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Taxonomy, Volume 5, Issue 3 (September 2025) – 12 articles

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26 pages, 9788 KB  
Article
Taxonomic Notes on Lerniana Delicado et Hauffe, 2022, Trichonia Schütt, 1980 (Truncatelloidea: Hydrobiidae: Horatiinae) and Allied Taxa
by Aleksandra Jaszczyńska, Jozef Grego, Sebastian Hofman, Artur Osikowski and Andrzej Falniowski
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 45; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030045 - 26 Aug 2025
Abstract
The genera: Lerniana Delicado et Hauffe, 2022, Trichonia Schütt, 1980, and two clades (“Radomaniolaelongata Radoman, 1973, and an unnamed clade referred to as “Radomaniola” sp. 1, sp. 2) whose assignment to any genus remains unknown, form sister group [...] Read more.
The genera: Lerniana Delicado et Hauffe, 2022, Trichonia Schütt, 1980, and two clades (“Radomaniolaelongata Radoman, 1973, and an unnamed clade referred to as “Radomaniola” sp. 1, sp. 2) whose assignment to any genus remains unknown, form sister group with the genus Radomaniola Szarowska, 2007 (Hydrobiidae W. Stimpson, 1865, subfamily Horatiinae D. W. Taylor, 1966) The paper deals with all these clades sister to Radomaniola. Cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences have been used to infer phylogenetic relationships between the snails collected at 15 localities in southern Greece and one in Montenegro. Thirty-two haplotypes represent eight Molecular Taxonomical Units (mOTUs) of the species level, four of them within the genus Lerniana: L. seminula (Frauenfeld, 1863), L. tritonum (Bourguignat, 1852), and two other of these four species are both described as new. First of them has been found at seven localities in Peloponnese, Attica and southern Thessaly, the second only at one locality, sympatrically with the former species. “Radomaniolaelongata does not belong to Radomaniola, and its relationships remain unknown, similarly as in other unnamed clade, whose genus-level assignment cannot currently be resolved. The shells, protoconchs, radulae, female reproductive organs and penes are presented, also for Trichonia trichonica Radoman, 1973, for which the genus assignment remains undecided based on our molecular results. The study clearly illustrates how fragmentary is our knowledge is on the real biodiversity of the minute truncatelloid gastropods, whose morphology—simple and variable—makes species distinction hardly possible. Informed decisions on species and habitat protection should consider the above. Full article
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14 pages, 5155 KB  
Article
On Brazilian Finger-Net Caddisfly Chimarra Stephens, 1829 (Trichoptera: Philopotamidae), I: Two New Species of Chimarra (Curgia) Walker, 1860 from the Caatinga and Cerrado Biomes, Northeastern Brazil
by Lucas Moreno, Gleison R. Desidério, Wagner R. M. Souza, Vitória Santana, Pitágoras C. Bispo and Lucas R. C. Lima
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 44; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030044 - 21 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Despite being the subgenus with the highest number of species within Chimarra Stephens, 1829 in Brazil, information about Chimarra (Curgia) Walker, 1980 is scarce in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Beyond the discussion about the quantity of species reported for this region, [...] Read more.
Despite being the subgenus with the highest number of species within Chimarra Stephens, 1829 in Brazil, information about Chimarra (Curgia) Walker, 1980 is scarce in the Brazilian semi-arid region. Beyond the discussion about the quantity of species reported for this region, there is also a temporal gap concerning original descriptions of this subgenus in Brazil. Thus, 15 years after the last description of C. (Curgia) in Brazil, we diagnosed, described, and illustrated two new species based on adult males collected in the Caatinga and Cerrado biomes in the state of Piauí, viz., Chimarra (Curgia) opala sp. nov. and Chimarra (Curgia) prata sp. nov. They can be recognized mainly by the morphology of tergum X, preanal appendage, and phallotheca spines. Moreover, they do not conform to the characteristics of any species group traditionally known in the genus. While sharing similarities with the species compared in this study, these comparisons are limited to isolated characters and do not encompass all the features representing the groups of their respective species. Full article
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28 pages, 891 KB  
Article
Two Simple Ways to Make Taxonomic Diagnoses More Useful
by Laurence Packer
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 43; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030043 - 21 Aug 2025
Viewed by 327
Abstract
I suggest two ways to make taxonomic diagnoses more useful: they should state overtly (1) what taxa the new one is diagnosed against, I term this the reference group; and (2) how to identify the reference group from others in the higher-level [...] Read more.
I suggest two ways to make taxonomic diagnoses more useful: they should state overtly (1) what taxa the new one is diagnosed against, I term this the reference group; and (2) how to identify the reference group from others in the higher-level group to which it belongs, I call this more inclusive taxon the recognition group. Making the reference group identifiable within an as-large-as-possible recognition group increases the usefulness of a taxonomic paper. For diagnoses of 313 newly described insect genera, I assess the taxonomic level and number of genera in both reference and recognition groups. The two were identical in almost half of the cases and were at the same taxonomic level, but the reference group was geographically, ecologically or morphologically more restricted in less than 9%, and the recognition group was at a higher taxonomic level in the remainder. When authors explained how to identify the reference group from a larger recognition group, the number of genera from which the new one could be differentiated increased by a factor of more than four. I make a series of recommendations on how diagnoses can be improved based upon analyses of reference and recognition groups. Full article
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16 pages, 10067 KB  
Article
Forgotten for Decades: Revalidation and Redescription of Raiamas harmandi (Sauvage, 1880) (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from the Mekong River Basin
by Cai-Xin Liu, Yi-Yang Xu, Yu-Yang Zeng, Thaung Naing Oo and Xiao-Yong Chen
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 42; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030042 - 20 Aug 2025
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Abstract
The genus Raiamas currently comprises 18 valid species, only 2 of which occur in Asia; the remaining 16 are endemic to Africa. Raiamas harmandi was originally described by Sauvage in 1880 as Bola harmandi, which is distributed in the Great Lakes, Cambodia, [...] Read more.
The genus Raiamas currently comprises 18 valid species, only 2 of which occur in Asia; the remaining 16 are endemic to Africa. Raiamas harmandi was originally described by Sauvage in 1880 as Bola harmandi, which is distributed in the Great Lakes, Cambodia, the Mekong River Basin. It was considered a synonym of R. guttatus by later researchers. In this study, we examined 49 Raiamas individuals from the Mekong, Irrawaddy, and Salween river basins, recording both meristic counts and morphometric measurements. Based on the morphological evidence, we revised the taxonomy of Raiamas in the Mekong River Basin, confirming R. harmandi as a valid species and providing a comprehensive redescription. Raiamas harmandi can be distinguished from R. guttatus mainly by having more predorsal scales (25–28 vs. 21–23) and a different color pattern on the lateral body. Utilizing a total of 44 aligned COI and Cyt b sequences—including eight newly sequenced individuals of Raiamas from three river basins—we reconstructed its phylogenetic relationships. The analysis strongly supported four R. harmandi individuals from the Mekong River Basin forming a distinct clade, which was the sister to the clade comprising five R. guttatus individuals from the Irrawaddy and Salween river basins. Genetic distances between R. harmandi and R. guttatus ranged from 14.0 to 14.9% for COI and 16.1 to 17.0% for Cyt b. Distributionally, R. harmandi occurs throughout the Mekong River Basin, as evidenced by combined voucher specimens and molecular sequence data. Full article
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12 pages, 2328 KB  
Article
The Curious Case of Woodcreepers: Cytogenomic Evidence Based on the Position of NORs
by Analía del Valle Garnero, Vitor Oliveira de Rosso, Hybraim Severo Salau, Paulo Afonso Rosa de Lara, Victoria Tura, Fabiano Pimentel Torres and Ricardo José Gunski
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 41; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030041 - 14 Aug 2025
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Abstract
Woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptinae) constitute a subfamily of Neotropical passerines currently recognized as a monophyletic group within Furnariidae. Although Furnariidae is one of the most diverse avian families in the Neotropics, cytogenetic data remain scarce. In this study, we present the first cytogenetic analysis of [...] Read more.
Woodcreepers (Dendrocolaptinae) constitute a subfamily of Neotropical passerines currently recognized as a monophyletic group within Furnariidae. Although Furnariidae is one of the most diverse avian families in the Neotropics, cytogenetic data remain scarce. In this study, we present the first cytogenetic analysis of Lepidocolaptes falcinellus using conventional (Ag-NOR, C-banding) and molecular (hybridization in situ fluorescence—FISH with telomeric and 18S rDNA probes) approaches. The species exhibits a karyotype with 2n = 80 chromosomes, predominantly acrocentric macrochromosomes, and heterochromatin restricted to centromeric regions. Telomeric repeats were confined to terminal regions, and 18S rDNA sites (NORs) were detected on the short arm of chromosome pair 1. This pattern, also observed in other Dendrocolaptinae species, contrasts with the ancestral avian condition of NORs on microchromosomes, suggesting a derived, lineage-specific chromosomal signature. These results support the cytogenetic cohesion of Dendrocolaptinae and reinforce the potential of NOR localization as a phylogenetic marker within the group. Our findings contribute novel cytotaxonomic data that enhance the understanding of chromosomal evolution and systematics in Furnariidae. Full article
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28 pages, 2127 KB  
Article
Description of Silvibacterium acidisoli sp. nov. and Edaphobacter albus sp. nov. and a Proposal for Taxonomic Rearrangements Within the Family Acidobacteriaceae Based on Comparative Genome Analysis
by Lihong Qiu and Lixiang Cao
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 40; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030040 - 8 Aug 2025
Viewed by 316
Abstract
Acidobacteriota are difficult to cultivate but pervasively and copiously distributed across nearly all ecosystems, especially soils, such as agricultural, peat, arctic tundra and metal-contaminated soils. Most of the currently available isolates are affiliated with the family Acidobacteriaceae. However, the current taxonomic structure [...] Read more.
Acidobacteriota are difficult to cultivate but pervasively and copiously distributed across nearly all ecosystems, especially soils, such as agricultural, peat, arctic tundra and metal-contaminated soils. Most of the currently available isolates are affiliated with the family Acidobacteriaceae. However, the current taxonomic structure of Acidobacteriaceae was established based mainly on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny, and several described genera appear to be polyphyletic or taxonomically unresolved. To resolve these issues, genome sequence analyses (18 genomes sequenced in this study and 49 genomes obtained from the NCBI database) along with phenotypic data analysis were used in this study. Phylogenomic analysis and the overall genome relatedness indices (OGRIs)—average nucleotide identity (ANI), average amino acid identity (AAI), percentage of conserved proteins (POCP)—were performed on 67 Acidobacteriota genomes. As a result, proposals for 13 novel combinations are made. Firstly, to resolve the polyphyly of the genus Granulicella, it is suggested that G. aggregans TPB6028T, G. arctica MP5ACTX2T, G. pectinivorans DSM 21001T, G. rosea TPO1014T, G. sapmiensis S6CTX5AT, G. sibirica AF10T and G. tundricola MP5ACTX9T be reclassified to Edaphobacter genus. Secondly, Bryocella elongata is a deep phylogenetic branching pattern of Granulicella elongata comb. nov. Thirdly, due to their deeply phylogenetic branching and low ANI and AAI values, two novel genera, Alloterriglobus gen. nov. and Rhizacidiphilus gen. nov., are proposed, respectively, which encompass Alloterriglobus saanensis comb. nov., Rhizacidiphilus albidus comb. nov. and Rhizacidiphilus tenax comb. nov. Fourthly, Alloacidobacterium dinghuense 4Y35T is placed into genus Pseudacidobacterium. Lastly, based on the phenotypic and genomic data, merging the Terracidiphilus into Occallatibacter genus is proposed. In addition, we describe two novel isolates from forest soil designated ZG23-2T and 4G125T, which are phylogenetically located within this family. Full article
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37 pages, 3945 KB  
Article
Taxonomy of Dissomphalus Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) from Fiji and Solomon Islands, with Description of Twenty-Seven New Species
by João Lorenzo M. Nunes, Celso O. Azevedo and Wesley D. Colombo
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 39; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030039 - 30 Jul 2025
Viewed by 330
Abstract
This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Dissomphalus Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) in the southwestern Pacific, focusing on specimens from Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Dissomphalus is the most species-rich genus within Bethylidae, with a global distribution, yet it remains poorly [...] Read more.
This study presents a comprehensive taxonomic revision of the genus Dissomphalus Ashmead (Hymenoptera, Bethylidae) in the southwestern Pacific, focusing on specimens from Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Dissomphalus is the most species-rich genus within Bethylidae, with a global distribution, yet it remains poorly documented in the Oceanian region. We examined 151 male specimens collected in these islands. As a result, we describe 27 new species, 25 from Fiji and 2 from the Solomon Islands. Diagnostic morphological features, detailed illustrations, and an identification key for all species are provided. These findings substantially expand the known diversity of Dissomphalus in Oceania. Our results underscore the importance of taxonomic research in underexplored regions and highlight the potential for high levels of species endemism in island ecosystems. This revision contributes to a better understanding of the genus’ biogeographical distribution and provides essential tools for future biodiversity assessments and conservation efforts in the southwestern Pacific. Full article
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25 pages, 2175 KB  
Article
Taxonomic Synopsis of the Genus Desmodium Sensu Lato (Fabaceae, Desmodieae) in Nigeria
by Lateef Olalekan Alimi, Oluwayemisi Dorcas Olaniyan, Sefiu Adekilekun Saheed and Abdulwakeel Ayokun-nun Ajao
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 38; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030038 - 21 Jul 2025
Viewed by 720
Abstract
The Desmodium group is one of the three groups in the tribe Desmodieae distinguished by their lomentaceous fruits, trifoliolate leaves, presence of stipels, and hooked hairs. Due to recent generic circumscription in the Desmodium group, a taxonomic synopsis of the Nigerian members of [...] Read more.
The Desmodium group is one of the three groups in the tribe Desmodieae distinguished by their lomentaceous fruits, trifoliolate leaves, presence of stipels, and hooked hairs. Due to recent generic circumscription in the Desmodium group, a taxonomic synopsis of the Nigerian members of Desmodium s.l. is presented, including an updated checklist, diagnostic characters, morphological descriptions, and distribution records. The Nigerian taxa of the Desmodium s.l. comprise six genera and nineteen species, of which six species are insufficiently known. Grona and Desmodium each include seven species, while Pleurolobus includes two species. The genera Sohmaea, Polhillides, and Hylodesmum are each represented by a single species. This synopsis aims to consolidate the available taxonomic information on the nineteen species and provide a foundation for future studies on the taxonomic revision, diversity, ecology, and conservation of the tribe Desmodieae in Nigeria. Full article
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14 pages, 3033 KB  
Article
An Overlooked New Endemic Species of Renonus DeLong, 1959 (Hemiptera: Cicadellidae: Deltocephalinae: Athysanini) from the Seasonally Dry Forest of Western Mexico
by J. Adilson Pinedo-Escatel
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 37; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030037 - 18 Jul 2025
Viewed by 402
Abstract
The leafhopper genus Renonus is one of the rarest genera in the leafhopper tribe Athysanini. The Mexican endemic monotypic species, Renonus rubraviridis DeLong, is historically known from few localities, and since the original description, no additional data has been provided. During an ongoing [...] Read more.
The leafhopper genus Renonus is one of the rarest genera in the leafhopper tribe Athysanini. The Mexican endemic monotypic species, Renonus rubraviridis DeLong, is historically known from few localities, and since the original description, no additional data has been provided. During an ongoing survey conducted in western Mexico over the Seasonally Dry Tropical Forests, including the surroundings of the Estación de Biología Chamela (IB-UNAM), specimens of R. rubraviridis and others that do not morphologically fit with previously described species were collected. Herein, a new endemic species to Mexico, Renonus cuixmalensis sp. nov., is described and illustrated in detail. In addition, morphological notes of R. rubraviridis, the key to species, a map of distribution, a habitat description, and a discussion about the strong influence on distribution through the Seasonally Tropical Dry Forest are given. Full article
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25 pages, 10637 KB  
Article
Two New Species of Miniature Tetras of the Genus Priocharax (Teleostei: Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae) from the Rio Purus and Solimões Drainages, Amazonas, Brazil
by Giovanna Guimarães Silva Lopez, Camila Silva Souza, Lais Reia, Larissa Arruda Mantuaneli, Bruno Ferezim Morales, Flávio Cesar Thadeo Lima, Claudio Oliveira and George Mendes Taliaferro Mattox
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 36; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030036 - 17 Jul 2025
Viewed by 758
Abstract
Two new miniature tetra species of the genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to twelve. Priocharax is characterized by several paedomorphic features such as reductions in the laterosensory system, number of fin rays, ossification of parts [...] Read more.
Two new miniature tetra species of the genus Priocharax Weitzman and Vari 1987 are described, raising the known species diversity to twelve. Priocharax is characterized by several paedomorphic features such as reductions in the laterosensory system, number of fin rays, ossification of parts of the skull and the presence of a larval rayless pectoral fin in adults. The species described are found in the Rio Purus and Solimões drainages, in the state of Amazonas, Brazil and are diagnosed among themselves and from other species of the genus by the combination of meristic and osteological characters. Furthermore, the two species differ in overall body shape, with one having a deeper body and the other a more streamlined form. Sexual dimorphism was observed in both species. Molecular species delimitation analyses support the distinctiveness of these species. Similarly to Priocharax britzi and to P. conwayi, the specimens analyzed here were collected within and around protected areas, highlighting the importance of these areas for conservation and biodiversity knowledge. Full article
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68 pages, 152946 KB  
Article
On Some Rare Mygalomorph from Ecuador, with the Description of 16 New Species in Five Families (Mygalomorphae: Actinopodidae, Barychelidae, Halonoproctidae, Idiopidae, and Theraphosidae)
by Nadine Dupérré and Elicio Tapia
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 35; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030035 - 2 Jul 2025
Viewed by 731
Abstract
This study on Mygalomorphs from Ecuador revealed an amazing unknown diversity, including the first record of the families Actinopodidae and Halonoproctidae. Here, 16 new species and one new genus are described in five families: in Actinopodidae, Actinopus saraguro n. sp. (♀); in Barychelidae, Paracenobiopelma [...] Read more.
This study on Mygalomorphs from Ecuador revealed an amazing unknown diversity, including the first record of the families Actinopodidae and Halonoproctidae. Here, 16 new species and one new genus are described in five families: in Actinopodidae, Actinopus saraguro n. sp. (♀); in Barychelidae, Paracenobiopelma vesca n. sp. (♀), Strophaeus pacificanus n. sp. (♀), S. real n. sp. (♀), S. elongata n. sp. (♂♀), S. josefita n. sp. (♂♀), S. peronii n. sp. (♂♀), S. kaiae n. sp. (♀), S. subterraneus n. sp. (♂), S. spiculum n. sp. (♂), and S. kawsay n. sp. (♀); in Halonoproctidae, Ummidia pupulae n. sp. (♂); in Idiopidae, Idiops clepsydra n. sp. (♀); and in Theraphosidae, Pululahua gen. n., Pululahua kunukyaku gen. n., n. sp. (♂♀), and Pululahua winku gen. n., n. sp. (♂♀); and Thalerommata yasuni n. sp. (♂). Furthermore, images of the type specimens of Actinopus nattereri (Doleschall, 1871) and Actinopus piceus (Ausserer, 1871) are presented. Finally, the synonymy of Idiops fulvipes under Idiops argus is rejected. Full article
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11 pages, 16603 KB  
Article
Scale Sensilla in the Snakes of the Genus Natrix, and in the Old and New World Natricids
by Alessandro Paterna
Taxonomy 2025, 5(3), 34; https://doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5030034 - 25 Jun 2025
Viewed by 759
Abstract
Among European colubroids, scale sensilla—mechanoreceptors present in the head integument—are more expressed in natricids. The presence of protruded sensilla, observable with the naked eye, is found in the cephalic shields of all species belonging to the genus Natrix. The identification of these [...] Read more.
Among European colubroids, scale sensilla—mechanoreceptors present in the head integument—are more expressed in natricids. The presence of protruded sensilla, observable with the naked eye, is found in the cephalic shields of all species belonging to the genus Natrix. The identification of these sense organs in this genus determines its correlation in aquatic and semi-aquatic species, in which these traits are more developed and recognizable than in terrestrial species. As hypothesized for elapoids, this differentiation could be due to the fact that in natricids, like sea snakes, these can perform a hydrodynamic function in addition to the mechanosensory one. In support of this thesis, within the genus Natrix, the most aquatic species of the five, Natrix tessellata, features the most expressed sensilla. This specificity represents a further analogy in the evolutionary convergences involving the cephalic region that this species shares with marine elapids. Still in the genus Natrix, a second trait involving the shields has been identified, expressing itself in the opposite condition to the protruded sensilla, occurring as a pitting arranged mainly within the shields along the upper portion of the labial arches. In vivo examinations and microscopy were performed on different species of the Natrix genus, and comparative analyses have been carried out on other natricid taxa from the New and Old World, where the presence of protruded scale sensilla has been found in several species. Full article
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