Zootaxa

**The species of Brasema Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae) associated with oak gall wasps (Hym., Cynipidae, Cynipini) in North America with the description of two new species from México**

JÚLIA CAZORLA-VILA — 2026-03-19

Eight species of Brasema Cameron, 1884 (Hymenoptera, Eupelmidae) associated with galls of Cynipini (Hymenoptera, Cynipidae) in North America are keyed and illustrated through macrophotography. The gender of Brasema is here treated as neuter rather than feminine and the reasons for this are given. Brasema mexicanum Cazorla-Vila & Pujade-Villar sp. nov. and Brasema obscurum Cazorla-Vila & Pujade-Villar sp. nov. are described from México emerging from different cynipid oak galls belonging to Quercus and Lobatae sections. Males and females of these new species are illustrated through macrophotography and scanning electron micrographs. The new species are supported as new by morphological and molecular evidence. New oak gall wasp hosts are recorded for B. auratum (Ashmead, 1886), B. dryophantae (Ashmead, 1886), B. macrocarpae (Ashmead, 1888) and B. speciosum (Girault, 1916). Distribution of B. macrocarpae and B. speciosum are expanded in USA and México, and B. flavovariegatum (Ashmead, 1888) and B. gemmarii (Ashmead, 1886) in the USA. A phylogenetic analysis of COI was carried out with 7 sequences of the two new Mexican species plus 64 sequences available from BOLD belonging to 21 identified and unidentified morphospecies to obtain the first Brasema phylogeny.

A new species of marsupial frog (Hemiphractidae: Gastrotheca) from the Andes of northern Peru and first country record of Gastrotheca turnerorum

PABLO J. VENEGAS — 2026-03-19

We describe Gastrotheca mittaliiti sp. nov. from the subalpine paramo of Amazonas department in the Andes of northern Peru, in the Huancabamba region, based on phylogenetic analysis of DNA sequences from three mitochondrial and two nuclear genes, genetic distances, and diagnostic morphological characters. Our phylogenetic analysis recovered the new species with high support both as part of the Gastrotheca marsupiata species group and as the sister species of G. trachyplevra. The new species can be distinguished from the rest of its congeners by the combination of the following characters: (i) moderately small size in males (SVL = 27.6–32.5 mm, n = 4); (ii) distinctly thick and elevated supratympanic fold extending from the top edge of the tympanum to the flank covered with prominent and closely packed or fused pustules; (iii) two prominent paravertebral longitudinal pustular ridges; (iv) narrow discs on fingers and toes with truncate terminal margins; (v) dorsum covered with prominent and closely packed rounded pustules; (vi) canthus rostralis thin and straight in dorsal view; and (vii) distal subarticular tubercle rounded. In addition, we report the first record of G. turnerorum in Peru and describe new morphological variation of the Peruvian populations. Our results highlight the Huancabamba region as the hotspot of Gastrotheca species richness, a result that we discuss from a biogeographic and conservation perspective.

**A new species of Careproctus (Cottoidei: Liparidae) from the Falkland Plateau, southwestern Atlantic, with COI-based phylogenetic analysis**

MARTIN L. VILLARROEL-PEREZ — 2026-03-19

A new species of snailfish, Careproctus argosgeorgiae sp. nov., is described from the northeastern Falkland Islands, within the Falkland Plateau, in the southwestern Atlantic Ocean. The specimen was collected at a depth of 1680 m during a longline fishing operation and scientific observation deployment conducted by the Falkland Islands Fisheries Department in 2024, in an area of relatively unsurveyed depths known to host Vulnerable Marine Ecosystem (VME) taxa. The new species is distinguished from all 18 known species of Careproctus from southern South America and adjacent subantarctic waters by the following combination of characters: strong pleural ribs; vertebrae 47; dorsal-fin rays 42, anal-fin rays 34, pectoral-fin rays 37; simple teeth; a long gill slit reaching pectoral-fin ray 18; a pelvic disk about 33% of head length; distance from disk to anus not less than the disk length; pectoral-fin upper lobe 67% HL; thick subcutaneous gelatinous tissue; and a uniform light-orange coloration with deeper orange fin and disk margins. Comparative analyses with regional congeners are presented and genetic results are discussed. These findings underscore the importance of continued deep-sea exploration to improve knowledge of the subantarctic ichthyofauna and VMEs.

**Reexamination of Heteronaias heterodoxa (Selys, 1878) (Odonata: Corduliidae), with larval redescription, comparative notes on Asian Corduliidae larvae, and biogeographic significance**

TOSAPHOL SAETUNG KEETAPITHCHAYAKUL — 2026-03-19

Heteronaias Needham & Gyger, 1937 is a monotypic genus represented solely by Heteronaias heterodoxa (Selys, 1878), a poorly documented corduliid. Based on reared specimens from Luzon, Philippines, we provide a detailed larval description, notes on adult morphology, and distributional data. Adult characters, particularly the vesica spermalis of male and female terminalia, are redescribed and illustrated. The larva is distinguished by a flattened body, 9–13 premental setae, 8–11 palpal setae, a poorly developed ligula, middorsal protuberances on abdominal segments 6–10, and a distinct episternal apophysis. Comparative analysis with Asian corduliid genera highlights diagnostic larval features valuable for taxonomy and phylogenetic studies. Larvae inhabit shaded forest streams and emerge on rock surfaces, showing rheophilic adaptations comparable to those of Zygonyx Selys in Hagen, 1867 (Libellulidae). Distributional records confirm that H. heterodoxa is endemic to the Philippines.

**Revision of Neotropical genus Echinodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893 (Diptera: Tachinidae), with new synonymies**

MARCELO DOMINGOS DE SANTIS — 2026-03-19

Three New World genera of Dexiini belonging to a complex characterized by spine-like abdominal setae are revised, namely Echinodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893, Tropidodexia Townsend, 1915, and Tropidopsiomorpha Townsend, 1927. As a result, two new generic synonymies are proposed: Tropidodexia Townsend, 1915 = Echinodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893, syn. nov., and Tropidopsiomorpha Townsend, 1927 = Echinodexia Brauer & Bergenstamm, 1893, syn. nov.; along with four new combinations: Echinodexia anthracina (Bigot, 1889), comb. nov., Echinodexia coracina (Wulp, 1891), comb. nov. (with lectotype and paralectotypes designated), Echinodexia lutzi (Townsend, 1915), comb. nov., and Echinodexia tropica (Townsend, 1927), comb. nov. The following specific synonymy is also proposed: Hystrichodexia echinata Wulp, 1891 = Echinodexia anthracina (Bigot, 1889), syn. nov. Finally, a diagnosis for Echinodexia and a key to all six known species are given.

**A new species of genus Dodona Hewitson, 1861 from western Yunnan, China (Lepidoptera: Riodinidae)**

SHAO-JI HU — 2026-03-19

A new species of the riodinid genus Dodona Hewitson, 1861, Dodona yehuii Hu & Jiang sp. nov., is described from montane areas in northwestern Yunnan, China. The new species is placed within the D. eugenes species group based on the combination of morphological and molecular evidence. The new species is sister to D. formosana Matsumura, 1919, endemic to Taiwan Island. The Kimura 2-parameter genetic distances between D. yehuii sp. nov. and other congeneric taxa in the D. eugenes group exceeds 3%, supporting it as a distinct species. Descriptions of the adults and genitalia of both sexes are provided, alongside a discussion of its diagnostic characters, habitat, and behaviour. An updated checklist of the genus Dodona in Yunnan is also presented.

**Freshwater crabs from the D. R. Congo, Central Africa: A new species of Arcopotamonautes Bott, 1955, and a redescription of A. stappersi (Balss, 1936) (Brachyura: Potamoidea: Potamonautidae)**

NEIL CUMBERLIDGE — 2026-03-19

A new species of freshwater crab from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Central Africa is described based on previously unidentified museum material. Potamon (Potamonautes) johnstoni stappersi Balss, 1936, also from the D. R. Congo, is here recognized as a valid species and redescribed following examination of the type material and other specimens from Tanzania. The new taxa are assigned to Arcopotamonautes Bott, 1955, based on a combination of characters of the carapace, chelipeds, mouthparts, and gonopods. These species are compared to, and distinguished from, similar Arcopotamonautes species found in Central and East Africa. Illustrations and a distribution map are provided.

**A new dwarf species of Lycenchelys from western Antarctica with supplementary description of L. argentina (Teleostei, Zoarcidae)**

ARTEM M. PROKOFIEV — 2026-03-19

Lycenchelys cyanosoma sp. nov. is described from a single specimen collected off the South Orkney Islands at 370–375 m depth. It can be easily distinguished from all known congeners by its lowest total vertebral count (76), dorsal- and anal-fin ray counts (71 and 54, respectively); unusual bluish coloration with blackish head; and the following additional features in combination: body fully scaled except the predorsal area but vertical fins completely scaleless; absence of oral valve, pseudobranchs and pyloric caeca; upper lip with pronounced flange; and periproct surrounded by peculiar tentacle-like processes. The new species is probably the smallest member of the genus, having developed testes at 98 mm standard length. Lycenchelys argentina, a rare and poorly-known species with a variable morphology, is herein redescribed based on a new (fourth known) specimen; we discuss the limits of its morphological variation. Lycenchelys cyanosoma sp. nov. and L. argentina may represent vicariant species with upper and lower bathyal/abyssal range, respectively. The diagnostically valuable features and known distribution of all Antarctic and Subantarctic Lycenchelys species are presented.

Taxonomic study of morphology and distribution of Nannophya pygmaea Rambur, 1842 (Odonata: Libellulidae) with a discussion on the possibility of cryptic diversity and larval comparison of genera in subfamily Brachydiplacinae

MINH TY NGUYEN — 2026-03-19

A description of the adult and last instar larva of Nannophya pygmaea Rambur, 1842 is presented, based on reared material from Vietnam and additional specimens obtained from Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore. Adult morphology of both sexes is documented to ensure accurate species confirmation and to demonstrate consistency with previously established diagnostic characters. Updated distributional data for Nannophya Rambur, 1842 in Asia are synthesized from verified field records, curated online biodiversity repositories (GBIF and iNaturalist), and published literature. Diagnostic comparisons of N. pygmaea with N. koreana Bae, 2020 as well as with other members of Brachydiplacine are provided. The taxonomic status and distribution of N. pygmaea are discussed. The essential baseline data for future systematic, biogeographic, and conservation studies are provided.

**The millipede genus Chamberlinius (Diplopoda, Polydesmida, Paradoxosomatidae) in mainland Southeast Asia, with the description of a new species from Laos**

NATDANAI LIKHITRAKARN — 2026-03-19

The Southeast Asian millipede genus Chamberlinius Wang, 1956, has been known only from Taiwan, southern Japan, and recently from central Vietnam. This paper describes a new species, Chamberlinius laoticus sp. nov., from a limestone cave in Khammouane Province, Laos, representing the second known mainland representative from Indochina. The new species is readily distinguished from all congeners by its smaller size, uniformly pale coloration lacking any darker markings, and the absence of ridge-like spiracles flanking the gonopod aperture. This warrants the generic diagnosis to be slightly amended. An updated key to and a distribution map for all seven known species of Chamberlinius are also provided.

**New record of Epigonus pectinifer Mayer, 1974 (Pempheriformes: Epigonidae) from Tanzania, with the first phylogenetic analysis of the species**

SERGEY V. BOGORODSKY — 2026-03-19

A single specimen of Epigonus pectinifer Mayer, a rare deepwater cardinalfish known from scattered localities in the Atlantic Ocean and Indo-West Pacific, was trawled during a survey conducted by the research vessel Dr. Fridtjof Nansen off Tanzania, representing a new regional record. Epigonus pectinifer belongs to the E. constanciae species group that is characterized by a pungent opercular spine, and it differs from congeners of the group by the following set of characters: a pair of pointed, mustache-like processes on the anterior part of the maxilla; a tongue bearing a tooth patch; a pair of bumps at the symphysis of the lower jaw; and vertebral count of 10 + 15. The specimen is described, illustrated with a photograph taken in fresh condition, and included, for the first time, in a phylogenetic analysis based on the COI barcoding region.

**On the geographic range of Paratelmatobius segallai (Anura: Leptodactylidae): Comments on the paper by Faria et al. (2025)**

MARCUS THADEU T. SANTOS — 2026-03-19