Odorrana lipuensis Mo, Chen, Wu, Zhang & Zhou, 2015 Odorrana liboensis Luo, Wang, Xiao, Wang & Zhou, 2021 Odorrana concelata Wang, Zeng & Lin, 2022 Distribution. China (Guangxi, Guangdong and Guizhou) and Vietnam (Cao Bang and Bac Kan). Habitat. All species of Odorrana lipuensis group are nocturnal karstic dwellers, found in completely dark karst caves and on damp superficial limestone.
Odorrana calciphila Song, Qi, Wang, Liu & Wang, sp. nov. Diagnosis. This species can be diagnosed from other species of Odorrana lipuensis group by the combination of following morphological characteristics: (1) body size small, SVL 37.9 mm in adult male (n = 1) and 39.9–45.7 mm in adult females (n = 5); (2) relative finger length I < II; (3) dorsolateral folds prominent and swollen in adult females and absent in adult male; (4) bands on the dorsal surface of hind-limb clear; and (5) nuptial pads present on fingers I, II and III, the nuptial pad on finger II connecting with the nuptial pad on finger I.
Etymology. The specific epithet, calciphila, is a feminine adjective in Latin, composed of “calcis” (the genitive singular of calx, meaning karstic) and “-phila” (a suffix, meaning beloved), referring to this species’ characteristic of inhabiting the karst landscapes. Suggested common name. “灰岩臭蛙 (huī yán chòu wā)” in Chinese and “Limestone Odorous Frog” in English. Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Hao-Tian Wang, Yue-Ning Gong, Yang Liu and Ying-Yong Wang. 2025. Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura, Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 935-952. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142746 | ||||||||
| 1:28p | [Herpetology • 2024] Atractus dativus, A. muisca, A. uroborus, ... • Taxonomy without Borders: Revision of the Genus Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from the Andes between Colombia and Venezuela
Abstract We review the taxonomy of Atractus species distributed continuously along northeastern portions of the Andes of Colombia (= Eastern Cordillera), Sierra of Perijá on the Colombia–Venezuela border, and Cordillera of Mérida in northwestern Venezuela. We assess the taxonomic status of 29 species names on the basis of congruence between quantitative and qualitative phenotypic characters (pholidosis, morphometrics, color patterns, scales micro-or-namentations, male genitalia, and osteological features) along their entire distribution. Our results support the recognition of 23 species, 6 of which are new to science (5 described herein), through unique morphological diagnostic characters or unique combinations. We propose the synonymy of 14 old and even recently presented names based on the widespread overlap of all morphological character systems analyzed. Taxonomic decisions were made on the light of examination of available type series, geographically representative samples, anatomical preparations or observations, and careful literature review for all taxa recorded in the study area. We provide a dichotomous key for all recognized species along northeastern Andes of Colombia to northwestern Andes of Venezuela. We compare the geographic variation, morphological cohesion, and distribution limits of highland Atractus and contrast them with lowland species. Finally, we discuss the ultimate implication of taxonomic studies delimited by political boundaries or based on geographically restricted samples, especially when such approaches rely extensively on online datasets without critical examination of specimens. KEYWORDS: Hemipenian and skull morphology, Highland endemism, Linnean shortfall, microdermatoglyphics, morphometry, new species, new synonymies, polychromatism, species delimitation  Atractus dativus, Atractus muisca, Atractus pearti, Atractus tritono, Atractus uroborus Paulo Passos, Elson Meneses-Pelayo, Luciana O. Ramos, Angele R. Martins, Alessandra Machado, Ricardo T. Lopes, César Barrio-Amorós and John D. Lynch. 2024. Taxonomy without Borders: Revision of the Genus Atractus (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from the Andes between Colombia and Venezuela. South American Journal of Herpetology. 32 (sp1); 1-123. DOI: doi.org/10.2994/SAJH-D-23-00022.1 facebook.com/CesarBarrioAmoros/posts/1213381326887994 New species of the Atractus genus for science The five new species described in this research work correspond to snake populations distributed in the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia, covering the departments of Boyacá, Santander, Norte de Santander, Cesar and La Guajira. The first species, Atractus dativus, is known only from one locality in Boyacá, located between the municipalities of Soatá and Susacón. Its name, dativus, is a Latin adjective that alludes to the act of providing or offering something to someone. This term refers to the popular Colombian expression “God will provide”. The second species, Atractus muisca, is found mainly in the department of Santander, in municipalities such as Floridablanca, Málaga, Charalá and Encino, on the border with Boyacá. Its name, Muisca, pays homage to the pre-Columbian civilization that inhabited the highlands of the Eastern Cordillera of Colombia. The Muiscas were a remarkable example of an egalitarian and sustainable society. Their caciques, wise administrators, implemented a system of social redistribution that complemented economic exchange. Through tribute, they retained productive surpluses and redistributed a part among the population through a common consumption fund. The third species, Atractus pearti, inhabits the middle and highlands of the Serranía del Perijá, between the departments of Cesar and La Guajira. Its name pays homage to Neil Peart (1952-2020), iconic drummer and lyricist of the progressive rock band Rush. The fourth species, Atractus tritono, is a species found in the municipalities of Chitagá, Pamplona and Toledo, Norte de Santander, at altitudes between 1700 and 2500 meters above sea level. The name of this species “tritone” refers to an interval between peaks of two musical notes that has exactly three whole tones. The fifth and last species, Atractus uroborus, inhabits only the highlands of the Serranía de los Yariguíes between the municipalities of Zapatoca and El Carmen de Chucurí. The name of this species corresponds to an ancient symbol that shows a snake biting its tail, a symbol used in Greek mythology and Egyptian culture. The uroborus is often interpreted as eternal renewal of the cycle of life, death and rebirth. This work highlights the crucial role of scientific research in protecting and understanding biodiversity in one of the most diverse areas of the planet. Se revisó la taxonomía de las especies de Atractus distribuidas continuamente a lo largo de los Andes nororientales de Colombia (= Cordillera Oriental), Sierra de Perijá en el límite Colombia-Venezuela y Cordillera de Mérida en el noroeste de Venezuela. Se evaluó la posición taxonómica de 29 nombres de especies a través de la congruencia entre caracteres fenotípicos cuantitativos y cualitativos (folidosis, morfometría, patrones de color, micro-ornamentaciones de escamas, genitales masculinos y características osteológicas), a lo largo de toda su distribución. Nuestros resultados apoyan el reconocimiento de 23 especies, 6 de estas nuevas para la ciencia (5 descritas aquí), por medio de caracteres diagnósticos únicos o una combinación exclusiva de estas características. La sinonimia de 14 nombres antiguos y algunos presentados recientemente ha sido basada en la amplia superposición de todos los sistemas de caracteres morfológicos analizados. Se tomaron decisiones taxonómicas a la luz del examen de las series de tipos disponibles, muestras geográficamente representativas, preparaciones o observaciones anatómicas y revisión cuidadosa de la literatura para todos los taxones registrados en el área de estudio. Se presenta una clave dicotómica para todas las especies reconocidas a lo largo de los Andes nororientales de Colombia hasta los Andes noroccidentales de Venezuela. Se comparó la variación geográfica, la cohesión morfológica y los límites de distribución para los Atractus de las tierras altas en contraste con las especies de las tierras bajas. Por último, se discute la implicación de estudios de orientación taxonómica delimitados por fronteras políticas o aquellos basados en muestras geográficamente restringidas, especialmente cuando este enfoque se beneficia ampliamente solo de los conjuntos de datos en línea, sin examen crítico de especímenes. | ||||||||
| 1:35p | [Herpetology • 2025] Raorchestes jakoid & R. jadoh • Two New Species of Bush Frogs (Anura: Rhacophoridae: Raorchestes) from Meghalaya, northeastern India
Abstract The genus Raorchestes Biju et al., 2010 represents one of the most diverse lineages within the family Rhacophoridae, with its members characterized by small size, absence of vomerine teeth, direct development, and distinctive digital discs with circum-marginal grooves. Despite its location in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the amphibian diversity of Meghalaya remains underexplored. In this study, we describe two new species, Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov. and Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov., from the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, based on an integrative approach combining morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data (16S rRNA). Additionally, we provide new records and supplementary descriptions for three species: R. kempiae, R. garo, and R. asakgrensis, thereby improving our understanding of their intraspecific variation and distribution. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the placement of the new species within the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. The new species are distinguished by a suite of morphological traits, unique call structures, and genetic divergence from congeners. Notably, both new species were discovered in secondary habitats near human settlements, suggesting ecological tolerance yet raising concerns about their long-term survival amid rapid habitat loss. The elevational distribution of the species studied ranges from 235 m to 1,655 m, with a concentration between 1,000–1,600 m, highlighting patterns of elevational partitioning and habitat specialization. Our findings add to the growing evidence of high cryptic diversity in the region and underscore the urgent need for targeted herpetofaunal surveys and conservation actions in Northeast India. Keywords: 16SrRNA, acoustic, biodiversity, conservation, endemism, Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, morphology, parvulus complex, systematics, taxonomy  Etymology: The specific epithet ‘jadoh’ is derived from the name of a traditional rice and meat dish that is integral to the cuisine and cultural identity of the Khasi people of Meghalaya, northeastern India. The name is used here as a noun in apposition. This naming celebrates Khasi heritage and underscores the connection between local biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices. Diagnostic characters: While the developmental mode of the newly described species, Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov., remains uncertain, its placement within the genus Raorchestes is supported by the following combination of characteristics: small body size, vomerine teeth absent, male possess transparent gular pouch which is visible when calling, and tips of all fingers and toes expanded into discs with circum-marginal grooves. The new species is distinguished from relevant congeners by phylogenetic position, by call analysis based on the parameters dominant frequency, call duration, inter-call interval, call repetition rate, number of note, note duration, and inter-note interval, and by the combination of the following morphological characters: very small body size with SVL of 13.68−14.01 mm; head wider than long; tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; tongue pyriform and notched posteriorly, webbing between fingers absent; rudimentary webbing between toes present; relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III, relative toe lengths: I < II < III < V < IV; inner palmar tubercle absent and outer palmar tubercle present with round shape; tibiotarsal articulation reaching posterior border of an eye when hindlimb is stretched alongside of body; nuptial pad present; inner metatarsal tubercle round (IMT/Toe4L 0.08 mm long), outer metatarsal tubercle absent; interorbital distance larger than eye horizontal diameter; upper part with small warts and six fairly distinct warts on the body towards the posterior of the eyes.  Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov. Etymology: The specific epithet ‘jakoid’ is derived from the Khasi word for “frog” (jakoid), used by the indigenous Khasi people of Meghalaya, northeastern India. The name is treated as a noun in apposition. This nomenclature honours the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Khasi community, and emphasizes the importance of local traditional knowledge in the discovery, and conservation of biodiversity in the Khasi Hills. Diagnostic characters: While the developmental mode of the newly described species, Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov., remains uncertain, its placement within the genus Raorchestes is supported by the following combination of characteristics: small body size, vomerine teeth absent, male possesses transparent gular pouch which is visible when calling, and tips of all fingers & toes expanded into discs with circum-marginal grooves. The new species is distinguished from relevant congeners by phylogenetic position, by call analysis based on parameters like dominant frequency, call duration, inter-call interval, call repetition rate, number of note, note duration, and inter-note interval, and by the combination of the following morphological characteristics: small body size with SVL of 18.47−21.6 mm; head wider than long; tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; tongue pyriform, and notched posteriorly; webbing between fingers absent; rudimentary webbing between toes present; relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III, relative toe lengths: I < II < III < V < IV; inner palmar tubercle absent and outer palmar tubercle present with round shape; tibiotarsal articulation reaching posterior border of an eye when hindlimb is stretched alongside of body; nuptial pad distinctly whitish in colour; inner metatarsal tubercle oval (IMT/Toe4L 0.07 long), outer metatarsal tubercle absent; body surface slightly rough and has”)(“ shaped marking; interorbital distance larger than eye horizontal diameter; upper parts with very small warts. Holiness Warjri, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga and Madhurima Das. 2025. Two New Species of Bush Frogs (Anura: Rhacophoridae: Raorchestes) from Meghalaya, northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 17(7); 27171-27194. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.9461.17.7.27171-27  |
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