A population of a new species of Deladenus was recovered from the natural Golestan Forest Park in Golestan Province, northern Iran. This species is characterized by a body length of 450–733 µm, a short stylet measuring 6.0–7.5 µm, seven to eight lateral field incisures, a fusiform median bulb lacking a median chamber, an excretory pore located at the level of the hemizonid and near the terminus of the basal esophageal bulb, and the absence of a posterior uterine sac. The new species closely resembles D. gilanica and D. hyrcanus but can be distinguished from D. gilanica by its longer body length (450–773 vs. 314–422 µm), shorter stylet (6.0–7.5 vs. 7.5–8.0 µm), longer tail (34–58 vs. 27–32 µm), greater vulva–anus distance (20–37 vs. 15–26 µm), and more posteriorly positioned excretory pore (opposite the end of the dorsal esophageal gland). It differs from D. hyrcanus in body length (450–773 vs. 718–806 µm), stylet length (6.0–7.5 vs. 7.5–10.0 µm), excretory pore position (near the end of the basal bulb vs. anterior to the basal bulb), and tail length (34–58 vs. 58–72 µm). Additionally, sequences of the small and large subunit ribosomal DNA regions (SSU and LSU D2–D3) were obtained, and phylogenetic analyses were conducted. The proposed new species, Deladnus golestanicus, is supported by the morphological and morphometric distinctiveness of the resulting phylogenetic trees.

Integrative taxonomy offers a powerful approach to clarify species boundaries and enhance the utility of wild germplasm in breeding programs. The genus Citrus and its wild relatives harbor rich genetic diversity with the potential to enhance crop resilience under climatic stress. Yet, frequent hybridization, polyploidy, and overlapping morphological traits have created taxonomic ambiguities that constrain their systematic use. This study integrates molecular and morphological evidence to resolve classification challenges and identify lineages associated with stress tolerance traits. Morphological characterization employed key descriptors such as leaf morphology, fruit architecture, and reproductive traits, while molecular analyses utilized chloroplast and nuclear DNA markers together with genome-wide SNP data. Phylogenetic reconstructions provided improved resolution of taxonomic relationships, revealing distinct clades that correspond with adaptations to salinity, drought, and temperature extremes. Comparative analyses further highlighted taxonomic groups enriched for allelic variants associated with stress-responsive pathways. By resolving taxonomic uncertainties, this integrative framework strengthens the use of wild Citrus germplasm in breeding climate-resilient varieties, advancing sustainable fruit production and food security.

We describe a new species of the genus Rissoina d’Orbigny, 1841, from the southeastern Pacific, representing the second species of this genus recorded from the continental coast of Chile. The new species was collected from coarse sand near the port of Caldera, Región de Atacama, northern Chile. The new species is distinguished from other southeastern Pacific Rissoina species by the absence of axial ribs, a characteristic brownish-caramel coloration, and a distinctive spiral microsculpture composed of very fine, regularly spaced rows of shallow, elongated, ovate-rectangular depressions separated by irregular cords. The discovery of this previously undocumented micromollusk within a relatively restricted geographic area highlights the need for further taxonomic studies on small-sized mollusks in the region, which represent a significant component of the southeastern Pacific malacofauna.

The “campo rupestre” is a montane vegetation mosaic associated with rocky outcrops, with outstanding levels of endemism. Hexasepalum Bartl. ex DC. is nested in the Spermacoceae, the largest predominantly herbaceous tribe in the Rubiaceae. This genus, with 14 accepted species, is distributed mostly in the Americas. Brazil is home to eight species, occurring mainly in the Caatinga and Cerrado (including the “campo rupestre”) domains. The analysis of specimens collected in the “campo rupestre” of Bahia (NE Brazil) and Minas Gerais (SE Brazil) has revealed that these are new to science. Hexasepalum bacigalupoae Cabaña Fader & E.L.Cabral sp. nov. is mostly similar to Hexasepalum apiculatum (Willd.) Delprete & J.H.Kirkbr., but differs by its 3–5-fimbriate stipular sheath (vs. 7–9fimbriate in H. apiculatum) and mericarps with flat ventral faces (vs. with two depressions). Hexasepalum motaviananum Cabaña Fader, J.A.M.Carmo & R.M. Salas sp. nov. is similar to Hexasepalum zappiae E.L.Cabral & Cabaña Fader, but differs by its ovate leaves (vs. linear leaves in H. zappiae), 6–7(8)-lobed calyx (vs. 4–5-lobed calyx), and the ventral surface of the seed with a “Y”-shaped groove, delimited by an apical fold, without apical grooves (vs. the ventral side of the seed without a Y-shaped groove nor apical fold, with 3–5 apical grooves). These new species are described and illustrated. We comment on their distribution, habitat, and taxonomy. We also provide an updated key to the species of Hexasepalum. Hexasepalum bacigalupoae and H. motaviananum are preliminarily assessed as Endangered and Critically Endangered, respectively, underscoring the crucial importance of conserving the “campo rupestre.”

The study of bryozoans in South Africa is still in its early stages, but molecular techniques offer significant research potential. Bryozoans are crucial bioindicators of changing environments, and understanding their evolutionary history and taxonomic richness is essential. Bryozoans, like many invertebrates, serve as important bioindicators, reflecting the impact of changing environments. Globally, 45 Adeonella species are recognized, with 28 species (62%) considered endemic to South Africa. Recent studies indicate that the genera Adeonella and Laminopora require revision: Adeonella is polyphyletic, while Laminopora forms a paraphyletic clade with some Adeonella species. Both genera are predominantly found in South Africa. Due to cryptic speciation and morphological variability, validating adeonid species is needed for biodiversity research and for understanding the distribution and phylogenetic patterns. Thirty samples of South African adeonellid species collected within False Bay and Algoa were used for this study, where five species (A. pluscula, A. conspicua, A. Guttata and L. jellyae and an unnamed Adeonella sp.) were identified. Three of these species are considered endemic to South Africa. Four of the five species identified in this study were found in both False Bay and Algoa Bay, which are approximately 600 km apart. This widespread occurrence and the potential reasons for their dispersion may be attributed to the influence of the Agulhas Current, which could be responsible for pushing larvae downward along the southeast coast and facilitating their movement, as seen in other marine invertebrates like crustaceans and annelids. DNA extraction and PCR were conducted. Poor sequences were produced; however, troubleshooting is underway to ensure quality sequences.

Ascidians (Ascidiacea) are sessile marine invertebrates found in coastal and reef environments, occurring in both solitary and colonial forms. Despite their ecological relevance as filter feeders and bioindicators, their diversity in tropical reef environments from Southwest Atlantic remains poorly understood. This study presents a taxonomic survey of ascidians from the Parque Natural Municipal Marinho Recife de Fora (PNMRF), a marine reef protected area located on the southern coast of Bahia, recognized as the third largest center of marine biodiversity in Brazil. Sampling was conducted through free diving and manual collection on coralline substrates. Specimens were fixed in 4% formalin and preserved in 70% ethanol for subsequent morphological analysis, based on external, internal, and larval characteristics, with the support of specialized taxonomic literature for the Atlantic. A total of 21 species were identified, with a predominance of the genus Didemnum. Among the recorded taxa, highlights include new records for the Brazilian coast, including representatives of Diplosoma, the possible range expansion of non-native species such as Pyura gangelion and Styela canopus, and the distribution extension of native species such as Eudistoma recifensis and Polycarpa spongiabilis. These results underscore the still underexplored richness of ascidians in reef environments and provide essential data to support taxonomic studies, biological monitoring, and conservation strategies in PNMRF and other tropical coastal ecosystems.

Cnemotriccus fuscatus comprises a complex of seven subspecies that have not
undergone a thorough taxonomic revision. We aimed to evaluate the morphological
and vocal characters of two eastern South American subspecies—C. f. fuscatus
and C. f. bimaculatus—to assess their taxonomic status. Specimens from the
Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo were examined and color-coded,
while vocal recordings were obtained from the Macaulay Library and Xeno-canto
databases. Morphometric measurements—including wing chord, tail length,
tarsus length, and bill dimensions—were taken from 13 fuscatus and 23
bimaculatus specimens using a precision caliper. Additionally, 51 recordings of
the nominotypic taxon and 53 of bimaculatus were analyzed for loudsong duration,
note number, pace, maximum entropy, and frequency ranges using Raven Pro
1.6.5. Statistical analyses were conducted in R, employing a Multivariate Analysis
of Variance (MANOVA). Both populations display a predominantly brownish (10YR
3/4 for bimaculatus and 2.5Y 3/3 for fuscatus) plumage, but fuscatus exhibits a
yellowish-olive (5Y 8/6) belly, contrasting with the buff (5Y 8/3) or whitish (8/N)
underparts of bimaculatus. While no significant morphometric differences were
found (F1,1= 0.7; p = 0.547), bioacoustic divergence was highly significant (F1,7 =
26.1; p < 0.001). Three variables—duration and maximum frequency, and entropy—
were correlated. Among the remaining parameters, bimaculatus exhibited more
notes (t = 2.8; p = 0.005), faster pace (t = 10.7; p < 0.001), and broader bandwidth (t
= 3.3; p < 0.001) compared to fuscatus. On average, fuscatus produced 6.8 ± 4.2
notes per song at a pace of 3.8 ± 0.7, with a bandwidth of 975.3 ± 162.4 Hz,
whereas bimaculatus averaged 9.6 ± 6.0 notes, a pace of 5.9 ± 1.1, and a bandwidth of
1,149.5 ± 339.6 Hz. Despite overlap, the vocal differences, alongside
morphological analysis, strongly support elevating these taxa to full species.

Astragalus (Fabaceae) includes many closely related species that are often difficult to distinguish. Within the section Poterion, A. bruguieri and A. baba-alliar subsp. nudicarpus are morphologically similar, and the latter has sometimes been treated as a variety of the former. This study aimed to clarify their taxonomic boundaries using morpho-anatomical evidence and identify reliable diagnostic traits. Forty-five populations were sampled from natural habitats in western and southwestern Iran. Plant specimens were identified using comprehensive floras and herbarium references. For morphometric analyses, at least ten mature individuals per site were measured with three replicates per organ. Transverse sections of stems and leaflets were prepared, double-stained with methylene blue and carmine alum, and examined under a light microscope; the epidermis was further stained with fuchsin. Data were analyzed using NTSYS software, with PCoA and the Mantel test. A. bruguieri grows as short shrubs (mean 50 cm), whereas subsp. nudicarpus reaches nearly three times this height and bears smaller stipules (1–2 mm vs. 5–6 mm). In A. bruguieri, leaflets are glabrous and ovaries pubescent, while traits are reversed in the subspecies. Their distribution patterns also differ: A. bruguieri occurs across several Middle Eastern countries at lower elevations on calcareous soils, whereas subsp. nudicarpus is restricted to Iran and prefers higher elevations with light soils, indicating distinct though overlapping phytogeographical regions. Anatomically, vascular bundles in stems are smaller in A. bruguieri (50–60 µm vs. up to 80 µm), and its leaflets have more lateral veins (4–5 vs. 2). In subsp. nudicarpus, epidermal cell number and stomatal density reach up to 250 cells and 20 stomata per mm², both considerably lower in A. bruguieri. This study highlights the importance of morpho-anatomical traits in distinguishing closely related Astragalus taxa. However, the taxonomic position of subsp. nudicarpus requires further investigation, including molecular phylogenetic analyses.

Embernagra platensis is a widely distributed South American thraupid comprising four allopatric taxa traditionally treated as subspecies, with documented morphological and vocal variation. Taxonomic boundaries within the group remain uncertain, and anecdotal reports of vocal differences among populations lack quantitative investigation. This study aimed to evaluate the diagnostic potential of acoustic traits for distinguishing E. platensis populations, with particular focus on the nominate subspecies E. p. platensis, whose range spans Uruguay, central Argentina, eastern Paraguay, and southeastern Brazil, with a conspicuous distribution gap in the central São Paulo state. We analyzed 97 recordings sourced from Xeno-Canto and the Macaulay Library, processed in Raven Pro 1.6.5. We measured morphological traits of all 17 specimens at Museu de Zoologia da Universidade de São Paulo with a caliper (0.01 mm), including wing, tail, and tarsus length, as well as bill measurements (length, width, and height). Additionally, we conducted colorimetric plumage analyses. Multivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) was employed to test for differentiation in continuous variables among populations, supplemented by Student’s t-tests for comparisons within populations. Statistical analyses were conducted in R. The disjunct population in northeastern São Paulo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, and Espírito Santo states—omitted from current species distribution maps—was investigated for geographic variations. Among the seven variables examined (song duration, maximum, minimum and peak frequencies, 50% and 90% bandwidths, and maximum entropy), no significant differences were detected (F_1,2=0.8; p=0.568). All specimens exhibit uniform coloration across their body: the upperparts, nape, and tail are characterized by olive 2.5Y 4/4, while the underparts display pale olive 2.5Y 6/3, with no discernible differences between populations. Morphometric analyses revealed marginal differences between populations (F=5.4; p=0.011), except for tarsus length (p=0.006), which was larger for the northern population, though with overlapping values. All evidence suggests no morphological or vocal divergence between Brazilian populations.

The Fabaceae is one of the most diverse and ecologically important angiosperm families, widely used in human activities and strongly represented in the Brazilian Cerrado. The Cerrado, the world’s most diverse savanna, is severely threatened by anthropogenic pressures. Despite its high richness, large portions of its flora remain poorly studied. This study focuses on the floristic survey of Fabaceae in the Morro do Macaco EPA, located in Iporá, Goiás (Brazil), aiming to provide baseline taxonomic data to support ecological, molecular, and conservation research. Fieldwork was conducted through periodic collections following traditional methods. Fertile specimens were collected, prepared as herbarium vouchers, and identified using specialized literature, virtual herbaria, and consultation with experts. So far, 35 species belonging to 21 genera and three subfamilies (Cercidoideae, Caesalpinioideae, and Papilionoideae) have been recorded. Caesalpinioideae (including mimosoid clade) was the most diverse, with 18 species, followed by Papilionoideae with 16 species, and Cercidoideae with 2 species (Bauhinia brevipes and Bauhinia ungulata). The most species-rich genus was Chamaecrista (five spp.), followed by Centrosema and Mimosa (four spp. each). Inga and Senegalia were represented by three species each. These results highlight the high taxonomic diversity of legumes within this relatively small conservation unit of the Cerrado and a relatively short survey. Our findings reinforce the importance of regional floristic inventories as essential tools for conservation planning, since they provide critical information for biodiversity assessments. The Morro do Macaco EPA harbors a significant richness of Fabaceae, supporting its role as a priority area for the preservation of Cerrado flora, despite historical anthropogenic impacts and limited local conservation support. Future efforts will expand this baseline by assessing endemism and conservation status and producing a photographic guide.