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With 252 species, Pseudopoda Jäger, 2000, is the largest genus in the family Sparassidae and is widely distributed in South (49 species in Bhutan, India, Nepal and Pakistan), East (158 species in China and Japan) and Southeast Asia (51 species in Indonesia, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand and Vietnam). Few species have been found in more than one region. In this paper, three new species of Pseudopoda are described from East and Southeast Asia. Among them, one from China: P. fengtongzhaiensis Jäger & Liu, sp. nov. (♀); one from Laos: P. baimai Jäger & Liu, sp. nov. (♀); and one from Thailand: P. inthanonensis Jäger & Liu, sp. nov. (♀). Additionally, the female of P. kavanaughi Zhang, Jäger & Liu, 2023 is described for the first time. Photos of the habitus and genitalia, as well as a distribution map of all four species, are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reassesses the taxonomy and systematics of 11 arboreal snail species in the genus Amphidromus from Vietnam, Cambodia, Indonesia and Laos (A. bozhii Wang, 2019, A. buelowi Fruhstorfer, 1905, A. costifer Smith, 1893, A. haematostoma Möllendorff, 1898, A. ingens Möllendorff, 1900, A. madelineae Thach, 2020, A. metabletus Möllendorff, 1900, A. pankowskianus Thach, 2020, A. placostylus Möllendorff, 1900, A. roseolabiatus Fulton, 1896, and A. thachi Huber, 2015). The taxonomic validity of each species is supported by a phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA gene fragments from 17 ingroup taxa. Amphidromus buelowi was found to comprise two populations from two distant localities, one from Mount Singgalang, West Sumatra, Indonesia and the other from southern Vietnam. The samples from southern Vietnam were previously described as A. asper Haas, 1934 and A. franzhuberi Thach, 2016, but they are now treated as junior synonyms of A. buelowi in this study. In addition, two species from Vietnam are described as new to science, viz. A. asperoides Jirapatrasilp & Lee, sp. nov. and A. ingensoides Jirapatrasilp & Lee, sp. nov., each of which is conchologically comparable to A. buelowi and A. ingens, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Chthonopes Wunderlich, 2011 is reviewed in this paper. The type species Chthonopes jaegeri Wunderlich, 2011 was illustrated based on new material from the type locality and the new distribution records (Bolikhamsay and Ban Kouanphavang Khammouane, Laos). Two new species are described from Yunnan, China: C. bifidum Yu & Lin, sp. nov. (♂♀) and C. jimudeng Yu & Lin, sp. nov. (♀). A key is provided for the genus, as well as species diagnoses, and a distribution map for all five species of Chthonopes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new theridiosomatid genus, Simonia Yu & Lin, gen. nov., is described, with Baalzebub youyiensis Zhao & Li, 2012 (♂♀, China, Vietnam and Laos) as the type species. Three species are included in Simonia gen. nov., i.e., S. youyiensis (Zhao & Li, 2012) comb. nov. ex. Baalzebub, S. steineri Yu & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, Huapan, Laos), and S. sumatra Yu & Lin, sp. nov. (♀, Sumatra, Indonesia). A key to theridiosomatid genera endemic to the Oriental Realm and a key to species of the new genus are provided, as well as diagnoses, descriptions and a distribution map for the species of Simonia gen. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rhagophthalmus Motschulsky, 1854 is the most speciose genus in Rhagophthalmidae, distributed in the region encompassing South, East, and Southeast Asia. Here, we describe R. nanus sp. nov. from the Houaphanh Province of eastern Laos, which represents the smallest known species in Rhagophthalmus and one of the smallest in Rhagophthalmidae. We compare it with the morphologically similar and geographically close congeners and provide a preliminary identification key to adult males of Rhagophthalmus species from mainland Southeast Asia. Additionally, we discuss the morphology and variability of male genitalia within Rhagophthalmus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten species of the spider genus Microdipoena Banks, 1895 are reported from China, Laos, Indonesia, Georgia, and Seychelles. DNA sequences of the eight species are obtained to confirm their correct identification. The molecular phylogenetic analysis based on five gene fragments (16S, 18S, 28S, COI, and H3) were used to test the relationships and taxonomic placements of eight Microdipoena species, of which five species are documented as new to science: i.e., M. huisun sp. nov. (♀, China), M. lisu sp. nov. (♀, China), M. shenyang sp. nov. (♂♀, China), M. thatitou sp. nov. (♀, Laos), and M. zhulin sp. nov. (♂♀, China). Five known species are redescribed: M. elsae Saaristo, 1978 (♂♀, Seychelles), M. gongi (Yin, Peng & Bao, 2004) (♂♀, China), M. menglunensis (Lin & Li, 2008) (♂♀, China), M. jobi (Kraus, 1967) (♂♀, Georgia), and M. yinae (Lin & Li, 2013) (♂♀, China). All but M. menglunensis are diagnosed and illustrated. The family Mysmenidae is also the first recorded from Laos and Georgia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pill millipede genus Hyperglomeris Silvestri, 1917 is reported from Laos for the first time. Two new species, namely H. bicaudata Likhitrakarn, sp. nov. and H. inkhavilayi Likhitrakarn, sp. nov., from Houaphanh and Khammouane provinces, northern Laos, are described and illustrated based on morphological characters and molecular analyses. Sequences of COI gene were used as DNA barcoding markers, and successfully supported the accurate identification of other Glomeridae species. Interspecific divergence of the COI uncorrected p-distance between these new species and other Hyperglomeris species ranged from 7.84-13.07%, while the intraspecific divergence was 0.45% in H. inkhavilayi sp. nov. and 5.3% in H. bicaudata sp. nov. The updated status of Hyperglomeris, a map of its distribution, and identification keys for all species are given. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The diving beetle genus Microdytes J. Balfour-Browne, 1946 in Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia is reviewed, and five new species are described: Microdytes eliasi Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Thailand, Cambodia), M. jeenthongi Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand), M. maximiliani Wewalka & Okada, sp. nov. (Laos, China), M. sekaensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos), M. ubonensis Okada & Wewalka, sp. nov. (Thailand, Laos). Two species are the first country records: M. balkei Wewalka, 1997 (Laos, Cambodia) and M. wewalkai Bian & Ji, 2009 (Laos). For 12 and 8 species, the first provincial records from Thailand and Laos, respectively, are given. A checklist, a key to the 25 known Microdytes species from these countries, and habitus images and illustrations of diagnostic characters are provided. Distribution maps of the recorded species are presented, and species distribution patterns are also briefly discussed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The paradoxosomatid genus Touranella Attems, 1937 is recorded from Laos for the first time, with a new species, Touranella champasak sp. nov., described here. The taxonomy of the genus is discussed, an identification key is provided, and the current distribution of all species is mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Cyrtodactylus is the most diverse genus of the family Gekkonidae and the world's third largest vertebrate genus. The number of species has increased more than fourfold over the last two decades. Indochina, especially Vietnam and Laos, has witnessed a surge in new species discoveries over the last three decades. The species number reported from Laos and Vietnam has remarkably increased from five in 1997 to 71 species in 2021. However, within the genus, several taxonomic issues have not yet been fully resolved. Based on recently collected samples from Laos and Vietnam, we conducted a comprehensive molecular review of Cyrtodactylus occurring in Laos and Vietnam. Our molecular analysis with support from morphological comparisons showed that C. thuongae is a junior synonym of C. dati and C. rufford is a junior synonym of C. lomyenensis. In total, 68 described species distributed in Laos and Vietnam are undisputed with strong support from both molecular and morphological evidence. On the other hand, the molecular analyses revealed that there are at least seven undescribed species in Vietnam and Laos, one in the C. angularis group, one in the C. chauquangensis, and five in the C. irregularis group. This number will likely increase significantly, as previous work suggested that the C. angularis and C. irregularis groups harbor three and six unnamed lineages, respectively. Based on survey gaps identified in our study, it is clear that additional new species will be discovered in poorly studied regions of central Vietnam and northern and southern Laos. As many species in the genus are facing high extinction risks, several undescribed populations might already be severely threatened by human activities in both countries. Therefore, urgent taxonomic research is needed before conservation assessments of newly discovered taxa can be undertaken to protect them from anthropogenic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Only seven species of the genus Tipula Linnaeus were previously known to occur in Laos. Here one new species is added to the fauna of Laos, Tipula (Nippotipula) champasakensis sp. nov. Tipula (unplaced) cladomera Alexander, 1936 is designated as a synonym of T. (unplaced) reposita Walker, 1848, syn. nov. A key to species of the genus Tipula from Laos is presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Species of the spider family Telemidae Fage, 1913 from East and Southeast Asia are revised. Four new genera are erected: Mekonglema Zhao & Li, gen. nov. with the type species Mekonglema bailang Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Yunnan, China), Siamlema Zhao & Li, gen. nov. with the type species Siamlema changhai Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, southern Thailand), Sundalema Zhao & Li, gen. nov. with the type species Sundalema bonjol Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Sumatra), and Zhuanlema Zhao & Li, gen. nov. with the type species Zhuanlema peteri Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, northern Laos). Eight additional new species are described: Mekonglema kaorao Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, northern Laos), M. walayaku Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Yunnan, China), M. yan Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Yunnan, China), Pinelema daguaiwan Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Guangxi, China), P. shiba Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, Guangxi, China), P. tham Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, northern Laos), Siamlema suea Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, southern Thailand), and Sundalema khaorakkiat Zhao & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀, southern Thailand). Thirty species are transferred from the genus Telema Simon, 1882 to the genera Pinelema Wang & Li, 2012, Sundalema gen. nov., and Telemofila Wunderlich, 1995. Seychellia xinpingi Lin & Li, 2008 is transferred to Mekonglema gen. nov. as M. xinpingi comb. nov. Furthermore, the genus Pinelema is divided into seven species groups based on male morphological characters. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This publication treats species within Theopea and closely allied genera that were not covered in the previous two revisions. Three species of Theopea Baly, 1864 are treated herein, with T. bicolor Kimoto, 1989 and T. mouhoti Baly, 1864 redescribed, and T. bicoloroides sp. nov. described. A new genus that we consider closely related to Theopea, Pseudotheopea gen. nov., is described. This new genus can be recognized with the presence of reticulate microsculpture on the vertex of the head and pronotum and presence of an apical spine on each metatibia. The following species are transferred to Pseudotheopea as new combinations: Theopea aeneipennis Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. azurea Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. clypealis Medvedev, 2015, T. nigrita Medvedev, 2007, T. smaragdina Gressitt & Kimoto, 1963, T. similis Kimoto, 1989, and T. subviridis Medvedev, 2012. Theopea subviridis Medvedev, 2012 is regarded as new synonym of Pseudotheopea similis (Kimoto, 1989). In addition, six new species of Pseudotheopea are described: P. boreri sp. nov. from India, P. gressitti sp. nov. from Philippines, P. hsingtzungi sp. nov. from Laos, P. kimotoi sp. nov. from Laos, Thailand, and Vietnam, P. leehsuehae sp. nov. from Laos, and P. sufangae sp. nov. from Taiwan. A second new genus regarded as closely related to Pseudotheopea, Borneotheopea gen. nov., can be recognized by possessing uniform antennae in both sexes and lacking an apical spine on each metatibia. Two new species of Borneotheopea are described from Borneo: B. jakli sp. nov. and B. kalimantanensis sp. nov. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Ten new species of the spider family Psilodercidae Machado, 1951 are described from tropical East Asia, including five species found in China: Sinoderces luohanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. xueae Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. taichi Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. wenshanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. aiensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀); three are from Laos: S. khanensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. phathaoensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀), S. kieoensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂); and the rest are from Thailand: S. saraburiensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂), S. dewaroopensis Li & Li, sp. nov. (♂♀). Types of all new species are deposited in the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences in Beijing, China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The land area of Laos is composed of a large variety of undisturbed habitats, such as high mountainous areas, huge limestone karsts and the lower Mekong Basin. Therefore, Laos is expected to have a high species diversity, especially for the land snails. However, with respect to research on malacology, Laos is probably the least well-researched area for land snail diversity in Indochina (including Laos) over the past few centuries. The handful of species lists have never been systematically revised from the colonial period to the present, so these classifications are outdated. Herein we present the first comprehensive annotated checklist with an up-to-date systematic framework of the land snail fauna in Laos based on both field investigations and literature surveys. This annotated checklist is collectively composed of 231 nominal species (62 'prosobranch' and 169 heterobranches), of which 221 nominal species are illustrated. The type specimens of 143 species from several museum collections and/or 144 species of newly collected specimens are illustrated. There are 58 species recorded as new to the malacofauna of the country, and two new replacement names are proposed as Hemiplecta lanxangnica Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Ariophantidae) and Chloritis khammouanensis Inkhavilay and Panha, nomen novum (Camaenidae). Four recently described species of the genus Amphidromus from Laos, "thakhekensis", "richgoldbergi", "attapeuensis" and "phuonglinhae" are synonymized with previously described species. In addition, thirteen nominal species are listed as uncertain records that may or may not occur in Laos. This annotated checklist may inspire malacologists to carry on systematic research in this region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two new species of Glyphiulus are described and illustrated from northern Laos. The epigean Glyphiulus subbedosae Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n. is the second member of the granulatus-group to be found in that country and it seems to be especially similar to G. bedosae Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007. However, it differs from the latter species by a row of several strong setae near the median marginal ridge on the paraprocts, combined with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, and the anterior gonopods showing a pair of smaller, apical, but larger lateral teeth on the coxosternal plate. Glyphiulus semicostulifer Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, sp. n. is the fourth member of the javanicus-group to be discovered in Laos, taken from a cave. It seems to be particularly similar to G. costulifer Golovatch, Geoffroy, Mauriès & VandenSpiegel, 2007, but is distinguished by the more sparsely alveolate background fine structure of the metazonae, coupled with the gnathochilarium being considerably less densely setose on the caudal face, much stronger paramedian prongs and 4-segmented telopodites on ♂ coxae 1, the slightly longer and more slender apicoparamedian sternal projections on the anterior gonopods, and the much longer flagella of the posterior gonopods. An identification key to and a distribution map of Glyphiulus species in Laos are also presented. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Laos has large areas of primary forest with a largely unexplored fauna. This is evidenced by millipedes, class Diplopoda, with fewer than 60 species being recorded from the country. In the widespread Southeast Asian "Star Millipede" genus Eutrichodesmus Silvestri, 1910 (family Haplodesmidae), only two of 49 recorded species have been found in Laos. Four new species of Star Millipedes are here described from caves in Laos: Eutrichodesmus steineri Liu & Wesener, sp. n., E. deporatus Liu & Wesener, sp. n., E. paraster Liu & Wesener, sp. n. and E. parvus Liu & Wesener, sp. n. A fifth species, for which only a female is available, remains unnamed. The defensive glands (ozopores) are found to be strongly or entirely suppressed in two of the new species, E. deporatus Liu & Wesener, sp. n. and E. paraster Liu & Wesener, sp. n., both troglobionts, which is new to the family. All of the Star Millipedes were collected during Northern Lao- European Cave Project faunal surveys conducted by the Senckenberg Museum, Frankfurt. A key to the six species of Eutrichodesmus currently known to occur in Laos is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The millipede genus Kronopolites currently comprises 11 species, including a new species from northern Laos: K. lunatus sp. n. The generic diagnosis is updated, a key given to all known species, and their distributions are mapped. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The genus Orthomorpha is currently represented in Laos by nine species, including three, O. paviei Brölemann, 1896, O. communis Likhitrakarn, Golovatch & Panha, 2011 and O. cambodjana (Attems, 1953), which are new to the fauna of the country, and further three new to science: O. suberectoides sp. n., O. gladiata sp. n. and O. sutchariti sp. n. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]