Two new species of Fusarium in the F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex from Oryza sativa in Iran.

Identification of Fusarium species associated with diseases symptoms in plants is an important step toward understanding the ecology of plant-fungus associations. In this study, four Fusarium isolates were obtained from root rot of Oryza sativa L. in Izeh (southwest of Iran) and identified based on phylogenetic analyses combined with morphology. Phylogenetic analyses based on combined translation elongation factor 1-α, calmodulin, RNA polymerase II second largest subunit, and Beta-tubulin (tub2) sequence data delimited two new species, namely F. khuzestanicum and F. oryzicola spp. nov., from previously known species of Fusarium within F. incarnatum-equiseti species complex (FIESC). Morphologically, F. khuzestanicum produces the macroconidia with distinctly notched to foot-shaped basal cells, while basal cells in the macroconidia of F. oryzicola are more extended and distinctly elongated foot shape. Furthermore, these two new species are distinguished by the size of their sporodochial phialides and macroconidia. The results of the present show that the FIESC species complex represent more cryptic species.

Non-indigenous species of Bryozoa from anthropogenic habitats in the Bay of Cádiz (South Iberian Peninsula).

Samples of bryozoans collected from two localities in the Bay of Cádiz with different levels of anthropogenic impact are studied. A total of 25 species was identified, of which 8 are considered non-indigenous (NIS), 12 as native and 5 cryptogenic. A new species of Hippopodina, Hippopodina similis sp. nov., is here described, and corrections to the diagnosis of the genus are proposed. The species appears to be a recent immigrant in Cádiz, although it could also be present in the eastern Mediterranean. Aeverrilla setigera and the genus Hippopodina itself are recorded for the first time in the eastern Atlantic. Anguinella palmata is recorded for the first time in Spanish waters. Amathia vidovici was already recorded in the Iberian Peninsula, but previous records should be confirmed. Other species, such as Amathia verticillata, Biflustra tenuis, Watersipora subatra and Schizoporella errata, were already recorded in the Bay of Cádiz very recently.

Novel Helicoma and Neohelicosporium (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) species and two new host records of Helicoma on tropical palms (Arecaceae) from China.

Asexual species of Tubeufiaceae are characterised as helicosporous hyphomycetes and are abundantly discovered in tropical and subtropical regions. The present study collected helicosporous fungal samples from rotting tissues of Caryotamitis, Elaeisguineensis and E.oleifera in Xishuangbanna, Yunan Province, China. Fungal isolates were identified, based on the morphological characteristics and multi-gene phylogeny with DNA sequence data of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), part of the large subunit nuclear rRNA gene (LSU), translation elongation factor 1-alpha gene (tef 1-α) and RNA polymerase II second largest subunit gene (rpb2). Herein, we introduce three new species viz. Helicomaoleifera, Neohelicosporiumguineensis and N.xishuangbannaensis. In addition, we introduce two new host records of Helicomaguttulatum and H.rufum on Caryotamitis. The illustrations of all identified species, detailed descriptions and in-depth phylogenetic analyses are provided. Our results add new knowledge of fungal species associated with palm hosts in southern China. Moreover, our data will contribute to the biodiversity of fungi in tropical China.

Two new species of Metacampanella (Agaricales, Marasmiaceae) from China and Mongolia.

Metacampanella is an important genus in the Marasmiaceae family. We collected specimens during our investigations in China and Mongolia. Through morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we identified two new species of this genus: Metacampanellasubtricolor and Metacampanellacoprophila. In addition, we identified Metacampanellatricolor as a novel combination. Molecular systematic studies support these results. Illustrated descriptions, taxonomic discussions, and keys to the genus are provided.

The identification of Finegoldia dalianensis sp. nov., isolated from the pus of the patient with skin abscess and genomic analysis of the strains belonging to Finegoldia genus.

OBJECTIVES: To comprehensively characterize a new species, named Finegoldia dalianensis sp. nov., isolated from the pus of a skin abscess from a patient and genomic analysis of the strains belonging to Finegoldia genus. METHODS: Strain LY240594T was definitively characterized through phylogenetic, genomic, and biochemical approach. Extensive genomic comparisons, involving the genome of LY240594T and those of 82 Finegoldia strains from GenBank, were instrumental in revealing genetic relationships within the Finegoldia genus. RESULTS: Strain LY240594 was initially identified as F. magna based on MALDI-TOF MS analysis, showing 99.7% 16S rRNA gene sequence similarity with the type strain of F. magna CCUG 17636T. However, there were 68.5% similarity with dDDH method and 90.9% similarity by ANI analysis respectively, between LY240594T and the selected type strain, F. magna DSM 20470T.Biochemical differences were also found between two strains. The ANI and genomic analysis of 82 Finegoldia sp. strains and Strain LY240594 revealed that those strains could be categorized into at least three groups using a 95% ANI threshold. CONCLUSION: Comprehensive characterization supported the proposal of a new species within the genus Finegoldia, named Finegoldia dalianensis sp. nov. The type strain, LY240594T (=GDMCC 1.4375T =KCTC 25838T), features 1,938 genes and a G+C content of 31.8 mol%. Genomic comparisons and ANI studies elucidated substantial heterogeneity within the Finegoldia genus.

Resolving the Taxonomy of Mountain Syrphidae (Diptera) in the Iberian Peninsula: The Species Group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894.

The largest genus of Palaearctic Syrphidae, Cheilosia Meigen, 1822 (Syrphidae: Rhingiini), is currently under revision in the Ibero-Balearic region (Iberian Peninsula + Balearic Islands). Prior to this study, various species groups with putative phylogenetic support were defined for this genus of complex taxonomy. The group of Cheilosia melanura Becker, 1894 includes species distributed all over Europe, with some of these species being similar each other in both morphology and genetics. After recent fieldwork in different Iberian localities and consultation of entomological collections, a new species from Sierra Nevada (Granada, Spain) was uncovered, described, and illustrated. Data on diagnostic characters, intraspecific variability, and adult biology were also provided. Maximum likelihood analyses of the fragment "C" of the 5' end of the cytochrome c oxydase subunit I (COI-5') and complete COI-5' were performed to explore and support morphological species concepts within the group. The Spanish-endemic Cheilosia andalusiaca Torp Pedersen, 1971 is recognised here to be part of the C. melanura group based both on morphological and molecular evidence. Cheilosia carbonaria Egger, 1860 and Cheilosia cynocephala Loew, 1840 from the Iberian Peninsula are reported for the first time based on specimens originating in the Spanish Pyrenees. An identification key for the Iberian species of the C. melanura group is provided.

A Phenomenon: What Are the Minuscule Grey Moths Abundant in the Dry Season in the Tropical Dry Forests of the Pacific Coast of Honduras?

Our investigation centered on the tropical dry forests along the Pacific coast of Honduras, aiming to elucidate the presence and abundance of minuscule grey moths during the dry season. Through specimen dissections and the taxonomic identification of the collected material, we have described three new species: Acalyptris podenasi sp. nov., A. palpiformis sp. nov., and A. tortoris sp. nov. Additionally, we documented two species previously known from neighboring countries, A. lascuevella Puplesis & Robinson and A. basicornis Remeikis & Stonis. The females of A. lascuevella were previously unknown and are documented here for the first time. Morphological examinations were complemented by DNA barcoding, particularly highlighting variation in A. lascuevella. The paper's primary significance lies not only in the description of new species but also in uncovering their taxonomic, morphological, and molecular importance. We found that these species are unique and indicative of the previously unstudied dry forests as a distinct ecosystem. Our findings revealed several novel atypical morphological traits within the studied Nepticulidae, including unusually large signum cells in the female genitalia, a dorso-ventrally divided uncus, and asymmetrical valvae in the male genitalia. These discoveries underscore the morphological diversity of Acalyptris Meyrick and their significance in evolutionary biology. Consequently, the paper addresses a previously unknown phenomenon of the occurrence and astonishing abundance of minuscule plant-mining micromoths in dry deciduous forests during the peak of the dry season. We hope that this paper will encourage Lepidoptera taxonomists to explore micromoths in other tropical dry forests, which, while limited in distribution, hold global importance. The paper is extensively illustrated with photographs of Acalyptris adults and their genitalia, along with maps, habitats, and molecular phylogenetic trees.

Multi-Gene Phylogenetic Analyses Reveals Heteroxylaria Gen. Nov. and New Contributions to Xylariaceae (Ascomycota) from China.

An in-depth study of the phylogenetic relationships of Xylaria species associated with nutshells of fruits and seeds within the genus Xylaria and related genera of Xylaceaecea was conducted in China. The multi-gene phylogenetic analyses were carried out based on ITS, RPB2, and TUB sequences of 100 species of 16 known genera in Xylariaceae around the world. Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses, morphological observations, and ecological habitats, a new genus, Heteroxylaria, is established to accommodate four new species, viz. H. cordiicola, H. juglandicola, H. meliicola, and H. terminaliicola, and four new combinations, viz. H. oxyacanthae, H. palmicola, H. reevesiae, and H. rohrensis. The genus is characterized by cylindrical stromata with conspicuous to inconspicuous perithecial mounds, surface black, having brown to dark brown ascospores with a germ slit, and it grows on nutshell of fruits. The combined ITS+RPB2+TUB sequence dataset of representative taxa in the Xylariaceae demonstrate that Heteroxylaria is grouped with Hypocreodendron but forms a monophyletic lineage. All novelties described herein are morphologically illustrated and compared to similar species and phylogeny is investigated to establish new genera and species.

Three new taxa of the lichen genus Lobothallia (Megasporaceae, Ascomycota) from China.

Two new species; Lobothalliacrenulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, L.lobulata Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang and one new variety; L.subdiffractavar.rimosa Lun Wang & Y. Y. Zhang, are reported from China and described, based on morphological, chemical and molecular characters. Phylogenetic analyses showed that these new taxa form monophyletic groups. Lobothalliacrenulata and L.lobulata, together with L.hydrocharis, L.radiosa and L.recedens, form a well-supported clade, whereas L.subdiffractavar.rimosa is nested within the samples of L.subdiffracta. Lobothalliacrenulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, thickly pruinose upper surface with a rimose appearance, aspicilioid to lecanorine apothecia with a crenate thalline margin and concave, black and pruinose discs. Lobothallialobulata is characterised by its placodioid thallus, pruinose upper surface with lobules, aspicilioid when immature, lecanorine to zeorine apothecia at maturity and concave to plane, dark brown, shiny and epruinose discs. Lobothalliasubdiffractavar.rimosa is characterised by its areolate thallus, rimose and pruinose upper surface, lecanorine apothecia and slightly concave to plane, black and pruinose discs. Secondary metabolites were not detected in the two new species nor the new variety. A key is provided for the species of Lobothallia in China.

A new toad of Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Sichuan Province, southwest China.

A new species of the genus Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 is described from Sichuan Province, southwest China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial gene sequences clustered the new species as an independent clade nested with O.rugosus, O.liangbeiensis, and O.major. The new species could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (39.8-52.8 mm in male); head broad; tympanum absent; interorbital region with dark triangular pattern; 1/3 toes webbed, with broad lateral fringes, belly smooth, brown yellow or medium yellow scattered variable brown spots; skin on dorsum relatively rough with fine tiny and large warts granules; middle pectoral glands are evident in males; flanks with dark-brown warts granules; upper surface of limbs with dark bars; and iris orange above and creamy-white below. The new species inhabits subtropical alpine scrub and swamp.

The genus Platydracus Thomson in Hainan, South China (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Staphylininae).

A study on Platydracus species of Hainan Province, China is presented. Platydracushainanensis sp. nov., Platydracusaureolus sp. nov. and Platydracuszhouchenglini sp. nov. are described as new species. Platydracusmarmorellus Fauvel, 1895 and Platydracussubirideus Kraatz, 1859 are recorded from China for the first time. Habitus and diagnostic characters of all species are photographed, and a key to Platydracus species of Hainan is provided.

A new and widely distributed species of Ichthyurus Westwood, 1848 (Cantharidae, Chauliognathinae, Ichthyurini) from China.

Background: The genus Ichthyurus Westwood, 1848 is a large cantharid group consisting of approximately 200 species worldwide, with only 10 species hitherto found in China. Despite its expansive area, the Chinese fauna has historically received little attention from specialists, leading to a lack of knowledge even about some common Ichthyurus species in this region. New information: A new species of Ichthyurus Westwood, 1848 is described under the name of I.longulus sp. nov., which is widely distributed in mainland China, including Shannxi, Gansu, Hubei, Chongqing, Guizhou and Guangxi. Although there are some variations in the pronotum colouration within the species, this new species could be easily distinguished from all others of Ichthyurus by the large-sized body, uniformly black elytra, mesotibiae each with an apical spur in male, terminal abdominal tergite of male with long and cylindrical lateral projections that are about 3/5 the length of the tergite, terminal abdominal ventrite of male saddle-shaped and deeply cleft in middle of apical 2/3 part and aedeagus with a long setifore extension that is as long as the parameres. The habitus, terminal abdominal ventrite and tergites and genitalia of both sexes are illustrated. In addition, a distribution map of this species and a list of the Ichthyurus species from mainland China are provided.

The fourth species of Sinamma Lin & Li, 2014 (Araneae, Tetrablemmidae) from China.

Background: Sinamma Lin & Li, 2014 is a small tetrablemmid genus distributed in China, with three currently known species: Sinammaoxycera Lin & Li, 2014 from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region and S.quadrata Tong & Li, 2022 and S.yingae Tong & Li, 2022 from Guangdong Province. New information: While examining spider specimens obtained by sifting leaf litter from Danxiashan National Nature Reserve in Guangdong Province of China, we discovered a new species of the genus Sinamma, S.danxia sp. nov., which is described here.

Taxonomic Additions to the Neotropical Subgenus Camponotus (Myrmobrachys) Forel 1912 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) with Emphasis on the dimorphus-Group.

We provide updated diagnoses for the senex-, burtoni- and dimorphus-groups of Camponotus (Myrmobrachys). Dichotomous keys for the C. (Myrmobrachys) groups and species of the dimorphus-group, based on type-specimens are provided. Two new species of the dimorphus-group are described, Camponotus cameloides sp. nov. and Camponotus hyalus sp. nov. We classified C. dolabratus and C. lancifer as members of the dimorphus-group and C. crassicornis, C. subcircularis, and C. championi as members of the senex-group. Scanning Electron Microscopy was used to describe the branched pilosity of C. cameloides and this is the first description of it for adult workers of Camponotini tribe.

The Grumpy dwarfgoby, a new species of Sueviota (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from the Red Sea.

A new gobiid species is described from ten specimens, 9.2 - 16.7 mm SL, collected from the Saudi Arabian Red Sea. The new species is most similar to Sueviotapyrios from the Gulf of Aqaba in the northern Red Sea. It differs from S.pyrios by having no large red spots on the dorsal and caudal fin elements, no elongate spines in the first dorsal fin, a shorter pelvic fin that does not reach the anus, branched pectoral fin rays, and a projecting lower jaw. The new species is further distinguished from all its congeners by a complete lack of cephalic sensory canals and pores. Specimens were found in small caves and overhangs at depths between 10 and 53 meters.

A new species of alien land flatworm in the Southern United States.

Specimens of a flat and dark brown land planarian were found in a plant nursery in North Carolina, USA in 2020. On the basis of examination of photographs of the live specimens only, the specimens were considered as belonging to Obama nungara, a species originally from South America, which has now invaded a large part of Europe. Unexpectedly, a molecular analysis revealed that the specimens did not belong to this species, neither to the genus Obama. We then undertook its histological study, which finally confirmed that the species is a member of the genus Amaga: the species is herein described as a new species, Amaga pseudobama n. sp. The species has been found in three locations in North Carolina and some infested plants were from Georgia. We reinvestigated specimens collected in Florida in 2015 and found that they also belong to this species. Citizen science observations suggest its presence in other states. Therefore, it is likely that A. pseudobama has already invaded a part of south-east USA and that the invasion took place more than ten years ago. The complete 14,909 bp long mitochondrial genome was obtained. The mitogenome is colinear with those of other Geoplanidae and it was possible to find and annotate a tRNA-Thr, which has been reported missing in several geoplanids. Amaga pseudobama shares with other Geoplaninae the presence of alternative start codons in three protein-coding genes of its mitogenome. The availability of this new genome helped us to improve our annotations of the ND3 gene, for which an ATT start codon is now suggested. Also, the sequence of the ATP6 gene raised questions concerning the use of genetic code 9 to translate the protein-coding genes of Geoplanidae, as the whole translated protein would not contain a single methionine residue when using this code. Two maximum likelihood phylogenies were obtained from genomic data. The first one was based on concatenated alignments of the partial 28S, Elongation Factor 1-alpha (EF1) and cox1 genes. The second was obtained from a concatenated alignment of the mitochondrial proteins. Both strictly discriminate A. pseudobama from O. nungara and instead associate it with Amaga expatria. We note that the nine species currently accepted within Amaga can be separated into two groups, one with extrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the type species A. amagensis, and one with intrabulbar prostatic apparatus, including the new species A. pseudobama. This suggests that species of the latter group should be separated from Amaga and constitute a new genus. This finding again illustrates the possible emergence of new invasive species in regions naturally devoid of large land planarians, such as North America. Amaga pseudobama thus deserves to be monitored in the USA, although its superficial resemblance to O. nungara and Geoplana arkalabamensis will complicate the use of photographs obtained from citizen science. Our molecular information provides tools for this monitoring.

Cyber catalogue and revision of the nematode genus Enchodelus (Dorylaimida, Nordiidae).

Background: The genus Enchodelus is an intriguing free-living dorylaimid nematode taxon. Its representatives display a distinct distributional pattern as they are mainly spread in high altitudinal enclaves of the Northern Hemisphere, being often associated with mosses and cliff vegetation. Although their feeding habits have not been studied with experimental protocols, it is traditionally assumed that they are omnivorous.The genus Enchodelus has not been recently revised; descriptions of many 'old species' (that have been described long ago and have not been reported since their original discovery) are of poor quality, hardly discoverable and do not conform to the nowadays taxonomical standards. Thus, a comprehensive compilation and analysis of their literature data is indispensable to provide new insights into the taxonomy of the genus and to elucidate its evolutionary relationships. New information: This contribution provides a cyber catalogue of all Enchodelus species, 28 in total. It compiles available information from the key European Research Infrastructures, such as TreatmentBank, Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics Literature Services (SIBiLS), the Catalogue of Life (CoL), Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF), European Nucleotide Archive (ENA) and Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR). Data about their distribution (geographical records and habitats) are incorporated too and all brought together. It is completed with discussion and notes for some species, along with information on species distributions and microhabitats. Here, all available information on Enchodelus species is brought together. This will contribute to a more complete assessment of species diversity and distribution and support further biogeographical and ecological research.Besides, type material Enchodelusvestibulifer Altherr, 1952, deposited in the Museo Cantonale di Storia Naturale di Lugano (Switzerland), is re-examined and the species is considered as incertae sedis. Further, a new species of the genus found in Caucasus, Georgia is described after its morphological and molecular study; also morphological and molecular data for E.macrodorus (de Man, 1880) Thorne, 1939, the type species of the genus, collected from Spain are provided.

Two new species of the genus Gonioctena Chevrolat, 1836 (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) from China.

Background: Approximately 120 species of the chrysomelid genus Gonioctena are currently known from Palaearctic, Nearctic and Oriental Regions, amongst them, 51 occur in China. New information: Two new species of the genus Gonioctena, G.klapperichi sp. nov. (Fujian) and G.oberthueri sp. nov. (Sichuan), are described and illustrated from China. Distinguishing characters from closely-related species are presented, respectively. The Gonioctena fauna of China now includes 53 species, of which about 60% are endemic. Ovoviviparity is newly recorded in G.oberthueri sp. nov.

Four new species of the genus Hendelia Czerny, 1903 (Diptera, Clusiidae) from China.

Four new species of the genus Hendelia Czerny, 1903 collected from China, are described as new to science: H.latustigenis sp. nov., H.macrocera sp. nov., H.deltoides sp. nov. and H.flavida sp. nov. An updated key to the species of Hendelia from China is presented.

Further notes on the genus Eurhaphidophora Gorochov, 1999 (Orthoptera, Rhaphidophoridae) with description of a new species from China.

This paper revises the genus Eurhaphidophora from China and describes a new species, i.e., Eurhaphidophoradulongjiangensis Zhu & Shi, sp. nov. The females of Eurhaphidophoratarasovidoitungensis Dawwrueng, Gorochov & Suwannapoom, 2020 and Eurhaphidophorafossa Lu, Huang & Bian, 2022 are described for the first time. Moreover, Eurhaphidophoracurvata Lu, Huang & Bian, 2022, syn. nov. is considered as a new synonym of Eurhaphidophorapawangkhananti Dawwrueng, Gorochov & Suwannapoom, 2020. Images illustrating the morphology of these species are provided.