[Entomology • 2025] Psilocladia indica • A New Species of Genus Psilocladia Warren (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae) from India, bridging the boundaries of Africa and Asia

 

Psilocladia indica M. Singh, Lenka & N. Singh, 

in M. Singh, Lenka, Chatterjee et N. Singh, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.2.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/389403720

 

Abstract

In the present manuscript, we describe a new species i.e., Psilocladia indica M. Singh, Lenka & N. Singh, sp. nov., from India and diagnose with its close congeners based on wing pattern and genitalia. Psilocladia indica sp. nov. is the fifth species of the genus. This study also reports Psilocladia Warren, 1898, a genus hitherto known only from Africa, for the first time from Asia. Psilocladia is closely similar to an African genus, Xenimpia Warren, 1895 and an Oriental genus Krananda Moore, 1868. The diagnostic attributes are explained and illustrated herein. Additionally, global checklist and identification key to all the species of the Psilocladia are provided.

Lepidoptera, Checklist, Eastern Ghats, East Himalayas, global distribution, Gonodontini, identification key

Psilocladia indica M. Singh, Lenka & N. Singh, sp. nov.

Mandreet SINGH, Rajesh LENKA, Pallab CHATTERJEE and Navneet SINGH. 2025. A New Species of Genus Psilocladia Warren from India, bridging the boundaries of Africa and Asia (Lepidoptera: Geometridae: Ennominae).  Zootaxa. 5594(2); 316-324. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.2.4 [2025-02-28]

  Researchgate.net/publication/389403720_A_new_species_of_genus_Psilocladia_from_India_bridging_the_boundaries_of_Africa_and_Asia

New Moth Species Discovered in India, Bridging Gap Between Africa and Asia

Researchers from the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) have identified a previously undescribed species of the genus Psilocladia while studying geometrid moth collections from the Eastern Ghats and Eastern Himalayas. Psilocladia was previously believed to be restricted to central and southern Africa, making this discovery a significant biogeographical breakthrough. 

Psilocladia indica, The newly described species, the first of its kind recorded in India, provides crucial evidence of the genus’s wider distribution, linking Africa and Asia.

[Herpetology • 2025] Minervarya ghatiborealis • Discovery and Description of A deeply divergent Frog Lineage of the Genus Minervarya (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the basaltic plateau of the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India

Minervarya ghatiborealis 

Yadav, Bhosale, Patil, Khandekar & Dinesh, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.1.6 

  facebook.com: Omkar Yadav

 

Abstract

A new species of dicroglossid frog Minervarya ghatiborealis sp. nov. is described from the Mahabaleshwar region of the northern Western Ghats, India, based on multiple axis of evidences like morphological, acoustics, genetic datasets, and geographical isolation. The new species is phenotypically distinct from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: body large, robust, with SVL 55.0–59.1 mm (n = 5) in adult males and SVL 67.1 mm (n = 1) in adult female; sub-elliptical snout; rudimentary webbing; dorsal skin glandular with highly ridged folds. Phylogenetically, the new species exhibits sister relationship to the clade containing Minervarya goemchi, M. mysorensis and M. brevipalmata. Genetic distance between the new species and the members of its sister clade varies from 6.5% to 7.2% for DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. For the nuclear-encoded Tyrosinase gene genetic distance between the new species and its syntopic, large-bodied, congener M. goemchi is 1.4%. Additionally, an advertisement call description is provided to differentiate the new species from its congeners. The importance of the Mahabaleshwar plateau and altitudinal preferences of large-sized Minervarya frogs in the northern Western Ghats are discussed.

Amphibia, bioacoustics, biodiversity hotspot, Fejervarya, integrative taxonomy

Minervarya ghatiborealis sp. nov.

Omkar YADAV, Amrut BHOSALE, Priyanka PATIL, Akshay KHANDEKAR and K.P. Dinesh. 2025. Discovery and Description of A deeply divergent Frog Lineage of the Genus Minervarya Dubois, Ohler & Biju, 2001 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the basaltic plateau of the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India.  Zootaxa. 5594(1); 136-154. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.1.6 [2025-02-27] 

  facebook.com/OmkarYadav319/posts/9565195006866378

[Botany • 2025] Euonymus pushpagiriensis (Celastraceae) • A New Species from the central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India

Euonymus pushpagiriensis N.V.Page & T.U.Thackeray, 

in Page et Thackeray. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.138418 

Abstract

Euonymus pushpagiriensis sp. nov., an understorey tree species from the montane (Shola) forests of Kodagu District of Karnataka is described and illustrated. The species is morphologically distinct from all other species of Euonymus reported from the Western Ghats and the rest of India, in having sub-sessile, ovate leaves with rounded to sub-cordate leaf base. This species is, so far, known from the Kodagu District of the State of Karnataka.

Key words: Endemic, Euonymus, India, Kodagu, Western Ghats

 

Euonymus pushpagiriensis
A branches with inflorescences borne in the axils of terminal pairs of leaves B dichasial inflorescences showing the four angled primary and secondary peduncles.  
A five-merous flowers with pentagonal disc, five angled ovary and stamens B immature capsule.

Photographs by Navendu Page.

 Euonymus pushpagiriensis N.V.Page & T.U.Thackeray, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Euonymus pushpagiriensis can be distinguished from other species of Euonymus from the Western Ghats based on its sub-sessile leaves (petiole ca. 1 mm long) and ovate lamina with rounded to sub-cordate base. In contrast, all the other species of Euonymus from the Western Ghats of south India exhibit leaves with a distinct petiole (greater than or equal to 3 mm length) and elliptic, rarely ovate lamina with obtuse, acute or cuneate base.

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality of species – Pushpagiri which is the name of the second highest peak in Kodagu District and the fourth highest peak in the State of Karnataka and also the name of the Wildlife Sanctuary in which the peak the located. The species is, so far, known only from Pushpagiri Wildlife Sanctuary and its adjacent areas.

 

 Navendu V. Page and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2025. Euonymus pushpagiriensis (Celastraceae), A New Species from the central Western Ghats of Karnataka, India. PhytoKeys. 253: 1-9. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.253.138418 

[Mammalogy • 2025] Hipposideros srilankaensis • Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846 (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)

 

Hipposideros srilankaensis 

Kusuminda, B. Srinivasulu, Amarasinghe, A. Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu & Yapa, 

in B. Srinivasulu, Kusuminda, A. Srinivasulu, Ukuwela, Amarasinghe, Siriwardana, Kaur, Mannakkara, Soisook, Kamalakannan, Yapa et C. Srinivasulu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 

facebook.com/Srinivasulu Chelmala

Abstract

Hipposideros galeritus was described in 1846, with subsequent studies suggesting four subspecies across South and Southeast Asia. Our study indicates that the Indian and Sri Lankan populations previously considered subspecies of H. galeritus are, in fact, distinct species in need of taxonomic revisions. Based on the morphometric analysis, structure of the baculum, molecular phylogenetics, and echolocation call analysis, the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian populations of Hipposideros galeritus are distinct. We provide a detailed description of H. brachyotus Dobson, 1874 and describe a new species—Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.—from Sri Lanka. Key morphological differences were found in the noseleaf, ear shape, and cranial features between the Indian (H. brachyotus), Sri Lankan (H. srilankaensis sp. nov.), and Southeast Asian populations (H. galeritus s.l.). Substantial genetic distances were found between H. galeritus populations, suggesting cryptic diversity that is yet to be resolved.

Mammalia, Chiroptera, Hipposideros brachyotus, Hipposideros srilankaensis, new species, India, Sri Lanka

Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.

Bhargavi SRINIVASULU, Tharaka KUSUMINDA, Aditya SRINIVASULU, Kanishka D. B. UKUWELA, Chamara AMARASINGHE, Sahan SIRIWARDANA, Harpreet KAUR, Amani MANNAKKARA, Pipat SOISOOK, Manokaran KAMALAKANNAN, Wipula Bandara YAPA and Chelmala SRINIVASULU. 2025. Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846.  Zootaxa. 5590(4); 507-530. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 [2025-02-25]   ශ්‍රී ලංකා පත්නැහැ-වවුලා 

  facebook.com/hyd2masawa/posts/10162937536644407

[Botany • 2025] Strobilanthes gigantea (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from eastern Himalaya, India

 Strobilanthes gigantea 

 

in Chowlu, Maity, Ray, Kabeer et Dash. 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04621 

 

Abstract

A new species, Strobilanthes gigantea, is described here from the state of Arunachal Pradesh, in the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR). The new species is immediately recognised by being very large – sometimes a tree, exhibiting densely imbricate bracts on uninterrupted inflorescence, slightly curved corolla tube with revolute lobes with emarginate apex, and presence of wings on the staminal curtain. A detailed description and photographs are provided to assist in its identification.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, Indian Himalayan Region (IHR), giant Strobilanthes.

Strobilanthes gigantea

Krishna Chowlu, Rohan Maity, Ajit Ray, Kadher Althaf Ahamed Kabeer and Sudhansu Sekhar Dash. 2025. A New Species, Strobilanthes gigantea (Acanthaceae), from India. Nordic Journal of Botany. e04621. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/njb.04621 

[Botany • 2024] Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India

 Eugenia elapparensis Robi, Balan & Sujanapal,  

 Jose, Balan et Sujanapal, 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.3.6  

Researchgate.net/publication/384969835 

  facebook.com/AnoopPBalan

 

Abstract

A new species, Eugenia elapparensis, from southern Western Ghats, Kerala, India is described and illustrated. It is very similar to Eugenia calcadensis, but differs in habit, leaf, floral and fruit characters. Additionally, lectotypification of E. calacadensis is also provided.

Asia, Elappara, Eugeniinae, Idukki, nomenclature, taxonomy, Eudicots

 Eugenia elapparensis.
A. Habit; B. Leaves-abaxial view; C. Leaves-adaxial view; D. Inflorescence; E. Flower enlarged; F. Flower-lateral view; G. Dorsal view of calyx and corolla.

Eugenia elapparensis Robi, Balan & Sujanapal, sp. nov.

Robi Aloor JOSE, Anoop Puthuparambil BALAN and Puthiyapurayil SUJANAPAL. 2024. Eugenia elapparensis (Myrtaceae), A New Species from Southern Western Ghats, India, and a correction on the lectotypification of Eugenia Calcadensis. Phytotaxa. 668(3); 272-278. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.668.3.6 [2024-10-16]

 Researchgate.net/publication/384969835_Eugenia_elapparensis_a_new_species_from_southern_western_ghats_India 

 facebook.com/AnoopPBalan/posts/8943697969021834

[Entomology • 2025] Merogomphus aryanadensis & M. flavoreductus • Two New Species of Merogomphus Martin, 1904 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, India

Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov. from Kerala
and M. flavoreductus sp. nov. from Maharashtra, India. 

A. V. Chandran,  Sawant, R. Chandran, Koparde, Jose & Kunte, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.1 

  facebook.com/VivekChandranA

Abstract

We describe two new species of dragonflies from the Western Ghats Biodiversity Hotspot, Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov. from Kerala and M. flavoreductus sp. nov. from Maharashtra, India. Morphologically, these species are closely aligned with M. tamaracherriensis Fraser, 1931, an endemic species of the Western Ghats; however, they are distinguished by unique features in their caudal appendages, accessory genitalia, and body markings. Additionally, both species are considerably smaller than other known Merogomphus spp. found in India. The differential diagnosis presented includes a comprehensive morphological photographic assessment of the two new species described and their two endemic congeners, also from the Western Ghats. We also establish a significant genetic distance between these newly described Merogomphus species and M. tamaracherriensis.

Odonata, Aryanad, biodiversity hotspot, Kerala, Maharashtra, phylogeny, Sindhudurg, species discovery, taxonomy

Merogomphus aryanadensis sp. nov.

 Merogomphus flavoreductus sp. nov. 

Ayikkara Vivek CHANDRAN, Dattaprasad SAWANT, Reji CHANDRAN, Pankaj KOPARDE, Subin Kaniyamattathil JOSE and Krushnamegh KUNTE. 2025. Two New Species of Merogomphus Martin, 1904 (Odonata: Anisoptera: Gomphidae) from the Western Ghats, India.  Zootaxa. 5588(2); 201-226. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5588.2.1 [2025-02-14] 

 facebook.com/VivekChandranA/posts/9561821153852607

[Entomology • 2025] Lamellipalpodes asmita • A New Species of non-luminous firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Ototretinae) from West Bengal, India with SEM study of mechano- and chemoreceptive sensilla

 

 Lamellipalpodes asmita

Chakrovorty & Bhattacharjee, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2024.102367 

facebook.com/ChakrovortyArnob97

Highlights

• A new species of Lamellipalpodes discovered from India.

• For the first time, the mechanosensitive and chemosensitive sensilla of this subfamily have been described.

• Twenty-four different sensilla has been identified.

• A significant difference in the type of sensilla present in palpomeres and antennomeres has been observed.

• Three sensilla of distinct morphology and a specialized apico-marginal sensory field on maxillary palps has been identified.

Abstract

A new species of non-luminous firefly, Lamellipalpodes asmita Chakrovorty & Bhattacharjee sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Ototretinae) discovered from the campus of the University of Kalyani, West Bengal, India is described, illustrated and compared with other known species of the genus from India. The male genitalia, morphometry and other important characters are illustrated and described. Additionally, a dichotomous identification key to Indian Lamellipalpodes is provided. The mechanoreceptive and chemoreceptive sensilla of Lamellipalpodes asmita Chakrovorty & Bhattacharjee sp. nov. were studied utilizing scanning electron microscopy. Ten different types of sensilla namely, sensilla ampullacea, sensilla basiconica, sensilla chaetica, sensilla coeloconica, sensilla placodea, sensilla styloconica, sensilla trichodia, cone-shaped sensillum, dome-shaped sensilla, peg-like sensilla and their twenty-four different subtypes have been identified with maxillary and labial palps possessing eight subtypes not found on antennomeres. Cone-shaped, dome-shaped and peg-like sensilla were of distinct, previously unknown morphology. This study unravels the significance of the atypical maxillary palp and labial palp morphology of the species and sheds light on structure–function relationship of these unusual morphological features.

 

Keywords: Non-luminous firefly, Functional morphology, Large palpomeres, Oriental region, Asia

Taxonomy

Order: Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family: Lampyridae Rafinesque, 1815

Subfamily: Ototretinae McDermott, 1964

Genus Lamellipalpodes Maulik, 1921

Lamellipalpodes asmita Chakrovorty & Bhattacharjee sp. nov.

 Lamellipalpodes asmita Chakrovorty & Bhattacharjee sp. nov. (male):
(A) Dorsal habitus; (B) Ventral habitus; (C) Lateral habitus.

Etymology: This species is named after Dr. Asmita Samadder, Assistant Professor, Department of Zoology, University of Kalyani, for her contribution in the field of nanomedicine, molecular biology and cytogenetics and her mentorship and patronage to Arnob Chakrovorty and Banani Bhattacharjee.

Arnob Chakrovorty and Banani Bhattacharjee. 2025. Lamellipalpodes asmita sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Ototretinae), A New Species of non-luminous firefly from West Bengal, India with SEM study of mechano- and chemoreceptive sensilla. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology. 28(1); 102367. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2024.102367

 facebook.com/ChakrovortyArnob97/posts/8994750277286457

[Entomology • 2025] Lemyra rubripecta, L. densimacula, L. pinus, ... • Taxonomic Review of the Genus Lemyra Walker (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from India

 

[1–2] Lemyra neglecta, male, (Jang, Arunachal Pradesh, India); 
 [4–5] L. rubripecta sp. nov., holotype male, (Old Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India); [6] L. rubripecta sp. nov., female, dorsal side (Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India);
[7] L. biseriata, female, (Jatinga, Assam, India);
[10–11] L. densimacula sp. nov., male, (Kohima, Nagaland, India).  

H. Singh, Raha, Kirti & N. Singh, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5454.1.1 

 Researchgate.net/publication/380816456

 

Abstract

In the present manuscript, we review the genus Lemyra Walker, 1856 from India by examining the specimens collected freshly from different parts of India from 2016 to 2019 and from the National Zoological Collection of the Zoological Survey of India (NZCZSI). The revised status of Lemyra in India is presented by describing seven new species: Lemyra (Thyrgorina) rubripecta sp. nov., L. (T.) densimacula sp. nov., L. (T.) fortiorspina sp. nov., L. (T.) apatani sp. nov., L. (T.) adunca sp. nov., L. (T.) obsoleta sp. nov. and L. (T.) pinus sp. nov., synonymizing equal number of species: L. (T.) punctilinea (Moore, 1879), syn. nov. under L. (T.) flavalis (Moore, 1865), L. (T.) magnaproteus N. Singh & Kirti, 2016, syn. nov. under L. (T.) proteus (De Joannis, 1928), Thanatarctia costalis Kaleka, 2012: 51, syn. nov., Thanatarctia collarlis Kaleka, 2012: 53, syn. nov., L. (T.) collarlis N. Singh, Kirti & Kaleka, 2016: 15, syn. nov. (objective synonym of T. collarlis Kaleka, 2012), L. (T.) pseudocollarlis N. Singh, Kirti & Kaleka, 2016: 16, syn. nov. under L. (T.) nigrescens (Rothschild, 1910) and L. (T.) angularis (Strand, 1919) under L. (T.) spilosomata (Walker, [1865]). The status of L. (T.) aurantiaca (Fang, 1985), a new record to India, is upgraded to species level. Additionally, two species i.e., L. (T.) kaikarisi Saldaitis et al., 2019 and L. (T.) persephone Saldaitis et al., 2020 are reported for the first time from India. An updated checklist of 117 species (including the nominotypical subspecies) and 10 subspecies of Lemyra is provided with 48 species (including the new records and new species described herein) from India. Of the 48 species from India, the systematics of 42 species is provided based on their voucher specimens. We could not study the rest of the six species with their voucher specimens. The detailed diagnoses with closely similar congeners, genitalia illustrations, distributions, individual variations and sexual dimorphism, if any, and bionomics is provided.

 Lepidoptera, Arctiini, checklist, new records, new species, new synonymies, species groups, status revisions, Thyrgorina

 Habitus of Lemyra spp.
1–2, L. neglecta, male, dorsal and ventral sides (Jang, Arunachal Pradesh, India); 3. ditto, dorsal side, male (Pfutsero, Nagaland, India);
4–5, L. rubripecta sp. nov., holotype male, dorsal and ventral sides (Old Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India); 6. L. rubripecta sp. nov., female, dorsal side (Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh, India);
7. L. biseriata, female, dorsal side, (Jatinga, Assam, India); 8–9. ditto, male, dorsal and ventral sides (Kohima, Nagaland, India);
10–11. L. densimacula sp. nov., male, dorsal and ventral sides (Kohima, Nagaland, India).  

 Habitus of Lemyra spp.
74–75. L. nigrescens, male, dorsal and ventral sides (Jatinga, Assam, India);
76. L. collarlis, syn. nov., male, dorsal side (Jatinga, Assam, India); 77. L. pseudocollarlis, syn. nov., male, dorsal side (Jatinga, Assam, India);
78. L. wokhaensis, male, dorsal side (Wokha, Nagaland, India); 79. L. pseudoneurica, male, dorsal side (Wokha, Nagaland, India); 80. L. cernyi, male, dorsal side (Vadaserikara, Kerala, India);
81–82. L. stigmata stigmata, male, dorsal and ventral sides (Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh, India);
83–84. L. aurantiaca, male, dorsal and ventral sides (Pange (TWLS), Arunachal Pradesh, India).

 

Harsimranjeet SINGH, Angshuman RAHA, Jagbir Singh KIRTI and Navneet SINGH. 2025. Taxonomic Review of the Genus Lemyra Walker (Erebidae: Arctiinae) from India.  Zootaxa. 5454(1); 1-69. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5454.1.1 [2024-05-23] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/380816456_Taxonomic_review_of_Lemyra_from_India

[Herpetology • 2025] Hemidactylus amarasinghei • A New tuberculate House gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus) from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India

  

Hemidactylus amarasinghei  

Sayyed, Khot & Purkayastha, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.2.4 

 facebook.com/amitsayyedsatara

Abstract

A new species of Hemidactylus is described from the high elevations of rocky landscapes at Chalkewadi Plateau in the northern Western Ghats of India. Based on phylogenetic analysis using the mitochondrial ND2 gene, the new species is a member of the H. murrayi clade within the H. brookii group. Morphological analysis also revealed diagnostic characters distinguishing it from its sister species, H. varadgirii. The species is medium-sized (SVL up to 54.3 mm), with 10–11 supralabials, 9–10 infralabials, canthal region with 18–21 scales on both sides, supraciliaries separated by 21–22 scales at mid-orbit, dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous, having 15–16 rows of tubercles across the midbody, 28–31 paravertebral tubercles between pelvic and pectoral limb insertions, midsagittal ventral scales 135–147, and 30–31 scales across the belly between the lowest rows of dorsal scales at midbody. Males have 7–9 femoral pores on each side, with six or seven poreless scales in between, and there are 7–8 lamellae beneath toe IV.

Reptilia, Hemidactylus brookii, taxonomy, ND2 gene, house gecko, reptiles, northern Western Ghats, systematics

Hemidactylus amarasinghei  

Amarasinghe's house gecko

Amit SAYYED, Ruhal KHOT and Jajaditya PURKAYASTHA. 2025. A New tuberculate House gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Hemidactylus) from the northern Western Ghats of Maharashtra, India. Zootaxa. 5583(2); 293-308. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.2.4

  facebook.com/amitsayyedsatara/posts/9419646231415354

 facebook.com/thasun/posts/10162869732744407

[Botany • 2021] Petrocosmea villosa (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Shan State, Myanmar

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, 

in Middleton, Shin et Baba, 2021. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889

ABSTRACT 

The new species Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton from Shan State, Myanmar is described. It is most similar to Petrocosmea kerrii Craib, P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu and P. heterophylla B.L.Burtt in Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera but differs particularly in inflorescence structure, inflorescence indumentum and in the long calyx lobes. 

Keywords. Petrocosmea crinita, Petrocosmea heterophylla, Petrocosmea kerrii, Petrocosmea sect. Deinanthera, Shan State

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton.
 A. Flower front view. B. Flower side view.

(Photo: S. Ruchisansakun)

Petrocosmea villosa D.J.Middleton, sp. nov. 

Similar to Petrocosmea kerrii and P. crinita (W.T.Wang) Z.J.Qiu in the shape and colour of the corolla but differs from both in having both sessile and petiolate leaves (petiolate only in P. kerrii and P. crinita), longer calyx lobes (11–12 mm long in P. villosa, 1.5–4 mm long in P. kerrii and P. crinita) and more flowers ...

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the dense hair covering on the inflorescence.

David John Middleton, Thant Shin and Y. Baba. 2021. A New Species of Petrocosmea (Gesneriaceae) from Myanmar. Gardens’ Bulletin Singapore. 73(2); 457-460. DOI: doi.org/10.26492/gbs73(2).2021-14 

Researchgate.net/publication/357020889_A_new_species_of_Petrocosmea_from_Myanmar

[Ichthyology • 2025] Lost for more than 85 years—Rediscovery of Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845) (Labyrinthici: Channidae), the World’s Most elusive Snakehead Species

 

Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845)

in Praveenraj, Thackeray, Moulitharan, Vijayakrishnan et Nanda, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.4 

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Abstract

The Chel Snakehead or Bora Chung, Channa amphibeus, is a large snakehead species endemic to the Himalayan region of India. Channa amphibeus was last recorded from specimens collected in the years between 1918 and 1933 (Shaw & Shebbeare 1938), leading to speculations that it may have gone extinct. Here, we report the re-discovery of the species after more than 85 years, based on three specimens collected in the year 2024, and additional photographic records. We also provide the first live image of C. amphibeus, along with biometric, and genetic data.

Pisces, Chel Snakehead, Bora Chung, Channa barca, potentially extinct, rare

 

Jayasimhan PRAVEENRAJ, Tejas THACKERAY, Nallathambi MOULITHARAN, Balaji VIJAYAKRISHNAN and Gourab Kumar NANDA. 2025.  Lost for more than 85 years—Rediscovery of Channa amphibeus (McClelland, 1845), the World’s Most elusive Snakehead Species (Teleostei, Labyrinthici, Channidae).  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 87-100. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.4 

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[Entomology • 2024] Pseumenes siangensis • A New Species of Potter Wasp (Hymenoptera: Vespidae: Eumeninae) from Northeast India

Pseumenes siangensis

Benny Femi, Ranjith & Priyadarsanan, 2024 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v49i3.1268 

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Abstract

Pseumenes Giordani Soika, 1935 is a small genus of potter wasps occurring in Oriental, Australian and Palearctic Regions. Only one species, Pseumenes depressus (de Saussure, 1855) is known so far from India. A new species, Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov. from Arunachal Pradesh, is described. The morphological affinities of the new species are discussed. The new species is compared with the closely related P. depressus as well as P. laboriosus. Since P. depressus is similar to P. laboriosus, comparisons were made between P. laboriosus and P. siangensis sp. nov. The apical teeth of the propodeum are medium sized and blunt in P. siangensis sp. nov. (long and sharp in P. laboriosus); the posterior part of the first tergite is densely punctate in the middle P. siangensis sp. nov. (almost impunctate in P. laboriosus). The clypeus without a median black spot in P. siangensis sp. nov. (with median black spot in P. laboriosus).

Eastern Himalayas, new description, taxonomy, morphological affinities

Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov., holotype, female
A) habitus, lateral view; B) head, anterior view; C) head, dorsal view; D) head, lateral view. 

Pseumenes siangensis sp. nov.

E. Benny Femi, A.P. Ranjith and D.R. Priyadarsanan. 2024. Description of A New Species of Potter Wasp (Hymenoptera, Vespidae, Eumeninae) from Northeast India. ENTOMON. 49(3); 465–470. DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v49i3.1268

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