The misty forests of the Giant Panda National Park in western Sichuan have long been a focus for biodiversity conservation. While the park is synonymous with its namesake bear, recent research has highlighted a different kind of resident. A team of scientists from the Chengdu Institute of Biology and other regional institutions recently identified a new species of pitviper that had been overlooked for decades. The results are published in the open-access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
Trimeresuruslii in life. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
Named Trimeresurus lii, or the Huaxi Green Pitviper, the snake was previously confused with the more common bamboo pitviper. Through a combination of genetic sequencing and detailed physical analysis, researchers determined that these populations represent a distinct lineage. The species name honours Li Er, the philosopher known as Laozi, whose teachings emphasise the balance between humanity and the natural world.
Fresh specimen of the holotype of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
Visually, the Huaxi Green Pitviper is defined by its vibrant grass-green body and distinct eye colors that range from amber to orange-yellow. There are clear physical differences between the sexes. Males feature a tricolor stripe of red and white along their sides, while females possess a simpler yellow stripe. One of the technical features that helped researchers distinguish this snake from its relatives is its smooth head scales, a trait not found in similar species within the region.
Habitat of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Bo Cai).
The discovery took place in the West China Rain Zone, specifically around Mt. Emei and Xiling Snow Mountain. This area is a known biodiversity hotspot, yet many of its smaller or less charismatic species remain understudied. The identification of Trimeresurus lii as the 58th species in its genus serves as a reminder that even well-documented regions still hold biological secrets.
Map showing the type localities of Trimeresurus species and the localities of Trimeresurus lii. (Image credit: Cai et al.).
This find underscores the broader value of the Giant Panda National Park. By protecting large swaths of habitat for flagship species, the park inadvertently preserves a complex ecosystem of specialised reptiles and amphibians. Documenting these animals is a necessary step toward understanding the full scope of life within China’s protected wilderness.
Original source:
Cai B, Gou Y, Wang G, Liu F, Liang D, Gu X, Gu H, Fang H, Liu Y, Li Q, Ding L (2026) A new species of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 102(1): 285-302. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601
In May 2022, we went on our first expedition to Serranía de Las Quinchas. To reach the Serranía, we turned west in the municipality of Chiquinquirá (known by its beautiful Cathedral, dated 1796), Boyacá department.
Little by little, we left behind the farmland and paved roads, reaching the deep green forest patches a few miles after the town of Otanche (one of the main sites of Emerald commerce).
Serranía de las Quinchas, a well-conserved forest in the middle of emerald production. Photo by Juan Pablo Alarcón.
Leydi Galvis and her parents, Don Lucindo y Doña Edilsa, greeted us with kind smiles and hot coffee, and we subsequently set up the camp to prepare for the next day’s expedition. We spent three days walking up and down the slopes, finding beautiful plants wherever we looked.
Accompanying our group of students from Universidad Militar was Dayro Rodriguez, a young botanist with an incredible eye for plants and a perceptive photographer. It was like visiting the Chocó Region – very humid, green, and diverse!
In our first expedition, we collected most of our plants, including a new species of peltate leaves belong to pepper family (Piperaceae); “caipe” (Orphanodendron gradiflorum C. Cast. & G.P. Lewis), and Romeroa verticillata Dugand.
Interestingly, our Piper quinchasense M. A. Jaram., has now been spotted in several localities in the middle Magdalena Valley. The enigmatic legume Orphanodendron, meanwhile, derives its generic name from its classification within a subfamily of the Fabaceae. However, “caipe” is a locally common tree used for timber.
Romeroa, on the other hand,is a monospecific genus of trees in the Bignoniaceae with unifoliolate leaves. It is a Colombian endemic taxon, known exclusively in wet forests, such as the Las Quinchas region, located in the Boyacá, Cundinamarca, and Santander departments. The genus has been collected only a few times after its description 70 years ago.
Thus, the flora at Las Quinchas is an exciting combination of species with affinities to the Andes, Chocó Region, and the North West Amazon, with many endemics that make the area a deep, green paradise.
Left, flower of “caipe”, Orphanodendron grandiflorum (Leguminosae). On the right, Romeroa verticillata (Bignoniaceae). Photos by Dayro Rodriguez.
Subsequent expeditions to the site have consistently yielded discoveries of new and rare plant species. These efforts are supported by a close collaboration with Gerardo Aymard, an expert botanist whose unrivaled ability to review collections and identify new taxa is essential to our work.
Gerardo’s botanical expertise has allowed him to identify two new species to science: Grias lucindoae Aymard & M. A. Jaram. (Lecythidaceae) and Schlegelia longirachis Aymard & M. A. Jaram. (Schlegeliaceae). Both rare genera are often missed by collectors or remain untouched in Herbaria.
Sarcaulus paujuliensis M. A. Jaram & T. D. Penn. Photo by Andres Majin-Ladino.
The Lowlands
In 2024, we had the opportunity to visit the lowlands in the same region. A team of faculty and students from Universidad Militar Nueva Granada visited Reserva “El Paujil”.
Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez came across a tree species with a unique flower that, no doubt, turned out to be a new taxon. Again, by the joint efforts of the young and inquisitive Andres F. Majin-Ladino, and the expert eye of Gerardo Aymard, we decided it was a rare Sapotaceae – this is one of those families for which indeterminate specimens pile up in herbaria around the world, as botanists just do not find flowers or the courage to identify species.
We consulted the world expert in Sapotaceae, Terrance D. Pennington (The Royal Botanical Gardens, Kew), who was puzzled by the flowers he did not recall. Andres F. Majin-Ladino, with support from Fundación Proaves, visited the locality several times to collect additional samples. We conducted molecular sequence analyses, and the four of us henceforth described a new species of Sarcaulus, S. paujilensis M. A. Jaram. & T. D. Penn, now published in the open-access journal PhytoKeys.
Local naturalist Lucindo Galvis with botanist M. Alejandra Jaramillo. Photo by Juan Pablo Alarcón.
The Bigger Picture
It is noteworthy that the Serranía de las Quinchas is at the heart of Emerald’s business in Colombia. Mining has been the fundamental activity in the region for very long time, not only of emeralds but also coal. We ought to thank the locals for conserving the remaining beautiful forests. More exploration is needed in the region to uncover its diversity, and efforts should be made to provide alternative economic activities for the community if we want to curb deforestation.
Currently, Las Quinchas region represents a complex and fragile spot of biodiversity that remains largely uncharted, even after centuries of exploration. Humans have long modified the environment and examples of overexploitation and associated species eradication are well-documented.
Forest ecosystems, such as the Magdalena River valley, are the most important global repository of terrestrial biodiversity, with more than half of tree species at risk of extinction. Quantifying the current global forest biodiversity is therefore an essential step towards mitigating global biodiversity loss and restoring biodiversity in severely affected areas.
Tree species diversity underpins forest ecosystem functionality and services, as well as the diversity of assemblages of flora, fauna, and microbes. Therefore, characterising and describing tree species diversity (i.e., Sarcaulus paujilensis), as well as its spatial patterns, is also crucial for safeguarding global ecosystem functioning, food, water, energy security, and our well-being.
Sarcauluspaujilensis. A. Flowering branch; B. Seed; C. Fruiting branch; D. Immature fruit; E. Mature fruit; F, G. Transversal section of fresh fruit. Photos by A. Lizette Sierra, Paula Lara, and Luisa Suarez; B–G. Andrés F. Majín-Ladino.
We are confident that many new plant species of the common families (i.e., Burseraceae, Lecythidaceae, Leguminosae, Meliaceae) of these wet forests will reveal themselves as we visit the locality and walk along the ridges with our eyes open.
Key to our discoveries is our passion for exploring the forest. Indeed, we have young students like Andrés Majin, and young botanists like Dayro Rodriguez on our side. Don Lucindo is equally attentive to let us know about flowering and fruiting periods and rare plants to examine. The contribution of young botanists and local experts has been key to our discoveries!
Original source:
Jaramillo MA, Pennington TD, Aymard-Corredor GA, Majin-Ladino AF (2026) Morphological and genetic evidence for the Sarcaulus brasiliensis complex (Sapotaceae, Chyrsophylloideae) reveals a new species from the rainforests of the Middle Magdalena Valley, Colombia. PhytoKeys 273: 37-54. https://doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.175192
Beneath the lush rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula lies a hidden, subterranean world: a vast network of flooded sinkholes and anchialine caves. These unique underwater systems, which mix fresh and saltwater and are influenced by the tides, have no open connection to the surface and have served as an evolutionary refuge for millions of years.
When marine biologist Fernando Álvarez first encountered these sinkholes (cenotes), he was captivated.
My first impression of these incredibly beautiful places was that I had to work there to find out how that rich crustacean fauna had evolved in those exceptionally large cave systems.
Álvarez recalls
Entrance to a cenote. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
Entrance to a cenote. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
The cenotes where Typhlatya shrimps occur. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
A recent study published in Subterranean Biology, reveals that the answer lies with a tiny, fascinating creature: the anchialine cave shrimp of the genus Typhlatya.
The Keystone of the Cave Food Web
The cenotes where Typhlatya shrimps occur. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
In most surface ecosystems, sunlight fuels plants, which then feed the rest of the food chain. In the pitch-black depths of anchialine caves, nature has found other ways. Instead of photosynthesis, this ecosystem relies on a chemosynthetic route.
Organic matter from the rainforest floor decomposes and percolates through the porous limestone rock, eventually bringing methane into the cave’s waters. Methanotrophic bacteria consume this methane to produce energy and grow. And this is where Typhlatya shrimp comes in. Equipped with specialized, scraping appendages, these shrimps are adapted to graze on these bacterial mats.
Because they convert microbial growth into animal biomass, Typhlatya shrimps act as “keystone species,” introducing essential nutrients into the cave’s food web. They serve as a crucial initial link that larger subterranean predators feed on.
What we see now is that Typhlatya shrimps are a key component of the anchialine trophic web.
explains Álvarez
Stable Isotopes reveal ecological niches
To better understand how these shrimps survive, Brenda Durán and Fernando Álvarez used stable isotope analysis (looking at carbon and nitrogen signatures in the shrimps’ tissue) to figure out exactly what they are eating.
Typhlatya mitchelli. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
Typhlatya mitchelli. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
Over the years my research has evolved from very descriptive taxonomic studies… to more ecological studies about the interactions among species.
Álvarez notes regarding the motivation behind the study.
Their findings revealed that the different species of Typhlatya living in the Yucatan have carved out their own unique dietary niches, allowing them to peacefully coexist.
For instance, Typhlatya mitchelli relies mostly on decaying vegetation and nitrifying bacteria found in shallower cave sections. While, Typhlatya dzilamensis hangs out deeper in the caves near the halocline (the zone where fresh and saltwater mix), exploiting organic material trapped in that layer. Typhlatya pearsei feeds heavily on the methanotrophic bacterial biomass near the cave ceilings.
Beneath the lush rainforests of the Yucatan Peninsula lies a hidden, subterranean world: “My first impression of these incredibly beautiful places was that I had to work there to find out how that rich crustacean fauna had evolved in those exceptionally large cave systems.” – Marine biologist Fernando Álvarez. 👇 A reminder to check out our blog here for further insights: https://blog.pensoft.net/?p=18058 👇 Full article in the open-access journal Subterranean Biology: https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.55.164068 #shrimp#yucatan#sciencenews#subterranean#ecology
Interestingly, the study found that the shrimps’ diets remain stable across the rainy and dry seasons. However, their diets do shift based on regional geography, such as the difference between the deep, isolated sinkholes of the “Ring of Cenotes” and the sprawling, highly interconnected tunnels of the “Caribbean Cave Area”.
A Fragile World Under Threat
The cenotes where Typhlatya shrimps occur. Photo credit to Fernando Álvarez.
These remarkable cave shrimps belong to an ancient lineage that has survived since the time of the dinosaurs, with relatives spanning the globe from the Mediterranean to Australia. Yet, they are now facing a modern, unprecedented threat.
The rapid urbanization of the Yucatan Peninsula brings deforestation, pollution, and severe environmental deterioration. Because these caves rely entirely on the organic matter percolating from the rainforest above, any damage to the surface environment directly destroys the “vertical integrity” necessary for the caves to function. As Álvarez warns:
We are losing the vertical integrity that these anchialine caves need to function; any changes occurring on the surface within the caves’ area will inevitably affect them.
The anchialine caves of the Yucatan Peninsula are complex, unique ecosystems filled with extraordinary biodiversity. To save the remarkable Typhlatya shrimp and the hidden food web it supports, we must protect the forests above ground.
Blind eel in an anchialine cave. Video credit to Fernando Álvarez.
The Yucatan Peninsula is an area of extraordinary cultural wealth and contains sophisticated and unique ecosystems as the anchialine caves, but sadly all this is disappearing.
he reflects
After all, the survival of this dark, subterranean world depends entirely on the health of the sunlit world above.
Original study
Durán B, Álvarez F (2026) The trophic role of cave shrimps of the genus Typhlatya seen through stable isotope eyes. Subterranean Biology 55: 43-56. https://doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.55.164068
Bats are nocturnal mammals that are critical to healthy ecosystems around the globe; they act as pollinators, seed dispersers, and natural pest controllers. In honour of Bat Appreciation Day (17 April), we are highlighting some of the most interesting bats published in our open-access journal ZooKeys.
The following discoveries, ranging from a species rediscovered after a century to new regional records, emphasise the remarkable diversity of bats and the ongoing efforts of researchers to understand and protect them.
The Strange Big-eared Brown Bat (Histiotus alienus)
Adult male of Histiotus alienus, captured on the municipality of Palmas, Paraná state, Brazil. (Image credit: Cláudio et al.).
For over a hundred years, the strange big-eared brown bat was known only from a single specimen collected in Uruguay in 1916. This elusive species remained unseen by the scientific community for a century, leading to significant uncertainty regarding its biology and true distribution.
However, a study led by Brazilian researchers documents the rediscovery of this bat in the Palmas Grasslands of southern Brazil, providing the first confirmed record for the country. This finding significantly expands the known range of the species and offers researchers the first opportunity to provide a detailed redescription.
Histiotus alienus is distinguished by its large and oval ears that are connected by a low skin fold. Its fur is a deep, dark brown on the back, while the underside is slightly paler. The rediscovery occurred in a unique landscape characterised by high-altitude grasslands and Araucaria forests, a habitat that is increasingly threatened by human activity.
Learn more: Cláudio VC, Almeida B, Novaes RLM, Navarro MA, Tiepolo LM, Moratelli R (2023) Rediscovery of Histiotus alienus Thomas, 1916 a century after its description (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae): distribution extension and redescription. ZooKeys 1174: 273-287. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1174.108553
The Flat-skulled Woolly Bat (Kerivoula depressa)
Kerivoula depressa. (Image credit: Liang et al.).
The world of bat taxonomy is constantly shifting as researchers use new tools to differentiate species that look nearly identical. Another study formally documents the first records of the flat-skulled woolly bat, Kerivoula depressa, in China.
Previously, many woolly bats in the region were grouped together under other names, but detailed morphological and genetic analysis confirmed that K. depressa is a distinct part of the Chinese fauna, specifically in Guangdong and Yunnan provinces.
The defining feature of this species is its notably flattened braincase. This physical trait is an evolutionary adaptation that allows the bat to roost in very narrow spaces, such as the hollow internodes of bamboo. The bat has woolly fur that ranges from buff brown to dark brown, and it is relatively small in size.
The presence of this specialist bat in China highlights the complexity of tropical forest ecosystems and the need for further taxonomic work to correctly identify and conserve local biodiversity.
Learn more: Liang X, Xie H, Li Y, Huang Z, Li S, Wu Y, Yu W (2023) First record of the flat-skulled woolly bat Kerivoula depressa and the Indochinese woolly bat K. dongduongana (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in China. ZooKeys 1149: 1-15. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1149.85821
The Lesser False Vampire Bat (Megaderma spasma)
Megadermaspasma. (Image credit: Cook-Price et al.).
Islands often host a high number of unique species, yet their mammalian populations are frequently understudied. A comprehensive survey on Ko Pha-ngan, an island off the coast of Thailand, identifies the lesser false vampire bat, Megaderma spasma, as a new record for the island.
This species is a member of a group known for their distinctive appearance and predatory habits. While its name might sound ominous, it does not feed on blood; instead, it preys on insects and occasionally small vertebrates.
The lesser false vampire bat is easily recognised by its exceptionally large ears that are joined at the base and the absence of a visible external tail. During the survey, researchers found this species in a variety of environments, including national park forests, disturbed forest fragments, and areas with human settlements.
The discovery of M. spasma and eighteen other new records on Ko Pha-ngan demonstrates the importance of conducting biodiversity surveys in tourist-heavy regions to inform better conservation policies.
Learn more: Cook-Price DR, Petko ON, Makchai S, Artchawakom T, Suwanwaree P (2025) Mammal diversity survey of Ko Pha-ngan in Surat Thani Province, Thailand. ZooKeys 1229: 77-102. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.118127
The Grey-bellied Dwarf Dog-faced Bat (Molossops griseiventer)
Details specimen of Molossopstemminckii. (Image credit: Ramírez-Chaves et al.).
Some species remain hidden until scientists take a closer look at existing museum collections and genetic data. For years, the grey-bellied dwarf dog-faced bat was considered a synonym of the more common Molossops temminckii. However, a recent revision has revalidated Molossops griseiventer as a separate species.
This grey-bellied dwarf dog-faced bat can be identified by its characteristic greyish ventral fur and specific cranial proportions. Beyond its appearance, the revalidation of this species has major implications for its protection. Unlike its more widespread relatives, M. griseiventer is restricted to the inter-Andean valleys of Colombia, a region heavily impacted by agricultural development.
Because it is now recognised as an endangered species, conservationists can advocate for specific protections for its remaining habitat. This case proves that understanding the true diversity of bats is a prerequisite for effective conservation.
Learn more: Ramírez-Chaves HE, Morales-Martínez DM, Martínez-Medina D, Ossa-López PA, Rivera-Páez FA (2023) Revising the diversity within the Dwarf Dog-faced Bat, Molossops temminckii (Chiroptera, Molossidae), with the revalidation of the endangered Molossops griseiventer. ZooKeys 1180: 237-256. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1180.109091
The stories of these four species remind us that our understanding of biodiversity is always evolving. Through continued exploration and open-access publishing, we can better appreciate and protect the bats that share our planet.
Once again, Happy Bat Appreciation Day from ZooKeys and Pensoft Publishers!
For more articles on zoology, visit the ZooKeys website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.
The Pikelinia floydmuraria, a new addition to the South American Pikelinia population, was observed in Colombia’s department of Tolima and is now described in the journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
A team of researchers from institutions across South America have expanded scholarly knowledge of the Pikelinia spider genus, with their recent discovery of a new crevice weaver species: Pikelinia floydmuraria.
The new species name is a creative tribute to the legendary rock band Pink Floyd, while simultaneously referencing the spider’s specific habitat. “Muraria,” derived from the Latin word for “wall”, reflects the species’ tendency to reside in the walls of buildings, though indeed also alludes to the iconic Pink Floyd album, The Wall.
A photo of the wall were these spiders live in Armenia, Quindío. Photo credit to Leonardo Delgado-Santa.
Pikelinia floydmuraria, male paratype. Credit to Leonardo Delgado-Santa.
These findings are described in greater detail in the open-access journal Zoosystematics and Evolution (ZSE) and serve as a particularly important contribution to the wider study of synanthropic spiders – species that have adapted to human-created environments. Despite the ecological importance of these spiders in Colombia, research into their biology and nutritional ecology has received little attention. The discovery of the Pikeliniafloydmuraria, alongside observations of additional populations in neighbouring Colombian departments, holds the potential to remedy this problem.
The species establishment
The first regional review of the genus Pikelinia was established in 1946 by the Brazilian zoologist Mello-Leitão. For decades, the genus remained obscure, with species often misidentified or “lumped” into the type genus Filistata, most commonly found in the Mediterranean region.
In 2022, however, a major study redefined Pikelinia as part of a distinct South American spider group. Pikelinia floydmuraria is the most recent addition to the genus and provides considerable insight into the dietary composition of these crevice weavers.
Skilled hunters
Pikelinia floydmuraria from Tolima, Female Juvenile, attacking a cockroach on the web. Credit: Julio C. González-Gómez.
Pikelinia floydmuraria from Tolima, Female Juvenile, attacking a cockroach on the web. Credit: Julio C. González-Gómez.
These spiders are skilled hunters, primarily feeding on insects including flies, beetles and ants. Remarkably, they are capable of taking down prey up to six times their own size and often build their webs near streetlights to catch insects attracted to the glow. The above figure provides a visual representation of the spider’s predatory behaviour in urban habitats, demonstrating its ability to prey on insects larger than itself.By keeping these insect populations under control, crevice weavers thus maintain a healthier balance in the Colombian urban environment.
The research team behind this discovery, led by Osvaldo Villarreal and Leonardo Delgado-Santa, note that Pikelinia floydmuraria only measure about 3 to 4 millimetres in length. One of their most unique internal features is found in the females, which contain reproductive organs comprising long and slender tubes that are shaped like the letter “S”. In urban environments, they can be found tucked in the cracks and crevices of building walls, with observed concentrations reaching between 20 and 30 spiders in a single square metre.
Pikelinia fasciata, female from Galapagos A. Habitus (dorsal view). Credit: Andrea C. Roman.
The researchers further observed that Pikelinia floydmuraria is a very close relative of another species called Pikelinia fasciata, which lives in the Galapagos Islands. Despite being separated by the Pacific Ocean and Andes mountain range, the two look almost exactly alike, leaving scientists to wonder: how did such similar spiders end up so far apart? It remains a mystery as to whether these traits reflect shared ancestry or similar ecological adaptations.
Nonetheless, the two can be differentiated by the appearance of their legs, with the Colombian spider displaying solid-colours, and the Galapagos featuring darker rings by contrast. The Galapagos female spiders additionally have shorter and straighter reproductive organs in comparison to the Colombian female.
🎸🕸️ Meet the latest rock star of the #spider world: Pikelinia floydmuraria. 🕷️Recently discovered in Colombia, this species was officially named after @Pink Floyd as a tribute to both their iconic album “The Wall” and the spider’s favourite hangout: urban city walls. ➡️ Follow the link to read more about this discovery: https://zse.pensoft.net/article/175423/ ➡️Or see the blog post here: https://blog.pensoft.net/2026/04/14/meet-the-crevice-weaver-a-newly-discovered-urban-spider-from-colombia/ #arachnid#spiders#newspecies#science
In order to better determine whether Pikelinia floydmuraria is a unique species native to Colombia, the South American researchers suggest the implementation of DNA barcoding in future studies. This will provide genetic evidence that could help map the evolutionary history of Pikelinia floydmuraria. A DNA-based dietary analysis, meanwhile, would quantify the extent to which these spiders operate as natural urban pest regulators.
Whether they are just “another web in the wall” or a relative from the Galapagos, the discovery of Pikelinia floydmuraria represents a significant advancement in our understanding of South American spider taxonomy. By identifying this new Colombian species and providing the first-ever detailed anatomical description for its relative, Pikelinia fasciata, researchers have expanded scientific knowledge of the Pikelinia genus.
Pikelinia floydmuraria may be small and “comfortably numb” to the bustle of the city, but their impact on maintaining a healthy urban ecosystem is anything but quiet.
Original source
Villarreal O, Delgado-Santa L, González-Gómez JC, Rodríguez-Castro GA, Román AC, Agudelo E, García LF (2026) Another web in the wall: A new Pikelinia Mello-Leitão, 1946 (Araneae, Filistatidae) from Colombia, with notes on its diet and description of the female genitalia of P. fasciata (Banks, 1902). Zoosystematics and Evolution 102(1): 357-366. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175423
Yunnan Province in southwestern China is a global biodiversity hotspot, accommodating an incredible variety of plants and animals. It is also the heart of China’s coffee industry, with Yunnan accounting for almost all of the country’s coffee production. However, coffee plants are very common hosts for many types of fungi, which can act as harmful diseases, harmless residents, or natural recyclers – these factors can impact the plant’s health and how much coffee it produces.
A new study published in the open-access journal MycoKeys, and led by Mei-Yan Han of Chiang Mai University, revealed two novel species of Neohelicomyces fungi: Neohelicomyces coffeae and Neohelicomyces puerensis. While studying the fungi that live on Coffea arabica, the team spotted these unique organisms growing on dead coffee branches. This discovery underscores the need for further investigations into the fungal diversity of the region.
Both species are characterised by their coil-shaped structures which appear as glistening white patches on coffee plants. Specifically, N. coffeae features short stems and small, multi-sectioned spores, while N. puerensis is distinguished by its tightly coiled filaments and unbranched stems. While the former is named after the host genus Coffea, the latter references the locality in which both species were found: Pu’er City.
Neohelicomyces coffeae (GMB-W1490, holotype). Photo credit: Mei-Yan Han et al.
Neohelicomyces puerensis (GMB-W1485, holotype). Photo credit: Mei-Yan Han et al.
Importantly, these fungi are classified as saprophytic because they were found growing exclusively on the dead branches of coffee plants rather than on living tissue. Functioning as nature’s essential recyclers, they obtain their energy by breaking down complex organic materials like wood and cellulose. Therefore, by decomposing this dead matter, both play a vital role in the coffee ecosystem by unlocking trapped nutrients and returning them to the soil. This incentive subsequently helps support the growth of the surrounding living coffee plants.
Saprophytic fungi are additionally being studied as potential sources for new medicines and agricultural tools. Scientists have found that the family to which these new species belong, Tubeufiaceae, can produce natural chemicals that fight off bacteria, other fungi, and even certain types of cancer. Specifically, researchers have already discovered compounds related to Neohelicomyces species that show promise in slowing the growth of human cancer cells.
As of 2026, there are 36 known species of Neohelicomyces, with the vast majority found in China – particularly in Guizhou and Yunnan provinces – though they also appear in Europe and North America. By expanding their known diversity specifically in agricultural environments, researchers have shed light on their ecological potentials, and have called attention to their future biotechnological applications.
Following these discoveries, it is certain that the future of fungal research is starting to brew.
Original source:
Han M-Y, Yang J-Y, Karunarathna SC, Kumla J, Lu L, Zheng D-G, Elgorban AM, Alfagham AT, Yu F-Q, Dai D-Q, Zhang L-J, Suwannarach N, Tibpromma S (2026) Two new Neohelicomyces species (Tubeufiaceae, Tubeufiales) associated with Coffea arabica L. in Yunnan Province, China. MycoKeys 127: 343-362. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.127.173937
Two new species of half leaf-fingered geckos have been discovered in Vietnam, one was named in honor of the renowned herpetologist Prof. Dr. Thomas Ziegler.
The half leaf-fingered geckos (Hemiphyllodactylus) are a diverse group with more than 70 recognized species and a distribution range from southern India and Sri Lanka, through Indochina and Southeast Asia, to the western Pacific region.
As a result of its cryptic lifestyle and small body size, its diversity had been neglected until a recent surge of integrative taxonomic research, which combines different lines of evidence, most importantly molecular and morphological data.
Over the last ten years, more than 60 members of the genus (~85% of its diversity) have been newly described. Vietnam is a hot spot for new species discoveries with at least 10 congeners uncovered in recent years, including H. banaensis, H. bonkowskii, H. cattien, H. dalatensis, H. lungcuensis, H. nahangensis, H. ngocsonensis, H. vanhoensis, H. yenchauensis, and H. zugi.
Male Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri. Photo credit to Anh Van Pham.
A newly published paper in ZooKeys reveals another new species within Hemiphyllodactylus, Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri, from Copia Nature Reserve, Son La Province, northwestern Vietnam.
The new species is currently known only from this protected area, established in 2002. Although its range is estimated at less than 50 km², the area has been experiencing severe habitat degradation, primarily as a result of road construction and timber logging.
The new species honours Prof. Dr. Thomas Ziegler, a world-class herpetologist and conservation biologist of Cologne Zoo and the University of Cologne, who has made remarkable contributions to biodiversity research and conservation in Southeast Asia, especially to its the herpetofauna. Prof. Ziegler was involved in the descriptions of seven Hemiphyllodactylus species from Vietnam.
In addition to his more than three decades of engagement in taxonomic and ecological studies – spanning lizards, snakes, turtles, salamanders, frogs, and other vertebrates and invertebrates – Prof. Ziegler has made substantial contributions across herpetology broadly.
As for Hemiphyllodactylus, the current taxonomy is believed to substantially underestimate its diversity, especially in the karst ecosystem, as recent discoveries demonstrate that this particular habitat harbors a high number of cryptic species.
Adult male Hemiphyllodactyluspakhaensis. Credit to Ha HB et al., 2026
Coinciding with the publication of H. ziegleri, another karst-dwelling species – H. pakhaensis from Son La Province – was reported in ZooKeys. These discoveries bring the total species count to 12, suggesting that additional surveys in remote areas of the country and elsewhere in Southeast Asia will likely reveal many new congeners and highlight the importance of this unique, but highly imperiled ecosystem.
Original sources
Pham AV, Nguyen TQ, Pham CT, Ngo HT, Le MD (2026) Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. (Squamata, Gekkonidae), a new karst-dwelling gecko species from Son La Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys 1268: 75-94. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.174678
Ha HB, Hoang TT, Nguyen MD, Ha NV, Luu VQ (2026) A new species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Son La Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys 1268: 163-188. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.177040
A research team from the National Taiwan Normal University has clarified the status of a secretive reptile through a new study published in the open-access journal ZooKeys. Led by Si-Min Lin, the team focused on the Formosan legless lizard, scientifically known as Dopasia formosensis. These lizards are among the most secretive and least studied groups in Taiwan, living primarily under leaf litter and humus in moist forests. This elusive behavior makes field observations and ecological studies extremely difficult.
The study resolves a century of taxonomic debate over whether Taiwan’s legless lizards comprise one species or two. For decades, these populations were classified as Dopasia harti, a status complicated by the loss of the original Dopasia formosensis type specimen after World War II. To stabilise the identity of the species and re-establish it as the distinct lineage Dopasia formosensis, the research team has designated a “neotype” – this is a new physical specimen that serves as the official reference for the species name.
Dopasiaformosensis in natural habitat: A fully mature adult male showing its dorsal bluish marking; A relatively younger male; A young individual with pale brown dorsal coloration and sharply contrasting black ventral surface. (Photo credit: Yu-Jhen Liang).
Physical Characteristics
The Formosan legless lizard is a medium-sized reptile that lacks external limbs. Adult males typically have a body length between 175 and 230 millimeters, while females are similar in size. A key feature of this species is its exceptionally long tail, which can be nearly double the length of its body.
People often mistake these lizards for snakes, but they possess several distinct features that set them apart. Unlike snakes, legless lizards have external ear openings, although they are quite small. They also have moveable eyelids, which means they can blink, a trait no snake possesses. Further, these lizards have a prominent lateral fold, which is a longitudinal groove running along each side of the body. This fold allows the skin to expand, which is useful for breathing and when females are carrying eggs.
Head morphology of the neotype of Dopasiaformosensis; an adult male from Mingchi, Yilan County, Taiwan. (Photo credit: Chih-Wei Chen and Chin-Chia Shen).
Etymology and Colouration
The species name formosensis is rooted in the historical name for Taiwan, “Formosa”, derived from the Portuguese phrase Ilha Formosa (“Beautiful Island”). The name combines this geographical reference with the Latin suffix “-ensis”, which indicates the place of origin.
Top: Landscape near the type locality of Dopasia formosensis in Hinokiyama, currently known as a part of the Fuba Cross-ridge Trail.
Bottom: Landscape of the collection site of the neotype near Mingchi, Yilan, Taiwan. (Photo credits: Chung-Wei You and Kai-Xiang Chang).
The study also clarified a major point of ambiguity regarding the species’ color. Previously, lizards with bright blue spots were thought to be a different species than those without them. The research team confirmed that these markings are actually a form of sexual dichromatism – while females and young lizards usually have a plain pale brown or bronze color, fully mature adult males often display these conspicuous blue markings as a form of secondary sexual signalling.
Behavioural Characteristics
Since these legless lizards are so rarely seen, the research team relied on citizen science data from the Taiwan Roadkill Observation Network to gather information. In the wild, these lizards prefer high-humidity environments in mid-elevation forests with dense canopy cover.
Sampling sites of Dopasiaformosensis (Kishida, 1930), D.harti (Boulenger, 1899), and D.hainanensis (Yang, 1983) available from GenBank.
The researchers also noted parental care as a key behavioural characteristic for the species, suggesting that they may exhibit more complex social behaviors than many other reptiles. In related species within the Dopasia genus, for instance, females are known to exhibit egg-guarding behavior, where they remain with their clutch to protect it from predators and environmental hazards until the offspring hatch.
Egg guarding by a female Dopasiaformosensis in the wild, observed in Pingtung County, southern Taiwan. (Photo credit: Weizun Wang).
A prior study documenting the species now recognised as Dopasia formosensis (previously identified as D. harti) notably also detailed its interesting fighting behavior. The encounter begins with a ritualised display where the lizards circle each other with mouths agape, flattened throats, and elevated forebodies. This posturing eventually escalates into physical combat, characterised by one-sided biting and rotational rolling as the males attempt to subdue one another.
Conclusion
The Formosan legless lizard is currently listed as a protected species under Taiwanese law. The research team emphasises that a stable scientific name and clear understanding of the species is critical for future conservation.
“Through these efforts, we aim to provide a more stable framework for future taxonomic, ecological and conservation studies of this overlooked lizard group.”
The Research Team
By making their data openly available, they hope to encourage further study of these unique animals across East Asia.
Original source:
Lin S-M, Shen C-C, Lin T-E, Liang Y-J, Chang W-H (2026) Redescription and neotype designation of Dopasia formosensis (Kishida, 1930) (Squamata, Anguidae) from Taiwan. ZooKeys 1270: 69-98. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1270.173752
For more articles on zoology, visit the ZooKeys website and follow the journal on BlueSky and Facebook.
Biological invasions are a major driver of biodiversity loss and invasive pollinators can reshape native plant-pollinator networks. A new study published in the journal NeoBiota, reveals that invasive pollinators are fundamentally reshaping native plant-pollinator networks in Chile, leading to a “silent takeover” that threatens the stability of one of the world’s most unique biodiversity hotspots.
Chile functions as a “biogeographical island,” isolated by the Andes Mountains, the Atacama Desert, and the Pacific Ocean. While this isolation has created a highly specialized ecosystem, it also makes the region particularly sensitive to change.
Despite this vulnerability, Chile has a long history of introducing non-native bees for agricultural purposes. A collaborative team of Chilean and Brazilian researchers sought to understand and quantify the long-term impact of these introductions, specifically focusing on how non-native pollinators like the Bombus terrestris (the buff-tailed bumblebee) affect native species.
Tracking the “Silent Takeover”
Western honeybee (Apis mellifera). Credit to Dr. Francisco Fontúrbel.
Buff-tailed bumblebee(Bombus terrestris). Credit to Dr. Francisco Fontúrbel.
To assess the impact, researchers analyzed over 2,100 records, merging historical scientific data with citizen-science data. They focused on three non-native species: the western honeybee (Apis mellifera), the buff-tailed bumblebee (Bombus terrestris), and the large garden bumblebee (Bombus ruderatus).
The motivation was to understand whether these invasions were simply adding species to the system or quietly transforming it from within.
еxplains Dr. Rafaela Cabral Marinho, the lead author of the study
The study’s key finding points to the overwhelming dominance of Bombus terrestris, which accounted for more than 70% of recorded interactions in the combined dataset.
That level of integration into a national pollination network is remarkable for a relatively recent invader.
notes Dr. Barbara Guimarães, one of the researchers
Аlso, the invasive bees showed strong interaction with non-native plants and displayed highly generalist behavior. To further measure the impact on pollination networks, the team compared data from before and after 2005, the year B. terrestris began to be used extensively in open fields. They identified a concerning shift: native species like Bombus dahlbomii were being gradually displaced.
The networks did not collapse; instead, they became more generalized and homogenized. Native bees were not always disappearing completely. The system kept functioning, but in a different way. This quiet reorganization is what led us to describe the process as a ‘silent takeover.
explain the researchers
The power of citizen science
Citizen science. Photo credit to Pavel Borodenkov from Unsplash.
The study also highlighted the vital role of public engagement.
We were surprised by the volume and value of citizen science contributions, and how they can provide meaningful insights when combined with research data.
says Dr. Fontúrbel, one of the researchers
This proved that citizen science is an essential tool for detecting and tracking the spread of invasive species in ecosystems, providing direct information for conservation actions.
A call for interaction-based conservation
Western honeybee (Apis mellifera). Credit to Dr. Francisco Fontúrbel.
One key takeaway is that biological invasions are not always catastrophic overnight events. They can be gradual reorganizations of ecological relationships. While invasive bees may increase pollination for certain crops, they can simultaneously reduce the specialization and stability of native mutualisms. Over time, this may lead to biotic homogenization, ecosystems becoming more similar to one another and less unique.
add the researchers
“Our research highlights that conservation is not only about protecting species, but it is also about protecting interactions,” they conclude.
The researchers advocate for coordinated policies regarding species introductions, early detection monitoring, and continued public engagement to safeguard the integrity of Chile’s biodiversity.
Original source:
Marinho RC, Guimarães BMdaC, Carvallo GO, Maruyama PK, Murúa MM, Rech AR, Vieli L, Oliveira PE, Fontúrbel FE (2026) Silent takeover: How invasive bees reshaped plant-pollinator interactions in a biodiversity hotspot. NeoBiota 105: 259-274. https://doi.org/10.3897/neobiota.105.174573
What is now celebrated globally as Taxonomist Appreciation Day began in 2013. 19 March was declared by Dr. Terry McGlynn – a researcher and professor at California State University, Dominguez Hills – as a new holiday to highlight the extraordinary importance of taxonomy and taxonomist scientists to research in other fields.
Last year saw fascinating discoveries in the world of marine life. And today, we are super excited to share with you the species that made it to the Top 10 this year, first published in Pensoft’s open-access journal ZooKeys.
How are these lists compiled? It is a rigorous process, where WoRMS first invites all their editors to nominate their favourites, and then asks a small committee of taxonomists and data managers to provide their votes.
Now, without further ado, join us into the Dark Side to find out exactly why and how this particular species turned up at the top.
The Supergiant Isopod
The head of Bathynomus vaderi. Image by Nguyen Thanh Son
Meet Bathynomus vaderi, a supergiant isopod belonging to the genus Bathynomus. Species from this genus can reach more than 30 cm in length and are known in Vietnam as bọ biển or “sea bugs.” Bathynomus vaderi marks the first record of such a species in Vietnamese waters.
As you might have guessed, the moniker vaderi is inspired by the appearance of its head, which closely resembles the distinctive and iconic helmet of Darth Vader, the most famous character of Star Wars.
From the Market to the Lab
Prof. Peter Ng examining giant isopods from a seafood market in Hanoi, October 2024. Photo by Nguyen Thanh Son
Dr. Conni Sidabalok examining individuals of Bathynomus vaderi at Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, Singapore. Photo by Rene Ong
The story of how it was found is quite compelling. In contrast to the traditional image of deep-sea expeditions, Bathynomus vaderi was obtained from local sellers where the isopods are fished.
In March 2022, staff from Hanoi University purchased four giant isopod individuals from Quy Nhơn City and sent two of them to Peter Ng from the National University of Singapore for identification. Subsequently, this sparked an international collaboration between Ng, Conni M. Sidabalok (National Research and Innovation Agency, Indonesia), and Nguyen Thanh Son (Vietnam National University). Together, this expert team studied the specimens and confirmed they had discovered a species new to science.
Video by Kyle Hill on YouTube.
A Deep-Sea Delicacy
Giant isopods like Bathynomus vaderi have become an expensive delicacy in Vietnam. Until 2017, local fishermen only sold them as low-priced bycatch, but in recent years, the media has drawn public attention to this unusual seafood. Some even claim it is more delicious than lobster, the “king of seafood.”
The Importance of the Find
News story by Margherita Bassi via the Smithsonian magazine.
This discovery is a reminder of just how much we still don’t know about the vast deep-sea environment. If such a supergiant isopod could remain hidden for so long, it speaks to the extraordinary amount of work still needed to uncover the rich biodiversity of Southeast Asian waters – work that depends on the combined efforts of researchers and taxonomists, whose contributions are at the frontline of conservation.
The celebration is not over; we invite you to explore the Pensoft-published species that have previously made it to the WoRMS Top 10 and revisit the ocean’s most fascinating discoveries:
Ng PKL, Sidabalok CM, Nguyen TS (2025) A new species of supergiant Bathynomus A. Milne-Edwards, 1879 (Crustacea, Isopoda, Cirolanidae) from Vietnam, with notes on the taxonomy of Bathynomus jamesi Kou, Chen & Li, 2017. ZooKeys 1223: 289-310. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1223.139335
