[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza bibracteata (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, 

in Nong, G.-Y. Wei, H.-Y. Wei, Long, Liu, Feng et Qin, 2026.

金钟山蛇根草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189773

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata (Rubiaceae), a new species from northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished from its allies O. mitchelloides, O. nanlingensis and O. grandibracteolata by the shape and size of the bracts (ovate, 8–11 mm long) and the shape and size of the calyx lobes (triangular, 0.8–1.0 mm long, glabrous, with glands between the lobes). According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) until more information becomes available.

Key words: Morphology, new species, Ophiorrhiza, taxonomy

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei.
A, B. Habit; C, D. Flowering plant; E. Brevistylous flower (front view); F. Flower (lateral view); G. Dissected brevistylous flower; H. Dissected longistylous flower; I. Ovary, calyx, style and stigma of longistylous (left) and brevistylous (right) flower; J. Ovary, calyx, style and stigma of brevistylous flower; K. Stipule; L. Bracts and flower bud; M. Leaf, adaxial surface; N. Leaf, abaxial surface; O. Fruiting plant; P. Capsules and bracts (images captured with a Nikon D850 camera).

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza bibracteata is similar to O. mitchelloides (Masam.) H.S.Lo, but differs in the following characters: the number of secondary veins (5–7 pairs in O. bibracteata vs. 3–5 pairs), the shape and size of the bracts (ovate, 8–11 mm long vs. linear, 4–8 mm long), the shape and size of the calyx lobes (triangular, 0.8–1.0 mm long, glabrous, with glands between the lobes vs. linear, ca 1.4 mm long, glabrescent or ciliate, without glands) and the nature of the flowers (distylous vs. monostylous).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, bibracteata, meaning “two bracts” and referring to the two persistent ovate bracts of the new species.

Chinese name. 金钟山蛇根草 (jīn zhōng shān shé gēn căo).

 You Nong, Gui-Yuan Wei, Hai-Yong Wei, Lie Long, Zhi-Rong Liu, Bin Feng and Ting Qin. 2026. Ophiorrhiza bibracteata (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China.  PhytoKeys. 275: 151-161. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189773 [29 May 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Rhinogobius mengyangensis • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China

 

Rhinogobius mengyangensis 

X. Liu, Chen, Shu, Huang, K. Liu & Yu, 2026

濛阳吻虾虎鱼  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

Abstract

A new species of freshwater goby, Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Rhinogobius szechuanensis Tchang, 1939 and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of sensory canals and pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes; second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings; incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin; branchiostegal membrane bright yellow.

Key words: Biodiversity, freshwater, phylogeny, taxonomy

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. alive. 

A. Male, Tuojiang River basin (holotype, IHB 0202506006); B. Female, Tuojiang River basin (Paratype, IHB 0202506007); 

C. Male, Qingyijiang River basin; D. Female, Qingyijiang River basin.

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners except R. szechuanensis by the following combination of features: absence of sensory canals and sensory pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes (Fig. 3). It can be distinguished from R. szechuanensis in having the second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings (vs with blue spots, some coalescing into vertical bars), incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin (vs with complete edges), and a bright-yellow branchiostegal membrane (vs white or blue) (Fig. 4).

 Xin Liu, Zhong-Guang Chen, Yi-Fan Shu, Jun-Hao Huang, Kai Liu and Yi Yu. 2026. Rhinogobius mengyangensis : A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China. ZooKeys. 1280: 333-347. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

[28 May 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops kamal • A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India

Amolops kamal 

Saikia, Sinha, Shabnam, Konwar, Borthakur & Dinesh, 2026

Nagaland Cascade Frog  ||  https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi 

Abstract

The Asian cascade-dwelling frog genus Amolops currently comprises 90 recognised species, with 20 species reported from India. These species are generally classified into ten species groups based on morphological similarities, of which in India, Amolops species are mainly categorised across three groups: A. marmoratus group, A. monticola group and A. viridimaculatus group, with the first group being the most diverse, represented by eight species. Previous studies on the A. indoburmanensis species group and A. marmoratus species group suggest a species complex encompassing multiple cryptic lineages. Between 2022 and 2024, many Amolops specimens tentatively assigned to A. indoburmanensis sensu lato were collected from different parts of North-East India. Morphological variations and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple distinct lineages within this complex, confirming the paraphyly of the nomen A. indoburmanensis. Herein, we describe a new Amolops species belonging to the A. indoburmanensis species complex from North-East India, Amolops kamal sp. nov. from Nagaland state. The study underscores the rich hidden diversity within the Amolops genus and highlights the importance of integrated morphological and molecular approaches in resolving amphibian taxonomy in the region.

Keywords: Amolops indoburmanensis, Amolops kamal sp. nov., paraphyly, Jotsoma, Kohima

Amolops kamal sp. nov. in live condition.

Amolops kamal sp. nov. 

Nagaland Cascade Frog

  

   Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, Prabir Narayan Konwar, Mridul Kumar Borthakur and K. P. Dinesh. 2026. Description of A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 126(2); 131-140. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v126/i2/2026/173119

https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/173119

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Metapterodon anari • Hyaenodonta from the Middle to Late Miocene deposits of the Siwaliks of Pakistan with a brief account of Indian subcontinent hyaenodonts

 

Metapterodon anari 

Mahmood, Abbas, Jasinski, Babar & Khan, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12542-025-00766-5  

 x.com/StevenJasinski

 reconstruction by Sergey Krasovskiy

Abstract

New fossil material identified as ‘creodonts,’ particularly hyaenodonts, from the Siwaliks of Pakistan provide significant new information on this important group of carnivores. Three hyaenodont taxa are identified based on these new fossils. Deciduous dental remains identified as ?Megistotherium/Hyainailouros sp. provide important new data on large hyaenodonts and their presence in the Miocene of southern Asia. Fossils identified as Hyaenodon cf. H. pervagus potentially provide important new temporal and biogeographic data on a highly speciose genus of hyaenodont. While the genus is known throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere (Asia, Europe, North America), these new fossils represent the first record of the genus from the Siwaliks, expanding its range in southern Asia. They also represent the youngest temporal occurrence of the genus (Middle Miocene). Another fossil represents a new species, Metapterodon anari sp. nov. This genus was previously tentatively identified from the Siwaliks, but this new material provides definitive evidence of its presence. Not only does this confirm its presence in the Miocene Siwalik deposits of the Indian subcontinent but also represents an important temporal occurrence for the genus. It represents the youngest occurrence of the genus worldwide but may also represent the youngest occurrence of any hyaenodont. The new material provides important new data on some of the less well-known ‘creodonts’ of the Siwaliks, and this data is important for not only our understanding of some of the youngest hyaenodonts near their eventual extinction, but the complex mammal communities preserved on the Indian subcontinent.

Keywords: Hyaenodonta, Siwaliks, Metapterodon, Hyaenodon, Miocene, Biostratigraphy

Siwalik fossil referred to Metapterodon anari sp. nov.
 (A–C), PUPC 19/99 (holotype), nearly complete left m3 in A occlusal, B buccal (labial), and C lingual views.

 bk buccal keel, n notch, pcd paraconid, popcd postparacristid, ppcd preparacristid, pprcd preprotocristid, prcd protoconid, tc talonid cuspid, wf wear facet. Scale bar is 10 mm

Metapterodon anari sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large species of the genus Metapterodon with large distal (= posterior) lower molars; below the apex of m3, inflated paraconid and protoconid separated by extremely narrow, shallow conspicuous notch; protoconid larger and higher than paraconid; presence of large, distinct buccal keel on the base of paraconid; and extremely reduced unicuspidate talonid.

Holotype. PUPC 19/99, nearly complete left m3 (Fig. 3).

Type locality and age. Y311 (10.063 Ma), Sethi Nagri locality, Chakwal, Punjab, Pakistan.

Horizon. Nagri Formation of Middle Siwalik subgroup (early Late Miocene).

Etymology. Named after Mr. Anar Khan (late), a host and guide in Hasnot and surrounding areas, who served national and international researchers for more than 50 years.

Biogeographic distribution of Hyaenodon species.

Biogeographic distribution of Hyaenodon species.

Metapterodon anari sp. nov.

 reconstruction by Sergey Krasovskiy

  

 

Khalid Mahmood, Sayyed Ghyour Abbas, Steven E. Jasinski, Muhammad Adeeb Babar and Muhammad Akbar Khan. 2026. Hyaenodonta from the Middle to Late Miocene deposits of the Siwaliks of Pakistan with a brief account of Indian subcontinent hyaenodonts. PalZ. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12542-025-00766-5 [16 April 2026] 

 x.com/StevenJasinski/status/2060104303272919118

https://www.harrisburgu.edu/news/2026-05-27-new-species-carnivorous-mammals/

[Botany • 2026] Tweeddalea capsiciformis (Araceae: Schismatoglottideae) • Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea from Indonesian Borneo

 

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri,

in Irsyam, Hariri et Setiawan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0  

  linkedin.com

Abstract

A new species of the genus Tweeddalea (Araceae), Tweeddalea capsiciformis, is described and illustrated from West Kalimantan, Indonesian Borneo. This species increases the number of described species in the genus to fifteen. The discovery of T. capsiciformis not only extends the known distribution range of the genus but also highlights the rich yet still insufficiently explored diversity of Araceae in Borneo.

Keywords: Aroid, Kalimantan, Malesia, Multiflora clade, Schismatoglottideae

Tweeddalea capsiciformis.
A. Habit. B. Inflorescence position. C. Spathe. D. Spadix. E. Close-up spadix. F. Close-up staminate flowers zone. G. Close-up pistils and interstice zone.

 (A–F from the holotype.).

Tweeddalea capsiciformis A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri., sp. nov.

  

 Etymology. The specific epithet capsiciformis refers to the chili-like shape of the spathe, which resembles the fruit of Capsicum L. (Solanaceae).

Arifin S. D. Irsyam, Muhammad R. Hariri & Ade Agus Setiawan. 2026. Unveiling the Fifteenth Species of Tweeddalea (Araceae) from Indonesian Borneo. Brittonia. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-026-09883-0 [30 April 2026] 

 linkedin.com/posts/arifin-surya-dwipa-irsyam-5b46a916a_a-new-discovery-from-the-forests-of-kalimantan-activity-7455934737178812416-w7WN

[Paleontology • 2026] Kank australis • New unenlagiid (Theropoda: Unenlagiidae) from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), SW Patagonia, Argentina

 

Kank australis

Motta, Rolando, Rozadilla, Agnolín, Egli, Herrera, Chimento, Coco, Tsuihiji, Manabe, Pol & Novas, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456 

A reconstruction by Gabriel Díaz Yantén

 

ABSTRACT

Unenlagiids constitute a group of paravian theropods up to now represented in Gondwanan landmasses. They are particularly diverse in northern Patagonia, where at least seven species were discovered in Upper Cretaceous beds. In southern Patagonia, by contrast, the record is restricted to a few isolated remains of indeterminate taxa from Argentina and Chile. The aim of the present contribution is to describe an unenlagiid, Kank australis gen. et sp. nov. from the Maastrichtian beds of southern Santa Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina. Kank australis is represented by vertebrae, isolated pedal phalanges, and shed teeth. The holotype individual has a unique combination of characters, including a highly pneumatized cervical vertebra with well-developed parapophysis and carotid processes. Further, a pedal phalanx II-2 resembles those of troodontids due the reduction of the distal condyles, and differs from other known unenlagiids. The apomorphic condition of the few available elements suggests that Kank australis was probably distinct from its kin and reinforces the hypothesis that Unenlagiidae was a morphologically disparate clade.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

DINOSAURIA OWEN, 1842

SAURICHIA SEELEY, 1888

THEROPODA MARSH, 1881

PARAVES SERENO, 1997

UNENLAGIIDAE (Bonaparte, 1999)

KANK AUSTRALIS gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Medium-sized unenlagiid (phalanges similar in size to Neuquenraptor argentinus estimated in ∼27 kg; Motta, 2023) showing the following combination of characters (autapomorphies marked by an asterisk): (1) dentary teeth having mesial carinae restricted to the apical third of the crown (shared with Austroraptor); (2) labiolingually compressed maxillary teeth “8” in cross-section (shared with Buitreraptor); (3) dentary teeth having a crenulate mesial carina restricted to its apical third; (4) cervicodorsal vertebra having three pneumatic foramina on its ventral surface*; (5) cervicodorsal vertebra having epipophyseal fossa*; and (6) phalanx 2-II showing reduced distal condyles and collateral pits located very close to the anterodorsal corner of the condyles (shared with troodontids).

Etymology—“Kank,” in reference to the “elder Rhea,” who created the constellation Choiols (Southern Cross constellation) in the Aonikenk mythology, and “australis,” which means “from south” in Latin, in reference to the southern latitude where this dinosaur was found.

 

Matías J. Motta, Alexis M. Aranciaga Rolando, Sebastián Rozadilla, Federico L. Agnolín, Federico Brissón Egli, Gerardo P. Álvarez Herrera, Nicolás R. Chimento, Gastón Lo Coco, Takanobu Tsuihiji, Makoto Manabe, Diego Pol and Fernando E. Novas. 2026. New unenlagiid from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), SW Patagonia, Argentina. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2656456. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456  [28 May 2026]

https://newsroom.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/heron-like-fish-eating-dinosaur-from-70-million-years-ago-discovered-in-argentina

[Botany • 2026] Lasianthus sondangii (Rubiaceae) • A New Species with a unique spiciform inflorescence from Central Vietnam

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen, 

in Tran, V. C. Nguyen, Luong, Phan-Thi, H. T. Nguyen, Truong et Q. B. Nguyen, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2193

Abstract

Lasianthus sondangii, a new species from Lasianthus section Nudiflorae, is described from Khanh Hoa Province, Central Vietnam. It can be distinguished from other Lasianthus species in Vietnam and surrounding countries by having narrowly triangular stipules, spiciform inflorescences with two or three reduced cyme secondary axes, purple flowers, and clavate calyx lobes with revolute margins. A detailed description of the new species, color plates, distribution, habitat and preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keyword: Indochina, Khanh Hoa, Lasiantheae, plant conservation, plant diversity, sect. Nudiflorae

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen.
A. A flowering and fruiting branch. B. Apical shoot showing young leaves and stipule. C. Inflorescence and infructescence. D. Infructescence (side view) E. Flowers buds (mature (left) and immature (right)). F. Open flower in different views (side view (left) and top view (right)). G. Corolla artificially cut open, showing hairs at the throat and stamens. H. Flower with the corolla removed to show the ovary, calyx, style, and stigma (left) and longitudinal section that shows the calyx lobes, and the ovule (right). I. Mature fruit (left) and the cross section of fruit shows pyrenes and albumen of seeds (right).

Drawn by Phan Thi Thanh Nha from type QB137.

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen.
A. Habit and habitat. B. A flowering and fruiting branch. C. Apical shoot showing young leaves and stipule. D. Stipule. E. Leaves (adaxial surface (left) and abaxial surface (right)). F. Infructescence. G. Inflorescences. H. Inflorescence bearing open flowers.

(A, B, E–H by Nguyen Van Canh; C, D by Nguyen Quoc Bao from type QB137).

Lasianthus sondangii Bao, Vuong & V.C.Nguyen, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: The new species is distinct from other Lasianthus species in Vietnam and Indo-China by its spiciform, sympodial, reduced-cymose inflorescence; purple flowers (including calyx), calyx lobes obovate with revolute margins.

Thi Thuy Nhan Tran, Van Canh Nguyen, Van Dung Luong, Thanh Nha Phan-Thi, Hoa Thi Nguyen, Ba Vuong Truong and Quoc Bao Nguyen. 2026. Lasianthus sondangii (Rubiaceae, Lasianthus section Nudiflorae), A New Species with a unique spiciform inflorescence from Central Vietnam. Taiwania. 71(3); 488 - 494. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.488 [26 May 2026] 

 https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2193

[Entomology • 2026] Sclerocardius lyali • A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) from Thailand

 

Sclerocardius lyali 

Legalov & Bezborodov, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 

biotaxa.org/jibs

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov

Abstract

A new species, Sclerocardius lyali sp. nov., is described and illustrated from Mae Hong Son Province, Thailand. The new species is close to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in the body covered with short setiform yellowish and pale scales, the postero-ventral side of the protibia lacking teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. This is the first record of Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847, from Thailand. A key to Asian species of the genus Sclerocardius is also given.

 

 Keywords: Curculionoidea, Molytinae, Sclerocardiini, new species, Mae Hong Son Province

 

Sclerocardius lyali sp. n., holotype, male.
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Habitus, ventral view; C. Habitus, frontal view; D. Aedeagus, dorsal view; E. Aedeagus, ventral view; F. Aedeagus, lateral view; G. Abdomen, ventral view.

Class Insecta Linnaeus, 1758

Order Coleoptera Linnaeus, 1758

Family Curculionidae Latreille, 1802

Subfamily Molytinae Schoenherr, 1823

Tribe Sclerocardiini Lacordaire, 1866

Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847

Type species. Sclerocardius bohemani Schoenherr, 1847.

Sclerocardius lyali Legalov & Bezborodov, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Patronymic. In honour of Christopher H.C. Lyal (London, UK), who revised the genus

Sclerocardius.

Diagnosis. This new species is closely related to Sclerocardius indicus Hartmann, 1903, but differs in that it has short setiform yellowish and pale scales on the body, a postero-ventral side of the protibia without teeth, a pronotum with quite large punctation, and a narrower aedeagus. Sclerocardius indicus is characterised by a body covered in long, narrow, orange scales; a pronotum with relatively small punctation; a postero-ventral side of the protibia with three rounded teeth; and the aedeagus is also wider.

Andrei Legalov and Vitaly G Bezborodov. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Sclerocardius Schoenherr, 1847 (Coleoptera, Curculionidae) from Thailand. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 407-413. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.407 [2026-04-16] 

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/88627

 facebook.com/AndreiLegalov/posts/3470913219750951

[Herpetology • 2026] Adenomera varcena • A New Species of Terrestrial Foam-Nesting Frog (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from the Várzea Forests of Western Amazonia

Adenomera varcena 

Borburema, Moraes, Santos, Ron, Haddad, Giaretta & Carvalho, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2025033 

  x.com/santiak

Abstract

Cryptic diversity within species poses a challenge to traditional taxonomy, often leading to underestimation of species richness and incorrect assessments of extinction risks. The taxonomy of Adenomera frogs has greatly benefited from the integrated assessment of morphological, acoustic, and DNA sequence data. Here we address a taxonomic problem by analyzing the external morphology, color patterns, advertisement calls, and genetic variation of one of the nine molecular lineages of the Adenomera simonstuarti species complex, distributed in western Amazonia. Based on novel data from the upper Juruá River, in northwestern Brazil and Ecuador, we found that this lineage exhibits significant differences in morphology (body size), coloration (absence of a solid stripe on the ventral surface of the forearm), and calls (nonpulsed and formed by a single type of note) in comparison with congeners. This combination of phenotypic traits supports the taxonomic distinction of this lineage, which is formally described as a new species. Interestingly, the new species uses várzea (seasonally flooded) forests as its calling and breeding habitat, a unique feature among forest-dwelling Amazonian species of the genus, which are always associated with terra firme (non-flooded) forests. This study reinforces the relevance of acoustic mating signals combined with DNA sequences in uncovering new species, contributing to a better understanding of the anuran diversity in Amazonia.

Adenomera varcena sp. nov. 

 

Marianna S. Borburema, Leandro J. C. L. Moraes, Marcus Thadeu T. Santos, Santiago R. Ron, Célio F. B. Haddad, Ariovaldo A. Giaretta and Thiago R. Carvalho. 2026. A New Species of Terrestrial Foam-Nesting Frog (Adenomera, Leptodactylidae) from the Várzea Forests of Western Amazonia. Ichthyology & Herpetology.  114(2):204-216. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2025033 [15 May 2026]

 x.com/santiak/status/2059625569680073046

La diversidad críptica dentro de las especies plantea un desafío a la taxonomía tradicional, lo que ocasiona una subestimación de la riqueza de especies y evaluaciones incorrectas del riesgo de extinción. La taxonomía de las ranas del género Adenomera ha experimentado un avance notable mediante la evaluación integrada de datos morfológicos, acústicos y de secuencias de ADN. En este estudio, abordamos un problema taxonómico mediante el análisis de la morfología externa, los patrones de color, los cantos de anuncio y la variación genética de uno de los nueve linajes moleculares del complejo de especies de Adenomera simonstuarti, distribuido en la Amazonia occidental. Con base en nuevos datos del alto río Juruá, en el noroeste de Brasil, y Ecuador, encontramos que este linaje presenta diferencias significativas en morfología (tamaño corporal), coloración (ausencia de una banda sólida en la superficie ventral del antebrazo) y cantos (no pulsados y formados por un solo tipo de nota) en comparación con sus congéneres. Esta combinación de caracteres fenotípicos apoya la distinción taxonómica de este linaje, que se describe formalmente como nueva especie. Curiosamente, la nueva especie utiliza bosques de várzea (inundados estacionalmente) como su hábitat de vocalización y reproducción, una característica única entre las especies amazónicas del género que utilizan hábitas boscosos, específicamente asociadas a bosques de tierra firme (no inundados). Este estudio refuerza la relevancia de las señales acústicas reproductivas combinadas con secuencias de ADN para descubrir especies nuevas, contribuyendo a una mejor comprensión de la diversidad de anuros en la Amazonia.

[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

in Dang, Souladeth, Pham, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Sengthong, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Tagane, 2026.

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH

Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

 facebook.com/PhetlasySOULADETH/posts/26753325944295239 

[Entomology • 2026] Diaphanes meghalayanus & D. mawlynnong • Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India

 

[A–B] Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.;
[C–D] D. mawlynnong sp. nov.   

Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang, 

in Nonglang, Wijekoon, Ryndong, Das, Sengupta et Shangpliang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415  

facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

Abstract

Two new Diaphanes Motschulsky 1853 species, D. meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., and D. mawlynnong Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov., from Meghalaya, Northeast India, are described. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov., is characterised by a unique colour pattern of the central disc, the absence of a typical circular pronotal areolet area, brownish-yellow pronotum and elytra, and other specific features of male genitalia. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov., is distinct with rare moniliform antennae, circular-shaped pronotal areolet areas with blunt posterior lateral corners, and specific genital aedeagus characters. The female of D. mawlynnong sp. nov., which is apterous, was found in the same habitat where its males were associated. 13 Diaphanes species have been recorded from India, and with the discovery of these two new species, the number of Diaphanes species recorded in the country increases to 15. This knowledge significantly contributes to the existing information gap of Diaphanes diversity and distribution in this region.

 

Keywords: Biodiversity Hotspot, Indo-Burma, Lampyrids, Oriental, taxonomy

 

 General habitus of two new Diaphanes species from India, males.
A–B. Diaphanes meghalayanus sp. nov.; C–D. Diaphanes mawlynnong sp. nov.,
A., C. Dorsal view; B., D. Ventral view.

Diaphanes meghalayanus Nonglang, Das, Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Diaphanes mawlynnong Nonglang, Das & Shangpliang sp. nov. 

Emma Magdalene Nonglang, Chandana Dammika Wijekoon, Memorial M Ryndong, Dhiraj Kumar Das, Samrat Sengupta and Jane Wanry Shangpliang. 2026. Two New firefly Species of the Genus Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853 (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Meghalaya, Northeast India. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(2); 415-429. DOI: doi.org/10.48311/jibs.12.02.415 [2026-04-25]

https://www.biotaxa.org/jibs/article/view/87726

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/27450493694537347

[Botany • 2026] Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, 

in Zainudin, Idris et Yudistira, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

Abstract

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) is here described as a new species from Kalimantan, Indonesia, adding to the diversity of Aeschynanthus in Borneo. The species is morphologically similar in its inflorescence to A. dasycalyx Hallier f. but distinguished by elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, ovate-elliptic bracteoles, and a tubular-cupuliform calyx that is brown to bright greenish-yellow. It further differs in having a bright greenish-yellow and longer corolla. The new species is also distinct from A. flavidus Mendum & P. Woods by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, tubular-cupuliform calyx, and markedly shorter corolla, which is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length. Notes on distribution, ecology, conservation status, and comparative illustrations are provided.

Keyword: Aeschynanthus dasycalyx, Aeschynanthus flavidus, Borneo, Gesneriaceae, Lipstick flower, Xanthanthos

  

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Plant habit; B. Stem with Inflorescences; C. Abaxial side of leaf; D. to E. Inflorescences at different stages of development; F. Close-up mature flower (front, lateral, and back view); G. Corolla with rare red coloration; H. Longitudinal corolla section; I. Dissection of calyx (inner surface); J. Close up inner surface of calyx; K. Corolla lobes margin; L. Close up inner surface of corolla tube; M. Sparsely papillose scabrid filaments; N. Disk; O. The close-up part of pistil showing glandular hairs under stigma; P. Pistil; Q. Capsule.

Photos taken by Zainudin, based on Zainudin ZBA301090724 and Zainudin ZBA302250622.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Stem with inflorescences and capsule; B. Close-up mature flowers; C. Corolla split open showing stamens and pistil; D. Longitudinal corolla section; E. Pistil; F. Anther; G. Style and Stigma.

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.   

 Diagnosis: A. luteoflorus is similar to A. dasycalyx Hallier f., but differs in having elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. ovate); ovate-elliptic bracteoles (vs. linearlanceolate); and a tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. ovatesubcylindrical to sub-urceolate) that is brown to bright greenish yellow (vs. shiny blackish blue). Furthermore, it possesses a longer corolla (2.3–2.5 cm vs. 1.8–2 cm), that is bright greenish yellow (vs. vivid red). A. luteoflorus also differs from A. flavidus Mendum & P.Woods, another yellow-flowered species from Borneo, by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. narrowly to broadly elliptic), tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. tubular to infundibuliform), and a significantly shorter corolla (2.3– 2.5 cm vs. 5.5–6.3 cm) that is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length (vs. >2 times) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the flower color; 'luteoflorus' translates to yellow-flowered. This term is a combination of two Latin roots: luteus (yellow) and florus (derived from flos, flower).  

Vernacular name: In the Banjar language, Aeschynanthus is called "Kambang Gincu," which means "lipstick flower" (kambang = flower, gincu = lipstick). 

 Zainudin, Abdul Rahim Idris and Yuda Rehata Yudistira. 2026. Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(3); 477-482. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.477 [24 May 2026] taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

[PaleoOrnithology • 2026] Plumadraco bankoorum • Hyperelongate Ornamental Tail Feathers in A New early Cretaceous enantiornithine Bird

 

Plumadraco bankoorum

Clark, O’Connor, X. Wang, Y. Wang, Pruett-Jones, Zhang, X.Wang, Zheng & Zhou, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347641

Illustration: Ville Sinkkonen

Abstract

Bird diversity is reflected in the abundance and variety of extraordinary plumages. Some of these include elongate, ornamental tail feathers that are typically attributed to either intraspecific communication in monomorphic species or sexual selection in sexually-dimorphic ones. Enantiornithines (Aves: Ornithothoraces) were the most diverse group of birds during the Cretaceous. Importantly, some enantiornithine fossils preserve soft tissues, most often in the form of feathers surrounding the body. Unlike any living bird, many enantiornithine specimens lack tail feathers (rectrices) all together, with the tail region consisting entirely of contour feathers. However, when present, enantiornithine rectrices typically consist of a pair of elongate, ornamental feathers with unusually wide rachises, referred to as rachis-dominated feathers. Here we describe Plumadraco bankoorum gen. et sp. nov., a new bohaiornithid enantiornithine with a pair of exceptionally long rectrices. These tail feathers measure twice the individual’s body length, ending in proportionally small pennaceous rackets, thus adding to the growing diversity of these unusual feathers. The fine preservation of these tail feathers, in comparison to other enantiornithine rectrices, reveals previously unrecognized structural variation that hints at their potential function in courtship displays. Although ornamental feathers in enantiornithines are widely considered sexually dimorphic, determining the selection pressures that shaped them is difficult due primarily to limited soft tissue data. Enantiornithine rectrices are likely the result of an interplay between both sexual and naturally selective pressures, similar to the processes which produce analogous structures in birds today.

Plumadraco bankoorum. The skull of STM11−4.
(A) Photo of fossil specimen and (B) a corresponding line drawing. Well preserved bones are colored white, crushed or poorly preserved bones (or portions of bones) are grey, and preserved soft tissues are brown.

Abbreviations: at, atlas; cev, cervical vertebrae; dn, dentary; fe, feathers; fp, frontal process of the premaxilla; fe, feather; fr, frontal; l, left; mx, maxilla; ns, nasal; pmx, premaxilla; pr, parietal; r, right; su, surangular; to, tooth. 

Scale bar 10 mm.

Plumadraco bankoorum. Specimen STM11−4 
(A) The holotype specimen of Plumadraco, (B) a closer view of the body and, (C) a line drawing of the same portion of the body shown in B. Well preserved bones are colored white, crushed or poorly preserved bones (or portions of bones) are grey, and preserved soft tissues are brown. The extent of the feather traces are denoted by the thin black outline around the body. Potential outline or crural feather present along the cranial face of the tibia.

Abbreviations: al, alula; cev, cervical vertebrae; co, coracoid; fm, femur; fu, furcula; hu, humerus; il, ilium; is, ischium; ma, manus; ph, phalanges (of the peds); pu, pubis; py, pygostyle; ri, rib(s); ra, radius; sc, scapula; sk, skull; sp, sternal plate; sy, synsacrum; tb, tibia; tmt, tarsometatarsus; tf, tail feathers; tv, thoracic vertebrae; ul, ulna. 

Scale bar (A, C) equals 50 mm.

Systematic paleontology

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Pygostylia Chiappe et al., 2002  

Ornithothoraces Chiappe, 1995 

Enantiornithes Walker, 1981

Plumadraco bankoorum gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype. STM11−4 is a complete, articulated specimen preserved in a single slab primarily in dorsal aspect with feathers preserved around the head, body, wings, and tail.

Locality and horizon. Near Xiaotaizi Village, Jianchang County, Liaoning Province, Jiufotang Formation, 121 Ma (Lower Aptian). 

Diagnosis: Mid-sized [112–144 g, similar to some extant turdids (e.g., Cochoa, Turdus) and meliphagids (e.g., Anthochaera) enantiornithine (ventral margin of the furcula wider than dorsal margin; acrocoracoid, glenoid, and scapular cotyla omal-sternally aligned; minor metacarpal extending distally farther than the major metacarpal; metatarsal IV thinner than metatarsals II and III with the trochlea reduced to a single condyle; and a J-shaped metatarsal I), belonging to the family Bohaiornithidae (basally robust, apically tapered dentition; unforked dentary- surangular articulation; proportional width of the coracoid’s sternal margin; caudolateral projection of the sternal plate’s lateral trabeculae; well-developed abruptly terminating deltopectoral crest; robust pedal unguals), with the unique combination of the following features: corpus of the premaxillae dorsoventrally deeper than the dentaries; rostral ~80% of the dentary with parallel dorsal and ventral margins; tip of dentary is rostrodorsally tapered; at least nine sacral vertebrae; caudally-oriented lateral trabeculae of the sternum with asymmetrical, fan-shaped distal expansions; phalanx I of the manual digit craniocaudally thin; weakly curved pedal unguals; RDFs approximately twice body length.

Etymology. “Pluma”, Latin for feather, and “draco”, Latin for dragon. In the theme of avian biology and evolution, the specific name, “bankoorum”, honors Winston E. and Paul C. Banko. Together, their momentous life-long efforts have significantly contributed to our understanding of avian biology and conservation, particularly across the Hawaiian archipelago. Plumadraco bankoorum, the Banko’s feather dragon.

 B) Finely-preserved structures present in the proximal portion of the right RDF of Plumadraco bankoorum, C) and the preserved racket showing the differentiated barbs and the reduction, and eventual complete termination, of the central support structures (i.e., ramus and medial stripe). (D) The unique, undifferentiated barbs of the occipital plumes of Pteridophora alberti (King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise) (FMNH 280831) forming tab-like laminated sheets. These structures may be uniquely analogous to the lateral margins (ribbon-like sheets) of enantiornithine RDFs preceding the distal ornaments.
 (E) An in-life restoration of Plumadraco. Illustration by Ville Sinkkonen.

  Results of phylogenetic analyses suggest Plumadraco belongs to the diverse Bohaiornithidae.

 

 male and female Plumadraco bankoorum

Illustration: Ville Sinkkonen

 Alexander D. Clark, Jingmai K. O’Connor, Xiaoli Wang, Yan Wang, Stephen Pruett-Jones, Xiangyu Zhang, Xing Wang, Xiaoting Zheng and Zhonghe Zhou. 2026. Hyperelongate Ornamental Tail Feathers in A New early Cretaceous enantiornithine Bird. PLoS One 21(5): e0347641. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347641 [May 27, 2026]