[Herpetology • 2026] Dasypeltis albigularis • A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Colubridae: Colubrinae: Boigini)

Dasypeltis albigularis Tiutenko, Heller & Bates, 2026

[A] Dasypeltis atra Sternfeld, 1912 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 

Abstract

Based on morphology, biogeography, biology, and the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, a new species of Dasypeltis is described from Harenna Forest in the southern Somalian plateau in Ethiopia. It is a medium-sized member of the genus (females up to 92 cm total length, males up to 58 cm), usually uniformly black dorsally but occasionally light brown with a dense and somewhat irregular pattern of narrow brown saddles and vertically elongate lateral markings, sometimes forming bands across the back, and small white spots and streaks, or reddish-brown with indistinct darker dorsal and lateral markings. Interstitial skin is light grey, appearing bluish in adults. Infralabials, chin shields, gulars, and 20–62 anterior ventral plates (medially) are mostly white, the other plates being ash-grey or black in colour. Scales in the first row of dorsals on either side of the body are smooth or almost smooth; those of the second row are weakly keeled; other dorsal scales are moderately keeled with two apical pits each. Pairwise genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener, D. atra, is similar to or greater than the distances between some long-recognised species in the genus. The new species is also geographically and ecologically isolated from closely related congeners.

Key Words: Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov., Dasypeltis atra, Dasypeltis fasciata, Dasypeltis gansi, egg-eater, Harenna Forest, Horn of Africa, Serpentes, Somalia, taxonomy

A. Dasypeltis atra from Chuka, Kenya (ZSM 328/2023);
B. Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia (ZSM 94/2019).

A patterned specimen (HFE2025-023) of Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia.

Male Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. (HFE2025-002) from Manyate village, Harenna Forest, Ethiopia. Note the bluish interstitial skin.

Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Dasypeltis (females approximately 90 cm in total length, males less than 60 cm). Dorsally usually uniformly dark-grey or blackish, seldom reddish-brown with faint dark streaks; or light yellow-brown with a dense and irregular pattern of small brown saddles and narrow brown bars on the flanks, and numerous small white markings. Interstitial skin light grey, sometimes bluish, especially in adults. Anterior infralabials, gulars, chin shields and 20–62 anterior ventral plates mostly white, other ventrals gradually transition to ash-grey. Dorsal scales arranged around midbody in 20–23 rows. Scales of the first row of dorsals on either side of the body very weakly keeld or smooth and much larger than other dorsal scales. Scales of the second row on either side of body weakly keeled. Other dorsal scales each with a moderate median keel and a pair of apical pits distally. Head with fine white spots and speckles. Supralabials 7, 3rd and 4th bordering orbit. Postocular single. Frontal shield pitted in only one row around edges. Inter-prefrontal sulcus moderately marked, not deep. Prefrontal scales longer and larger overall than internasals. Rostral shield visible from above head.

Etymology. The specific Latin epithet ‘albigularis’ means ‘white-throated’ and refers to the pale ventral colouration on the lower parts of the head and anterior parts of the body of the new species.

Arthur Tiutenko, Tim L. Heller and Michael F. Bates. 2026. A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Squamata, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Boigini). Herpetozoa. 39: 343-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 [27 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China

  

Didiclis pseudobisulcata  X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang,

in Gong, Hu, Pollawatn, Chantanaorrapint, Wang, Zhang et Zhou. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

Abstract

Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Lycopodioidoideae, Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from northern Thailand and southwest China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to D. bisulcata but can be reliably distinguished by its dorsal leaves on branches with an arista often more than 3/4 of the leaf length, the densely ciliolate base of the dorsal sporophyll pteryx, and megaspores with subreticulate exospore ornamentation. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and rbcL sequences supports this species as an independent clade. The ITS sequences revealed more than 42 nucleotide differences between the new species and other members of the Bisulcata group, providing clear molecular evidence for its separation from its closest relatives.

Key words: Asia, Lycopodioidoideae, megaspore and microspore, phylogeny

Field photographs of Didiclis pseudobisulcata.
 A, B. Plant in its natural habitat; C. Dorsal view of stems and branches with strobili; D. Ventral view of stems and branches with strobili; E. Dorsal view of strobilus; F. Ventral view of strobilus; G. Dorsal view of a portion of the main stem, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; H. Dorsal view of a portion of a branch, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; I. Ventral view of a portion of the main stem, showing axillary and ventral leaves; J. Ventral view of a portion of a branch, showing axillary and ventral leaves.

(from voucher: Liang Zhang, Xin-Mao Zhou, Lu-Yao Jiang, & Xu-Ke Han 5734).

Didiclis pseudobisulcata X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang, sp. nov.

 Sheng-Rong Gong, Yu-Ping Hu, Rossarin Pollawatn, Sahut Chantanaorrapint, Wen Wang, Liang Zhang and Xin-Mao Zhou. 2026. Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae), A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China. PhytoKeys. 278: 233-246. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

[Fungi • 2026] Clonostachys kasetsartana (Hypocreales) • A Novel epiphytic Fungus isolated from the mangrove leaves in Thailand

Clonostachys kasetsartana   

in Sahathippayakul​, Supapongsri​, Kuncharoen​, Suwannarach et Lueangjaroenkit, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.007273

Abstract

Two fungal isolates, DMKU-RG2M15ᵀ and DMKU-RG2P11, were isolated from the phylloplane of healthy leaves of the mangrove tree Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob., collected in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. Their taxonomic placement was investigated using a polyphasic approach based on morphological, physiological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Colonies produced primary conidiophores with verticillate branching, bearing hyaline, smooth-walled, oval to ellipsoidal conidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined dataset of the internal transcribed spacer region, the large subunit rRNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-α, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit resolved the two isolates as a distinct and well-supported monophyletic lineage within the genus Clonostachys. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the two isolates are closely related to Clonostachys mangrovei, Clonostachys viticola and Clonostachys reniformis. Morphological and physiological comparisons further distinguished the isolates from their closest relatives. The congruence between phylogenetic and phenotypic data supports the recognition of the two isolates as representing a distinct species. Accordingly, both strains are proposed as a novel species of Clonostachys, for which the name Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov. is introduced.

 Keywords: fungal taxonomy, leaf habitat, mangrove forest, multilocus phylogeny and novel fungus

Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov.

 

Ananya Sahathippayakul​, Vassana Supapongsri​, Nattakorn Kuncharoen​, Nakarin Suwannarach and Piyangkun Lueangjaroenkit. 2026. Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov., A Novel epiphytic Fungus isolated from the mangrove leaves in Thailand. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 76(8); DOI: doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.007273 [19 August 2026]

รายงานการค้นพบเชื้อรา Clonostachys สปีชีส์ใหม่ของโลก คือ Clonostachys kasetsartana ซึ่งแยกได้จากบนผิวใบของต้นโปรงแดง (Ceriops tagal) ในสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ป่าชายเลนนานาชาติ รัชกาลที่ 9 จังหวัดจันทบุรี

 facebook.com/oryzanol.khoe/posts/10164300296533497

[Botany • 2022] Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu,  

in Harishma, Mohan et Nampy, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/359299628

Abstract  

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Monocots, Data Deficient, Eriocaulon quinquangulare, Eriocaulon truncatum, Idukki district, Koymanchola

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu sp. nov.

Kuttukaran Haridasan HARISHMA, Vishnu MOHAN and Santhosh NAMPY. 2022. Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India.  Phytotaxa. 539(3); 273-279. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6

 Researchgate.net/publication/359299628_Eriocaulon_pandeyana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2026] Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang,  

in Zhang, Fang, Y.-F. Hu, Y. Hu, Gu, Wu et Shao, 2026. 

Primula (China.  . 278: 247-258.

平武报春  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611

Abstract

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov., a new species of Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China, is described. It resembles P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled inflorescences but differs by its multi-branched stems, more densely short-pubescent surfaces, thicker chartaceous leaves, narrower leaf blades, and indistinct translucent nectar guides. A taxonomic key covering all nine known species of Primula sect. Auganthus is compiled herein to support field morphological discrimination. A chloroplast genome-based phylogeny shows that P. pingwuensis is sister to P. rongrong, and this clade is sister to P. fujiangensis. Incongruence between morphology and molecular phylogeny is observed within the section. Leaf-lobing patterns have undergone multiple independent evolutionary transitions during adaptive radiation in karst habitats, indicating that a few morphological traits cannot be used to reliably infer interspecific relationships. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria, owing to the lack of long-term observations of its threat status and population dynamics. This study provides new data for the taxonomy and evolution of Primula sect. Auganthus.

Key words: Phylogeny, Primula, sect. Auganthus, Sichuan, taxonomy

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov.
A, B. Habitat; C. Flowering plant in the wild;
Da. Flowering plant; Db. Root; Dc. Adaxial surface; Dd. Abaxial surface; De. Front view of pin flower; Df. Front view of thrum flower; Dg. Longitudinal section of thrum flower; Dh. Longitudinal section of pin flower; Di. Bract; Dj. Young fruits; Dk. Young fruit, showing ovary.

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Primula pingwuensis is morphologically similar to P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled scapes but differs by its multi-branched stems, densely pubescent indumentum, thickly chartaceous leaves (vs. submembranous in P. sinensis), narrower blades (3–6 cm wide), 2–3 flower whorls, and indistinct translucent ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Pingwu County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, the type locality of the new species, which is also an important habitat of the giant panda.

Chinese name. Píng Wŭ Bào Chūn (平武报春).

 Si-Yu Zhang, Ming Fang, Ying-Feng Hu, Yang Hu, Jiu-Lin Gu, Zhi-Kun Wu and Jian-Wen Shao. 2026. Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 247-258. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611 [25 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae) • A New Species of Thismia sect. Geomitra from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence

 

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.,

in Seelanan, Chantapram, Taosiri, Chuchuea et Chantanaorrapint, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868

Abstract

A new species of Thismia from Thailand, Thismia daemona is described based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Morphological characters were examined from fresh and spirit materials using a stereo microscope. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on three nuclear (SSU, ITS, LSU) and two mitochondrial (atpA, matR) markers. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, blackish flowers, reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, inner tepals forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with white translucent trichomes, and translucent blue stamens with recurved apex. Phylogenetic analyses support its placement within Thismia sect. Geomitra, with a sister relationship to T. betung-kerihunensis. In addition, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Achlorophyllous plants, conservation status, coralliform root, endemic species

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Underground part showing hairy roots; B. Above-ground shoots with flowers; C. Top view of mitre showing irregular papillose surface; D. Side view of flower showing outer lobe; E. Longitudinal section of floral tube showing inner surface, three stamens, stylar column and styles; F. Epidermal cells of transversal bar; G. Stamens outer view. H. Stylar column and styles.

Photographed by N. Taosiri (B, C, E, G, H) and C. Chuchuea (A, D, F).

Locality and habitats of Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Distribution map; B–D. Habitats; arrowheads indicate plants of T. daemona; E. Plants in natural habitat. Photographed by C. Chuchuea (B–D) and N. Taosiri (E).

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Thismia daemona is somewhat similar morphologically to T. limkokthayi, but differs in having reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, outer surface of mitre covered with irregular papillae, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with translucent white trichomes, translucent blue stamens, and absence of mitre foveae.

Habitat and ecology. Thismia daemona was found growing amongst leaf litter, under shade of lower montane forest with small bamboo, at elevations 950–970 m.

 Tosak Seelanan, Isareyakorn Chantapram, Neeranuch Taosiri, Chanachon Chuchuea and Sahut Chantanaorrapint. 2026. Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 278: 177-189. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868 [17-08-2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Cambarus emegi • A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

 

Cambarus emegi 

Lieb, Williams, Foltz & Loughman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 

  facebook.com/WLUCrayfish

Abstract

A new species of crayfish, Cambarus emegi sp. nov., is described from the upper James and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and the lower Delaware River basin in Pennsylvania, where it occurs in streams and small rivers. The species was formerly part of the Cambarus acuminatus species complex (Cambarus species C complex), a long-standing taxonomic enigma that is widely distributed across the Atlantic slope drainages of eastern North America. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Cambarus acuminatus due to the absence of a well-defined subpalmar tubercle, greater number of punctations across its areola, and differences in the mesial process of the form I male gonopod. Coloration and pattern in life differ between the two species. Additionally, the distributions of C. emegi sp. nov. and C. acuminatus are separated by hundreds of kilometers. The ranges of two other undescribed members of the Cambarus species C complex border that of C. emegi sp. nov. in Virginia. These species do not appear to overlap geographically; C. emegi sp. nov. is confined to the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, whereas the two undescribed species are found in the Blue Ridge and northern inner Piedmont regions. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is morphologically similar but visually and genetically different from the undescribed species directly to the south in the upper Roanoke River system. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is both visually and morphologically similar but genetically distinct from the undescribed species immediately downstream in the James River basin. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is threatened by several potentially interacting factors including invasive crayfishes, narrow range, and urban and agricultural development. Alarmingly, the species is being rapidly replaced by invasive Faxonius species across a substantial part of its range. This paper represents an important step in providing the information needed to conserve and manage Cambarus emegi sp. nov.

Crustacea, Cambarus species C., Cambarus acuminatus, new species, Ridge and Valley, Northern Piedmont, Delaware, James, Roanoke, invasive crayfish

 Cambarus emegi sp. nov., color in life: (a) holotype, NCSM 95987; (b) allotype, NCSM 95988.

Life color and color pattern of adult  Cambarus emegi sp. nov.:
 (a) dorsal view; (b) oblique lateral view (photo credit Zackary A. Graham).

 Life color and color pattern of juvenile  Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Body and eyes pigmented. Rostrum weakly to moderately excavated and ventrally deflected anteriorly; rostral margins subparallel, pronounced and entire through acumen, and more thickened posteriorly than anteriorly; acumen acuminate with prominent dorsally deflected spiniform tubercle at terminus. Areola 2.2–3.6 (¯x=2.7, n=42, s=0.4) times as long as wide, with 6–10 (¯x=8.5, n=42, s= 0.7) punctations across narrowest point. Lateral portion of branchiostegal region of carapace heavily punctate; hepatic regions also punctate with welldeveloped tubercles. Strong cervical spines present; branchiostegal spine prominent; postorbital ridge terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Weak to acute suborbital angle typically present, rarely absent; suborbital angle terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Antennal basipodite spines prominent; ischiopodite spines present but not prominent.

Etymology.—Derived from the Turkish work “emeği” meaning “labor of” or “hard work of”, which seems appropriate given this project required many years and the collection of thousands of specimens from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Additionally, the name honors Emily (Em) and Megan (Meg) Lieb, the senior author’s two daughters, who happily accompanied him on many crayfish sampling trips as children and later helped him collect C. emegi sp. nov. from sites in its Pennsylvania range. 

Common name.—We propose Enigma Crayfish as the common name.

David A. LIEB, Bronwyn W. WILLIAMS, David A. FOLTZ II and Zachary J. LOUGHMAN. 2026. Description of A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status.  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 [2026-07-29]

 facebook.com/WLUCrayfish/posts/1731022025695189 

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Jinzhongshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis

Chen, Su, Yang & Pan, 2026

金钟山掌突蟾 | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195575 

Abstract

Integrative morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. from Longlin County, Guangxi, China. The new species is distinguished by a combination of characters, including medium body size (snout-vent length 30.4–32.5 mm in males and 40.3–42.8 mm in females), narrow lateral fringes on the toes, absence of toe webbing, continuous dermal ridges beneath the toes, heels that do not meet when the thighs are held at right angles to the body axis, irregular black flank spots, a bicoloured iris and interwoven creamy-white and light-grey markings on the venter. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences recovered the Jinzhongshan specimens as a strongly supported lineage sister to L. dorsospina, from which they differed by an uncorrected p-distance of 1.4%. Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. is currently known only from montane evergreen broadleaf forest at 1,700–1,800 m elevation. Within the Reserve, L. ventripunctata was recorded along streams below 1,000 m, indicating ecological and elevational separation between the two species.

Key Words: Integrative taxonomy, leaf-litter frog, morphology, phylogeny

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. 
 A–F. Holotype (NNU 001478): A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C, D. Dorsolateral views; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Ventral view of foot.
G, H. Paratype NNU 001479: G. Dorsal view; H. Ventral view.

photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Variation in Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov.
 A1, A2. NNU 001323; B1, B2. NNU 001324;
C1, C2. NNU 001480; D1, D2. NNU 001481;
E1, E2. NNU 001482; F1, F2. NNU 001483;
G1, G2 NNU 001484; H1, H2 NNU 001485.

photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet jinzhongshanensis refers to the type locality, Mt Jinzhongshan. We propose “Jinzhongshan Leaf-litter Frog” as the English common name and Jīn Zhōng Shān Zhǎng Tū Chán (金钟山掌突蟾) as the Chinese common name.

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 30.4–32.5 mm in males and 40.3–42.8 mm in females); (2) narrow lateral fringes on the toes; (3) absence of toe webbing; (4) continuous dermal ridges beneath the toes; (5) relative finger lengths IV < II ≈ I < III; (6) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the posterior corner of the eye; (7) heels not meeting when the thighs are held at right angles to the body axis; (8) irregular black spots on the flanks; (9) iris copper above and silver below; and (10) interwoven creamy-white and light-grey markings on the venter.

 Wei-Cai Chen, Tong-Ping Su, Hai-Ju Yang and Mei-Ye Pan. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from Jinzhongshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1089-1105. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195575  [27 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote,

in Choopan et Grote, 2026.

เข็มฉัตร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12

Abstract

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), a new species known only from Thailand, is here described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous and by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm long. Comparison of morphological characteristics are provided.

Keywords: conservation status, flora, morphology, taxonomy 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A. habit; B. flower; C. pistil and stamens; D. fruits; E. seeds.

(Drawn by Sunitsorn Pimpasalee).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A.-C. flowers; D. puberulous calyx and glabrous pistil; E. dried fruit and seeds; F. seeds; G. lower surface of leaf; H. & J. inflorescences; I. infructescence.

 (Photographed by Thiamhathai Choopan).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote, sp. nov.  

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by the inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous, by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm, and by capsule 3–3.5 cm long instead of 2–2.5 cm.

Thiamhathai Choopan and Paul Grote. 2026. Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 122-127. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12 [17 August 2026]
เข็มฉัตร พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จากเขาสอยดาว จ.จันทบุรี

[Botany • 2026] Allium erimomeli (Amaryllidaceae) • A New hexaploid Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece)

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, 

in  Nikolopoulos, Tan, Kobrlová, Adamakis, Bareka, Duchoslav et Trigas, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Allium exhibits extensive diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, where insular endemism and polyploidy have played a significant role in species evolution. During taxonomic and biosystematic studies of A. sect. Codonoprasum, an undescribed species was discovered on the volcanic islands of Milos and Antimilos (Kiklades, Greece). This study aims to determine its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships using an integrative approach.

Material and methods – The new species was investigated using comparative morphology, leaf anatomy, karyological analyses, genome size estimation by flow cytometry, and phylogenetic reconstruction based on nrITS sequence data. These data were compared with those of closely related species, particularly A. occultum, as well as other representatives of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Key results – Allium erimomeli is described here as a new species. Karyological and flow cytometric analyses revealed a hexaploid chromosome complement (2n = 6x = 48) with a mean genome size of 46.2 pg. Phylogenetic reconstruction recovered the species as a strongly supported clade sister to the tetraploid A. occultum. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the two taxa differ in ploidy level, genome size, and diagnostic morphological characters, primarily relating to the bulb, leaves, and ovary. Additional differentiation is supported by leaf anatomy. Morphological characters were also compared with those of A. sibthorpianum and A. rumelicum.

Conclusion – The recognition of A. erimomeli as a distinct species emphasizes the significance of polyploidy and insular isolation in the diversification of A. sect. Codonoprasum in the Aegean region. These findings further enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the section and call for expanded phylogenetic and cytogenetic sampling across the eastern Mediterranean region.

Keywords: genome size, Greek flora, karyology, leaf anatomy, nuclear ITS, polyploidy, vascular plants

Allium erimomeli.
A. Individual at the onset of flowering in its natural habitat. B. Inflorescence, lateral view. C. Inflorescence, view from below. D. Flowers. E. Outer tepal (left) and inner tepal (right). F. Individual during the vegetative phase, with visible leaf sheaths and blades. G.Leaf blade. H. Bulb with multi-layered tunics. I. Bulb bearing shortly stalked bulblets at its base. J. Ovary.

Photos by Panayiotis Trigas (A, F, G) and Iasonas Nikolopoulos (B–E, H, I, J).

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Allium erimomeli is closely related to A. occultum but differs in the colour of inner bulb tunics (whitish, rarely tinged with purple vs purple), leaves (4–6, semicylindrical, 0.8–1.5 mm wide vs 2–4, subcylindrical to terete, 0.3–0.8 mm wide), length of pedicels (9–12 mm long, 1.5–2.5× the length of the perigon vs 3–7 mm long, 0.7–1.5× the length of the perigon), ovary (green, ± smooth, 3-lobed vs whitish, yellowish orange at the apex, papillose, 6-lobed), and ploidy level (hexaploid vs tetraploid).

Etymology: The specific epithet is the genitive of the geographical noun “Erimomilos/Erimomelos”, a local/alternative name for Antimilos Island, where the species occurs and from where the type material was collected. The island’s name is derived from the Greek elements erimos (ἔρημος, “desert”) and Melos (the island of Milos), thus referring to Antimilos as the “deserted Milos”.

 Iasonas Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Lucie Kobrlová, Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis, Pepy Bareka, Martin Duchoslav and Panayiotis Trigas. 2026. Allium erimomeli, A New hexaploid Species of A. sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(3): 470-482. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916 [21 Aug 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Pilumnus guadeloupensis • A New Species of Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda: Brachyura) from Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles

 

Pilumnus guadeloupensis 

Magalhães, Oliveira-Rogeri, Felder & Mantelatto, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a16

 Abstract  

Pilumnus Leach, 1861 is a speciose cosmopolitan genus of marine crabs typical from rocky and coral coastal environments and known to occur in tropical and temperate oceans and seas worldwide, including the waters of western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea surrounding the Lesser Antilles, a recognized hotspot of biodiversity in Caribbean. Despite recent sampling efforts, this region remains underexplored, limiting understanding of its marine fauna. To address this gap, several field expeditions have been carried out, including KARUBENTHOS 2012. This expedition extensively collected specimens of various taxonomic groups, expanding documentation of biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles. Among collections, a unique specimen of Pilumnus was recognized and analyzed through morphological and molecular approaches. Genetic analyses of this specimen, a component of molecular phylogenetic studies previously conducted by our team, confirmed its divergence from previously described species. Herein, we performed a thorough morphological examination analyzing most of the taxonomic informative characters used in species descriptions of representatives of Pilumnus. Based on the presently accessed morphological features and previously detected molecular divergence, a new species, Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., is described. This species can be distinguished from others from the genus mainly by the ornamentation and tuberculation patterns of pereopods, number of anterolateral prominences and shape of the carapace. Detailed morphological comparisons with congeners, alongside a comprehensive review of the literature, are provided.

KEYWORDS: Caribbean, KARUBENTHOS 2012, morphology, Pilumnidae, new species, 

Habitus of alcohol-preserved holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, dorsal; B, ventral.

 Scale bar: 2 mm.

Holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, entire specimen on dorsal view; B, left third maxilliped, external; C, outer surface of major chela; D, left first gonopod, mesial; E, pleon and telson.

 Scale bars (mm): A, 3 mm; B, 0.7 mm; C, 2.5 mm; D, 0.2 mm; E, 1.5 mm.

Alcohol-preserved holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, habitus, frontal; B, carapace front, dorsal; C, left anterolateral carapace margin, dorsal; D, left suborbital and pterygostomial carapace regions, ventral; E, left third maxilliped, external; F, left (major) cheliped, dorsal; G, right (minor) chela, external; H, left (major) chela, external; I, right pereopods 4 and 5, meri, carpi, and propodi, dorsal; J, anterior sternites and pereopod coxae, ventral; K, sternopleonal cavity with pleonal lock button; L, left first gonopod, mesial. Not to scale.

Phylum ARTHROPODA Latreille, 1829

Class MALACOSTRACA Latreille, 1802

Order DECAPODA Latreille, 1802

Infraorder BRACHYURA Latreille, 1802

Family PILUMNIDAE Samouelle, 1819

Genus Pilumnus Leach, 1816

Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp.

 

Diagnosis. — Carapace anterodorsally with short pubescence; frontal, protogastric, and hepatic regions of dorsal surface with strong tubercules; supraorbital margins strongly toothed; anterolateral margin with four teeth, anteriormost of which formed by outer orbital tooth. Major chela palm with outer surface nearly smooth and glabrous. Ambulatory pereopods with merus dorsal margin mostly smooth, single subdistal denticle on dorsal margin of meri of pereopods 2-4; carpi and propodi with prominent spiniform tubercles.

Etymology. — The specific epithet guadeloupensis refers to Guadeloupe, the type locality of the species, and it is used here as an adjective.

 

Tatiana Magalhães, Lucas Oliveira-Rogeri, Darryl L. Felder and Fernando L. Mantelatto. 2026. A New Species of Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda, Brachyura) from Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, with morphological comparisons to regional congeners. Zoosystema. 48 (16), 389-399. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a16 (3 July 2026)

Une nouvelle espèce de Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda, Brachyura) de Guadeloupe, Petites Antilles, et comparaisons morphologiques avec les espèces régionales apparentées.

Pilumnus Leach, 1861 est un genre cosmopolite de crabes marins, typique des environnements côtiers rocheux et coralliens. Ces animaux sont présents dans les océans et mers tropicaux et tempérés du monde entier, notamment dans les eaux de l'Atlantique ouest et la mer des Caraïbes, y compris dans les eaux entourant les Petites Antilles, un point chaud de biodiversité en région caraïbe. Malgré de récents efforts d'échantillonnage, cette région reste sous-explorée, ce qui limite la connaissance de sa faune marine. Pour combler cette lacune, plusieurs expéditions de terrain ont été menées, dont KARUBENTHOS 2012. Cette expédition a permis de collecter de nombreux spécimens de divers groupes taxonomiques, enrichissant ainsi nos connaissances sur la biodiversité des Petites Antilles. Parmi les spécimens collectés, un spécimen unique de Pilumnus a été identifié et analysé par des approches morphologiques et moléculaires. Les analyses génétiques de ce spécimen, réalisées dans le cadre d'études de phylogénie moléculaire précédemment menées par notre équipe, ont confirmé sa divergence avec les espèces précédemment décrites. Un examen morphologique approfondi analysant la plupart des caractères taxonomiques informatifs utilisés dans les descriptions des espèces de Pilumnus a été réalisé. Sur la base des caractéristiques morphologiques décrites dans cette étude et des divergences moléculaires précédemment détectées, une nouvelle espèce, Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., est décrite. Cette espèce se distingue des autres espèces du genre principalement par l'ornementation et les tubercules des péréiopodes, le nombre de proéminences antérolatérales et la forme de la carapace. Des comparaisons morphologiques détaillées avec ses congénères, ainsi qu'une revue exhaustive de la littérature, sont fournies.

Caraïbes, KARUBENTHOS 2012, morphologie, Pilumnidae, espèce nouvelle

[Crustacea • 2026] Lemurophusa empusa & Balssiathelphusa inopinata • Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)

Lemurophusa empusa

Ng & Guinot, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 

 Abstract 

The systematics of the gecarcinucid genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 is revised. Balssiathelphusa has an atypical distribution pattern for a freshwater crab genus, with the four known species recorded from Sumatra, Borneo and Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. The type species, Para-Perithelphusa sucki Balss, 1937 [sic, see infra], is redescribed and figured, and the genus is redefined to include B. sucki, B. cursor Ng, 1986, from East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, and a new species, B. inopinata n. sp., also from East Kalimantan. The type locality of B. sucki was reported as southeastern Sumatra, but the available evidence suggests the holotype was actually collected from South Kalimantan in Borneo. Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, from Natuna Island, is transferred to a new monotypic genus, Natunusa n. gen., while B. phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, collected from a cave in East Kalimantan, is referred to a separate genus, Lemurophusa n. gen. A new species, L. empusa n. gen., n. sp., is also described from another karst system in East Kalimantan, whereas a juvenile female from a nearby cave in East Kalimantan is treated as Lemurophusa sp. Particular attention was paid to the thoracic sternum and its sutures, to the median bridges between the sternites, as well to the median line, characters often overlooked but that are particularly useful in this group of small gecarcinucid crabs.

KEYWORDS: Borneo, Sumatra, Natuna Islands, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, freshwater crab, cave crab, new genera, new species 

 

Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969

Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969: 364; 1970: 98. — Ng 1986a: 207.

Included species. — Balssiathelphusa sucki (Balss, 1937), B. cursor Ng, 1986; B. inopinata n. sp.

Balssiathelphusa inopinata n. sp.

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin “inopinatus” for “unexpected” as it had been previously believed that Nobili's (1903) record was Balssiathelphusa cursor and not a new species.

Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb., ♂ 12.9 × 11.3 mm (ZRC 2021.0831), Natuna Island:
A, overall dorsal habitus; B, dorsal view of carapace; C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, frontal median triangle, antennules, antennae and epistome; E, buccal cavity, anterior thoracic sternum, telson and pleonal somites 5 and 6; F, posterior thoracic sternum and pleonal somites 1-4; G, sternopleonal cavity.

Genus Natunusa n. gen.

 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, 

by original designation and monotypy.

Diagnosis. — Carapace quadrate, just wider than long; carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae rugose, low but visible, not cristate; postorbital cristae low, rugose, discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista straight; external orbital tooth with outer margin 3.0-4.0 times length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by small notch; rest of anterolateral margins gently convex; posterolateral ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the name of the type locality, Natuna Island, in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. The gender of the name is feminine.

Included species. — Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb.

Lemurophusa empusa n. gen., n. sp.:
 A, C, holotype, ♀ 24.2 × 18.5 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan;
B, D, paratype ♀ 22.2 × 17.2 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan.
A, B, overall dorsal habitus; C, D, dorsal view of carapace.

Genus Lemurophusa n. gen. 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, 

by present designation.

Included species. — Lemurophusa phasma (Ng & Guinot, 2014) n. comb.; Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Diagnosis. — Carapace transversely ovate, wider than long, carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae low, rugose but visible; postorbital cristae low, rugose, just discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista medially bent, fused with lateral cristae; external orbital tooth distinct, with outer margin about twice length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by notch; rest of anterolateral margins ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin word “lēmurēs” for “spirits of the dead”; in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. This alludes to the cave habitat of the species. The gender of the name is feminine.

Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Etymology. — The species is named after Empusa, a demigoddess of Greek mythology. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Peter K. L. Ng and Danièle Guinot. 2026. Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). Zoosystema. 48 (18); 557-587. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 (13 July 2026)

Révision du genre de crabes d'eau douce d'Asie du Sud-Est Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae).

Bornéo, Sumatra, îles Natuna, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, crabe d'eau douce, crabe cavernicole, genres nouveaux, espèces nouvelles