Zootaxa

**A taxonomic review of the genus Ephysteris Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in the Afrotropical region**

OLEKSIY V. BIDZILYA, HOSSEIN RAJAEI — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The genus Ephysteris in the Afrotropical region is revised. Eighteen species are recognized as valid, six of which are described as new: E. crypticus sp. nov. (Kenya), E. afrorientellus sp. nov. (Kenya, Ethiopia), E. minutus sp. nov. (South Africa, Namibia), E. griseellus sp. nov. (South Africa), E. permanus sp. nov. (South Africa), E. jansei sp. nov. (South Africa). Additionally, the following new synonymies are established: Microcraspedus brachypogon (Meyrick, 1937) and Gnorimoschema infirma Meyrick, 1912, both syn. nov. of Ephysteris sirota (Meyrick, 1908); Scrobipalpa sibila (Meyrick, 1921) syn. nov. of Ephysteris cretigena (Meyrick, 1914); Ephysteris parasynecta Janse, 1963 syn. nov. of Neotelphusa anisogrisea Janse, 1958; Ephysteris fuscocrossa Janse, 1961 syn. nov. of Sitotroga psacasta (Meyrick, 1908); Ephysteris neosirota (Janse, 1950) syn. nov. of Ephysteris obstans (Meyrick, 1928) comb. nov. (Scythris). Moreover, Ephysteris photinopa (Meyrick, 1920) is combined to Photodotis Meyrick, 1911: Photodotis photinopa (Meyrick, 1920) comb. nov. Beside these taxonomic changes, Ephysteris promptella is recorded for the first time from DR Congo, Cameroon, Kenya, Tanzania and Seychelles; E. arabiae is new for Yemen; E. sirota is new for Kenya, E. iberica is new for South Africa and Kenya, and E. leptocentra is new for Zambia. Lectotypes are designated for Phthorimaea sibila Meyrick, 1921 and Gnorimoschema infirma Meyrick, 1912. All species are diagnosed, and genitalia are redescribed based on additional material. Identification keys and photographs of adults and genitalia are provided.

Advertisement calls of anuran amphibians from Itinguçu State Park—Peruíbe municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil

LIVIA ZANUZZI BARROSO, ISABEL GONZALVES VELASCO, IVAN NUNES — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

In anurans, acoustic communication is essential for reproduction, territorial defense, and social interactions. The advertisement call plays a central role in mate attraction and species recognition, making it a key trait in taxonomic and ecological studies. This study aims to review and update the acoustic features of the advertisement calls of seven species recorded within the Itinguçu State Park, located in the Atlantic Forest of São Paulo, Brazil. We compared our results to existing data available in literature. Recordings were made during fieldwork from April 2022 to February 2023, combining passive acoustic monitoring and active searches. Acoustic data were analyzed in the software Raven Pro 1.5. We reviewed calls from seven species distributed across four families: Bufonidae, Hylidae, Hylodidae and Phyllomedusidae. Our results include the definition of sound type for all species recorded, providing temporal and spectral parameters for each species. Most results aligned with existing data, although we report updates for the dominant frequency of Hylodes dactylocinus, and new information on the call duration and pulse number of Scinax perereca. Additionally, we compared the acoustic parameters obtained via passive and active sampling methods using principal component analysis (PCA). This study on acoustic data variation across different regions aids in taxonomic identification and ecological studies, as different behavioural and acoustic pressures exist in different localities.

**Revision of the wingless pygmy grasshopper Potua Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Southeast Asia**

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

Potua Bolívar, 1887, a genus currently assigned to Xerophyllini (Cladonotinae), requires taxonomic revision because its type species, P. coronata Bolívar, 1887, is poorly defined. It exhibits huge variability in the pronotum among type specimens and longstanding confusion with P. morbillosa (Walker, 1871). To resolve the issue, we performed morphometric analyses and sequenced a fragment of the cytochrome oxidase subunit I (COI) gene to reassess species boundaries. Integrating the morphological and genetic data, we synonymise P. coronata Bolívar, 1887, syn. nov. with P. morbillosa (Walker, 1871) and prove that specimens with different pronotal morphology, previously regarded as intraspecific variations, represent different species. Genetic variations within each morphotype are also very low. Here, we describe three new species—P. bulbosa Muhammad, Adžić & Tan, sp. nov. from the Malay Peninsula; P. kinabalu Muhammad & Tan, sp. nov.; and P. sepilok Tan & Muhammad, sp. nov. from Borneo. We also provide an annotated diagnostic table to distinguish each of the four species from Southeast Asia.

The genus Stilobezzia Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Argentina: a new species, new records, and first description of the female of S. chaconi* Kieffer*

CARLA CAZORLA, JUAN FRANCISCO ROSSI, PABLO I. MARINO — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

A new species of predaceous midge, Stilobezzia (Acanthohelea) gustavoi sp. nov., is described and illustrated. The previously unknown female of Stilobezzia (Stilobezzia) chaconi Macfie is described and illustrated for the first time. The male of S. chaconi is redescribed, and the species is recorded from Argentina for the first time. Stilobezzia (S.) albicoxa Lane & Forattini and Stilobezzia (Eukraiohelea) proxima Cazorla & Felippe Bauer are newly recorded from Argentina, Stilobezzia (S.) punctulata Lane is newly recorded from Misiones province, and S. (S.) rabelloi Lane newly recorded from Misiones and Entre Ríos provinces. An annotated checklist of Stilobezzia species from Argentina, comprising a total of 43 species, is provided.

Morphological variation of the Bicornucythere bisanensis complex (Ostracoda, Crustacea), with a description of a new species

YUNAN WANG, YAQIONG WANG, DAIDU FAN, KEJIA MIAO, BAOCHUN ZHOU — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The Bicornucythere bisanensis complex is a species group of trachyleberidid Ostracoda found in shallow-sea sediments along the margin of the East China Sea, which contains three members, namely Bicornucythere bisanensis, B. misumiensis, and Form G. In this study, we analyzed the ontogenetic changes in carapace morphology of B. bisanensis and Form G from the East China Sea and compared them with the specimens of the B. bisanensis complex from the South Yellow Sea, the Leizhou Peninsula, and those in the published literatures, in order to reveal the similarities and differences between the three members. Our results indicate that Form G resembles the young instars of B. bisanensis in carapace size, shape and the fossae arrangement pattern (FAP) on the carapace surface. Our results also show significant differences between Form G and the other two members; B. bisanensis and B. misumiensis share a relatively large carapace size (L=0.66–0.95 mm), a sub-rectangular lateral outline and the same FAP, whilst Form G has a small, sub-triangular carapace (L=0.51–0.66 mm) and a FAP with nine fewer fossae. We concluded that the sub-triangular carapace outline and the peculiar FAP in Form G are species-specific, and we described Form G as a new species, Bicornucythere zhaoi sp. nov.

A few individuals with small, sub-triangular valves and an intermediate type of FAP between B. bisanensis and B. zhaoi sp. nov., which were tentatively named Bicornucythere aff. zhaoi, were discovered from the Pliocene Leizhou Peninsula where it co-occurred with B. bisanensis. Their occurrence may suggest that the latecomer B. zhaoi sp. nov., which does not appear until late Pleistocene, is descended from B. bisanensis by paedomorphosis.

Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878 (Araneae: Psechridae) from India

PUTHOOR PATTAMMAL SUDHIN, SHOUVIK MALI, SOUVIK SEN — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878, P. ntu sp. nov. (♀) and P. phenshunyu sp. nov. (♀) are described from the Indian state of Nagaland. Additionally, P. himalayanus Simon, 1906 is recorded for the first time from northeastern India. The record of P. himalayanus is based on a male specimen found cohabiting a web of P. phenshunyu sp. nov., suggesting that heterospecific association may occur among the members of this genus. Detailed morphological descriptions and illustrations of the copulatory organs of the new species are provided along with the natural history observations and distribution map of the Psechrus species currently known from India.

A new sarcosaprophagous species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Mexico, including DNA barcoding and post-feeding larval dispersal behavior

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The genus Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy, 1830 is found in all biogeographic regions and contains approximately 360 known species, including 24 recorded from Mexico. The larvae are generally saprophagous, feeding on decaying organic material, and some species are synanthropic being important from the medical, veterinary, forensic, and hygienic point of view. Several Fannia species are potentially useful in forensic studies, especially to estimate the minimum post-mortem interval (min. PMI) and as evidence of negligence of elderly individuals, children, or animals. There is a lack of information about the distribution and diversity of this genus in Mexico. Herein, we describe a new species of sarcosaprophagous Fannia from Mexico associated with a pig carcass, belonging to the Fannia pusio (Wiedemann, 1830) sub-group. We present an integrative taxonomic study of this new species, including the descriptions of the male, female, and third-instar larva; an identification key to the three species in the sub-group that occur in Mexico; a DNA barcode analysis; and information about the decomposition process stages at which the larvae occur, as well as the post-feeding larval dispersal behavior. The new species is forensically important considering that the larvae were found associated with the pig carcass from active decay until dry remains stages.

New data on Phycosoma (Theridiidae, Hadrotarsinae) from China

YANG LIU, YUN LIANG, HAIQIANG YIN, XIANG XU — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The genus Phycosoma O. Pickard-Cambridge, 1880 (Hadrotarsinae Thorell, 1881, Theridiidae) has a cosmopolitan distribution. Over the past three decades, more than 20 species have been transferred to Phycosoma from Dipoena Thorell, 1869, 16 of which are from China. Consequently, the present study continues to focus on both genera, aiming to morphologically revise those Chinese species currently placed in Dipoena but requiring transfer to Phycosoma. In this study, a new species of Phycosoma is described from Yunnan, China: P. spinula sp. nov. (♂♀). In addition, three new combinations are proposed, all transferred from the genus Dipoena: P. gui (Zhu, 1998) comb. nov., P. linzhiense (Hu, 2001) comb. nov. and P. redunca (Zhu, 1998) comb. nov.. Upon completion of this study, no Chinese species currently assigned to Dipoena are considered to require transfer to Phycosoma. Detailed descriptions, morphological photos of the new species, and a distribution map of four Phycosoma species involved in this study are provided.

Two new species of Thymistadopsis Walker, 1865, and one new record from Xizang, China (Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Drepaninae)

XIN-HUI YANG, XIA YU, ZHAOHUI PAN — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

This paper describes two new species of Thymistadopsis Warren, 1922 from Xizang, China: Thymistadopsis chayuensis Pan & Yang, sp. nov. and Thymistadopsis nanyigouensis Pan & Yang, sp. nov. Additionally, a third species, Thymistadopsis trilinearia (Moore, 1868), is newly recorded from Xizang. In this study, morphological taxonomy and anatomical methods were used to study the external morphological characteristics, vein and male and female genitals of adults as the basis for identification. In this paper, adult and male female genitalia images of two new species and one newly recorded species in Xizang were provided, and their identification characteristics and distribution at home and abroad were described in detail. The specimens are preserved in the Institute of Plateau Ecology, Xizang Agriculture and Animal Husbandry University.

A new species of Limnephilus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Mongolian Altai Mountains

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

Twenty-five species of the genus Limnephilus are known from Mongolia, with one species endemic to the country, Lake Hovsgol. Here, a new species, Limnephilus altaicus is described from both sexes, originating from the western part of the Mongolian Altai Mountains. The male genitalia of L. altaicus sp. nov. are characterized by superior appendages that are narrow basally and acute apically in dorsal view with long setae subapicodorsally and by the phallus and parameres that are short, thick, and upturned, each paramere with spines apically. The female genitalia of L. altaicus sp. nov. are distinguished by a concolorous segment X and tergum X being approximately as long as appendages of segment X. The distinctiveness of this species is supported by phylogenetic evidence derived from both molecular and morphological analyses.

Notes on the genus Microscymnus Champion, 1913 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), with description of a new species

GUILLERMO GONZÁLEZ — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The taxonomic placement of the genus Microscymnus Champion, which has been associated with the tribe Cryptognathini, is discussed, and is transferred here to the tribe Argentipilosini. A new species of the genus, M. westerduijni sp. nov. from Peru is described.

One arachnid taxonomist, 1,000+ species described and the implications for conservation

GREGORY T. SULLIVAN, SEBAHAT K. OZMAN-SULLIVAN — Mon, 20 Apr 2026 00:00:00 +1200

The megadiverse invertebrates are a fundamental component of global ecological functioning. There are estimated to be millions of unnamed species of terrestrial and aquatic arthropods alone. Limited expertise and funding mean that taxonomists across the world are only able to name a minute proportion of the undescribed species every year. One of the outstanding contributors is Dr. Mark Stephen Harvey, an Australian arachnid specialist, whose ‘obsession’ with that group began nearly 50 years ago. In 2025, he alone and with colleagues published 137 new species and 17 new genera. In the same year, Dr. Harvey joined the exclusive group of taxonomists who have described 1,000 species; most of his extraordinary total are pseudoscorpions and spiders, but also includes millipedes, scorpions, water mites and velvet worms. The efforts of Dr. Harvey and other taxonomists in cataloguing global biodiversity are vital to the study of disciplines such as ecology, evolution, biogeography, genetics and speciation; public education; and the promotion and implementation of biodiversity conservation across the planet.

Zootaxa

**A taxonomic review of the genus Ephysteris Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in the Afrotropical region**

Advertisement calls of anuran amphibians from Itinguçu State Park—Peruíbe municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil

**Revision of the wingless pygmy grasshopper Potua Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Southeast Asia**

The genus Stilobezzia Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Argentina: a new species, new records, and first description of the female of S. chaconi* Kieffer*

**Morphological variation of the Bicornucythere bisanensis complex (Ostracoda, Crustacea), with a description of a new species**

**Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878 (Araneae: Psechridae) from India**

**A new sarcosaprophagous species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Mexico, including DNA barcoding and post-feeding larval dispersal behavior**

**New data on Phycosoma (Theridiidae, Hadrotarsinae) from China**

**Two new species of Thymistadopsis Walker, 1865, and one new record from Xizang, China (Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Drepaninae)**

**A new species of Limnephilus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Mongolian Altai Mountains**

**Notes on the genus Microscymnus Champion, 1913 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), with description of a new species**

One arachnid taxonomist, 1,000+ species described and the implications for conservation

Zootaxa

A taxonomic review of the genus Ephysteris Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in the Afrotropical region

Advertisement calls of anuran amphibians from Itinguçu State Park—Peruíbe municipality, São Paulo state, Brazil

Revision of the wingless pygmy grasshopper Potua Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Southeast Asia

The genus Stilobezzia Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Argentina: a new species, new records, and first description of the female of S. chaconi Kieffer

Morphological variation of the Bicornucythere bisanensis complex (Ostracoda, Crustacea), with a description of a new species

Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878 (Araneae: Psechridae) from India

A new sarcosaprophagous species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Mexico, including DNA barcoding and post-feeding larval dispersal behavior

New data on Phycosoma (Theridiidae, Hadrotarsinae) from China

Two new species of Thymistadopsis Walker, 1865, and one new record from Xizang, China (Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Drepaninae)

A new species of Limnephilus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Mongolian Altai Mountains

Notes on the genus Microscymnus Champion, 1913 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), with description of a new species

One arachnid taxonomist, 1,000+ species described and the implications for conservation

**A taxonomic review of the genus Ephysteris Meyrick, 1908 (Lepidoptera, Gelechiidae) in the Afrotropical region**

**Revision of the wingless pygmy grasshopper Potua Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Southeast Asia**

The genus Stilobezzia Kieffer (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae) in Argentina: a new species, new records, and first description of the female of S. chaconi* Kieffer*

**Morphological variation of the Bicornucythere bisanensis complex (Ostracoda, Crustacea), with a description of a new species**

**Two new species of Psechrus Thorell, 1878 (Araneae: Psechridae) from India**

**A new sarcosaprophagous species of Fannia Robineau-Desvoidy (Diptera: Fanniidae) from Mexico, including DNA barcoding and post-feeding larval dispersal behavior**

**New data on Phycosoma (Theridiidae, Hadrotarsinae) from China**

**Two new species of Thymistadopsis Walker, 1865, and one new record from Xizang, China (Lepidoptera, Drepanidae, Drepaninae)**

**A new species of Limnephilus (Trichoptera: Limnephilidae) from the Mongolian Altai Mountains**

**Notes on the genus Microscymnus Champion, 1913 (Coleoptera, Coccinellidae), with description of a new species**