Valid Species Research Articles

This study investigates the taxonomic status of Salvia alba J.R.I. Wood and S. personata Epling, two previously synonymized species belonging to the subgenus Calosphace, through an integrative approach combining traditional morphology, geometric morphometrics of flower shape and phylogenetic analysis. Morphologically, living specimens of S. alba are characterized by larger, pure white corollas with wider throats and a ventricose tube, while S. personata has blue and narrower corollas, with a straight tube. Although some morphological measurements overlap in herbarium specimens, the relative length of the corolla tube to the flower-bearing calyx consistently remains a distinguishing feature: in S. alba, the corolla tube exceeds the calyx length, unlike in S. personata. No significant differences were observed in leaf morphology. The geometric morphometric analysis further supported the distinction between the two taxa and linear discriminant analysis based on flower shape variables classified the species with 100% accuracy. Molecular phylogenetics based on the ITS nuclear region placed S. alba and S. personata within different subclades of the Angulatae clade. Based on this comprehensive evidence, we conclude that S. alba should be reinstated as a valid species, with the length ratio between corolla and calyx a key diagnostic character, especially in preserved specimens, while corolla colour, size and shape are consistent and distinctive characters in living specimens.

The green alga Palaeodasycladus (Pia, 1920) was recognized in shallow marine, high-energy calcarenites from the Lower Jurassic Choč Nappe (Hronicum domain) in the Tatra Mountains of Poland. The algal structure is described here. The calcareous skeleton has a regular internal cavity, probably close to the central axis, but very irregular outwardly, enveloping the primary laterals at different lengths. The general shape of the thallus is spherical, with only long, acrophorous primary laterals, probably forming a distal cortex. The external gametophores are attached laterally to the primary laterals. The characteristics allow the alga to be assigned not to Palaeodasycladus (Pia, 1920) but to Goniolina Orbigny, 1850. The new species Goniolina tatrarum n.sp. is here established. A critical review of the genus Goniolina Orbigny, 1850, and its type species is also provided. The genus Goniolina Orbigny appears to have been represented so far solely by G. hexagona Orbigny, 1850. G. geometrica Buvignier, 1852, and G. micraster Buvignier, 1852, are considered valid and separate species to be assigned to Coniporella Fisher & Thierry, 1971. Sphaerites regularis Quenstedt, 1852, a supposed junior synonym of Goniolina geometrica (Roemer, 1839), is provisionally assigned to the genus Tersella J. Morellet in J. Morellet & Ters, 1952, and indicated as Tersella (?) regularis (Quenstedt, 1852).

The genus Radomaniola Szarowska, 2006 (Horatiinae) groups minute gastropods inhabiting mostly springs, but also streams, rivers and subterranean waters in the Balkans, and which are widely spread in the former Yugoslavia, but were recorded also from Italy and Greece. Thirty-six valid species distinguished so far still represent only a part of the real biodiversity within the genus. Wide morphological variability forces the application of molecular characters in the taxonomy of the genus. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) is the most widely used marker, appropriate for genus level identification, but not sufficient for the reconstruction of deeper nodes in the phylogeny. Our materials were collected for more than 20 years: from 2001 to 2022, at 101 localities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Albania, and Greece, with 67 of them not previously studied. Many COI haplotypes have not been recorded previously. In the present paper we describe five molecularly well supported species new to science, found at 21 localities in Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Greece, considering both morphological and molecular (COI) data. The shells, female reproductive organs and penes are described and illustrated. Wide intraspecies variability, coupled with slight differences between the taxa, were observed in the shells, penes, and female reproductive organs, suggesting morphostatic evolution in the genus Radomaniola.

Phytophthora, with 261 valid species, is one of the most important and well-studied genera of plant pathogens. Globally, numerous species cause damaging diseases with ecological, economic, and regulatory importance. The significant impact of the genus on human history is emphasized by the devastating Irish Potato Famine in 1845-1852. In Ireland, about 1.5 million people died and about 1.5 million more emigrated due to starvation caused by a then-undescribed disease of potatoes. Berkeley (1846), supporter of the fungal theory, and De Bary (1876), who described Phytophthora infestans (Phytophthora means "plant destroyer"), are pioneers who helped to originate the discipline of plant pathology. In this manuscript, we recap the Irish famine, the origin of plant pathology, and the fascinating history of the taxonomy and identification of Phytophthora. We include the morphological era (1876 - 1999) and the molecular era (2000 to present) with information on described species, phylogenies, identification resources, and aspects of state-of-the-art molecular technologies. We also update information presented in the Revision of Phytophthora (Abad et al. 2023a) that included databases of sequences of the ex-types for Sanger sequencing, second and third generation high throughput sequencing, and whole genome sequencing. The 180-year timeline of Phytophthora history demonstrates that it is a unique genus with significant contributions in plant pathology.

The genus Corynebacterium comprises several valid species, yet most studies focus on Corynebacterium diphtheriae. Infections by non-diphtherial species are increasingly reported, despite limited genomic and pathogenicity data. Corynebacterium hesseae was recently described and isolated from clinical samples, warranting further investigation into its phenotypic characteristics and potential clinical significance. In the context, this study aimed to investigate the first reported case of systemic infection caused by C. hesseaein an elderly patient from south-central Brazil. The study focused on identifying the isolate using genomic tools, characterizing its antimicrobial resistance (AMR) profile, and assessing its virulence through phenotypic and genomic analyses. The isolate, misidentified as Corynebacterium aurimucosum by MALDI-TOF MS, was confirmed as C. hesseaethrough genomic analyses (ANI: 96.36%, dDDH: 84.9%). The genome (2.8Mb, 60.84% G + C content) revealed virulence genes (sapD, srtB, fagBCD) and AMR genes (ermX, tetA, tetW, aph(3')-Ia, aph(6)-Id, and cmx). The strain exhibited multidrug resistance (MDR) to penicillin, clindamycin, ciprofloxacin, and tetracycline, with resistance linked to AMR genes and gyrA mutations. Biofilm assays showed strong adhesion, and Galleria mellonella testing demonstrated 70% mortality, confirming pathogenicity. Further studies are needed to elucidate penicillin resistance mechanisms. This study confirms C. hesseae as an emerging pathogen with MDR and significant virulence potential. The misidentification by MALDI-TOF MS emphasizes the importance of genomic tools for accurate pathogen identification and characterization. The findings underscore the critical need for enhanced genomic monitoring, updated microbial identification databases, and continued surveillance of MDR pathogens. These efforts are essential to mitigate the rising threat of AMR and improve infection control strategies, particularly in healthcare settings managing emerging pathogens like C. hesseae.

Neoprocoela edentata is a fossil anuran collected in Scarritt Pocket, Patagonia, Argentina. This locality provided the first described pre-Neogene batrachofauna of South America, which is also one of the few known to include representatives of extant taxa. Neoprocoela edentata shows an unusual combination of characters, and it has alternatively been related to Bufonidae or to a polyphyletic assemblage including Calyptocephalellidae and Telmatobiidae. In this article, we redescribe the single specimen of N. edentata, complementing the examination with micro-CT scan reconstructions, and expanding its original description. This results in a combination of character states unique to Bufonidae, allowing us to confidently assign N. edentata to this family. Then, we performed a total evidence phylogenetic analysis, including molecular and osteological data, to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships of N. edentata within Bufonidae. This species was recovered in a strongly supported clade with the extant genus Nannophryne; thus, Neoprocoela is considered a junior synonym of this genus, retaining edentata as a valid species. Finally, considering the geographic and stratigraphic provenance of the fossil remains, we discuss its value as evidence of the early evolution of South American toads and as an absolute-age calibration point, something relatively unusual for neobatrachian fossil species of that age.

Summary A new species of dorylaimid nematode, Drepanodorylaimus ignotus sp. n., collected from natural habitats in Iran, is described based on morphological and molecular (LSU-rDNA) data. It is characterised by a 1.41-1.80 mm long body, lip region almost continuous and 12-13 μ m wide, odontostyle 25-29 μ m long, odontophore 24-26 μ m long, neck 388-452 μ m long with its basal expansion occupying 43-51% of the total neck length, female genital system di-ovarian with simple uterus 45-94 μ m long or 1.0-2.5 body diam., pars refringens vaginae well developed, slightly posterior (V = 53-55%) longitudinal vulva, female tail long and filiform with straight tip (162-250 μ m, c = 7.6-10.3, c′ = 5.8-8.0), and male unknown. Morphological and molecular data support the placing of Drepanodorylaimus in the Dorylaiminae, but they also show the intricate phylogeny of Dorylaimidae. The taxonomy of the genus is updated, including diagnosis, list of species, key to their identification and a compendium of their main morphometrics. Drepanodorylaimus donghagens is regarded as identical to D. cantabricus , D. fastigatus as incertae sedis , and D. similis a valid species.

BackgroundRhodnius robustus is a paraphyletic taxon composed of different lineages, being lineages II and III currently described as R. montenegrensis and R. marabaensis. However, it has been suggested that two distinct clades may be associated with lineage II: R. montenegrensis and R. robustus II. Among the different species concepts, the biological concept is based mainly on interspecific reproductive isolation. Thus, we performed crosses between R. montenegrensis and R. marabaensis and between R. montenegrensis and R. robustus II, and we revisited and discussed taxonomically and evolutionarily all intra and interspecific crosses of R. robustus sensulato (s. l.).MethodsReciprocal experimental crosses were conducted between R. montenegrensis with R. marabaensis and R. robustus II. Furthermore, intercrosses were performed up to the fourth (F4) or fifth generation (depending on the reproductive barrier). Finally, cytogenetic analyzes were performed in the gonads to evaluate the degree of pairing of the hybrids’ chromosomes.ResultsHybrids were obtained in all directions of the crosses. However, crosses between R. montenegrensis females and R. marabaensis males resulted in a very low number of offspring. When intercrosses were performed, the hybrids showed high fertility, possibly resulting from heterosis. Only the F4 was unviable due to hybrid collapse. In the other direction, the hybrids were completely infertile, characterizing the hybrid sterility. Hybrids from crosses between R. montenegrensis females and R. robustus II males died before reaching adulthood (characterizing the hybrid collapse) and in the other direction, no reproductive barriers were observed.ConclusionsWe demonstrated that, on the basis of the biological species concept, R. montenegrensis and R. marabaensis are valid species and reproductively isolated. Furthermore, we observed partial isolation between R. montenegrensis and R. robustus II, highlighting the need for integrative taxonomy studies to elucidate this clade. Finally, we revisited the literature and observed that: R. robustus s. l. is reproductively isolated from R. nasutus and R. neglectus; with the exception of specimens from Amazonas, R. prolixus does not present reproductive isolation when crossed with R. robustus (from Colombia, Peru and Venezuela); and the “intraspecific” barriers of R. robustus s. l. possibly represent different species (R. montenegrensis, R. marabaensis, and/or R. barretti).Graphical

The predominately Asian bagworm moth genera Mahasena Moore and Manatha Moore are reported from Australia for the first time. In this country each genus is represented by a new and endemic species; Mahasena inornata Beaver sp. nov., and Manatha prolixa Beaver sp. nov., both from far northern Queensland. The taxonomic determinations made herein are based upon morphological examination and molecular phylogenetic analysis. Examination of the primary type specimen of the type species of the genus Claniades Bethune-Baker syn. nov., along with the sequencing of conspecifics from New Guinea, indicates that this genus is a junior subjective synonym of Mahasena, and its single species C. ekeikei Bethune-Baker is here treated as Mahasena ekeikei comb. nov. accordingly. Various literature records of M. corbetti Tams from New Guinea and the Bismark Archipelago are considered misattributions of M. ekeikei. In addition, we treat Psyche assamica Watt as nomen dubium, and reinstate Manatha scotopepla stat. reinst. as a valid species.

ABSTRACTCinnamomum is a member of evergreen aromatic trees and shrubs belonging to Lauraceae. It is reported to have approximately 250 valid species, from tropical and subtropical regions of Southeast Asia, South Asia, East Asia, and Australasia/Oceania. They are economically important trees; leaf extracts are used to treat wounds, fever, intestinal worms, headaches, and menstrual problems and also have higher antimicrobial activity. It was also effective in wound healing treatment. About 49 species have been reported in India, along with 31 endemic species. They are also cultivated as landscape plants due to their enormous economic and medicinal value. Cinnamomum can be characteristically differentiated by its morphological features, including evergreen trees or shrubs, opposite and trinerved or alternate and innerved leaves, paniculate or cymose inflorescences, trimerous flowers, and nine fertile stamens in three whorls. The systematic account of Lauraceae has been notorious due to asynchronous flowering behavior, imperfectly known species, overlapping variation, and parallel evolution of morphological characters. However, limited attempts have been undertaken on the taxonomy and ecology of Cinnamomum in India. This manuscript provides a detailed account of taxonomic description, distributional status, ecology, economic importance, threats, and conservation efforts of nine endemic and threatened species, Cinnamomum chemungianum, C. filipedicellatum, C. gamblei, C. macrocarpum, C. malabatrum, C. perrottetii, C. riparium, C. travancoricum, and C. walaiwarense from the Western Ghats of India.

In this paper, the Afrotropical species of the genus Antheua Walker, 1855 are revised based on morphological assessments. The genus comprises 44 valid species, 19 of which are described as new to science: Antheua obtusipuncta sp. nov., A. lobo sp. nov., A. lemona sp. nov., A. nicholsonrobertsi sp. nov., A. hirutae sp. nov., A. smithi sp. nov., A. galbina sp. nov., conspicuana sp. nov., politzari sp. nov., A. reducta sp. nov., A. lungu sp. nov., A. lunda sp. nov., A. kaffa sp. nov., A. melanotornata sp. nov., A. pyrasa sp. nov., A. editae sp. nov., A. magnipuncta sp. nov., A. triloris sp. nov., A. interstincta sp. nov., and Parazana Bethune-Baker, 1911 stat. rev. treated formerly as a synonym of Antheua, is reinstated as a valid genus comprising two species: Parazana albifasciata (Hampson, 1910) comb. nov. and Parazana rufovittata (Aurivillius, 1901) comb. nov. Seven new synonyms are introduced: Antheua gaedei Kiriakoff, 1962 syn. nov. = Antheua trivitta Hampson, 1910, Antheua olivaceomicans Strand, 1912 syn. nov. = Antheua spurcata Walker, 1864, Rigema ungulata Berio, 1938 syn. nov. = Antheua nigristriga (de Joannis, 1913), Antheua birbirana Viette, 1954 syn. nov. = Antheua croceipuncta Hampson, 1910, Antheua benguelana Viette, 1954 syn. nov. and Antheua trimacula Kiriakoff, 1954 syn. nov. = Antheua insignata Gaede, 1928, and Parazana radiata Bethune-Baker, 1911 syn. nov. = Parazana albifasciata (Hampson, 1910). Antheua imitata (Druce, 1896) comb. nov., Antheua lydenburgi (Distant, 1899) comb. nov., Antheua angolana (Strand, 1912) comb. nov., and Antheua acholi Bethune-Baker, 1908 stat. rev., comb. nov. are transferred to Antheua from the genus Phalera Hübner, 1819, and the latter species is reinstated as valid species from synonymy with Antheua atrata (Grünberg, 1907). A new subspecies, A. imitata hespera ssp. nov. is described for the West African populations of the species. Antheua nigristriga (de Joannis, 1913) stat. rev., comb. nov. is reinstated from synonymy with Antheua atrata (Grünberg, 1907) and transferred to Antheua from Phalera. Antheua anomala Berio, 1937 is downgraded to subspecies of Antheua tricolor Walker, 1855: Antheua tricolor anomala Berio, 1937 stat. nov. Adults and genitalia of all taxa are figured through their primary types (where available) and additional specimens demonstrating intraspecific variability. The currently known distribution of all taxa is illustrated on individual dot maps. A dendrogram generated using Maximum Likelihood analysis of DNA barcodes illustrates the phylogenetic relationships between A. imitata and closely related taxa.

Cyst nematodes of the genus Heterodera are important plant-parasitic nematodes that cause significant crop losses worldwide but are often overlooked due to their non-specific symptoms and complex biology. This study assessed Heterodera diversity in Portugal using an integrative molecular approach based on four genetic markers (mtCOI, 18S rDNA, ITS, and 28S rDNA). Five valid species were identified: Heterodera cruciferae, H. mani, H. schachtii, H. trifolii, and H. zeae, with H. mani reported for the first time in the country. A distinct taxon from Coimbra (central Portugal) may represent a new or unsequenced species, highlighting gaps in reference datasets. Among the markers, mtCOI was the most effective, though some taxa remained unresolved. These results reinforce the value of multi-marker approaches, contribute with new sequences, and improve diagnostic capability for nematode management.

During a survey of the west coast of South Korea, two new Pseudochromadora species were recorded from Yeongjongdo Island. Descriptions of two new species, an updated list of valid species within the genus, a tabular key, partial sequences of mtCOI, near full-length SSU, and the D2–D3 region of LSU rDNA, together with phylogenetic analyses are provided. The two new species are classified as Pseudochromadora based on having a two-portioned cephalic capsule, unispiral amphidial fovea, lateral alae extending from the posterior end of the pharynx as far as the tail, and presence of copulatory thorns, as well as a short conical tail. The two species are distinguished from each other by their different types of labial regions of the cephalic capsule (round-shaped vs. hat-shaped). The two species, despite being found in the same locality, are morphologically and molecularly distinct from one another. Pairwise Kimura 2-parameter (K2P) distances between the two new species were 10.6% (18S) and 27.2% (28S), values consistent with interspecific divergence observed among congeners. Phylogenetic analyses showed both species as distinct lineages within Pseudochromadora. In the 28S rDNA tree, each was retrieved as a well-supported monophyletic clade with congeners, whereas in the 18S tree, all congeners including the two new species formed a single clade, except for P. plurichela, which branched outside the main group. These results highlight potential paraphyly within Pseudochromadora and suggest that overlooked morphological traits may hold phylogenetic significance, warranting further investigation.

Morphotaxonomical studies have been conducted on the orchid genus Diplocentrum (Orchidaceae; Tribe: Vandeae; SubTribe: Aeridinae) endemic to peninsular India. A critical examination of type specimens and other materials of the genus, along with the specimens collected from Idukki and Wayanad districts of Kerala and Shevaroy Hills of Tamil Nadu, showed that Diplocentrum longifolium should be considered as a valid species. Thus, we therefore reinstate the independent status of D. longifolium. Furthermore, a lectotype is designated for D. congestum. To facilitate its identification in the field, we provide colour photographs, taxonomical keys, and notes on the distribution of the three species of the genus.

A biodiversity and distribution analysis of the beetle families Bolboceratidae and Geotrupidae, and the subfamily Scarabaeinae (Scarabaeidae) of Honduras is presented for the first time. The checklist contains 98 species: two Bolboceratidae, one Geotrupidae, and 95 Scarabaeinae. The fauna of Honduras includes two genera of Bolboceratidae, one genus of Geotrupidae, and 22 of Scarabaeinae. Onthophagus is the most speciose genus, with 21 species, followed by Canthon (10 species) and Copris (9 species). Valid names and synonyms are provided. First country records, notes on presently recognized species, distribution maps, and biodiversity comparisons are included, and nomenclatural problems associated with species in question are discussed. Phanaeuslempira Kohlmann, Solís and Rivera, sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) is described as a new species. Canthonsallei Harold, 1863 and Canthonspinosus Harold, 1863 are reinstated as valid species. Canthoncyanellus LeConte, 1859 does not contain any subspecies. Two new synonymies are established: Canthoncyanellusvioletae Halffter, 1961, syn. nov. of Canthonsallei Harold, 1863; Canthonspeciosus Harold, 1868, syn. nov. of Canthonspinosus Harold, 1863.

Until the early 2000s, only seven species were recognized within the cyprinid genus Pseudobarbus, based solely on morphology. However, the integration of molecular data, expanded sampling, and reexamination of ichthyological collections revealed eighteen lineages, most of which have since been taxonomically resolved through revalidations or new species descriptions. The application of three core criteria, (i) moderate to deep genetic divergence, (ii) presence of diagnostic morphological differences, and (iii) occurrence in discrete river systems or catchments, has guided these species delimitations and resulted in an increase from seven to 15 valid species over the past decade. Applying these criteria, this study evaluates the taxonomic status of the Doring River lineage of P. phlegethon in comparison with the topotypic Olifants River lineage. The two lineages show low genetic divergence (1.3%), the lowest recorded in the genus, and complete overlap in all morphological characters examined, precluding a morphological diagnosis. Of the three criteria, only the third, i.e., distinct geographic distributions, is met by the Doring and Olifants lineages of P. phlegethon; therefore, we adopt a conservative approach, treating them as allopatric populations of the same species.

Introduction: According informated in regional literature (Agudo-Padrón, 2023 a), and after disregarding the mention of a species own to the Pacific Ocean erroneously included – Acanthochitonidae Acanthochitona ferreirai Lyons, 1988, it is currently accepted that the marine malacofaunistic biodiversity of Chitons (Polyplacophora) occurring in the general environment of the tropical watershed of the Great Caribbean basin is composed by a total fifty-two (52) nominal valid native species of these singular benthic molluscs. Objective: Updated general review of the inventory of polyplacophorous molluscs occurring in the marine tropical territory of the Great Caribbean basin, geographically located in the region of the North Western Atlantic. Methodology: Unprecedented systematic organization of a reference database comprising total regional knowledge chronologically produced around the theme over a period of 125 years (1900 - 2025). Results and Conclusions: Confirmed and recorded regional total of fifty-three (53) chiton species, including forty-five (45) litoranean shallow waters forms and eight (8) of deep sea water forms (this last essentially a "transitional" environment area, containing elements of both the shelf above and the abyss below), registered for coastal-oceanic insular and continental geographic locations, all verified through the global platform "MolluscaBase", mainly, taxonomically included in 18 Genera, 8 Families, 2 SubOrders, 2 Orders, 1 SubClass & 1 Class, incorporating additional information about their known biogeographical distribution in this territorial space.

A new species of the genus Rhyacophila Pictet 1834, Rhyacophila sivaramakrishnani sp. nov. of the Rhyacophila curvata group is described and illustrated from the Northwest Himalaya, India. Also, a new record, Rhyacophila kadphises Schmid 1959 is reported. With this addition, the genus is now represented by 168 valid species in India.

Tapeworms (Cestoda) are a diverse group of parasitic flatworms that are highly specialized in a parasitic lifestyle. The freshwater fish tapeworms of North America have been relatively well studied since 1855, although their diversity is limited compared to other regions. Most knowledge was gained in the 20th century, with research declining in recent decades, although some groups have recently been revised based on morphological and molecular data. This review updates the current understanding of species diversity, phylogenetic relationships and host–parasite interactions based on a critical re-evaluation of the earlier records. The new data can also inform fisheries management, invasive species control and public health surveillance. Currently, 130 valid adult species are known in six orders, most of which are native to the Nearctic, with the USA having the greatest diversity (121 species). The vast majority of North American fish tapeworms exhibit narrow host specificity, with almost three quarters specializing in a single host species or host genus. Larval stages (metacestodes) from four orders also occur in fish, but are difficult to identify morphologically. Future work should focus primarily on little-studied fish groups and regions with probably undescribed diversity (e.g., the southern USA), combined with integrative taxonomic approaches.

Museomics resolves 200 years of taxonomic uncertainty: Strix pulsatrix (Strigiformes, Strigidae) is a valid species.