Pensoft blog - Part 7

New giant wormlion fly species identified on the southern slopes of the Himalayas

This enigmatic new species of wormlion fly’s larvae construct clever pitfall traps to capture prey.

An enigmatic new species of wormlion fly, whose larvae construct clever pitfall traps to capture prey, has been revealed in a study led by researchers at Dali University in China.

The fly, described in a recent paper in the open-access journal ZooKeys, was identified after a 2025 expedition successfully collected adult specimens in Yadong County, southern Xizang. Unidentified larvae belonging to the same group had first been collected in the region forty-eight years earlier in 1978, but because the adult stage remained unknown, scientists had been unable to confirm its true identity until now.

Analysing the physical traits of the newly discovered insect, the research team noted that it is particularly large for its group, with adult bodies measuring up to 19.5 millimetres in length and wings reaching nearly 16 millimetres long. The fully grown larvae are even larger, reaching lengths between 20 and 28 millimetres, and they possess a single semicircular proleg bearing a distinct row of five to seven spines.

It has been named Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso, with the species name dedicated to Tsangyang Gyatso, the sixth Dalai Lama, who was a celebrated seventeenth-century Tibetan poet-monk from Xizang known for his romantic verse and unconventional life.

Habitats and habitus of *Vermitigris* *tsangyanggyatso* sp. nov. Image credit: Li-Xia Shan and Ji-Shen Wang.

The discovery increases the number of species recorded in China within the genus Vermitigris from one to two, expands the total number of species in the genus from four to five, and brings the total number of known living wormlion fly species in the world to sixty-seven.

The insect belongs to the brachyceran family Vermileonidae, a unique group of flies commonly known as wormlions. These flies are notable because their larvae employ a pitfall-feeding strategy that is evolutionarily convergent with pitfall-building antlions, making them the only known family of flies whose larvae capture prey by constructing funnel-shaped pits in loose sand or soil.

The team’s motivation to study this unique family stems from an unexpected discovery a decade ago:

“Well, it was probably an accidental discovery that first motivated us. In 2015, while searching for pit-building antlions on Cangshan Mountain in Dali, China, we discovered an unfamiliar larva that we found particularly interesting. However, because the adults have an extremely short lifespan, we failed for many years to determine its identity.

It was not until 2024 that we finally obtained adults through artificial rearing in the laboratory. It turned out to be a new species, which we named Vermiophis cangshanensis. This first discovery therefore took nine years. Since then, we have paid close attention to wormlions wherever we encounter them.”

Unlike some related lineages that diversified during the Late Mesozoic by developing elongated mouthparts to feed on nectar, this new species features a significantly shortened rostrum, suggesting that the adults do not feed at all during their final stage of life. Although adult flies were primarily found resting quietly on leaf surfaces near their larval breeding grounds on sunny days, one specimen was discovered further away around agricultural fields, indicating that the species possesses strong flight and dispersal capabilities.

The environment where the immature stages thrive consists of rain-protected microhabitats, which provide the stable microenvironments necessary for the wormlions to build their pitfall traps. The research team found the larvae living in three distinct types of sheltered habitats, including fine-grained soil under giant rocks, wood debris beneath a pavilion, and fine-grained river sands accumulated beside a river, with field observations indicating a strong preference for the river sands.

When asked about the specific physical features enabling the larvae to build effective traps across such diverse textures, the team noted:

“We honestly do not know yet. Perhaps future behavioural experiments will help answer this question.”

While wet forested regions have traditionally been shown to act as barriers to the dispersal of wormlion flies, this discovery highlights how the genus Vermitigris manages to thrive in such environments by exploiting these rain-protected microhabitats. The presence of this species on the southern slopes of the Himalayas suggests that the region serves as both a transitional zone and a biodiversity corridor, facilitating the penetration of Oriental elements into Eurasia.

Distribution of *Vermitigris* spp. Question mark (?) indicates an unconfirmed record from India (Oldroyd 1947).

The team elaborated on what this Himalayan discovery implies for the group’s evolutionary history:

“The previously known species were first discovered in tropical Southeast Asia, and these insects were therefore thought to be restricted to tropical regions. The discovery of this species suggests that they may also be capable of adapting to subtropical climates.

We hope that more unknown species will eventually be discovered in mainland Southeast Asia, such as Thailand, as well as in southwestern China, including Yunnan, Guizhou, and Sichuan Provinces.”

Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso is physically distinct from its closest relatives due to its uniform yellowish-brown to reddish-brown abdomen, which lacks the light and dark rings or longitudinal stripes seen on other species within the genus. Scientists believe that many neighbouring regions along the southern slopes of the Himalayas remain unsampled, meaning that further fieldwork could well yield additional members of this poorly documented group of flies.

Morphological characters of *Vermitigris* *tsangyanggyatso* sp. nov.

Reflecting on the deeper personal connection to this work from a science communication standpoint, co-author Ji-Shen Wang shared:

“I would say that although my primary research interest is the insect order Mecoptera (scorpionflies), I have gradually expanded my interests into Diptera (flies) as well.

As a naturalist, I find the diversity of life on Earth endlessly fascinating, and this curiosity about nature continually motivates me to explore and wonder. I would like to quote Herman Melville from Moby-Dick: ‘As for me, I am tormented with an everlasting itch for things remote. I love to sail forbidden seas, and land on barbarous coasts.’”

Original study:

Shan L-X, Wang J-S (2026) After forty-eight years: An enigmatic new wormlion fly from Xizang, China (Diptera, Vermileonidae). ZooKeys 1276: 249-262. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1276.184675

For more articles on zoology, visit the ZooKeys website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.

South African Mantids Caught Snacking on Snails

Researchers documenting the Polyspilota genus in South Africa have recorded these predators hunting and consuming snails and slugs in the wild for the first time.

While most of us imagine praying mantises as hunters of flying insects, a new study published in the open-access Journal of Orthoptera Research reveals a much slimier side to their diet.

Researchers documenting the Polyspilota genus in South Africa have recorded these predators hunting and consuming snails and slugs in the wild for the first time. This discovery shifts our understanding of mantis ecology from strict insectivores to opportunistic generalists capable of tackling unconventional prey.

*Polyspilota* *aeruginosa* female nymph feeding on common garden snail, *Cornu* *aspersum* in captivity. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

Lead researcher Bianca Greyvenstein of North-West University in South Africa explains that this find was a major milestone for her team after a decade of studying these insects:

“We have been doing research on South African Mantodea species for about 10 years, and this was the first instance we noted of a mantis eating snails”.

She notes that the team was very suprised that this behaviour also occurs in the wild and not just in captivity. While they attempted to see if other South African species would follow suit, none of the others showed any interest in snails as a food source.

*Polyspilota* *aeruginosa* nymph feeding on silky tailwagger snail (*Kerkophorus* *inunctus*) in the wild (iGwalagwala Trail, St Lucia, KwaZulu-Natal). Photographed by Terence Bellingan.

The appearance of snail-eating behavior might seem like a new evolutionary trend, but the researchers suspect it is simply something we have missed until now. As Greyvenstein points out:

“Very little information is available on mantis species in general, and especially on those in South Africa”.

She believes the documentation of gastropod predation is more likely a reflection of gaps in research and knowledge rather than a sudden change in behaviour. As scientists dig deeper into these genera, they expect to find even more novel behaviours.

Mantodea Mantid *Polyspilota*, Newlands forest Mantids, Feb 2024. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

The study also highlights that Polyspilota aeruginosa (common name: the Flag Mantis) is a remarkably flexible hunter. Beyond mollusks, these mantids have been observed eating geckos, proving they are not picky when a high-protein meal presents itself. Greyvenstein notes:

“Praying mantises in general may have a far more varied diet and behavioural repertoire than many people realise”.

Female *Polyspilota* *aeruginosa* eating a tropical house gecko (Leisure Bay, KwaZulu-Natal). Photographed by Gwenikè Lawrance.

She also emphasises that while people often view them solely as insect predators, observations such as gastropod predation show that there is still much to learn about even familiar animals.

A critical component of this research was the data provided by everyday people using platforms like iNaturalist. These citizen science contributions helped the team map the distribution of mantids and identify their varied prey.

“Exciting discoveries are not limited to remote rainforests or deep oceans. There are fascinating behaviours waiting to be documented in local gardens and natural areas. We have really only begun to scratch the surface of these fascinating creatures”.
Bianca Greyvenstein

Mantodea Mantid *Polyspilota*, Tugela, June 2024. Photographed by Paul Janse van Rensburg.

Original source:

Greyvenstein B, Janse van Rensburg P, Bellingan T, van den Berg J, Jordaens K, Stals R, Midgley J (2026) Snacking on snails: Novel prey and the distributions of Polyspilota praying mantids (Mantodea, Mantidae) in South Africa. Journal of Orthoptera Research 35(2): 251-258. https://doi.org/10.3897/jor.35.187916

For more interesting articles on orthoptera, visit the Journal of Orthoptera Research website and follow us on Bluesky and Facebook.

Underwater Expedition Charts Seaweed Forests in the Remote Waters of Southern Patagonia

A multi-institutional team of researchers have successfully conducted the first comprehensive exploration of the intertidal and subtidal rocky ecosystems of Inútil Bay.

At the icy, wind-swept tip of South America lies Inútil Bay, a remote marine environment in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago that has long guarded its underwater secrets due to severe logistical and meteorological challenges. A multi-institutional team of researchers have successfully conducted the first comprehensive exploration of the intertidal and subtidal rocky ecosystems of Inútil Bay.

The expedition, supported by the Marine Program of Rewilding Chile, brought together specialists from CADIC-CONICET and the Universidad Nacional de Tierra del Fuego (Argentina) to conduct the first survey of benthic macroalgae in a region that had never been systematically studied before.

Marine expedition at Intuil Bay. Credit: Mariano Rodríguez.

The findings from this survey, recently published in the Biodiversity Data Journal, provide a missing piece in the biogeographical puzzle of sub-Antarctic coastal environments. Benthic marine macroalgae act as important ecosystem engineers, modifying the physical structure of coastal habitats to create complex environments that support rich marine food webs and exceptionally high levels of biodiversity.

Beyond their role as local habitat providers, these extensive algal communities contribute significantly to global climate mitigation, while also serving as sensitive indicators of environmental health and human-induced disturbances.

Operating across six distinct sampling locations along both the northern and southern coasts of the Inutil bay, the research team deployed scientific diving techniques, including the use of 25-metre line transects and photo-quadrats to document all macroalgae species distributions.

This field methodology culminated in the documentation of 72 distinct macroalgal taxa, providing a major expansion of the known phytogeographic characterisation of the Magellanic region (Chile). The survey recorded 32 taxa in the variable intertidal zone and 58 taxa in the subtidal depths, comprising a diverse assortment of green, brown, and red algae.

While canopy-forming kelp species such as Macrocystis pyrifera and Lessonia flavicans dominated the underwater landscape alongside widespread species like Ptilonia magellanica, the researchers also catalogued rare and highly unusual specimens, for example, Microzonia velutina, a little brown macroalga.

*Microzonia velutina – a* brown algal species. Credit: Mariano Rodríguez.

All collected specimens are preserved at the Rewilding Chile Herbarium in Puerto Varas, ensuring that this dataset remains available to support future monitoring of these ecosystems, the detection of invasive species, and conservation planning in southern Patagonia.

At the same time, we are making progress on a collaborative alliance with the National Museum of Natural History of Chile, where we have already deposited an icefish larva (Champsocephalus esox) collected on a previous expedition and the Microzonia velutina.
The Research Team

Cover image:

Marine expedition to Bahía Inútil (Intuil Bay). Credit: James Alfaro.

Original source:

Kaminsky J, Palacios M, Rodríguez M, Hüne M (2026) Sub-Antarctic subtidal and intertidal macroalgae in rocky ecosystems of Inútil Bay, Tierra del Fuego in Southern Patagonia. Biodiversity Data Journal 14: e183377. https://doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e183377

Four New Chameleon Species Found on Mozambique’s Mountaintop ‘Sky Islands’

Four new Sylvan Chameleon species have been discovered in Mozambique’s sky islands, named after Dr. Jane Goodall and Rosalind Franklin.

Tropical rainforest patches perched on isolated granite mountains in northern Mozambique have yielded four new species of Sylvan Chameleons, according to a new study by Prof. Krystal A. Tolley and Dr. Werner Conradie, recently published in Vertebrate Zoology.

The new species have been named after the animal behavior scientist and conservationist Jane Goodall, the chemist Rosalind Franklin, and the concept of “vanishing”, honouring scientific pioneers while sounding an alarm about disappearing habitats. The research reveals that each “sky island” harbours its own, previously unknown chameleon species, and highlights the urgent need to conserve these fragile forest habitats.

These mountains rise sharply from the surrounding savanna, trapping clouds and rain and creating cool, moist refuges in an otherwise dry landscape This results in each forest being isolated, making them true ‘sky islands’, and because of this isolation, many of their species occur nowhere else on Earth.
says Prof. Tolley.

Why search these mountains?

Localities for the sky islands where Nadzikambia chameleons were sampled, superimposed over digital elevation layer, with the six species of Nadzikambia, including the newly described species. — Localities for the sky islands where *Nadzikambia* chameleons were sampled, superimposed over digital elevation layer, with the six species of *Nadzikambia*, including the newly described species. Credit to Tolley and Conradie, 2026.

Until the 2000s, most of northern Mozambique’s sky islands had been poorly surveyed, even compared with other remote parts of Africa. The team set out to investigate whether the isolated forests on each mountain hold unique reptile and amphibian species that evolved there in isolation. With tropical forests across Africa being rapidly cleared in favour of agriculture, the researchers were heavily motivated by a race against time – species could go extinct before they are even discovered.

How were the new species identified?

The team had to first carry out several different surveys of the remote mountains to assess and catalogue the different reptile and amphibian species present. Noting that there were populations of chameleons on each mountain, measurements and samples were taken. Back at the lab, the team used an approach called the General Lineage Species Concept.

This combines different lines of evidence to identify species. In this case, they sequenced four genes (DNA sequences) from Sylvan Chameleon populations from different mountains and compared the genetic data among these. This was then combined with another type of evidence, body features, to come up with a ‘balance of evidence’ as to whether each mountain has its own species.

Network of nuclear (RAG-1) alleles for *Nadzikambia* based on phased sequences. Alleles are colour coded according to the proportion of individuals per species having that allele. The sizes of the circles represent the frequency of that allele in the dataset (scaling of circles to left). All branches represent one mutation. Credit to Tolley and Conradie, 2026

Although the chameleons look very similar between different mountains, the DNA told a different story. A phylogeny – a type of family tree built from the genetic data – showed that individuals clustered strictly by mountain. This indicates that each sky island population has been separated for millions of years and does not interbreed with populations on neighbouring peaks.

The similar body shape across species reflects their shared adaptation to life in forest habitats, rather than them being the same species. According to Dr. Conradie “In the same way, African and Asian elephants both look like ‘elephants’ but are distinct species that have evolved similar body forms for similar lifestyles.”

Honouring scientists and a warning about loss

Nadzikambia goodallae male species from Mount Ribáuè. Photo credit to Prof. Krystal Tolley,

Behind each of the three names lies a deliberate choice. Nadzikambia goodallae, from Mount Ribáuè, honours Dr. Jane Goodall’s pioneering work on African chimpanzees that has transformed our understanding of animal behaviour and inspired global conservation efforts. This chameleon is endemic to the region.

Before Dr. Jane Goodall became a conservation icon, she spent decades in the forest observing how every species has a role to play in maintaining our fragile ecosystems. Naming this wonderfully unique Sylvan Chameleon for Jane is a fitting tribute to her advocacy and a reminder of the importance of protecting forest landscapes for all animals, including people.
says Anna Rathmann, Executive Director of the Jane Goodall Institute USA.

Nadzikambia franklinae, from Mount Namuli, recognises Rosalind Franklin, whose foundational work on DNA structure underpins the very genetic tools used to identify these species.

Nadzikambia evanescens from Mount Inago — *Nadzikambia evanescens* from Mount Inago. Photo credit to Prof. Krystall Tolley.

The third species from Mount Inago is named Nadzikambia evanescens, meaning “vanishing”, to draw attention to its disappearing habitat and the many species worldwide that may be lost before they can be described.

The fourth species, The Chiperone sylvan chameleon (Nadzikambia nubila), was collected by a stream on Mount Chiperone and takes its name from the “Ciperoni” – the local term for the heavy, cloud-laden weather that brings orographic rainfall to the area. This persistent cloud cover sustains the mountain’s mid-elevation wet forest, and the epithet nubila derives from the Latin nubilus, meaning “cloudy”.

Community-led conservation is key

Intact forest habitat (top), and areas of forest destroyed by slash and burn (middle, bottom) on Mount Inago. Credit to Tolley and Conradie

The discoveries come at a time when tropical forests, especially in Africa, are being cleared at alarming rates. The small, isolated forests on Mozambique’s sky islands are particularly vulnerable. The study highlights that local community involvement can make a decisive difference.

On Mount Chiperone, the forest is considered sacred, and cultural values have helped protect both the habitat and its wildlife. Mount Mabu has benefited from more than a decade of community-based conservation.

Together, these two mountains hold the most intact forests surveyed in the study, showing that forest clearance is not an inevitable trade-off for local livelihoods when communities are empowered and supported, and their beliefs are in sync with conservation.

Original source:

Tolley K, Conradie W (2026) Sky Islands of Mozambique harbour cryptic species of chameleons: Description of four new species of sylvan chameleons (Squamata: Chamaeleonidae: Nadzikambia Tilbury, Tolley & Branch, 2006). Vertebrate Zoology 76: 207-246. https://doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e178403

First Journal Impact Factor for European Science Editing

The open-access European Science Editing journal received its first Impact Factor and ranked in Q2 in Library and Information Science in the Web of Science Core Collection (ESCI).

European Science Editing, the official journal of the European Association of Science Editors (EASE), has received its first Journal Impact Factor (JIF) from Clarivate’s Web of Science. Its 2025 JIF stands at 1.6, a key milestone for the journal and a recognition of its growing influence in the scholarly communication community.

Further, the journal ranks in Q2 in Library and Information Science in the Web of Science Core Collection (ESCI).

Prior to this JIF, European Science Editing had already demonstrated strong and growing recognition in Scopus, with its 2025 CiteScore reaching 3.0, up from 2.3 in 2024, ranking in Q2 for Communication and Q3 for Health Informatics.

A key metric released by Clarivate, the 2025 Journal Impact Factor reflects the number of times content published in a specific journal during 2023 and 2024 was cited in 2025. This total citation count is then divided by the number of citable articles (i.e., research and review articles) to estimate the JIF.

European Science Editing journal homepage — Journal homepage.

The journal’s history can be traced back to 1986 when it was published as a bulletin. Then, in 2003 European Science Editing was launched as a peer-reviewed journal published four times a year, dedicated to supporting research within the scope of the Association. In January 2020, the journal converted to Diamond Open Access with a rolling publication model on the ARPHA Platform, giving authors greater presence and impact across the membership and the wider scholarly publishing community.

The journal is powered by the ARPHA Platform, a one-stop publishing solution developed by Pensoft that offers a seamless, end-to-end publishing experience encompassing all stages from manuscript submission through to publication, indexation, dissemination, and permanent archiving.

ARPHA’s robust support for academic publishing also includes a variety of human-provided services and integrations with third-party providers, intended to maximise the reach and usability of scholarly knowledge published in European Science Editing.

On this success, the Editor-in-Chief, Ksenija Bazdaric of Rijeka University, reflects:

As Editor-in-Chief of the European Science Editing journal, I am delighted by this result. With the support of ARPHA, we have received our very first impact factor of 1.6. Our Diamond Open Access journal is celebrating this big milestone and its editors and advisory board will work further on raising the journal quality by producing relevant and interesting content for our readership.

Follow EASE on LinkedIn, Bluesky, Facebook and Instagram. You can also follow ARPHA on Bluesky and LinkedIn.

Beautiful Scenery, Rich Bodiversity: New Springtail Species Discovered In China

Five new species of springtails from the family Entomobryidae have been described from China.

There is a Chinese saying that east or west, Guilin scenery is the best. Guilin and Chongqing, located in the western part of China, are famous for their many mountains and rivers. They also harbor unique flora and fauna, such as the scaly-sided merganser, a globally endangered species restricted to eastern Asia.

In 2023 and 2024, Dr. Yitong Ma from Nantong University, China, collected springtail specimens from the Huaping Nature Reserve in Guilin and the Yintiaoling Nature Reserve in Chongqing.

Springtails are the most common arthropods living in the soil – you can find them in your yard, in the flowerpot, or on the lawn,
he says.

“Although they are very small, usually 2-3 mm in length, their density can be amazing. As decomposers, they can break down the organic matter and promote material cycling, so they play an important key role in soil ecosystems.”

After checking the specimens from the two reserves under microscopes, Dr. Ma and his colleague from Nantong University, Xiaowei Qian, found rich biodiversity and about 80 different species of springtails. In a study published in the open-access journal ZooKeys, they described five new scaled species belonging to three genera of the springtail family Entomobryidae.

The genus Lepidodens contains five species, all found in China. The researchers find one new species, which is also the first species of the genus from the western part of China.

Lepidodens maculata — The new species of *Lepidodens:* *L. maculata*. Photo credit to Dr. Yitong Ma.

They also report the first sighting in China of the genus Lepidosira, which thrives best in Oceania. In Huaping Nature Reserve and Yintiaoling Nature Reserve, they found three new species of the genus.

One of the new Lepidosira species：L. cheni
One of the new Lepidosira species：L. guilinensis
One of the new Lepidosira species：L. montis

Among the fifty species of the genus Willowsia in the world, about 30 species have been reported from China. However, the authors concluded this genus is not well represented in the two reserves, and only found one new species in Chongqing.

Willowsia zhangi — The new *Willowsia* species：*W. zhangi*. Photo credito to Dr. Yitong Ma

In the future, the researchers will further study those specimens collected from the two reserves.

Given the subtropical monsoon climate, mountainous topography and little human disturbance of the reserves, it is likely that more new species will be found,
they say.

Original source:

Qian X-W, Ma Y-T (2026) Five new species of Entomobryinae (Collembola, Entomobryidae) from China. ZooKeys 1275: 81-115. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.158254

When Traded Frogs Are Not What They Seem: Hidden Identities Behind The Amphibian Trade

A new study published in Nature Conservation reveals that threatened amphibian species are being sold under incorrect names in online amphibian trade marketplaces.

Guest blog post by Xiaoli Zhang

When we first began this work, our original aim was to study the evolutionary history and divergence time of the genus Hoplobatrachus using genetic data. The traded specimens we collected were intended to support this phylogenetic analysis, not to investigate the legality of the amphibian trade. However, during samples verification, we found that some frogs sold as Quasipaa were genetically Hoplobatrachus, highlighting mismatch between trade labels and actual species identity.

This discovery led us to take a closer look at species identification in amphibian trade. Like many researchers in wildlife biology, we initially assumed that most trade labels were generally reliable, even if not perfect. What we found turned out to be more complicated and the results have been published in the open-access journal Nature Conservation.

A simple verification revealed unexpected results

Left: Quasipaa spinosa, right: Hoplobatrachus chinensis — Left: *Quasipaa spinosa*, right: *Hoplobatrachus* *chinensis*, photos by Amaël Borzée, via iNaturalist (https://www.inaturalist.org/), licensed under CC BY-NC.

Our study focused on frogs traded under the name Hoplobatrachus chinensis, a species commonly recorded in commercial markets. To verify their identity, we used genetic tools and the results were clear: specimens labelled as Chinese edible frogs (Hoplobatrachus chinensis) were in fact Chinese spiny frogs (Quasipaa spinosa), a different species entirely and one that is classified as Vulnerable by the IUCN. At first glance, this might appear to be a minor taxonomic issue. However, it raises an important question: how reliable is species identification in wildlife trade once animals enter real-world commercial systems?

Why do these mistakes happen?

One of the main challenges in amphibian trade is that many species are very similar in appearance. Even for experienced handlers, distinguishing between certain species based on morphology alone can be extremely difficult. In most trade contexts, identification is based solely on external characteristics, without genetic confirmation. This creates room for both unintentional misidentification and potential substitution errors. Once specimens move through multiple steps in complex supply chains, their original identity may become increasingly uncertain.

Is this an isolated case?

Based on our findings, we suspect this is not an isolated issue. Instead, our results likely represent only the “tip of the iceberg.” Amphibians are traded in large numbers, often through complex and poorly traceable supply chains. In such systems, even small identification errors can accumulate and go unnoticed. Because genetic verification is rarely applied in routine monitoring, similar cases may be more widespread than currently documented.

Why does it matter?

Quasipaa spinosa — Four *Quasipaa* *spinosa* purchased online under the false visual of *Hoplobatrachus* *chinensis*, a farmed species. Panels correspond to individual specimens that were bought. Credit to Zhang et al., 2026

At first, species misidentification may seem like a technical detail. However, it has direct consequences for conservation and wildlife trade regulation. If traded individuals are incorrectly identified, trade data may not accurately reflect which species are being exploited. This can lead to biased assessments of population pressure and potentially mask risks for threatened species. In other words, what is recorded in trade databases may not always match biological reality.

What can be done?

One of the key implications of our study is the importance of incorporating molecular tools into wildlife trade monitoring. DNA-based identification provides a reliable way to confirm species identity, particularly in cases where morphology alone is insufficient. While it may not be feasible to genetically test every traded individual, targeted or random sampling could significantly improve the accuracy and transparency of trade data.

A broader perspective

Beyond amphibians, our findings highlight a more general issue in wildlife trade: hidden uncertainty in species identification can quietly distort our understanding of biodiversity exploitation. Improving traceability and verification is therefore not just a technical improvement, but an essential step toward more effective conservation decision-making.

Original source:

Zhang, X., Borzée, A., Gill, S., & Othman, S. N. (2026). Hidden or inadvertent illegal amphibian trade? Genetic analyses reveal Quasipaa spinosa misidentified as Hoplobatrachus chinensis in the trade. Nature Conservation, 63, 247-257. DOI: 10.3897/natureconservation.63.183849

Invasive Reeds Can Promote The Proliferation Of Mosquitoes In Rivers, Canals And Ponds

The accumulation of leaf litter from this invasive alien plants facilitates the development of the larvae of the common mosquito, a species of ecological and public health concern.

Guest blog post by Alberto Maceda-Veiga and Rosa Martínez

Reed, an invasive alien plant that is abundant on the banks of many rivers, ponds and canals, can encourage the growth of common mosquito populations in the absence of natural predators. When the plant’s litter accumulates, the chemical properties of the water and the composition of the biological communities in the environment change radically, and this facilitates the development of mosquito larvae in freshwater ecosystems.

This is one of the conclusions of a study published in the journal NeoBiota and led by Professor Alberto Maceda-Veiga, a member of the FORESTREAM Research Group at the Faculty of Biology and the Biodiversity Research Institute (IRBio) at the University of Barcelona.

The study, whose lead author is Oriol Cano-Rocabayera, involved collaboration from experts at the Institute for Agri-Food Research and Technology (IRTA-UAB), the Mosquito Control Service (SCM) of El Baix Llobregat Regional Council, the University of Seville, the Doñana Biological Station (EBD-CSIC), the Goethe University (Frankfurt, Germany), the University of Florida (United States) and the universities of Cardiff and Chester (United Kingdom).

More mosquitoes if the invasive reed is present

Schematic food web of the trophic cascade resulting from leaf litter decomposition and the interaction between microeukaryotes and mosquito larvae. Microeukaryotes can be prey, trophic competitors, and parasites and potentially alter the internal microbiota of mosquito larvae through changes in waterborne bacteria and fungi. Represented microeukaryotes are testate amoeba, a. Naked amoeba; b. Euglenid flagellate; c. Bodonid flagellate; d. Planktonic ciliate, e; crawling ciliates; f. Sessile ciliate; g. and micrometazoa (small metazoa): nematoda, h. and oligochaeta, i. Credit to Cano-Rocabayera et al., 2026.

The ecological impacts of invasive riparian plants at the ecosystem level are not yet fully understood, beyond their impact on specific groups of organisms or on environmental conditions. In addition to altering biodiversity and the composition of the natural environment, exotic and invasive riparian vegetation can affect human well-being.

In the study, the team used experimental aquariums (microcosms) to analyse the ecological impact of replacing native common reed (Phragmites australis) with giant reed (Arundo donax), a species classified as invasive and similar in appearance.

In the presence of A. donax, the mosquito larvae survived longer and grew larger and faster. Behind this increase lies the proportion of A. donax leaf litter, which altered the water’s physicochemical properties and the composition of populations of organisms known as microeukaryotes — protozoa, fungi and other microscopic organisms – which are essential to the functioning of the ecosystem.

The study highlights a dramatic ecological effect, even at low concentrations of A. donax compared with P. australis. “This effect was catalysed by changes in water quality and in the abundance of certain groups of microeukaryotes, such as flagellates and amoebae, which form part of the microbial food webs on which the larvae of the common mosquito Culex pipiens feed,” says Professor Alberto Maceda-Veiga, from the UB’s Department of Evolutionary Biology, Ecology and Environmental Sciences.

“It is important to remember — he continues — that the common mosquito can act as a vector for diseases of medical and veterinary significance. Identifying which plants encourage the proliferation of mosquitoes helps us to understand the complex relationships that species form in nature and, in turn, helps pest control services to predict where they are most likely to find larvae and to apply control measures, where necessary, due to the risk to human health.”

Improving environmental management along river courses

Giant reed — The giant reed, an exotic and invasive plant, is capable of altering the ecological balance in the natural environment. Photo credit to Alberto Maceda-Veiga.

The reed, which can withstand high summer temperatures, typically produces a large amount of biomass and is even being used to generate alternative energy sources. Interestingly, in previous studies, the team had described the potential positive effects of the species, as it provides shelter and protection for native fish in rivers with typically poor coverage of riparian vegetation (Science of The Total Environment, 2025).

Now, the findings of this study shed light on an unexpected aspect of the ecological impact of this invasive plant in riparian areas.

In freshwater ecosystems most severely affected by chemical pollution, the natural aquatic predators of the larvae – such as fish and dragonflies – are often absent. Many larvae mean many adult mosquitoes, which can cause nuisance to humans and even pose health risks.

In light of these new findings, the authors suggest prioritizing the initial eradication of A. donax in infested areas and restoring these sites with native vegetation such as P. australis, as well as encouraging future studies to determine the breeding preferences of mosquitoes in these habitats and their interactions with their natural predators.

When the eradication of an invasive species is not feasible, we turn to mitigation measures to reduce its impact. In the case of mosquitoes, we must not give in to alarmism. Firstly, we must remember that in nature, mosquitoes have many predators, as they are a natural part of food webs. Secondly, we have some fantastic mosquito control services, such as the Baix Llobregat SCM participating in this study, which ensure that mosquitoes do not become a problem in areas with high human traffic, such as cities and the marshes of peri-urban environments.
concludes Maceda-Veiga

Original source:

Cano-Rocabayera O, Bonilla YY, Salvadó H, Garcia-Bargalló M, Sobhy IS, Berry C, Vilà M, Sabater F, Aranda C, Maceda-Veiga A (2026) Invasive plant-induced shifts in water chemistry and microeukaryotes enhance mosquito development. NeoBiota 106: 265-286. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.106.167149

Understanding Tokay Gecko Development: How Environment and Family Shape Captive Welfare

A recent study published in Herpetozoa offers valuable insights that could transform how we care for these lizards.

Tokay geckos are among the most recognisable and popular reptiles in the pet trade, celebrated for their vibrant colours and vocal nature. Despite their popularity and frequent breeding in captivity, many questions about how their early environment influences their development have remained unanswered.

A recent study published in the open-access journal Herpetozoa by Dr. Birgit Szabo of the University of Ghent has shed light on these critical factors, offering valuable insights that could transform how we care for these lizards.

When asked about what inspired this investigation, they explained:

“As a very popular pet, Tokay geckos are frequently bred in captivity. It was surprising to me how little we know about very basic environmental factors that can influence development. I am very passionate about improving captive conditions for reptiles and my study provides very important basic data.”

The research focused on both pre-natal factors, such as incubation temperature and humidity, and post-natal factors, specifically whether juveniles are raised in isolation or within a family group. Dr. Szabo monitored sixteen breeding pairs, tracking where females chose to lay their eggs and how the resulting thirty hatchlings grew over their first six months of life.

Captive-bred tokay gecko (*Gekko* *gecko*). Image credit: Birgit Szabo.

One of the most remarkable findings involved how temperature influences the sex of the geckos. Traditionally, Tokay geckos are understood to have a genetic sex-determination system with distinct sex chromosomes. However, the study revealed that higher incubation temperatures actually led to a higher proportion of male hatchlings.

Reflecting on this discovery, Dr. Szabo shared:

“I was most surprised about the effect of temperature on sex development. Tokay geckos are reported to possess sex chromosomes. Therefore, I did not expect that temperature would have an effect on sex development.

However, after consulting the literature I found that sex determination is quite labile in lizards, but this is a severely understudied area of research. So, I am quite excited to have found this effect and plan further research on this topic.”

Beyond sex ratios, incubation temperature also significantly affected developmental timing and physical size. Eggs kept at warmer temperatures had a shorter incubation period, yet they produced larger hatchlings with a greater snout-vent length. Interestingly, incubation humidity did not appear to have a noticeable impact on these physical outcomes.

Female tokay gecko curling around eggs attached to the cork back wall of the enclosure; Male next to one of his offspring; Tank set-up showing shelters on the back wall, branches, life plants and a water bowl. Image credit: Birgit Szabo.

The study also revealed that mother geckos actively chose nesting sites that offered warmer and less humid microclimates compared to other areas in the enclosure, demonstrating a preference for specific nesting conditions.

Managing such a detailed study was no small feat. Dr. Szabo noted,:

“The most challenging aspect was to set up the breeding and treatments after hatching. Tokay geckos are quite large lizards and need lots of space. Coordinating the different treatments under space limitations was quite the challenge.”

After hatching, the geckos were raised either alone or in family groups of varying sizes alongside their parents and siblings. Surprisingly, the post-natal social environment did not affect the young geckos’ growth, size, or body condition. Whether raised in isolation or in a busy family group, the juveniles grew at similar rates, suggesting that captive-bred Tokay geckos are highly adaptable in their early life stages.

These findings have direct implications for reptile husbandry, emphasising the need to provide captive reptiles with choices that replicate natural gradients. Dr Szabo remarked:

“A better understanding of the thermal and humidity requirements and preferences of reptiles is one of the most important aspects of the environment that is often suboptimal in active conditions.

I hope my research will highlight their importance and lead to improved enclosure design in the future.”

Ultimately, this study challenges long-held assumptions about reptile behaviour and social structures, proving that there is much more to these creatures than meets the eye. Dr. Szabo concluded:

“Reptiles are still viewed as asocial creatures but sociality exists in this animal group. Tokay geckos perform biparental care and protect both eggs and their offspring after hatching. Despite this knowledge, there is still much to learn about their social organisation especially in respect to welfare.”

Captive-bred tokay gecko (Gekko gecko). Videos taken by Dr. Birgit Szabo.

Original source:

Szabo B (2026) The influence of the pre- and post-natal environment on Tokay gecko (Gekko gecko, Squamata, Gekkonidae) development in captivity. Herpetozoa 39: 217-228. https://doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e165454

Striking New Precious Coral Species Found off the Coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan

The scientific name of the new species, Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum, has a beautiful meaning rooted in botany.

Marine researchers have identified a vibrant new species of deep-sea precious coral off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan. The new species, named Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum, was described by Tatsuki Koido from the Kuroshio Biological Research Foundation and published in the open-access journal ZooKeys.

The specimen was originally brought to the surface after being incidentally hooked at a depth of approximately 550 metres off Cape Ashizuri during longline fishing operations for alfonsino fish. Recognising its unique characteristics, the collector deposited the specimens at the Kuroshio Biological Research Foundation for further study.

Through microscopic examination of the coral’s tiny skeletal structures (called sclerites) combined with advanced multi-gene DNA analysis, the coral was confirmed to be entirely new to science, marking the first time the deep-sea genus Hemicorallium has ever been reported off Kochi Prefecture.

Scanning electron micrograph of sclerites of *Hemicorallium* *osmanthogemmum* sp. nov. Image credit: Tatsuki Koido.

Resembling Sweet Olive Buds: The Etymology

The scientific name of the new species, Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum, has a beautiful meaning rooted in botany. The specific name is derived from Osmanthus (the plant genus containing the sweet olive tree) and the Latin word gemma, meaning “bud”. This name highlights a distinct physical trait of the coral: its large polyp mounds are tightly clustered together at the very tips of its branches, mirroring the appearance of flower buds on a sweet olive tree.

Reflecting this resemblance, the coral has been given the new Japanese common name Kinmokusei-mizo-sango, which translates to “sweet olive groove-coral”. In life, the coral features a striking contrast of colours; its outer living tissue is a vibrant orange, while its solid internal skeletal axis is a stunning shade of pink.

*Hemicorallium* *osmanthogemmum* sp. nov. Surface detail of branch. Image credit: Tatsuki Koido.

The Cultural and Environmental Value of Precious Corals

Precious corals, which primarily belong to the family Coralliidae, have been highly valued by humans for centuries. Because they possess solid inner skeletons and vivid natural colouration, they are traditionally sought after globally for crafting fine jewellery and ornaments.

In recent years, however, the global perspective has shifted significantly. Instead of viewing precious corals solely through the lens of resource consumption, modern marine science is focused heavily on developing innovative methods for propagation and active population replenishment.

Japan has a particularly deep history in this field; domestic scientific study of precious corals began in the early 20th century, and discussions regarding resource conservation through coral release programmes date back more than one hundred years, showing a long-standing cultural and scientific dedication to the sustainable management of the precious coral industry.

*Hemicorallium* *osmanthogemmum* sp. nov. ‘Front’’ and ‘‘back’’ of colony. Image credit: Tatsuki Koido.

Why This Discovery Matters

Corals in the genus Hemicorallium live in particularly deep waters where environmental sampling is extremely challenging, therefore opportunities to study them are rare. Marine biologists believe that many more undiscovered species are still hidden across these deep seafloors.

Original Study:

Koido T (2026) A new species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus. ZooKeys 1277: 339-354. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620

For more articles on zoology, visit the ZooKeys website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.