New Species Research Articles

Pycnogonids, ‘sea-spiders’ (Arthropoda, Pycnogonida) selected from the collections of the South Australian Museum with descriptions of new species and review of the genus Pallenella.

Pycnogonids, ‘sea-spiders’ (Arthropoda, Pycnogonida) selected from the collections of the South Australian Museum with descriptions of new species and review of the genus Pallenella.

First record of the genus Sundagrapha Holloway, 1982 (Lepidoptera, Geometridae, Ennominae, Cassymini) from China, with description of a new species

The genus Sundagrapha Holloway, 1982 is reported from China for the first time. A new species, Sundagrapha recta sp. nov., is described from Hainan Province. Adults of both sexes and their genitalia are illustrated and compared with those of closely related species. Additionally, a comprehensive identification key for all currently known species of Sundagrapha is provided.

Synopsis of Barra Jordan, 1904 (Coleoptera: Anthribidae) with description of a new species from Brazil with an updated key to the genus

Barra tocantinensis Vilhena, Lopes & Mermudes sp. nov. (Anthribinae: Piesocorynini) is described from Serra do Lajeado Ecological Reserve (Fazenda Céu), a threatened biome in central-western Brazil. A key to the all known species of Barra is presented. New data on the distribution of the genus are provided.

An integrative approach to a revision of the freshwater mussel genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia, Unionidae), with the description of a new species

An integrative approach to a revision of the freshwater mussel genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia, Unionidae), with the description of a new species

First record of Morimotobathynella Serban, 2000 (Bathynellacea, Bathynellidae) from subterranean waters of South Korea, with the description of a new species

This study describes Morimotobathynella koreanasp. nov., the first new species of Bathynellidae family reported in East Asia since 2000, and it presents the first molecular analysis using CO1 and 18S gene sequences. Morphological analysis reveals that the new species and previously known Morimotobathynella species uniquely share key characteristics in the male and female thoracopods VIII. However, the presence or absence of the median seta on the antenna exopod, along with the length differences between the four spines in the furca, distinguish the new species from M. miurai, 2000. A molecular phylogenetic analysis indicates that the new species has a relatively close relationship to species from the genus Altainella in Mongolia and Russia.

First record of the subgenus Megachelonus Baker, 1926 (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Cheloninae, genus Chelonus Panzer, 1806) for the Afrotropical region (southwestern region of Saudi Arabia), with the description of a new species

The subgenus Megachelonus Baker, 1926 of the cosmopolitan genus Chelonus Panzer, 1806 is recorded for the first time in the Afrotropical region, in a coffee orchard in Jazan (southwestern Saudi Arabia). A new species, Chelonus (Megachelonus) arabicus Soliman & Gadallah, is described and illustrated.

Revision of the genus Anomologa Meyrick, 1926, including the description of a new species, and its impact on subfamilies of Gelechiidae (Lepidoptera)

The genus Anomologa Meyrick, 1926 is revised, and its diagnosis is improved. Euryctista Janse, 1963 syn. nov. is considered a junior synonym of Anomologa. Four species, Anomologa dispulsa Meyrick, 1926, A. demens Meyrick, 1926, A. hobohmi (Janse, 1963) comb. nov. and A. terminata sp. nov. are recognized as valid. All Anomologa species are redescribed based on type specimens as well as additional material. Male and female genitalia of Anomologa demens and A. dispulsa, as well as female genitalia of A. hobohmi are described for the first time. Morphological characters of Anomologa indicate its affinity to Apatetris Staudinger, 1879 (type genus of the subfamily Apatetrinae), Chrysoesthia Hübner, 1825, Metanarsia Staudinger, 1871 and other genera of subfamily Apatetrinae, which convinced us to synonymize the family group name: Apatetrinae Le Marchand, 1947 syn. nov. of Anomologinae Meyrick, 1926. Accordingly, Aristoteliinae Le Marchand, 1947 stat. rev. is available for Anomologinae sensu auctorum as the oldest family group name for this taxon. The updated classification of Anomologinae and Aristoteliinae is provided, and the new synonymy is established: Metopios Lucas, 1945 syn. nov. of Catatinagma Rebel, 1903.

Cuphophyllus lijiangensis sp. nov. (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales) from Yunnan, China

ABSTRACT A new species of Cuphophyllus (Hygrophoraceae, Agaricales) was discovered in mixed coniferous and broad-leaved forests (Pinaceae and Fagaceae) and grassland margins in Lijiang, North-west Yunnan, and South-west China. The species is described using morphological and molecular methods. Based on on-site habitat observation data and a literature review, the novel species is best described as a saprobic macrofungus that thrives in soil humus within mixed pine forests or grasslands. The basidiomata of the novel species exhibit macroscopic similarities to C. virgineus; however, C. lijiangensis sp. nov. differs primarily in having a smaller pileus, shorter stipe, larger basidiospores, and an intricate trichoderm pileipellis. Phylogenetic analysis, based on the combined rDNA internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuc28S rDNA (28S), and RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (rpb2) genes, places C. lijiangensis in a clade with C. virgineus, C. borealis, C. yacurensis, and C. russocoriaceus. Both morphological characteristics and phylogenetic data support C. lijiangensis as a distinct new species within Cuphophyllus. This study provides a comprehensive description of the new species, colour photographs of basidiomata, micromorphological structures, and a phylogenetic tree to show the position of the new species.

Acorusshannai (Acoraceae), a new species from Southern China.

Acorusshannai (Acoraceae) is a commonly used seasoning in southern China. It was previously misidentified as A.macrospadiceus (Yamam.) F. N. Wei & Y. K. Li before. Through comparison of morphological characteristics, distribution locations, and type specimen, we determined that the elevation of A.gramineusvar.macrospadiceus Yamam to species status was incorrect. Therefore, we propose a formal description of a new species following nomenclature regulations. Based on morphological and plastid genomic data, this study formally describes and illustrates Acorusshannai, distributed in the Qiandongnan area of Guizhou Province and its surroundings, confirming it as a new species within the genus Acorus. This species is morphologically and phylogenetically distinct from other members of the A.gramineus group. Key distinguishing features include a strong fennel odor (vs. aromatic in "A.tatarinowii" and A.gramineus), fruit with prominent dorsal sutures (vs. inconspicuous dorsal sutures in "A.tatarinowii" and A.gramineus), and a leaf-shaped spathe that is about 2-3 times as long as the spadix (vs. more than 3 times in "A.tatarinowii"). Phylogenetic analysis showed that A.shannai is closely related to the other species in the A.gramineus group. The recognition of A.shannai is not only important for the species diversity and phylogenetic relationship of Acorus, but also can avoid the drug safety caused by using other Acorus species as A.shannai to eat and promote the conservation of A.shannai resources.

Contribution to the genus Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 (Ephemeroptera: Baetidae) in India

We present the description of a new mayfly species, Platybaetis arunachalensis sp. nov., based on larval specimens collected from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Additionally, we provide the first complete description and a new record of Platybaetis uenoi Müller-Liebenau, 1980, based on recently collected larval specimens from Nagaland, India. This study includes taxonomic updates for the genus Platybaetis Müller-Liebenau, 1980 in India, along with a distribution map of Platybaetis species and ecological insights into their habitats. Our work enhances the understanding of Platybaetis diversity and distribution in India, contributing valuable information for future ecological and conservation studies.

A Review of the Psyllid Genus Epipsylla (Hemiptera, Psyllidae) from the Chinese Mainland with Phylogenetic Considerations and the Description of a New Species.

Epipsylla Kuwayama, 1908, constitutes an Old World genus of psyllids with 15 described species. Based on characters of immatures, Epipsylla was recently assigned to Ciriacreminae (Psyllidae). The genus is morphologically well circumscribed but species are currently difficult to identify as many descriptions lack detail and precision. Eight species are reported from the Chinese mainland. Here, we provide diagnoses for the adults of these species and, as far as known, the fifth-instar immatures. Figures are provided of taxonomically relevant adult characters. A new species, Epipsylla suni sp. nov., is described from Yunnan (China). We provide illustrations of its habitus and morphological features, and list the host plant. Furthermore, we sequenced the mitochondrial genome of the new species and constructed a phylogenetic tree using thirteen protein-coding genes and two rRNA genes. The results of the molecular phylogenetic analysis using the maximum likelihood method support the assignment to Ciriacreminae.

Diversity and Multigene Phylogeny of the Genus Floccularia (Agaricales, Basidiomycota).

Floccularia is known as a northern-hemisphere-distributed genus with important economic values, especially in Western China. However, its species diversity in Asia and the phylogeny of this genus have not been critically studied. Based on worldwide sampling and multi-locus DNA sequence data (ITS, LSU, rpb2, tef1), the phylogeny of Floccularia was reconstructed, and the species diversity in Asia was critically studied on the basis of morphology and phylogeny. The results showed that five phylogenetic species can be recognized in this genus, of which there are four species in Asia, two species in North America and one species in Europe. According to our result, in addition to F. luteovirens, three new species, F. asiatica, F. flava and F. sinensis, were distributed in Asia, while in North America, F. pitkinensis and F. fusca could be synonyms of F. albolanaripes, as both species are phylogenetically intermingled within F. albolanaripes. Morphological descriptions of new species, color images of basidiomes, line drawings of their microscopic features, and a key to the Asian species of this genus are provided. Our study reconstructed the phylogeny of Floccularia for the first time and clarified the species diversity of Floccularia in Asia and suggests the need for detailed study of American specimens in order to accurately assess the diversity of Floccularia in America.

Cephalotoma patcharinae n. sp.-The First Record of Cephalotoma Species with a 2-Segmented Club of Antennae in the Oriental Region (Bostrichidae, Lyctinae: Trogoxylini).

The paper presents a description of a new species of the genus Cephalotoma Lesne, caught in northern Thailand. The new species, C. patcharinae Borowski n. sp., is the first species in the Oriental region with a two-segmented club of antennae. The effect of the discussion presented in the paper is synonymising the tribe Cephalotomini Liu and Schönitzer, 2011 n. syn. with Trogoxylini Lesne, 1921. Moreover, the paper contains a key to classify all the species known from the Oriental region and belonging to the genus Cephalotoma.

Ancistrohaptor forficata sp. n. (Monopisthocotyla, Dactylogyridae): A New Parasite of Triportheus signatus (Characiformes, Triportheidae) from the Salgado River, Brazil

The genus Ancistrohaptor was proposed to accommodate monopisthocotylans flatworms parasitic on the gills of species of the genus Triportheus in Manaus, Amazonas state, Brazil. Its main characteristics are (a) an accessory piece of the male copulatory organ composed of two distinct parts; (b) dextral or dextroventral vaginal openings; and (c) large ventral anchors with elongated shafts. A new species of Ancistrohaptor was found to parasitize the gills of Triportheus signatus collected from the Salgado River, Ceará State, Brazil. A new species of Monopisthocotyla was collected and described. Ancistrohaptor forficata sp. n. is primarily characterized by having a male copulatory organ with less than one turn, the presence of an articulated accessory piece with a concave rod-shaped termination, and a free accessory piece that is clamp shaped and bifurcated, as well as a dorsal bar with shading present in its medial part. This is the fourth species description of the genus Ancistrohaptor for fish of the genus Triportheus and the first record for T. signatus and the aquatic ecosystems of the Caatinga domain.

The Thermal Tolerance of Springtails in a Tropical Cave, with the Description of a New Coecobrya Species (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Thailand.

A new species of Collembola in the genus Coecobrya, C. microphthalmasp. nov., is described from a cave environment in Saraburi province, central Thailand. The new species is the second described species of the boneti-group found in the country. It is most similar to C. chompon Nilsai, Lima & Jantarit, 2022, which is also described from a Thai cave. However, the new species is morphologically different from C. chompon in having orange dot pigmentation on its body and a combination of other morphological characteristics such as the number of sublobal hairs on the maxillary outer lobe and the number of medio-sublateral mac on Th. II, Abd. I, Abd. III and Abd. IV and the anterior face of the ventral tube. The morphological comparison of all known boneti species and a key to the world species of Coecobrya of the boneti-group are given. Coecobrya microphthalmasp. nov. was successfully cultured in the laboratory. The thermal tolerance of the new species was studied and tested with seven different temperature experiments (27 °C as a control, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 °C). The results showed that C. microphthalmasp. nov. cannot survive at a temperature higher than 32 °C after exposure to the experimental heat for 7 and 14 consecutive days. At 27, 30 and 32 °C, C. microphthalmasp. nov. remained alive and produced eggs, but the duration of egg production and number of egg-laying days significantly declined when the temperature increased (p < 0.001). An interesting aspect of their reproduction concerns temperature. At 32 °C (5 °C above the control temperature), the F1 generation survived, was active and was able to molt to the adult stage. However, specimens were unable to produce the next generation of offspring. For postembryonic development, C. microphthalmasp. nov. required six molts to reach the adult stage. The development rate (from egg to adult) varied and differed significantly between the tested temperatures (p < 0.001). An increase in temperature from the control temperature significantly accelerated the developmental rate from egg to juvenile instars to adult with a statistical significance (p < 0.01). This study is the first attempt that provide information on the impact of increasing temperature on the population dynamics, reproductive capacity and life history of a subterranean tropical Collembola.

Paraplaconeis dorofeyukae sp. nov. (Cymbellales, Bacillariophyceae)—a new species from Mongolia, described based on molecular and morphological investigations

An unknown species of the diatom genus Paraplaconeis was discovered during a field study of freshwater environments in Central Mongolia. In the course of further study, two monoclonal strains were acquired for the unknown species. The strains were utilized for molecular-genetic analysis on SSU rRNA and rbcL genes. As a result of the molecular investigation and careful morphological examination of valve structure with light and scanning electron microscopy, we propose the description of a new species—Paraplaconeis dorofeyukae sp. nov.—in this article. The new species is morphologically compared to similar taxa from the Paraplaconeis placentula group. Paraplaconeis dorofeyukae sp. nov. can be distinguished from related species by a combination of valve dimensions, morphology of apices and central area, and external valve ultrastructure.

Integrative taxonomy of the genus Cyriotasiastes (Newman) (Cerambycidae: Lamiinae) with the description of a new species from Mindanao Island Philippines

The genus Cyriotasiastes (Neman, 1842) is revised using a combination of morphological, biogeographic, and molecular data. Based on this, we proposed to erect the four species belonging to sub-species Cyriotasiastes rhetenor: C.rhetenor rhetenor, C. rhetenor mindorensis, C. rhetenor panayensis, C. rhetenor solsonanensis, as separate species with the following statuses: Cyriotasiastes rhetenor (Newman, 1842) stat. nov., C. solsonanensis Medina et al., 2023 stat. nov., C. mindorensis Vives, 2009 stat. nov., C.s panayensis Barševskis, 2018 stat. nov. A new species Cyiotasiastes mindanaonis sp. nov. is also described, this is the first record in Mindanao Island and the fifth species for the Philippine fauna. A key to the species in the Philippines is also provided.

Pseudocitrobacter cyperus, a novel bacterial species recovered from Cyperus alternifolius in Egypt

BackgroundStrain Cyp38ST was isolated as an endophyte from the plant Cyperus alternifolius, collected along the banks of the River Nile in 2019. Preliminary analysis tentatively identified Cyp38ST as belonging to the genus Pseudocitrobacter.MethodsThe preliminary identification of Cyp38ST was performed using the VITEK®2 identification system, MALDI-TOF-MS, and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. To confirm its taxonomic classification, the draft genome of Cyp38ST was generated using DNBseq, and the genome-based taxonomic evaluation was conducted by calculating the overall genome-relatedness indices (OGRIs) such as Average Nucleotide Identity (ANI), digital DNA-DNA hybridization (dDDH), and the tetra-nucleotide signatures (Tetra). Additionally, the biochemical features, antimicrobial susceptibility profiles, and fatty acid methyl ester content of Cyp38ST were characterized.ResultsVITEK®2 misidentified Cyp38ST as Citrobacter werkmanii, MALDI-TOF-MS identified it as Pseudocitrobacter faecalis. While the 16S rRNA gene showed more than 99.0% similarity to other Pseudocitrobacter species, the calculated OGRIs were lower than the thresholds recommended for species assignment to all currently known Pseudocitrobacter species. Furthermore, the phylogenomic analysis revealed that Cyp38ST forms a distinct species cluster within the genus Pseudocitrobacter. Cyp38ST was predicted as a potential human pathogen and carried a unique ß-lactamase-coding gene.ConclusionHere we present Cyp38ST (= CCASU-2024-73T) as the type strain of a novel species within the genus Pseudocitrobacter to which we propose the name Pseudocitrobacter cyperus sp. nov. We provide a full description of the novel species and present its genome sequence and annotation. The discovery of this novel species highlights the potential of endophytic bacteria associated with unique plant hosts to harbor previously uncharacterized microbial diversity.

Submarine cave sponges of the genus Rhabderemia (Demospongiae, Biemnida, Rhabderemiidae) from the Ryukyu Islands, southwestern Japan: rediscovery of R. forcipula and description of a new species

Two species of Rhabderemia, R. ginamaensis sp. nov. and R. forcipula (Lévi &amp; Lévi, 1989), are reported from submarine anchialine caves of the Ryukyu Islands, Japan. Rhabderemia ginamaensis sp. nov., collected from the submarine cave of Ginama, Okinawa Island, differs from other congeners by its thinly encrusting morphology and the presence of microxea. Rhabderemia forcipula (Lévi &amp; Lévi, 1989), once collected from the mesophotic zone of the Philippine Sea, was rediscovered for the first time since its original description in the dark nearshore submarine cave of Shimoji Island, Miyako Island Group. The species is characterized by a plumo-reticulate skeleton and spiculation: rhabdostyles, rugose microstyles, and sigmoid microscleres in two size classes, the larger ones being spirosigma and thraustosigma. A redescription of the type specimen and a detailed description of the newly collected specimens are provided to understand the morphological variation of the spicules, and to confirm the conspecificity of the type specimen and the submarine cave specimens. The two species, R. ginamaensis sp. nov. and R. forcipula are a new record of Rhabderemia and the family Rhabderemiidae from Japan, and the first report of Rhabderemia from submarine anchialine caves in the Indo-West Pacific. In addition, R. forcipula is the first species of the genus to be found from both a submarine cave and a mesophotic zone in the Indo-West Pacific.

A checklist of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) of the Republic of Mordovia, Russia, with the description of a new species

An annotated checklist of Lonchaeidae (Diptera) of the Republic of Mordovia (European Russia) is provided based on the materials collected from 2019 to 2021 mainly in beer traps at fixed heights in the forest canopy and with a Malaise trap. In total, 3254 specimens were examined, of which 2004 were identifiable to species level providing the records of 29 species in five genera. We have found 18 species of Lonchaeidae new to the fauna of Mordovia. Lonchaea cervisiae sp. nov. is described as new to science and L. fraxina MacGowan et Rotheray, 2000 is recorded as new to Russia. Earomyia mordovia MacGowan et Ruchin, 2022, syn. nov., is synonymised with E. schistopyga Collin, 1953.