Junior Synonym Research Articles

A review of the types of some Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae, Otostigminae) of the Andes mountain range

Some species of the subgenus Parotostigmus Pocock, 1895 from South America are revised. Previously, 20 species and two subspecies of Parotostigmus were considered to be distributed throughout the Andes from Venezuela to Argentina, but after this study, thirteen species and one subspecies remain valid. Twelve types were examined (O. insignis Kraepelin, 1903, O. muticus Karsch, 1888, O. pococki Kraepelin, 1903, O. silvestrii Kraepelin, 1903, O. lavanus Chamberlin, 1957, O. mesethus Chamberlin, 1957, O. leior Chamberlin, 1955, O. parvior Chamberlin, 1957, O. volcanus Chamberlin, 1955, O. calcanus Chamberlin, 1944, O. amazonae Chamberlin, 1914 and O. bürgeri monsonus Chamberlin, 1957). O. lavanus syn. nov. is a junior synonym of O. insignis; O. parvior syn. nov. is a synonym of O. mesethus; O. amazonae syn. nov. and O. calcanus syn. nov. are synonyms of O. muticus, O. volcanus syn. nov. is a synonym of O. leior; and O. bürgeri monsonus syn. nov. is a synonym of Rhysida celeris (Humbert & Saussure, 1870). A lectotype and a paralectotype are here designated to O. mesethus. Two species, O. scabricauda (Humbert & Saussure, 1870) and O. rex Chamberlin, 1914, previously reported from Colombia, Peru and Brazil, were excluded from the Andean region.

Nadus overlaeti (Navás, 1931) redescribed—new to the fauna of Mozambique, Namibia and Tanzania (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae)

Two species used to be included in the African genus Nadus: Nadus overlaeti (Navás, 1931) and Nadus sudanensis Navás, 1935. Following our revision of the genus, we propose that Nadus sudanensis Navás, 1935 (syn.nov.) should be a new junior synonym of Nadus overlaeti (Navás, 1931). The monobasic genus and species are redescribed. Several photographs illustrate morphological features. The distribution, habitat, and seasonal activity of the species are given.

Black flies (Diptera: Simuliidae) in the Galapagos Islands: Native or adventive?

Invasive species are a threat to ecosystems worldwide, but determining if a species is adventive or native is not always straightforward. The black flies that inhabit the Galapagos Islands, long known as Simulium ochraceum, are blood-feeding pests of humans and livestock. They first came to the attention of residents in 1989, suggesting a recent arrival. Earlier colonization, however, has been suggested, based largely on polymorphic genetic loci. To address questions of origin, provenance, and length of residency, we conducted a macrogenomic analysis of the polytene chromosomes of the S. ochraceum complex from seven sites in the Galapagos Islands and 30 sites in mainland Ecuador, Central America, and the Caribbean. Among 500 analyzed larvae, we discovered 88 chromosomal rearrangements representing 13 cytoforms, at least seven of which are probably full species. All evidence points to a single, cohesive cytoform with full species status in the Galapagos, conspecific with mainland populations, and widely distributed in the Neotropical Region. It has an identical, nearly monomorphic banding sequence with 10 novel fixed inversions and a subtle but unique Y-linked chromosomal rearrangement across all populations sampled in the Galapagos, the mainland, and the Caribbean. We recalled the name Simulium antillarum from synonymy with S. ochraceum and applied it to the Galapagos black flies, and we established that wolcotti is a junior synonym of antillarum. The time(s) and mode(s) of arrival of S. antillarum in the Galapagos remain uncertain, although the wide geographic distribution, including islands in the Caribbean, suggests that the species is an adept colonizer. Regardless of how long it has been in the archipelago, S. antillarum might have assumed a functional role in the streams of San Cristobal, but otherwise has had a detrimental effect on humans and livestock and potentially on the unique birds and mammals of the Galapagos Islands.

A revision of recent taxonomic changes to the eyelash palm pitviper, Bothriechis schlegelii (Serpentes, Viperidae)

The taxonomy of the Bothriechis schlegelii species group has recently been expanded, nearly doubling the number of recognized species within this genus. However, the validity of these new species, defined primarily by mitochondrial DNA and without a robust evaluation of nuclear DNA and morphological data, warrants critical reassessment. This study re-examines the integrative data used in the initial analysis and employs additional visualizations of the genetic and morphological datasets. The results suggest that the genetic differences previously interpreted as species boundaries may instead reflect clinal variation, not independent lineages. Furthermore, DELINEATE species delimitation analysis and morphological assessments challenge the distinction of the proposed taxa. The findings indicate that only three species in the B. schlegelii group should be maintained as valid (B. nigroadspersus, B. schlegelii, and B. supraciliaris), while most taxa proposed by Arteaga et al. (2024) should be considered junior synonyms, or at most, as subspecies. This has significant implications for conservation priorities and resource allocation. In highlighting the need for a cautious and thorough approach to species delimitation, this study contributes to the broader discussion of taxonomic practices, the issue of taxonomic inflation, and their impact on biodiversity conservation.

On new genera and species of crack-leg spiders (Araneae, Udubidae) from Madagascar

Two new genera, Tabiboka gen. nov. and Zorascar gen. nov., are described to accommodate five new Udubidae species from Madagascar: Tabiboka milleri gen. et sp. nov. (type species; ♂♀), T. milloti gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀), T. polotowae gen. et sp. nov. (♂♀), Zorascar pasunepipe gen. et sp. nov. (type species; ♂♀) and Z. pasunepomme gen. et sp. nov. (♀). In addition, two new species of Zorodictyna Strand, 1907 are described: Zorodictyna almae sp. nov. (♂♀) and Z. silvadavilae sp. nov. (♂♀). Uduba inhonesta Simon, 1906 is declared to be a junior synonym of Zorodictyna oswaldi (Lenz, 1891). The descriptions of the new species are complemented with a phylogenetic analysis to tentatively place them into an existing phylogenetic framework. Phylogenetic analyses based on COI and 16S rRNA genes and morphological data show that they are separate species and confirm their familial and supraspecific placement within the Udubidae. The new species are further described using high quality colored photographs, drawings, SEM and (for Zorascar gen. nov. ssp.) by the use of X-Ray micro-computed tomography to recreate virtual 3D models without destroying the original specimens. A dichotomous key to identify Malagasy Ububidae is provided. Whereas many undescribed Udubidae remain in Madagascar, the phylogenetic and generic arrangement that we present here succinctly summarizes the higher classification of Madagascar Udubidae.

Taxonomic notes on Prothemus Champion (Coleoptera: Cantharidae), with descriptions of two new species from China and Vietnam

Prothemus longiphysus Wittmer, 1995 is considered as a junior synonym of P. sanguinosus (Farimaire, 1900). Meanwhile, P. angustioripennis (Pic, 1927), originally described in Cantharis, is removed from the synonym of P. sanguinosus and reinstated as a valid species. Besides, two new species are discovered and described under the names of P. biprominens sp. nov. and P. venustiformis sp. nov. In addition, the macrophotographs of aedeagi and female internal genitalia are firstly provided for the following species: P. sanguinosus, P. purpureipennis (Gorham, 1889), P. chinensis Wittmer, 1987, P. kiukianganus (Gorham, 1889), P. limbolarius (Fairmaire, 1900) and P. monochrous (Fairmaire, 1900). A key to the Prothemus species from Nanling National Natural Reserve, China is provided.

Recent non-marine ostracods (Crustacea) from New Caledonia (Melanesia, Pacific Ocean)

The New Caledonian Archipelago is a hot spot for biodiversity and endemism. Here, we report on new records of nine species from localities on the main island, Grande Terre, and illustrate these: Ilyodromus viridulus (Brady, 1886), Stenocypris hislopi Ferguson, 1969, S. macedonica Petkovski & Meisch, 1996¸ S. malayica Victor & Fernando, 1981, Bradleytriebella lineata (Victor & Fernando, 1981), Hemicypris pyxidata (Moniez, 1892), Heterocypris incongruens (Ramdohr, 1808), Cypridopis vidua (O.F. Müller, 1776) and Limnocythere stationis Vávra, 1891. We also provide redescriptions and illustrations of the valves and carapace of Stenocypris marginata Daday, 1910 sensu Méhes, 1939, Cypris granulata Daday, 1898 and Kennethia major (Méhes, 1939); for the latter species also including some soft parts. Therefore, twenty two certain species have thus far been reported from the New Caledonian Archipelago. The status of seven uncertain species is also discussed. Previous records of Stenocypris major (Baird, 1859) from Grande Terre, mainly by Méhes, are here considered to belong to S. hislopi. We propose to reject the presence of Cyprinotus cingalensis Brady, 1886 in New Caledonia and suggest to consider Cypridopsis sarasini Méhes, 1939 as an “uncertain species” (sensu Meisch et al. 2019). We also argue that Eucypris wolffhuegeli Méhes, 1914 might be a synonym of H. incongruens and suggest that Strandesia rouxi Méhes, 1939 might be considered a junior synonym of an existing species, pending further research.

Revision of the nomenclature status and taxonomic implications of two Lepidion species (Gadiformes: Moridae)

Lepidion lepidion and Lepidion eques are two nominal species of the genus Lepidion (Moridae) from the Mediterranean Sea and the North Atlantic Ocean, respectively. Following the publication of the latter species, several authors highlighted the morphological similarities between them, questioning their taxonomic relationship. Despite these reasonable doubts, the two species have long been considered as valid and separate species. Since the 2010s, a series of integrative studies, combining morphological and molecular analyses, have demonstrated that L. eques is a junior synonym of L. lepidion. However, the former has continued to be used inconsistently in biodiversity databases and ichthyological literature. Thus, while the “Catalog of fishes” immediately incorporated this new status, the databases “FishBase” and “WoRMS” did not, maintaining the validity of both species. Consequently, in the scientific literature, only a few authors adhere to the synonymy relationship, naming the Atlantic species as L. lepidion, while most maintain the older nomenclature of L. eques. These two nominal species represent an interesting case study on the application of taxonomic nomenclature and how the different criteria for incorporating new species affect the scientific community.

Synonymic notes in the Southeast Asian genus Lutera Westwood, 1875 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae)

To resolve the taxonomic confusion surrounding two Asian Rutelinae species, Lutera nigromaculata Ohaus, 1900 and L. nigrita Ohaus, 1930, all primary types of relevant taxa have been revisited. A redescription of L. nigromaculata is given, and diagnosis and color illustrations are provided for both L. nigromaculata and L. nigrita. Parastasia ohausi Chûjô, 1966 (new synonym), an unnecessary replacement name for and junior objective synonym of L. nigromaculata, was found in a neglected publication by the late Michio Chûjô. A lectotype is designated for L. nigromaculata guttata (Frey, 1970) (new synonym) which is recognized as another junior synonym of L. nigromaculata. All known distribution records of the two species are mapped, and L. nigromaculata is newly recorded from India and Vietnam. The exact location of “Lakhon” in Indo-China, which is currently Nakhon Phanom of Thailand, is also discussed.

The genus Argopistes Motschulsky from Japan and Taiwan, with descriptions of three new species from Taiwan (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Galerucinae, Alticini).

Four previously described species of Argopistes are recognized and redescribed from Japan and Taiwan: A.biplagiatus Motschulsky, 1860, A.rufus Chen, 1934, A.tsekooni Chen, 1934, and A.unicolor Jacoby, 1885. Three new species from Taiwan, A.jungchani sp. nov., A.tsoui sp. nov., and A.yuae sp. nov., are described. Descriptions of species include illustrations of aedeagi, antennae, gonocoxae, abdominal ventrite VIII, and spermathecae. Argopistesrufus Chen, 1934, stat. nov. is raised to species status from a variety of A.biplagiatus Motschulsky, 1860. Argopistescoccinelliformis Csiki, 1940, syn. nov. and A.ryukyuensis Shigetoh & Suenaga, 2022, syn. nov. are proposed as junior synonyms of A.rufus Chen, 1934 Lectotypes are designated for A.undecimmaculata Jacoby, 1885, A.unicolor Jacoby, 1885, and A.biplagiatusvar.rufus Chen, 1934.

Revision of the Chinese termite genus Peribulbitermes (Blattodea, Isoptera, Termitidae): A new synonym of Ahmaditermes

The genus Peribulbitermes is a small genus in Nasutitermitinae comprising three species distributed only in China. Type specimens of Peribulbitermes dinghuensis Li, 1985 and Peribulbitermes jinghongensis Li, 1985 are obtained in our study. After examining the morphological characters of the specimens, it is found that P. jinghongensis cannot be differentiated from P. dinghuensis by the diagnostic characters reported in original description. We propose that P. jinghongensis is the junior synonym of P. dinghuensis. Additionally, molecular phylogenetic relationships of Peribulbitermes, with its morphologically similar genera, Bulbitermes, Ahmaditermes and Nasutitermes, as well as other nine genera in Nasutitermes Group of Nasutitermitinae were analysed based on mitochondrial COI, COII and 16S rRNA genes. The results show that the relationship between Peribulbitermes and Ahmaditermes is the closest. Peribulbitermes should be downgraded to synonymy of Ahmaditermes. P. dinghuensis and Peribulbitermes parafulvus (Tsai and Chen, 1963) should be transferred to Ahmaditermes as Ahmaditermes dinghuensis and Ahmaditermes parafulvus.

The nomenclatural status of “Anoplophallus maculatus” Cope, 1895, its consequences on the systematics of Lycodon subcinctus auctorum, and the description of a new species (Squamata: Colubridae)

The Malayan banded wolf snake, Lycodon subcinctus (F. Boie, 1827) has a complicated taxonomic and nomenclatural history. For almost a century, the combination Anoplophallus maculatus Cope, 1895 has been applied to populations of L. subcinctus from southern China, with various authors recognizing the taxon maculatus as a subspecies (i.e., Lycodon subcinctus maculatus) or junior synonym. A recent study that proposed the elevation of Chinese L. subcinctus to species rank (as Lycodon “maculatus”) prompted us to re-investigate several nomenclatural issues relevant to Anoplophallus maculatus that have not been fully addressed in the literature. We show that Anoplophallus maculatus was not described as a new species, and actually refers to Megalops maculatus Hallowell, 1861, a Neotropical snake currently known as Leptodeira maculata (Dipsadinae). As a consequence, populations of L. subcinctus recently recognized as Lycodon “maculatus”, have no valid binomen applied to them. To resolve this issue, we provide a new species name for populations of L. subcinctus from China and include a morphological description based on specimens collected across all of mainland Southeast Asia. The new species, Lycodon neomaculatus sp. nov., occurs well outside of southern China, and inhabits Indochina (Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam) and eastern Myanmar. Lycodon neomaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from both L. sealei and L. subcinctus by subtle differences in adult dorsal color pattern and body scalation. The distributions of L. neomaculatus sp. nov. and L. subcinctus sensu stricto appear to be allopatric, and the Isthmus of Kra region in peninsular Thailand may act as a biogeographic filter separating the two species.

Intraspecific variation of <em>Scorpaenopsis possi</em> Randall et Eschmeyer, 2002 (Pisces: Scorpaenidae)

The genus Scorpaenopsis has been intensively studied in recent decades. Sixteen species were known before the revision by Randall and Eschmeyer, who described 8 new species in 2002, and nowadays 29 species are known. Two specimens of Scorpaenopsis from the collection of the Zoological Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences are intermediate in a number of parameters between Scorpaenopsis possi Randall et Eschmeyer 2002 and Scorpaenopsis eschmeyeri Randall et Greenfield 2004. The range of S. possi extends from the Indian Ocean coast of Africa and the Red Sea to the Marquesas Islands in the Pacific Ocean, the latitude of the range lies between the 30th latitudes of both hemispheres. The species S. eschmeyeri inhabits a much smaller range from the east coast of Australia to the island of Fiji. The aim of this work is to explain the appearance of S. possi, similar to S. eschmeyeri in some morphological diagnostic characters, almost 12,000 km apart from its range. The number of soft rays in the dorsal fin, which is unusual for the genus Scorpaenopsis, is described. Due to the lack of persistent distinguishing characters between S. possi and S. eschmeyeri, it is highly probable that both are conspecific; in that case S. eschmeyeri would be a junior synonym of S. possi.

Chelonodontops bengalensis Habib et al. 2018, a junior synonym of Tetrodon patoca Hamilton 1822, with a type species designation for Chelonodon Müller 1841

A comparison of the recent description of Chelonodontops bengalensis Habib, Neogi, Og, Lee & Kim 2018 with that of Tetrodon patoca Hamilton 1822 reveals that the former is a junior synonym of the latter. Chelonodon patoca appears to be restricted in its distribution to coastal brackish waters at the mouth of the Ganges/Brahmaputra/Meghna system in India and Bangladesh and further south to at least the mouth of the Mahanadi. The valid name for the widespread Indo-Pacific species previously confused with C. patoca is C. kappa Hamilton 1822. We show that Bleeker (1850), not Rüppell (1852), was the first author to include pufferfish species in the genus Chelonodon Müller 1841, and as first revisers we choose Tetrodon kappa Hamilton 1822 as the type species of Chelonodon.

On the identity of the Afrotropical species of Mallota Meigen (Diptera: Syrphidae)

The Afrotropical hoverflies belonging to the genus Mallota Meigen, 1822 (Diptera: Syrphidae) are revised. Ten species are recognized, of which four are new to science: Mallota glabra sp. nov., M. hircus sp. nov., M. wyatti sp. nov. and M. stipulata sp. nov. Merodon edentulus Macquart, 1855 is considered a junior synonym of Eristalis dasyops Wiedemann, 1819. Lectotypes are designated for Eristalis dasyops, Merodon edentulus, Mallota pachymera Bezzi, 1915 and Helophilus extremus Loew, 1858. The taxonomic history of the placement and identity of the different species of Mallota is presented. Their relationships, as well as affiliations with Afrotropical representatives of the genera Eristalis Latreille, 1804 and Myathropa Rondani, 1845, is briefly discussed based on morphological and DNA barcode data.

New taxonomic and faunistic data on Liocranidae (Arachnida: Araneae) of West Palaearctic), with nine new species of Mesiotelus Simon, 1897

New taxonomic data and distribution records on liocranid spiders in the West Palaearctic are provided. Nine species of Mesiotelus Simon, 1897 are described as new to science: M. alanyensis Zamani, Fomichev, Kaya & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Türkiye), M. bosmansi Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Türkiye), M. confusus Zamani, Fomichev, Naumova & Marusik, sp. nov. (male, female; Bulgaria, Greece, Türkiye), M. damavandicus Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Iran), M. kravetsi Fomichev, Zamani & Marusik, sp. nov. (male; Russia: Dagestan), M. mediterraneus Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Türkiye), M. sistanus Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Iran), M. tadzhikus Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Tajikistan), and M. turanicus Zamani, Fomichev & Marusik, sp. nov. (female; Tajikistan). Due to the misidentification of the first specimen described as the male of M. scopensis Drensky, 1935, all records of this species from Bulgaria, Greece, and Türkiye in fact belong to a different species, which is described here as M. confusus sp. nov. Considering the revised definition of M. scopensis, M. deltshevi Naumova, 2020 syn. n. and M. caucasicus Zamani & Marusik, 2021 syn. n. are proposed as its junior synonyms, and to ensure nomenclatural stability, a neotype is designated for it. The previously unknown females of Agroeca angirasu Zamani & Marusik, 2021 and M. patricki Zamani & Marusik, 2021 are described. The nomen Mesiotelus mersinensis Demircan Aksan, 2023 is here declared to be unavailable. The following species are newly recorded from the listed countries: A. angirasu from Azerbaijan, M. scopensis from Azerbaijan and Georgia, and M. cyprius Kulczyński, 1908 from Türkiye. Three of the previous Iranian records of M. scopensis Drensky, 1935 and the Iranian and Turkmen records of M. kulczynskii Charitonov, 1946 are found to be based on misidentifications. Additionally, the vulva of Sestakovaia annulipes (Kulczyński, 1897) is illustrated for the first time.

Revision of the genera of Scolodontidae, part 2: Guestieria Crosse, 1872, Xenodiscula Pilsbry, 1919, and a misidentified planorbid

Currently, there are many issues with genus-level taxa within the Scolodontidae. This is the second paper in a series which aims to resolve the most prominent issues. Here, we highlight some of the more poorly known, smaller, discoid genera: Guestieria Crosse, 1872 and Xenodiscula Pilsbry, 1919. Guestieria is characterized by its small to medium-sized shell (2–18 mm), without or with only faint sculpture, and with a covered apex and closed umbilicus. Its known geographic distribution is confined to Andean countries and Brazil. Xenodiscula is small (up to 1.6 mm), discoid, and with prominent apertural barriers not seen in other scolodontids. Its known geographic distribution included all of the Amazon rainforest, the Tumbes-Chocó-Magdalena hotspot, and mainland Central America. We also discuss the enigmatic Guestieria shuttleworthi (L. Pfeiffer, 1851), which we show is a junior synonym of the planorbid freshwater snail Drepanotrema anatinum (d’Orbigny, 1835).

Two names, one species: redescription and phylogenetic position of Schrankiana formosula Freitas, 1959 provides new insights into the evolutionary history of the Cosmocercidae.

Schrankiana are gastrointestinal parasites of anurans, distributed throughout Central and South America. Schrankiana formosula and Schrankiana inconspicata are some of the most commonly reported species parasitising anurans from Brazil, and the morphological differences between them are unclear. In the present study, we redescribed S. formosula based on a re-examination of type series and newly collected material from the frog Leptodactylus pentadactylus in the state of Amapá, Brazil. Additionally, we re-examined the type series of S. inconspicata, and propose it as a junior synonym of S. formosula. We provide detailed morphological and morphometric data with intraspecific variation analyses and new molecular data for S. formosula. In the present phylogeny, S. formosula formed a well-supported clade with Raillietnema sp. and Labeonema synodontisi. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and some morphological similarities, our findings support the hypothesis that Schrankiana is a member of the family Cosmocercidae, not Atractidae. Additionally, we provide the first ultrastructural descriptions of S. formosula, and establish the species' phylogenetic position from the Cosmocercidae.

Taxonomic revision of the South American subgenus Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) (Hymenoptera: Apidae: Halictinae)

Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) Moure, a small Neotropical subgenus, is revised, with the description of a new species, Augochloropsis aenea sp. nov., from Puno, southern Peru. Augochloropsis (Glyptobasia) comprised the two nominal species, A. bertonii (Schrottky) with a bluish-violet body coloration and A. chloera (Moure) with a bright green body coloration, both species have coarse integumental punctures and an unusual propodeal structure. We interpret these striking color differences, as a case of color polymorphism within a single species. Therefore, Moure’s taxon is placed as a junior synonym of A. bertonii. An identification key for the species and a distribution map are also provided.

BFORAMS@MIKROTAX: AN ONLINE DATABASE FOR DEEP-SEA BENTHIC FORAMINIFERAL TAXONOMY

ABSTRACT The bforams@mikrotax database focuses on deep-sea foraminifera from the Cretaceous through Cenozoic, providing a comprehensive, universally accessible taxonomic resource. Based on nannotax and pforams@mikrotax, this database provides an easy-to-use website for experts, researchers, and early career scientists, promoting stability in identifications and nomenclature. By providing detailed descriptions, images, citations, and expert opinions, bforams@mikrotax is becoming a crucial tool for paleoenvironmental, paleoceanographic, paleoclimatic, biostratigraphic, paleobiological studies, and foraminiferal geochemical analyses. The “Main Catalog” provides monographic coverage of 1,600 key taxa, including lists of junior synonyms, updated primary and secondary type images, morphological descriptions, paleobathymetry, and graphical stratigraphic range bars. The “Original Description Catalog” includes information from the original species designations, type specimen repository and locality information, and images of the primary type specimens. The bforams@mikrotax database will provide an invaluable research, reference, and teaching tool for students and researchers across all levels of expertise.