[Ichthyology • 2025] Microsternarchus javieri • A New Species of weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae: Microsternarchini) from the Negro River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil

   

Microsternarchus javieri Cox Fernandes, Escamilla Pinilla, Alves-Gomes, 

in Escamilla Pinilla, Cox Fernandes et Alves-Gomes, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202401751  

ABSTRACT

Here we describe a new hypopomid species, Microsternarchus javieri n. sp., encountered in flooded savanna streams of the Branco River and in terra-firme streams in the mid- and lower portions of the Negro River basin. We compared this new species with M. bilineatus from the San Bartolo River, Venezuela, and M. brevis from the upper portion of the Negro River. We also compared this new species with two recently described species in the genus Microsternarchus, M. longicaudatus and M. schonmanni. We examined morphometrics, anatomical characters, DNA barcode distances for the COI (cytochrome C oxidase subunit I) gene, and electric organ discharge (EOD) parameters. We diagnosed M. javieri n.sp. based on variation in maximum body depth, eye diameter, caudal vertebral counts, number of anal fin rays, and the shape of the maxillae. The average intra-specific genetic distance (K2P) in M. javieri n.sp. was 0.83%, whereas the average inter-specific genetic distance to M. brevis was 12.45%, and to other hypopomids ranged from 17.21 to 21.54%. When comparing EOD waveforms of the new species with M. brevis, we found differences in repetition rate, the ratio between the first and second phase areas, and the polarity balance. The description of M. javieri n. sp. increases to five the number of species in the genus.

KEYWORDS: fish taxonomy; biodiversity; DNA barcode; electric organ discharge; neotropical region

Lateral view of Microsternarchus javieri n. sp. from the Negro River basin.
A - Holotype (INPA-ICT 060886), 98.6 mm TL, 67.6 mm LEA; B - Paratype (ANSP 212283), 101.2 mm TL, 62.0 mm LEA; C -Non-type (INPA-ICT 28591), 86.9 mm TL, 60.4 mm LEA live specimen.

Microsternarchus javieri, sp. nov. Cox Fernandes, Escamilla Pinilla, Alves-Gomes

Diagnosis: Microsternarchus javieri n. sp. is distinguished from its congeners in having a smaller maximum body depth [8 - 10% of LEA, vs. in M. bilineatus 9.8 - 12% of LEA; in M. brevis 8 - 11.2% of LEA (Figure 3a), M. longicaudatus 7.9 - 11.5% of LEA and M. schonmanni 8.2 - 11% of LEA]. M. javieri n. sp. is further distinguished from M. bilineatus by a combination of characters: slightly larger eye diameter (10 - 15% of HL, vs. 10.1 - 13.5% of HL, Figure 3b), longer caudal filament (26 - 44% of TL vs. 29.3 - 34.4% of TL), fewer caudal vertebrae 60 - 65 (N = 11) vs. 66 - 67 (N = 3), greater number of anal fin rays 146 - 174 vs. 138 - 161. M. javieri n. sp. is also distinguished from M. brevis by a much longer caudal filament (26 - 44% of TL vs. 12.8 - 20.9% of TL) and total length ...

Etymology: The specific epithet, javieri, is in honor of the late Javier Maldonado Ocampo [1977-2019], whose research on gymnotiforms, systematics, and conservation greatly contributed to our understanding of the Neotropical ichthyofauna. A masculine noun in apposition.

Carolina ESCAMILLA PINILLA, Cristina COX FERNANDES and José Antônio ALVES-GOMES. 2025.  Microsternarchus javieri, A New Species of weakly electric fish (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae, Microsternarchini) from the Negro River Basin, Amazonas, Brazil. [Microsternarchus javieri, nova espécie de peixe elétrico (Gymnotiformes: Hypopomidae, Microsternarchini) da bacia do Rio Negro, Amazonas, Brasil]  Acta Amaz. 55; DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1809-4392202401751  

[Arachnida • 2023] Jacaena guiyang • A New Species of Jacaena Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Liocranidae) from Guiyang, southwestern China

Jacaena guiyang  

Yang, Deng, Yu & Zhong, 2023 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5339.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/373484118

Abstract

A new species belonging to the liocranid genus Jacaena Thorell, 1897, J. guiyang sp. nov., is described from southwestern China. A detailed description, diagnosis, photographs, and distribution map of the new species are given. DNA barcodes of the species were obtained and confirmed matching of the sexes, and are available for future use.

Keywords: Araneae, morphology, DNA barcoding, new species, taxonomy

Jacaena guiyang sp. nov., live specimen and habitat.
 A. Male holotype from Lu Chong Guan Forest Park. B. Habitat of male holotype, Luchongguan Forest Park. C. Habitat of female paratypes, Qingrengu Scenic Spot.

Photographs by Qianle Lu (Shenzhen, Guangdong).

Jacaena guiyang sp. nov.

WEICHENG YANG, LANGJU DENG, HAO YU and YANG ZHONG. 2023. A New Species of Jacaena Thorell, 1897 (Araneae: Liocranidae) from Guiyang, southwestern China. Zootaxa. 5339(2); 185-195. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5339.2.5 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373484118_A_new_species_of_Jacaena_from_Guiyang_southwestern_China

[Entomology • 2025] Georissus fikaceki & G. tsokolate • First Georissidae (Coleoptera) from the Philippines with Description of Two New Species of Georissus Latreille, 1809

  

Georissus fikaceki and G. tsokolate

 Ibarra, Bantiding & Delocado, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1163/22119434-bja10032 

 x.com/EmmanDelocado

This paper describes the first two Georissus species in the Philippines, namely Georissus fikaceki sp. n. from Luzon (Ilocos Norte, La Union) and G. tsokolate sp. n. from Bohol. The new species can be differentiated morphologically from their congeners due to the patterns of bulges and ridges near the frons, microsculptures on the pronotum, elevations formed by intervals in the elytra, and aedeagal details. Close examination of morphology suggests that the Philippine species cannot be assigned to any of the currently acknowledged Georissus subgenera, and thus this study suggests revisions and updating of the current subgeneric classification. Corroborating the morphological differences, COI-5′ DNA data shows a high interspecific genetic distance of 17.75% between the two new species and intraspecific distances <3% for both species. This paper also generates the first barcodes and a checklist of Georissus in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: DNA barcodes; new species; Philippine biodiversity; riparian beetles

Georissus fikaceki sp. n. 

 G. tsokolate sp. n. 

 John Windale B. Ibarra, Fernan Joseph A. Bantiding and Emmanuel D. Delocado. 2025. First Georissidae (Coleoptera) from the Philippines with Description of Two New Species of Georissus Latreille, 1809. Tijdschrift voor Entomologie. 167: 45–58. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/22119434-bja10032

  x.com/EmmanDelocado/status/1890188809381491059

[Invertebrate • 2025] Coecobrya microphthalma • The Thermal Tolerance of Springtails in a Tropical Cave, with the Description of a New Coecobrya Species (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Thailand

 Coecobrya microphthalma Manee & Jantarit,
 

in Manee, Deharveng, D’Haese, Nilsai, Shimano et Jantarit, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/insects16010080   

Abstract

A new species of Collembola in the genus Coecobrya, C. microphthalma sp. nov., is described from a cave environment in Saraburi province, central Thailand. The new species is the second described species of the boneti-group found in the country. It is most similar to C. chompon Nilsai, Lima & Jantarit, 2022, which is also described from a Thai cave. However, the new species is morphologically different from C. chompon in having orange dot pigmentation on its body and a combination of other morphological characteristics such as the number of sublobal hairs on the maxillary outer lobe and the number of medio-sublateral mac on Th. II, Abd. I, Abd. III and Abd. IV and the anterior face of the ventral tube. The morphological comparison of all known boneti species and a key to the world species of Coecobrya of the boneti-group are given. Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. was successfully cultured in the laboratory. The thermal tolerance of the new species was studied and tested with seven different temperature experiments (27 °C as a control, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35 and 36 °C). The results showed that C. microphthalma sp. nov. cannot survive at a temperature higher than 32 °C after exposure to the experimental heat for 7 and 14 consecutive days. At 27, 30 and 32 °C, C. microphthalma sp. nov. remained alive and produced eggs, but the duration of egg production and number of egg-laying days significantly declined when the temperature increased (p < 0.001). An interesting aspect of their reproduction concerns temperature. At 32 °C (5 °C above the control temperature), the F1 generation survived, was active and was able to molt to the adult stage. However, specimens were unable to produce the next generation of offspring. For postembryonic development, C. microphthalma sp. nov. required six molts to reach the adult stage. The development rate (from egg to adult) varied and differed significantly between the tested temperatures (p < 0.001). An increase in temperature from the control temperature significantly accelerated the developmental rate from egg to juvenile instars to adult with a statistical significance (p < 0.01). This study is the first attempt that provide information on the impact of increasing temperature on the population dynamics, reproductive capacity and life history of a subterranean tropical Collembola.

Keywords: breeding experiment; cave species; global warming; life history traits; thermal tolerance; taxonomy

 Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. 
(A) habitus under microscope; (B) habitus under SEM; (C) head and black eyepatch under slide; (D) head and eye (arrow) under SEM; (E) enlargement of eye under SEM.

Scale bar: (A,B)= 500 μm, (D) = 100 μm, (E) = 10 μm ((A,C): microscope images; (B,D,E): SEM images).

Taxonomy

Class Collembola Lubbock, 1870

Order Entomobryomorpha Börner, 1913

Family Entomobryidae Tömösváry, 1882

Subfamily Entomobryinae Schäffer, 1896

Genus Coecobrya Yosii, 1956

Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. Manee and Jantarit, 2025

Remarks. Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. belongs to the boneti-group characterized by the presence of eyes. The new species has 1+1 small eyes like six other species of the same group (C. boneti (Denis, 1948), C. sanmingensis Xu and Zhang, 2015, C. indonesiensis (Chen and Deharveng, 1997), C. tukmeas Zhang, Deharveng and Chen, 2009, C. oculata Zhang, Bedos and Deharveng, 2016 and C. chompon). Among Thai cave species, Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. is most similar to C. chompon in having relatively long antennae, labial chaetae as mrel1l2, presence of long smooth straight chaetae on antennae, 3 medio-medial mac on Th. II, 3 central mac on Abd. II, 1 central mac and ...

Etymology. Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. is derived from the Latin meaning “having small eyes”.

  Nongnapat Manee, Louis Deharveng, Cyrille A. D’Haese, Areeruk Nilsai, Satoshi Shimano and Sopark Jantarit. 2025. The Thermal Tolerance of Springtails in a Tropical Cave, with the Description of a New Coecobrya Species (Collembola: Entomobryidae) from Thailand. Insects. 16(1), 80. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/insects16010080  

(This article belongs to the Section Other Arthropods and General Topics)

Simple Summary: A new species of Collembola, Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov., is described from a cave in Saraburi province, central Thailand. This species is the second boneti-group member found in the country. It closely resembles C. chompon Nilsai, Lima & Jantarit, 2022 but differs in having orange body dots and distinct morphological traits, such as the number of sublobal hairs and mac on various body segments. A comparison of all boneti-group species globally and a key to their identification are provided. Coecobrya microphthalma sp. nov. was cultured in the laboratory, and its thermal tolerance was tested at seven different temperatures (27 °C as control, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, and 36 °C). The results showed that it cannot survive above 32 °C after 7 and 14 days of exposure. At 27, 30, and 32 °C, the species remained alive and produced eggs, though egg-laying duration and number of days decreased with higher temperatures. At 32 °C, the F1 generation survived and molted to adulthood, but no further offspring were produced. Development from egg to adult required six molts, with development rates increasing with higher temperatures. This study is the first attempt to examine how temperature affects the population dynamics, reproductive capacity, and life history of a subterranean tropical Collembola.

[Diplopoda • 2024] Skleroprotopus change, S. incisodentatus, S. megistus, S. tiankeng, etc. • Molecular Phylogenetic and Morphological Studies reveal increased Species Diversity in the Millipede Genus Skleroprotopus Attems, 1901 (Julida: Mongoliulidae) in China

 A Skleroprotopus change sp. nov.; B Skleroprotopus megistus sp. nov.; C Skleroprotopus longissimus sp. nov.;
 D Skleroprotopus genjudi sp. nov.; E Skleroprotopus tiankeng sp. nov.;
F Skleroprotopus laiyuanensis sp. nov.; G Skleroprotopus incisodentatus sp. nov. 

 Chen, Zhao, Golovatch & Liu. 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.82.e136751  

Abstract

A taxonomic study of the genus Skleroprotopus Attems, 1901 from nine provinces in China was conducted utilizing morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The results reveal thirteen new species, i.e. Skleroprotopus yutiantianae sp. nov., S. tiankeng sp. nov., S. megistus sp. nov., S. penglai sp. nov., S. longissimus sp. nov., S. genjudi sp. nov., S. laiyuanensis sp. nov., S. longiflagellatus sp. nov., S. change sp. nov., S. ampullaceus sp. nov., S. incisodentatus sp. nov., S. multistriatus sp. nov., and S. conicus sp. nov. This significantly enriches the diversity of Skleroprotopus in China, bringing it to a total of 18 species. With the exception of S. yutiantianae sp. nov., all these species were collected in caves. In terms of their degree of adaptation to the cave environment, the latter six species are presumed troglophiles, while the others are likely troglobites. DNA-barcoding based on the COI mitochondrial gene is documented for the first time in this genus. The specific p-distances between Skleroprotopus species range from 6.6–17.0%, while intraspecific p-distances are only 0.2–1.4%. Additionally, the morphological features of male leg-pair 1, the penis and leg-pair 7 are also discussed.

Keywords: barcoding, cave, diversity, new species, phylogeny

Pictures of live animals:
 A Skleroprotopus change sp. nov.; B Skleroprotopus megistus sp. nov.; C Skleroprotopus longissimus sp. nov.; D Skleroprotopus genjudi sp. nov.; E Skleroprotopus tiankeng sp. nov.; F Skleroprotopus laiyuanensis sp. nov.; G Skleroprotopus incisodentatus sp. nov. 

photos by Prof. Mingyi Tian from SCAU

 Skleroprotopus tiankeng sp. nov.

 

Holotype male (SCAU), China, Shaanxi Province, Hanzhong City, Nanzheng District, Cave Xigoutiankeng Dong, ..., 850 m, ....

Diagnosis: Differs from congeners mostly based on the following combination of characters: (1) penis much longer than coxae 2 (Fig. 5I); (2) male leg 7 with a very small coxal process, lower than the telopodite (Fig. 5E); (3) anterior gonopod (Fig. 5G, H) with a large and foot-shaped like coxal process, carrying a broadened membranous lobe, outer margin with a triangular protrusion, and a relatively thick flagellum. — In addition, this new species differs from all other species analyzed in a >10.3% uncorrected p-distance of the COI barcoding gene.

Etymology: The species is named after its type locality that is the Hanzhong sinkhole group, a geological wonder composed of multiple heavenly pits. “Tiankeng” in Chinese “天坑”, a noun in apposition.

 Skleroprotopus megistus sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from congeners mostly based on the following combination of characters: (1) telopoditomere 3 of male leg 1 particularly broad and bulging in the middle (Fig. 6E); (2) penis subequal in height to coxae 2 (Fig. 6F); (3) coxal process of male leg 7 very small, lower than the telopodite (Fig. 6D); (4) anterior gonopod with a long coxal process carrying a highly developed, axe-shaped, membranous lobe (Fig. 6I). — In addition, this new species differs from all other species analyzed in a >10.3% uncorrected p-distance of the COI barcoding gene.

Etymology: Latinised Greek “megistus” is meaning “large”. The specific epithet refers to the male leg-pair 1 being particularly large; adjective.

 Skleroprotopus change sp. nov.

 

Holotype male (SCAU), China, Hubei Province, Xianning City, Xian’an District, Chang’e Scenic Park, Cave Feixian Dong, ..., 160 m, ...

Diagnosis: Differs from congeners mostly based on the following combination of characters: (1) telopoditomere 4 of male leg 1 rounded, with a small mesal hump (Fig. 8E); (2) penis slightly longer than male coxae 2 (Fig. 8D); (3) male leg 7 with a very small coxal process and a 4-segmented telopodite (Fig. 8F); (4) anterior gonopod (Fig. 8G, H) with a very long coxal process carrying a somewhat broadened and dentated membranous lobe. — In addition, this new species differs from all other Skleroprotopus species analyzed in uncorrected p-distances ranging from between 6.6% (compared to S. longiflagellatus sp. nov.) and 15.6% (compared to S. longissimus sp. nov.).

Etymology: The specific epithet is primarily derived from its type locality, which is named after Chang’e. She is the fairy of the moon palace in the ancient Chinese mythology. “Change” in Chinese “嫦娥”, a noun in apposition.

 Skleroprotopus incisodentatus sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from congeners mostly based on the following combination of characters: (1) telopoditomere 4 of male leg 1 with a small mesal hump (Fig. 13D); (2) penis slightly higher than coxae 2 (Fig. 13C); (3) male leg 7 with a very small coxal process, much lower than telopodite, which is made up of 4 segments and a claw (Fig. 13F); (4) anterior gonopod (Fig. 13E, I) with a very long coxal process carrying a narrow, lower, membranous lobe, distally with a vague indentation. — In addition, this new species differs from all other species analyzed in a >8.0% uncorrected p-distance of the COI barcoding gene.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the distally vague indentation of a membranous lobe of anterior gonopod; adjective.

.

.

.

 Rong Chen, Yi Zhao, Sergei Golovatch and Wei-Xin Liu. 2024. Molecular Phylogenetic and Morphological Studies reveal increased Species Diversity in the Millipede Genus Skleroprotopus Attems, 1901 in China (Julida: Mongoliulidae). Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 82: 659-691. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.82.e136751  

[Ichthyology • 2024] Aulopus chirichignoae • A New flagfin (Aulopiformes: Aulopidae) from the eastern Pacific Ocean

 

Aulopus chirichignoae

Béarez, Zavalaga, Miranda, Mennesson, Campos-Leónand & Jiménez-Prado, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.6  

 

Abstract

A new species of the Aulopidae is described from the waters of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. was previously confused with Aulopus bajacali Parin & Kotlyar, 1984, but it differs from this species by a significantly marked elongation of the dorsal fin rays in males (absent in females), a smaller head, modal differences in dorsal and anal ray counts (15 vs 14 and 11 vs 12, respectively), a higher number of vertebrae (50–51 vs 47–49), and color differences, especially on the dorsal fin. DNA barcoding analysis supported the status of new species, evidencing a 4.2% and 2.8% divergence with Aulopus filamentosus (Bloch, 1792) and A. bajacali, respectively. A sequence of an Aulopus sp., collected in the Tropical Eastern Pacific, matches the new species with only a 0.4% divergence, indicating that Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. is distributed at least as far north as the Paramount Seamount at 3°20.35’N, ca. 400 km north of the Galápagos Islands.

Pisces, new species, fish, taxonomy, Peru, Ecuador, Tropical Eastern Pacific, DNA barcode

Aulopus chirichignoae sp. nov. 

Philippe BÉAREZ, Fabiola ZAVALAGA, Junior MIRANDA, Marion I. MENNESSON, Sarita CAMPOS-LEÓN and Pedro JIMÉNEZ-PRADO. 2024. Aulopus chirichignoae, A New flagfin from the eastern Pacific Ocean (Teleostei, Aulopiformes, Aulopidae). Zootaxa. 5458(1); 108-118. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5458.1.6  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Cobitis beijingensis • A New spined loach (Cypriniformes: Cobitidae) from northern China

Cobitis beijingensis  Sun & Zhao, 

in Sun, X.-Y. Li, X.-J. Li, Hao, Sheng et Zhao, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.137363  

Abstract

A new spined loach, Cobitis beijingensis, is described from Beijing, China. The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by a combination of characters: 1) Lamina circularis on pectoral fin of male elongated, posterior margin slightly serrated; 2) possessing 14–18 (mode 15) pre-pelvic myotomes; 3) pelvic fin inserted below 3rd–5th branched dorsal-fin ray; 4) total vertebrae 4+ 36–38 (mode 37); 5) L2 of the Gambetta’s pattern does not exist or is fused with L1. The molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial Cyt b also support C. beijingensis to be a new species.

Key Words: Beijing, freshwater fish, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy

Cobitis beijingensis sp. nov., holotype, ASZIB 240630, 55.0 mm standard length;
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Original drawing.

Live individuals of Cobitis beijingensis sp. nov.
A. Holotype, ASIZB 240630, male; B. Uncatalogued, female;
C. Paratype, ASIZB 240682, male, photographed in aquarium.

 Cobitis beijingensis Sun & Zhao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished by the combination of the following characters: Lamina circularis on pectoral fin elongated, posterior margin slightly serrated; 14–18 (mode 15) prepelvic myotomes; pelvic fin inserted below 3rd–5th branched dorsal-fin ray; total vertebrae 4+ 36–38 (mode 37); the second Gambetta line (L2) does not exist or is fused with the first line (L1).

Zhi-Xian Sun, Xue-Yuan Li, Xue-Jian Li, Jun-Yuan Hao, Dong Sheng and Ya-Hui Zhao. 2025. Cobitis beijingensis, A New spined loach from northern China (Cypriniformes, Cobitidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 55-67. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.137363  

[Crustacea • 2024] Dulcibella camanchaca • A New large Predator (Amphipoda: Eusiridae) hidden at hadal depths of the Atacama Trench

 Dulcibella camanchaca Weston & González,

in Weston, González, Escribano et Ulloa, 2024.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430  

 

Abstract

The deep ocean is a vast reservoir of new species to science, and each discovery improves our ecological understanding of these remote ecosystems. One island-like ecosystem is the Atacama Trench (Southeast Pacific Ocean), where the hadal depths (>6000 m) host a distinctive endemic community. Unlike the communities of other hadal subduction trenches, predatory (non-scavenging) amphipods have not been documented or collected from the Atacama Trench. In this study, we applied an integrative taxonomic approach to describe a new predatory amphipod in the Eusiridae Stebbing, 1888 family collected from 7902 m during the 2023 IDOOS Expedition and provide an updated global Eusiridae key with the 14th genus. Morphology and DNA barcoding robustly supported raising a new genus separate from the systematically similar genera Dorotea. Dulcibella camanchaca gen. nov. sp. nov. is a large amphipod (holotype: 38.9 mm length) with diagnostic features that include: a smooth dorsal body, 12 spines on the outer maxilla 1 plate, subsimilar and strongly subchelate gnathopods with broad carpus lobes, the pereopods 3 and 4 dactyli are 0.45× of the respective propodus and pereopods 5 to 7 dactyli are 0.6×, a distal spiniform process on the peduncle of uropod 1, and an elongated but weakly cleft telson. Together, Dulcibella camanchaca gen. nov. sp. nov. is a novel predator and reinforces the eco-evolutionary distinctiveness of the Atacama Trench. 

Key Words: Deep ocean, DNA barcoding, Eusiridae key, Integrative taxonomy, Peru-Chile Trench

Dulcibella camanchaca gen. nov. sp. nov.
 Post-preservation of the holotype female (MNHNCL AMP-15974).

 Dulcibella camanchaca gen. nov. sp. nov.
  Holotype female (MNHNCL AMP-15974).
W – whole, left side. A1 – left antenna 1 zoom. A2 – left antenna 2 zoom. D – left dactylus from pereopod 5–7 zoom. U1 – left uropod 1 ventral side. U2 – left uropod 2 dorsal side. U3 – left uropod 3 dorsal side. T – telson.

Order Amphipoda Latreille, 1816

Suborder Amphilochidea Boeck, 1871

Superfamily Eusiroidea Stebbing, 1888

Family Eusiridae Stebbing, 1888

Dulcibella gen. nov. Weston & González

Type species: Dulcibella camanchaca sp. nov.

Etymology: The new genus is morphologically similar to Cleonardo Stebbing, 1888 and Dorotea Corbari, Frutos & Sorbe, 2019. Both genera’s names were taken as characters from Cervantes’s novel Don Quixote de la Mancha. This new genus, Dulcibella, extends this tradition with an homage to the character Dulcinea del Toboso. She is the imagined unrequited love of Don Quixote, and the source of all inspiration for love, bravery, and faith. However, the name Dulcinea is preoccupied by Dulcinea Péringuey, 1907 in the insect order Coleoptera. To adhere to Article 52 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999), we are paying tribute to the tradition with the name “Dulcibella.” Similarly, Dulcibella appears in medieval English poetry and literature as an archetypal name for a sweetheart or idealized woman. Derived from dulcis (sweet) and bella (beautiful), Dulcibella reinforces themes of sweetness and beauty.

Diagnosis: Body dorsally smooth. Pigmented eyes lacking. Antenna 1 longer than antenna 2, accessory flagellum 1-articulated, flagellum calceolate. Mandible incisor ends in a strong, blunt tooth; lacinia mobilis 5-dentate; setal row with 9 setae; molar trituration. Maxilla 1 inner plate with 3 subapical setae; outer plate with 12 apical spines. Maxilliped inner plate with 3 apical teeth; inner margin of palp article-4 denticulate. Coxa 1 not produced anteriorly and shorter than coxa 2. Coxae 5–6 bilobate. Gnathopods 1–2 subsimilar, ...

Dulcibella camanchaca sp. nov. Weston & González

Etymology: Named for "camanchaca", a dense, low coastal fog that forms by the Atacama Desert and moves inland. "Camanchacas" was also the name given to some of the littoral inhabitants of this desertic region. Finally, "camanchaca" has also been attributed to mean "darkness" in the languages of the peoples from the Andes region and, in our case, signifies the deep, dark ocean from where this species predates.

Johanna N. J. Weston, Carolina E. González, Rubén Escribano and Osvaldo Ulloa. 2024. A New large Predator (Amphipoda, Eusiridae) hidden at hadal depths of the Atacama Trench. Systematics and Biodiversity. 22(1); 2416430. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2024.2416430  

[Ichthyology • 2024] Chromis abadhah • A New Species of Damselfish (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives

 

Chromis abadhah

L.A. Rocha, Pinheiro, Najeeb, C.R. Rocha & Shepherd, 2024  

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

 

Abstract

A new species of Chromis (Teleostei, Pomacentridae) is described from four specimens collected between 95 and 110 m depth in mesophotic coral ecosystems in the Maldives, Indian Ocean. Chromis abadhah sp. nov. can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; pearly white body with a large black marking covering the anterior two-thirds of the anal fin. The closest DNA barcode sequence (5.1% average uncorrected genetic distance on the mitochondrial COI gene), among those available, is Chromis woodsi, a similar mesophotic species known from the coastal western Indian Ocean (Somalia to South Africa). The new species is easily distinguished from C. woodsi by having 13 dorsal spines (versus 14 in C. woodsi), the absence of a black band on the base of the tail (present in C. woodsi), and by the genetic difference.

Key words: COI, deep reefs, ichthyology, Indian Ocean, rebreather diving, taxonomy

Holotype of Chromis abadhah, CAS 248401, 68.7 mm SL, shortly after collection.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

Chromis abadhah in its natural habitat in Faadhippolhu Atoll, Maldives, at approximately 110 m depth.

Photo by Luiz Rocha.

 Chromis abadhah sp. nov.

 Suggested Maldivian name: Abadhah Chromis 

Suggested English name: Perpetual Chromis

Diagnosis: The following combination of characters distinguishes Chromis abadhah sp. nov. from all of its congeners: dorsal-fin rays XIII, 12–13; anal-fin rays II,11–12; pectoral-fin rays 17–18; tubed lateral-line scales 17; gill rakers 7+17–18 = 24–25; body pearly white; large black marking covering anterior two-thirds of anal fin; small black spot on upper edge of pectoral-fin base; no markings on caudal peduncle.

Etymology: The work that led to the discovery of this species was funded by the Rolex Perpetual Planet initiative through a Rolex Award for Enterprises to LAR. To honor this initiative, we name this species “abadhah” (pronounced aa-BAH-duh), which means “perpetual” in Dhivehi, the local language of the Maldives. We also hope that this species and its habitat remain perpetual. To be treated as a noun in apposition.

Luiz A. Rocha, Hudson T. Pinheiro, Ahmed Najeeb, Claudia R. Rocha and Bart Shepherd. 2024. Chromis abadhah (Teleostei, Pomacentridae), A New Species of Damselfish from mesophotic coral ecosystems of the Maldives. ZooKeys. 1219: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.126777

[Entomology • 2024] Autocrates soni • A New Species of Autocrates (Coleoptera: Trictenotomidae) from Vietnam revealed by DNA Barcoding and Morphological Evidence

Autocrates soni

Cho Hee-Wook & Kim Kang-Rae, 2024  

  

DOI: 10.37520/aemnp.2024.018

Abstract

Autocrates soni sp. nov. is described from Vietnam based on morphological and molecular evidence. This beetle is characterised by reddish-brown pubescence on its ventral side and much shorter setae on its femora compared to the closely related species Autocrates vitalisi Vuillet, 1912. The validity of this new species is strongly supported by DNA barcode data from all known species of the genus Autocrates.

Key words: Coleoptera, Tenebrionoidea, Trictenotomidae, Autocrates, new species, DNA barcoding, phylogeny, Vietnam, Oriental Region

Type locality of Autocrates soni sp. nov.
 A–B – light equipment used for collecting; C–D – living individuals attracted by light

(photographed by Min-Woo Son).

Autocrates soni sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis. Autocrates soni sp. nov. is almost identical to A. vitalisi Vuillet, 1912, in its general appearance and genital structure. However, the new species can be distinguished by the reddish-brown pubescence on the ventral side as shown in Fig. 5A (yellow, ochre to ochre-greyish in A. vitalisi as in Fig. 5B); femora except inner margin covered with sparse punctures bearing short setae (much longer setae in A. vitalisi); dorsum black with very weak metallic lustre (dorsum generally cupreous, purple or pale green metallic in A. vitalisi). Autocrates lini Hu, Drumont & Telnov, 2022, is also similar, but diff ers in the golden pubescence on venter and glabrous dorsum. 

Etymology. This new species is dedicated to Mr. Hyunsu Son (Hwaseong, South Korea), an amateur beetle collector who first pointed out the morphological diff erences of this new species.

Distribution. Vietnam: Khanh Hoa.

 

Cho Hee-Wook and Kim Kang-Rae. 2024. A New Species of Autocrates (Coleoptera: Trictenotomidae) revealed by DNA Barcoding and Morphological Evidence. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 64(2); 269-276. DOI: doi.org/10.37520/aemnp.2024.018

  x.com/leafbeetles/status/1851840369191010776

[Crustacea • 2024] Podoceropsis nanseiae • A New Species of the Genus Podoceropsis Boeck, 1861 (Amphipoda: Photidae) from Kagoshima Bay, Japan

Podoceropsis nanseiae

 Kodama, Mukaida, Hosoki, Makino & Azuma, 2024

DOI doi.org/10.3800/pbr.19.141 

 x.com/MasafumiKodama

 

Abstract

A new species of photid amphipod, Podoceropsis nanseiae, is described from Kagoshima Bay, Japan. The present new species can be distinguished from all the congeners in having clusters of robust setae on the male gnathopod 2 basis. This species resembles Gammaropsis laevipalmata Ren, 1992, however can be distinguished from G. laevipalmata by the presence of small accessory flagellum in antenna 1, the size of eyes, the shape of palmer margin of male gnathopod 2, and the clusters of robust setae on the male gnathopod 2 basis. The closely related species G. laevipalmata should be transferred to the genus Podoceropsis. Additionally, a partial DNA sequence of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) was determined from the type specimens of P. nanseiae sp. nov. for future taxonomic studies.

Keywords: Amphipoda, DNA barcoding, Japan, Kagoshima Bay, new species, taxonomy

 Podoceropsis nanseiae

 

Masafumi Kodama, Yukiko Mukaida, Takuya K. Hosoki, Fumihiro Makino and Takafumi Azuma. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Podoceropsis Boeck, 1861 (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Photidae) from Kagoshima Bay, Japan. Plankton and Benthos Research. 19(3); 141-152. DOI doi.org/10.3800/pbr.19.141

  x.com/MasafumiKodama/status/1829700715230740791

[Arachnida • 2024] Gelotia onoi • First Record of Gelotia Thorell, 1890 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Vietnam with Description of A New Species

Gelotia onoi

Hoang, Phan & Vo, 2024

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72;

 Abstract

 A novel species of the spartaeine genus Gelotia Thorell, 1890, G. onoi, new species is described from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Additionally, two species, G. liuae Wang & Li, 2020 and G. zhengi Cao & Li, 2016 are also recorded from Vietnam for the first time. Detailed descriptions, illustrations of the copulatory organs, somatic features, and DNA barcodes for the species are provided. 

Key words. DNA barcoding, jumping spiders, Southeast Asia, Spartaeinae

Habitus of Gelotia onoi, new species (female, holotype) in life. A, B, habitus, dorsal view; C, D, habitus, dorso-lateral view.

Gelotia onoi, new species

Diagnosis. The female of Gelotia onoi, new species (Figs. 1–2) resembles those of the type species, G. frenata Thorell, 1890 and G. liuae Wang & Li, 2020 in having the epigyne with a fold and rounded window, but differs from two latter species by the following characteristics: the epigynal window located in the near middle in the new species (Fig. 2C) while anterior in both G. frenata (fig. 5 in Prószyński, 1969) and G. liuae (cf. Fig. 4C and fig. 8A in Wang & Li, 2020), copulatory duct significantly longer than the length of spermathecae (Fig. 2D) (shorter in other species), spermathecae almost rounded, relatively very small (Fig. 2D) in comparision with G. frenata and G. liuae as well as all other members of the genus Gelotia (see comparative illustrations in Metzner, 2024).

 

Etymology. This specific epithet is given to honour Dr. Hirotsugu Ono (Japan), who has made great contributions to improving knowledge of the spider fauna in Vietnam. 

Quang D. Hoang, Quoc T. Phan and Van M. Vo. 2024. First Record of Gelotia Thorell, 1890 (Araneae: Salticidae) from Vietnam with Description of A New Species. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 72; 294–302.

[Crustacea • 2024] Valettietta synchlys & V. trottarum • Biogeography and Phylogeny of the scavenging amphipod Genus Valettietta (Amphipoda: Alicelloidea), with Descriptions of Two New Species from the Abyssal Pacific Ocean

 

Valettietta synchlys & V. trottarum 

Stewart,  Bribiesca-Contreras, Weston, Glover & Horton, 2024

DOI: 10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae102 

 x.com/EvaCDStewart

 

Abstract

Valettietta Lincoln & Thurston, 1983 (Amphipoda: Alicelloidea) is an infrequently sampled genus of scavenging amphipod, with a known bathymetric range from 17–5467 m encompassing a variety of habitats from anchialine caves to abyssal plains. Molecular systematics studies have uncovered cryptic speciation in specimens collected from the abyssal Pacific, highlighting uncertainty in the description of Valettietta anacantha (Birstein & Vinogradov, 1963). Here, we apply an integrative taxonomic approach and describe two new species, Valettietta trottarum sp. nov. and Valettietta synchlys sp. nov., collected at abyssal depths in the Clarion-Clipperton Zone, Pacific Ocean. Both species can be distinguished by characters of the gnathopods, uropod 3, and the inner plate of the maxilliped. Further, molecular phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial (16S rDNA and COI) and two nuclear (Histone 3 and 28S rRNA) regions found both new species to form well-supported clades and allowed us to re-identify previously published records based on genetic species delimitation. The biogeography of Valettietta is discussed in light of these re-evaluated records, and a new taxonomic key to the genus is provided. These new taxa highlight the strength of applying an integrated taxonomic approach to uncover biodiversity, which is critical in regions being explored for potential industrial purposes.

cryptic species, integrative taxonomy, DNA barcoding, Clarion-Clipperton Zone, deep-sea mining, biodiversity

Valettietta synchlys sp. nov.

Etymology: Synchlys, Greek, meaning mixed or ‘washed together by the waves’, alluding to the morphological characters of this species resembling a mixture of both Valettietta anacantha and Valettietta gracilis. Used as a noun in apposition.

Valettietta trottarum sp. nov.

Etymology: This species is named for the Trott family of Deal, Kent (UK). In their service as sailors of luggers, they saved many lives before the introduction of formal lifeboats (c.1750—c.1856). It is particularly named for Robert and Suzanne Trott, who spent their childhood in the city of Valetta, Malta. Used as a noun in apposition, gender feminine.

Eva C. D. Stewart, Guadalupe Bribiesca-Contreras, Johanna N. J. Weston, Adrian G. Glover and Tammy Horton. 2024. Biogeography and Phylogeny of the scavenging amphipod Genus Valettietta (Amphipoda: Alicelloidea), with Descriptions of Two New Species from the Abyssal Pacific Ocean.  Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 201(4) zlae102. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlae102

  x.com/EvaCDStewart/status/1825611036403081648