Type Locality Research Articles

A second species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from sulfidic groundwater of Iran described using morphological and molecular methods

We report on a new species of Stenasellus Dollfus, 1897 (Isopoda, Stenasellidae) from groundwater of Iran. Stenasellus stygopersicus Jugovic, Malek-Hosseini & Issartel sp. nov. inhabits the Chah Kabootari Cave that is adjacent to the Tashan Cave, the type locality of the first recorded species of Stenasellidae from Iran, Stenasellus tashanicus Khalaji-Pirbalouty, Fatemi, Malek-Hosseini & Kuntner, 2018. Both caves are fed by sulfidic groundwater and belong to the Tashan-Chah Kabootari species-rich aquifer on the Zagros Mountains. Both species are characterized by a large body size (≥ 20 mm), a female-biased sexual size dimorphism, and a distinct black-pigmented Bellonci’s organ. Stenasellus stygopersicus differs from S. tashanicus by a short and wide protopodite of pleopod I, setae set essentially along the apical margin of pleopod I exopodite, the subequal length and width of the male pleopod II protopodite, and deeply bilobed endopodites of pleopods III–V. Molecular evidence suggests that while Stenasellus stygopersicus is sister to S. tashanicus, the species are genetically distinguishable, with divergence time estimates ranging from 23 to 39.8 Ma.

Local ecological knowledge reveals an undocumented population of Reeves’ butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) in Zhuhai, China

Though widespread and categorized as least concern by the IUCN Red List, Reeves’s butterfly lizard (Leiolepis reevesii) is considered critically endangered in China. Up-to-date data are warranted to inform future assessments and conservation measures. Through local ecological knowledge surveys and corroborated by field surveys, we discovered an undocumented L. reevesii population on Qi’ao Island of Zhuhai City, Guangdong Province, China. This discovery is the first record of the species in the Pearl River Delta since the early 2010s and represents the only remaining population from the vicinity of its type locality. It was reported to be very rare on the island now and has been extirpated from most of its previous range due to overharvesting, habitat loss and degradation. Our findings also raised concerns about the erosion of local ecological knowledge among local communities. Urgent conservation action and education campaigns are required to prevent further declines and raise awareness of this important and threatened population.

A new species of the genus Dryadaula Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Dryadaulidae) from Japan, with a redescription of D. epischista (Meyrick, 1936)

Dryadaula epischista (Meyrick, 1936), initially described from a single male specimen in Japan, is herein redescribed based on newly collected specimens from the type locality. Furthermore, we describe Dryadaula orientalis Park & Yagi, sp. nov., a new species from Japan that closely resembles D. epischista. The adults and genitalia of the two species are illustrated. The genitalia of D. epischista from a specimen collected at the type locality are shown for the first time. DNA barcodes of the two Dryadaula species and the genetic distances of barcode regions among them and other congeners are provided.

Abstract 4137543: Prevalence, Genetic Correlates and Prognostic Significance of an Apical Pseudo-Infarct Late Gadolinium Enhancement Pattern in LMNA -Mediated Cardiac Laminopathy

Background: Disease-causative variants in LMNA -encoded lamin A/C cause a genetic cardiomyopathy characterized by atrioventricular (AV) block, atrial fibrillation (AF) and ventricular arrhythmias (VA). Whether domain/variant-specific late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) patterns exist and carry prognostic significance is unclear. Objective: To determine if specific LGE patterns correlate with LMNA variant type/missense variant localization and clinical outcomes in a large cohort of cardiac laminopathy patients. Methods: Retrospectively, 621 genotype-positive arrhythmogenic/dilated cardiomyopathy patients were analyzed to identify those with a disease-causative variant in LMNA -encoded lamin A/C. After exclusion of patients without cardiac magnetic resonance data, pertinent demographic/clinical data was extracted from the electronic medical record. LGE distribution (subepicardial, midmyocardial, subendocardial, transmural) and location (septal, free wall, apical) patterns were analyzed by variant type (missense vs truncating) and missense variant localization (central rod domain vs tail domain) and correlated with advanced heart failure (AHF), MVA, AV block, AF and thromboembolic (TE) events. Results: 70 out of 116 (60%) LMNA variant-positive (mean age 39±12, 43% male and 94% Caucasian) were included. Missense variants localizing to the C-terminal tail region showed a higher prevalence of transmural and apical LGE (Table). Amongst the 5 (7%) patients with this distinct apical pseudo-infarct LGE pattern, p.Arg471His-LMNA was identified in all cases. Among the 48/70 (69%) of patients with clinically manifest disease, p.Arg471His-LMNA-positive patients (n=6) were noted to have an increased prevalence of TE events [3 (50%) vs 5 (12%), 0=0.050] despite a reduced prevalence of AF [2 (33%) vs 32 (76%), p= 0.031]. No difference in AHF or MVA were observed, but AV block was less prevalent [1 (20%) vs 29 (74%), p= 0.029]. Conclusion: p.Arg471His-LMNA causes a distinct apical pseudo-infarct LGE pattern associated with an increased risk of TE events and a decreased prevalence of AV block and AF. Future studies are needed to better refine the role of domain/variant-specific risk-stratification/anticoagulation in cardiac laminopathy.

A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus Group (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Surat Thani Province, Thailand Underscores This Group’s Remarkable Diversity on the Thai-Malay Peninsula

An integrative taxonomic study recognized a new species of the Cyrtodactylus pulchellus group from Kanchanadit District, Surat Thani Province, Southern Thailand. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial ND2 gene revealed a new species, Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov., that is closely related to C. lekaguli. The new species differs from its sister lineage by bearing mean genetic divergence of 4.53% and significant differences in both mensural and morphometric characters (p < 0.05). Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov. can be differentiated from the remaining members of the C. pulchellus species group because of its genetic divergence of ≥7.99% and a combination of differences in body size: 11–15 supralabial and 10–12 infralabial scales, 29–35 paravertebral tubercles, 18–23 longitudinal rows of dorsal tubercles, 32–37 rows of ventral scales, 20–23 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, 32–37 femoroprecloacal pores in adult males, and four or five dark body bands; weak tuberculation on body; absence of tubercles in the ventral body fold, absence of precloacal pores in females, and absence of scattered pattern of white tubercles on dorsum; presence of precloacal groove depression; and maculated white caudal bands. Cyrtodactylus kanchanaditsp. nov. is currently known from its type locality.

Population density estimates and conservation status of Aegla jacutinga Marçal & Teixeira, 2020 (Decapoda: Anomura: Aeglidae) from the type locality in Brazil

Abstract Anomuran crabs of the genus AeglaLeach, 1821 are endemic to temperate and subtropical regions of South America and are commonly found in streams and rivers, where they are generally restricted to healthy environments because they are sensitive to environmental changes. The genus presents worrying data regarding its conservation, like the many Brazilian freshwater species classified as being at some level of threat of extinction. We inventoried unexplored watersheds, estimated the population density of Aegla jacutinga Marçal & Teixeira, 2020 in its type locality, updated information on the distribution of the species, and assessed its conservation status using IUCN criteria.

Age and formation of the presumed Late Pliocene to Middle Pleistocene Mühlbach formation, High Rhine Valley, southwest Germany

Abstract. The drainage system of the Swiss Alps shifted from an eastward (Danubian) to a westward (Rhenian) direction during the Late Pliocene. Since then, the High Rhine Valley has acted as the major drainage path during both ice-free and glaciated periods in the past. The Mühlbach formation comprises the patchy remains of carbonate-free sediments that have been interpreted as an equivalent of Sundgau gravel. The Sundau gravel reflects remains of fluvial deposits related to the Late Pliocene drainage of the northern Swiss Alps through the Burgundian Gate towards the Bresse–Rhône Graben. However, the limited data available characterising the Mühlbach formation have led to opposing interpretations regarding its origin and age. Presented here are new data on the distribution and physical appearance of the formation, together with luminescence dating of deposits from the type locality. Sedimentological and petrographic analyses imply that the various deposits assigned to the Mühlbach formation do not represent a genetically coherent formation. In addition, consistent results of quartz and feldspar luminescence dating place deposition of sediments at the type locality at ca. 55 ka. This dates their deposition to the end of a pronounced cold period during the Late Pleistocene that has been shown to be characterised by slope processes at other sites. Altogether, the data presented imply that the Mühlbach formation is not uniform but rather comprised of mainly reworked weathered residues from different time periods.

Evolutionary history of Chinese karst loaches (Nemacheilidae, Karstsinnectes): new insights from mitochondrial-based genomes and description of a new species from Guangxi, China

The genus Karstsinnectes of blind fishes known as karst loaches from China was established in 2023 during a revision of the genus Oreonectes (Nemacheilidae). Six species are recorded in this study and some taxonomic progress has been made; however, the lack of genetic data for some species (e.g., K. anophthalmus) may have weakened our current understanding of Karstsinnectes. This study reassessed the phylogeny and evolutionary history of Karstsinnectes by integrating a combination of previously published and newly sequenced mitochondrial genomic data. A phylogenetic tree was developed that was able to divide Karstsinnectes into two clades corresponding to drainages and clarify the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus. Divergence times show that Karstsinnectes originated at the Oligocene/Miocene boundary (~22.37 Mya), with the most recent common ancestor occurring in the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya) and interspecific divergence occurring in the late Miocene. Ancestral area reconstruction suggests that the most recent common ancestor of Karstsinnectes most likely inhabited the Hongshui River basin and dispersed into the Zuojiang-Yujiang, Beipanjiang, and Youjiang river basins during the early Miocene (~18.87 Mya), middle Miocene (~12.78 Mya), and late Miocene (~6.71 Mya), respectively. The dispersal under the influence of orogenesis and a monsoon climate drove the speciation and diverse distribution of Karstsinnectes. Such findings are important for conservation considering that Karstsinnectes strictly inhabits deep caves. Additionally, the taxonomic status of the distributed Karstsinnectes population in Leiping Town, Daxin County, Guangxi, China was revised by combining genetic and morphological differences to describe this population as a new species, Karstsinnectes daxinensis Luo, Zhou & Zhou, sp. nov. The definition of the phylogenetic position of K. anophthalmus emphasizes the importance of using type locality material for the identification of cryptic species.

Clematis jialasaensis var. macrantha and C. napoensis (Ranunculaceae), another two new synonyms of C. armandi from China

Based on consultation of literature, survey of specimens (including type material), and observations of living plants in the wild, we confirm that Clematis jialasaensis var. macrantha and C. napoensis (Ranunculaceae), described respectively from northeastern Yunnan and southwestern Guangxi, China, actually belong to C. armandi, a species widely distributed in the country. We therefore place both C. jialasaensis var. macrantha and C. napoensis in synonymy with C. armandi. We also determine that two collections of Clematis, J.M. Delavay 4 and J.M. Delavay 5146, from Tchen-fong Chan in northeastern Yunnan, China, the type locality of C. jialasaensis var. macrantha, also belong to C. armandi. These two collections have been previously referred to C. meyeniana or C. finetiana.

Rediscovery of Murex asperrimus Lamarck, 1822

The large Caribbean muricid originally named Murex asperrimus Lamarck, 1822 (non Gmelin, 1791), and illustrated by Kiener (1881), like many mollusks named in that era, was only given the general locality of “West Indes” in its description. The actual locality of this large and impressive taxon was never published, and it became a lost taxon. Since it was obscure, and specimens were not commonly known it has been unceremoniously synonymized with Phyllonotus pomum (Gmelin, 1791) (see Abbott, 1974). Recently, five specimens of this lost taxon were live collected in the Dominican Republic, ranging in length from 73.8 to 87.0 mm. This taxonomic note removes the taxon from synonymy, elevates it to full species level as Phyllonotus asperrimus (Lamarck, 1822), and fixes its type locality as the Dominican Republic

Cryptic diversity patterns of subterranean estuaries.

Subterranean estuaries are coastal ecosystems characterized by vertically stratified groundwater. The biota within these ecosystems is relatively understudied due to the inherent difficulty of accessing such extreme environments. The fauna inhabiting these ecosystems is considered vulnerable to extinction, and the presence of cryptic species has major implications for research and conservation efforts. Most species lack molecular data; however, the evaluation of genetic data for some taxa has revealed that undocumented species are common. This study employs molecular species delimitation methods and DNA barcoding through the analysis of publicly and newly generated sequences, including individuals from type localities and non-crustacean phyla; the latter are typically overlooked in biodiversity assessments of subterranean estuaries. We analysed 376 cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) gene sequences and 154 16S rRNA gene sequences. The COI sequences represented 32% of previously described species and 50% of stygobiont species from the Yucatan Peninsula and Cozumel Island, while sequences of the 16S rRNA represented 14% of described species and 22% of stygobionts. Our results revealed cryptic genetic lineages and taxonomic misidentification of species. As several species from these ecosystems are recognized as endangered, the use of molecular approaches will improve biodiversity estimates and highlight overlooked cryptic lineages in need of evaluation of conservation status.

Ichnotaxonomic and Morphological Differentiation in Pterosaur Tracks Using Geometric Morphometric Analysis: A Case Study on Pteraichnus Manus Tracks from Cretaceous East Asia

Pteraichnus is the most reported pterosaur ichnotaxa and the taxon with the largest number of reported ichnospecies. However, most ichnospecies of Pteraichnus are restricted to the type locality and type specimens and have not been expanded. This study employs two-dimensional landmark-based Geometric Morphometric analyses (GMA) to investigate the manus tracks of four ichnotaxa of Pteraichnus (P. koreanensis, P. nipponensis, P. wuerhoensis, and P. gracilis) from the Early Cretaceous of East Asia. These analyses are the first attempt to perform GMA on pterosaur ichnofossil and reveal that the morphological characteristics of these ichnotaxa are significantly distinguishable. In addition to traditional descriptive criteria, features such as the width of the digits and the metacarpal-phalangeal joint area were identified as valid criteria for numerical comparison. The results suggest that GMA can enhance the ichnotaxonomic classification of invalid or questionable ichnotaxa and provide taxonomic estimation for manus-only tracks. This approach highlights the potential for spatiotemporal comparisons between disparate pterosaur footprints. The distinct morphological features observed in tracks from relatively close localities suggest the presence of diverse pterosaur faunas across East Asia. Further research with an expanded dataset of pterosaurian ichnotaxa is recommended to refine ichnotaxonomic classifications and enhance our knowledge of pterosaur paleogeography.

DNA sequencing of topotypes helps delineate species distributions in the Ischnocnema verrucosa complex (Anura, Brachycephalidae)

As many new evolutionary lineages are being discovered and formally named, sequencing topotypes when holotypes are not available becomes essential for taxonomy. This study uses a DNA-taxonomy approach to sequence new populations of the Ischnocnema verrucosa species complex (Brazilian Wart Frogs) from different locations, including, for the first time, individuals from the type localities. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial 16S gene recovered a monophyletic Ischnocnema verrucosa species series composed of three main clades. The most recent common ancestor was estimated to be 33.76 million years ago, and diversification within the three main clades occurred primarily during the Miocene. We delimited eight species-level lineages with high levels of sequence divergence (7% to 16%). Our study highlights the importance of DNA taxonomy and the necessity of protecting and sequencing topotypes in taxonomic studies. Our study also contributes to the conservation and understanding of the genus Ischnocnema and the biodiversity of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest region.

A re-evaluation of generic placement of four names of Phaeomeria species (Zingiberaceae) east of Wallace's Line

East of Wallace's Line, four species were placed in the ginger genus Phaeomeria: P. anthokophinos, P. moluccana, P. novoguineensis, P. peekelii. The generic name is illegitimate and it has often been the case that the long-pedunculate species placed here belong in Etlingera. Infact, Smith combined two of these names in Etlingera in 1986 but without seeing the types(E. moluccana and E. peekelii), where as the other two still remained in Phaeomeria. After examining protologues, types and recent collections, it is concluded that all species belong in Etlingera. The required two new combinations, E. anthokophinos and E. novoguineensis, are made here and lecto types are designated for four names. The type of E. moluccana was in fact collected in Java and is synonymous with E. solaris. Recent collections at the type localities of E. peekelii enabled a complete description of this species including fruits and seeds, and it is illustrated here for the first time, while an epitypeis designated for clarity.

WoodYOLO: A Novel Object Detector for Wood Species Detection in Microscopic Images

Wood species identification plays a crucial role in various industries, from ensuring the legality of timber products to advancing ecological conservation efforts. This paper introduces WoodYOLO, a novel object detection algorithm specifically designed for microscopic wood fiber analysis. Our approach adapts the YOLO architecture to address the challenges posed by large, high-resolution microscopy images and the need for high recall in localization of the cell type of interest (vessel elements). Our results show that WoodYOLO significantly outperforms state-of-the-art models, achieving performance gains of 12.9% and 6.5% in F2 score over YOLOv10 and YOLOv7, respectively. This improvement in automated wood cell type localization capabilities contributes to enhancing regulatory compliance, supporting sustainable forestry practices, and promoting biodiversity conservation efforts globally.

Evaluating the IUCN conservation status of Tritaxis kurnoolensis (R.R.V.Raju & Pull.) R.Y.Yu. & Welzen (Euphorbiaceae), an endemic tree species found in the Eastern Ghats region of Andhra Pradesh, India

Tritaxis kurnoolensis, a small tree of the Euphorbiaceae family, is endemic to a valley within the Sullavai Sandstone plateau in close proximity to the Paleru Reservoir (Owk dam). The species is a narrow endemic. No documented sightings of this species have been recorded beyond the type locality since its description in 1994 by Venkataraju & Pullaiah as Dimorphocalyx kurnoolensis from the Nandyal District of Andhra Pradesh. In this study, the authors applied the grid method for quantification and subjected the species to a meticulous analysis aligning with IUCN Red List Criteria. The distribution was found to be restricted due to habitat (valley) fragmentation, reservoir which is arresting seed dispersal, and destruction caused by tunnel construction civil works. The area of occupancy (AOO) at 16 km² and the extent of occurrence (EOO) at 0.474 km², were systematically computed using GeoCAT. The species is assessed here using the Red List methodology for evaluating extinction risk. Based on its AOO, EOO, and population size, it has been classified as Critically Endangered.

Modeling the Distribution of the Ota’s Bent-toed Gecko (Cyrtodactylus otai)

The Ota’s bent-toed gecko (Cyrtodactylus otai) was discovered in isolated karst outcrops of Hang Kia Commune, Mai Chau District, Hoa Binh Province, in 2015 and in Chieng Yen Commune, Van Ho District, Son La Province in 2017, in northwestern Vietnam. This gecko is both an endemic and endangered species of Vietnam, and its known range to date is restricted to a severely fragmented and small regions. Hence, to identify more populations and to better understand the distribution patterns of this cryptic species, we conducted field surveys in surrounding regions of the type localities from 2020 to 2023. We discovered eight new populations for C. otai, and expanded the known range of the species in Van Ho District (Son La Province) and Mai Chau District (Hoa Binh Province). We used species occurrence data from previous studies and our field surveys to model the gecko’s distribution using MaxEnt. The model results showed that the distribution of C. otai may include other nature reserves in surrounding regions, such as Pu Hu and Pu Luong (Thanh Hoa), and Ngoc Son – Ngo Luong (Hoa Binh). Based on the model results, there is a possibility that the Ota’s bent-toed gecko also occur in nearby Lao regions. Therefore, future research and conservation initiatives may focus their efforts in such areas to look for new populations of the Ota’s bent-toed gecko, as well as to assess the distribution, habitat, and ecological patterns of this poorly known reptile.

Two new species and a new country record of Pselaphitae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae: Pselaphinae) from the Nanling Mountains, China

The Pselaphitae fauna of the Nanling Mountains is sporadically documented. In this paper, two new species of the tribe Tyrini are described and characterized: Linan maoermontis sp. nov. (Guangxi), and Pselaphodes nanlingensis sp. nov. (Guangdong). Poroderus longicornis Raffray (type locality: Laos) is newly recorded from China (Jiangxi). Illustrations of the habitus and taxonomically informative characters of these three species are provided to aid in their identification.

Revision of the subgenus Orientostichus Sciaky & Allegro in Southeast China, with descriptions of seven new species of the Pterostichus prattii Bates species group (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Pterostichini)

The subgenus Orientostichus Sciaky & Allegro, 2013 from Southeast China is reviewed. A total of eleven species were recognized from this area, all belonging to the Pterostichus prattii Bates, 1890 species group. They are mainly differentiated by the characters of pronotum basal foveae, elytral microsculpture, male sexual modification on sternite VII, and endophallus of male genitalia. Seven new species are described: Pterostichus (Orientostichus) sinuosus sp. nov. (type locality: Guangfuding, Guangxi), P. (O.) shan sp. nov. (Nanling, Guangdong), P. (O.) luoxiaoensis sp. nov. (Qiyunshan, Hunan), P. (O.) separatus sp. nov. (Tianmu Mt., Zhejiang), P. (O.) skanda sp. nov. (Tianmu Mt., Zhejiang), P. (O.) fujianensis sp. nov. (Luoboding, Fujian), P. (O.) deliquus sp. nov. (Ziyundong mt., Fujian). P. (O.) matalini Fedorenko, 2023 is newly recorded from China (Jian’ou, Fujian).

First Capture of the Deep-Sea Careproctus bathycoetus (Liparidae) a Century After the Fish Was Described (North Pacific)—Revised Diagnosis and Notes on Ecology

The deep-sea snailfish Careproctus bathycoetus Gilbert et Burke, 1912 was described a century ago from a single specimen caught at a depth of 3292 m in the Kuril Basin (southern Sea of Okhotsk, western North Pacific). Until now, it was known from the holotype only. Therefore, the capture of another specimen is of great interest and provides new data on the morphology and ecology of the species. The second known specimen was collected by the international expedition “SohoBio” (2015) at a depth of 3305 m in the Kuril Basin near the type locality. This study provides a description of a rare fish, which allows us to improve the diagnosis of the species. Differences from other deep-sea snailfishes from the North Pacific Ocean are also given. At a depth of 3292–3305 m, the species lives in extreme conditions: complete darkness, temperature at about 1.9 °C, water pressure about 3300 ton/m2, low oxygen concentration, and low biomass of prey. Related Careproctus species can most likely be found in the abyssal depths of the neighboring Kuril–Kamchatka Trench.