A new stalk-eyed fly: Teleopsis sorora

Stalk-eyed flies have eyestalks on which their eyes are mounted. These projections stick out from the sides of the head. Both males and females have eyestalks, but hey are much longer in males. Species are growing up to a cm in length and are known to feed on both decaying plants and animals.

Todays new species was found around Kandy, a major city in Sri Lanka. It is considered the sister species of Teleopsis ferruginea, hence the name sorora (sister).

For the experts: The literature on Sri Lankan Diopsidae is reviewed. Eight Diopsidae are now known to occur in Sri Lanka, five species in the genus Teleopsis and one species each in the genera Sphyracephala, Diopsis, and Cyrtodiopsis. The presence of Cyrtodiopsis requires confirmation to exclude the possibility of mislabelling. All five Teleopsis species are endemic, as are the Diopsis species and probably the Cyrtodiopsis species. Only Sphyracephala bipunctipennis Senior-White has a larger distribution as it also occurs in India. A key is presented for the Diopsidae of Sri Lanka. Three Teleopsis species were already known to occur in Sri Lanka: T. ferruginea Röder, T. krombeini Feijen and T. maculata Feijen. These species form the T. ferruginea species group. Two new species are now described for this group: Teleopsis neglecta sp. nov. and Teleopsis sorora sp. nov. Teleopsis ferruginea is redescribed, as an earlier redescription turned out to be based on a series of specimens of its sister species T. sorora sp. nov. The other three Diopsidae of Sri Lanka are listed and illustrated. Allometric aspects of the five Teleopsis species are discussed. Three Teleopsis species are sexually dimorphic with regard to eye span, while two species are monomorphic. It is assumed that sexual dimorphism developed independently in the T. ferruginea species group. This brings the number of known cases of independent development of sexual dimorphism in the Diopsidae to ten.

A new fish: Lucifuga gibarensis

Lucifuga is a genus of cusk-eels that give birth to young that developed within their mothers body.  Most of the species are native to caves and sinkholes in Cuba and the Bahamas. There is one exception, a species that was found in deep waters off the Galapagos Islands.

The new species was found in an isolated karst patch of marine caves in Eastern Cuba. It was named after the village of Gibara, where the three caves inhabited by this species are located.

For the experts: Recently, a barcoding study and a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the Cuban species of the cave-fish genus Lucifuga Poey, 1858 revealed the existence of different evolutionary lineages that were previously unknown or passed unnoticed by morphological scrutiny (i.e., cryptic candidate species). In the present study, Lucifuga gibarensis is described as a new species restricted to anchialine caves in the northeastern karst region of the main island. The species was earlier described as a variety of Lucifuga dentata, but since the name was introduced as a variety after 1960, it is deemed to be infrasubspecific and unavailable according to the International Code of Zoological Nomenclature Art. 15.2. The new species differs from L. dentata by pigmented eyes vs. eyes absent and lack of palatine teeth vs. present. Lucifuga gibarensis seems to be most similar to the Bahamian species L. lucayana by showing pigmented eyes, 13 or 14 precaudal vertebrae and ten caudal fin rays. However, differs from it by a larger size of the pigmented eye (1.1–1.9 vs. 0.9–1.0% SL) and number of posterior lateral line neuromasts (30–33 vs. 34–35).

Two new carpenter bees: Xylocopa auriventris and Xylocopa romeroi

Carpenter bees got their name from their nesting behavior. Most of them burrow into hard plant material such as dead wood or bamboo and lay their eggs into the chamber. These bees are important pollinators for open-faced or shallow flowers. In fact for some species they are the only pollinators, e.g. for maypop (Passiflora incarnata) and Orphium. No other insect visits those.

Todays two new species were found in the Risaralda and the Valle del Cauca Departments of Colombia. 

Xylocopa auriventris was named after the colour of its abdomen (from the Latin words aureus (gold) and ventris (venter). The name Xylocopa romeroi honours the biologist Germán Villamizar Romero, father of the first author.

For the experts: A synopsis of the metallic carpenter bees Xylocopa subgenus Schonnherria Lepeletier in Colombia is presented. Eleven species were recognized: X. dimidiata Latreille, X. ecuadorica Cockerell, X. lateralis Say, X. lucida Smith, X. metallica Smith, X. muscaria (Fabricius), X. ornata Smith, X. viridis Smith, and X. simillima Smith, being this latter a new record for the country. In addition, two new species are described: X. auriventris n. sp. and X. romeroi n. sp. from the Colombian Andean and Pacific region, respectively. To stabilize the application of some names, lectotypes were designated for X. binotata Pérez (=X. lateralis), X. muscaria, X. ornata, X. simillima and X. viridis. Diagnoses, descriptions, comments, floral records, distribution maps, figures and an identification key are also provided.

A (not so) new fish: Microcanthus joyceae

You might have seen this group of fishes in pictures and videos from coral reefs and sometimes in a reef aquarium although this would be a rather rare sight. They are called stripey for obvious reasons and are also known as footballer or convict fish. 

This species is re-described as the taxonomy of the genus Microcanthus has been debated for a long time. The original description is from 1931 and the name was chosen to honour Joyce K. Allan, who provided the author with illustrations of this species for the original description.

For the experts: The taxonomy and classification of the microcanthid fish genus Microcanthus Swainson has been a subject of contention dating back to the 19th century. Its allopatric, disjunct anti-equatorial distribution across the Indo-West Pacific has resulted in the recognition of several nominal taxa, though these have been widely regarded as synonyms of Microcanthus strigatus (Cuvier). Following the results published in a companion study elsewhere by the authors, the taxonomy of Microcanthus and the validity of these nominal synonyms are herewith revised. Microcanthus strigatus is redescribed on the basis of 66 specimens from East Asia, Hawaii and Western Australia, and M. joyceae is resurrected and redescribed on the basis of 25 specimens from eastern Australia and the southwest Pacific. Microcanthus differs from other microcanthid genera in having the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XI,15–17 (usually XI,16); anal-fin rays III,13–15 (usually III,14); pectoral-fin rays 15–17 (usually 16); scales ctenoid with ctenial bases present; lateral-line scales partially or heavily obscured by adjacent scales; and body pale in preservation with five horizontal dark stripes reaching the posterior edges of dorsal and anal fins, and base of caudal fin. The review is accompanied by a key to the genera of Microcanthidae.

A new toad: Megophrys chishuiensis

A couple of months ago I posted about Litter frogs (Family Megophryidae) which live in South East Asia. They are mostly famous for their camouflage which makes many of them look like dead leaves. A widely known species is the long nosed horned frog. 

There is another new species from China this time found in the Chishui National Nature Reserve, Guizhou province. The species name refers to the location this species was found.

For the experts: A new species of the genus Megophrys is described from Guizhou Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA and nuclear DNA sequences all strongly supported the new species as an independent clade sister to M. minor and M. jiangi. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (SVL 43.4–44.1 mm in males, and 44.8–49.8 mm in females; vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched behind; a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; tympanum distinctly visible, rounded; two metacarpal tubercles on palm; relative finger lengths II < I < V < III; toes without webbing; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between tympanum and eye when leg stretched forward; in breeding males, an internal single subgular vocal sac in male, and the nuptial pads with black spines on dorsal surface of bases of the first two fingers.

A new grass fern: Actinostachys minuta

The grass ferns (Schizaeaceae) are a family of ferns mainly found in the tropics. Most of them are rather small plants and the new species is a so-called epiphyte which means it grows on the trunk of a tree fern. It was found on Mindanao Island, Philippines. The species name refers to is small size even compared to other members of the genus. 

For the experts: Actinostachys minuta Amoroso & Coritico (Schizaeaceae), from Mindanao, Philippines, is described herein as a new species. This species is distinguished from all other species of Actinostachys (grass ferns) by its notably short and narrow fronds, distinct triangular stipe, and bifid apex of the sorophore lamina with profuse white long hairs. This species is distinct from the other known Philippine species of Actinostachys by its diminutive epiphytic habit and a habitat restricted to the trunks of the tree fern Sphaeropteris polypoda (Baker) R.M.Tryon. A taxonomic key to the species of Philippine Schizaeaceae that incorporates the new species is provided.

Two new spiders: Thelcticopis dahanensis and Thelcticopis unciformis

Thelcticopis is a genus of huntsman spiders (family Sparassidae) that occurs almost exclusively in the Australasian region. Huntsman spiders are also known as giant crab spiders. Some of them can indeed grow quite large (up to 30 cm). The new species are not that large though and not known to be venomous (in contrast to some other huntsman spiders). Both were found in Taiwan.

One of the new species was named after the type locality and the other one after a shape of a part of the male palpal bulb. 

For the experts: Two new species of the genus Thelcticopis Karsch, 1884, T. dahanensis Zhu & Zhong, sp. nov. (♂) and T. unciformis Zhu & Zhong, sp. nov. (♂), are described and figured from Taiwan Island. Thelcticopis severa (L. Koch, 1875) is recorded from Guangdong and Fujian provinces for the first time. So far, Thelcticopis, including four species from China, is mainly distributed in the tropical or subtropical areas of China (Hainan, Taiwan, Yunnan, Guangdong, Fujian).

A new termite: Gastrotermes spinatus

Termites are insects that live in colonies and divide labor among castes, produce overlapping generations, and take care of their young collectively. Although this way of live is very similar to some species of hymenoptera, termites are at best distant cousins, closer related to roaches. There are more than 3,100 living termite species worldwide.

The species name is derived from the latin word spinatus which means spine. This refers to some spines on the body of the termite.

For the experts: Gastrotermes spinatus gen. n. sp. n is described from workers of a single foraging group collected in Cameroon. This soil-feeding termite aligns with the Labidotermes subgroup (Apicotermes group) because of its non-protruding and symmetrical enteric valve armature, its short P1, and its globular P3a. An asymmetrical field of robust sclerotized spines at the opening of the P3a is unique among the other Labidotermes subgroup genera.

A new leaf insect: Phyllium levantos

Leaf insects (family Phyliidae) literally look like leaves. The resemblance is so perfect (including structures that mimic bite marks in some species) that predators can't distinguish them from real leaves. These animals have a very particular walk. They rock back and forth, thereby mimicking a leaf moved by the wind. This behaviour has given them the name dancing leaf insects.

The new species was found on Papua New Guinea and these animals are so rarely found the authors named them after Lelantos, the Greek minor Titan of moving unseen.

For the experts: A new subgenus, Walaphyllium subgen. nov., is described within Phyllium Illiger, 1798 to accommodate three leaf insect species. One of the species included is newly described herein as Phyllium (Walaphyllium) lelantos sp. nov. from Papua New Guinea. This new subgenus of Phyllium can be diagnosed by a following combination of features. This new species is compared to the two additional new subgenus members, Phyllium zomproi Größer, 2001 and Phyllium monteithi Brock & Hasenpusch, 2003. Also for the first time the male morphology of Phyllium zomproi is described and illustrated. To conclude, a brief biogeographical view of the leaf insects on either side of the Torres Strait is presented, as well as a key to species and a distribution map to the known species of Phyllium (Walaphyllium) subgen. nov.

A new fly: Sarcophaga mersinensis

This fly belongs to a family called the flesh-fly group and as the name implies, larvae feed on decaying meat astray need protein to develop. That's why eggs are laid on carrion, dung or sweet plant foods such a fruits or nuts. Many species are considered nuisance pests, but there are some that are vectors of pathogens and bacteria. Likely not our new one though. By the way, its species name refers to the Mersin Province in Turkey, where the new fly was discovered.

For the experts: A new species, Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) mersinensis sp. nov. is described from the Mediterranean region of Turkey. The male terminalia are documented with line drawings, photographs and scanning electron microscope images. The species is compared with the two most similar species, Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) baudeti (Lehrer) and Sarcophaga (Pandelleisca) theodori (Lehrer), both known from Israel. A key is provided to the western Palaearctic species of Pandelleisca Rohdendorf.

A new beetle: Tychobythinus inopinatus

The beetle family Staphylinidae, better known as rove beetles, is currently the largest group of beetles known. It contains about 60000 species in thousands of genera. Most rove beetles are predators of insects and other kinds of invertebrates, living in forest leaf litter and similar kinds of decaying plant matter. They are also commonly found under stones, and around freshwater and oceanic margins.

Today's new species is a cave dwelling representative found in the Grotta Monello in Sicily, Italy.  Although the authors give no explanation for the species name, my guess is they used the the latin word inopinatus which means unexpected.

For the experts: A new troglobitic species of the subfamily Pselaphinae (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae), Tychobythinus inopinatus sp. nov., is described from Monello Cave (Syracuse, Syracuse Province, Sicily). Major diagnostic features are illustrated based on both male and female specimens. The new species shows some adaptations to cave life, i.e., pale brown colour; setation consisting of long and flattened setae and suberect shorter setae; absence of wings; and anophthalmy and elongate legs and antennae. It can be easily separated from the related taxa by the different shapes of the head, palpi, gular carina of the male, and aedeagus. Tychobythinus inopinatus sp. nov. is known only from Monello Cave, a limestone cave in the south-eastern Sicily.

A new plant hopper: Agoo luzdenia

Plant hoppers are insects of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, which consists of some 12,500 described species worldwide. The name comes from their resemblance to leaves and other plant parts and from the fact that they often jump in a similar way to that of grasshoppers. These animals are feeding on plant sap and are therefore often vectors for plant diseases which are transmitted in the process.

The new species was found at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica on palms. It was names after the lead authors wife, Luz Denia Bahder.

For the experts: An ongoing survey to document planthopper diversity on palms (Arecaceae) is being conducted in Costa Rica. During these efforts a new species of derbid planthopper belonging to the genus Agoo was found on Astrocaryum alatum Loomis in the Heredia province at La Selva Biological Station and is described here as Agoo luzdenia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n., bringing the genus to four described taxa—A. dahliana, A. luzdenia Bahder & Bartlett sp. n., A rubrimarginata, and A. xavieri. Sequence data for the cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 18S genes was generated for the novel taxon and strongly supports its placement in the genus Agoo.

A new fish: Plectranthias purpuralepis

Yes, I do like fish which is why this blog is lightly skewed towards new fish species. However, I do what I can to showcase other lifeforms.

With about 450 species the Serranidae represent a large family of perches. Many of them are brightly coloured, and many are caught for food. They are usually in tropical to subtropical waters along the coasts. Chances are that you've seen many of them in photos or videos of coral reef fauna. Thus new species was found in Northern Taiwan (either by angling or buying them at a local fish market). The species name is a combination of the Latin words “purpura” and “lepis,” meaning purple scales, which is in reference  distinct purple colour scales that only appear after preservation.

For the experts: A new species of Plectranthias Bleeker is described on the basis of 16 specimens collected from northern Taiwan. The new species, Plectranthias purpuralepis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners in having pectoral and pelvic fins mostly covered with small scales, some white scales on dorsum turn purple when preserved, and the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin elements X, 16–17; 3rd dorsal-fin spine longest; pectoral-fin rays 14, all branched except for uppermost simple ray; principal caudal-fin rays 9+8; pored lateral-line scales 33–36; 6 diagonal rows of large scales on cheek; circumpeduncular scales 14; ca. 7 rows of large predorsal scales, 2 irregular rows of small scales extending to a line through posterior nostrils; no scales on maxilla and chin; posterior margin of preopercle serrated, ventral margin with 2 antrorse spines; and the greatest body depth 2.9–3.0 in SL.

A new seahorse: Hippocampus nalu

Pygmy seahorses are known to science only since 1969 and they were discovered by chance. A researcher was collecting  specimens of Muricella sea fans and he noticed some tiny seahorses while dissecting the coral. Six more species were described after 2000. This one is the first pygmy seahorse ever discovered in African waters. it grows to a maximum size of just 2cm. 

The scientific name has several meanings. First of all, the seahorse was named after Savannah Nalu Olivier who discovered the new species in Sodwana Bay. In the South African languages, Xhosa and Zulu, the word nalu refers to the expression ‘here it is’ and the authors extend its meaning to the simple fact that Hippocampus nalu was there all along until its discovery. In the Hawaiian language nalu refers to the waves of the ocean.

For the experts: A new species and the first confirmed record of a true pygmy seahorse from Africa, Hippocampus nalu sp. nov., is herein described on the basis of two specimens, 18.9–22 mm SL, collected from flat sandy coral reef at 14–17 meters depth from Sodwana Bay, South Africa. The new taxon shares morphological synapomorphies with the previously described central Indo-Pacific pygmy seahorses, H. colemani, H. japapigu, H. pontohi, and H. satomiae, and H. waleananus, including diminutive size, twelve trunk rings, prominent cleithral ring and supracleithrum, spines on the fifth and twelfth superior and lateral trunk ridges, respectively, and prominent wing-like protrusions present on the first and/or second superior trunk rings posterior to the head. Hippocampus nalu sp. nov. is primarily distinguished from its pygmy seahorse congeners by highly distinct spine morphology along the anterior segments of the superior trunk ridge. Comparative molecular analysis reveals that the new species demonstrates significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial COI gene from the morphologically similar H. japapigu and H. pontohi (estimated uncorrected p-distances of 16.3% and 15.2%, respectively). Hippocampus nalu sp. nov. represents the eighth member of the pygmy seahorse clade to be described from the Indo-Pacific, the first confirmed record from the African continent and the Indian Ocean, and an extension of more than 8000 km beyond the previously known range of pygmy seahorses from the Central and Western Indo-Pacific.

A new plant: Belemia cordata

Nyctaginaceae, better known as the four o'clock family, is a plant family with about 300 species. Several species in this group have flowers which open during the late afternoon, hence the name four o'clock family. During fieldwork in northern Brazil, colleagues founds this new member of the genus Belemia which was so far considered monotypic (only one member).

The species was named for it heart-shaped leaves (cordate leaves).

For the experts: Investigations following the discovery of an unusual new collection from the Amazon lead to a phylogenetic investigation in order to ascertain its position within the Nyctaginaceae. Two different approaches were used: gene trees from nucleotide sequences of ndhF and ITS aiming to check the phylogenetic position of the new species in the genus Belemia (Nyctaginaceae), using mostly the available data; and a phylogenomic analysis based on full plastome sequences of Caryophyllales and related orders. Following that, a description of the new species, Belemia cordata

Harley & Giul., complete with illustrations, comments and conservation status are provided. Distinct from B. fucsioides, the only other species of the genus, the new species has branches and flowers covered in multicellular glandular trichomes, leaves with cordate base, inflorescences in congested cymes and included stamens. The species is classified as Critically Endangered as it has been found in a single location and subsequent expeditions to locate the plant were not successful. The second description of the chloroplast genome of Nyctaginaceae is also provided.

A new plant: Jasminum parceflorum

Jasminum is a genus of shrubs and vines in the olive family (Oleaceae). About 200 species are known for this group, among them are the common Jasmine (Jasminum officinale) which is used as perfume, and the Arabic Jasmine (Jasminum sambac) which is the main flavouring ingredient in jasmine tea.

This new species was found in Mengla County and Jinghong City, Yunnan Province, China. The specific name refers to the fact that it has fewer flowers in comparison with most other jasmine species. 

For the experts: Jasminum parceflorum (Oleaceae), a new species from tropical limestone habitats in Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated here. The new species is similar to J. pierreanum and J. rarum, but can be distinguished by its linear calyx lobes, dry calyces without ridges, terminal 1 (or 3)-flowered cymes and axillary solitary flowers.

A new gecko: Cnemaspis lineatubercularis

This little (< 4 cm) guy belongs to one of the most diverse genera of geckos (>100 species). Most of the species in this group live in South East Asia and so does our newcomer, found in the Nakhon Si Thammarat Province in southern Thailand. Unlike many other geckos, members of the genus Cnemaspis are active during the daytime.

The species name of our newcomer is quite a mouthful and it is a combination of the latin words linea (for line) and tubercularis (for having tubercles), in reference a row of tubercles linearly arranged.

For the experts: The rock-dwelling gecko genus Cnemaspis is one of the most species-diverse genera of gekkonid in Thailand. Earlier studies relied on morphological data to identify species, but cryptic morphology often obscured species diversity in Cnemaspis. In this study, an integrative taxonomic approach based on morphological characters and sequences of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene were used to clarify current taxonomy of the Cnemaspis siamensis complex and delimit a new species from Lan Saka District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand. Cnemaspis lineatubercularis sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeneric species by the combination of morphological characters: (1) maximum snout-vent length (SVL) of 40.6 mm (mean 38.8 ± SD 1.4, N = 12) in adult males and maximum SVL of 41.8 mm (mean 39.5 ± SD 1.9, N = 7) in adult females; (2) 8–9 supralabial and infralabial scales; (3) gular, pectoral, abdominal, and subcaudal scales keeled; (4) rostral, interorbitals, supercilium, palmar scales, and ventral scales of brachia smooth; (5) 5–6 small, subconical spine-like tubercles present on flanks; (6) 19–21 paravertebral tubercles linearly arranged; (7) 27–29 subdigital lamellae under the fourth toe; (8) 4–7 pore-bearing precloacal scales, pores rounded arranged in chevron shape and separated only in males; (9) one postcloacal tubercles each side in males; (10) ventrolateral caudal tubercles present anteriorly; (11) caudal tubercles restricted to a single paravertebral row on each side; (12) single median row of subcaudal scales keeled and lacking enlarged median row; and (13) gular region, abdomen, limbs and subcaudal region yellowish only in males. Genetically, the uncorrected pairwise divergences between the new species and their congeners in the C. siamensis group were between 15.53–28.09%. The new species is currently known only from granitic rocky streams at Wang Mai Pak Waterfall in the Nakhon Si Thammarat mountain range. Its discovery suggests that additional unrecognized species of Cnemaspis may still occur in unexplored areas of southern Thailand.

A new plant hopper: Haplaxius dougwalshi

Planthoppers are insects of the infraorder Fulgoromorpha, which consists of some 12,500 described species worldwide. The name comes from their resemblance to leaves and other plant parts and from the fact that they often jump in a similar way to that of grasshoppers.

Planthoppers are feeding on plant sap and are therefore often vectors for plant diseases which are transmitted in the process.

The new species was named in reference to Dr. Doug Walsh at Washington State University, who’s signature moustache resembles the colour pattern observed on the frons of the new species.

For the experts: The genus Haplaxius is a large taxon of cixiid planthoppers that is of economic importance due to the ability of Haplaxius crudus to transmit lethal yellowing in coconut palms. Haplaxius dougwalshi sp. n. is established as a new taxon of Cixiidae in the tribe Oecleini collected from native palms in lowland tropical rainforest in Costa Rica. Placement in the genus Haplaxius is supported both by molecular evidence based on the COI and 18S genes as well as by morphological characters. This novel taxon was discovered during survey work in Costa Rica to look for phytoplasmas and document planthopper diversity on palms. Furthermore, Haplaxius skarphion was also collected from coconut palms during survey work and is reported for the first time in Costa Rica.

A new fish: Limia mandibularis

Livebearing fish are quite famous among people with aquariums. The most known are guppies, platys, swordtails, and mollies. Livebearing means that the female provisions for the fertilized yolked eggs and gives birth to live young, which have a higher chance of survival than eggs. Fertilization is achieved internally with the male's gonopodium, a modified anal fin used for sperm transfer.

The genus Limia contains 21 species, most of them are endemic to Hispaniola and so is our new species that was found in Haiti. 

The new species name  is in reference to the well-developed lower jaw, a character that distinguishes the species.

For the experts: Limia mandibularis, a new livebearing fish of the family Poeciliidae is described from Lake Miragoane in southwestern Haiti on Hispaniola. The new species differs from all other species in the genus Limia by the presece of a well-developed lower jaw, the absence of preorbital and preopercular pores, and preorbital and preopercular canals forming an open groove each. The description of this new Limia species from Lake Miragoane confirms this lake as an important center of endemism for the genus with a total of nine described species so far.

A new fungus: Trametes parvispora

Trametes is a genus of wood-decaying fungi which is widely distributed across the planet and contains about fifty species. Some of those species have a long history as medicinal fungi in many cultures (e.g. in Namibia or India). This new species was found in Benin and its name refers to the small size of its spores.

For the experts: Trametes is a globally distributed genus of white-rot polypores and well sampled in temperate and boreal areas. However, the diversity, taxonomy, and phylogenetic positions of Trametes spp. are poorly known in tropical Africa. This study aims at documenting the diversity of Trametes species in Benin (tropical Africa) and their phylogenetic positions with a focus on the T. elegans species complex. Therefore, we collected specimens of Trametes from different forest types across Benin. To infer phylogenetic relationships between Trametes species, we investigated sequences of five gene regions and added available sequences from GenBank. Using Maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogeny inference methods, we found eight supported species clades. For the T. elegans species complex, we re-establish the name Trametes palisotii for species previously known as T. elegans in tropical Africa. Furthermore, we propose Trametes parvispora as a species new to science and provide the description of this species. Our molecular phylogeny of Trametes with a focus on tropical Benin contributes to taxonomic clarity of an important wood-decay fungal genus, which is the basis for biodiversity assessments of Trametes in the tropics.

A new centiped: Lithobius varioporus

Centipeds are predatory arthropods that are often venomous and can inflict painful bites. Despite their name referring to the number 100, centipedes can have a varying number of legs, ranging from 30 to 354. Actually, they always have an odd number of pairs of legs which means they never can have 100 legs. Their size ranges from a few millimetres to 30 cm. This new species belongs to the smaller ones as it is only a little over a centimetre long. Its name refers to a varying number of pores on their hip joints.

For the experts: Lithobius (Ezembius) varioporus sp. nov. (Lithobiomorpha, Lithobiidae), recently discovered from Longquanguan Town, Fuping County, Baoding City, Hebei Province, China, is described. Morphologically it resembles to Lithobius (Ezembius) laevidentata Pei, Ma, Hou, Zhu & Gai, 2015 from the Xinjiang Autonomous Region, but can be easily distinguished from the latter by the Tömösváry’s organ, slightly smaller than the adjoining ocelli, no secondary sexual modifications on male tibia 14 and 15, posterior accessory spine of legs 14 and 15 present and the number of coxal pores varying considerably from three to eight. The main morphological characters of the known Chinese species of the subgenusEzembius Chamberlin, 1919 based on adult specimens are presented.

Two new goblin spiders: Promolotra shankhaung and Promolotra hponkanrazi

Promolotra shankhaung

The spider family Oonopidae, commonly known as goblin spiders, consists of over 1,800 described species. Most of them are tiny, measuring only about 1 to 3 millimeters. As a result they are seldom seen by people as they are too small to be noticed. They are generally found in leaf litter and under rocks, but they also make up a significant component of the spider fauna living in the canopy of tropical rainforests.

Both spiders were found in the area of the Putao township in Kachin State, Myanmar. They were names after the respective discovery sites.   

For the experts: A new genus, Promolotra gen. nov., including two new species, P. hponkanrazi sp. nov. (♂♀) and P. shankhaung sp. nov. (♂), is described from Myanmar. The new genus is similar to Molotra Ubick & Griswold, 2011 but can be distinguished by the completely fused bulb and cymbium, the presence of a receptacle, the absence of grooves connecting either the anterior or posterior pairs of spiracles, and the incised labium of both sexes.

A new turtle: Chelus orinocensis

The mata mata turtle is a large (45 cm, up to 15 kg) freshwater turtle found in South America, mostly in the in the Amazon and Orinoco basins.  They have a very distinct look and are therefore available in the exotic pet trade, quite expensive to obtain. 

These turtles are carnivorous and predominantly feed at night in muddy water with limited visibility. However, they have very good eyesight with eyes that reflect light, similar to other nocturnal reptiles. 

The species name of the new discovery refers to the Orinoco drainage as its core distribution range. 

For the experts: The matamata is one of the most charismatic turtles on earth, widely distributed in northern South America. Debates have occurred over whether or not there should be two subspecies or species recognized due to its geographic variation in morphology. Even though the matamata is universally known, its natural history, conservation status and biogeography are largely unexplored. In this study we examined the phylogeographic differentiation of the matamata based on three mitochondrial DNA fragments (2168 bp of the control region, cytochrome oxidase subunit I, and the cytochrome b gene), one nuclear genomic DNA fragment (1068 bp of the R35 intron) and 1661 Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs). Our molecular and morphological analyses revealed the existence of two distinct, genetically deeply divergent evolutionary lineages of matamatas that separated in the late Miocene (approximately 12.7 million years ago), corresponding well to the time when the Orinoco Basin was established. As a result of our analyses, we describe the genetically and morphologically highly distinct matamata from the Orinoco and Río Negro Basins and the Essequibo drainage as a species new to science (Chelus orinocensis sp. nov.). Chelus fimbriata sensu stricto is distributed in the Amazon Basin and the Mahury drainage. Additionally, the analyses revealed that each species displays phylogeographic differentiation. For C. orinocensis, there is moderate mitochondrial differentiation between the Orinoco and the Río Negro. For C. fimbriata, there is more pronounced differentiation matching different river systems. One mitochondrial clade was identified from the Amazon, Ucayali, and Mahury Rivers, and another one from the Madeira and Jaci Paraná Rivers. The C. orinocensis in the Essequibo and Branco Rivers have haplotypes that constitute a third clade clustering with C. fimbriata. Phylogenetic analyses of the R35 intron and SNP data link the matamatas from the Essequibo and Branco with the new species, suggesting past gene flow and old mitochondrial introgression. Chelus orinocensis is collected for the pet trade in Colombia and Venezuela. However, neither the extent of the harvest nor its impact are known. Hence, it is crucial to gather more information and to assess its exploitation throughout its distribution range to obtain a better understanding of its conservation status and to design appropriate conservation and management procedures.

A new fish: Lestidium longilucifer

Barracudinas (family Paralepididae) are long and slender fish with large eyes, and a pointed snout with fang-like teeth. They look a little like to barracudas but are not related to those. They lack a swim bladder and - rarely found in vertebrates - they are hermaphrodites. Barracudinas can be found at depths of 2000 m, but they are mostly found somewhere between 200 and 1000 m. 

Our new species is one of three that were found in the Indo-West Pacific. Its name is a  combination of the Latin words longus and lucifer, referring to a long luminescent duct that extends well forward of the eye.

For the experts: Three new species of the genus Lestidium with complete lateral line are described from the Indo-west Pacific Ocean. Lestidium longilucifer sp. nov., from Western Australia and Taiwan, belongs to the Lestidium atlanticum species complex and can be separated from other congeners by having 41–43 prehaemal vertebrae, 85–88 total vertebrae and 126–146 total lateral-line scales; and body proportions. Lestidium australis sp. nov. from eastern Australia and Lestidium rofeni sp. nov. from Taiwan and the Philippines together with Lestidium prolixum form the L. prolixum species complex. These three species can be separated from each other by a combination of different fin positions, vertebral formula, number of lateral-line scales and pigmentation.

Three new moths: Caryocolum messneri, Caryocolum lamai, Caryocolum habeleri

Three of the world's most famous alpinists (Reinhold Messner, Peter Habeler and David Lama - all Austrians) have been honoured by naming some newly discovered alpine moth species after them. They were discovered and described by my Austrian colleague Peter Huemer. 

The species belong to the large moth family Gelechiidae (4500 species) which is a group of usually rather small animals with narrow, fringed wings. Gelechiidae caterpillars mostly feed on various parts of plants, sometimes causing galls or mines. Many species are agricultural pests but some of them are actually used as biocontrol agents for invasive plant species.

For the experts: The taxonomy of the Palaearctic Caryocolum schleichi species group is revised, leading to a largely new species concept. Initially described as four different species (C. schleichi, C. arenariella, C. dianthella, C. improvisella), these taxa were later considered as subspecies. Recently the taxon C. arenariella was re-instated to species level without, however, revision of the remaining three subspecies. Analysis of DNA barcodes of the mtCOI (Cytochrome c Oxidase 1) gene of all four validly described taxa showed an unexpected pattern of genetic diversity. Careful re-examination of morphological traits, particularly male and female genitalia, fully supported this pattern, leading to the re-instatement of C. dianthella sp. rev. and C. improvisella sp. rev. as valid species and the description of three new species, all of them occurring in the Alps: C. messneri sp. nov. (Italy, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Greece), C. lamai sp. nov. (Italy, France) and C. habeleri sp. nov. (France, Switzerland, Germany). All species are described in detail and the adults and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated.

A new snake: Trimeresurus salazar

These are the days for Harry Potter fans among taxonomists and naturalists. Another animal has been described using the name of a character in JK Rowling's famous books: Hogwarts School of Witchcraft and Wizardry’s co-founder, Salazar Slytherin.

Green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus are venomous serpents, with rather diverse looking species and varying life styles. They can be found  across east and Southeast Asia. This new species was found in Arunachal Pradesh, a state in India that borders Buthan and Myanmar.

For the experts: A new species of green pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 is described from the lowlands of western Arunachal Pradesh state of India. The new species, Trimeresurus salazar, is a member of the subgenus Trimeresurus, a relationship deduced contingent on two mitochondrial genes, 16S and ND4, and recovered as sister to Trimeresurus septentrionalis Kramer, 1977. The new species differs from the latter in bearing an orange to reddish stripe running from the lower border of the eye to the posterior part of the head in males, higher number of pterygoid and dentary teeth, and a short, bilobed hemipenis. Description of the new species and T. arunachalensis Captain, Deepak, Pandit, Bhatt & Athreya, 2019 from northeastern India in a span of less than one year highlights the need for dedicated surveys to document biodiversity across northeastern India.

A new fungus: Chroogomphus pakistanicus

Chroogomphus fungi are economically very important because of their association with pine trees, some medicinal properties (potential antibiotic) and because they are edible. According to an online wild mushroom cookbook they are excellent when dried, have a firm chewy texture but almost no flavor. This means you can put them in any dish without worrying about overpowering them - there's nothing to overpower! They make an excellent textural addition, though, a little crunchy, a little rubbery, very pleasant. Use them in tomato sauce as a meat substitute, or in a spicy Thai curry. You can't go wrong, because you can't taste them.

Our new species was found in the Kumrat valley in  the North of Pakistan, hence the species name.

For the experts: With only three published reports, the genus Chroogomphus (Boletales, Gomphidiaceae) is poorly studied in Pakistan. During recent sampling events in Khyber Pakhtunkhawa province, Pakistan, several collections of Chroogomphus were made, representing undescribed taxa. Based on morphological and molecular data, two new species are described: Chroogomphus pakistanicus and C. pruinosus. We present a description and illustrations for both taxa. A molecular phylogenetic reconstruction, based on the internal transcribed spacer (ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) barcode region, shows that C. pakistanicus and C. pruinosus are placed in two different subgenera of Chroogomphus (subg. Chroogomphus and subg. Siccigomphus, respectively).

Two new pseudoscorpions: Tyrannochthonius eua & Nesocheiridium onevai

Pseudoscorpions are a type of arachnid, meaning that they are not insects, but are closely related to spiders. They are cryptic animals, living amongst leaf-litter, under rocks, within compost piles, under bark and within decaying wood, in caves, and in various vertebrate nests. We know little about these tiny organisms and they are sometimes referred to as ‘neglected cousins’ of the spiders. They are named “Pseudo” scorpions because they have pincers that resemble scorpions, but do not have a tail and stinger. They can be found anywhere from a tree canopy, to somewhere in your home where they feed on the larvae of some household pests. They can also be found in leaf litter, where they feed on other tiny arthropods. Males use chemicals known as pheromones, and a fancy dancing behaviour, to attract females to mate. These arachnids construct a silken cocoon which they use to protect themselves during the winter. Pseudoscorpions occur all over the planet. Both new species were named after the Polynesian islands on which they were found. 

For the experts: The genera Tyrannochthonius Chamberlin, 1929 and Nesocheiridium Beier, 1957 are recorded from the Tonga Islands, Polynesia, for the first time. Tyrannochthonius eua sp. nov. is described from the island of Eua. Nesocheiridium onevai sp. nov. is described from the island of Onevai. This is the first discovery of a representative of the genus Nesocheiridium in more than 60 years. The holotype of the type species, Nesocheiridium stellatum Beier, 1957, is redescribed, allowing a better understanding of this poorly known genus. The genus Nesocheiridium is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: integument coarsely granulate, dorsally granulo-reticulate; vestitural setae either relatively long, with a leaf-like outline, or arcuate with a small spine; cucullus short; only 10 abdominal tergites visible in dorsal view; cheliceral rallum of four blades; venom apparatus present in both chelal fingers; fixed chelal finger with granulate swelling mesally and seven trichobothria; trichobothria ib and ist located distad of granulate swelling; eb and esb situated close together at the base of the finger; moveable chelal finger with two trichobothria.

A new plant: Hanceola suffruticosa

The family Lamiaceae is commonly known as the mint or sage family. Many of the plants are aromatic in all parts and include widely used herbs such as basil, rosemary, sage, oregano, thyme, and lavender. The family is rather large with about 7000 species and the genus Hanceola is fairly small with eight known species. These species are only known from evergreen forests in Southern China. The new species was found in the same region but also in Vietnam and differs from all other Hanceola species by having a base that is woody and does not die down each year. This trait is called suffrutescent and was used to derive the name of the new species.

For the experts: Hanceola is a genus of eight herbaceous species previously thought to be endemic to southern China. However, H. suffruticosa, a new species described here from China and Vietnam, differs from all other species of Hanceola by its subshrubby habit. It is also distinct in its shallowly bicrenate laminae and densely purplish glandular puberulent inflorescences. The morphological description, illustrations, and distribution of the new species are presented. A key to all species of Hanceola is also provided.

A new frog: Raorchestes rezakhani

Bush frogs belong to a genus of frogs in the family Rhacophoridae. These frogs can be found in South and Southeast Asia and among the most spectacular members of this group are some so-called flying frogs. Well, the expression gliding frog is perhaps better, as they have the ability to achieve gliding flight. Our new species is not known to be a glider but nevertheless is a new exciting find in Bangladesh. By the way these little guys are tiny, just about 2cm length as adults.

This new species was named after a pioneer in the field of wildlife research in Bangladesh, Dr. Mohammad Ali Reza Khan.

For the experts: Raorchestes is a speciose genus of bush frogs with high diversity occurring in the Western Ghats of India. Relatively fewer species have been recorded across India, through Bangladesh, southern China, into Vietnam and Peninsular Malaysia. Many bush frogs are morphologically cryptic and therefore remain undescribed. Here, a new species, Raorchestes rezakhani sp. nov., is described from northeastern Bangladesh based on morphological characters, genetics, and bioacoustics. The 16S rRNA gene distinguished this species from 48 known species of this genus. Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses indicated that the new species was most similar to R. tuberohumerus, a species found in the Western Ghats, and to R. gryllus, a species found in Vietnam. Bioacoustics indicated that their calls were similar in pattern to most Raorchestes species, although number of pulses, duration of pulses, pulse intervals and amplitude differentiated it from a few other species. It is suggested that northeastern India, Bangladesh, northern Myanmar, and southern China represent important, relatively unexplored areas that could yield additional species of Raorchestes. Since many remaining habitat patches in Bangladesh are under severe threat from deforestation, efforts should be made to protect these last patches from further degradation.

A new spider: Lycosa aragogi

This one is for Harry Potter fans.

There are about 2400 species of Wolf Spiders (Lycosidae) on Earth. They can be found in a wide range of habitats including our homes. Spiderlings of this group are known for a behaviour called ballooning. They move through the air by releasing one or more silk threads to catch the wind, causing them to become airborne. As a consequence, wolf spiders have wide distributions.

This new wolf spider species was named after Aragog, the famous fictional spider from the Harry Potter book series by J.K. Rowling. The authors state that there are similarities between this new species and the animatronic version used in the film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets.

For the experts: With over 2400 species in 123 genera, Lycosidae is one of the largest spider families (WSC 2017). For over two hundred years, the type genus Lycosa Latreille, 1804 have accumulated large-sized wolf spiders from all over the world. Thus, with 218 nominal species, this genus is distributed in all zoogeographical regions (WSC 2017). Almost none of the species currently classified in Lycosa appear to be related to the type species—L. tarantula (Linnaeus, 1758); hence, the genus is polyphyletic and should be divided into several genera. This process has been already started; for example, in Australia and New Zealand where many of large wolf spiders have been removed from Lycosa (Roewer 1955, 1959, 1960; Vink 2002; Framenau & Baehr 2016). Also, some Holarctic, Neotropic and Afrotropic species were transferred from Lycosa to other genera (for a complete list of references see WSC 2017). In the Palaearctic, Lycosa is represented by 60 species (WSC 2017) and remains almost unrevised. From the southern Palaearctic, Saharo-Gobian desert region (Yemel’yanov 1974), 36 species of Lycosa have been recorded to date, 6 of which are poorly described (WSC 2017).

A new gecko: Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis

Geckos have a number of unique features that distinguish them from other lizards. They use sounds in social interactions with other geckos. They lack eyelids which is why they often lick their eyes to keep them clean and moist. However, they are probably best known for their specialized toe pads that enable them to climb smooth and vertical surfaces, and even cross indoor ceilings with ease.

This new species was collected in Cambodia at Phnom Chi (a mountain) in the Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Thom Province, hence the name Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis.

For the experts: Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis sp. nov. is described from Phnom Chi, an isolated mountain in Prey Lang Wildlife Sanctuary, Kampong Thom Province, Cambodia. The new species is recognized by having a unique combination of morphological characters, including snout-vent length 76.1–80.7 mm; paravertebral tubercles 31–36; ventral scales 45–54; enlarged femoral scales 0–8, without pores; enlarged precloacal scales 7–10, bearing pores 4–5 in males, pits 1–7 in females; the posterior border of nuchal loop unbroken and pointed, bordered anteriorly and posteriorly by a broad yellow or yellowish white band; and yellow spots on top of head. The new species also represents a divergent mitochondrial DNA lineage within the C. irregularis complex that is closely related to C. ziegleri, but the phylogenetic relationships among the new species and two divergent mitochondrial subclades within C. ziegleri are not resolved based on available sequence data. Cyrtodactylus phnomchiensis sp. nov. is the only member of the C. irregularis complex known to occur west of the Mekong River. The new species may be endemic to Phnom Chi, and likely faces imminent conservation threats.

A new lizard: Iguana melanoderma

Iguanas are herbivorous lizards that live in the tropical areas of the Americas. They can get up to 1.8m long. The name Iguana comes from the word iwana derived from a Caribbean indigenous language (Taino). There are a good number of Lizards that are named Iguana but there are only two species of the genus Iguana known to science. This new one represents the third one. Its name was chosen to emphasize the dark skin of the new species, melano means black and derma means skin. It was found on the Lesser Antilles Islands Saba and Montserrat.

For the experts: The Lesser Antilles, in the Eastern Caribbean, is inhabited by three Iguana species: the Lesser Antillean iguana Iguana delicatissima, which is endemic to the northernmost islands of the Lesser Antilles, the introduced common iguana from South America, Iguana iguana iguana, represented also by the two newly described endemic subspecies Iguana iguana sanctaluciae from Saint Lucia and Iguana iguana insularis from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Grenada, and the introduced Iguana rhinolopha from Central America. Drawing on both morphological and genetic data, this paper describes the Iguana populations from Saba and Montserrat as a new species, Iguana melanoderma. This species is recognized on the basis of the following combination of characteristics: private microsatellite alleles, unique mitochondrial ND4 haplotypes, a distinctive black spot between the eye and tympanum, a dorsal carpet pattern on juveniles and young adults, a darkening of body coloration with aging (except for the anterior part of the snout), a black dewlap, pink on the jowl, the high number of large tubercular nape scales, fewer than ten medium sized–triangular dewlap spikes, high dorsal spikes, and lack of horns on the snout. This new melanistic taxon is threatened by unsustainable harvesting (including for the pet trade) and both competition and hybridization from escaped or released invasive alien iguanas (I. iguana iguana and I. rhinolopha) from South and Central America, respectively. The authors call for action to conserve Iguana melanoderma in Saba and Montserrat and for further research to investigate its relationship to other melanistic iguanas from the Virgin Islands and coastal islands of Venezuela.

A new millipede: Trachyjulus magnus

Millipedes are often found under mulch, dead leaves, or under piles of grass clipping. They thrive in places where the soil stays damp. There they eat dead leaves and decaying wood particles. In the fall, millipedes often migrate. They move out of their normal habitat. Colleagues suspect they may be trying to get ready for winter. However, they have also been seen migrating after a heavy rain has flooded their habitat. During these migrations, millipedes often find their way into our homes.

A good number of millipede species are well adapted to live in caves and so is our new species which was found in a cave in Southern Thailand. Its scientific name was chosen to indicate that it has the largest body size of all species known in the genus Trachyjulus. 

For the experts: A new, giant species of Trachyjulus from a cave in southern Thailand is described, illustrated, and compared to morphologically closely related taxa. This new species, T. magnus sp. nov., is much larger than all other congeners and looks especially similar to the grossly sympatric T. unciger Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2012, which is widespread in southern Thailand. Phylogenetic trees, both rooted and unrooted, based on a concatenated dataset of the COI and 28S genes of nine species of Cambalopsidae (Trachyjulus, Glyphiulus, and Plusioglyphiulus), strongly support the monophyly of Trachyjulus and a clear-cut divergence between T. magnus sp. nov. and T. unciger in revealing very high average p-distances of the COI gene (20.80–23.62%).

A new fungus: Ochraceocephala foeniculi

You've probably eaten fennel at some time in your life. Not everybody likes this vegetable although it is pretty versatile and rather healthy. The entire plant (including seeds) is edible. It's origin is in the mediterranean region and is one of Italy's most popular vegetables. In fact 85% of the world's fennel comes from Italy. Several diseases caused by fungi are known for fennel and researchers have just discovered and described a new one: Ochraceocephala foeniculi. This new fungus was named after the scientific name of fennel.

For the experts: A new disease of fennel is described from Sicily (southern Italy). Surveys of the disease and sampling were conducted during spring 2017 and 2018 in Adrano and Bronte municipalities (Catania province) where this crop is widely cultivated. Isolations from the margin of symptomatic tissues resulted in fungal colonies with the same morphology. Pathogenicity tests with one isolate of the fungus on 6-month-old plants of fennel reproduced similar symptoms to those observed in nature. Inoculation experiments to assess the susceptibility of six different fennel cultivars to infection by the pathogen showed that the cultivars ‘Narciso’, ‘Apollo’, and ‘Pompeo’ were more susceptible than ‘Aurelio’, ‘Archimede’, and ‘Pegaso’. Phylogenetic analyses based on a matrix of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), the large subunit (LSU), and the small subunit (SSU) rDNA regions revealed that the isolates represent a new genus and species within the Leptosphaeriaceae, which is here described as Ochraceocephala foeniculi gen. et sp. nov. This study improves the understanding of this new fennel disease, but further studies are needed for planning effective disease management strategies. According to the results of the phylogenetic analyses, Subplenodomus iridicola is transferred to the genus Alloleptosphaeria and Acicuseptoria rumicis to Paraleptosphaeria.

A new grass: Poa magellensis

The Apennine Mountains are a beautiful mountain range along the length of the peninsular Italy.  Embedded in a really nice area of the Central Apennine in the Abruzzo region lies the Majella National Park. Colleagues did plant collections in this park and found a new meadow-grass species living on fairly high altitude (2700m).

The scientists names the new species after the region they found it (Magellan Mountains). 

For the experts: A new species, Poa magellensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated based on collections from the Majella Mountains in Central Apennine, Italy. It is morphologically similar to P. ligulata Boiss., but can be distinguished by green leaves, the basal ones adaxially lightly scabrous or sparsely hairy, longer ligules particularly in the upper leaves, panicles denser with primary branches sub-erect to erect, glumes with broader scarious margin, more acute glumes and lemmas, lemmas and paleas longer, rachilla hairy, calluses usually with a crown of hairs or shortly webbed, caryopses longer. A distribution map of the species is also presented.

A new moth: Stamnodes fergusoni

The Geometridae are a large family of moths (~23000 species). Their name is derived from the Ancient Greek geo for the earth, and metron for measure, which makes it earth-measurer. This refers to the looping fashion in which their larvae move. In English they are also called inchworm for the very same reason. Stamnodes fergusoni was found in Texas and named after the late Douglas C. Ferguson, renewed expert for geometrid moths of North America. He was in the process of describing this species before he passed away.

For the experts: Stamnodes fergusoni sp. nov. occurs from extreme southeastern Arizona through southern New Mexico east into western Texas, USA. Identity of the new species can be reliably determined by external features, genitalic characters, and COI haplotypes. Larvae are believed to be specialists on Salvia pinguifolia and S. ballotiflora. The adult and larval stages and male and female genitalia are illustrated, available DNA barcode data that support the recognition of the new Stamnodes are reviewed, and its life history briefly characterized.

A new frog: Leptobrachella suiyangensis

After a longer hiatus I am using the COVID-19 induced home isolation for a new attempt at this  blog that highlights new species that share this planet with us. They all have little stories to tell. My goal is only to quickly introduce them to a larger public. Enjoy!

Litter frogs (Family Megophryidae) are live in South East Asia. They are mostly famous for their elaborate camouflage which makes many of them look like dead leaves. A widely known species is the long nosed horned frog. Our new species was found during an expedition to montane evergreen forest in China. The species name refers to the location this species was found, Taibai Town in Suiyang County of Guizohu Province.

For the experts: This study describes a new species of the genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella suiyangensis sp. nov. from the Huoqiuba Nature Reserve, Suiyang County, Guizhou Province, China, based on morphological data and phylogenetic analyses (16S rRNA mtDNA). The new species can be distinguished from other congeners by the molecular divergence and by a combination of morphological characters, including body size, dorsal and ventral patterns, dorsal skin texture, size of the pectoral and femoral glands, degree of webbing and fringing on the toes and fingers, dorsum coloration, and iris coloration in life. Currently, the genus Leptobrachellacontains 75 species, 21 of which are found in China, including seven species reported from Guizhou Province. The uncorrected sequence divergence percentage between Leptobrachella suiyangensis sp. nov. and all homologous DNA sequences available for the 16S rRNA gene was found to be >4.7%. The new record of the species and its relationships with others in the same genus imply that species distribution, habitat variation, environmental adaptation, and diversity of the genus Leptobrachella in southwest China need to be further investigated.