Recent molecular evidence showed that Labeo umbratus comprises two allopatrically distributed genetic lineages, a northern lineage confined to the Orange-Vaal River system where this species was originally described and a southern lineage with three geographically separated haplogroups (western, central and eastern) distributed across multiple isolated southward-draining river systems in the Cape Fold, Amatola-Winterberg Highlands, and the Southern Temperate Highveld freshwater ecoregions of South Africa. Detailed morphological examination supported recognition of the eastern haplogroup, distributed from the Sundays to the Nahoon River system, as a distinct species. Although a name proposed in 1861 exists for this haplogroup, originally described from the Kat River, a branch of the Great Fish River system, it is derogatory and offensive to the indigenous people of South Africa and has not been adopted in subsequent taxonomic literature. We see no nomenclatural stability in resurrecting a name that is both offensive and long forgotten, and we argue that retaining such a name undermines universality because it conflicts with ethical and cultural acceptance in the region of endemism. Accordingly, we reject the use of this derogatory name and instead provide a new name, Labeo ngqikai, for the species to ensure both nomenclatural stability and cultural sensitivity. The epithet ngqikai honours King Ngqika, the third paramount chief of the native inhabitants of the Kat River valley, from where the species was originally described.

This review of world literature presents the topical taxonomy, zoogeography and toxinology of the most dangerous and poisonous snakes of the genus Naja (True cobras), including questions of origin, distribution and mechanism of toxic effect in the ecological group of “spitting cobras”. Cobras are among the most famous snakes in the world, but cobra taxonomy remained surprisingly poorly understood until the late 20th century. The application of molecular-phylogenetic research methods has led to the “Afro–Asian race for diversity”, i.e. an increase in the number of recognized African and Asian cobra species, which required the truly “revolutionary” introduction of the subgenera rank for herpetology, while maintaining the nomenclatural stability of the group of iconic species. The cobra taxonomy issues have not only an important theoretical aspect, but also purely applied (medical and zootoxinological) ones. Incomplete (or questionable) under-standing of the taxonomic position of some species may lead to dramatic errors in the treatment of snakebite poisonings, and most often – to the incorrect use of monovalent antisnake serums, since often closely and similar snake species may have poisons differing in composition, and therefore in the mechanism of action. Cobras belong to the group of primarily poisonous armed actively poisonous animals, with plastic adaptation to the environment. The current state of re-search of the unique set of polypeptide toxins in cobra venom, which serve as chemical factors (allomones) of interspecies (allelochemical) interactions, is of great theoretical and practical significance. Similar examples could be found among animals of many systematic groups, but cobras have a surprisingly balanced variety of hunting and defense methods using their poisonous apparatus – parenteral poison administration during a bite and “spitting” during remote contact.

The genus name Laranda presents a significant case of zoological homonymy, requiring nomenclatural action under the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN). Laranda Kinberg, 1865 (Polychaeta), established for marine annelids, predicts Laranda Walker, 1869 (Orthoptera), a distinctive genus of Neotropical crickets. This homonymy, unnoticed for over 150 years, was recently identified in the Taxonomic Catalog of the Brazilian Fauna. To ensure nomenclatural stability and universality, we propose Unacla nom. n. as a replacement name for the cricket genus Laranda Walker, 1869, which is a junior homonym and, therefore, invalid. This note details the type material and distinguishing features of both taxa, justifying the proposed name change and its implications for systematics.

Priority vs. tradition—Tracheliastes polycolpus von Nordmann, 1832 (Copepoda: Lernaeopodidae) revisited!

The distinctive monkey moth genus Camerunia Aurivillius, 1893 is revised, resulting in the implementation of several taxonomic and nomenclatural changes. Two genera historically considered to be allied to Camerunia, Hemijana Aurivillius, 1901 syn. nov. and Catajana Strand, 1910 syn. nov. are synonymised with it and as a result, the genus now contains six species: C. orphne (Schaus, 1893), C. flava Aurivillius, 1904, C. albida Aurivillius, 1901, C. subrosea (Aurivillius, 1893) comb. nov., C. bimaculata (Dewitz, 1879) comb. rev. and a new species, C. smithi sp. nov. described from Tanzania. To preserve the stability of nomenclature, lectotypes are designated for Camerunia insignis Aurivillius, 1893, Camerunia flava Aurivillius, 1904, Jana subrosea Aurivillius, 1893 and Hemijana ruberrima Rothschild, 1917. Examination of the unlabelled type of Hemijana griseola Rothschild, 1917 syn. nov. has confirmed that it is conspecific with Poloma nigromaculata (Aurivillius, 1893) and it is synonymised accordingly.

Three related circumstances are affecting the stability of prokaryotic taxonomy and nomenclature, with significant implications in the field of pathogenic micro-organisms: (i) the subjective application of genomics-based demarcation criteria to subdivide monophyletic genera, creating an increasing number of new genera; (ii) databases’ preference for the latest validly published names; and (iii) the practical irreversibility of new names in databases, even when later taxonomic opinion supports reverting to previous classifications. Due to understandable end-user reluctance to accept name changes affecting well-known pathogens, parallel nomenclatures coexist, causing confusion. To address this issue, we propose using the subgenus category to mitigate the disruptive impact of genus name changes in databases. Specifically, we suggest lowering to subgenus rank those new genera arising from monophyletic genera splits that have limited practical utility and may contribute to taxonomic instability. Under the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes, the species’ generic name would revert to its previous synonym, optionally followed in parentheses by the validly published subgenus name (corresponding to the latest genus synonym used in databases). Because the subgenus is an optional taxonomic category, it may be omitted; however, its use may facilitate the mapping of synonyms in databases and literature. We illustrate this strategy through its application to recent genus splits in the Mycobacteriales, specifically the genus Prescottella nested within the rhodococcal radiation, and the several genera into which Mycobacterium was subdivided.

Tradescantia are widespread as garden and indoor plants, but their cultivation history has rarely been studied. As a result, there are an abundance of superfluous, invalid, or contentious cultivar names in the genus. The previous International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) never published a full checklist and stepped down before 2009. I was appointed ICRA in 2022 and compiled the first comprehensive Tradescantia checklist and register. I conducted archive searches, growing trials, and internet research to determine correct names and distinguish uncertain cultivars. There are currently 267 accepted names, belonging to at least 15 species, hybrids, and groups. A number of previously unpublished names and decisions are established in this publication in line with the rules of the International Code of Nomenclature for Cultivated Plants. The full checklist was published in an online-first format as an interactive website (https://tradescantia.uk/checklist), making it freely accessible to the public. The lack of central or authoritative sources made it challenging to determine the validity and application of some names, and a holistic approach was required to make decisions that best served to provide nomenclatural stability into the future.

The Atlantic yellowfin mojarra Gerres cinereus was described from a 1734 illustration by Mark Catesby. Thenceforth, the genus has had a controversial taxonomic history in the Americas. Even though it was once considered monotypic, and its description was not scientifically amended until the end of the 19th century, no type material exists. Catesby's illustration historically has been related to at least five nominal species of Gerreidae, four currently recognised as valid. Our critical examination of Catesby's drawing, the review of historical taxonomic criteria to identify species and the geometric morphometric analysis performed showed that it does not correspond to G. cinereus sensu stricto. Hence, applying the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature, the binomen could be considered a 'nomen dubium'. However, using a newer synonym would threaten nomenclatural stability and universality because of the name's prevailing usage. Otherwise, conserving the current binomen's usage requires the formal designation of a neotype. On this basis, we designate a neotype for G. cinereus. Although naming species without preserved specimens has never been forbidden, we argue against naming taxa based on unverifiable evidence because the type specimen matters.

Failure to follow the rules of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature can lead to significant confusion in taxonomic literature. This study examines five reptilian names (for two species, two genera and one family) that should be considered unavailable due to non-compliance with specific Code’s criteria. Proper adherence to the Code is essential for maintaining consistency and clarity in taxonomy. However, interpreting the Code is often challenging, and some of its rules require improvement. Despite these difficulties, taxonomists must remain knowledgeable about the Code regulations to ensure the nomenclatural availability of their work and stability of zoological nomenclature.

This study reports seven new records of Curcuma L. (Zingiberaceae) for the flora of Laos: Curcuma comosa Roxb., C. pedicellata (Chaveer. & Mokkamul) Škorničk., C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, C. pierreana Gagnep., C. rangjued Saensouk & Boonma, C. sabhasrii Saensouk, Maknoi, Wongnak & Rakarcha, and C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma. Field surveys were conducted across various habitats in Laos, and species identification was confirmed through morphological comparisons with type specimens and protologues. An identification key for Curcuma species in Laos is provided to facilitate future taxonomic studies. Additionally, the lectotypification of C. comosa Roxb. is designated to ensure nomenclatural stability and clarify its taxonomic placement. The discovery of these species expands the known distribution of Curcuma in Indochina and highlights the importance of continued floristic exploration in understudied regions. These findings emphasize the need for biodiversity conservation, particularly in the nnatural habitats where these species occur. Furthermore, some of the newly recorded species exhibit attractive floral characteristics, making them valuable for sustainable horticultural applications, especially in ornamental plant cultivation. This study underscores the significance of taxonomic research in documenting regional flora, supporting conservation efforts, and promoting the sustainable utilization of plant diversity.

In this paper, I include two Requests for an Opinion regarding ambiguous priority of pairs of names considered synonyms. First, I present a case of unknown priority between heterotypic synonyms Yokenella regensburgei Kosako et al. 1985 and Koserella trabulsii Hickman-Brenner et al. 1985. These two names appeared on the same Validation List but without any sequence number given. According to Rule 24b(4) of the 2022 Revision of the International Code of Nomenclature of Prokaryotes (ICNP), in the case of no sequence numbers given, it is up to those who first propose union of the taxa to determine the priority. However, no choice was made by those who synonymized these two names, and therefore, it is impossible to choose the correct name. To resolve this extremely rare, awkward situation, I argue that the Judicial Commission should conserve the genus name and epithet of the well-known name Y. regensburgei over those of the less-known K. trabulsii according to Rule 56b of the ICNP. And by doing this, Y. regensburgei will become the correct name for the united taxon with this particular circumscription. Secondly, I discussed the case in which Providencia alcalifaciens (de Salles Gomes 1944) Ewing 1962 (Approved Lists 1980) and Proteus inconstans (Ornstein 1920) Shaw and Clarke 1955 (Approved Lists 1980) are found to be homotypic synonyms both included in the Approved Lists. Based on the priority, inconstans in P. inconstans is the earliest epithet to be adopted in the correct name, which means that alcalifaciens in P. alcalifaciens should be treated as an illegitimate epithet. Since P. alcalifaciens was proposed as the type species of the genus Providencia, the generic name and any of its combinations are illegitimate as well according to Rules 20a and 51b(2) of the ICNP. Literature search showed that the name Proteus inconstans has become obsolete and Providencia alcalifaciens is in prevailing usage. Moreover, 16 validly published names, including synonyms, have been proposed to date under the genus Providencia. Accordingly, I argue that the necessary conservation of the epithet inconstans in P. inconstans over alcalifaciens in P. alcalifaciens should be made by the Judicial Commission according to Rule 56b for the sake of nomenclatural stability.

Type localities-the places of origin of the name-bearing type specimens of species and subspecies-are crucial for taxonomic identification and for maintaining taxonomic and nomenclatural stability. However, historical descriptions often lack precise or identifiable locality data. Pelegrín Franganillo Balboa described nearly 200 Cuban arachnids (1926-1946), but most of his descriptions were not sufficiently detailed, and his collection lacks key identification data, complicating the storage location of type specimens. Additionally, many of Franganillo's type locality toponyms are falling out of use, hindering their application in taxonomic resolution. Here, we revise these 36 type localities, georeference them, and provide additional information on their current statuses. We found that 16 of them are at risk of toponymic disappearance. Although 30 sites are precise enough to facilitate targeted specimen collection strategies, most of them occur in heavily disturbed non-protected areas, casting doubt on whether they still host populations of the focal taxa. Our study should assist in the biodiversity exploration of these type localities and highlights the urgent need for such collecting campaigns before it is too late. Given that the challenges associated with Franganillo's work are common across early taxonomic literature, creating reliable and permanent locality records can significantly promote taxonomic and nomenclatural stability.

Abstract Advances in phylogenetic knowledge have brought about the need to combine the widely accepted principle of monophyly with morphological diagnosability in proposing new classifications. This is the case of the genus Chamaecrista (Leguminosae, Caesalpinioideae), where the traditional infrageneric classification has not been supported by the genus’s phylogenetic structure. In this study, we used a comprehensively sampled phylogeny to reassess the recently published infrageneric classification of Chamaecrista. We generated 471 sequences from three plastid and two nuclear DNA regions, including entirely new accessions from a fresh specimen of the morphologically puzzling Chamaecrista bucherae from the monospecific sect. Adenophyllum. By conducting ancestral character reconstruction analyses to trace the evolution of morphological traits, we aim to assess the congruence between traditional and alternative classifications of the sect. Baseophyllum. Our findings have unveiled three evolutionarily, geographically, and morphologically coherent lineages, which we reclassify as the three sections: Adenophyllum, Baseophyllum, and Otophyllum. This newly proposed infrageneric classification within Chamaecrista ensures nomenclatural stability and more practical identification, enhancing the challengeable taxonomy of this highly diverse genus.

Abstract The original material of the Linnaean name Cactus opuntia (currently Opuntia vulgaris, syn. subst./replacement name) represents more than one taxon. The name was lectotypified in 1981 with the illustration “Opuntia vulgo herbariorum” published by Bauhin and Cherler in 1650. However, the lectotype is demonstrably ambiguous, and the name cannot be applied to a single currently recognized taxon with certainty. This had previously led to consider the application of this name doubtful, and even led some to propose that O. vulgaris should be treated as a nomen ambiguum. Several subsequent proposals attempted to change the type of this name to an unambiguous element. However, these changes are contrary to the International Code of Nomenclature, because the illustration cited by Linnaeus in the protologue and selected as the lectotype is part of the protologue and therefore cannot be in serious conflict with it or be superseded. Depending on the interpretation of the lectotype, some authors have considered this name conspecific with O. monacantha, or even with O. humifusa (for both, the Linnaean name would take precedence), while in other cases, it has been interpreted as a synonym of O. ficus‐indica. Here, we discuss the name Cactus opuntia and propose a solution to conclusively fix the use of the Linnaean name and its concept. Accordingly, for the purpose of nomenclatural stability and to support the continued and well‐established use of the name O. vulgaris as a heterotypic synonym of O. ficus‐indica, we propose an epitype to fix the application of the name to an element that unambiguously represents the current concept and use of the name O. vulgaris. The epitype selected is a modern and well‐preserved specimen in the herbarium of the University of Florida (FLAS), with available molecular data. Finally, the type of the Linnaean name Cactus ficus‐indica (currently Opuntia ficus‐indica) is also discussed.

ABSTRACTAimGrass‐yellow butterflies (Eurema) are a group of pantropical Pieridae distributed throughout Asia, Australasia, Africa and the New World. However, little is known about their diversification, including the biogeographic mechanism(s) explaining their circumglobal distribution. We present the first densely sampled, time‐calibrated phylogeny and biogeographic reconstruction of grass‐yellows to confirm the monophyly of the genera, re‐evaluate their taxonomy and infer the biogeographic events contributing to their worldwide distribution.LocationGlobal tropics and subtropics.TaxonThe butterfly tribe Euremini (Pieridae: Coliadinae).MethodsWe analysed up to 391 genetic loci from 126 samples of 66 ingroup species. Divergence dating was accomplished in a Bayesian phylogenetic framework using secondary calibration points, and maximum likelihood models of various biogeographic models were fitted to the data using the R package BioGeoBEARS. We used the best fitting model to estimate relative dispersal events with biogeographical stochastic mapping. Finally, we estimated branch‐specific speciation and extinction rates to assess the diversification history of the group.ResultsDifferent phylogenomic analyses converged on similar topologies with robust support. Grass‐yellows emerged ca. 26 Mya in the New World, and a single extant lineage dispersed to Asia in the early Miocene, where they diversified and dispersed to Africa and Australasia. The fastest rates of diversification occurred in the Old World tropics during the late Miocene. Many of the grass‐yellow genera were either paraphyletic or polyphyletic as traditionally circumscribed. To maintain nomenclatural stability, we place all grass‐yellows in Eurema sensu lato and recognise two subgenera: Eurema (Abaeis) and Eurema (Eurema).Main ConclusionsGrass‐yellow butterflies originated in the Americas and attained their global distributional patterns via dispersal. The Indo‐Australian and Caribbean archipelagoes seem to have accelerated the diversification of the group, and movement in and out of these island regions was frequent. Although the traditional view of founder‐event speciation envisions migrants from large landmasses (‘mainland’) colonising smaller landmasses (‘islands’), we find that island to mainland dispersal and differentiation were equally or more common.

A brief history of the taxonomy of the genus Melitonoma Chevrolat, 1836, is presented. The type species of Melitonoma is discussed. Cryptocephalus pallens Fabricius, 1787, which is the type species of Melitonoma by monotypy, is now classified in the genus Diapromorpha Lacordaire, 1848. A request to the ICZN Commission to establish another type species for Melitonoma is necessary to maintain nomenclatural stability. The Melitonoma juvenca species group is established for large species of Melitonoma with black legs, head and apex of elytron. Western African representatives of this group are revised based on the study of the primary type specimens. Four species are recognised: Melitonoma juvenca (Lacordaire, 1848), M. simoni Weise, 1881, M. vinculata Weise, 1910 and M. dalaba sp. nov. (from the Republic of Guinea). The following new synonyms are proposed: Melitonoma juvenca (Lacordaire, 1848) = M. inclusa Jacoby, 1895 (syn. nov.); Melitonoma simoni Weise, 1881 = Clytra ivoirensis Pic, 1933 (syn. nov.). Lectotypes are designated for Melitonoma juvenca, M. simoni, M. vinculata and M. inclusa. Melitonoma puncticollis Lefèvre, 1883 and M. terminata Jacoby, 1903 are resurrected from synonymy with M. juvenca, pending further investigation as they do not belong to the M. juvenca species group. The status of Clytra decempunctata Olivier, 1808, and Coptocephala (Anisognatha) berlandi Pic, 1939 remains unresolved due to the probable loss of their type specimens, hence they are considered nomina dubia.

Bufo preussi Matschie, 1893 from Mt. Cameroon was the first African Torrent toad to be described, soon followed by Atelopus africanus Werner, 1898 from Bismarkburg in Togo. Shortly after, both species were considered conspecific and, currently, both fall under the name Werneria preussi following taxonomic revisions. The type locality of A. africanus was consequently believed to be an error, especially due to the absence of reports of Werneria individuals in Togo in subsequent years. However, it remained uncertain if this synonymy is justified or if A. africanus may indeed represent a valid but potentially extinct species. To answer this question, we generated the first mitochondrial data (12S, 16S and COI) for name-bearing types of W. preussi and A. africanus using a museomic approach. This was further complemented by mitochondrial and nuclear data of contemporary relatives. Our multi-gene phylogeny inferred from mitochondrial data showed that W. preussi and A. africanus constitute a well-supported monophyletic group, which further includes W. submontana. Together with distance values falling below the commonly used species threshold of 3% for 16S and 6% for COI, this result provides strong evidence for A. africanus being a junior synonym of W. preussi, and the absence of this genus in Togo. It further indicates that W. submontana does not represent a species distinct from W. preussi, but rather a geographic variety differing morphologically from topotypic W. preussi. Due to this morphological differentiation, we propose to consider the W. submontana populations as a distinct subspecies and herein introduce the new name Werneria preussi submontana comb. nov. We further designate a lectotype for W. preussi, in order to increase nomenclatural stability and facilitate future research focusing on African Torrent Toads.

The two known Japanese species of the genus Homoplectra, H. japonica (Banks 1906) and H. albomarginata (Ulmer 1907), are redescribed, and five new similar species are described, H. flagelliformis sp. nov., H. shikoku sp. nov., H. bicornis sp. nov., H. kimi sp. nov., and H. inazui sp. nov. A lectotype is selected for Arctopsyche japonica Banks 1906 for nomenclatural stability. The adults of these species have distinct yellow and black markings on their wings, which are unique among known congeners. A diagnostic species group, the Homoplectra japonica Species Group, is recognized based on wing markings and venation and the shape of the male phallic apparatus. Descriptions are provided for males and females of all species, and the immature stages of H. japonica and H. albomarginata. Larvae of H. japonica and H. albomarginata were found in seeps and small flows in mountain areas.

The contribution deals with the issue of specific or subspecific epithets published by various authors in different forms, alberti/albertii or pilati/pilatii, and currently mostly maintained with the termination -ii in official repositories for names, especially the MycoBank and Index Fungorum databases. A view into the protologues of each name dedicated to Albert Pilát clearly shows that different terminations have been applied in different periods, and that relevant recommendations of the International Code of Nomenclature have also evolved over time. The orthographic variants alberti and pilati are in principle correct, based on the Latinised form of Pilát’s full name. Thus the original names of the involved taxa are to be maintained or resurrected if such epithets were given in their protologues. However, names later formed with the epithets albertii or pilatii appear to be in accordance with the provisions in force at the time. For a complete view of the topic, some examples of seemingly similar epithets created in different ways are mentioned for comparison, and the issue of interpretation of relevant recommendations of the Code is discussed in general. Finally, different approaches to nomenclatural stability are stated as a matter to be resolved in the upcoming Madrid Code.

Abstract The genus Werneria was first described from six species found in the northern Andes in 1818 by Karl S. Kunth. By 1970 the number of species increased to around 50. Werneria is mostly distributed in the Andean highlands with a single species, W. nubigena, reaching as far as southern Chiapas, Mexico. Today, the genus Werneria encompasses 28 species with its center of diversity located in Peru and Bolivia. It is defined, in part, by having involucral bracts fused at least halfway and lacking a well‐developed calyculus at the base of the head. Further research indicated that there was considerable variability between Werneria species, and several species were transferred into the related genera Anticona, Misbrookea, Senecio, and Xenophyllum. Recently, it has been brought to light that the type of the genus Werneria is W. rigida, an effective lectotypification made by Rockhausen that previous authors working on this group overlooked. Since W. rigida has been accepted so far as a member of the genus Xenophyllum, Rockhausen's typification has resulted in: (1) Xenophyllum a superfluous name for Werneria; (2) Werneria a name to be applied to the species treated thus far as Xenophyllum; and (3) describing the new genus Rockhausenia to place the “traditional” Werneria species. Instead of proposing to conserve the name Werneria to avoid the aforementioned undesirable disruptions in the interest of nomenclatural stability, 30 new combinations have been made. Herein, we present the first comprehensive phylogenetic study based on ITS, trnL, ndhF, matK, and psbA sequence data involving 29 out of the 51 known species of Werneria and Xenophyllum (including the monotypic genus Misbrookea). The results indicate that: (1) the treatment of Misbrookea as a distinct genus is well supported; and (2) Werneria and Xenophyllum are each clearly not monophyletic. This, in addition to the fact that there are no diagnostic morphological synapomorphies to support either of the two genera, suggests treating them as members of a single genus. Moreover, the type of W. subg. Anactis appears to be nested in the genus Senecio. The three species belonging to this subgenus are accordingly transferred to Senecio. Finally, two subgenera are here proposed for facilitating species identification: (1) W. subg. Werneria, including species previously treated under Xenophyllum; (2) W. subg. Rockhausenia comb. & stat. nov., including the “traditional” Werneria species centered around W. nubigena.