[Herpetology • 2026] Liolaemus illapa • Uncovering New Diversity among Blue-Scaled Desert Lizards: A New Species of Liolaemus from Southern Peru and Remarks on the Taxonomy of Liolaemus poconchilensis

  

Liolaemus illapa 

Valladares-Faúndez, Franco León, Navarro, Laspiur, Abdala & Esquerré, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18110671

Abstract

We describe a new species of lizard of the genus Liolaemus from southern Peru, previously assigned to or confused with L. poconchilensis. The new species belongs to the L. reichei clade of the L. montanus group and is characterized by a “phrynosaurian” morphotype, sexual dimorphism, and the presence of conspicuous blue scales on the flanks. It differs from L. poconchilensis and other geographically and phylogenetically related species by a unique combination of morphometric and meristic characters, including snout–vent length, tail length, number of temporal scales, number of infralabials, and number of scales around the midbody. Furthermore, molecular phylogenetic analyses support its recognition as an independent evolutionary lineage, recovered in a clade separate from L. poconchilensis. Genetic divergence between L. poconchilensis and the new species ranges from 10.24% to 12.47%, with a mean of 11.28%. The new species inhabits the hyperarid Pacific desert of southern Peru, between 699 and 939 m a.s.l., in an area with sparse vegetation and strong environmental aridity. Its apparently restricted distribution, together with observed habitat loss and increasing anthropogenic disturbance, suggests that this species may be highly threatened. Therefore, we preliminarily recommend its classification as Critically Endangered under IUCN criteria.

Keywords: new species; Liolaemidae; endemism; desert; systematics

Liolaemus illapa sp. nov.
 Holotype CBT122 (A, B) and allotype CBT123 (C, D) collected at Cerro Yeseras, Locumba District, Jorge Basadre Province, Tacna Department, Peru.

Liolaemus illapa sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Liolaemus illapa sp. nov. is assigned to the L. reichei clade of the L. montanus group, following the diagnosis and phylogenetic framework proposed by Etheridge [16] and Abdala et al. [17], based on its external morphology, lepidosis, general body pattern, molecular phylogeny, and geographic distribution within the hyperarid Pacific Desert of southern Peru. This species differs from the L. boulengeri group within the L. montanus series by the absence of a patch of enlarged scales on the posterior surface of the thigh of the hindlimb [16,19]. The number of dorsal scales counted from the occiput to the thighs in L. illapa sp. nov. (54–62) differentiates it from several species of the group with more than 65, such as ...

 Coloration in life of Liolaemus illapa sp. nov. in its natural habitat:
(A) adult male showing conspicuous light blue to turquoise scales on the head, trunk, limbs, and proximal portion of the tail, photographed on rocky substrate; (B) adult female showing cryptic brown, grayish, and cream coloration on sandy substrate.

Etymology: Illapa, a celestial deity in Andean cosmology, embodied nature’s power, lightning, thunder, and rain. These were understood as manifestations of a world-ordering force, not just meteorological phenomena. When clouds darkened and lightning struck, Illapa “spoke,” reaffirming the link between celestial order and earthly life. His presence ensured water for crops, linking him to fertility and community continuity. Illapa, as lord of falling water and the thunder announcing its arrival, represented the sustained harvest and, through it, social stability. Consequently, his veneration entailed rituals, offerings, and commemorative events designed to guarantee opportune rainfall, particularly during the critical phases of sowing and crop development. The storm’s violence was feared, but its power to bring fertility at the right time was revered.

Pablo Valladares-Faúndez, Pablo Franco León, Marco Navarro, Alejandro Laspiur, Cristián S. Abdala and Damien Esquerré. 2026. Uncovering New Diversity among Blue-Scaled Desert Lizards: A New Species of Liolaemus from Southern Peru and Remarks on the Taxonomy of Liolaemus poconchilensis. Diversity. 2026, 18(11), 671. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18110671 [30 October 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Gehyra astrosyzygia • A New Four-clawed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Gehyra) from limestone hills in the Thai Peninsula, with new data on Gehyra angusticaudata

  

 Gehyra astrosyzygia

Sumontha, Meesook, Donbundit, Anurakpongsathorn, Brecko, Iamwiriyakul, Das & Pauwels, 2026

จิ้งจกหินดาราราย  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5897.2.2 

facebook.com: Waiinatda Donbundit

Abstract

We describe Gehyra astrosyzygia sp. nov. from Phra Khayang Cave in Kraburi District, Ranong Province, southern Thailand. We report it from several other limestone formations in Chumphon, Phetchaburi, Prachuap Khiri Khan and Ranong provinces in Peninsular Thailand, and from the neighboring Tanintharyi Region in southern Myanmar. The new species differs from all currently recognized Southeast Asian Gehyra by the following combination of morphological characters and dorsal color pattern: maximal known snout–vent length of 56.9 mm, 7 or 8 supralabials, 80–83 dorsal and 44–48 ventral scale rows around midbody, absence of skin folds on limbs, 39–41 preanofemoral pores in males in a continuous series extending along the whole length of the femur (pores absent in females), tail not to moderately widened behind vent in adults, a single row of widened subcaudals, digits and toes with basal webbing, 7 or 8 divided subdigital lamellae on 4th toe, and a unique dorsal pattern with four paravertebral and lateral rows of large white round spots on a yellowish brown background, without dark spots or bars. We provide an osteological description of the cranium of the new species. The new species has been confused in online citizen science platforms with the rare, allopatric Gehyra angusticaudata, endemic to southeastern Thailand, for which we present new material and localities.

Reptilia, Gehyra astrosyzygia sp. nov., taxonomy, morphology, karst, cave, Isthmus of Kra

 

top:  จิ้งจกหินเมืองกาญจน์  Gehyra lacerata, Kanchanaburi

left: จิ้งจกหินสีจาง  Gehyra mutilata, Ranong

จิ้งจกหินหางเรียว  Gehyla angusticaudata, Chonburi

จิ้งจกหินดาราราย  Gehyra astrosyzygia sp. nov., Ranong

right: จิ้งจกหินลายกระ  Gehyra fehlmanni, Kanchanaburi

จิ้งจกหินวงจันทร์  Gehyra wongchan, Lopburui

จิ้งจกหินศิวะ  Gehyra shiva, Sa Kaeo

Montri SUMONTHA, Worawitoo MEESOOK, Nattasuda DONBUNDIT, Niran ANURAKPONGSATHORN, Jonathan BRECKO, Prapanth IAMWIRIYAKUL, Sunandan DAS and Olivier S. G. PAUWELS. 2026. A New Four-clawed Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae: Gehyra) from limestone hills in the Thai Peninsula, with new data on Gehyra angusticaudata.  Zootaxa. 5897(2); 129-151. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5897.2.2 [2026-10-30]

facebook.com/wai.irada/posts/29190966167201801

[Botany • 2026] Primula panzhouensis (Primulaceae) • Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species from southwestern China

 

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu,   

in Ye, Liu, Guo, Deng, Zhou et Wu, 2026. 

盘州报春  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280

Abstract

Based on comparative chloroplast genomes (cp genomes) and phylogenetic analyses integrated with morphological evidence, this study investigated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of an extremely rare short-styled homostylous lineage of Primula from southwestern China, providing new molecular insights into the delimitation of this complex group. Complete cp genomes were sequenced and comparatively analyzed for one putative new taxon, Primula panzhouensis, and 15 representative samples within Sect. Petiolares from southwestern China. The cp genome characteristics, simple sequence repeat (SSR) patterns, codon usage bias, inverted repeat (IR) boundary variations, and nucleotide diversity patterns were systematically evaluated. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were conducted based on complete cp genome sequences, and an integrative taxonomic assessment was performed by combining cp genomic evidence with morphological comparisons. All 16 cp genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, with genome sizes ranging from 151,076 to 153,420 bp. The overall cp genome structure and gene composition were highly conserved, although interspecific variations were detected in IR boundary regions, SSR distributions, and highly variable regions, including trnH-psbA and ycf1. The sequenced cp genome of P. panzhouensis exhibited several distinctive structural features and sequence variation patterns compared with closely related taxa. ML and BI analyses consistently recovered P. panzhouensis as a distinct cp lineage within Sect. Petiolares with strong support. Morphological comparisons further demonstrated that P. panzhouensis possesses the short-styled homostyly trait and can be distinguished from related taxa by differences in floral style structure, corolla morphology, scape length, and leaf characteristics. Integrating cp genomic evidence, phylogenetic relationships, and morphological traits, our results support the recognition of P. panzhouensis as a distinct taxonomic entity, which is herein described as a new species, Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov. This study demonstrates that comparative cp genomics integrated with phylogenetic analyses can effectively assist in resolving lineage relationships and taxonomic boundaries in complex groups of Primula. It also identifies an extremely rare short-styled homostylous species, providing valuable material for further investigating the evolution of floral diversity and its potential evolutionary significance in Primula.

Keywords: chloroplast genomics, molecular phylogeny, morphological taxonomy, Primula panzhouensis, Primula sect. Petiolares, short-styled homostylous species

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically similar to P. esquirolii, P. bergenioides, and P. hookeri, and all four species exhibit morphological characteristics consistent with the diagnostic features of Sect. Petiolares. It differs from P. esquirolii primarily in that the latter produces few or no new leaves during the flowering period, has a relatively long corolla tube, and bears extremely shortened scapes that are usually less than 1 cm in height or nearly absent. In addition, P. esquirolii is homostylous with long-style flowers, whereas the new species possesses a short corolla tube, well-developed scapes, and produces numerous new leaves during anthesis. Compared with the heterostylous P. bergenioides, the new species is readily ...

  Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is taken from the Chinese Pinyin “Panzhou”, the name of the county in western Guizhou, China, where the type specimen was collected (Figure 15).

 Vernacular name: Chinese mandarin: pán zhōu bào chūn (盘州报春).

 

Qing-qing Ye, Yong-lin Liu, Ying Guo, Qiang Deng, Wei Zhou and Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species of Primula (Primulaceae) from southwestern China. Front. Plant Sci. 17:1934280. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280  [29 September 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus dimaensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis

 Thaosen, Vabeiryureilai, Hlychho & Lalremsanga, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835

Abstract

We describe a new species of karst-associated Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Gekkonidae) of the khasiensis species group within the Indo-Burma clade from Umrangso, Dima Hasao District, Assam, northeast India, based on integrative analysis with morphological and molecular data. The new species Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. is revealed as a sister taxon to the recently described C. vanarakshaka, both belonging to the same district, Dima Hasao, Assam, with an uncorrected p-distance of 5%, and to C. namtiram of Manipur with 10% divergence. Intraspecific uncorrected p-distance for the new species was found to be between 0.0–1.3 %, and the interspecific divergence from the closely related congeners was between 5–38 %. The new species can be identified from its congeners by the presence of 7 or 8 precloacal pores in subadult males. This is the eight Cyrtodactylus species described from Assam, highlighting the region’s richness in herpetofaunal diversity and the need for further herpetological expeditions into this highly under-studied region.

Keywords: Age-class, Bent-toed Gecko, Brahmaputra, Indo-Burma, microhabitat, ND2 gene, northeastern India, phylogeny, subadult, taxonomy, Umrangso

 Live specimen of Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. (MZMU4012), a paratype.

photo by Jithu Das

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov.

Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Mara Duasa Hlychho and Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga. 2026. Unveiling A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 18(10); 29818-29835. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835

[Fungi • 2021] Mycena cristinae (Agaricales: Mycenaceae) • The Amazonian luminescent from Brazil

 

Mycena cristinae  J.S. Oliveira,  

in Oliveira, Vargas-Isla, Cabral, Cardoso, Andriolli, Rodrigues, Ikeda, Clement et Ishikawa, 2021. 

DOI doi.org/10.47371/mycosci.2021.05.004 

Researchgate.net/publication/354644984

  

Abstract

A new luminescent lignicolous fungal species, Mycena cristinae sp. nov., is proposed from the Central Amazon forest. This is unique and supported by morphological evaluation along with LSU- and ITS-based phylogenetic analyses. The basidiomata have mostly fuscous olivaceous brown pileus, adnate to subdecurrent and distant lamellae, and stipe with slightly bulbous base (basal mycelium absent). It also has inamyloid and/or weakly amyloid basidiospores, ramose cheilocystidia and a pileipellis composed of an aerated tangle of slender, diverticulate hyphae forming a coralloid pellicle overlaying the hypodermium. The luminescence is evident in the basidiomata (especially the stipe) and in the mycelium on the substrate. The LSU phylogenetic trees reveal that M. cristinae is sister to M. coralliformis within the Mycenaceae clade. In the ITS trees, it forms a unique lineage grouping with undetermined Mycena taxa. Morphological data support M. cristinae as a different species compared to previously described taxa.

Keywords: Agaricales, Amazon forest, Mycenaceae, phylogeny, taxonomy

Macroscopic view of Mycena cristinae (J.S. Cardoso & F. Andriolli JS347, holotype -INPA 287129).
A: basidiomata in situ, at night, using camera flash. B: basidiomata in situ, at night, without camera flash. C: basidiomata and mycelium on the substrate in situ, at night, without camera flash. D: pileus surface. E: hymenophore. F: stipe base. G: stipe base accompanied by fragment of the substrate with bryophytes. H: whole set of basidiomata. D-H photographed in lab using camera flash and room light.

Bars: 10 mm. 

Photos: Francisco Farroñay (A-C); Julia S. Cardoso (D-H).

Mycena cristinae J.S. Oliveira, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Pileus 7–22 mm diam, striate-sulcate, grayish brown or fuscous olivaceous brown. Lamellae adnate to subdecurrent, 10–14. Stipe pale olivaceous, with slightly bulbous base without mycelium. Basidiomata and mycelium luminescent, with a green-yellow light. Basidiospores 6.7–8.7 × 4.7–6 µm, inamyloid or weakly amyloid. Cheilocystidia ramose. Pileus trama dextrinoid: 1) the hypodermium, upper layer of inflated, pale brown hyphae; 2) lower layer similar to the lamellar trama. Pileipellis a coralloid pellicle of slender hyphae overlaying the hypodermium. Lignicolous.

 

Jadson J.S. Oliveira, Ruby Vargas-Isla, Tiara S. Cabral, Julia S. Cardoso, Fernando S. Andriolli, Doriane P. Rodrigues, Takehide Ikeda, Charles R. Clement and Noemia K. Ishikawa. 2021. The Amazonian luminescent Mycena cristinae sp. nov. from Brazil. Mycoscience. 62(6); 395-405. DOI doi.org/10.47371/mycosci.2021.05.004

 Researchgate.net/publication/354644984_The_Amazonian_luminescent_Mycena_cristinae_sp_nov_from_Brazil

[Fungi • 2023] Scleroderma erubescens, S. vinaceum, ... (Boletales: Sclerodermataceae) • Four New Species from Southwestern China

 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens;
(E) S. separatum; (G) S. squamulosum;
(H, I) S. vinaceum 

Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou,

in Wu, Zhou, Qu et Ge, 2023. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775 

  Researchgate.net/publication/371614300

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Abstract

The genus Scleroderma contains gasteroid basidiomycetes, which form globose spores with echinulate to reticulate ornamentation on the surface. Based on the morphological observations in combination with molecular data, four new species, S. erubescens, S. separatum, S. squamulosum, and S. vinaceum, were described from Yunnan, southwestern China. Images of fresh basidiomata and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of basidiospores are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences show that these four new taxa belong to the Scleroderma section Scleroderma.

Keywords: four new species; Boletales; ectomycorrhizal fungi; Sclerodermataceae; taxonomy

 Basidiomata of Scleroderma species.
 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens ((A) Z. W. Ge 4356; (B) Z. W. Ge 4828, holotype).
(C–E) Scleroderma separatum ((C) Z. W. Ge 4148, holotype; (D) Z. W. Ge 5394; (E) L. R. Zhou 31).
(F, G) Scleroderma squamulosum ((F) Y. J. Hao 373, holotype; (G) L. P. Tang 821).
(H, I) Scleroderma vinaceum ((H) J. Qin 197; (I) Z. W. Ge 5651).

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Scleroderma erubescens Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar S. verrucosum in having smaller basidiomata that turn reddish purple to blackish red after injury, smaller basidiospores with longer spikes, a thinner peridium, and hyphae with clamp connections.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the basidiomata turning reddish purple to blackish red when bruised.

Scleroderma separatum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Differs from Scleroderma albidum in having warty, peelable squamules on the peridium, smaller basidospores, and clamp connections at the hyphae of the rhizomorphs.

 Etymology: The species epithet refers to the peelable squamules on the peridium.

Scleroderma squamulosum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma areolatum in having a well-developed stipe, light-colored basidiomata, and smaller basidospores, with abundant attachments.

 Etymology: “squamulosum” refers to the scattered, tiny, and thin squamules on the stipes.

Scleroderma vinaceum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma verrucosum in the peridium, changing color to vinaceous after damage, with a longer stipe and smaller basidiomata.

 Etymology: “vinaceum” refers to the basidiomata turning vinaceous when bruised.

 Rui Wu, Lvrong Zhou, Hua Qu and Zai-Wei Ge. 2023. Updates on Scleroderma: Four New Species of Section Scleroderma from Southwestern China. Diversity. 15(6), 775. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775  [15 June 2023] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371614300_Four_New_Species_of_Scleroderma_from_Southwestern_China

[Fungi • 2025] Collybiopsis latispora, C. subpolygramma, ... (Agaricales: Omphalotaceae) • Four New Species from subtropical regions of China

Collybiopsis subpolygramma; 
Collybiopsis fucata; 
Collybiopsis dentata 

J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, 

in Ding, Zhong, Zeng, Wang et Yan, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.118.155560 

Abstract

Four new species of Collybiopsis, namely C. subpolygramma, C. fucata, C. dentata, and C. latispora, were discovered in the subtropical regions of China. These species were identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Morphologically, C. subpolygramma is characterized by its pileal surface, white in color with a light brown center; slender, cylindrical cheilocystidia; and absence of pleurocystidia. C. fucata is recognized by the reddish-brown, hygrophanous pileus; adnate to adnexed lamellae; and relatively broad basidiospores. C. dentata is identified by free lamellae, fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia, and relatively broad basidiospores. C. latispora is distinct by relatively broad basidiospores and a minute, snow-white ring or ruff at the stipe base. In the phylogenetic analysis based on combined ITS and LSU sequences, the four new species formed distinct and stable branches (BI-PP = 1; ML-BP = 100%), respectively. Collybiopsis subpolygramma formed a sister lineage with C. polygramma. The new species C. fucata, C. dentata, and C. latispora were found to be nested within the C. ramealis species complex clade. Detailed descriptions, color photos, and a key to related species are presented.

Key words: Basidiomycetes, new taxa, phylogeny, taxonomy

Collybiopsis subpolygramma. A–C. Basidiomata; D–F. Basidiospores; G. Basidia; H–J. Cheilocystidia; K. Pileipellis; L. Caulocystidia. All microscopic structures were observed in 5% KOH, and 1% Congo red was used as the stain.

Scale bars: 30 mm (A–C); 5 µm (D–F); 20 µm (G); 30 µm (H–I); 20 µm (J); 30 µm (K, L).

 Collybiopsis subpolygramma J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Referring to its similarity to C. polygramma, that pileus is sulcate.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by its pileal surface, white in color with a light brown center; crowded and occasionally forked lamellae; white to black-brown stipe; slender cylindrical cheilocystidia; basidia mainly 2-spored; and absence of pleurocystidia.

Collybiopsis subpolygramma. A–C. Basidiomata
Collybiopsis fucata. A–C. Basidiomata
Collybiopsis dentata. A–C. Basidiomata 

 Collybiopsis fucata J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “fucatus,” meaning “painted”—the lamellae edges are fucata.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by the reddish-brown, hygrophanous pileus; white lamellae that are adnate to adnexed; reddish-brown stipe with a white apex; basidiospores 3.9–5.2 µm broad; fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia; and cheilocystidia 25–65 × 11–31 µm.

 Collybiopsis dentata J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “dens,” meaning “tooth”—the lamellae edges are dentate.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by white lamellae that are free, basidiospores 3.9–4.7 µm broad, fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia, and cheilocystidia measuring up to 30–71 × 17–29 µm.

 Collybiopsis latispora J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “latus,” meaning “broad”—the species having wide basidiospores.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by white lamellae with a minute, snow-white ring or ruff at the stipe base; basidiospores 4.3–5.9 µm broad; subcylindrical, narrow fusiform, narrow utriform pleurocystidia; and cheilocystidia 16–47 × 13–24 µm.

 

 Ling Ding, Ben-Jian Zhong, Hui Zeng, Sheng-Nan Wang, Jun-Qing Yan. 2025. Four New Species of Collybiopsis (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China. MycoKeys. 118: 289-311. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.118.155560 [11-06-2025]

[Fungi • 2022] Rubroboletus flammeus (Boletales: Boletaceae) • A Novel Species unveiled from subtropical China based on morphological and phylogenetic evidences

 

Rubroboletus flammeus  N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & W.Q. Qin, 

in Zhang, Qin, Liang, Tian et Zeng, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00203-022-02998-4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/361205430

Abstract

Rubroboletus flammeus is described as a new species from subtropical China based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is morphologically characterized by a red to fiery-red basidioma with a dry pileus, a context in pileus white but that in stipe bright yellow, a stipe densely covered with spots, a blue color change of tissues, and a trichoderm-type pileipellis. Detailed descriptions, color photographs of fresh basidiomata, and line drawings of microscopic features of the new species are presented. A key to the known Chinese taxa of Rubroboletus is provided.

  

Keywords: Molecular phylogeny, Morphology, New taxon, Taxonomy

Basidiomata of Rubroboletus flammeus.
 (a–c, e from FHMU6928, holotype; d, f from FHMU6927).

Photos by W.Q. Qin

Rubroboletus flammeus N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & W.Q. Qin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Characterized by a red to fiery-red basidioma with a dry pileus, a context in pileus white but that in stipe bright yellow, a stipe densely covered with spots, a blue color change of tissues, and a trichoderm-type pileipellis.

Etymology: Latin “flammeus”, meaning the fiery-red pileus of the new species.

Xu Zhang, Wei-Qiang Qin, Zhi-Qun Liang, Run Tian and Nian-Kai Zeng. 2022. Rubroboletus flammeus (Boletaceae, Boletales), A Novel Species unveiled from subtropical China based on morphological and phylogenetic evidences. Archives of Microbiology. 204, 379. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00203-022-02998-4 [09 June 2022]

 Researchgate.net/publication/361205430_Rubroboletus_flammeus_a_novel_species_unveiled_from_subtropical_China

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis orlovi • An overlooked Mountain Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis) from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos

 

Ovophis orlovi  

 Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Yuhao, Tierui, Pawangkhanant, Ananjeva, David, Vogel, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2026

 rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 

facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982 

Researchgate.net/publication/415133263

Abstract

An overlooked species of the mountain pitviper genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge and Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the highlands of central Vietnam and southern Laos based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular and morphological evidence. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. has long been confused with O. monticola and, less frequently, O. convictus, but is recovered as a distinct and well-supported evolutionary lineage in mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses, forming the sister taxon to O. anitae. Its distinctiveness is further supported by substantial mitochondrial divergence from its closest relative (cyt b uncorrected p-distance = 8.0%) and by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including body proportions, scalation, and color pattern. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. is currently known from montane evergreen forests of the Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau in central Vietnam and adjacent montane areas of southern Laos at elevations of approximately 900 – 1,400 m a.s.l. The recognition of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. resolves a long-standing taxonomic misidentification involving populations previously referred to O. monticola or O. convictus, further demonstrates that species diversity within Ovophis remains underestimated, and highlights the importance of integrative taxonomic studies for uncovering overlooked diversity in the montane regions of mainland Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.; integrative taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; morphology; Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau; Bolaven Plateau; biogeography

Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.

Variation in coloration of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. in life.
Vietnam: A, Mang Den, Quang Ngai, VRTC NAP-18718, adult female, holotype; B, Kon Chu Rang NR, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-16315, subadult male, paratype; C, Kon Ka Kinh NP, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-15452, subadult female, paratype.
Laos: Bolaven Plateau, Champasak: D, adult individual; E, F, subadult individual.

Photos by A. M. Bragin (A), N. A. Poyarkov (B, C), and A. Teynié (D – F)

Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Xu Yuhao, Zhang Tierui, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2026. An overlooked Mountain Pitviper from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(3); 178-196. http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 [September 30, 2026]

 facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982

 Researchgate.net/publication/415133263_An_overlooked_Ovophis_from_the_montane_regions_of_Vietnam_Laos

 

 Ovophis orlovi sp. nov., Mang Den Commune, Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, June 6, 2016. Photo by Andrey M. Bragin

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria flavicollaris • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand

 

 Calamaria flavicollaris

 Aksornneam, Rujirawan, Yodthong, Pawangkhanant, Sung & Aowphol, 2026

 

Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake | งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Abstract

A new species of Calamaria is described from the Tenasserim Range, Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit and in contact with first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact with the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) dark collar followed by yellow ring at nuchal region. Genetically, the new species exhibits a pairwise distance of ≥17.56% from all other congeners based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment. Furthermore, we provide cranial osteological description of the new species based on micro-CT scanning. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and represents the fourth species of the genus recorded for Thailand. 

Keywords: cranial osteology; herpetofauna; Isthmus of Kra; molecular; reed snake; Southeast Asia

Holotype of Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131) in life. A small figure shows the yellow color on the ventral side of this species 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Head of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131).
A–B lateral view C–D dorsal view E–F ventral view

Holotype of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131)
in preservative. A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view at the midbody D dorsal view of tail E ventral view of tail

Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters (Tables 3, 4; Suppl. Table 1): 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit, and in contact first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding the paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) a dark nuchal collar followed by a yellow ring along neck.

Four Calamaria species in Thailand:
A Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. from Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province B C. lumbricoidea from Than To District, Yala Province
C C. schlegeli from Betong District, Yala Province D C. pavimentata from Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province 

Photos by Parinya Pawangkhanant (A–C) and Attapol Rujirawan (D)

Etymology. The specific epithet flavicollaris is derived from the Latin words “flavo” (yellow), “collare” (collar or neck), and the suffix “-aris”, which refers to the appearance of the yellow nuchal ring of this species. 

We suggested an English common name “Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake” and the Thai common name “งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ” (Ngu Phong O Buang Bat) for this species.

 Akrachai Aksornneam, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Yik-Hei Sung, and Anchalee Aowphol. 2026. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand.  Contributions to Zoology. 95(4); 366–410. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 [22 Sep 2026]

งูพงอ้อหัวแดง Calamaria schlegeli; 

งูพงอ้อหลากลาย Calamaria lumbricoidea; 

งูพงอ้อท้องเหลือง Calamaria pavimentata

[Fungi • 2026] Bolbitius fuscopapillatus & B. planoflavus (Agaricales: Bolbitiaceae) • Two New Species and One New Record from northeast China

 

a, b. Bolbitius titubans; f. B. coprophilus;
g, h. Bolbitius fuscopapillatus; k, l. B. planoflavus 

T. Bau & H. Cheng, 

in Cheng et Bau, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.140.203173 

Scale bars: 1 cm.

Abstract

A taxonomic study of the genus Bolbitius from northeast China was conducted, based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed, based on a combined multi-locus dataset comprising the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit (nrLSU) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) sequences. As a result, two new species are described and illustrated: Bolbitius planoflavus, characterised by its distinctly applanate, pale yellow pileus when mature and the presence of occasional 2-spored basidia; and Bolbitius fuscopapillatus, distinguished by its violet-brown papillate umbo and purplish-white margin bearing faint veil remnants. Additionally, Bolbitius bisporus is reported as a new record for China. Detailed morphological descriptions, colour photographs and comparisons with closely-related taxa are provided.

Key words: Bolbitius, multi-gene fragments, morphology, new taxa, phylogeny

Basidiomata of Bolbitius species.
 a, b. Bolbitius titubans (FJAU68133, FJAU68132); c, d. B. variicolor (FJAU68135, FJAU68134); e, f. B. coprophilus (FJAU68139, FJAU68138);
g, h. B. fuscopapillatus (FJAU68142 T, FJAU68143); i, j. B. bisporus (FJAU68137); k, l. B. planoflavus (FJAU68141, FJAU68140 T); T = holotype. White arrows in (g) indicate veil remnants, with an enlarged view shown in the upper right corner.

 Scale bars: 1 cm.

Bolbitius planoflavus T. Bau & H. Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. “planoflavus” refers to the species’ pileus being both plane and pale yellow when mature.

Bolbitius fuscopapillatus T. Bau & H. Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. From Latin fuscus (violet-brown) and papillatus (with a small papilla), referring to the violet-brown papillate umbo of the pileus.

 Hong Cheng and Tolgor Bau. 2026. Two New Species and One New Record of Bolbitius (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from northeast China. MycoKeys. 140: 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.140.203173 [23 Sep 2026]