The sea slug genus Trapania Pruvot-Fol, 1931 (Nudibranchia: Goniodorididae) is highly diverse, with most species reported from the Indo-Pacific. Here we formally describe five new species of Trapania from New Caledonia, a region recognised as a centre of Indo-Pacific marine biodiversity but poorly documented for this genus. Specimens were examined using an integrative taxonomic approach combining external morphology, radular and reproductive anatomy, and DNA sequence data (COI, 16S, H3). Species delimitation analyses support the distinctiveness of all five taxa. For each species, we provide descriptions, diagnostic features, ecological notes, and comparisons with similar congeners. These results highlight New Caledonia as a hotspot for nudibranch diversity and underscore the importance of integrative approaches in documenting Indo-Pacific marine faunas.
The genus Elysia Risso, a diverse group of sea slugs within the order Sacoglossa, comprises highly specialised herbivores capable of photosynthesis. Despite their leaf-like appearance being relatively consistent across species, Elysia exhibits considerable morphological diversity in internal systems among clades. Ecological strategies and behaviours may also vary. Prior descriptions have often relied solely on external traits or radular morphology, a limitation that has contributed to persistent taxonomic misinterpretations. In this study, a high-resolution, comprehensive examination of external and internal morphological features was conducted on four key Caribbean species to elucidate taxonomic uncertainties and establish a detailed morphological baseline. The investigation involved detailed comparative analyses of these traits to assess morphological similarities among evolutionarily related species and identify potentially informative characters for accurate species descriptions. The analyses revealed high intraspecific variability in some external traits, limiting their reliability for species identification. However, specific features were identified, such as dorsal sinus patterns, renopericardial complex arrangement and parapodial shape, that are taxonomically informative. Internal systems also showed significant variation in the renopericardial complex, ganglion and buccal mass morphology, and reproductive structures, reflecting potential adaptive responses to ecological niches and providing valuable insights into species relationships. Overall, our study underscores the importance of integrating detailed morphological analysis of multiple internal systems, helping in resolving taxonomic uncertainties and enhancing our understanding of the evolutionary dynamics within Elysia. Integrating morphological analyses with molecular data holds promise for unravelling the intricate evolutionary history and ecological adaptations of these enigmatic marine organisms.
Capniella hanma sp. n. the sixth species of the small winter stonefly genus Capniella Klap & aacute;lek, is described on the basis of the male holotype collected in the Greater Khingan Mountains in northeastern China. Affinities of the new species are discussed, and similar characters are compared to those of congeners. Four species of Capniidae are recorded for the first time in China: Capnia kolymensis Zhiltzova, C. rara Zapekina-Dulkeit, C. shugnanica Zhiltzova and Isocapnia orientalis Zhiltzova.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:C0497EE3-B989-4BAA-AAC7-72617517FEB8
Proteroptine braconids, koinobiont endoparasitoids of sawfly larvae, are speciose and diverse in the New World though rarely collected worldwide. Here we describe a new genus, Bicariniproterops Liu and Polaszek gen. n. with a new species, Bicariniproterops brasiliensis Liu and Polaszek, sp. n. from Brazil. A new species of Proterops, P. spinatus Liu and Polaszek, sp. n. is described from El Salvador. An illustrated key to the New World Proterops is provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:423605AD-1728-489E-9EFE-6ADEC499A360
Effective conservation of range-restricted reptiles requires a detailed understanding of their ecological traits and behavioural ecology. The mountain dragon lizard (Diploderma batangense), a narrow-range endemic restricted to western China and classified as a National Class II Protected species, remains poorly studied, and conservation efforts have been limited. From 2021 to 2025, extensive field investigations were undertaken to assess its population structure, habitat preferences, trophic ecology, behavioural repertoire and diel activity patterns. The population exhibited a balanced sex ratio across ontogenetic stages, a marked decline in total captures (approximate to 27% from 2021 to 2025) and an age structure skewed towards adults (subadult-to-adult ratio of 1:2.5). Both sexes predominantly occupied exposed rocky substrates yet exhibited marked intersexual divergence in microhabitat selection. The species was broadly omnivorous, feeding primarily on lepidopterans and hemipterans, with occasional consumption of Fabaceae flowers. Reproductive activity peaked in late May, with oviposition occurring from late July to early August, during which females exhibited characteristic nesting behaviours. Visual signalling, most notably push-up displays, dominated social interactions and served critical roles in both courtship and territorial defence. Activity patterns varied by season and sex, with both sexes roosting nocturnally on shrub branches during summer. These findings establish the first comprehensive ecological baseline for D. batangense, providing essential data for informed conservation and habitat management strategies.
Two new species of the genus Leptogenys are described based on the worker caste, namely Leptogenys distincta sp. n. and Leptogenys gastrolucida sp. n. from India. The male of L. gastrolucida sp. n. is also reported and described. An updated dichotomous key to the 60 known species of Leptogenys from the Oriental region is provided.This publication and the nomenclatural acts it contains has been registered in ZooBank:http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8508619A-400C-44AF-92C4-E6FA348E4E8D
A new Zodarion species belonging to the 'germanicum' species group is described based on both sexes. Specimens of the new species were collected in Hakkari province, Eastern Anatolia, Turkey. Detailed descriptions, diagnosis and photographs of the species are provided.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:A839711C-C438-4712-90F1-6E85A7003099
Given the lack of research on scorpion species in South Khorasan province, this study is deemed necessary. Understanding the scorpion fauna and its seasonal occurrence is essential for effectively preventing and treating scorpion stings. Sampling was done evenly using an ultraviolet light at night or direct observation during the day. In this study, 141 specimens were collected from different parts of Nehbandan county. Five species belonging to five genera of the Buthidae were collected and identified, the first four being Androctonus orientalis (Birula), Mesobuthus rakhshanii Barahoei, Odontobuthus tirgari Mirshamsi et al. and Sassanidotus gracilis (Birula). Olivierus simabina Barahoei sp. n. was also described, and its record was added to the scorpion fauna of Iran. No other species except for O. tirgari has been recorded from Nehbandan. Sassanidotus gracilis is a new report for the fauna of the South Khorasan province.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:2CC7DC01-C16F-4E15-950F-F02AA7DA3ECA
The Embioptera fauna of Mato Grosso do Sul is still poorly documented. This study provides the first contribution to the study of the order in this state, focusing on the family Archembiidae. Three new species are described, Biguembia paxixi sp. n. Malacosembia morena sp. n. and Pararhagadochir hirsuta sp. n. Additionally, the female of Biguembia cocum Szumik, is recorded and described. Pararhagadochir flavicollis (Enderlein) is recorded for the first time in Brazil, while Archembia dilata Ross, Pararhagadochir castaneus Salvatierra, and Pararhagadochir confusa Ross, are recorded for the first time in the state. Finally, the type localities of Archembia oruma Szumik, Biguembia cocum Szumik, and Gibocercus urucumi are briefly discussed. A key to species of Malacosembia is provided; B. paxixi sp. n. and P. hirsuta sp. n. are added to previous keys.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:EB3A91FA-5954-40AC-80C6-A32C084674FF
The occurrence of the exotic parasitoid Eretmocerus queenslandensis Naumann and Schmidt (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) is reported for the first time in India parasitising the whitefly Bemisia breyniae (Singh) (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae). Parasitised puparia were golden brown, and the presence of round emergence holes without meconia suggested the development of Eretmocerus parasitoids. Eretmocerus queenslandensis developed as a solitary, primary ectoendoparasitoid, with a natural parasitism rate of 40-95% across host plants and locations. Both morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of E. queenslandensis in association with B. breyniae infesting star gooseberry, Phyllanthus acidus (L.), and black honey shrub, Phyllanthus reticulatus Poir (Malpighiales: Phyllanthaceae). The partial mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (mtCOI; similar to 650 bp) gene of the whitefly and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), along with the D2 and D3 expansion segments of the 28S rRNA gene of the parasitoid, were characterised for species identification. The E. queenslandensis sequences obtained for ITS2 (PV973020, PV987802, PV987803, PX619219, PX619220, PX619221), 28SD2 (PX619315, PX619316, PX619317, PX970223, PX970231, PX972511, PX972512) and 28SD3 (PX588011, PX970234, PX970244, PX970268) showed high sequence similarity (99%) to the corresponding Australian reference isolates in the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) database. Similarly, mtCOI sequences obtained from B. breyniae (PQ999890, PQ999829, and PQ999823) showed 100% similarity with corresponding GenBank records from Taiwan (GQ867716). The identity of B. breyniae and its parasitoid E. queenslandensis was confirmed based on morphological traits, supported by partial mtCOI gene sequences for whitefly and ITS2, 28SD2 and D3 rRNA gene sequences for the parasitoid. Previously, this parasitoid was known to occur only in Australia and China, where it parasitises silverleaf whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius). The present discovery of E. queenslandensis parasitising B. breyniae signifies a potential biocontrol opportunity in India for the management of B. tabaci, thereby expanding its known geographic distribution and host range.
Octopus americanus Froriep, is the most significant octopus species for industrial and artisanal fishing in the Western Atlantic. Redescribed in 2020, little is known about its ecology and behaviour in the natural environment, and available data for management plans largely derive from fleet fishing landings at depths ranging from 30 to 200 m. We employed three complementary methodologies to expand knowledge on the habitat use and distribution of this species in shallow water (up to 15 m) around coastal islands in South Brazil. These methods included: (1) longline pot fishing experiments (2014-2017), (2) scuba diving collections (2021-2023), and (3) interviews with artisanal fishermen in the region (2021-2022). We sampled octopus size, abundance, diet and habitat characteristics. Octopus americanus was found throughout the year around the islands, with large individuals prevalent in winter and smaller ones in autumn. Bivalves, especially Perna perna, along with crustaceans and gastropods, were the primary items identified in the octopus' middens, while crustaceans, fish and polychaetes were present in the stomach contents. Octopus americanus was observed across various substrate and den types associated with the rocky coast, and frequently observed at the interface between rock and sand. The species utilised the study area for breeding, feeding and growth. Our results identify critical areas to sustain O. americanus' population, contributing to the understanding of its ecological niche and conservation. Recommendations for fisheries management are provided.
Halticopterella dzayerensis Tselikh and Belkacem sp. n. is described from Dechmia, Algeria. The new species is compared with its closest congener Halticopterella slavica (Bou & ccaron;ek) comb. rev. from Lyubana Bou & ccaron;ek syn rev. which is redescribed in detail.
The family Euryrhynchidae comprises freshwater shrimps with a disjunct distribution, occurring mainly in the Amazon basin. Basic biological information for this group, which is comparatively recent in evolutionary terms, is still lacking. The present study provides the first morphometric and biological data for Euryrhynchus amazoniensis and E. burchelli, analysing relative growth, sexual dimorphism and patterns of heterochely and handedness in both sexes. Specimens were collected from floodplain areas of two rivers in Manaus, northern Brazil. Individuals were measured for carapace length and for the articles of the chelipeds. In both species, males were larger than females and exhibited proportionally more developed chelipeds. No significant handedness pattern was observed, indicating that the larger cheliped may occur on either side of the body. In E. amazoniensis, relative growth analyses revealed strong sexual dimorphism, with males allocating more energy to cheliped development. Furthermore, the morphological analyses and evidence indicate the presence of different male morphotypes in this species, a pattern commonly reported for other freshwater carideans, but previously unrecorded for Euryrhynchidae. Overall, the results indicate that E. amazoniensis and E. burchelli share morphological patterns typical of other freshwater shrimps but also exhibit evolutionary particularities reflecting unique reproductive and ecological strategies, thereby expanding current knowledge of the biology of Euryrhynchidae.
A new scorpion species, Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from the hyperarid Saharan regions of the Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province and Timiaouine District, Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province, southern Algeria. This new species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from the Timiaouine and Tin Zaouatine areas. It is compared with congeners from Algeria and Niger, notably A. ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Louren & ccedil;o, A. amoreuxi (Audouin), and A. eburneus (Pallary).http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:8A7D14AC-E621-48BA-BE88-B7D39BE3F29A
Levantina guttata Olivier, is reported for the first time from a rocky habitat southeast of Kralkizi Dam, Diyarbakir, Turkey. Previously, the species was known from Adana (two localities), Malatya (one), Elazig (three), Adiyaman (four), Sanliurfa (two) and Diyarbakir (seven) provinces. Ninety empty shells and 35 live specimens were collected in May 2025 to provide morphological, reproductive anatomical and ecological data. Shells are depressed-globular with distinct spiral bands and fine radial sculpture; morphometric analysis of 30 adults revealed mean shell width of 36.4 mm and height of 20.0 mm. Reproductive anatomy is species-specific, featuring a club-shaped dart sac with a similar to 6 mm dart, bifurcating mucous glands and a distinctive arrangement of penial and vaginal structures. The habitat consists of karstic limestone with patchy woodland. These findings expand the known distribution of L. guttata, provide novel reproductive anatomical data for taxonomic clarification and contribute to conservation assessments. High-resolution photographs of live specimens and shells are presented for the first time as a reference for comparative studies within the genus.
Cordiluroides Albuquerque is a Neotropical genus comprising 11 described species distributed from Mexico to Brazil. Here, a new species from Veracruz (Mexico) is described based on male specimens, including habitus images and drawings of the terminalia; also, Cordiluroides bicolor (Bigot) is redescribed, including habitus images of the holotype, and a new record of Cordiluroides bistriata (Wulp) from Veracruz (Mexico) is presented. The new species represents the twelfth known species of the genus and the fourth recorded from Mexico.http://www.zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:E0448C3F-B77B-40FD-BC9E-751FCA5718A6
