Distinguished by its striking colors and a name that carries the weight of a high ecclesiastical office, a new species of moth has been discovered in the rugged terrain of Greece. When researchers from the Tyrolean State Museum, the Finnish Museum of Natural History and the Bavarian State Collection of Zoology identified this unique insect in the White Mountains of Crete, they chose a name that reflects both its noble appearance and a message of environmental hope: Pyralis papaleonei – derived from “Papa Leone” (Pope Leo).
The discovery, published in the open-access journal Nota Lepidopterologica on 28 April 2026, highlights that even among such conspicuous European moths, overlooked species remain to be discovered. The new species is currently only known from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the western part of Crete, where it appears to be an endemic treasure of the island.
Type-locality of Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov. (Greece, Crete, Omalos plateau). Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Striking purple forewings
The so-called Pope Leo Moth has a wingspan of around two centimeters, placing it among the medium-sized representatives of its group. Its most distinctive features are its purple forewings with an orange-golden patch and prominent white bands. The moths were recorded at artificial light sources and appear to be mainly active in June. So far, little is known about the biology and lifestyle of the new species. It was distinguished from related species based on classical morphological characteristics – such as wing pattern, coloration, and genital morphology – as well as genetic fingerprinting. Molecular analyses revealed a divergence of around six percent from its closest relative, clearly indicating that it represents a distinct species.
Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov., holotype. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
A tradition of remarkable species names
Butterflies and moths are often named after physical characteristics, geographic origins, or in honor of distinguished individuals. Within the genus Pyralis, however, a particular tradition can be observed: as early as 1775, Austrian naturalists Michael Denis and Ignaz Schiffermüller described the first species of the group as Pyralis regalis (“royal”), inspired by its splendid coloration. This was followed by sonorous names such as Pyralis princeps and Pyralis cardinalis, also referring to the remarkable beauty of these moths.
All these species belong to the diverse superfamily Pyraloidea, which comprises around 16,000 described species worldwide and represents one of the largest groups among micro-moths.
Specimen of Pyralis regalis. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Taxonomy as the “first profession” of humankind
The naming of living organisms also has a cultural-historical dimension: in the Old Testament (Genesis 2), Adam is firstly tasked with naming all animals. In this sense, taxonomy – the science of classifying, naming, and organising organisms – can be regarded as one of humanity’s earliest endeavors.
For study leader Peter Huemer of the Tyrolean State Museum Ferdinandeum, naming a species is therefore more than a formal scientific act: it also serves as a symbolic appeal to the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV, to highlight humanity’s central responsibility in safeguarding creation. This is particularly fitting as butterflies and moths are regarded in Christianity as symbols of resurrection, transformation (metamorphosis), and the immortal soul.
Specimens of Pyralis papaleonei. Image credit: Peter Huemer.
Only a fraction of global biodiversity documented
Peter Huemer, former head of the Natural Science Collections at the Tyrolean State Museums and now a volunteer researcher, explains:
“We are facing a global biodiversity crisis, yet only a fraction of the world’s species has been scientifically documented. Effective conservation of biodiversity requires that species are first recognised, described, and named.”
Around 700 new moth species are described each year, primarily in the tropics. However, fundamental research in Europe is far from complete: in the Alps alone, approximately 200 previously unknown species have been identified in recent decades.
With their internationally significant scientific collections, the Tyrolean State Museums make an important contribution to this work. The discovery of the Pope Leo Moth, Pyralis papaleonei, highlights how much remains to be discovered even in well-studied regions of Europe—and underscores the urgent need to protect sensitive habitats.
Imagine a fly that decides flying is overrated. Instead, it finds a bat, sheds its wings, drops its legs, and burrows into the host’s skin for the rest of its days. This is the reality of the genus Ascodipteron, a group of highly specialised bat flies that challenge our basic definition of what an insect looks like.
In a recent study published in the open-access journal ZooKeys, researchers led by Haoran Sun of Beijing Forestry University have identified a new member of this strange family in the Yunnan Province of China. It brings some fascinating, if slightly macabre, biological quirks to the table.
The newly discovered species has been named Ascodipteron euryale and was found on the lesser brown horseshoe bat, known scientifically as Rhinolophus stheno. This discovery is particularly significant because it represents the first time a fly from this genus has been documented on this specific species of bat. These flies often show an incredibly narrow host range and a strict preference for where they live on the bat’s body. In the case of Ascodipteron euryale, they prefer the base of the bat’s ear, the tragus, or the ear pinna.
Ascodipteroneuryale sp. nov. and its host Rhinolophusstheno. (Image credit: Haoran Sun et al.).
The life of a female Ascodipteron fly is especially interesting. After a very brief period of seeking out a host, the female undergoes a radical transformation into what scientists call a neosome. It essentially becomes an endoparasite, embedded so deeply in the bat’s tissue that often only its posterior end is visible, protruding slightly so it can breathe and release larvae. This particular species was discovered in Xianren Cave, located in the Simao District of Pu’er City, at an elevation of 2428 meters above sea level.
Ascodipteroneuryale sp. nov., ex. R.stheno – the top two images display the whole neosome. (Image credit: Haoran Sun et al.).
What makes Ascodipteron euryale stand out from its 17 known cousins? The most defining physical trait is the shape of its mesosternum, a part of its underside, which features gently rounded lobes on the back corners. Further, unlike many related flies that are covered in soft skin and easily removed, these neosomes were found encased in a fibrous cyst or shell – this is a reaction from the host bat’s own immune system, creating a protective barrier that makes the parasite very difficult to extract.
Ascodipteroneuryale sp. nov., ex. R.stheno, head and thorax. (Image credit: Haoran Sun et al.).
The naming of the species is a clever nod to Greek mythology. The host bat, Rhinolophus stheno, shares a name with Stheno, one of the three Gorgon sisters who could turn onlookers to stone. The researchers decided to name the new fly euryale after Euryale, another of the Gorgon sisters. In the myths, these two sisters were immortal, and the authors note that this name choice reflects their hope that the deep-rooted biological association between this specific bat and its resident fly continues long into the future.
This research adds a sixth species of Ascodipteron to the records in China, emphasising the impressive biodiversity hidden within the country’s cave systems. It also raises new questions for future study, particularly regarding why some of these flies trigger the formation of fibrous shells while others do not. For now, Ascodipteron euryale remains a testament to the strange and highly specific ways life finds a niche (even if that niche is the inside of a bat’s ear)!
Original source:
Sun H, Ding L, Zhang D, Pape T (2026) Ascodipteron (Diptera, Nycteribiidae, streblid grade) from China: a new species from the lesser brown horseshoe bat, Rhinolophus stheno. ZooKeys 1273: 277-286. https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.183551
Deep within the humid leaf litter of China and the dense canopies of Brazil’s Atlantic Forest, a silent ambush unfolds.
While we often think of spiders as the ultimate predators of the undergrowth, they have an arch-nemesis: araneopathogenic fungi. These “zombie” fungi are capable of parasitising spiders by hijacking their bodies and consuming them from the inside out.
Two studies published in the open-access peer-reviewed scientific journals MycoKeys and IMA Fungus, respectively,offer insight into this macabre world of spider assassins.
In Southeast Asia, researchers led by Chen-xin Chang of the Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine have identified three new species of Gibellula fungi in China and Laos, which erupt from spiders in branch-like structures: Gibellula pseudopigmentosa, Gibellula pseudosolita, and Gibellula sinensis. These species are distinguished from one another by their slight variations in sexual reproductive structures and morphology. The below figure displays morphological plates, showing the three fungi species at both a macroscopic and microscopic level – notice their unique conidial heads and spore arrangements, coloured in blue.
Morphologies of Gibellula pseudopigmentosa, Gibellula pseudopigmentosa, Gibellula pseudosolita, and Gibellula sinensis. Photo credit: Chang et al.
To identify new species of spider-pathogenic fungi, the research group conducted field surveys in the forest leaf of China and Laos, where they collected specimens for detailed laboratory study. A combination of traditional microscopy and modern DNA sequencing rendered the discovery possible. The fungi’s sighting in Laos is particularly significant because it provides the first formal record of the Gibellula genus in the region.
This study – published in MycoKeys– therefore serves to fill a major distributional gap in Southeast Asia, as well as expand our understanding of the morphological diversity within this group of spider-pathogenic fungi.
Meanwhile, in Brazil, a study led by Joao Paulo Machado De Araújo of the University of Copenhagen and the Royal Botanic Gardens of Kew, published in IMA Fungus, described a new species of Purpureocillium fungus belonging to the Purpureocilliumatypicola group: Purpureocillium atlanticum. This fungus specifically targets trapdoor spiders inhabiting burrows on the forest floor, where it mummifies the host in white mycelia and subsequently emerges from its cephalothorax in the form of a purple fruiting body.
The discovery was notably featured in The Guardian, where it was placed alongside other unusual botanical and fungal discoveries compiled by the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew.
Phylogeny of hypocrealean fungi (A), highlighting the Purpureocillium atypicola complex (B) and morphology of the new species, P. atlanticum (C–G). Photo credit: Araújo et al.
Purpureocillium atypicola was originally recorded in Japan by Yasuda (1894), and was thought to be a single species found all over the world for over a century. The discovery of the Purpureocillium atlanticum in Brazil is significant because it finally confirms that Purpureocillium atypicola is actually a global complex of many unique species.
To identify this new fungus, De Araújo’s research group used taxogenomics, a method which entailed bringing portable DNA sequencing gear directly into the Brazilian rainforest. By analysing the genetic code of the fungus and its environment immediately in the field, they were able to identify the specimen within justfour days as opposed to waiting months for traditional lab results.
Both of these studies highlight the impressive diversity of spider-pathogenic fungi across distinct global environments. They additionally reveal the different evolutionary strategies of their respective species – while Purpureocillium atlanticum has adapted to infect underground trapdoor spiders by producing purple stalks to escape burrows, the Gibellula species represent the most diverse genus of spider parasites, found primarily in forest debris.
As researchers continue to map these complex ecological networks, it becomes clear that preserving threatened biomes, including the Atlantic Forest and the jungles of Southeast Asia, is critical to expanding our knowledge in fungal taxonomy.
Araújo JPM, Przelomska NAS, Smith RJ, Drechsler-Santos ER, Alves-Silva G, Martins-Cunha K, Hosoya T, Luangsa-ard JJ, Perrigo A, Repullés M, Matos-Maraví P, Woods R, Pérez-Escobar OA, Antonelli A (2025) A new species of Purpureocillium (Ophiocordycipitaceae) fungus parasitizing trapdoor spiders in Brazil’s Atlantic Forest and its associated microbiome revealed through in situ “taxogenomics”. IMA Fungus 16: e168534. https://doi.org/10.3897/imafungus.16.168534
Chang C-xin, Chen H, Loinheuang C, Dai Y-dong, Wang Y (2026) Morphological and phylogenetic analyses reveal three new species of Gibellula (Cordycipitaceae, Hypocreales) from spiders. MycoKeys 127: 135-154. https://doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.127.177871
To stay up-to-date with new studies made openly available from the MycoKeys and IMA Fungus journal, subscribe to their journal newsletters via Email Alert on their journal websites, and don’t forget to follow them on social media!
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
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
Researchers have announced the discovery of 24 new deep-sea amphipod species – including one new superfamily – from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), in the central Pacific Ocean.
Researchers have announced the discovery of 24 new deep-sea amphipod species – including one new superfamily – from the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), in the central Pacific Ocean.
The discoveries have been published as part of a new open-access ZooKeys special issue, mark a significant advance in identifying the biodiversity of the CCZ – an area which spans six million square kilometres between Hawai’i and Mexico.
The research revealed a number of firsts for science, with 24 newly described species spanning 10 amphipod families, including predators and scavengers.
Map of the Clarion-Clipperton Zone (CCZ), Central Pacific Ocean. A. Contract areas from which samples were collected; B. Detail of the central BGR exploration contract area; C. Detail of the eastern CCZ contract areas and APEI-6. (Image credit: Horton et al.).
Notable discoveries include:
A new family (Mirabestiidae) and superfamily (Mirabestioidea), revealing completely new evolutionary branches.
Two new genera (Mirabestia and Pseudolepechinella).
Deepest-known records for multiple genera.
First molecular barcodes for rare species.
“To find a new superfamily is incredibly exciting, and very rarely happens so this is a discovery we will all remember.
With more than 90% of species in the CCZ still unnamed, each species described is a vital step towards improving our understanding of this fascinating ecosystem.
Describing the species encountered during these studies is a critical step in documenting the rich biodiversity of the CCZ, enabling us to communicate effectively about the fauna.”
Dr Tammy Horton
Syrrhoe manowitzae sp. nov. (Image credit: Hughes et al.).
A Global Collaboration
Taxonomy is vital to understanding the fauna of the CCZ, providing fundamental knowledge of species, their distributions, and how each species contributes to the fragile ecosystem.
The collaborative project also demonstrated the effectiveness of running coordinated and focused taxonomic workshops, providing a model way of working for the future.
Participants of the taxonomic workshop at University of Lodz in 2024. (Image credit: Anna Jażdżewska).
“This was a truly collaborative process that allowed us to achieve the ambitious goal of describing more than 20 species new to science within a year – something that would not have been possible if each of us worked independently.
The team’s findings provide information that is crucial for future conservation and policy decisions, and it highlights how important it is for this work to continue.”
Anna Jażdżewska, University of Lodz
Through initiatives such as these describing around 25 species per year, the amphipods in the eastern CCZ could be almost completely known within 10 years.
What’s in a name?
New species must each be named, and that honour falls to the research team who often draw inspiration from those around them.
Many of the 24 new species have been given meaningful names by those who have spent time learning about them and describing them.
Co-leads Dr Tammy Horton and Anna Jażdżewska both saw species named for them, Byblis hortonae, Thrombasia aniaandByblisoides jazdzewskae (respectively).
Byblis hortonae sp. nov. (Image credit: Peart et al.).
A. CLSM photograph of Thrombasia ania sp. nov. B microscope photograph of Thrombasia ania sp. nov. (Image credit: Anna Jażdżewska).
Byblisoides jazdzewskae sp. nov. (Image credit: Peart et al.).
Dr Horton named one of the species in the new superfamily (Mirabestia maisie) after her daughter, who has waited several years to join her siblings in having that unusual honour.
A. Mirabestia maisie sp. nov. immature; B.Mirabestia maisie sp. nov. mature female. (Image credit: Horton et al.).
There was an opportunity to pay tribute to the World Register of Marine Species (WoRMS), with Eperopeus vermiculatus being given the name in recognition of WoRMS which researchers described as providing a ‘wonderful resource for all marine taxonomists’.
Eperopeus vermiculatus sp. nov., habitus of the female holotype. Photograph of preserved specimen. (Image credit: Tammy Horton).
Involving early‑career scientists (including students) also allowed them to leave their mark in the species names, by commemorating their relatives and by creating intriguing links between the deep sea and the virtual world. According to the author, one species, Lepidepecreum myla, resembles Myla (a character from a video game), as both ‘are just little arthropods trying to survive in total darkness.’
Lepidepecreum myla sp. nov. A. Photograph of unstained individual before manipulation; B. CLSM photography; C. Dorsal view of the animal. (Image credit: Horton et al.).
The team also drew inspiration from linguistics for one species, with Pseudolepechinella apricity representing the spirit of warmth of friendship that came from the week-long workshop.
“Apricity means the feeling of the warmth of the winter sun, and it is one of my favourite words. It was very apt to use during the workshop as we discussed our findings in the warmth of the February sun amid the snow of the Polish winter in Lodz. It was certainly fitting to also use it for one of our amphipod discoveries.
We came together as research colleagues, but the spirit of collaboration and shared experience shone through, so it was important to recognise that in our work.”
Dr Tammy Horton
Pseudolepechinella apricity sp. nov. (Image credit: Horton et al.).
ENDS
About the National Oceanography Centre (NOC)
The UK’s National Oceanography Centre (NOC) is one of the world’s top ocean research institutions. NOC’s scientists work around the globe, uncovering links between the ocean, climate change and biodiversity loss, to help every living thing on our planet flourish.
NOC solves challenging multidisciplinary, large scale, long-term marine science problems to underpin international and UK public policy, business and societal outcomes.
NOC is a company limited by guarantee set up under the law of England and Wales (11444362) and registered as a charity (1185265).
NOC operates the Royal Research Ships James Cook and Discovery and develops technology for coastal and deep ocean research.
Working with its partners NOC provides long-term marine science capability including: sustained ocean observations, mapping and surveying; data management; modelling and scientific research and advice.
Among the resources that the NOC provides on behalf of the UK are the British Oceanographic Data Centre (BODC), the Marine Autonomous and Robotic Systems (MARS) facility, the National Marine Equipment Pool (NMEP), the National Tide and Sea Level Facility (NTSLF), the Permanent Service for Mean Sea Level (PSMSL) and British Ocean Sediment Core Research Facility (BOSCORF).
About the University of Lodz (UL), Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection and Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology
The University of Lodz is a vibrant academic community whose history began on 24 May 1945. Although we are one of the youngest universities in Poland, today we rank among the country’s largest public institutions of higher education.
More than 20,000 students learn across our 12 faculties, supported by an engaged academic community of teachers, researchers, and professional staff. Together, we create an environment shaped not only by knowledge, but by everyday collaboration and shared responsibility.
Scientific research at the Faculty of Biology and Environmental Protection (FB&EP) has been conducted since the establishment of the University of Lodz. The Faculty is one of the largest biological faculties in Poland that carries out research within the area of all disciplines of biological sciences at the European level. Research projects carried out at the FB&EP encompass basic, applied, as well as methodological studies.
The Department of Invertebrate Zoology and Hydrobiology is one of the oldest units established at the founding of the University of Lodz. As a dynamic and international group of researchers at various career stages, the Department conducts studies on biodiversity, taxonomy, and the ecology of diverse invertebrate groups (including marine fauna), using a wide range of methods—from traditional microscopy to advanced molecular analyses.
About Pensoft Publishers
Pensoft is an independent, open-access scholarly publisher and technology provider, best known for its 30+ biodiversity journals, including ZooKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, PhytoKeys, MycoKeys, One Ecosystem, and Metabarcoding and Metagenomics. Ever since becoming the first to introduce semantic enrichments and hyperlinks within a scientific article in the field of biodiversity in 2010, Pensoft has been working on various tools and workflows designed to facilitate data findability, accessibility, discoverability and interoperability.
