Table of Contents
by the Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines
Resolution
Date Posted: January 19, 2026
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, THAT: The Association of Systematic Biologists of the Philippines (ASBP) affirms the essential role of systematic biology and taxonomy in global biodiversity sustainability.
by Joemarie Y. Baynosa, Fulgent P. Coritico, Florfe M. Acma, Noe P. Mendez, and Hannah P. Lumista
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: December 20, 2025
Abstract
The study identified, described the diagnostic characters, determined the habitat preferences, and constructed a taxonomic key of macrofungi found in Mt. Pantaron Range, Namnam, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Repeated transect walks were done in the established trails at Mt. Pantaron Range. Sampling of macrofungi was done by employing a belt transect with 5 meters on each side of the trail in three selected sites as well as opportunistic sampling in nearby areas on December 2022. A total of 30 macrofungi species belonging to 7 orders, 15 families, and 20 genera were collected in the Mt. Pantaron Range, Natampod, San Fernando, Bukidnon. Of these, 14 species were identified up to species level, while 16 species were identified to the genus level. Polyporaceae dominated in the three sites with 11 species. Among the three sites, site 2 located in the montane forest and higher elevation had the most number of species of macrofungi. This is likely due to many decaying logs as substrate and the high humidity and moisture that support the rapid growth of macrofungi. Further, it was observed that the highest number of genera was observed in Site III (ultramafic forest). In this study, there were five types of habitats of macrofungi observed, viz., sandy soil, decaying logs, dead logs, soil, and fallen twigs. These species were widely distributed in dead logs (41%), followed by decaying logs (15%), fallen twigs (29%), sandy soil (9%), and least in soil (6%). The macrofungi species present in Mt. Oantaron Range contribute significantly to the decomposition of forest litter.
KEYWORDS: Ascomycetes, Basidiomycetes, classification, dichotomous key, Mindanao, morphology, species richness
by David Emmanuel M. General and Sabine Schoppe
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: December 20, 2025
Abstract
A new species of the ant genus Tapinoma Foerster, 1850, with a peaked propodeal dorsum, namely T. paxi sp. nov., is described from a remnant forest patch on Palawan Island, Philippines, and placed in the lugubre species-group. In addition, T. acuminatum Forel, 1907, known from Kenya, Tanzania, and Rwanda, was determined to belong to the lugubre species-group, which now includes six members. A global key to species-group members is presented. Finally, the conservation value of remnant forest patches is discussed.
KEYWORDS: global key, insect conservation, new species, Palawan, remnant forest, Tapinoma paxi sp. nov.
by Richard V. Dumilag and Albaris B. Tahiluddin
Abstract (Short Communication)
Date Posted: December 20, 2025
Abstract
Eucheumatoid seaweed cultivars are valued for producing various types of carrageenan. The importance of each carrageenan type is specific to its cultivar and varies depending on the needs and applications within the industry. Mixing cultivars, therefore, leads to inconsistent properties, resulting in lower-quality products and causing problems during processing and application. Here, we report the case of a eucheumatoid cultivar locally referred to as ‘China-China’. This cultivar is believed to be grown restrictedly around the major seaweed farming areas of Tawi-Tawi in the southern Philippines. While the ‘China-China’ cultivar warrants a lower price due to its production of iota-carrageenan, it has higher yield compared to other more
expensive cultivars that produce kappa-carrageenan. In part, due to its high yield and economic concern, product adulteration using the cultivar ‘China-China’ became widespread in some areas in Tawi-Tawi (i.e., Sibutu, Sitangkai, Tandubas). However, regulatory bodies from buyers have seized the product for misrepresentation, which leads to some farmers abandoning growing this cultivar. On the basis of morpho-anatomical examination, we have identified the cultivar ‘China-China’ as Eucheuma muricatum (S.G.Gmelin) Weber Bosse var. elongata Weber Bosse. Characteristics unique to this taxon include the presence of spines in the basal region and smooth apical branches. This name has yet to be validated, hence, the correct combination is reported here as Eucheuma denticulatum var. elongatum (Weber Bosse) Dumilag and Tahiluddin comb. nov. Our study re-emphasizes the role of taxonomy in the seaweed industry because the trade and use of quality products may not
be guaranteed without proper taxonomic identification.
KEYWORDS: eucheumatoid cultivar, morphology, product adulteration, seaweed farming, Tawi-Tawi
by Dale Anthony L. To, Geoffrey Miguel L. Gomez, Richard Thomas B. Pavia, Jr., Anindo Choudhury, and Jonathan Carlo A. Briones
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: January 15, 2026
Abstract
The spread of both invasive and endemic parasites in the Philippines particularly through the co-introduction of invasive alien fish species (IAFS) poses potential threats to local fauna. However, the limited research and data on fish parasites in the country make it difficult to accurately assess the extent and seriousness of these threats. This study documents the presence of several IAFS within the Marikina River system and explores their endoparasitic diversity. From the 187 IAFS collected, only seven IAFS individuals are found to be infected. Four species were identified from 177 isolated individual parasites. These were cestode Bovienia serialis (Bovien, 1926), trematode Masenia bangweulensis (Beverley-Burton, 1962), and nematodes Camallanus sonaiensis Lebanan and Mohilal, 2021, and a Contracaecum Railliet and Henry, 1912 species. Clarias gariepinus (Linnaeus, 1758) represents a new host record for B. serialis. This study contributes to future research and management of the Marikina River with environmental, socioeconomic, and public health implications.
KEYWORDS: Camallanus sonaiensis, Clarias batrachus, Clarias gariepinus, Masenia bangweulensis, parasite diversity
by Kent Elson S. Sorgon, Marjorie Juliana L. Martinez, Andrei Justin F. So, Mariko Franccesca R. Aboganda, Jazreen Nicole G. Parungo, Aeris Johanne G. Poricallan, Keona Tiffany B. Prieto, Mellissa Jewel S. Magday, Alexa Charlize D.C. Geronimo, Ma. Vianca Julia E. Anupol, and Derreck O. De Leon
Corrigendum
Date Posted: January 15, 2026
The corrigendum pertains to the correction of the locality data of the specimen we used to confirm the presence of B. schwanefeldii (Bleeker, 1854) in Laguna de Bay. In the original version of the article, the specimen was collected from “Brgy. Patunhay, Cardona, Rizal”. We have been informed by Helena Indigne (ADMU) that the area from which the specimen was collected was under the jurisdiction of Brgy. Calahan and not Brgy. Patunhay.
by Samuel C. Brillo, Gil Gabriel Villancio, and Eleanor S. Austria
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: March 20, 2026
This study documents the distribution and some aspects of the ecology of Nepenthes mindanaoensis Sh. Kurata and Nepenthes samar Jebb & Cheek (Nepenthaceae) in Loreto, Dinagat Islands, Philippines, based on recent fieldwork. Notes on habitat and ecology were provided, along with an updated distribution map. Additionally, the presence of Hoya myrmecopa Kleijn & Donkelaar (Apocynaceae) among the Nepenthes populations is reported. However, ongoing mining activities in the area pose significant threats to these species, emphasizing the urgent need for effective conservation measures.
KEYWORDS: carnivorous plants, distribution record, Hoya, mining, pitcher plants
by Erwin Jones A. Tucong, Jhonamie Mabuhay-Omar, Wilfredo H. Uy, Emilie G. Tubio, Nonillon M. Aspe, and Venus E. Leopardas
Abstract (Short Communication)
Date Posted: April 6, 2026
This study explores the diversity and phylogenetic relationships of endophytic fungi in three seagrass species – Cymodocea
rotundata, Enhalus acoroides, and Thalassia hemprichii – from Capayas Island Marine Sanctuary, Lopez Jaena, Misamis Occidental, an unexplored region in southern Philippines. A total of 20 fungal isolates representing nine species across eight genera were identified from 75 seagrass explants using ITS rDNA-based phylogenetic analysis, revealing dominant clades within Sordariomycetes, Eurotiomycetes, and Dothideomycetes. The results suggest possible host-associated patterns among fungal endophytes and regional variation in fungal community composition, with C. rotundata yielding more isolates despite its smaller leaf size. These findings highlight the ecological complexity and potential biogeographic influences on seagrass fungal
associations, contributing to the limited but growing body of marine fungal research in the country.
KEYWORDS: endophytic fungi, ITS, molecular identification, tropical seagrass
by Cherie Cano-Mangaoang, Aaron Froilan M. Raganas, Bryan Lloyd P. Bretaňa, and Victor B. Amoroso
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: May 18, 2026
Tree species serve as phorophytes for many epiphytic pteridophytes as they support their existence and survival. This study was conducted to investigate the host tree preferences of epiphytic pteridophytes in the montane forest formation of Mt. Apo Natural Park (MANP), Cotabato Province, Philippines. Sixteen 20 m x 20 m plots were established in each of the two sites, namely the Energy Development Corporation – Long Term Ecological Research area (EDC-LTER) and the Makalangit Trail. Within the sampling plots, all potential phorophytes were sampled and categorized for the presence of epiphytic ferns. Leaf and bark structural characteristics and bark chemical constituents were analyzed in determining the phorophyte preference of epiphytic pteridophytes. A total of 1,474 individual phorophytes were documented belonging to 46 species, predominantly tree ferns (Cyatheaceae) which serve as substrate for 79 species of pteridophytes. In terms of leaf characteristics, 547 individual phorophytes in Makalangit and 225 in EDC-LTER, were characterized as nanophyllous. Most phorophytes had barks characterized as hard, rough, and not scaly. The result of regression analysis showed that the bark thickness of the tree substrates was determined to be the best predictor of the number of phorophytes (p≤0.001), abundance (p≤0.001), species richness (p≤0.004), and diversity p≤0.018). Moreover, the number of phorophytes is also significantly influenced by light intensity (p≤0.037) and DBH (p≤0.041). Additionally, the analysis of bark chemistry and its relation to
epiphytic pteridophyte abundance at the EDC-LTER site unveiled significant correlations with %Mg (r = 0.674; p-value = 0.016) and total K (r = 0.715; p-value = 0.009) content of the bark.
KEYWORDS: phorophyte, bark morphology, tree architecture, montane forest
by Garry A. Benico, Deo Florence Onda, Mitsunori Iwataki, and Rhodora V. Azanza
Abstract (Primary Research Paper)
Date Posted: May 19, 2026
Species belonging to the toxic dinoflagellate Alexandrium tamarense complex can cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning, have a global distribution, but their occurrence in the tropics has never been established. In this study, the morphology, phylogeny, and toxicity of A. pacificum (Group IV) were examined using cultures established from two different geographic locations in the Philippines. Our analyses were based on light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and molecular phylogeny inferred from LSU and SSU rDNA. Cellular and
thecal plate morphology of the Philippine strains showed characters typical of the species complex such as an isodiametric cell shape, chain formation (maximum of two cells), absence of ventral pore, isodiametric posterior sulcal plate, although these characters were not enough to assign a species designation. Phylogenetic analyses however revealed the well-supported
placement of the Philippine strains in the A. pacificum (Group VI) and thus confirm their species identification. Paralytic shellfish toxins (PSTs) were detected in our two tested cultures, with N-sulfocarbamoyl C1/C2 as the most abundant toxin component and toxicity level ranging from 32.70–38.18 fmol of STX eq cell-1. The present study confirmed the occurrence of A. pacificum (Group IV) in the tropics.
KEYWORDS: Alexandrium, dinoflagellate, harmful algal blooms, paralytic shellfish poisoning, thecal plates
by Lawrence M. Liao
Abstract (Book Review)
Date Posted: May 19, 2026
Sawai, E. 2017. マンボウのひみつ [Mambou no himitsu, The mysteries of ocean sunfish]. Iwanami Shoten Publishers, Tokyo. 187 pages. ISBN 978-4-00-500859-9. Paperback, 17 x 10.5 cm.
Also translated into Korean as: Sawai, E. 2018. 개복치 비밀 [Gaebogchi bimil, The secrets of the sunfish], translated into Korean by Min-jung Cho. Lee Kim Book Publishing, Seoul. 189 pages. ISBN 979-11-89680-01-5. Paperback, 17.5 x 11.5 cm.
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