[Botany • 2025] Curcuma glandulosa (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Shan State, Myanmar

Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka,

in Thwe, Aung et Tanaka, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.163271

Abstract

A new species, Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka, is described from Taunggyi, southern Shan State, Myanmar. The new species is assignable to Curcuma subgenus Ecomatae, characterized by its epigynous glands, anther spurs, and lack of a conspicuous coma of sterile bracts. Curcuma glandulosa is distinguished by its red leafy stems, white bracts with red stripes, L-shaped anther spurs with densely short glandular hairs throughout, and a prominent anther crest. The leaves develop after blooming.

Key words: Ginger, Myanmar, new taxon, Shan State, taxonomy

Curcuma glandulosa P.P. Thwe, M.M. Aung & Nob. Tanaka.
A. Habit; B. Side view of inflorescence with flowers; C. Rhizomes with tubers; D. Flowers with prominent red lines on labellum; E. Flowers without or with weak red lines on labellum; F. Side view of a flower; G. Flower parts (from above left): bract, dorsal and lateral corolla lobes, lateral staminodes; (from lower left) labellum with red lines, labellum with very weak red lines, side view of stamen, diagonally front view of stamen, epigynous glands with ovary.

Scale bars: 5 cm (A); 3 cm (B); 2 cm (C–F); 1 cm (G).

 Curcuma glandulosa P.P.Thwe, M.M.Aung & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma glandulosa is similar to C. sahuynhensis; however, it is distinguished from it by a combination of the following characters: red leafy stems (vs. green), broadly lanceolate lamina developing after flowering (vs. ovate to elliptic and developing at the same time of flowering), white bracts with red stripes (vs. whitish to pale green at base with coral pink to red tinge), white anther (vs. yellow), and having prominent anther crest (vs. almost negligible).

Etymology. The specific epithet “glandulosa” refers to its character of densely glandular anther.

 Phyo Phyo Thwe, Mu Mu Aung and Nobuyuki Tanaka. 2025. A New Species of Zingiberaceae, Curcuma glandulosa (Subgenus Ecomatae), from Myanmar. PhytoKeys. 266: 311-316. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.163271 [19 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Begonia chunxiuensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

 

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi, 

in Xi, Li, Z.-X. Wang, Lang, W.-G. Wang et Tian, 2025. 

春秀秋海棠  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 

Abstract

Begonia chunxiuensis, a new species from Guangxi of China, is described and illustrated. It is morphologically similar to B. sinovietnamica and B. aurora, but differs from them by its narrowly triangular stipules, leaf blade that is adaxially green, dark green to viridian, pinkish-white to white villous, but abaxially light green with red veins, red to pinkish-white villous, and convex anther apex. It also differs from B. sinovietnamica by smaller staminate flowers. The new species is currently known from only two subpopulations and is assessed as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) according to the IUCN red list categories and criteria.

Keywords: Begonia, China, Guangxi, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy

Begonia chunxiuensis sp. nov. (A)–(B) Habitat, (C) plant in flowering, (D) leaf blade, adaxial and abaxial, (E)–(F) adaxial and abaxial leaf surfaces showing indumentum, (G) petiole section, (H) stipules, (I) inflorescences, (J) staminate flower, adaxial view, (K) staminate flower, abaxial view, (L) androecium, (M) pistillate flower, adaxial view, (N) pistillate flower, side view, (O) styles and stigmas, (P) dissected ovary showing axile placentation, (Q) capsules.

Photos (A), (Q) by Wen-Guang Wang, (B) by Dai-Ke Tian, (C), (D), (H)–(P) by Ren-Kun Li, (E)–(G) by Hou-Cheng Xi.

Begonia chunxiuensis W.G.Wang, D.K.Tian, R.K.Li & H.C.Xi sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species in Begonia sect. Platycentrum most similar to B. sinovietnamica C.Y.Wu (Wu and Ku 1997) in shape of leaf blades, shape and color of both staminate and pistillate flowers and 3-loculed ovary, but easily distinguished by its narrowly triangular stipules (versus ovate-oblong), leaf blade adaxially green, dark green to viridian (versus brownish-green), abaxially light green with red veins (versus light brownish-green), adaxially pinkish-white to white villous with hairs ca 5 mm long (versus densely hirsute), abaxially red to pinkish-white villous (versus hirsute), outer 2 tepals of staminate flower 10–15 × 8–14 mm, inner 2 tepals 8–12 × 4–5 mm (versus outer 2 tepals ca 21 × 16 mm, inner 2 tepals ca 12 × 5–6 mm) and anther apex convex (versus obtuse).

Etymology: The specific epithet chunxiuensis' refers to the name of type locality, Chunxiu Reservoir in Longzhou County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China. Chinese name is 春秀秋海棠'.

 

Hou-Cheng Xi, Ren-Kun Li, Zhong-Xuan Wang, Xiao-An Lang, Wen-Guang Wang and Dai-Ke Tian. 2025. Begonia chunxiuensis, A New Species of Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Begoniaceae) from Guangxi, China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04840 [23 November 2025]

[Entomology • 2025] Protosticta sooryaprakashi • A New Species of Protosticta (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Protosticta sooryaprakashi

 Haneef, Chandran, Sawant, Beevi, Koparde & Kunt, 2025

Kodagu Shadowdamsel  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3 

 facebook.com/Krushnamegh

 

Abstract

We erect a new species of damselfly, Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. from Sampaje, Kodagu District, Karnataka, India (type specimens are deposited in the Biodiversity Lab Research Collections, currently held at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru). Morphologically, this species shows close affinity with the members of the P. sanguinostigma Fraser, 1922 group; however, it is distinguished by unique features in its prothorax, caudal appendages, and accessory genitalia. Additionally, the analyses also revealed a significant genetic distance between the new species and other species of this group. We present an updated identification key to the males of Protosticta Selys, 1885 species in the Western Ghats, incorporating newly available diagnostic information.

Odonata, Karnataka, phylogeny, Sampaje, species discovery, sympatry, taxonomy

Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov.

 

 

Koolikkunnu Abdul Razak Muhammed HANEEF, Ayikkara Vivek CHANDRAN, Dattaprasad SAWANT, Yousuf Pachani Maimoonath BEEVI, Pankaj KOPARDE and Krushnamegh KUNTE. 2025. Description of Protosticta sooryaprakashi sp. nov. (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platystictidae) from the Western Ghats, India.  Zootaxa. 5723(3); 359-383. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5723.3.3 [2025-11-26] 

 facebook.com/Krushnamegh/posts/2059278128160631

[Ichthyology • 2025] Baryancistrus isaaci & B. quilombola • Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Loricariidae: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil

 

Baryancistrus isaaci
Baryancistrus quilombola

 Oliveira & Rapp Py-Daniel, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

 

Abstract

Two new species of Baryancistrus are described from the rio Trombetas basin. These new species were collected in the late 1980’s and were analyzed morphologically and compared to the eight currently assigned species of Baryancistrus. Both new species are distinguished from their congeners by a set of non-unique characters, such as coloration, extension of dorsal-fin membrane, abdominal covering, number of mandibular teeth and size of fins. These new species are only registered for strong-energy and clear waters, powerful cataracts, with rocky substrates, being sometimes, syntopic. The patterns of distribution and morphological features among all Baryancistrus species are discussed, and an identification key is presented. Despite of occurring in a protected area, previous studies on hydroelectric plants for the rio Trombetas, as the Hydropower Plant of Cachoeira Porteira, are being re-examined by current authorities, raising deep concerns on the future conservation of the unique biodiversity of the rio Trombetas basin.

Keywords: Amazon; Conservation; Freshwater; Hydroelectric; Identification key

   Baryancistrus isaaci, uncatalogued specimen, from Cachoeira da Enseada, 
Baryancistrus quilombola, INPA-ICT 52435, paratype, 119.4 mm SL, from rio Trombetas,
Oriximiná, Pará, Brazil. 

Photos: Douglas A. Bastos.

Baryancistrus isaaci, new species 

Etymology. The specific name, a noun (masculine, singular), honors Isaäc Isbrücker, for his contribution to the knowledge of Neotropical Ichthyology, especially loricariids. Isaäc is an excellent ichthyologist and aquarist, and an example of resilience against preconceived ideas, deserving to be honored by his extreme talent and knowledge on loricariids. He has dedicated a relevant part of his career as ichthyologist sharing his knowledge with the academia and general aquarium experts. A noun in a genitive case.

Baryancistrus quilombola, new species

Etymology. The specific name quilombola (a noun in the nominative singular standing in apposition to the generic name) honors the Quilombola’s communities of the rio Trombetas, also called Quilombos. Quilombolas are Afro-Brazilian descendents that escaped from slavery, or after abolition of slavery, that organized agrarian communities according to cultural, religious and geographic backgrounds in different areas in Brazil. The presence of large quilombos in the Amazon and, particularly, in the rio Trombetas basin deserves recognition, as the first Quilombo fully recognized by the Brazilian government was in rio Trombetas (Duque, 2009). They are eximious fishermen and profound connoisseurs of the dangerous waters in the rio Trombetas, as well as important activists of the Quilombola cause in South America.

  Renildo Ribeiro de Oliveira and Lúcia H. Rapp Py-Daniel. 2025. Two New Species of the ornamental loricariid Genus Baryancistrus (Siluriformes: Hypostominae) from rio Trombetas Basin, Pará, Brazil.   Neotrop. ichthyol. 23 (03); DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2025-0066

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys yangchunensis • A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura: Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners

Boulenophrys yangchunensis 

 Zhao, Lin, Li, Lyu, Zheng, Zeng, Borzée & Wang, 2025

Yangchun Horned Toad Chinese | 阳春角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400 

Abstract

The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., B. yunkaiensis, and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

Key Words: conservation assessment, management suggestions, molecular phylogeny, morphological conservatism, range extension, reassessment, sympatry, systematics

Life aspect of Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.:
 holotype GEP a170 (A, B); paratype GEP a168 (C); paratype GEP a172 (D).

Photos by Jian Wang.

 Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.

 English name: Yangchun Horned Toad 

Chinese name: yáng chūn jiǎo chán (阳春角蟾)

Diagnosis. (1) small size (SVL 27.6–28.7 mm in five adult males); (2) snout sharpened in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a small horn-like prominent tubercle, supratympanic fold distinct and narrow, curving posteroventrally to above arm; (7) two metacarpal tubercles distinct, inner one observably enlarged, relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, distinct subarticular tubercle at base of each finger; (8) heels just meeting when hindlimbs folded, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching middle to anterior corner of eye; (9) toes without webbing and lateral fringes, inner metatarsal tubercle long ovoid, outer one absent, relative toe length I < II < V < III < IV; (10) dorsal surface yellowish-brown to dark brown, with indistinct irregular dark-brown patches and small orange dots; dark-brown triangular marking between eyes; dorsal limbs and digits light brown with dark-brown transverse bands; and (11) a single nuptial pad bearing dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males, subgular vocal sac present in males.

Etymology. The specific epithet yangchunensis is in reference to the type locality, Yangchun City.

  Yi-Yang Zhao, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Ke Zheng, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Amaël Borzée and Jian Wang. 2025. A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura, Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners. Herpetozoa. 38: 345-357. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400   

[Entomology • 2025] Araneibatrus antennatus, A. thamluang, Batrisocenus filum, Nipponobythus haozhu, Tribasodites circinatus, Zopherobatrus excavatus, ... • Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts

Araneibatrus thamluang Yin, 2025 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 

 facebook.com: Speleological Research in Thailand

Abstract

Subterranean ecosystems, particularly the karst environments of Asia, represent a significant but underexplored frontier for biodiversity exploration. This paper focuses on the rove beetle subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) from caves and related subterranean habitats throughout the continent. Drawing upon extensive material accumulated primarily from China and Thailand, supplemented by records from Vietnam, Laos, and the Philippines, an exceptionally diverse subterranean fauna is herein delineated, including the description of 43 new species: Araneibatrus antennatus sp. nov., A. huangsunbini sp. nov., A. leclerci sp. nov., A. thamluang sp. nov., A. thamphamon sp. nov., A. thamphathong sp. nov., A. thamprakaiphet sp. nov.; Batrisiella longlina sp. nov.; Batrisocenus affinis sp. nov., Batrisocenus dushizi sp. nov., Batrisocenus filum sp. nov., Batrisocenus mojiachengi sp. nov., Batrisocenus shilin sp. nov., Batrisocenus trungtrang sp. nov., Tribasodites circinatus sp. nov., T. disuensis sp. nov., T. duanus sp. nov., T. guilinensis sp. nov., T. huchanghaoi sp. nov., T. miaoting sp. nov., T. pakchong sp. nov., T. shui sp. nov., T. uncinus sp. nov., T. zhouhanpingi sp. nov.; Zopherobatrus excavatus sp. nov., Z. kaiyangus sp. nov., Z. sinanus sp. nov., Z. wulongensis sp. nov.; Batraxis soparki sp. nov.; Nipponobythus haozhu sp. nov., N. jinji sp. nov., N. liyunchuni sp. nov., N. long sp. nov., N. minor sp. nov. (soil-dwelling), N. niubi sp. nov., N. platycephalus sp. nov., N. proiectus sp. nov., N. punctatus sp. nov., N. qian sp. nov., N. sanxian sp. nov., N. suxian sp. nov., N. wufengensis sp. nov., and N. zengtingkaii sp. nov. The present work nearly doubles the documented diversity of cavernicolous Pselaphinae in Asia, increasing the number of known species from 48 to 90, highlighting the profound geographical biases in previous research and the immense, cryptic diversity harbored within these habitats. Identification keys to supertribes, tribes, genera, and species are provided, along with a checklist of cavernicolous Pselaphinae recorded from Asia. Moreover, this study reports novel instances of pronounced male antennal polymorphism and identifies potential morphological correlates of sexual conflict, specifically, putative female resistance traits, within these cave-adapted lineages, thereby illuminating evolutionary dynamics operative in aphotic ecosystems. Collectively, this work establishes a crucial taxonomic framework for the Asian cavernicolous fauna and stresses the urgent need for continued biospeleological exploration to effectively catalogue and conserve the unique biodiversity endemic to these karst systems.

taxonomy, cavernicolous, biodiversity, male polymorphism, sexual conflict

Zi-Wei YIN. 2025. Illuminating the Darkness: An exceptionally Diverse Fauna of subterranean Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) in Asian Karsts. Insect Systematics and Diversity. 9(5); ixaf046. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/isd/ixaf046 [03 November 2025] 

 facebook.com/100057307014355/posts/1348184350435119

[Ichthyology • 2025] Branchenchelys megacephala • A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean

Branchenchelys megacephala

Tighe & Kodeeswaran, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6  

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726 

facebook.com: Paramasivam Kodeeswaran

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of ilyophine eel, Branchenchelys megacephala, is described based on five specimens collected in the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. The new genus is distinguished from all other ilyophine genera by its relatively large head with large gill openings and a very large branchial chamber with an increased number of branchiostegal rays and hypertrophied gill filaments.

Pisces, Teleostei, taxonomy, Branchenchelys megacephala

 

Kenneth A. TIGHE and Paramasivam KODEESWARAN. 2025. A New Genus and Species of ilyophine eel (Anguilliformes: Synaphobranchidae: Ilyophinae) from the Arabian Sea, western Indian Ocean. Zootaxa. 5722(4); 555-569. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5722.4.6 [2025-11-21]

 Researchgate.net/publication/397839726_A_new_genus_and_species_of_Anguilliformes_Synaphobranchidae_from_the_Arabian_Sea_western_Indian_Ocean

facebook.com/kodyvenkat/posts/4305402499679734

[Botany • 2025] Kaempferia grandis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from southwestern Thailand

Kaempferia grandis Noppornch.

in Nopporncharoenkul et Limtaropas, 2025. 

เปราะยักษ์เขียว  ||  facebook.com/iSIRBOOM

Kaempferia grandis Noppornch., a new species belonging to subgen. Kaempferia and endemic to Kanchanaburi Province, southwestern Thailand, is described and illustrated. It can be easily recognised by its 1–4 leafy shoots on each rhizome; the leafy shoots being adpressed to the substrate and consisting of a solitary leaf and inflorescence; broadly ovate to suborbicular leaf blade, which is the largest of any species in subgen. Kaempferia; and the inflorescence being enclosed by a leaf sheath and a bladeless sheath. Detailed photographs of plants and dissected flowers as well as information on phenology, distribution and habitat are provided, as well as an identification key to the species of Kaempferia subgen. Kaempferia in Thailand.

𝐾𝑎𝑒𝑚𝑝𝑓𝑒𝑟𝑖𝑎 𝑔𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑑𝑖𝑠 Noppornch.

เปราะยักษ์เขียว

 Nattapon Nopporncharoenkul and Chanon Limtaropas. 2025. Kaempferia grandis (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Ann. Bot. Fennici. 62: 307–314. 

  facebook.com/iSIRBOOM/posts/25752012464401869

 

[Botany • 2025] Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae: Grewioideae) • A New Species from Laos

 

Grewia souladethiana Phengmala & Tagane, 

in Phengmala, Tagane, Dang, Kongxaisavath, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Phonepaseuth, Vongthavone, Sengthong, Trong et Yamazaki, 2025. 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 

 facebook.com/KajonesukPHAENGMALA3 

Abstract

Grewia souladethiana (Malvaceae-Grewioideae) is described and illustrated from Phou Hin Poun National Park, Khammouane Province, in central Laos. The new species grows at the edge of evergreen broad-leaved forest and in open grassland on the foot of limestone hills. To confirm the validity of the new species, diagnostic morphological characters were compared based on literature and herbarium materials at BKF, FOF, KAG an VNM as well as online digitized images. Morphologically it is similar to G. thailandica in having acuminate leaf apex, serrate leaf margin, and axillary inflorescences which are 2‒3-flowered and with erect peduncle, but distinguished by its tree habit, shorter petioles, smaller sepals and petals, and solitary or 2-lobed fruits. A description, photographs, line drawings, vernacular name and preliminary conservation status are provided for it, as well as a key to species of Grewia in Laos is provided.

Endemic, flora, Indochina, limestones, Malvales, Eudicots

 

Grewia souladethiana sp. nov. Phengmala & Tagane 

ປໍເຫຼືອງສຸລະເດດ  

Kajonesuk PHENGMALA, Shuichiro TAGANE, Van Son DANG, Deuanta KONGXAISAVATH, Takenori YAMAMOTO, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH, Thyraphon VONGTHAVONE, Anousone SENGTHONG, Pham Quoc TRONG and Kaito YAMAZAKI. 2025. Grewia souladethiana, A New Species of Malvaceae from Laos. Phytotaxa. 728(1); 61-68. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.728.1.6 [2025-11-11]

 facebook.com/KajonesukPHAENGMALA3/posts/4271813003103768

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[Botany • 2025] Gastrodia biruensis (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from East Java, Indonesia

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim,

in Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira et Mustaqim, 2025. 

openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL

Abstract

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, a new mycoheterotrophic orchid species from the eastern part of Java, Indonesia, is described and illustrated. It is similar to two other Javan endemics G. crispa J.J.Sm. and G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat, but differs in several morphological details, as well as flower colour. Information on its distribution and ecology, photographs and illustrations are provided.

Keywords: biodiversity, herbs, orchids, conservation, taxonomy, mycoheterotrophic orchids, terrestrial

Morphology of Gastrodia biruensis.
A. Plant habit, B. Rhizome, C. Scale, D. Flower frontal view, E. Dorsal view, F. Flower lateral dissection, G. Sepals and petal adaxial view, H. Sepals and petal abaxial view, I. Pedicel, ovary, column and labellum lateral view, J. Column with ovary, K. Column stelidia, L. Column dorsal view, M. Labellum adaxial surface, N. Labellum abaxial surface, O. Anther-cap, abaxial and adaxial view, P. Pollinarium, Q. Floral bract, adaxial (ad) and abaxial view (ab).

All from type material. Photograph by Fariq I. A. Shidiq and design by Yuda R. Yudistira.

Gastrodia biruensis Dwitara, Fatih, Yudistira & Mustaqim, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Gastrodia biruensis is similar to G. crispa J.J.Sm., but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs 1.8–2 × 0.9–1.3 cm), smooth (vs warty) outer sepal surface, petals white with an orange center extending to the apex (vs pure white), a larger labellum (11–13 × 7–10 mm vs 7–7.6 × 6–7 mm), labellum whitish-orange in the basal half and orange in the upper half, with two orange calli (vs white suffused pale yellowish green near apex), apex of labellum obtuse (vs acute), a longer column (10 mm vs 6.5–7 mm), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. Gastrodia biruensis is also similar to G. selabintanensis Tsukaya & A.Hidayat but differs in having larger flowers (3.2–3.8 × 1.2–1.7 cm vs c. 1.7 × 0.9 cm), labellum much longer than the column by c. 1.6 times (vs 1.1–1.3), yellowish basal calli (vs pure white), labellum orange in the upper half distal calli (vs yellowish white), orange (vs white) column margin, and orange (vs white) stelidia. (Table 1) 

Galuh A.C. Dwitara, Muhammad Al Fatih, Yuda R. Yudistira, Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim. 2025. A New Species of Gastrodia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) from East Java, Indonesia. Telopea. 29; 285–291.

 openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL/article/view/21366

[Crustacea • 2025] Macrobrachium debaratae • Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of A New Species of the Genus Macrobrachium (Caridea: Palaemonidae) from Songkhram River, Northeast Thailand

Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, 

in Siriwut, Chaowvieng, Jeratthitikul, Chanabun, Panha et Sutcharit, 2025. 

Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8; 

https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH 

Abstract

The recognized diversity of Macrobrachium prawns in Thailand has increased recently due to taxono-mic investigation using integrative approaches, i.e. from morphology and DNA barcoding. The freshwater habitats in northeast Thailand such as riparian wetland ecosystems provide diverse ecological conditions that promote adaptive diversification among organisms. The varying condition of the freshwater bodies can support the existence of cryptic species among the aquatic animal fauna, including in prawns of the genus Macrobrachium. Several Macrobrachium species have previously been reported in association with the vast network of tributaries that form the Mekong River basin. Newly described species and unidentified morphospecies have particularly been reported from this area in previous systematic studies, which indicates that the current known diversity of the aquatic fauna is likely to be largely incomplete. In this study, a new species of the genus Macrobrachium from the Songkhram River, one of the Mekong tributaries, is described and named as Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. This new species contains several distinct morphological characters from its congeneric and co-existing species group, such as the rostral teeth formula, the size and the shape of second pereiopods, and the tooth present on the cutting edge of the fingers of the chelae of the second pereiopods. Genetic distance analysis among the known Macrobrachium species supported this morphological classification as a new species with an interspecific COI divergence of 13%. The COI phylogenetic tree indicated that M. debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. was monophyletic and was placed close to M. sirindhorn, a member within the M. pilimanus species group. This study highlights the need for a detailed morphological inspection to examine the variability in the taxonomic characters of Macrobrachium, particularly in the M. pilimanus species group found in mainland Southeast Asia tributaries. Further taxonomic review based on intensive sampling is required to provide a more adequate understanding of the diversity of Macrobrachium in the Mekong basin.

 

Keywords: Macrobrachium, Thailand, Songkhram River, New species, COI barcode

Morphological characteristics and chromatophore pattern variation in Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov.
 A, B, D, E.Colouration and morphology of male specimens. C.Colouration and morphology of female specimen. Scale bar indicates 5 mm.

Macrobrachium debaratae Siriwut, sp. nov. 

Etymology.–The specific name “debaratae”derives from “Debaratana”, which means the insignia gem of goddess.The name is given in honor of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn as a token of recognition. Her Royal Highness has been devoted to supporting and kindly participating in several pioneer projects studying Thai biodiversity and conservation led by government and private sectors.

Habitat of Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov.  
A. Location of type locality. B.Aquatic plant (Potamogeton crispus L.) found dominantly in type locality. C, D. Habitat characteristics of middle Songkhram River.

Warut Siriwut, Apisara Chaowvieng, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Ratmanee Chanabun, Somsak Panha and Chirasak Sutcharit. 2025. Morphology and Molecular Phylogeny of A New Species, Macrobrachium debaratae sp. nov. (Caridea, Palaemonidae) from Songkhram River, Northeast Thailand. Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  493-511. 

https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/268420

[Invertebrate • 2025] Lepidonella sirindhornae • A New Collembola Species (Entomobryidae: Paronellinae) from Southern Thailand

Lepidonella sirindhornae Nilsai & Jantarit,

in Nilsai, Engchuan et Jantarit. 2025. 

 Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  

 https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/TNH 

Abstract

The genus Lepidonella is widely distributed across Southeast Asia, South Asia, Papua New Guinea, the Melanesian region, Australia, Africa, and the Americas. To date, only a single species of the genus has been formally recorded from Thailand. However, numerous undescribed species, particularly from southern Thailand, have been reported, indicating a greater diversity than currently recognized. This study presents the first formal description of a Lepidonella species from a cave habitat in the country. Lepidonella sirindhornae Nilsai & Jantarit, sp. nov. is described and illustrated from Tham Phraya Bangsa in Satun Province. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including labial chaetotaxy formula (M1m2rEL1L2), elongation of antennal length (3.5–5.1 antenna: head ratio), presence of 6+6 eyes and a distinctive number of chaetae on both the anterior and posterior surfaces of the ventral tube. Additionally, this study provides a distribution map of the genus Lepidonella found in Thailand, underscoring the diversity of cave-dwelling species in the region and the need for further taxonomic investigation.

Keywords: cave, Entomobryoidea, Isthmus of Kra, new species, taxonomy

Areeruk Nilsai, Ronnaphon Engchuan and Sopark Jantarit. 2025. The Lepidonella sirindhornae sp. nov. , A New Collembola species from Southern Thailand.  Tropical Natural History. Suppl. 8;  449-459. 

https://li01.tci-thaijo.org/index.php/tnh/article/view/267503  [2025-11-17]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Lentipes ptasan • A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis

 

 Lentipes ptasan

Jhuang, Nañola, Li & Liao, 2025 

 

紋面韌鰕虎 | Tattooed-face Goby  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277  

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Abstract

Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. is described based on specimens collected from Taiwan and Mindanao Island. It is a large-sized Lentipes species distinguished by several male-specific characteristics, including an upper lip protruding beyond snout obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from the front of the eye through the nostrils to the tip of the snout, a wide brown longitudinal band at the base of the anal fin, and the distinctive nuptial coloration featuring a brown vertical band extending from back to belly on the middle of the body. The complex distribution of Lentipes species and their genetic differentiation may be influenced by sexual selection, historical biogeographic events and contemporary ecological processes. However, due to the recent divergence of Lentipes species, 11 out of 14 species could not be distinguished by the cytochrome oxidase subunit I gene. Furthermore, Lentipes mindanaoensis is redescribed, with L. adelphizonus treated as its junior synonym.

Keywords: amphidromous goby, Sicydiinae, taxonomy, the Philippines, western Pacific Ocean

 

Live photos of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. from Taiwan and Mindanao islands:
 (a, b) holotype, ASIZP0082286, male, 31.1 mm SL, Taiwan ((a) non-courting individual, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (b) nuptial colour, photograph by M. Hhuang);
 (c) paratype, ASIZP0082288, male, 35.6 mm SL, Taiwan (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang); (d) paratype, PNM15807, male, 41.9 mm SL, Mindanao (non-courting individual, photograph by H. P. Liang);
(e) paratype, PNM15811, female, 52.5 mm SL, Mindanao (photograph by F. Li); (f) aquarium photograph showing courtship behaviour of a male L. ptasan toward a female, specimens unpreserved, Mindanao (photograph by Z. H. Deng). Yellow arrowheads indicate the orange pattern on the female.

Close-up of the longitudinal band of the anal fin on two Lentipes species:
(a-1) Lentipes ptasan, holotype, ASIZP0082286, Taiwan (photograph by M.-T. Zhou); (a-2) L. ptasan, paratype, ASIZP0082288, Taiwan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (a-3) L. ptasan, paratype, PNM15807, Mindanao (photograph by W. C. Jhuang);
 (b-1) L. armatus, specimen not preserved, Taiwan (photograph by M. T. Zhou); (b-2) L. armatus, DOS09187-1, Cagayan (photograph by W. C. Jhuang); (b-3) L. armatus, DOS09891-4, Aurora (photograph by C. C. Yu).

  Lentipes ptasan sp. nov.

Chinese common name: 紋面韌鰕虎.

English common name: Tattooed-face Goby.

  

  Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by combination of characters and colour patterns: in males, a black spot on second dorsal fin, upper lip protruding obviously, fewer premaxillary tricuspid teeth, two black lines running from front of eye through anterior and posterior nostrils to tip of snout, anal-fin base with a brown wide longitudinal band, and nuptial coloration with a brown vertical bar extending from dorsum to belly at midbody; in females, an orange pattern around anus.

Etymology: The specific name ‘ptasan’ is derived from the Truku language (an indigenous tribe in Taiwan), meaning ‘facial tattoo’. It refers to the dark facial lines of the new species (Figure 7a,b), which resemble the facial tattoo traditions of indigenous peoples in Taiwan and the Philippines. A noun in apposition.

Facial portraits of males in 14 Lentipes species.
(a, b) Two types of Lentipes ptasan sp. nov. ((a) paratype, DOS10026, from Taiwan, photograph by K. H. Chen; (b) paratype, ASIZP0082288, from Taiwan, photograph by H. P. Liang);  (c) L. armatus from Taiwan, photograph by C. C. Yu;
(d) L. bunagaya from Taiwan, photograph by W. C. Jhuang; (e) L. dimetrodon from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (f) L. ikeae from West Java, photograph by H. P. Liang;
 (g) L. kijimuna (DOS09892-3) from Luzon, photograph by C. C. Yu; (h) L. kaaea from Taiwan, photograph by M. T. Zhou; (i) L. mekonggaensis from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(j) L. mindanaoensis from Halmahera, photograph by H. P. Liang; (k) L. multiradiatus from Seram, photograph by H. P. Liang; (l) L. palawanirufus from Palawan, photograph by H. P. Liang;
(m) L. kolobangara from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (n) L. venustus from Papua, photograph by W. C. Huang; (o) L. whittenorum from Sulawesi, photograph by H. P. Liang. (c–f) and (h–o) Unpreserved specimens.

Wei-Cheng Jhuang, Cleto L. Nañola Jr., Xiao Fei Li and Te-Yu Liao. 2025. Lentipes ptasan, A New Species of sicydiine goby (Teleostei: Gobioidei) from the Western Pacific, with A Redescription of L. mindanaoensis. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70277 [21 November 2025]

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