The Patagonian huemul (Hippocamelus bisulcus), a critically endangered South American cervid, has undergone a severe population decline, and extant populations exhibit a high prevalence of skeletal disorders associated with chronic mineral deficiencies. Despite the biomechanical, postural, and clinical relevance of the axial skeleton, detailed information on its external morphology, internal architecture, morphometry, and elemental composition remains scarce for this species. Here, we address this gap by providing an integrative, multiscale characterisation of the postcranial axial skeleton of the Patagonian huemul. We hypothesised that the axial skeleton exhibits consistent regional patterns in external morphology, internal microarchitecture, and elemental composition identifiable using non-destructive analytical approaches. Three complete axial skeletons were examined using macroscopic anatomical analysis and linear morphometry, helical computed tomography with three-dimensional reconstruction, and semiquantitative energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy. Cervical, thoracic, lumbar, and sacral vertebrae, as well as ribs and sternum, were analysed following standardised veterinary anatomical terminology. CT imaging revealed regionally organised distributions of cortical and trabecular bone, including consistent basivertebral foramina and elongated internal cavities, together with segment-specific variations in internal density. Elemental analysis of compact bone demonstrated variable proportions of principal constituents among axial regions, with lumbar vertebrae showing the highest relative mineral content. These findings establish a comprehensive anatomical reference framework for the axial skeleton of the Patagonian huemul, complementing previous descriptions of the appendicular skeleton and cranial structures.

Ultrastructural diversity of compound eyes in Fulgoromorpha (Hemiptera): evidence for convergent and divergent evolutionary trends.

Triotemnus ibericus sp. nov. from Iberian Peninsula is described. This is the first species of Triotemnus from the Spainish mainland. External morphology of the new species and all morphologically similar Triotemnus species are discussed. The new species is morphologically related to species from Morocco and Algeria, possesses several distinctive morphological characters on the elytral declivity. Geographical distribution and the probability of endemicity are discussed.

Abstract The evolutionary history of Paederinae, one of the largest subfamilies in Staphylinidae, still remains poorly understood. For a better understanding, fossils are of major importance. In this study, the first fossil representative of the tribe Paederini in mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber from the Kachin State of northern Myanmar is described. The examined fossil could be assigned to the subtribe Cryptobiina, which makes it the first formally described fossil of the subtribe. The external morphology of the specimen was examined and compared to all recent genera currently assigned to the subtribe. This led to the description of the new genus and species Cretobius fangornis gen. et sp. nov. presented in this study. Comparison with recent taxa indicates that the palaeoenvironment of the amber forest was humid and tropical. The finding supports the hypothesis of tropical climate in the Cretaceous Kachin amber forest and the idea of an earliest separation of the Burma Terrane from Gondwana in the Early Cretaceous.

High species richness in tropical West Africa has been demonstrated for many species groups, among which shrews are no exception. Within the Crocidura poensis species complex, six species are currently described and recognized in West Africa, but a recent study suggested the existence of an additional cryptic species based on dorsal skull morphology. Here, an integrative approach combining the complete mitochondrial genome, eight nuclear markers, external morphology and geometric morphometrics methods on the skull and mandible of the C. poensis species complex distributed across West Africa is used to test the validity of the new candidate species. Species delimitation analyses performed separately on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA support the existence of seven species. Despite low genetic distance with its closest relative, the new species can be distinguished by several diagnostic nucleotide characters using cytochrome b sequences, by morphometric analyses on the skull and mandible as well as traditional external measurements. This allowed us to describe the new species as Crocidura pediculus Voet, Cornette & Nicolas sp. nov.

This paper presents the first comprehensive revision of the Afrotropical genus Casphalia Walker, 1866. Through the utilisation of integrative taxonomic methods (external morphology, dissections of genitalia and DNA barcoding), we distinguish two species groups—C. flavicollis species group and the C. nigerrima species group—within the genus and herein describe 7 new species: C. tabererae sp. nov., C. kerkhofi sp. nov., C. hanoti sp. nov., C. fredpricei sp. nov., C. kambama sp. nov., C. inlenis sp. nov. and C. clara sp. nov. Erotomania Hering, 1930 is synonymezid with Casphalia and several new taxonomic combinations are proposed: Erotomania schoutedeni Hering, 1930 is transferred to Casphalia (Casphalia schoutedeni (Hering, 1930) comb. nov.) and Casphalia citrimaculata Aurivillius, 1905 is synonymised with Eccopa oculita Karsch, 1899 syn. n. The adults and genitalia of all taxa, their habitats and distribution are illustrated in 180 colour figures and three distribution maps.

Bunodosoma cavernatum (Bosc, 1802) is a morphologically variable actinian species widely distributed in the Western Atlantic, yet poorly documented in Colombia. This study provides the first confirmed record of B. cavernatum in Cartagena Bay (Colombian Caribbean), extending its known distribution to a highly modified estuarine environment. The objectives were to (1) confirm the taxonomic identity of the species and characterize its external morphology, internal anatomy, histology and cnidome; (2) compare these traits with previously published Caribbean descriptions; (3) describe behavioral observations under controlled aquarium conditions; and (4) assess the abundance, microhabitat preferences and biological associations within the study area. Specimens were collected from shallow, sediment-rich substrates influenced by freshwater input from the Dique Channel. Diagnostic features were consistent with prior Caribbean descriptions. However, we report expanded cnidome size ranges and spirocysts in several tissues, not previously reported. Behavioral observations revealed rapid acclimation, consistent daily activity cycles, and sperm release associated with thermal variation (25–28 °C). Population density reached 32.2 individuals/m2, with an aggregated distribution around rocky or artificial substrates. These findings expand current knowledge of the ecological and reproductive plasticity of B. cavernatum in anthropogenically impacted tropical coastal ecosystems.

Live weight is widely used as a reference indicator for growth performance and for evaluating the accuracy of weight measurement technologies in pig production. However, live weight is not a fixed physiological quantity, and finishing pigs naturally experience substantial short-term mass fluctuations due to normal behaviors such as drinking, feeding, urination, and defecation. In this study, we integrated published physiological and behavioral parameters into a stochastic simulation model to quantify within-day live-weight dynamics in finishing pigs weighing approximately 100 kg. The simulation was conducted with 1-min temporal resolution over a 24-h period. The model demonstrated that short-term weight fluctuations of approximately ±3-5 kg can occur within a single day, even when measurement error is minimal. Across 1000 simulated pigs, the mean daily fluctuation range was 4.2 kg, confirming that kilogram-scale variation is physiologically expected under normal conditions. These results provide a plausible physiological basis for understanding the frequently reported discrepancies between camera-based weight estimates and instantaneous floor-scale measurements. Camera systems primarily reflect body mass derived from external morphology, whereas floor scales measure instantaneous total mass that includes transient contributions from gastrointestinal contents, ingested water, and retained waste. Consequently, direct comparisons based on instantaneous scale readings can be misleading when used as ground truth. Our findings indicate that commonly cited accuracy claims of ±2-3 kg for camera weighing systems should be interpreted with caution, as normal physiological weight variation often exceeds this range. Recognizing live weight as a dynamic physiological variable is essential for developing biologically meaningful evaluation frameworks and for the appropriate interpretation and comparison of weight measurement technologies in precision livestock farming.

ABSTRACT The Statues of the Heavenly Kings at the mountain gate of Dule Temple in Tianjin represent a quintessential example of Liao Dynasty wooden-framed clay sculptures, possessing immense historical and artistic value. Given their location within the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei seismic belt and existing damage, conducting seismic performance assessments is critical. Through 3D laser scanning and X-ray detection technology, an accurate three-dimensional model encompassing both external morphology and internal wooden framework was constructed. Material testing revealed the coarse plaster layer consists of 57.05% clay, 36.21% sand, and 6.74% straw, with compressive strength of 3.54 MPa and tensile strength of 0.28 MPa, exhibiting plastic failure characteristics. An elastic-plastic damage constitutive model was established based on experimental data, and finite element analysis was conducted using ABAQUS software. Seismic time-history analysis indicates that local damage may occur in the clay sculpture under Intensity VII (on the China Seismic Intensity Scale, hereinafter referred to as CSIS), while Intensity VIII (CSIS) is likely to cause failure in stress concentration zones such as the legs and neck, with Taft waves having the most significant impact. These findings provide a reference for safety assessments of this cultural relic and other similar clay sculptures.

Advances in viticultural management techniques have become increasingly important for mitigating the effects of challenging climatic conditions. The double-pruning technique is already widely used in Brazilian vineyards, enabling a shift of the harvest season from summer to winter. This shift allows key phenological stages, such as flowering, ripening, and harvest, to occur under milder temperatures and reduced precipitation. In contrast, the use of plastic coverings allows growers to maintain the conventional grapevine cycle while providing a physical barrier that protects the plants. Although both techniques are known and applied in some regions of the country, little information is available on their combined effects, particularly regarding plant physiology. Considering this gap, the present study evaluated the combined effects of double pruning and plastic coverings on the internal and external morphology and physiology of cv. Sauvignon blanc grapevines. The plastic covering prevented the direct incidence of rainwater on leaves and reduced the wash-off of applied fungicides. This led to lower disease incidence and fewer pesticide applications. Additionally, plastic covering reduced the photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) to levels close to the light saturation point of the grapevine, while also altering the light spectrum by attenuating UV-B radiation (280–315 nm). Together, these factors enhanced key physiological processes, including photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance, and chlorophyll accumulation. Leaf area is high in covered plants, and anatomical analyses revealed plastic responses in uncovered vines to excess light and UV-B exposure, such as thicker epidermal and palisade tissues and the deposition of epicuticular wax around stomata. However, these structural adjustments did not result in greater CO2 assimilation. Overall, this study demonstrates that the combination of simple management practices, as plastic covering, can improve and facilitate grapevine cultivation under challenging weather conditions, while also providing valuable insights into the physiological responses of the plant.

Thailand harbors a remarkable diversity of betta (Siamese fighting fish); however, their wild populations are threatened by habitat loss and genetic pollution from released ornamental fish. Therefore, effective conservation strategies are needed to extend traditional in situ and ex situ methods, which are resource-intensive and prone to external threats. This study established a practical approach for cultivating cells from ornamental bettas and applying it to 11 wild species collected from their specific type localities in Thailand. Additionally, relevant available data on water properties were collected. Cell isolation was achieved from larval caudal fin bud and adult caudal fin tissues, with larval specimens exhibiting a significantly higher isolation success rate (83.3%) and a shorter initial cultivation period (13.27 ± 3.2 days) compared to adult cells (38.8% success, 24.33 ± 7.8 days initial period). After overcoming senescence, the cell doubling time (DT) was approximately 2 days, and cryopreservation assays demonstrated post-thaw viability over 80%, ensuring the long-term viability. While larval isolation is challenging, adult fin biopsy provides a superior alternative by bypassing breeding and euthanasia. This non-lethal, repeatable sampling method allows for precise species identification via external morphology, offering a highly efficient strategy for conservation. Cell isolation was achieved for 10 of the 11 species, 9 of which resulted in established, cryopreserved cell lines, representing the first maintained cell lines from larval and adult tissues of Betta species and providing a novel, valuable resource for both biotechnology and the crucial biodiversity conservation of this important freshwater fish of Thailand.

Salamander evolution featured multiple transitions between water and land that promoted distinct adaptations in limb bones for buoyancy control versus increased load-bearing capacities, respectively. Many extant species spend their entire lives either in water or on land, while others undergo water-land transitions within their lifetime. However, exposure to both environments may impose competing demands that restrict adaptive evolution for a particular habitat. Using a 3D morphological dataset of 133 species spanning the phylogenetic and ecological breadth of salamanders, we find that the external and internal morphology of limb bones is evolutionarily decoupled, which increases the evolvability of limb bones in response to diverse mechanical demands. Terrestrial salamanders have stiffer bones with greater resistance to fracture, while aquatic species have denser bones that are hypothesized to aid in buoyancy regulation. We uncover a functional trade-off between stiffness and density that promotes stiff yet lightweight bones in terrestrial lineages. Released from terrestrial constraints, aquatic paedomorphs have disparate external morphologies, whereas terrestrial direct developers consistently share a rod-like bone shape. Aquatic and terrestrial multiphasic taxa show less morphological divergence than monophasic species living in comparable habitats but are not constrained by their complex life cycle. Multiphasic species have distinct external limb bone shapes that have evolved as fast or faster than monophasic species. Taken together, we propose that the trade-offs imposed by different habitats and complex life cycles increase limb bone diversity by promoting alternate evolutionary pathways.

During a late-winter field survey in Baihuashan National Nature Reserve, Beijing, several noctuid moths were observed flying during the daytime at low temperatures and being actively preyed upon by Marsh tits, which removed the heads and wings of captured individuals. These observations indicate that adults of this noctuid lineage are active in late winter, providing a critical nutritional resource for insectivorous birds during the ecologically constrained, food-limited winter period. Here, we formally describe this lineage as a new genus, Shoudus gen. nov., based on a new species, S. baihuashanus sp. nov., collected from Baihuashan reserve, including three specimens retrieved during active interception of tit predation, along with detached wings and heads recovered from the snow. The new genus is placed in the tribe Orthosiini Guenée, 1837, primarily based on adult external morphology, including large compound eyes with long interfacetal hairs and bipectinate male antennae, as well as forewing patterning similar to certain orthosiine genera such as Perigrapha and Clavipalpula. Notably, the dark reddish-brown forewings with sharply contrasting pale markings, as seen in the new genus and these related genera, appear well adapted for camouflage against bark, leaf litter, and exposed soil in their habitats-potentially functioning as both background matching and disruptive coloration. To further assess its phylogenetic placement, we conducted a molecular analysis based on mitochondrial COI sequences (13 newly generated and 6 retrieved from BOLD/NCBI). The resulting maximum likelihood and Bayesian trees consistently support the monophyly of the new genus and reveal a close phylogenetic relationship with Orthosia, the type genus of Orthosiini. This integrative evidence strongly supports the recognition of Shoudus as a distinct lineage within Orthosiini.

In the present study, a new species, Bucculatrix bipuncticosta sp. nov. is described as new to science. Also, B. comporabile Seksjaeva, 1989, is reported for the first time from Korea. The external morphology and genital structures of them are described and illustrated in detail. In addition, mitochondrial COI DNA barcodes were extracted to analyze and compare the genetic information of Bucculatrix species recorded in Korea.

Leptobrachella khasiorum, previously considered range restricted and hence Critically Endangered in the Khasi Hills, is now found to be more widespread. Based on a molecular phylogeny using 16S ribosomal RNA gene fragment and an examination of the external morphology of topotypic specimens, I demonstrate that Leptobrachella nokrekensis syn. nov. from Garo hills is a junior synonym of L. khasiorum. Genetic evidence suggests that L. tamdil from Lushai hills may also be conspecific, warranting further investigation. A reassessment of its threat status is required based on this taxonomic revision and the consequent extension of L. khasiorum's distribution and elevational range.

Among the Neotropical genera of Eumeninae, Zethus Fabricius, 1804, has the largest number of species and is divided into six subgenera in this region. The genus is further divided into 29 species groups, one of which is the Zethus spinosus group. This study provides a taxonomic review of the Zethus spinosus group based on external morphology with the objective of designating and describing five new species: Z. lioneli Cruciol & Lopes, sp. nov. from Bolívia, Z. platinotus Cruciol, Stange & Lopes, sp. nov. from Brazil, Z. platynotatus Cruciol, Stange & Lopes, sp. nov. from Bolívia, Z. semilunaris Cruciol, Stange & Lopes, sp. nov. from Brazil, and Z. semiplanus Cruciol & Lopes, sp. nov. from Argentina.

ABSTRACTWildlife feces are a valuable noninvasive resource in ecological and conservation research. However, traditional preservation methods are unable to maintain morphological integrity while simultaneously preserving the biological and chemical composition of fecal samples. This study introduces a novel method for the preparation of fecal specimens through a multistep infiltrated process using sodium carboxymethyl cellulose, sodium benzoate, clotrimazole, ethanol, pyrethroid emulsion, and polyvinylpyrrolidone solution. The entire procedure takes approximately 7 days to complete one batch of specimens. The specimens produced using this method exhibited high mechanical strength, ensuring durability and resistance to handling damage. Over an 18‐month storage period, the preserved specimens retained their external morphology and showed no signs of mold or insect damage. DNA integrity was well maintained, with a 100% success rate in DNA extraction, and species identification based on preserved specimens was identical to that obtained from the corresponding pre‐preservation feces. Furthermore, heavy metals such as chromium, arsenic, and lead were successfully detected in fecal samples from different species. By allowing long‐term preservation of fecal samples, this method converts feces from a transient diagnostic tool into a durable resource for monitoring biodiversity. It can broaden the spatial and temporal applicability of fecal samples and strengthen their role in ecological research and biodiversity conservation.

Of the 39 currently recognized species in the Slender Armed Frog genus Leptobrachium, four are reported from India, Leptobrachium aryatium, L. bompu, L. smithi, and L. sylheticum. Based on new collections, we review these reported species by integrating molecular, morphological, and behavioral data. Our comparative analyses of external and internal morphology as well as molecular data and acoustic properties reveal two new species-level lineages from the Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which we describe here as new species. Phylogenetically, Leptobrachium mechukasp. nov. and Leptobrachium somanisp. nov. are members of the L. bompu species group, but they are distinct from L. bompu sensu stricto by DNA sequence divergence in the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene of 3.6–4.2% and 4.5–4.7%, respectively. A population previously identified as L. cf. bompu from Medog County, China, is also assignable to Leptobrachium mechukasp. nov. Each new species is distinguished from congeners by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including in the case of Leptobrachium somanisp. nov., a unique advertisement call comprising two distinct call types; unicolored silvery white iris; moderately large webbing between toes; and ventral coloration. Leptobrachium mechukasp. nov. on the other hand, is distinguishable by its head length equal to width; nostril equidistant from the snout tip and the eye; internarial distance equal to the distances from nostril to eye and from nostril to snout tip; distance from the tip of inner metatarsal tubercle to the tip of first toe shorter than the length of inner metatarsal tubercle itself; and frontoparietals separated at the midline by a moderate fontanelle. Analyses of multiple new populations representing members of the L. smithi group reveal that L. smithi is absent from the Indian fauna; all previous records attributed to this species from India instead represent L. aryatium or L. sylheticum. These discoveries highlight the prevalence of taxonomic misidentifications in the absence of detailed systematic studies as well as the underestimation of diversity in the genus Leptobrachium, not only from India but across its known range. Our results underscore the need for dedicated surveys that document amphibian diversity in underexplored regions of Northeast India.

Abstract A new sponge species (Demospongiae: Poecilosclerida: Podospongiidae) is described offshore from the Cape of Good Hope, on the southern edge of the Table Mountain National Park marine protected area. Podospongia capensis sp. nov. is compared to Podospongia natalensis , described by Kirkpatrick (1903) from the east coast of South Africa, as well as to all other Podospongia species described to date. The new species differs from P. natalensis in having a shorter, thicker stalk, lacking anisostrongyles as megascleres, and possessing a second category of large symmetrical aciculospinorhabds microcleres that are present in P. natalensis . Additionally, P. natalensis has larger oxeas and styles than those found in P. capensis sp. nov. Furthermore, the two species are geographically separated, with P. natalensis described from the Natal ecoregion, while P. capensis sp. nov. is described from the Southern Benguela ecoregion. The new species primarily differs from other congeners in external morphology and size of the oxeas and styles.

Background: Morphological variation in equine limb dimensions provides valuable insight into breed-specific characteristics, with biometric parameters serving as reliable tools for such evaluations. Aim: This study aimed to provide a quantitative characterization of the external morphology of the limbs in Iranian Arab horses. Methods: Morphometric data were collected from 30 adult specimens of this breed, encompassing key anatomical measurements: scapula length, arm length, forearm length, metacarpus length, forepastern length, metacarpus circumference, femur length, gaskin length, metatarsus length, hind pastern length, and metatarsus circumference. Results: Statistical analysis revealed that hind limb length displayed the lowest coefficient of variation, whereas forelimb length exhibited the highest, indicating differing degrees of morphological consistency across limb segments. Furthermore, comparative analysis across age and sex groups identified statistically significant differences in scapula length, arm length, forepastern length, and metacarpus circumference between stallions and mares. Conclusion: These findings underscore the influence of sexual dimorphism on specific limb traits in Iranian Arab horses and contribute to the understanding of breed morphology.