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Taxonomy of Cinnamomum Schaeff. of Lauraceae remains problematic because recent phylogenetic studies have suggested that this genus is not monophyletic. In this study, we assembled three sequence matrices including plastomes (datamatrix I), nrITS sequences alone (datamatrix II), and nrITS plus plastid psbA‐trnH sequences (datamatrix III) of the Cinnamomum‐Ocotea complex of Lauraceae and conducted a new phylogenetic study with thusfar the most extensive species sampling of the Cinnamomum‐Ocotea group. We determined that the Old World Cinnamomum is diphyletic: sect. Camphora Meisn. is sister to Sassafras J.Presl and sect. Cinnamomum is sister to the African Kuloa Trofimov & Rohwer. A recent study indicated that characters of leaf micromorphological anatomy can define the two clades: one possessing reticulate periclinal and the other having non‐reticulate periclinal walls. As result, we divided the genus Cinnamomum of Lauraceae into two genera, i.e., Cinnamomum and Camphora Fabr. The generic name Cinnamomum is retained for those species mainly having reticulate periclinal epidermal cell walls, inconspicuous non‐perulate terminal buds and usually tripliveined leaves; the oldest generic name, Camphora, is applied to the second group which contains those species mainly possessing non‐reticulate periclinal epidermal cell walls, prominent perulate terminal buds and pinnately‐veined leaves. A census of the species and their type specimens listed under Cinnamomum in Asia resulted in the transfer of 18 species to Camphora, including 15 new combinations. Cinnamomum is diphyletic according to a new phylogeny using nrITS and psbA‐trnH sequences. As a result, we classify the genus Cinnamomum into two genera, i.e., Camphora and Cinnamomum.

Monitoring large marine mammals is challenging due to their low abundances in general, an ability to move over large distances and wide geographical range sizes. The distribution of the pygmy (Kogia breviceps) and dwarf (Kogia sima) sperm whales is informed by relatively rare sightings, which does not permit accurate estimates of their distribution ranges. Hence, their conservation status has long remained Data Deficient (DD) in the Red list of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), which prevent appropriate conservation measures. Environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding uses DNA traces left by organisms in their environments to detect the presence of targeted taxon, and is here proved to be useful to increase our knowledge on the distribution of rare but emblematic megafauna. Retrieving eDNA from filtered surface water provides the first detection of the Dwarf sperm whale (Kogia sima) around the remote Malpelo island (Colombia). Environmental DNA collected during oceanic missions can generate better knowledge on rare but emblematic animals even in regions that are generally well sampled for other taxa.

Here we describe unusual morphological traits identified on colonies of the deep-water sea pens , and sp. from the Northwest Atlantic, namely the presence of hypertrophied polyps, split polyp leaves, and autozooids budding on the surface of polyp leaves (as opposed to the edges). These observations are not in line with the species diagnoses, but there is no evidence to justify the colonies' identifications as different or new taxa. We also provide DNA sequence data for mitochondrial and nuclear markers and suggest a geographic range extension for into the NW Atlantic. Although we do not know the origin of these peculiarities, we hypothesize that given the rarity of this finding, predation could have resulted in the observed split polyp leaves in and influence the development of hypertrophied polyps. Given that these sea pen taxa are some of the few taxa to display more than three types of polyps (i.e., polymorphism), we also discuss the hypothesis that hypertrophied polyps might differ from autozooids and represent an undescribed type of polyp. Nevertheless, future hypothesis-driving studies are necessary to factually explain these observations.

I give an account of the first known example of an ant (i.e., an undescribed Dorymyrmex) that licks and nips the much larger workers of a different ant species (Pogonomyrmex barbatus) in a manner remarkably parallel to the actions of cleaner fish that clean other species of fish. Specifically, the potentially aggressive individuals being tended encourage these attentions by stationing themselves in a distinctive, rigid posture at particular locations (in the case of the ant, near the nest of the cleaner species) and even permit a cleaner to inspect between their open mandibles. The payoffs of this activity for both the cleaners and the tended workers have yet to be worked out. I give an account of an undescribed ant species from Arizona that licks and nips the much larger workers of a different ant species in manner remarkably parallel to the actions of cleaner fish that clean other kinds of fish. Specifically, the potentially aggressive individuals being tended encourage these attentions by stationing themselves in a distinctive, rigid posture at particular locations (in the case of the ant, near the nest of the cleaner species) and will even permit a cleaner to inspect between their open mandibles.

Social insects represent a major component of tropical forest biomass, yet the ecological fate of their necromass remains poorly understood. Stingless bees (Apidae: Meliponini), particularly species in the genus , frequently engage in aggressive, sometimes lethal conflicts while competing for nutrient-rich resources such as carrion. Here we report a previously undescribed trophic interaction in which rove beetles of the species (Staphylinidae) prey exclusively on wounded or recently killed workers. Field observations and cafeteria choice experiments showed that beetles consistently preyed on injured spp. bees, ignoring carrion and alternative invertebrates, including flies, grasshoppers, and other stingless bee genera. This behavior was observed at different sites in Peru and Costa Rica, suggesting this interaction is geographically widespread. Our observations indicate a previously undescribed, highly specialized trophic interaction linking social insect warfare to predator specialization, emphasizing the ecological significance of social insect necromass in structuring tropical forest food webs.

Willd. is the largest genus in tribe Elsholtzieae (Lamiaceae) and has notable medicinal and economic value in East Asia. During a field survey in Sichuan Province, China, we discovered a morphologically distinct population of resembling but differing in leaf size, indumentum, inflorescence type, and bract shape. To determine its taxonomic status, we conducted phylogenomic analyses using 1115 single-copy nuclear genes and 240 plastid loci from 45 accessions, representing major lineages of . Both nuclear coalescent and concatenation-based trees consistently placed the new species in Clade I ( ) with strong support, while plastid data revealed a close relationship with several members, suggesting possible hybridization or incomplete lineage sorting. Morphometric analyses of 12 vegetative and floral traits clearly separated the new species from . Based on morphological and phylogenomic evidence, we describe it as Y. Wang, L. J. Liu & Q. Wang, sp. nov. It is characterized by its secund spikes, broadly lanceolate bracts, strigose leaves with 5-7 lateral veins, and remotely obtuse-serrate margins. The species is currently known only from the type locality in Yajiang County, Sichuan, and is provisionally assessed as Data Deficient (DD) based on its narrow distribution and ongoing threats. This discovery highlights that the species diversity of in the Hengduan Mountains remains underestimated.

Dwarf minke whales occur throughout the Southern Hemisphere but the only predictable winter aggregation area is in the northern Great Barrier Reef (GBR). Interannual site fidelity has been recorded frequently there for > 20 years in males and breeding females; mothers with calves are seen occasionally, but a calf has never been recorded as returning after its birth year. Every photographed calf between 2003 and 2023 was compared with a catalogue of known GBR individuals and MW0088 'Rudi,' first seen as a calf in 2006, was found to have been resighted intermittently to 2017-when presumably a mature 11-year-old. This is the first direct evidence for natal wintering ground fidelity in GBR dwarf minke whales and provides one of the longest sighting histories in the GBR and globally. Detailed analysis of MW0088's colour patterns showed almost no variation over the 12-year period, confirming their value for individual photo-identification over extended periods. The likely repeated long-distance migrations of MW0088 to the same GBR location support the designation of this aggregation area as biologically important for this population of a still undescribed minke whale subspecies.

Little is known about the natural history of many Caenorhabditis nematodes, despite their relationship to the model species C. elegans. While these nematodes rely on invertebrate vectors to disperse to new habitats (phoresy), vector use for most species has not been characterized. We surveyed the invertebrate community of a habitat containing three sympatric Caenorhabditis in southwestern Germany, determining differential and specific vector use for each of these co‐occurring species. We documented a specific association between C. apta sp. n. and two species of invasive nitidulid beetles, and a particularly strong association of the nematode with the beetle Stelidota geminata, where we recovered more nematodes per individual beetle and a higher proportion of beetles carrying nematodes compared to the co‐occurring Epuraea ocularis. Our results provide evidence for group dispersal using beetles in C. apta, supporting previous observations of collective dispersal behavior in this species, and establish a starting point for further dissecting the evolutionary and mechanistic causes and consequences of interactions between Caenorhabditis nematodes and their vector species in ecologically relevant conditions. We show evidence for differential host use among the three sympatric Caenorhabditis, and a novel association with nitidulid beetles for C. apta sp. n. This information adds to our understanding of host invertebrate use across the Caenorhabditis phylogeny, highlighting potential evolutionary transitions in host use in need of further study. Our work demonstrates a novel association between C. apta and invasive nitidulid beetles in Europe, raising questions about the ecological and evolutionary history of this association.

Symbioses between remoras (Family Echeneidae) and marine megafauna are well‐documented across diverse lineages. However, despite recent advancements in understanding the intricacies of these interactions, the dynamics of these relationships remain poorly understood, largely due to the highly mobile nature of both host and symbiont. Here we report seven observations of Echeneidae cloacal diving behavior in manta rays. These observations span all three currently described species of manta rays (Mobula yarae, Mobula birostris, and Mobula alfredi), demonstrate that large Echeneidae can perform cloacal diving behavior in both juvenile and adult manta rays, and show that this behavior occurs across multiple ocean basins. We also document one observation of Echeneidae attachment beneath a host's gill slit and several occurrences of gill injuries consistent with Echeneidae intrusion. These observations contribute to the growing database of Echeneidae‐host behavioral interactions and provide an important foundation for understanding the extent, diversity, and dynamics underlying these highly debated, cryptic megafauna‐symbiont interactions in marine environments. By providing new evidence of the complexity of symbiotic relationships in marine environments, this study also offers a multi‐species natural history context that may inform future research and conservation considerations. Here we document seven observations of Echeneidae cloacal diving behavior in manta rays and one observation of gill attachment behavior. These observations span all three currently described species of manta rays (Mobula yarae, Mobula birostris, and Mobula alfredi), demonstrate the ability of large Echeneidae to perform cloacal diving behavior in both juvenile and adult manta rays, showcase the behavior across several ocean basins, and provide an important foundation for understanding the extent, breadth, and dynamics underlying highly debated, cryptic, megafauna‐symbiont interactions in marine environments.

A new fern species, Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae), was discovered during field surveys in Ziluo Mountain, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. This study provides a detailed morphological description and illustrations of the new species. Morphologically, this species resembles Leptochilus pedunculatus and L. ovatus in plant height, petiole morphology, and soral morphology, but differs from them in its coriaceous laminae and lanceolate fertile fronds. To confirm its taxonomic status, phylogenetic analyses based on three plastid genome regions (rbcL, trnL‐F, and rps4+rps4‐trnS) indicated that the new species forms a distinct and well‐supported monophyletic clade and is sister to L. dolichophyllus. Furthermore, the complete plastid genome of this new species is reported for the first time. Preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN guidelines, this new species enriches the diversity of Leptochilus. We describe Leptochilus yangjiangensis, a new fern species from Guangdong, China, which was previously misidentified as L. pedunculatus; it differs from morphologically similar congeners by coriaceous laminae and lanceolate fertile fronds. Phylogenetic analyses (using three plastid regions) place it as sister to L. dolichophyllus (forming a well‐supported clade), and we report its complete plastid genome for the first time. This discovery corrects a long‐standing taxonomic error, expands Leptochilus diversity, and provides preliminary insights into the genus's species delimitation and distribution patterns in southern China.