[Paleontology • 2025] Traskasaura sandrae • A Name for the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia: A Strange New elasmosaur Taxon from the Santonian of Vancouver Island

 

Traskasaura sandrae

O’Keefe, Smith, Clark, Otero, Perella & Trask, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938 

Abstract

The first elasmosaurid skeleton from the Haslam Formation (Upper Santonian) of the Nanaimo Group (Late Cretaceous) on Vancouver Island was first described in 2002, and has recently been declared the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia. Since then, additional fossils have been recovered: an isolated right humerus and a well-preserved, osteologically immature skeleton comprising thorax, girdles and limbs. The Haslam material can now support further taxonomic assessment, and we erect the species Traskasaura sandrae based on it. Traskasaura possesses a strange mosaic of features. The mandible is plesiomorphic as seen in Libonectes: relatively narrow with large teeth and a broad symphysis. The skull therefore lacks any of the radical oral cavity adaptations seen in basal aristonectines. The neck of the Haslam animal is also plesiomorphic, with at least 36 preserved cervical vertebrae having vertebral length indices (VLIs) over 100 (the total number of cervicals is not known). The centra lack the anteroposterior compression and midline longitudinal constriction characteristic of derived aristonectines, yet the cervical ribs trend forward – a condition known only in derived aristonectines and Vegasaurus. The autapomorphic coracoid of Traskasaura differs greatly from any known elasmosaurid; the cardiform recess is reduced and posteriorly located, with some similarities to that of Aristonectes quiriquinensis. The humerus is autapomorphic, possessing a relatively straight shaft, pronounced ventral camber and an articular facet on the leading edge that makes a 90° angle with the radial facet. Taken together, these features document a new genus, with a plesiomorphic axial skeleton, but with several convergent appendicular adaptations with derived aristonectines. A revised phylogenetic analysis of Elasmosauridae recovered the new taxon in a basal position. Therefore, the postcranial adaptations shared with derived aristonectines appear to be convergent.

Keywords: elasmosaur, Haslam Formation, plesiosaur, Santonian

Sauropterygia Owen, Citation1860

Order Plesiosauria de Blainville, Citation1835

Family Elasmosauridae Cope, Citation1869

Traskasaura sandrae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The genus is named in honour of Michael and Heather Trask, who discovered the holotype specimen along the banks of the Puntledge river in 1988, and the Greek word saûros, lizard; the Latin conjugation is feminine. The species name sandrae honours Sandra Lee O’Keefe (née Markey), Pacific Northwest native and, like Elizabeth Nicholls, a valiant warrior in the fight against breast cancer. In loving memory.

F. Robin O’Keefe, Elliott Armour Smith, Robert O. Clark, Rodrigo A. Otero, Anna Perella and Patrick Trask. 2025. A Name for the Provincial Fossil of British Columbia: A Strange New elasmosaur Taxon from the Santonian of Vancouver Island. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 23(1); 2489938. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2489938 [22 May 2025] 

[Mollusca • 2025] Calybium plicatus • The Second Calybium Morlet, 1892 (Neritimorpha: Helicinoidea: Helicinidae), and the first record of the Genus for Vietnam’s Terrestrial Gastropod Fauna

Calybium plicatus

Hoang, Vu, Tran, Nguyen & Do, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.35885/ruthenica.2025.35(1).4 

Abstract

This paper described the second species of the genus Calybium Morlet, 1892, Calybium plicatus sp. nov. was collected in Son Doong Cave, Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park, Quang Binh Province, Central Vietnam. Calybium plicatus sp. nov. has a similar shell shape to Calybium massiei Morlet, 1892 but differs in having a smaller shell size, the parietal wall with six evenly spaced parietal lamellae. This discovery represents the first report of the genus Calybium in Vietnam.

Calybium plicatus sp. nov. Holotype VNMN-IZ 000.002.347.
A–D. Shell morphology (apertural view, dorsal view, ventral view, and side view).
E–F. Details of the apertural dentition.

Photos: Nguyen T.S. and Do D.S.

Class Gastropoda Cuvier, 1795

Subclass Neritimorpha Cox, 1960

Order Cycloneritida Frýda, 1998

Superfamily Helicinoidea Férussac, 1822

Family Helicinidae Férussac, 1822

Subfamily Vianinae Baker, 1922

Calybium Morlet, 1892

Calybium plicatus sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Shell medium-sized, depressed coni-cal, and sharply keeled body whorl; the calcareous layer on the dorsal side is coarse, strongly undulated and forms evenly spaced domes protruding from the shell surface; parietal wall with six lamellae, of which the sixth very long, curved, and close to the suture; palatal wall with a barrier-shaped lamella that ...

Etymology. The species’ name is derived from its characteristic apertural dentition, from the Latin word ‘plicatus’, meaning ‘lamellae’ that are present at the parietal wall.

 

Calybium plicatus sp. nov. 
A, B. Habitat picture, from the type locality at Doline 1 of Son Doong Cave, Bo Trach District, Quang Binh Province. C. Photo of the new species in habitat.

Photos: Vu V.L. (A, B), Hoang N.K. (C).

Ngoc Khac Hoang, Van Lien Vu, Thi Thanh Binh Tran, Thanh Son Nguyen and Duc Sang Do. 2025. Description of the second Calybium Morlet, 1892, and the first record of the Genus for Vietnam’s Terrestrial Gastropod Fauna (Neritimorpha: Helicinoidea: Helicinidae). Ruthenica, Russian Malacological Journal. 35(1); 39–45. DOI: doi.org/10.35885/ruthenica.2025.35(1).4 

 facebook.com/HusFanpage/posts/1043449394491364

  

[Mollusca • 2025] Flapjack Octopods of Australia (Cephalopoda: Cirrata: Opisthoteuthidae), Part II northwestern Australia and adjacent waters: Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis & Insigniteuthis extensa comb. nov.

Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis

Verhoeff, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.c46g9

Abstract

Herein the flapjack octopods (Opisthoteuthidae) of northwestern Australia in addition to adjacent Indonesian waters are examined. Three species are identified, all distinct from taxa recorded off southern and southeastern Australia in the preceding Part I contribution. A new species in genus Opisthoteuthis, O. carnarvonensis sp. nov., is described from five specimens collected off northwestern Australia. Opisthoteuthis cf. philipii is described from off northwestern Australia (single specimen) and Indonesian waters (seven specimens). Lastly, a partial re-description is provided for O. extensa, which is transferred to genus Insigniteuthis (comb. nov.) and has its range extended to Java and northwestern Australia, the male of I. extensa is shown to be comparable to I. dongshaensis in enlarged sucker configuration. A key is proposed to enable the identification of Opisthoteuthidae globally.

Opisthoteuthis carnarvonensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Opisthoteuthid with 70–78 suckers per arm of adult, a DESF of 6–10 enlarged suckers on all arms of males, located between the ~28–38th sucker, DESF sucker ⌀ < PESF sucker ⌀, and arms with web nodules; with dark brown−red aboral pigmentation and areolar spots on head and along arms. Internally with digestive gland bilobed, 7 or 8 lamellae per gill, AGC2 and 3 combined only half AG1 greatest dimensions, and with intestine approximately equal to oesophagus in length.

Etymology: Specific epithet ‘carnarvonensis’ is in reference to the Carnarvon Canyon Marine Park, from where the type material was collected, the Latin adjectival suffix ‘-ensis’ (=originating in) added to form an adjective.

 Tristan Joseph Verhoeff. 2025. Flapjack Octopods of Australia (Cephalopoda: Cirrata: Opisthoteuthidae), Part II northwestern Australia and adjacent waters.  Australian Journal of Taxonomy. 92: 1–28. DOI: doi.org/10.54102/ajt.c46g9 [13/5/2025]

[Herpetology • 2024] Bufo rubroventromaculatus • A New Record of Bufo gargarizans Complex (Anura: Bufonidae) from Truong Son Mounts, Ha Tinh and Ha Giang Provinces, Vietnam based on Molecular Evidence with A Description of A New Species

Bufo rubroventromaculatus 

Orlov, Ananjeva, Ermakov, Lukonina, Ninh &  Nguyen, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16070361 

Abstract

Based on a combination of molecular and morphological data, we herein report a new species within the bufonid Bufo gargarizans species complex. This is a widespread species complex with distribution from eastern Russia and the Korean Peninsula to China and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Records of this species have been documented in the Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces near the border with Vietnam and, for the first time from Vietnam, in Ha Giang Province. The new record of Bufo cf. gargarizans from Vietnam is from Ha Tinh Province. This species has never been reported from Vietnam so far south, about 550 km south from the previously known locality in Ha Giang Province. The female specimen was found in the Ha Tinh Province, Vu Quang National Park of central Vietnam and two specimens (male and female) were found Ha Giang Province. They are clearly distinguished from B. gargarizans and all the mentioned species by a specific color pattern on the belly and creamy-yellowish throat with large, bright red speckles. Genetic divergences of three Vietnam specimens from Ha Giang and Ha Tinh Provinces in the ND2 gene sequences between the B. sp. nov. and all other congeners ranged from 4.3% (with B. andrewsi) to 7.0% (with B. stejnegeri). We give a description of the morphological characters and coloration of the new record and provide an expanded diagnosis.

Keywords: Bufo sp. nov.; Vietnam; morphology; molecular evidence; DNA analysis

Holotype of Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. IGR 10497, female:
 (A) in the wild; (B) dorsal view; (C) ventral view; (D) palmar surface of the right forelimb.

 Paratype of Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. ZISP 15118.
 (A) lateral view; (B) lateral view a part of belly with bright red large blotches.

Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Three specimens of toads were assigned to the genus Bufo based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other species in the genus Bufo by specific coloration with red speckles on the belly (Figure 4 and Figure 5). Maximal size known for this species (SVL 125.45 mm) (Table 3); head longer than width (maximal HW 60.32 mm, HL 65.42 mm), snout obtuse, protruding in profile; canthus rostralis distinct; pupil horizontally oval; loreal region flat and oblique; snout length greater than eye horizontal diameter (HL 13.7 mm, ED 10.6 mm, ED/SNL 0.77); parotoid gland well developed, elongated; tympanum distinct, small and round; vomerine teeth present; tongue not notched posteriorly.

Etymology: The specific name rubroventromaculatus originates from the type of characteristic coloring of the belly with numerous large red spots of irregular shape.

 

Nikolai L. Orlov, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Oleg A. Ermakov, Svetlana A. Lukonina, Hoa Thi Ninh and Tao Thien Nguyen. 2024. A New Record of Bufo gargarizans Complex (Bufonidae, Anura) from Truong Son Mounts, Ha Tinh and Ha Giang Provinces, Vietnam based on Molecular Evidence with A Description of A New Species. Diversity. 16(7), 361. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16070361  [24 June 2024]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia blaan (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from the Island of Mindanao, southern Philippines

 

Begonia blaan Naive, 

in Naive, Occeña et Espeja, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04838

   

Abstract

A new species to science, Begonia blaan Naive sp. nov., discovered by a citizen scientist and posted on Facebook, is herein described and illustrated. This species closely resembles B. quercifolia but can be distinguished by its sparsely scabrid stem, falcately ovate and glabrous stipules, deciduous floral bracts, and 2-flowered, pedunculate pistillate flowers. Below, we provide a detailed description, color plates, and information on phenology, habitat, geographical distribution, and a preliminary conservation assessment.  

Keywords: Blaan tribe, endangered, endemic, South Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat

Begonia blaan Naive sp. nov.

Mark Arcebal K. Naive, Ceferino M. Occeña III, Bryll L. Espeja. 2025. Begonia blaan (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia), A New Species from the Island of Mindanao, southern Philippines. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04838 [20 May 2025]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2025] Eophyseter damarcoi • A New Pliocene Sperm Whale (Odontoceti: Physeteridae) from Vigliano D’Asti, Piedmont, Northwest Italy

 

 Eophyseter damarcoi 

Bisconti, Daniello, Stecca & Carnevale, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22338

Abstract

A new sperm whale species is described from the late Zanclean (Early Pliocene) of Piedmont, northwest Italy, based on a partial vertebral column and parts of the forelimb. The new taxon, Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov., is characterized by elongated vertebral centra in the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column, wider and higher articular facets for the occipital condyles in the atlas, elliptical and dorsoventrally compressed posterior articular facet of the axis-bearing block, ulna with posteriorly convex margin. These characters distinguish Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov.from other physeteroids and show that the vertebral proportions are differently arranged with respect to those of the extant sperm whale species. A phylogenetic analysis was performed to understand the relationships of Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. by adding 20 postcranial characters to a previous character x taxon matrix; it revealed that E. damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. forms a clade with P. macrocephalus. A taphonomic analysis suggested that the carcass of the holotype specimen of Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. was exploited by sharks and colonized by barnacles and molluscs; however, a quick burial prevented its total destruction by other invertebrates, as usual in the cetacean fossil record from the Pliocene of Piedmont.

Keywords: Italy; Physeteridae; Phylogeny; Eophyseter; Physeteroidea; Piedmont; Pliocene; Postcranial skeleton.

Reconstruction of the sperm whale Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov sp. nov. (MGPTPU 13864, holotype). 
 B) Piero Damarco, to whom Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. is dedicated, applying the final touch to the skeleton MGPT-PU 13864 on display in Asti.

Class MAMMALIA Linnaeus, 1758 

Order Cetacea Brisson, 1762 

Clade Neoceti Fordyce & Muizon, 2001 

Parvorder Odontoceti Flower, 1867 

Superfamily Physeteroidea Gray, 1868 

Family Physeteridae Gray, 1821 

Genus Eophyseter gen. nov.

Etymology: Eo is a Greek word (ήώς) that means dawn, meaning ancestral, old. Physeter derives from the Greek φυσώ meaning blower. Diagnosis of genus: Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov. shows a unique morphology of the atlas, in the axis-bearing cervical block, in the proportions of the vertebral column and in the ulna. 

Diagnostic characters are the following: (1) the atlas is characterized by articular facets for the occipital condyles that protrude dorsally to the body of the vertebra and reach the height of the superior surface of the neural arch; (2) the articular surface for occipital condyles are comparatively wider than those of all the other physeteroids in which the atlas is preserved, and their ventromedial portion is comparatively longer; (3) in the axis-bearing cervical block, the epiphysis of the 7th cervical vertebra is dorsoventrally compressed and transversely widened to form showing an elliptical outline (it is transversely narrow and rounder in all the other physeteroids in which the axis-bearing block is preserved); (4) the lengths of the vertebral centra are comparatively more elongated than those of physeterids in which the vertebral column is known; in particular, in a long portion of the thoracic and lumbar regions of the vertebral column, the lengths of the centra are almost equal to the corresponding widths and heights (this pattern contrasts with that of extant sperm whales in which the length values are lower than those of heights and widths); (5) the posterior border of the ulna is posteriorly convex rather than being straight or concave as in other physeterids in which the ulna is preserved.

Eophyseter damarcoi gen. nov. sp. nov.

Etymology: The patronymic damarcoi is to honor Piero Damarco (Fig. 2B) who coordinated and executed extensive preparation of the specimen and who dedicated his life to the discovery and curation of the fossil treasures of Piedmont, Northwest Italy

 

Michelangelo Bisconti, Riccardo Daniello, Riccardo Stecca and Giorgio Carnevale. 2025. A New Pliocene Sperm Whale from Vigliano D’Asti, Piedmont, Northwest Italy. RIVISTA ITALIANA di PALEONTOLOGIA e STRATIGRAFIA. 131(1): 139-175. DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22338

[PaleoIchthyology • 2025] Britosteus amarildoi • A New early diverging lepisosteid Fish (Lepisosteiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of southeastern Brazil

Britosteus amarildoi

Martinelli, Marinho, Panzeri, Bogan, Iori, Lopes, Neto, Fonseca, Basilici, Vega & Ribeiro, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2024.105325 

 www.UFTM.edu.br 

Highlights: 

• New genus and species of Lepisosteiform fish from Late Cretaceous Bauru Group.

• It represents an early diverging lepisosteid.

• It comes from continental settings, contributing to fill the temporal gap between Early and Late Cretaceous forms.

• The new taxon is not included within the most common genera Lepisosteus and Atractosteus.

Abstract

The Bauru Group in Brazil is renowned for its rich and diverse fossil record from Late Cretaceous age, which includes a variety of vertebrates such as fishes, anurans, turtles, squamates, mesoeucrocodylians, and dinosaurs. In this study, we present compelling evidence for the existence of a distinct taxon of Lepisosteidae at a paleontological site bearing rocks of the Upper Cretaceous Adamantina Formation (Bauru Group). Based on several specimens, we erect a new genus and species of lepisosteiform fish: Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov. This discovery provides valuable insights into the anatomical features of this new form, contributing to our understanding of the diversity of Late Cretaceous fishes in Brazil. Historically, Lepisosteiformes had a broader geographic distribution than observed today, but our knowledge of their evolution and diversity remains limited. This is particularly true for the gaps in data between the Early and Late Cretaceous periods. The identification of Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov. contributes to fill this significant gap, establishing it as an early diverging member of Lepisosteidae and underscoring the complexity of its evolutionary history in South America. By illuminating the anatomical and taxonomic characteristics of this new taxon, we enhance our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics of lepisosteiform fishes during a crucial period in the continent's ancient past.

 Britosteus amarildoi gen. et sp. nov.

 

Agustín G. Martinelli, Thiago da Silva Marinho, Karen M. Panzeri, Sergio Bogan, Fabiano V. Iori, João de Magalhães Lopes, Francisco Macedo Neto, Pedro H. Fonseca, Giorgio Basilici, Nahuel Vega and Luiz Carlos Borges Ribeiro. 2025. A New early diverging lepisosteid Fish (Lepisosteiformes) from the Late Cretaceous of southeastern Brazil. Journal of South American Earth Sciences. 152, 105325. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jsames.2024.105325 [1 February 2025]   www.UFTM.edu.br 

Novo peixe fóssil é descoberto no Triângulo Mineiro e amplia conhecimento sobre fauna do Cretáceo

  www.UFTM.edu.br/ultimas-noticias/5880-novo-peixe-fossil-e-descoberto-no-triangulo-mineiro-e-amplia-conhecimento-sobre-fauna-do-cretaceo

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] New insights on the enigmatic Otters from the Late Miocene of Tuscany: Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. (Carnivora: Mustelidae: Lutrinae), with A Phylogeny of bunodont otters

 Tyrrhenolutra maremmana Hürzeler, 1987

in Faggi, Bartolini-Lucenti et Rook, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22479 

Artwork by Sara Scheggi

Abstract

Otters, subfamily Lutrinae (Mustelidae), are predators that thrive in aquatic environments, and have a semiaquatic to fully aquatic lifestyle. While modern otters are found across the globe, their fossil history is limited, primarily documented by fragmented dentognathic remains. In this work, we report on and describe new dental remains of a medium-sized Lutrinae from the Late Miocene of Baccinello and Casteani (Tuscany), improving the poor fossil record of the subfamily in Europe. Tyrrhenolutra helbingi Hürzeler, 1987 is a poorly known species, described on some dental remains from the Baccinello mines and a few other localities. Considering its peculiar morphology, it has often been overlooked in the scientific literature. Description of the material stored at the Naturhistorisches Museum, Basel and Museo di Geologia e Paleontologia dell’Università di Firenze offers new insights on the intraspecific variability and dental morphology of this taxon. The comparative study of these findings highlights several morphological and biometrical similarities between T. helbingi and Paludolutra maremmana Hürzeler, 1987, which allow us to redefine these taxa as Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. We carried out a total-evidence cladistic analysis seeking support for morphometric and morphological similarities between T. “helbingi” and “P.” maremmana. The resulting parsimony analyses support the synonymy, excluding a close relationship of T. maremmana with Paludolutra of Italy and Spain, as previously thought. Furthermore, we confirm a long-forgotten hypothesis identifying Limnonyx Crusafont Pairó, 1950 as the possible continental ancestor of Tyrrhenolutra.

Keywords: Neogene; Baccinello; Carnivora; mustelid; taxonomy; cladistic.

Mandibles of Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. com. from Baccinello V1, Casteani and Montebamboli.
A-C) NMB.Bac.54, left and right hemimandible with right p2-m1 and left p2-m1, A: right buccal view; B: occlusal view; C: left buccal view.
D-F) NMB.Bac.52, left hemi-mandible with p2-m2, D: buccal view (mirrored); E: occlusal view; F: lingual view (mirrored).
G-H) NMB.Bac.55, right hemimandible fragment with c-p4, G: buccal view; H: occlusal view; I: lingual view.
J-K) IGF 11756c, left mandible with p2, m1 and m2, J: buccal view (mirrored); K: occlusal view; L: lingual view (mirrored).
M-O) MSNUP N.1, right mandible fragment with c, p3, p4, M: buccal view; N: occlusal view; O: lingual view.

Restoration of Tyrrhenolutra maremmana based on the cranial material from the Late Miocene of Tuscany.

 Artwork by Sara Scheggi

ANDREA FAGGI, SAVERIO BARTOLINI-LUCENTI and LORENZO ROOK. 2024. New insights on the enigmatic Otters from the Late Miocene of Tuscany: Tyrrhenolutra maremmana nov. comb. (Lutrinae, Mustelidae, Carnivora), with A Phylogeny of bunodont otters. Rivista Italiana di Paleontologia e Stratigrafia (Riv. It. Paleontol. Strat. - Research in Paleontology and Stratigraphy). 130(2); 259-284. DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/22479 [July 2024]

[Arachnida • 2025] Loxosceles galianoa • A New large violin Spider from Argentina, with a Discussion on the homology and Evolution of female genital structures in Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae)

Loxosceles galianoa

Magalhaes, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24079 

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Abstract

Violin spiders are an old, diverse genus of spiders, which includes medically significant species. Among its members, the Neotropical laeta group is particularly notable, as it includes the largest spiders of the genus, such as Loxosceles laeta (Nicolet). In this paper, I describe a new species belonging to this group, Loxosceles galianoa, sp. nov., from male and female specimens collected in the dry Argentinean north-west. The new species is the southernmost native member of the laeta group, and its phylogenetic placement is confirmed by a novel phylogenetic analysis based on molecular data and a taxon sampling including members of all Loxosceles species groups. The morphology of the endogyne of the new species prompted me to survey and characterise the morphological diversity of the female genitalia in Loxosceles. I review the homologies of the parts of the female genitalia in this genus. I argue that an enlarged uterus externus with a narrowed opening is synapomorphic for the laeta species group, whereas in the lineage containing the rufescens and gaucho groups the uterus externus may be sclerotised and bear numerous deep transversal ridges. I here hypothesise that Loxosceles is an example of a clade where female genital morphology is more diverse and has accumulated more morphological novelties than that of males. The geographic origin of the medically significant Loxosceles laeta is briefly discussed. Although this species is commonly referred as the ‘Chilean recluse spider’, I here argue that this species most likely originated in Peru and has been introduced to other South American countries by human action. The type material of Loxosceles accepta Chamberlin, 1920 is examined and illustrated. Loxosceles gaucho Gertsch, 1967 is newly recorded from Argentina and Paraguay.

Keywords: endogyne, genitalia, Loxosceles laeta, morphology, recluse spider, Scytodoidea, Synspermiata, taxonomy.

Ivan L. F. Magalhaes. 2025. A New large violin Spider from Argentina, with a Discussion on the homology and Evolution of female genital structures in Loxosceles (Araneae: Sicariidae). Invertebrate Systematics. 39, IS24079. DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS24079 [13 May 2025] 

 facebook.com/AracnoMACN/posts/1092097646060342

https://x.com/6eyes8legs/status/1922355449652760660

[Invertebrate • 2025] Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 

in Narayanan, Priyadarsanan, Ranjith, Sahanashree et Ananthram, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2483434 

ABSTRACT

Typhloperipatus williamsoni, a long-lost species of the phylum Onychophora (velvet worms), is rediscovered after over a century in the Siang Valley in Arunachal Pradesh, India. The rediscovery is based on two individuals, one collected near the type locality (Kalek, Arunachal Pradesh, India) and the other from a previously unknown location (Yingku, Arunachal Pradesh, India). We provide additional natural history and distribution information about this poorly known species, and the first live images. Molecular data for T. williamsoni is generated for the first time to understand its phylogenetic position within Peripatidae. The phylogenetic analyses based on three mitochondrial genes (12S, 16S and COI) recovered T. williamsoni as a sister to Southeast Asian Eoperipatus. Further, the biogeographic scenario of Asian peripatids is briefly discussed based on the molecular dating analysis.

KEYWORDS: Velvet worms, Siang expedition, natural history, molecular analysis, biogeography

 

 Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 

Surya Narayanan, D.R. Priyadarsanan, A.P. Ranjith, R. Sahanashree and Aravind Neelavar Ananthram. 2025. Rediscovery and Phylogenetic Position of A Long-lost Typhloperipatus williamsoni Kemp, 1913 (Onychophora: Peripatidae) after 111 Years from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Journal of Natural History. 59(17-20); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2483434 [11 Apr 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Oreocharis corallodiscoides (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpinae) • A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China

 

Oreocharis corallodiscoides  Huan C. Wang & Xi Li,

in Li, Q.-P. Wang, Yang, Ye et H.-C. Wang, 2025.

珊瑚叶佛肚苣苔 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.148644

Abstract Oreocharis corallodiscoides, a new species of the tribe Trichosporeae (Gesneriaceae), is described and illustrated. This new species is characterized by its ovate, rounded or sometimes rhombic leaves densely covered with appressed hairs, yellow corolla, and the presence of two purple triangular appendages inside the base of the corolla tube. It is known only from the type locality, Luzhijiang dry-hot valley in Yimen county, central Yunnan, southwest China. A morphological comparison with its morphologically similar species (O. agnesiae and O. longifolia) is also presented. Key words: Dry-hot valley, endemism, morphological comparison, taxonomy, xerophyte

Oreocharis corallodiscoides sp. nov.
A habit B adaxial surface of leaf C abaxial surface of leaf D flower (side view) E style, stamens and two triangular purple appendages F immaturate capsule.

Oreocharis corallodiscoides sp. nov.
A, B habit C flower in front view D flower in side view, pedicel E adaxial surface of leaf F abaxial surface of leaf G pistil and stamens H pistil, stamens and two triangular purple glandular appendages (at the arrow) I immaturate capsule J mature capsule.

 Oreocharis corallodiscoides Huan C. Wang & Xi Li, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Oreocharis corallodiscoides is similar to O. agnesiae (Forrest ex W. W. Sm.) Mich. Möller et W. H. Chen in texture and indumentum of the leaves, as well as in flower morphology and size, but can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its leaves ovate, rounded or sometimes rhombic (vs. ovate to oblong), with a length-to-width ratio of 1–1.5 (vs. 2.2–2.7), corollas yellow (vs. purple-red), and the presence (vs. absence) of two purple and triangular appendages inside the base of the corolla tube. Additionally, while O. corallodiscoides shares the inflated yellow corolla tube with O. longifolia, it differs by its ovate-rotund leaves (vs. lanceolate-oblong), shorter petioles (0.5–2 cm vs. 3.5–5 cm), crenate leaf margins (vs. serrate), glandular pistils (vs. glabrous), and the presence of appendages with thickened filaments.

Vernacular name. Shan hu ye fo du ju tai (珊瑚叶佛肚苣苔) (Chinese).

Etymology. The specific epithet corallodiscoides is derived from the generic name Corallodiscus Batalin (Gesneriaceae) by adding the suffix “-oides”, reflecting the leaf morphological similarity of this new species to some members of the genus Corallodiscus, such as C. lanuginosus (Wall. ex A. DC.) B. L. Burtt; particularly, its sometimes rhombic leaves are rare in the genus Oreocharis.

Xi Li, Qiu-Ping Wang, Feng Yang, Jing-Yi Ye and Huan-Chong Wang. 2025. Oreocharis corallodiscoides (Gesneriaceae, Trichosporeae, Didymocarpinae), A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China. PhytoKeys. 256: 73-81. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.148644

[Botany • 2025] Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae) • A New Species from Gansu, Northwest China

 

Lonicera lanzhouensis  Shun Liu & Yu J. Wang,

in Liu et Wang, 2025. 

兰州忍冬  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.142365

Abstract

Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), a new species from Lanzhou City, Gansu province, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically similar to L. webbiana in that it has a bilabiate corolla and a long peduncle. It differs by narrowly lanceolate leaves (vs. ovate to ovate-lanceolate), yellow-green corolla at the beginning and reddish-purple when mature (vs. purple-red) and long involucral bracts (vs. short). The new species is supported by the genetic differentiation and phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and the combined sequences of chloroplast psbA-trnH and matK fragments.

Key words: Lonicera lanzhouensis, molecular phylogeny, new species, taxonomy

Lonicera lanzhouensis
A habitat B whole individual C adaxial surface of leaf D abaxial surface of leaf E corolla at different stages F fruit.

 Lonicera lanzhouensis Shun Liu & Yu J. Wang, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet indicates its type locality, Lanzhou City, Gansu Province, China.

Chinese name. Lanzhou rendong (兰州忍冬).

Shun Liu and Yu-Jin Wang. 2025. Lonicera lanzhouensis (Caprifoliaceae), A New Species from Gansu, Northwest China. PhytoKeys. 256: 83-90. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.256.142365

[Botany • 2025] Artabotrys rubriflorus (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan China

Artabotrys rubriflorus  

in Liu, Ye, Li, Xiao et Hou, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04680 

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Abstract

Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. is described as a new species of Annonaceae, collected from Malipo, Yunnan province, China. It can be distinguished from the other nine species of Artabotrys by its red petals and stamens, as well as its reduced number of carpels per flower (7–9), fewer monocarps per fruit (4), and the presence of 1–2 seeds within each monocarp. The specimens of this new species were gathered through fieldwork and were subsequently subjected to rigorous analysis using both classical taxonomical methods and molecular phylogenetic analysis. The phylogenetic reconstruction, based on four chloroplast DNA regions (matK, rbcL, trnLF and psbAtrnH), was carried out employing maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference approaches. These analyses confirmed the systematic positioning of Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. within the genus Artabotrys, while also establishing its distinctiveness from other species. Additionally, a comprehensive and detailed description of the new species, along with a key for identification, is provided.

Keywords: Artabotrys, China, molecular phylogeny, new species, taxonomy, Yunnan

Artabotrys rubriflorus sp. nov. 

Yunqian Liu, Wen Ye, Yuwen Li, Bo Xiao and Xueliang Hou. 2025. Artabotrys rubriflorus (Annonaceae), A New Species from Yunnan China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04680  [19 March 2025]

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