Zootaxa

**New species and new records of cave-dwelling money spiders from Japan with remarks on the genera Anguliphantes, Arcuphantes, Nihonella, Micrargus, and Porrhomma (Araneae, Linyphiidae)**

2026-06-09T11:11:54+12:00

In Japan, linyphiid spiders are relatively common inhabitants of caves and other hypogean habitats. However, their taxonomy, distribution, and sometimes even their occurrence in subterranean environments, remain poorly studied for most species. To help partially fill this knowledge gap, herein we present new taxonomic and faunistic data on Japanese cave-dwelling linyphiid species. Particularly, we report the genus Anguliphantes Saaristo & Tanasevitch, 1996 for the first time in Japan. We provide new subterranean records, redescriptions, and detailed images of diagnostic characters for poorly known species belonging to the genera Arcuphantes Chamberlin & Ivie, 1943; Nihonella Ballarin & Yamasaki, 2021; Micrargus Dahl, 1886; and Porrhomma Simon, 1884, including the first description of the previously unknown males of Arcuphantes ashifuensis and A. longissimus. Additionally, we describe three newly discovered cave-dwelling species: Arcuphantes iseensis sp. nov. (male, female), Nihonella tanikawai sp. nov. (male, female), and Porrhomma niimiensis sp. nov. (female). To further support the validity of the newly described species and facilitate future identifications and research on the Japanese cave-dwelling spider fauna, we provide DNA barcodes for the species discussed and perform molecular phylogenetic and/or pairwise distance analyses for the genera Arcuphantes, Nihonella, Micrargus, and Porrhomma.

First record of Autolyca pallidicornis Stål, 1875 (Phasmatodea: Pseudophasmatidae) from Honduras, with notes on the genus Autolyca

2026-06-09T11:13:36+12:00

The genus Autolyca Stål, 1875 (Pseudophasmatidae: Pseudophasmatinae: Anisomorphini) comprises several species endemic to Nuclear Central America. Here, we report the first record of Autolyca pallidicornis Stål, 1875 from Honduras, based on specimens from the Celaque Mountains and historical, previously unreported museum material from a nearby locality in Gracias housed in the Field Museum of Natural History (FMNH), Chicago. The species can be distinguished by its characteristic shiny black coloration, robust abdomen, orange-yellowish antennae, and distinctive genital structures. Previously, A. herculeana Conle & Hennemann, 2002 was the only species of the genus formally recorded from the country. With this new record, two species of Autolyca are now formally known from Honduras. Additionally, we provide notes on the natural history of the species and a taxonomic review of the genus Autolyca. This finding underscores the importance of studying the diversity of phasmids and other taxa in this region to better understand its distribution and biogeographic patterns.

A new genus and species of Rhopalophorini (Coleoptera, Cerambycidae, Cerambycinae) and new records in Cerambycinae and Lamiinae

2026-06-09T11:15:02+12:00

The species-group names of Erythrochiton Zajciw, 1957 are corrected. Seventeen new state records are reported for the Brazilian state of Mato Grosso do Sul and one for the state of Maranhão. Gorybia tibialis Martins, 1976 is recorded from Brazil for the first time. Kolobophora dolia, representing both a new genus and a new species, is described from Bahia, Brazil; the new genus is included in a previous key. Poecilopeplus haemopterus (Lucas, 1859) is synonymized under Poecilopeplus intricatus (Blanchard, 1847). Notes on Lepturges (Lepturges) fasciculatoides Gilmour, 1962 are provided. A variation in the color of the pubescence of Drycothaea viridescens (Buquet, 1857) is reported. The first formally recorded host plant of Tapeina melzeri Zajciw, 1966 is reported.

**DNA barcodes reveal cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China**

2026-06-09T11:16:26+12:00

Two cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China have been discovered by DNA barcodes. Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., and Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The validity of some previously described species is discussed, and the diagnosis of the subgenus is amended. A key to known adult males of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) is presented.

First description of the third-stage larva and puparium of Brachyopa testacea (Fallén, 1817) (Diptera, Syrphidae), with a revised identification key for larvae of the European Brachyopa Meigen, 1822

2026-06-09T11:18:02+12:00

The immature stages of Brachyopa testacea (Fallén, 1817), a saproxylic hoverfly with a wide range extending from western and central Europe through Scandinavia to the Asiatic parts of Russia, Mongolia and the Pacific, are described for the first time based on reared material from Denmark. The species is associated with Picea forests where adults are frequently encountered around recently felled stumps, making it one of the more regularly recorded Brachyopa species within suitable habitats. The description is based on comprehensive morphological documentation, including chaetotaxy mapping, optical microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy. The identification key for European Brachyopa larvae has been revised and updated to incorporate B. testacea and to correct ambiguities in previous keys concerning Brachyopa panzeri Goffe, 1945 and Brachyopa dorsata Zetterstedt, 1837. The improved key addresses inconsistencies in morphological terminology and incorporates standardized chaetotaxy-based characters, enhancing the reliability of larval identification. This study emphasizes the continuing need for comprehensive descriptions of Brachyopa species immature stages to facilitate biodiversity assessment, ecological research and conservation of these important forest habitat indicators.

**Taxonomic review of the little-known genus Catanella Miyatake, 1961 (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae), with nomenclatural notes of four species of the tribe Serangiini from China**

2026-06-09T11:19:31+12:00

Previous studies paid little attention on the genus Catanella Miyatake, 1961. In present study, we revised the genus with description of a new species Catanella acuta Zhu & Wang sp. nov. The immature stages of Catanella are reported for the first time. A key and a distribution map of the known species of Catanella sp. are also presented. In addition specific epithets for four species of the tribe Serangiini from China are corrected according to ICZN.

**A new species of Rhinochimaera Garman 1901 (Holocephali: Chimaeriformes: Rhinochimaeridae) from the Eastern Pacific Ocean**

2026-06-09T11:21:00+12:00

A new species of Rhinochimaera is described based on a unique combination of morphological traits, further supported by molecular evidence. The type series comprises three males (775–830 mm total length) collected off the Pacific coast of Costa Rica between 2000 and 2023, at depths of 390–787 m. A total of 49 morphometric measurements were obtained from the three specimens and compared with published and unpublished data from 90 additional specimens representing the three currently recognized species of Rhinochimaera. Rhinochimaera costaricana sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a shorter snout, a larger and taller first dorsal-fin spine, a higher first dorsal fin, a wider interdorsal space, and a reduced number of caudal tubercles. Molecular analyses of COI sequences from two specimens of R. costaricana sp. nov. revealed genetic divergences of 3.9% from R. africana, 4.5% from R. atlantica, and 4.7% from R. pacifica, exceeding the commonly accepted interspecific divergence threshold. Species delimitation methods (ASAP, bPTP, GMYC) likewise support the recognition of this taxon as distinct from all congeners. This discovery improves our knowledge of deep-sea fish diversity in the region and underscores the importance of integrative approaches in species identification, delimitation, and characterization

Oxyurichthys jiwaniensis, a new species of gobionelline goby (Oxudercidae: Gobionellinae) from Jiwani Hor, Balochistan, Pakistan

2026-06-09T11:22:33+12:00

We describe a new species, Oxyurichthys jiwaniensis sp. nov. based on integrated taxonomic approach and otolith shape parameters. The specimens were collected from Jiwani Hor, Balochistan. This new species is distinguished from other Oxyurichthys by the combination of following characters, overall body cylindrical two separate dorsal fins D1 VI; D2 I, 10; A 10–11; P 13; V 5 rays per-side of the pelvic fin. The pelvic fins are united to form a well-developed disc, the frenum (anterior connecting membrane) is present but the posterior membrane between fin tips is thin or weakly developed and remarkably lacking spine. The spine in anal fin was also absent. The caudal fin (11 rays) short with a blue bloch on the caudal fin dorsally. The body exhibits brown dorsal with minute black and golden dots on the entire dorsal surface. The body ventrally is creamy with only few scattered tiny black dots. The head and operculum are blue-green, covered with small spots distributed across the entire head region. The gill rakers number 10 on the first arch 12 on second arch, 15 on third arch, and 11 on the 4th arch. Scales ctenoid with a row of ctenii is evident on the scales base. The pattern of sensory papillae was observed around the eyes and across the preopercle, opercle, and chin regions. The new species closely resembles jester goby, Oxyurichthys paulae, but it can be distinguished by the shape of head, black tip on its pelvic fin, and brown bands across its body which is defining characteristics of the jester goby. This study, for the first time, adds to existing knowledge of gobionelline goby diversity revealing that despite population declines, novel species continue to emerge from the northern Arabian Sea coast of Balochistan.

**A new species of Mortonagrion Fraser, 1920 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Coenagrionidae) from the Andaman Islands, India**

2026-06-09T11:23:53+12:00

A new species of damselfly, Mortonagrion santha sp. nov. is described from Dasarathpur, Rangat, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, India. This species is closely similar to M. arthuri Fraser, 1942, from which it can be distinguished by the shape of the postocular spots, markings on the S9 and the unique shape of the caudal appendages. We have provided an updated identification key to the males and females of Mortonagrion Fraser, 1920 species known from South and Southeast Asia.

**A new species of Chonala Moore, 1893 (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae) from northeastern India**

2026-06-09T11:25:14+12:00

We describe a new species of nymphalid butterfly, Chonala albistricta sp. nov. (Satyrinae: Satyrini) from Mayodia pass, Lower Dibang Valley District, Arunachal Pradesh, India, based on two male and one female specimens. The new species may be distinguished from the similar C. masoni (Elwes, 1882) by a distinctly narrower, unevenly bent white band on the forewing and other morphological traits, and differences in the tip of valve of the male genitalia. Additional notes are provided on the distributional range, habits and habitat, and phenology.

**Description of six new species of Pitnus Gorham (Coleoptera: Ptinidae) and new host records for the genus**

2026-06-09T11:26:35+12:00

Six new species in the genus Pitnus are described from Latin America, including four from Baja California, Mexico, one from Peru, and one from the Galápagos Islands as P. bajaensis, P. clarionensis, P. glabrus, P. punctatus, P. peruvianus, and P. valentinei. Also included are images of the new species, male genitalia and a distribution map for the species found in Mexico. New possible host records for Pitnus antillanus Bellés are also provided.

**Specimens of the Australian terrestrial planarian Australopacifica graminicola (Steel, 1900) in England and Wales**

2026-06-09T11:27:50+12:00

Montinicola nom. nov., a replacement name for Monticola Ramos-Pastrana, Amat & Rafael, 2026 (Diptera: Pipunculidae)

2026-06-09T11:29:18+12:00