[Funga • 2025] Cyathus hiloensis (Basidiomycota: Nidulariaceae) • A new species in the Hawaiian Archipelago

Cyathus hiloensis  

in Góis, da Cruz, Baseia et Hosaka, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2025.2454602 

   x.com/RhudsonCruz

ABSTRACT

This study focuses on expanding knowledge of Cyathus species in the Hawaiian archipelago through the description of a newly discovered species from Hilo, the largest town in Hawaii County. Based on morphological and molecular data, Cyathus hiloensis is proposed as new taxon within the pallidum group. A comprehensive description of its distinguishing features is provided, along with a detailed comparison to closely related taxa.

KEYWORDS: Biodiversity, Hawaiian archipelago, Pacific Ocean, taxonomy, systematic

 

Jefferson dos S. Góis, Rhudson H.S.F. da Cruz, Iuri G. Baseia and Kentaro Hosaka. 2025. A new species Cyathus hiloensis (Nidulariaceae, Basidiomycota) in the Hawaiian Archipelago. New Zealand Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/0028825X.2025.2454602  

  x.com/RhudsonCruz/status/1883701573723050065  

[Botany • 2024] Schiedea waiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae) • An enigmatic New Species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands and the first species discovered by a drone collection system

Schiedea waiahuluensis  W.L.Wagner, Weller, B.Nyberg, & A.K.Sakai,
  

in Wagner, Weller, Sakai, Nyberg et Wood, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.247.130241

Abstract

During a survey by the National Tropical Botanical Garden drone team, an enigmatic Schiedea was observed in December 2021on steep, rocky cliff faces of the Waiahulu Valley in the Waimea Canyon of Kaua'i. Subsequently, another survey was conducted in March 2022 and, by use of a remotely controlled cutting device suspended below the drone, the first herbarium specimen was collected, as well as a seed collection of an undescribed cliff-dwelling species of Schiedea. Detailed study of the collections and plants grown at the University of California, Irvine greenhouse showed that it had enlarged, somewhat whitish sepals similar to those of cliff-dwelling S. attenuata (the sole species in sect. Leucocalyx), yet differed significantly from all other species in the genus. It also shares with S. attenuata a woody habit, hermaphroditic flowers, coloured nectar and styles 5 to 7 or 8. We describe it here as S. waiahuluensis given the only known localities are on the cliffs of this valley and place it in an enlarged sect. Leucocalyx. With the discovery of this new species, there are 36 species in this Hawaiian endemic genus.

Key words: Caryophyllaceae, conservation, drone exploration, Hawaiian Islands, Kaua'i, Schiedea

 

Schiedea waiahuluensis 
A drone collected specimen Nyberg BN 023 with endemic Mirid on upper right bud B habit of plant in native habitat Williams AMW820, photo by Ben Nyberg
C seed William AMW 821, photo by seedsofhawaii.org D flower of drone collected specimen, Nyberg BN 023, photo by KR Wood.

Collecting Schiedea waiahuluensis via drone
A population accessed on rope, with drone in background William AMW821, photo by Adam Williams B collecting arm hanging from drone, photo by Ben Nyberg C drone collecting arm with specimen, Nyberg BN023 photo by Ben Nyberg.

Schiedea waiahuluensis habitat
A Waiahulu branch of Waimea Canyon, drone photo, by Ben Nyberg
B non-collected individual, drone photo by Ben Nyberg.

 Schiedea waiahuluensis W.L.Wagner, Weller, B.Nyberg, & A.K.Sakai, sp. nov.

Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the Waiahulu cliff region of Waimea Canyon, Kaua'i, the only known location where the new species is found.

Warren L. Wagner, Stephen G. Weller, Ann K. Sakai, Ben Nyberg and Kenneth R. Wood. 2024. Schiedea waiahuluensis (Caryophyllaceae), An enigmatic New Species from Kaua'i, Hawaiian Islands and the first species discovered by a drone collection system. PhytoKeys. 247: 111-121. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.247.130241

[Entomology • 2020] Bulasconotus scaccarius • A New Species of cylindrical Bark Beetle (Coleoptera: Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Vanuatu establishes in Hawaii

Bulasconotus scaccarius 

Bernard & Gillett, 2020

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.12 

 Researchgate.net/publication/342762932

Abstract

We describe Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov., a new species of cylindrical bark beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae: Synchitini), elevating the number of described species in its genus to two. Despite discovering this species in Hawaii, we suspect, based on collections and survey data, that it is endemic to the South Pacific archipelago of Vanuatu and has only recently arrived in Hawaii. Evidence of the diet of closely related genera indicates that the new species may be a predator of ambrosia beetles (Curculionidae: Scolytinae), conceivably posing a risk to those that are endemic to Hawaii.

Keywords: Coleoptera, Colydiidae, invasive species, Melanesia, New Hebrides, Oahu, Tenebrionoidea

 Micrograph of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. collected by Josef and Marie Sedlacek on Vanuatu's Malekula Island in 1967, depicting coloration of A) dorsal and B) ventral aspects.

Scale bars: 1 mm.

 Known locations of Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov. in A) the Vanuatu archipelago, scale bar: 100 km; and B) Oahu in the Hawaiian archipelago, scale bar: 50 km. C) Living B. scaccarius sp. nov. among entrance tunnels and frass of Hawaiian ambrosia beetles (Xyleborus lanaiensis) on Hawaiian trees (Planchonella sandwicensis) from the Honouliuli Forest Reserve on Oahu, scale bar: 1 mm.

Bulasconotus scaccarius sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is the adjective form of the nominative singular noun scaccarium, meaning a chessboard, in reference to the chequered pattern on the elytra. This name thereby conforms to article 11.9.1.1 of the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature. Because the adjective suffix agrees with the masculinity of the generic name, the binomial name also conforms to article 31.2 even though the eponym is neuter.

Jared Bernard, Conrad P. D. T. Gillett. 2020. A New Species of cylindrical Bark Beetle (Zopheridae: Colydiinae) from Vanuatu establishes in Hawaii.  Zootaxa. 4809(3); 593–599. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4809.3.12

  Researchgate.net/publication/342762932_A_new_species_of_bark_beetle_establishes_in_Hawaii

[Botany • 2024] Myrsine cirrhosa (Primulaceae) • A distinctive New shrub Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood, 

in Lorence, Wood, Appelhans et Wagner, 2024.  

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.123694

 

Abstract

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood (Primulaceae), a new single-island endemic shrub species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated. Notes on its distribution, ecology and conservation status are included. The new species is known from an area with ca. 45 individuals, where it is restricted to the remote central windward region of Kaua‘i in open bogs and along open windy ridges. Suggested IUCN Red List status is CR (Critically Endangered). It differs from its Kaua‘i congeners by its longer petals and narrowly elliptic leaves with strongly undulate margins and tendril-like apex. Phylogenetic analysis using RADseq data supports the recognition of this new species.

Key words: Conservation, Hawaiian Islands, Kaua‘i endemism, Myrsine, Primulaceae

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood
 A habit, fruiting branch B leaf showing cirrhose apex and detail of intramarginal venation C inflorescence in bud D inflorescence, flowers at anthesis E flower at anthesis, view from apex F flower at anthesis, view from base G pistil H mature drupe.

A, B drawn from Wood et al. 835 (PTBG), C drawn from Wood & Query 12824 (PTBG), D–G drawn from Wood et al.18139 (PTBG), H drawn from Perlman & Wood 12747 (PTBG). 

Illustration by Robin Jess.

Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood
A habit showing leaves with characteristic undulate margins and cirrhose apex (from Kamo‘oloa headwater below Kapalaoa Kaua‘i, Wood & Query 12824)
B twig with leaves and flowers (from Wai‘ahi, Kaua‘i Wood 18139)
C open exposed wind-swept summit ridges of Wai‘ale‘ale, Kaua‘i representing the habitat for Myrsine cirrhosa.

All photos by K.R. Wood.

 Myrsine cirrhosa Lorence & K.R.Wood, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Myrsine cirrhosa is most similar morphologically to both M. helleri and M. fosbergii, from which it differs by its longer petals and leaves with a combination of strongly undulate margins and tendril-like, cirrhose apex.

Etymology: Specific epithet refers to the curved or hooked, tendril-like leaf apices. However, the plant is shrubby and non-climbing.

David H. Lorence, Kenneth R. Wood, Marc S. Appelhans and Warren L. Wagner. 2024. Myrsine cirrhosa (Primulaceae), A distinctive New shrub Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands. PhytoKeys. 243: 47-61. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.243.123694

[Botany • 2024] Cyrtandra obliquifolia (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands

 

Cyrtandra obliquifolia K.R. Wood & W.L. Wagner, 

in Wood et Wagner, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.114704

 

Abstract

Cyrtandra obliquifolia K.R. Wood & W.L. Wagner (Gesneriaceae), a new shrub species known only from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated with notes on its distribution, ecology, and conservation status. The new species is morphologically most similar to Cyrtandra wawrae C.B. Clarke but differs by its unique combination of oblique, non-peltate, auriculate leaf bases, more deeply divided calyx lobes, inflorescence with fewer flowers and lacking profusely umbellate cymes. Cyrtandra obliquifolia is known from only two localities which have undergone severe habitat degradation from landslides and invasive plants and animals and is determined to be Critically Endangered (CR) when evaluated under IUCN criteria.

Key words: Conservation, critically endangered, Cyrtandra, Gesneriaceae, Hawaiian Islands, Kaua‘i

Cyrtandra obliquifolia K.R. Wood & W.L. Wagner
A habit B pubescence on upper leaf surface and margin C pubescence on lower surface and margin D flower in early anthesis (male phase) E flower in full anthesis (female stage) F calyx after flowering showing stigma. Drawn from holotype and augmented with photograph of plant that holotype was taken from (A–D, F) and from close-up photo of plant that holotype was taken from (E).

Cyrtandra obliquifolia K.R. Wood & W.L. Wagner from headwaters of Waikoko Valley where holotype was collected
A, B habit C close-up of early anthesis flower D general habitat of type locality.

All photos by K.R. Wood.

 Cyrtandra obliquifolia K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Morphologically, Cyrtandra obliquifolia is similar to C. wawrae, differing in having non-peltate leaves (vs. peltate), only 3–5-flowered cymes (vs. dense umbelliform cymes up to 17-flowered), corolla tube 10–11 mm long (vs. 13–17 mm long), and calyx ca. 10 mm long, the lobes lanceolate, 8–9.5 mm long, pilose within (vs. calyx 12–32 mm long, enclosing the fruit at maturity, the lobes deltate, 2–6(–10) mm long, glabrate to sparsely pilose).

Etymology: The species epithet is from the Latin obliquus meaning slanting or unequal sides, and folius for leaf.

Kenneth R. Wood and Warren L. Wagner. 2024. Cyrtandra obliquifolia (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands. PhytoKeys. 237: 141-151. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.237.114704

[Botany • 2023] Kahakuloa operculispora • A New Hawaiian Simple Thalloid Liverwort in A New Genus and Family, Kahakuloaceae (Fossombroniales)

Kahakuloa operculispora A.V.Freire, Judz., Cargill, L.L.Forrest & Gradst.,  

Freire, Judziewicz, Cargill, Forrest, Gradstein, Oppenheimer, Pezzillo et Sepsenwol, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/bde.46.1.4

  Researchgate.net/publication/376906553

Abstract

Kahakuloa operculispora, a new simple thalloid liverwort endemic to Hawaiʻi, so far only known from high elevation bogs in western Maui, is described and illustrated. The thallus has prominent reddish-purple rhizoids, uniseriate ventral slime papillae and lacks scales. The plants are dioicous; male plants have antheridia sunken in several rows of dorsal chambers, subtended by scales, while female plants have clustered archegonia enclosed by thick, barrel-shaped involucres that develop serially at the plant apex, before fertilization, and are arranged in a single dorsal row at maturity; perichaetial scales and pseudoperianths (defined as involucres developing after fertilization) are lacking. The capsules are spherical, 2−3 stratose, and dehisce irregularly; the spores are areolate and have a unique operculum-like disk on the proximal face. Molecular and morphological evidence supports placement of the plant in a new genus and family in the order Fossombroniales, suborder Fossombroniineae. Kahakuloa is the first liverwort genus endemic to Hawaiʻi, and Kahakuloaceae is the only known endemic Hawaiian land plant family.

Keywords: Marchantiophyta, Kahakuloa, Hawaii, Fossombroniineae, liverwort

Kahakuloaceae A.V.Freire, Judz., Cargill, L.L.Forrest & Gradst., new family

Kahakuloa operculispora A.V.Freire, Judz., Cargill, L.L.Forrest & Gradst. new genus and species 

Diagnosis:—Kahakuloa operculispora differs from all other members of Fossombroniales in having numerous, apically developing (pre-fertilization), inflated, barrel-shaped involucres, each protecting a small cluster of archegonia; in having sunken antheridia in several rows of dorsal chambers protected by scales; and in having spores with aproximal operculum-like disk. The genus is morphologically most similar to Allisonia in its lack of ventral scales, presence of long, reddish-purple rhizoids, and ventral hairs tipped with slime papillae; however,  Allisonia differs in having archegonia in a single cluster enclosed by partially connate scales, by having superficial antheridia, by having a true calyptra rather than a shoot calyptra; and by having cristate rather than areolate spores that lack an operculum-like disk.

A. Virginia Freire, Emmet J. Judziewicz, D. Christine Cargill, Laura L. Forrest, S. Robbert Gradstein, Hank L. Oppenheimer, Zachary Pezzillo and Sol Sepsenwol. 2023. Kahakuloa operculispora, A New Hawaiian Simple Thalloid Liverwort in A New Genus and Family, Kahakuloaceae (Fossombroniales). Bryophyte Diversity and Evolution. 46(1); 10-34. DOI: 10.11646/bde.46.1.4

  Researchgate.net/publication/376906553_Kahakuloa_operculispora_a_new_Hawaiian_simple_thalloid_liverwort_in_a_new_genus_and_family 

[Cnidaria • 2023] Anthomastus nanhaiensis, new species, and Bathyalcyon robustum Versluys, 1906, Two mushroom Soft Corals (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) from Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea

Anthomastus nanhaiensis   

 Li & Xu, 2023

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71 

 Abstract

 Members of the subfamily Anthomastinae Verrill, 1922, commonly known as mushroom soft corals, are some of the most typical examples of octocorals in the deep sea. However, their diversity and spatial distribution in the northwestern Pacific are poorly known. Here, two species of mushroom soft corals were obtained from the Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea, one described as Anthomastus nanhaiensis, new species, and the other identified as Bathyalcyon robustum Versluys, 1906. Anthomastus nanhaiensis is characterised by highly tuberculated double spheroids, clubs and spindles in capitulum and stalk, and the absence of sclerites from neck zone of anthocodial wall. It is the first species of Anthomastus Verrill, 1878 recorded from the South China Sea, and the second one known from the northwestern Pacific. Bathyalcyon robustum Versluys, 1906 is a remarkable octocoral originally reported from the western Pacific by having a single large autozooid, a peculiar feature within the subfamily Anthomastinae Verrill, 1922. We describe its live morphology for the first time and the detailed structure of sclerites, particularly the rodlets in pharynx and the multiradiates in tentacles, which can be used to distinguish the monotypic genus Bathyalcyon Versluys, 1906 from Anthomastus Verrill, 1878 (vs. platelets in pharynx and the absence of multiradiates in tentacles).

Key words. Anthomastinae, Scleralcyonacea, Anthozoa, dimorphic, taxonomy, deep sea

TAXONOMY: 

Class Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866 

Order Scleralcyonacea McFadden, van Ofwegen & Quattrini, 2022 

Family Coralliidae Lamouroux, 1812 

Subfamily Anthomastinae Verrill, 1922 

Anthomastus Verrill, 1878 

 

Morphology of the holotype of Anthomastus nanhaiensis, new species.
 A, the animal in situ; B, an autozooid; C, the colony in top view; D, the colony in lateral view; E, the longitudinal section of the colony, showing large cavities of autozooids (au) and small cavities of siphonozooids (arrows).

Scale bars = 1 mm (B), 10 mm (C‒E).

Anthomastus nanhaiensis, new species

Diagnosis. Anthomastus with capitate-shaped colony divided into a spherical capitulum and an inconspicuous stalk. Polyps dimorphic. Autozooids sterile, large, retractile, 92 in number. Siphonozooids fertile, minute, scattered among autozooids and forming a continuous layer. Sclerites including rods, platelets, highly tuberculated double spheroids, clubs and spindles. Anthocodial wall devoid of sclerites.

Etymology. The specific name nanhaiensis refers in Chinese to the South China Sea, the type locality of the species.

Yang Li and Kuidong Xu. 2023. Anthomastus nanhaiensis, new species, and Bathyalcyon robustum Versluys, 1906, Two mushroom Soft Corals (Octocorallia: Coralliidae) from Zhenbei Seamount in the South China Sea. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 71: 669–680. 

https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/publications/raffles-bulletin-of-zoology/volumes/volume-71/

[Botany • 2023] Clermontia hanaulaensis (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae) • A New, critically endangered Species from Maui, Hawaiian Islands

Clermontia hanaulaensis H.Oppenheimer, Lorence & W.L.Wagner, 

in Oppenheimer, Lorence et Wagner, 2023. 

 DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.100725  

Abstract

Clermontia hanaulaensis H.Oppenheimer, Lorence & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov., a newly discovered, narrowly distributed endemic species, is herein described based on its morphological characteristics and illustrated with field photos and a line drawing. It is currently known only from the slopes of Hana‘ula, in Pōhākea Gulch, Mauna Kahālāwai, west Maui, Hawaiian Islands. It differs from all other species of Clermontia Gaudich. by the combination of its (2)3–4(–5) flowered inflorescence, violet colored perianth often suffused with creamy white streaks or sometimes creamy white with violet-purple irregular veins, (30)35–45(–50) mm long, perianth tube 15–25(–27) mm long, 9–10 mm wide, the lobes 20–26 mm long, (2–)3–3.5 mm wide, with petaloid calyx lobes 1/2–4/5 as long as the petals. A key to the Clermontia species and subspecies occurring on Maui is provided. Its habitat is described. Its conservation status is proposed as critically endangered (CR), and conservation efforts are discussed.

Key words: Campanulaceae, Clermontia, conservation, endemism, Hawaiian Islands

Clermontia from Pōhākea Gulch area, west Maui
A–C Clermontia hanaulaensis H. Oppenheimer, Lorence & W.L. Wagner A, B habit, from field images of type collection with purple and white perianth (from Oppenheimer & Severson H82102) C mature fruit, taken in Sep. 2020
D–F from other Clermontia plants in Pōhākea Gulch showing variations that could represent hybridization between C. hanaulaensis and other sympatric species or between other species in the area D habit, form with shorter, wider calyx showing slight separation of calyx tube from corolla tube, taken in Sep. 2020 (unvouchered) E habit, form with shorter, wider calyx, taken in Aug. 2020 (unvouchered) F habit, form with white perianth, taken in Aug. 2020 (H. Oppenheimer & K. Severson H82101, BISH, PTBG, US). All photos by H. Oppenheimer.

Clermontia hanaulaensis H.Oppenheimer, Lorence & W.L.Wagner
A habit of flowering stem B detail of flower at anthesis C fruit. (A, B, drawn from type collection and field images of type plant (Oppenheimer & Severson H82102; isotype US) C drawn from field image of non-type plant in Pōhākea Gulch).

Illustration by Alice Tangerini.

 

 Clermontia hanaulaensis H.Oppenheimer, Lorence, & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name honors Hana‘ula, a peak on southern Mauna Kahālāwai (aka west Maui Mountains). Lit. red bay (Pukui et al. 1966); + Latin suffix -ensis, indicating a place of origin or growth. The Hawaiian vernacular names ‘ōhā wai, ‘ōhā, hāhā, ‘ōhāhā, ‘ōhā wai nui, and ‘ōhāhā wai nui apply to other species of Clermontia (Pukui and Elbert 1986; Lammers 1991; Wagner et al. 1999).

 

Hank Oppenheimer, David H. Lorence and Warren L. Wagner. 2023. Clermontia hanaulaensis (Campanulaceae, Lobelioideae), A New, critically endangered Species from Maui, Hawaiian Islands. PhytoKeys. 227: 167-179. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.227.100725  

[Crustacea • 2023] Munidopsis hawaii • New Records and Species of Deep-sea Squat Lobsters (Decapoda: Galatheoidea: Munidopsidae) from the Hawaiian Archipelago: An Integrative Approach using micro-CT and Barcodes

Munidopsis hawaii 

Rodríguez Flores & Schnabel, 2023

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14956

 Image provided by Natilus Live Ocean Exploration Trust.

Abstract 

The Hawaiian Archipelago remains extensively under-sampled for many marine invertebrate taxa, including squat lobsters. During the last few years, several deep-sea expeditions carried out in the Pacific Ocean have conducted opportunistic collections of specimens and image data from the vicinity of Hawai’i. Here we describe a new species: Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov. and provide new records for Munidopsidae in the Archipelago and its associations. We illustrate and describe the new species using an integrative approach including micro-CT 3D imaging. Phylogenetic analyses of the species collected from seamounts from Hawai’i indicate that the new species represents a divergent lineage compared to morphologically similar species such as M. dispar and M. papanui. We also study the genetic distances for the species recorded in Hawai’i and other populations of the same species in the adjacent West Pacific. Three species are now known in the Hawaiian region. We also compiled identifications from images captured with ROVs in the area. These observations suggest that munidopsid species are common in the deep sea of Hawaiian waters below 1,000 m.

In situ images of deep-sea squat lobsters.
 (A) Munidopsis dispar Dong, Gan & Li, 2021, Off Hawaii’i, Stn NA101-060-01-B (MCZ IZ-151064).
(B) Munidopsis guochuani Dong, Gan & Li, 2021, Off Hawai’i, Stn NA101-080 (MCZ IZ-151038-9).
(C) Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov., Off Hawai’i, Stn NA101-070-01 (MCZ IZ-151054).

Images provided by Natilus Live Ocean Exploration Trust.

Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov., Off Hawai’i, Stn NA101-070-01 (MCZ IZ-151054).

Image provided by Natilus Live Ocean Exploration Trust.

Munidopsis hawaii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Carapace and abdomen dorsally covered with denticulate tubercles and granules. Carapace with dorsal deep furrows, cervical grooves distinct. Rostrum narrow, with a blunt tip. Frontal margins slightly concave. Orbit slightly excavated, outer orbital angle with a blunt lobe. Anterolateral angle bluntly produced. Branchial margin unarmed. Abdominal somites unarmed. Telson divided into eight plates. Sternite 3 anterolaterally produced, anterior margin with a median acute lobe flanked by two rounded lobes; sternite 4 anteriorly narrowly subtriangular. Eyes unmovable, unarmed, epistomial spine absent. Article 1 of antennule with well-developed dorsolateral process, mesially concave. Article 1 of antenna with distomesial blunt process, distolateral spine short, broad. Mxp3 merus subrhomboidal in lateral view, extensor margin distally unarmed. P1 moderately slender, with granules and tubercles, unarmed; fixed finger without denticulate carina on distolateral margin. P2–4 moderately slender, with numerous granules and tubercles, unarmed; meri cylindrical in cross section; dactyli slender, curving; flexor margin with obsolescent teeth on distal two-thirds. Epipods present on P1–3.

Etymology. Named after the Hawaiian Archipelago since this species would constitute the first munidopsid species described from the area. The name is a substantive in apposition.

Paula C. Rodríguez Flores and Kareen E. Schnabel. 2023. New Records and Species of Deep-sea Squat Lobsters (Galatheoidea, Munidopsidae) from the Hawaiian Archipelago: An Integrative Approach using micro-CT and Barcodes. PeerJ. 11:e14956. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14956

[Phycology • 2022] Croisettea kalaukapuae, C. haukoaweo, et al. (Rhodophyta: Gigartinales: Kallymeniaceae) • Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Croisettea from Hawaiian Mesophotic Reefs

 

Croisettea kalaukapuae F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood

in Cabrera, Huisman, Spalding, .. et Sherwood, 2022. 

DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2096823 

 papahanaumokuakea.gov 

ABSTRACT

Recent investigations into the species diversity of red blades in Hawai‘i have yielded several specimens of Kallymeniaceae from Hawaiian Mesophotic Coral Ecosystems. Our combined morphological and mitochondrial COI-5P and plastid rbcL phylogenetic analyses indicated widespread cryptic diversity among those specimens commonly identified as Kallymenia sensu lato based on morphology. These analyses resolved four unique genetic lineages of Hawaiian taxa in the genus Croisettea, which are all restricted to the lower mesophotic depths (c. 60–150 m). Croisettea currently includes three described species distributed in the North Atlantic, Indian and South Pacific Oceans, and the Mediterranean Sea. Croisettea is a new genus record for the Hawaiian Islands, expanding its biogeographic range to the North Pacific. The genus has now been enlarged to include seven species comprising previously described taxa as well as four new Hawaiian taxa (C. kalaukapuae sp. nov., C. haukoaweo sp. nov., C. ohelouliuli sp. nov. and C. pakualapa sp. nov.). The known distributions of the Hawaiian Croisettea species are restricted to areas around their type localities. Although this pattern hints at a remarkable degree of endemicity, both across depth gradients in a reef area and among islands, it is also linked to a limited sampling of the group, suggesting that additional species, and more accurate distributional ranges, remain to be detected not only in Hawai‘i but also worldwide.

KEYWORDS: COI-5P, Deepwater, Endemism, Foliose, Molecular-assisted alpha taxonomy, rbcl, Red algae, Red blades, Systematics, Taxonomy

 Croisettea kalaukapuae sp. nov.

[2] Holotype specimen, male gametophyte (BISH 780911) in situ, collected at Papa’āpoho (Lisianski) at 84 m. 

[3] Paratype specimen (BISH 780917) in situ, collected at Lalo (French Frigate Shoals) at 83 m.  

[4] Live holotype specimen (BISH 780911), cleaned of epiphytes.  

[5] Live holotype specimen (BISH 780917), cleaned of epiphytes.  

[6] Voucher for BISH 780911 (holotype, tetrasporophyte).

Scale bar = 5 cm. 

Croisettea kalaukapuae F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet kalaukapuae honours Laura Kalaukapu Low Lucas Thompson (1925–2020) for her advocacy for Hawai‘i’s cultural and natural resources, especially her significant contributions to the creation of the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, including her role as a founding member of the NWHI Coral Reef Ecosystem Reserve (see Table S3 for more information on how specific nomenclature was developed using traditional Hawaiian naming practices in collaboration with the Papahānaumokuākea Native Hawaiian Cultural Working Group, CWG).

 Croisettea haukoaweo sp. nov. 

[14] Pressed voucher for BISH 780919 (holotype, vegetative).  

Croisettea ohelouliuli sp. nov.

[17] Pressed voucher for BISH 780920 (holotype, vegetative). 

[18] Pressed voucher for BISH 780921 (paratype, vegetative). 

Scale bar = 5 cm.

Croisettea haukoaweo F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet haukoaweo refers to “the vibrant limu entwined with pūko’ako’a (Halimeda sp.) found in the cool deep waters”. The term ‘hau’ in the name also honours Mr. Skippy Hau, conservationist and retired State of Hawai‘i Division of Aquatic Resources staff on Maui, for his lifetime dedication to the ocean and his community (see Table S3 for more details on how the CWG developed the species name).

Croisettea ohelouliuli F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet ohelouliuli refers to “the dark and vibrant ‘ōhelo” (or algae with no known species attached to it). ‘Ōhelo also describes the colour of the limu in its reference to a mauka (land) plant, Vaccinium reticulatum Smith, and its deep, red-coloured berries and endemicity to Hawai‘i (see Table S3 for more details on how the species name was developed by the CWG).

Croisettea pakualapa F.P. Cabrera & A.R. Sherwood sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet pakualapa refers to “a sprawling, tapered limu found on the ridge” (see Table S3 for more details on how the species name was developed by the CWG).

 

Feresa P. Cabrera, John M. Huisman, Heather L. Spalding, Randall K. Kosaki, Celia M. Smith and Alison R. Sherwood. 2022. Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Croisettea (Kallymeniaceae, Rhodophyta) from Hawaiian Mesophotic Reefs. Phycologia.  DOI: 10.1080/00318884.2022.2096823

  papahanaumokuakea.gov/new-news/2022/08/11/new-limu

 

[Crustacea • 2021] Four New Species of Heteromysis (Olivemysis) (Crustacea: Mysida) from Public Aquaria in Hawaii, Florida, and Western to Central Europe

Heteromysis (Olivemysis) hornimani 

 Wittmann & Abed-Navandi, 2021

DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.735.1247

ABSTRACT

Four new species of the subgenus Heteromysis (Olivemysis) were detected in material from (sub)-tropical aquaria in six public aquarium institutions around the globe. Modifications of pleopods by spines represent the strongest structural complex used for differentiation within this subgenus: male pleopods 1–4 modified in H. smithsoniana sp. nov., male pleopods 2–4 plus female pleopod 2 in H. hornimani sp. nov. and H. waikikensis sp. nov. Additional important diagnostic characters are provided by the antennulae, uropods, and telson. The male of H. sixi sp. nov. represents a very rare case within the genus Heteromysis by having only pleopod 2 modified by flagellate spines. The definition of the subgenus Olivemysis is modified in order to include H. sixi sp. nov. A summary of pleopod modifications in the genus Heteromysis and a key to the species of the subgenus Olivemysis are given. The here described new taxa more than double the number of Heteromysis species known from aquaria yet unknown in nature from three to seven.

Keywords: first description, taxonomy, public aquarium institutions, modified pleopods, key to species

Class Malacostraca Latreille, 1802

Order Mysida Boas, 1883

Family Mysidae Haworth, 1825

Subfamily Heteromysinae Norman, 1892

Tribe Heteromysini Norman, 1892

Genus Heteromysis S.I. Smith, 1873

Species inventory: A total of 39 species, including the new ones, is given in the key below. For 30 species see list in Price & Heard (2011). Nine species of this subgenus described after 2011 are H. cocoensis Price, Heard & Vargas, 2018; H. domusmaris Wittmann & Abed-Navandi, 2019; H. ekamako Wittmann & Chevaldonné, 2017; H. hornimani sp. nov.; H. ningaloo Daneliya, 2012; H. sabelliphila Wittmann & Wirtz, 2016; H. sixi sp. nov.; H. smithsoniana sp. nov. and H. waikikensis sp. nov.

Heteromysis (Olivemysis) smithsoniana sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name is a Latinized adjective with female ending, referring to the Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Aquarium (Fort Pierce, Florida). 

Distribution: The species is so far known only from tanks in the ‘Smithsonian Marine Ecosystems Aquarium’, Fort Pierce, Florida. Origin most likely in coastal marine waters of the subtropical NW-Atlantic (Table 1) 

Heteromysis (Olivemysis) hornimani sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name is a masculine noun in the genitive singular, referring to the Horniman Museum Aquarium, London.

Distribution: The species is so far known only from tanks in the ‘Horniman Museum Aquarium London’ (UK), the ‘Oceanopolis Aquarium’ in Brest (France), the ‘Aquarium de Paris’ (France), and the ‘Zoo Wroclaw’ (Poland). The data from Paris suggest a Caribbean origin (Table 1: # 4).

Heteromysis (Olivemysis) waikikensis sp. nov.

Etymology: The species name is a feminine adjective formed by the addition of location suffix, related to the ‘Waikiki Aquarium’ (Honolulu, Hawaii) where the new species was detected.

Distribution: The species is so far known only from an aquarium tank of the ‘Waikiki Aquarium’, Honolulu, Hawaii. Origin most likely in coastal marine waters of the Central Pacific (Table 1).

Heteromysis (Olivemysis) sixi sp. nov. 

Etymology: The species name is a masculine noun in genitive singular, dedicated on the occasion of his retirement to Franz Six, citizen scientist and 55 year-long promoter of the ‘Haus des Meeres’, a public marine aquarium in Vienna.

Distribution: The species is so far known only from a service tank of the ‘Waikiki Aquarium’, Honolulu, Hawaii. Origin most likely in coastal marine waters of the Central Pacific (Table 1).

Karl J. Wittmann and Daniel Abed-Navandi. 2021. Four New Species of Heteromysis (Crustacea: Mysida) from Public Aquaria in Hawaii, Florida, and Western to Central Europe. European Journal of Taxonomy, 735(1), 133-175. DOI: 10.5852/ejt.2021.735.1247

Researchgate.net/publication/349535336_Four_new_species_of_Heteromysis_from_public_aquaria

theguardian.com/environment/2021/mar/21/new-species-of-shrimp-found-after-hitchhiking-on-ocean-rock-to-south-london-museum

[Entomology • 2021] Revision of the Hawaiian Endemic Leaf-mining Moth Genus Philodoria Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): Its Conservation Status, Host Plants and Descriptions of Thirteen New Species

Philodoria sciallactis (Meyrick, 1928)

in Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, 2021. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4944.1.1

  twitter.com/Dr_Akito

Abstract

Philodoria Walsingham, 1907 is a threatened, Hawaiian endemic genus of leaf-mining gracillariid moths that feeds as larvae on many threatened and endangered Hawaiian endemic plants. These moths are poorly studied and species lack detailed descriptions of morphology, distribution data, and natural history information of adults and immatures. Based on extensive fieldwork from 2013 to 2016, and examination of museum specimens, we describe or redescribe 51 species, 13 which are new species and provide biological and distribution data for 41 species. The 13 new species and their host plants are: P. alakaiensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Dubautia sp.), P. funkae Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Wilkesia gymnoxiphium), P. haelaauensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Urticaceae: Pipturus albidus, P. rockii, Pipturus sp.), P. hesperomanniella Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Hesperomannia arborescens and H. swezeyi), P. keaensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (host unknown), P. keahii Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Remya mauiensis), P. knudseniiella Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Dubautia knudsenii subsp. nagate and D. latifolia), P. lama Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Ebanaceae: Diospyros sandwicensis and/or D. hillebrandii), P. limahuliensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Malvaceae: Hibiscus waimeae subsp. hannerae), P. napaliensis Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Ebanaceae: Diospyros sandwicensis and/or D. hillebrandii), P. obamaorum Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Urticaceae: Pipturus albidus, Pipturus sp.), P. opuhe Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Urticaceae: Urera kaalae and U. sandvicensis) and P. platyphylliella Kobayashi, Johns & Kawahara, sp. n. (Asteraceae: Dubautia platyphylla). Types of 30 species were examined, lectotypes of 16 species are designated, and a key to all Philodoria species and all Hawaiian leaf-mining moths are provided. We also present a new Hawaiian name for Philodoria, which we call Hunelele ʻelilau, meaning “tiny flier, leaf excavator”, referring to their life history and behavior. Philodoria feeds on five herbraceous and woody host plant families, and 41 species persist in localized populations in Hawaii as of 2016. Twelve species (P. alakaiensis, P. funkae, P. haelaauensis, P. hespermanniella, P. kauaulaensis, P. keaensis, P. keahii, P. knudsniiella, P. limahuliensis, P. platyphylliella, P. sciallactis, P. wilkesiella) appear to be severely threatened, as these species are rare or feed exclusively on plants that are endangered or rare. We were unable to document 10 species (P. costalis, P. lipochaetaella, P. micropetala, P. nigrella, P. nigrelloides, P. opuhe, P. pipturiana, P. pipturicola, P. pittosporella, P. spilota) after many efforts to sample in or near their historical habitats. We believe these species may be extinct. Given their restricted distribution and the fact that many species feed on rare and endangered plants, there is a risk that many more Philodoria species may go extinct unless immediate conservation measures are taken.

Keywords: Lepidoptera, endangered, Hawai‘i, host plant, Hunelele ʻelilau, leaf-miner, microlepidoptera, natural history, parasitoids, systematics, taxonomy, threatened, Yponomeutoidea

Philodoria sciallactis (Meyrick, 1928)

 

Shigeki Kobayashi, Chris A. Johns and Akito Y. Kawahara. 2021. Revision of the Hawaiian Endemic Leaf-mining Moth Genus Philodoria Walsingham (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae): Its Conservation Status, Host Plants and Descriptions of Thirteen New Species. Zootaxa. 4944(1); 1–175. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4944.1.1

  twitter.com/Dr_Akito/status/1372043574393630720