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Leptophryne borbonica is an amphibian species known for its sensitivity to environmental changes. Within the expansive Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park (TNBTS), new occurrences of L. borbonica have been discovered for the second time in another region of TNBTS (core area in Ireng-Ireng Block, Lumajang). This research provides the newest finding of L. borbonica and insights into the habitat assessment and potential food preferences of L. borbonica within TNBTS. The methodology involved the examination of morphology and meristics in L. borbonica. Habitat assessment and potential food indicated stable values. However, continued vigilance is essential due to vulnerability to volcanic threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article provides data on the morphological characteristics and the distribution of the dotted grouper Epinephelus epistictus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1843) in the coastal area of Thanh Hoa province, North Central Vietnam. Five specimens were collected from Minh Loc fishing port during a fish fauna survey on 06 August 2023. Combine with data from previous studies, this paper provides information of the distribution of E. epistictus in Vietnam in a northward expansion direction, thereby demonstrating the widespread distribution of this species. Species identification was confirmed by morphological characteristics and colour patterns on the body.

Three new species of Onitis Fabricius, 1798 are described: Onitis bhomorensis sp. nov. from Assam (Northeast India), O. kethai sp. nov. and O. visthara sp. nov. from Karnataka (South India). Onitis bordati Cambefort, 1988 is recorded for the first time for the Indian subcontinent, from Meghalaya, India. Thus, the number of species of Onitis from the subcontinent has been raised to 20 and that of the Oriental region to 26. Illustrated identification keys to all the species of the genus Onitis from the Indian subcontinent are provided with distributional details and maps. Lectotype and paralectotypes designated for Onitis philemon Fabricius, 1801. Descriptions are provided for aedeagus of seventeen species of Onitis, as well as images of type specimens for nine species from their respective repositories. Distribution maps are provided for the species of Onitis of the Indian subcontinent.

Ischnothyreus Simon, 1893 is a large genus of oonopid spiders that currently contains 126 species, amongst which, 28 have been recorded in China.Two new Ischnothyreus species, Ischnothyreus daheling Tong & Zhang, sp. nov. and Ischnothyreus longyang Tong & Zhang, sp. nov., are described, based on specimens collected from Yunnan Province and Ischnothyreus velox Jackson, 1908 is recorded in China for the first time, based on material collected from Guangxi Province. All three species are illustrated.

Aleuroclava canangae (Corbett, 1935) was discovered on an ornamental Coleus species in Kerala, India, and represents the first occurrence of this species in India and on this plant host. The species is redescribed and illustrations of the puparium and adult males and females are provided along with morphometric data. A molecular analysis of the species using the COI gene was conducted to characterise it, determine its genetic lineage and compare it to seven other species of Aleuroclava Singh, 1931 and those of other whitefly genera. Results of the DNA analysis indicate that A. canangae forms a clade with Aleuroclava indica (Singh, 1932) which also has two pairs of very elongate, tuberculate setae which appear two-jointed because they have a wider basal part separated from a long slender apical part by a fine suture. The Aleuroclava canangae species group is established and an illustrated key is provided for the 12 species in the group, all of which were once placed in the genus Martiniella Jesudasan and David, 1990, now a synonym of Aleuroclava. The molecular analysis indicates that A. psidii (Singh, 1931), A. guyavae (Takahashi, 1932), A. montanus (Takahashi, 1939) and A. gordoniae (Takahashi, 1932) form a clade within the genus Aleuroclava and share similar morphological characters. Based on the results of the molecular and morphological analyses, Aleurothrixus trachoides (Back, 1912) is transferred back to Aleurotrachelus trachoides (Back, 1912) based on its morphology and the results of the DNA analysis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Neotropical species of the genus Phyllomya Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 are revised. Photographs and diagnosis of the male holotype of P. pictipennis (van der Wulp, 1891), until now the only recorded species of this genus in the Neotropics, are provided. The monotypic genus Itamintho Townsend, 1931 from Brazil is considered as a new junior synonym of Phyllomya, resulting in the following new combination: P. erro (Townsend, 1931) comb. n.Phyllomya erro is the second species of this genus reported from the Neotropical Region and the first from South America. A new identification key is given for the six recognised New World species of Phyllomya. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mining is a process with great environmental impact that implies important consequences for biodiversity, including its loss. Here, we present a list of 13 species of ants that were collected in a high-impact mining exploitation area of Quipama, Boyacá, Colombia. Notably, the records of Pheidole subarmata Mayr, 1884 and Camponotus ager (Smith, 1858) are new for the department. Although the presence of these species indicates serious disturbance by human activity in the area, there is still a considerable diversity of ants. This study highlights the need for actions to ensure the management and rehabilitation of areas affected by mining.

[Objective] Plants in the Vallisneria genus have similar external morphologies, with linear or strap-shaped leaves, making it difficult to identify species in fields. Stamen numbers of the male flowers are one of the distinguishing characteristics of species in Vallisneria Linn. The male flowers of Vallisneria species are small, measuring only 1.5 mm. However, identifying the number of stamens in male flowers by manual dissection and observation methods can be challenging. [Methods] This study utilized a hydroponic pre-culture method with male plants and male flower primordia of Vallisneria to obtain naturally opened male flowers. Anatomical observations of the male flowers, fruits, and seeds of three Vallisneria species were conducted using anatomical microscopes. [Results] Microscopic observations revealed that there was one stamen in male flowers of V. natans. The fruits were cylindrical in shape with a smooth surface, and the seeds were wingless with longitudinal stripes. In V. spinulosa, there were two stamens in male flowers. The fruits were triangular in shape with spines along the edges, and the seeds had wings. In V. denseserrulata, there were two stamens in male flowers. The fruits were cylindrical with three edges and smooth surface, and the seeds were wingless. [Conclusion] V. denseserrulata, V. spinulosa, V. longipedunculata, and V. anhuiensis were reported as new distribution records of Vallisneria Linn. in Anhui Province, China, where V. longipedunculata and V. anhuiensis are new species found in Anhui.

Fieldwork in the Hoi estuary area of the Ma River has recorded nine species of Gobiidae. Three of these species are recorded for the first time in the study area, including Acentrogobius caninus (Valenciennes, 1837), Glossogobius olivaceus (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845), and Oxyurichthys papuensis (Valenciennes, 1837). We update the list of gobiid species in the Hoi estuary; it now includes 18 species.

Ctenitis atrorubens Holttum, previously known only from the type collection made in 1905, was rediscovered through fieldwork in Central Mindanao, the Philippines. This rediscovery expands the species' original distribution from Western Mindanao. A detailed and revised description of the species - including notes on its morphology, anatomy, and ecology - is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Celaenorrhinus pyrrha de Nicéville, 1889 is recorded for the first time from central Nepal. Three individuals were recorded in March and November, 2021 from 800-930 meters elevation in Pokhara, Kaski District. The species was recorded previously from Uttarakhand in the West Himalayas and Sikkim to Yunnan in the East Himalayas. Its distribution record, however, was missing from the central Himalayas. This new record is proposed to fill the distributional gap for this species in the central Himalayas. The identification is based on external morphology and the morphology of male genitalia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Data on the collection of the genus Epepeotes Pascoe, 1866 deposited in the Natural History Museum, London are presented. A total of 23 species/subspecies, including type specimens of 18 names, of them 13 valid, are recorded. Epepeotes uncinatus lineatopunctatus Breuning, 1960 is restored to subspecies-level status. Lectotypes are designated for Epepeotes uncinatus uncinatus Gahan, 1888 and Epepeotes andamanicus Gahan, 1893. Epepeotes luscus luscus (Fabricius, 1787) is newly recorded in Cambodia and Singapore, and Epepeotes uncinatus uncinatus Gahan, 1888 is newly recorded in Bangladesh. Images of the type and other significant specimens are provided for 23 taxa, mainly for the first time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Pennella balaenoptera Koren & Danielssen, 1877 (Crustacea, Siphonostomatoida, Pennellidae) is so far known as the largest copepod species and has only been found as a parasite on marine mammals. Previous studies on parasitic copepods in China only focused on those found on economic fishes, no records of P. balaenoptera having ever been reported before.A Bryde's whale (Balaenoptera edeni Anderson, 1879) and a pygmy sperm whale [Kogia breviceps (Blainville, 1838)] were respectively stranded on the eastern and southern coast of China in 2021 and 2022. A total of eight parasitic copepods found on their body surface were sampled and examined. The parasites were identified as Pennella balaenoptera, based on morphological characteristics and measurements. Descriptions and photomicrographs of this newly-recorded species from China are given in the present study.

The Neotropical genus Alepia Enderlein, 1937 (Diptera, Psychodidae) is newly recorded in Australia. We present new geographical records for Alepia viatrix Jaume-Schinkel, Kvifte, Weele & Mengual, 2022, extending the range of this species by 18,000 km. We attribute these new Australian records to the likely unintentional introduction of A. viatrix through international bromeliad trade. This moth fly was found by school children working with insect taxonomists through an Australian citizen-science project, Insect Investigators. We describe and present for the first time high-resolution SEM pictures of the eggs of the genus Alepia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A new distributional data on the twenty-two palaearctic species of comb clawed beetles (Alleculinae) are presented as follows: Allecula (A.) rhenana Bach, 1856 (Iran - the first record from Asia), Allecula (A.) vietnamica Novák, 2017 (China: Yunnan Province - the first record from the Palaeartcic Region), Bobina jendeki Novák, 2015 (China: Yunnan Province), Mycetocharina (M.) braaschi Muche, 1982 (Oman), Mycetocharina (M.) vanharteni Novák, 2008 (Oman), Mycetocharina (M.) wittmeri Muche, 1982 (Oman), Prionychus ater (Fabricius, 1775) (Montenegro), Prionychus cisteloides Seidlitz, 1896 (Jordan), Isomira (I.) umbellatarum (Kiesenwetter, 1863) (Albania), Gonodera corynthia Fairmaire, 1884 (Lebanon), Gonodera macrophthalma Reitter, 1884 (Georgia), Microcistela rosinae Pic, 1904 (South Korea), Cteniopinus (C.) hypocrita (Marseul, 1876) (China: Quinghai Province), Cteniopus (Ctenioposomus) preisneri preisneri Wittmer, 1936 (Israel), Cteniopus (Rhinobarus) sveci Novák, 2017 (Greece, Macedonia), Gastrhaema gharbensis Théry, 1932 (Spain), Heliotaurus (H.) coralinus Reitter, 1890 (Morroco), Heliotaurus (H.) sanguinicollis sanguinicollis Reitter, 1906 (Morroco, Portugal), Omophlus (Od.) atticus Reitter, 1906 (Albania), Omophlus (Od.) flavipennis Küster, 1849 (Albania), Omophlus (Od.) syriacus Mulsant, 1856 (Iran) and Podonta ambiqua Kiesenwetter, 1873 (Bulgaria). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We provide data on morphological characteristics and the distribution of the nemipterid fish Nemipterus marginatus (Valenciennes, 1830) in the estuary and coastal area of Thanh Hoa province, North Central Vietnam. This is also a clear location record for the distribution of this species in the North Central region compared to previous studies, and a new record for the study area.

This work documents the first record of Anthias noeli Anderson & Baldwin, 2000 in Peru. Between 2016 and 2019, fifteen specimens were captured from the littoral of the Tumbes Department, located in the northernmost of Peru. Fresh photographs were taken of the specimens and meristic and morphometric analyses were conducted for species identification. Additionally, muscle tissue was extracted from five individuals to determine COI gene sequences. Phylogenetic analyses confirmed the specimens' identity as A. noeli, and the sequences were deposited in the public database BOLD Systems, representing the first deposited sequences for this species. This record expands the southern distribution of A. noeli.

A female individual of Sanaa regalis (Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1895) was collected in the Tanahun district of Central Nepal in September 2021. This katydid had been reported prior from India in the East Himalayas and Chhattisgarh in Central India. This is the first record of this species from the Central Himalayas, Nepal. The female of this species differs from its congenerics S. imperialis (White, 1846) and S. intermedia Beier, 1944 in its ovipositor being distinctly black at the base. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this article, we have discussed the problem of point estimation of the three unknown parameters of a bivariate new extended Weibull distribution under complete and randomly right-censored samples. The expectation-maximization algorithm is used to estimate the unknown parameters. Simulation experiments are performed to see the effectiveness of the estimators for complete and censored data. One dataset has been considered to illustrate the practical utility of the article. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Orchidaceae is one of the largest families in the plant kingdom. It has high diversity within the tropical and subtropical parts of the world, and is considered as a characteristic feature to measure forest richness. This study explores the orchid diversity in Kozhikode District, Kerala, India. A total of 57 species belonging to 28 genera were identified within the study region. Among the total, 42 were epiphytic species and 15 species were terrestrial. Additionally, 16 species were identified as endemic to India, of which, 10 species were exclusive to the Western Ghats, four species to the Western and Eastern Ghats, and two species to peninsular India. Previous studies conducted within this region, only recorded 10 species. The present study, however, adds new records of 47 species to the orchid diversity of Kozhikode. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Bufo gargarizans, a species complex, has a wide distribution ranging from Japan to south-western China, Vietnam, and Russia but was not previously reported from India. Surveys conducted in Dibang Valley district of Arunachal Pradesh near the Indo-Tibetan border with China in 2014–15 revealed previously unreported specimens of the toad genus Bufo. Based on photographic comparisons with morphological characteristics obtained from published literature, we have identified the Bufo from Dibang Valley as the Asiatic Toad Bufo gargarizans Cantor, 1842. Individuals of the species reported from Dibang have a wide mid dorsal line in the dorsum, rarely observed in Bufo gargarizans except in the sub-populations on the Tibetan Plateau. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Here we report new records of two invasive ambrosia beetles, Xyleborus affinis and X. ferrugineus, in mainland China. For X. affinis, 89 specimens were collected at 12 locations from five hosts (Eucalyptus robusta, Eucalyptus sp., Hevea brasiliensis, Schefflera octophylla and Sindora glabra) during 2014-2019. In 2019, there are only two samples of X. ferrugineus found in a dead log in Guangdong province. We suspected that both were likely introduced to China through international trade, and X. affinis may have arrived by natural dispersal. More investigation and research are needed to determine distribution, biology and ecology of these two Xyleborus species in China. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Nesolotis Miyatake, 1966 shows a high diversity in the Oriental Realm., New Information: Here, we recorded this genus in Laos for the first time and provided a detailed description of a new species, namely Nesolotislaotica Lv & Wang, sp. nov., (Lanlan Lv, Xingmin Wang.)

The unprecedented record of the species Centris (Paracentris) hyptidis Ducke, 1908 in the State of Maranhão, Brazil, is documented. A single female was collected during a visit on a Chamaecrista ramosa (Vogel) (Fabaceae) flower on an island in the America’s Delta, Maranhão (-2.715922, -42.200054), which is deposited in the Bee Collection of the Federal University of Maranhão. Such appointment contributes to the knowledge of the faunal composition of bees in the State of Maranhão, as well as the distribution of the species C. hyptidis in Brazilian territory.

A field survey across various parts of India coupled with an analysis of the literature and an examination of herbarium specimens revealed the presence of four species of crop wild relatives that have not been reported from India, viz., Dioscorea piscatorum Prain & Burkill (from Little & Great Nicobar), Fagopyrum gracilipes (Hemsl.) Dammer ex Diels (from Arunachal Pradesh), Rubus praecox Bertol. (from Jammu & Kashmir), and Ziziphus subquinquenervia Miq. (from Great Nicobar). While Rubus praecox is naturalised in the Kashmir Valley, Dioscorea piscatorum and Ziziphus subquinquenervia were found truly wild, and Fagopyrum gracilipes occurs as a weed in buckwheat fields and orchards. Ziziphus subquinquenervia has been resurrected from the allied Z. elegans Wall. of peninsular Malaysia and Singapore owing to the distinct diagnostic characters. Their description, phenology, habitat, and other field observations have been highlighted here.

A brief review of the proctotrupoid genus Vanhornia Crawford is given. A new species, Vanhornia yurii sp. nov. from Primorskiy Territory, Russia, is described and illustrated. Photographic illustrations of Vanhornia eucnemidarum Crawford, 1909 (specimens from USA), V. leileri Hedqvist, 1976 (specimens from the Russian Far East) and V. quizhouensis (He & Chu, 1990) (holotype) are given. An identification key to all known species of Vanhornia is provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Mimops orientalis Kraepelin, 1903 is a monotypic species of Mimopidae endemic to China. The species is known only from a single specimen, the holotype. Little is known about its biology, habitat associations, or phylogenetic relationships. It was rediscovered on Qinling Mountain in Shaanxi and Henan provinces, China, 117 years after its last record. Detailed descriptions and colour photographs of living specimens are provided along with its ecology, updated conservation notes, and data on sexual dimorphism. A genetic analysis (COI, 16S rRNA, and 28S rRNA) was conducted to assess the phylogenetic relationships among Mimopidae, Cryptopidae, Scolopendridae, Scolopocryptopidae, and Plutoniumidae. The results support classifying Mimopidae as a valid family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this correspondence, the distribution of a population of Amomum kingii Baker, a Critically Endangered species of Zingiberaceae, is reported from Darjeeling District, West Bengal, India. Previously, this plant was described only from Sikkim, India and no other population of this endemic plant has ever been found outside this distributional range. In the present study, the plant was morphologically described and molecular characterization was done for the first time using three DNA regions- ITS, matK and rbcL. The urgency and necessity of conservation of this plant has also been discussed.

Thalictrum acutifolium (Hand.-Mazz.) B. Boivin is hitherto known as an endemic species of China. However, recently we found another population in Jeju-do, Korea. This species is closely related to Thalictrum tuberiferum Maxim., having characters such as 2- or 3-ternate leaves, whitish stamens with clavate filaments, and stipitate achenes, but distinguished from the latter by the following features: rootlets lacking tubers, stoloniferous, alternate cauline leaves, apex acuted leaflets, and ovate-shaped sepals with whitish color. Here, we provide its description, illustrations, and photographs as a new record species in Korea. Also, a lectotype is designated for T. acutifolium based on the material conserved at the University of Vienna (WU).

The occurrence of the pink pipefish, Bryx analicarens (Duncker, 1915), is reported for the first time from Indian waters. The geographical distribution of the species extends from east Africa, the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman to Pakistan and now to the west coast of India. Although a total of 32 pipefish species have hitherto been reported from India, the presently reported finding of B. analicarens constitutes the first record of the genus from the country. Morphometric characters, like the absence of the anal fin, the number of trunk rings (15) and tails rings (34), and dorsal fin rays (25) distinguish the species from other species in the region. Bryx analicarens differs from its congeners by having alternately arranged irregular brownish and white bands along the snout. The presently reported study also emphasizes the need for a detailed study of syngnathid biodiversity and a stock assessment of the coral reef ecosystems of the Gulf of Kachchh Marine National Park and Sanctuary for developing conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The aim of the study was to document the new distribution record and challenges to the conservation of Indian rock python (Python molurus molurus) in and around District Mirpur and Bhimer, Azad Jammu and Kashmir. The data on sighting records, distribution, and threats to Indian rock python were collected through a consecutive sampling method using questionnaire during July 2014 to October 2015. During the recent study, a total of 30 new distribution locations were recorded for Indian rock python in and around Deva Vatala National Park. Major threats faced by Indian rock python in and around the park were mainly fear of local communities (42.3%) followed by roadside killings (16.2%), habitat degradation (15.4%), illegal trade for their fine skin (14.6%), and lack of awareness (11.5%). Majority of local people (41%) believed that they see Indian rock python less frequently as compared to past whereas, (35%) believe that its sighting has been increased during past few years while (24%) had no idea about increase or decrease of sightings. Maximum adult male (66%) sightings were reported by locals in the open area (68.75 %), and during the month of August (34.37 %). Shepherds were major group responsible for causing threats to Indian rock python (43.8%) followed by hunters (20.8%), farmers (16.2%), drivers (10.8%), and shopkeepers (8.5%). According to our findings (68%), people did not like Indian rock python whereas, (21%) people liked Indian rock python, while a little proportion of people (11%) neither like or dislike it. Majority of people (50%) thought that Indian pythons should not be conserved whereas, (42.3%) believed that it should be conserved but there should be compensation scheme to cover for livestock losses, while (7.7%) did not supported either conservation or exploitation. The results of this study will be helpful in national action planning as well as global action planning for the conservation of Indian rock python. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A field survey across various parts of India coupled with an analysis of the literature and an examination of herbarium specimens revealed the presence of four species of crop wild relatives that have not been reported from India, viz., Dioscorea piscatorum Prain & Burkill (from Little & Great Nicobar), Fagopyrum gracilipes (Hemsl.) Dammer ex Diels (from Arunachal Pradesh), Rubus praecox Bertol. (from Jammu & Kashmir), and Ziziphus subquinquenervia Miq. (from Great Nicobar). While Rubus praecox is naturalised in the Kashmir Valley, Dioscorea piscatorum and Ziziphus subquinquenervia were found truly wild, and Fagopyrum gracilipes occurs as a weed in buckwheat fields and orchards. Ziziphus subquinquenervia has been resurrected from the allied Z. elegans Wall. of peninsular Malaysia and Singapore owing to the distinct diagnostic characters. Their description, phenology, habitat, and other field observations have been highlighted here. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Hemiptarsenus autonomus (Mercet, 1924) (Hymenoptera: Eulophidae, Eulophinae) was found for the first time outside of Europe. Studied specimen was collected by a Malaise trap in the north west of Iran, East-Azarbaijan province, Khajeh (46°38'E & 38°09'N). Current record of Hemiptarsenus species of Iran adds up to seven species. These species and their geographical distribution in Iran are listed.

As provincial new distributions, one genus and eight species(including two varieties)of dicotyledon from West Hubei and Northwest Hunan are reported in this paper. Among these species, new distributions of Hubei are Tubocapsicum anomalum, Thalictrum alpinum var. elatum, Sanguisorba filiformis, S. officinalis var. glandulosa, Embelia undulate, Physaliastrum chamaesarachoides, Mentha sachalinensis and Salvia tricuspis. Among these species, Tubocapsicum anomalum belongs to Tubocapsicum, which is a newly recorded genus in Hubei. New distribution of Hunan is Gleadovia mupinense. According to IUCN Red List Criteria, G. mupinense is regarded as endangered(EN). These new distributions enrich floristic region of central China and have some significance for plant protection. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The monitoring of Culicidae through faunistic data is important to identify potential vector species of disease and therefore acts as an early warning system. The Balkans have a diverse mosquito fauna that can be an important gateway of potential vector species to Europe, because of the abundance of larval habitats and favorable climatic conditions. Here we present four new records of Culicidae: Aedes (Ochlerotatus) annulipes (Meigen, 1830), Aedes (Ochlerotatus) cantans (Meigen, 1818) for Albania, and Aedes (Ochlerotatus) punctor (Kirby, 1837) for Albania and Serbia. We also present some photos of the most important diagnostic characters. Furthermore, we add new faunistic data for Macedonia, Montenegro, and Hungary. An additional invasive species, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894), is also added to the fauna of Albania. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]