[Botany • 2026] Allium aralii (Amaryllidaceae) • A New Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from from Southeastern Anatolia (Türkiye) based on Morphological Characters and Phylogenetic Evidence

 

Allium aralii Balos Köse& Sonay,

in Balos, Köse, Sonay et Tunç. 2026. 

Kaplandağı soğanı  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15101574  

 instagram.com/marufbalos

 

Abstract

Allium aralii Balos, Köse Sonay sp. nov. (Amaryllidaceae, sect. Codonoprasum) is described as a new species from southeastern Anatolia, Türkiye. The species is morphologically distinguished from its closest relatives—A. euphraticum, A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum, and A. yilandaghense—by a unique combination of characters: blackish outer bulb tunics, semi-cylindrical solid leaves exceeding the inflorescence, an extremely long persistent two-valved spathe (4.5–28.0 cm), a lax hemispherical inflorescence (3–4 cm diam., 10–70 flowers), a goblet-shaped perigon with dentate inner tepals, exserted bicolored stamens (white at base and apex, purple in the middle), a reticulate-foveate ovary, and verrucate seed ornamentation with undulate anticlinal walls. Seed micromorphology examined by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) further supports species delimitation. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear ITS and chloroplast matK sequences place A. aralii within a well-supported clade containing A. turcicum and allied species, corresponding to the eastern Mediterranean lineage of sect. Codonoprasum. ITS genetic distances between A. aralii and its morphologically closest relatives range 0.0632, falling within the typical interspecific range for Allium. The species is known from a single locality in Bozova district (Şanlıurfa) with fewer than 100 mature individuals and is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to IUCN criteria. This discovery highlights southeastern Anatolia as an underexplored center of Allium diversification and underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy for species delimitation within this taxonomically complex group.

Keywords: Allium; endemic; sect. Codonoprasum; morphology; taxonomy; phylogeny; seed micromorphology

 Habit and reproductive morphology of Allium aralii.
 (A) With oak trees on Mount Kaplandağı. (B,C) Inflorescences showing lax hemispherical structure. (D) Detail of perigon and pedicel, illustrating tepal arrangement and coloration.

Additional views of Allium aralii.
(A–C) Variation in inflorescence morphology, highlighting density and flower arrangement. (D) Whole plant habit, showing relative proportions of leaves, scape, and inflorescence.

 Allium aralii (From holotype M. Balos 5616).
(A) Habit. (B) Bulb. (C,D) Leaf sheathing and stem. (E) Leaf cross-section. (F,G) Perigon. (H) Close-up view of the outer tepal. (I) Inner surface of open perigon and filament. (J) Outer–inner–outer tepal. (K) Inner surface of open perigon. (L) Outer surface of open perigon. (M) Anther (N) Ovary. (O) Ovary cross-section (P) Scape cross-section. (Q) Capsule. (R) Seed.

Allium aralii Balos, Köse Sonay sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Allium aralii belongs to Allium sect. Codonoprasum and is morphologically distinguished from its closely related species—A. euphraticum, A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, and A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum—by the following combination of characters: outer bulb tunics blackish (vs. brownish in A. euphraticum and A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, brownish-black in A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum); bulbs 1.0–1.5 × 0.8–1.0 cm (vs. 1–2 cm in A. euphraticum, 1–2 cm in A. turcicum subsp. turcicum, 1–2 cm in A. turcicum subsp. fusciflorum); scape slender, 16–30 cm long (vs. 14–44 cm in A. euphraticum, 10–40 cm in A. turcicum subsp. turcicum and subsp. fusciflorum); leaves semi-cylindrical, solid, exceeding the inflorescence, 6.5–21.0 × 0.08–0.1 cm (vs. filiform, hollow, exceeding ...

Etymology: The species name ‘aralii’ was given in honor of the extraordinary academic achievements of the second author’s son, Aral Köse. Aral is an exceptional student who, after pursuing a dual degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering and Mathematics at Boğaziçi University, has been awarded a full scholarship for a PhD program at the University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB).

Turkish common name of the new species: Allium is called “Soğan” in Turkish. The author proposes “Kaplandağı soğanı” as a vernacular name for A. aralii according to the guidelines of Menemen et al. [2016].

 Mehmet Maruf Balos,Yavuz Bülent Köse,Veysel Sonay and Fatmanur Tunç. 2026. Allium aralii (Amaryllidaceae, sect. Codonoprasum), A New Species from Southeastern Anatolia (Türkiye) Based on Morphological Characters and Phylogenetic Evidence. Plants. 15(10), 1574; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15101574 [21 May 2026]

 instagram.com/p/DYmM69zAjQh/marufbalos

[Botany • 2025] Impatiens bungerara (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species with flame-coloured flowers from Sumatra, Indonesia [Flora of Gayo Plateau I]

Impatiens bungerara Mustaqim

in Mustaqim, 2025.

openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL 

facebook.com/botanywam

Abstract

Impatiens bungerara Mustaqim (Balsaminaceae) is described here as a new endemic species from the northern Gayo Plateau, Sumatra, Indonesia. The new species is similar to I. vitellina Grey-Wilson but differs by branched stems, hairs in leaves and peduncles, and several flower morphologies. A detailed description, discussion, and colour photographs are given.

Keywords: herbs, montane plants, taxonomy, West Malesia, Impatiens, Balsaminaceae

Impatiens bungerara Mustaqim sp. nov.

Wendy Achmmad Mustaqim. 2025. Flora of Gayo Plateau I: A New Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) Species with flame-coloured flowers from Sumatra, Indonesia.  Telopea. 29; 173–176. DOI: 10.7751/telopea21366

https://openjournals.library.sydney.edu.au/TEL/article/view/20712

 facebook.com/botanywam/posts/1212990170649810

 Researchgate.net/publication/392363916_A_new_Impatiens_species_from_Sumatra_Indonesia

Abstrak: Impatiens bungerara Mustaqim (Balsaminaceae) dipertelakan di dalam tulisan ini sebagai spesies tumbuhan endemik Dataran Tinggi Gayo bagian utara, Sumatra, Indonesia. Spesies baru ini serupa dengan I. vitellina Grey-Wilson, tetapi berbeda karena batang yang bercabang, rambut pada daun dan tangkai perbungaan, dan beberapa morfologi bunga. Sebuah pertelaan rinci, diskusi, dan foto-foto berwarna disajikan.

Kata kunci, herba, Malesia Barat, taksonomi, tumbuhan pegunungan 

[Mollusca • 2026] Georissa meghalayaensis & Acmella bensoni • New Species of Georissa (Gastropoda: Hydrocenidae) and Acmella (Gastropoda: Assimineidae), with new records of Georissa from Northeast India

 

Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. and
Acmella bensoni sp. nov. 

 Das & Aravind, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1060.3284 

 x.com/atree_org

Abstract

The present study describes one new species each of Georissa and Acmella from Northeast India. Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. and Acmella bensoni sp. nov. are described from Krem Puri, Meghalaya. In addition, Georissa sp. was newly recorded from a soil-leaf litter sample collected at the Sadu Chiru waterfall area in Manipur, and Georissa sarrita was newly recorded from Tuipui in Mizoram. All species were identified based on morphological features, with shell sculpture and suture being the primary distinguishing characters. Notably, all the species from Meghalaya were found inside caves, except for Georissa meghalayaensis (Krem Puri), which was found at the edge of the cave entrance on a wet, moss-covered rocky wall. Further studies are required to confirm the true cavernicolous nature of these microsnails.

Keywords: biodiversity hotspot, cave biodiversity, conchology, conservation, endemics

Georissa meghalayaensis sp. nov. 

Acmella bensoni sp. nov. 

Nipu Kumar Das and Neelavar Ananthram Aravind. 2026. New Species of Georissa (Gastropoda: Hydrocenidae) and Acmella (Gastropoda: Assimineidae), with new records of Georissa from Northeast India.  European Journal of Taxonomy, 1060(1); 1–27. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1060.3284 [2026-05-27] 

 x.com/atree_org/status/2065383012116627609

[Botany • 2026] Goniothalamus metadoxus & Uvaria chrysoflora • Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin;
Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin

in Ezedin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6

 Abstract 

Two new species of Annonaceae bearing unique or unusual morphologies are described and illustrated from Papua New Guinea. Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, from the Papuan Peninsula, exhibits an extraordinary reduction of the outer petals resulting in an inverted floral morphology where the inner petals appear larger and more prominent. It is further distinguished by its long pedicels, inner petals bearing a densely sericeous indument giving a silvery-white sheen, and long apiculate staminal connectives that are pinkish-lavender in color. Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, from the Sepik River basin, is unique in bearing greenish-yellow flowers, making it the first non-red flowered species of its genus from Papuasia. It most closely resembles the widespread U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. and can be further distinguished from the latter by its smaller leaves and larger flowers.

KEYWORDS: Annonaceae, Goniothalamus, New Guinea, new species, Uvaria

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin
A, B: branch showing adaxial and abaxial laminas; C: cauliflorous inflorescence arising from excrescence on bole; D: close-up of a flower showing reflexed sepals and reduced outer petals; E: flower with one inner petal removed revealing inner chamber with pinkish-lavender colored stamens and light yellow carpels [Damas et al. SAJ1442] [Photos: S.A. James]

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Goniothalamus metadoxus resembles G. caloneurus Miq. in having similar leaf shape and siZe, oblong monocarps, and nearly subequal outer and inner petal siZes but differs in its habit being a small to medium tree up to 15 m tall (vs. shrub up to c. 4 m tall), laminas being chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), secondary veins not impressed above and not prominent below (vs. impressed above, prominent below), cauliflorous fasciculate inflorescences (vs. ramiflorous and solitary), inner petals being longer than the outer (vs. outer petals longer), and the petals silvery-white (vs. yellow-orange).

Etymology — From Greek meta, altered, and doxus, appearance; in reference to the inner petals being longer than the outer petals due to pronounced reduction of the latter.

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin
A: habit, twigs, mature and immature flowers; B: close-up of flower [Weiblen et al. GW2215] [Photos: G.D. Weiblen]

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Uvaria chrysoflora resembles U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. in having subglabrous young stems and shortly pedunculate flowers with concave petals, but differs in its yellow-green petals (vs. maroon), petals not conspicuously incurved at apices (vs. strongly incurved), larger flowers measuring 35–50 mm across (vs. c. 18–30 mm), and smaller leaves measuring 10–12 × 5.5–6.5 cm (vs. c. 12–15 × 6–7 cm).

Etymology — From Greek chryso, golden, and Latin flora, flower; in reference to the yellowish-green flowers.

Zacky Ezedin. 2026. Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea. Candollea. 81(1); 51-55. DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6 (17 June 2026)

[Ichthyology • 2026] Brachygobius jennie • A New bumblebee goby (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China

Brachygobius jennie  

 Tian, Wu, Lan, Lavoué & Huang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142

Abstract

A new species of bumblebee goby, Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. (Teleostei, Oxudercidae), is described based on 31 specimens collected from the Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. This new species is distinguished from all other valid species of Brachygobius by its extreme small size (SL < 9 mm) and distinctive number, position, size and shape of its black bars. It possesses four complete (forming ring) or nearly complete post-cephalic, relatively narrow bars, two of which are located posterior to the base of the anal fin. The first bar behind the head extends pigmentation to the first dorsal fin but does not reach the midventral line. The second bar, chevron-shaped and located below the second dorsal fin, extends pigmentation onto that fin and ventrally reaches the midventral line and the anal fin. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I-based analyses, including six out of the eight valid species of Brachygobius, show Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. to be more than 10% genetically divergent from other species, supporting the morphological diagnosis and confirming its distinct taxonomic status. With a maximum size of less than 9 mm SL (based on observations of 106 specimens), the new species is not only the smallest species of Brachygobius, but also one of the smallest known gobioid fishes.

Key Words: Fish, Gobioidei, integrative taxonomy, new species, miniature vertebrates

Diagnostic marking pattern comparison among all species of Brachygobius having four post-cephalic black bands, the last two located posterior to the base of the anal fin. Left column: schematic drawings highlighting diagnostic marking patterns based on information from type material and original descriptions; from top to bottom: 
Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. based on its description (this study); B. aggregatus, based on a drawing of a type specimen (plate 4 in Herre 1940); B. kabiliensis, based on the drawing of the holotype (fig. 19 in Inger 1958); and B. nunus, based on the drawing of a specimen of Gobius alcockii Annandale, 1906 (fig. 1 in Annandale 1906), a junior synonym of B. nunus, and the description of B. nunus by Hamilton (1822). Red arrowheads indicate diagnostic differences. Right column: photographs of live non-type specimens illustrating the corresponding left schematic patterns (all photos from the authors).

Live photographs of four paratypes of Brachygobius jennie sp. nov., illustrating intra-specific marking pattern.

Photographed by Mr. Haocong Yang and Mr. Danyang Zhou.

Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. 

 Jiangyan Tian, Jianyong Wu, Chunliu Lan, Sébastien Lavoué and Jianrong Huang. 2026. Brachygobius jennie, A New bumblebee goby (Teleostei, Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 853-863.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142 [17 Jun 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Scymnus tshunsii • The First termitophilous Ladybird Beetle (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Microcerotermes Nests in Thailand

 

  Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama, 

in Seki, Liang , Hasin, Chiu et Maruyama, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.14411/eje.2026.017  

Termite nests host diverse symbiotic arthropods (termitophiles), many of which exhibit specialized morphological and behavioral adaptations to life within termite colonies. While numerous beetle families include well-known termitophiles, an association with termites has not yet been recorded in the family Coccinellidae (ladybird beetles). Here, we report the discovery of Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama, sp. n., based on adults and larvae collected from nests of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934, in Chiang Mai and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand, with additional adults captured at light traps. Although the adult morphology is typical for free-living Scymnini, the larva exhibits a highly unusual, soft-bodied, glabrous body form closely resembling termite workers - an apparent case of convergent evolution also seen in termitophilous rove beetles, scarabs, and phorid flies. The stark contrast between adult and larval morphology suggests stage-specific adaptations, with larvae more intimately integrated into the termite nest environment. Collecting adults at light traps indicates nocturnal dispersal, likely to locate new host colonies. This discovery represents the first confirmed termitophilous ladybird beetle and indicates that termite nests may support previously unrecognized ecological associations within Coccinellidae.

 

Keywords: New species, predators, Scymnini, taxonomy, termite

  Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n.
1 – dorsal view; 2 – ventral view; 3 – lateral view;
4 – alive, lateral view; 5 – alive, ventral view.

Habitat of Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n.
 32–34 – Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. (32 – adult; 33–34 – larvae); 35 – soldier of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934;
36 – forest environment; 37 – mound of Microcerotermes crassus Snyder, 1934.

 

Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii Seki, Liang & Maruyama sp. n. 

 

Diagnosis. Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. is similar in external coloration to many species of Scymnini (e.g., Sasaji, 1971; Chen et al., 2015a, b; Wang & Chen, 2022), but can be readily distinguished by the structure of the genitalia. This species is placed in the subgenus Pullus Mulsant, 1846 based on the combination of the following characters: antennae composed of 11 antennomeres, prosternal process with well-developed lateral carinae, abdominal postcoxal lines recurved and complete, and female genitalia with a distinct infundibulum (Chen et al., 2015a). Chen et al. (l.c.) divided the subgenus Scymnus (Pullus) from mainland China and Taiwan into S. hingstoni, S. subvillosus, S. impexus, S. perdere, and S. sodalis groups. The new species lacks a prominent dorsal keel on the penis guide of ...

Etymology. The species is named after Tshun-Sî, the son of Wei-Ren Liang, the second author. His name, meaning “sowing in spring,” reflects the hope for the flourishing of future studies on termitophily in Thailand following this groundbreaking discovery. 

Distribution. Thailand (Chiang Mai, Nakhon Ratchasima)  

Ryōta SEKI, Wei-Ren LIANG, Sasitorn HASIN, Chun-I CHIU and Munetoshi MARUYAMA. 2026. The First termitophilous Ladybird Beetle: Scymnus (Pullus) tshunsii sp. n. (Coleoptera: Coccinellidae) from Microcerotermes nests in Thailand. Eur. J. Entomol. 123: 165-174. DOI: doi.org/10.14411/eje.2026.017  [May 14, 2026]

[Mollusca • 2022] Burmochlamys fasciola, B. albida, B. versicolor, ... • Uncovering local Endemism from southeastern Myanmar: Description of the New Karst-associated Terrestrial Snail Genus Burmochlamys (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae)

 

Burmochlamys Pholyotha & Panha,
A Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov. paratype showing left and right lateral views;  
D B. albida sp. nov. paratype; E B. moulmeinica sp. nov. paratype;
F B. versicolor sp. nov. paratype; G B. whitteni sp. nov. paratype 

in Pholyotha, Sutcharit, Lin et Panha, 2022.   

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1110.82461 

Abstract

Salween River basin’s karst ecosystems in southeastern Myanmar remain largely unexplored and are likely to harbour a high terrestrial snail diversity that are often associated with high levels of snail endemism. Here, an outstanding group of new karst-associated terrestrial snails, Burmochlamys gen. nov., are discovered. A study of the comparative morphological and anatomical data reveals that the reproductive tract and radula of this new genus are closely related to the helicarionid genus Sophina Benson, 1859 but shell morphology (shape, size, and sculpture) and mantle extensions are distinct from the latter genus. Burmochlamys gen. nov. now consists of four known nominal species, B. cassidula comb. nov., B. cauisa comb. nov., B. perpaula comb. nov., and B. poongee comb. nov., and five new species; B. albida sp. nov., B. fasciola sp. nov., B. moulmeinica sp. nov., B. versicolor sp. nov., and B. whitteni sp. nov. The highlight is that the members of the new genus show site-specific endemism, being restricted to karstic habitat islands of the Salween River basin. In addition, the discovery supports that the unique and complex structure of Salween River basin’s karst ecosystems are habitats in which the terrestrial malacofauna have speciated and become endemic.

Keywords: Diversity, endemic, Indochina, land snail, limestone, Salween River basin, taxonomy

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Living snails of Burmochlamys species
A Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14214 showing left and right lateral views B B. cassidula specimen CUMZ 14209
C B. poongee specimen CUMZ 14210 D B. albida sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14212
E B. moulmeinica sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14217 F B. versicolor sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14219 G B. whitteni sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14222.

Genus Burmochlamys Pholyotha & Panha, gen. nov.

 

Type species: Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov., by original designation.

Etymology: The name combines Burmo in reference to Burma, the historical name of Myanmar, and the Greek word chlamys meaning mantle or cloak in reference to land snail with well-developed mantle extensions. Therefore, the generic name means the Burmese land snail with the well-developed mantle extensions. The gender of the new generic name is feminine.

Diagnosis: Shell subglobose to globose, small size, little high spire, and sculptured with spiral furrows and undulating radial lines. Snail with five well-developed mantle extensions; caudal horn raised. Genitalia with penial retractor muscle attached at tip of epiphallic caecum; gametolytic organ with rather short to moderate cylindrical duct and bulbous sac; well-developed dart apparatus; flagellum absent. Radula with large monocuspid central tooth and attached by two smaller teeth; laterals and marginals undifferentiated, large monocuspid, and at base of each tooth on outer side attached by a smaller tooth.

B. cassidula comb. nov., B. cauisa comb. nov., 

B. perpaula comb. nov., and B. poongee comb. nov., 

and five new species; B. albida sp. nov., B. fasciola sp. nov., 

B. moulmeinica sp. nov., B. versicolor sp. nov., and B. whitteni sp. nov.

A adult of Burmochlamys moulmeinica sp. nov. while climbing slowly on the karst wall after raining at Lun Nya Pagoda B mating pairs of B. versicolor sp. nov. on the karst wall at Bayin Nyi Cave
C B. versicolor sp. nov. eaten by the carnivorous snail Carinartemis sp. on the karst wall at Bayin Nyi Cave D B. cassidula eaten by the carnivorous snail Haploptychius sp. on the karst wall at Kaw Gon Cave. 

 Arthit Pholyotha, Chirasak Sutcharit, Aung Lin and Somsak Panha. 2022. Uncovering local Endemism from southeastern Myanmar: Description of the New Karst-associated Terrestrial Snail Genus Burmochlamys (Eupulmonata, Helicarionidae).  ZooKeys. 1110: 1-37. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1110.82461 

[Entomology • 2026] Montana tomorri & M. dani • Two New Species of Bush-crickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from the Mountains of south Albania

 

(A–D) Montana tomorri and (G–H) Montana dani 

Puskás, Lemonnier-Darcemont, Willemse, Chobanov, Heller, Halimi, Darcemont, Kotitsa& Szövényi, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.2.3

Abstract

Two new taxa of Platycleidini have been discovered in southern Albania, with one of them extending its range to the Greek border. In this paper, we analyse their morphological features, the characteristics of their acoustic signals, and phylogenetic relationships. These taxa clearly belong to the cluster of species comprising the four genera Montana, Amedegnatiana, Parnassiana, and Metrioptera s. str. The results of this study suggest their placement within the genus Montana, and we describe two new species: Montana tomorri sp. nov. and Montana dani sp. nov. Our findings highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of the tribe Platycleidini using integrative approaches that incorporate molecular and bioacoustic data, in order to better understand monophyletic groups and evaluate the consistency of current generic classifications.

Orthoptera, balkans, mountain endemism, Platycleidini, bioacoustics, phylogeny

habitus and colour variation of Montana tomorri sp. nov. from Tomorr Mt. (A–D) 

 

habitus and colour variation of M. dani sp. nov. from Trebeshina Mt. (E–H).

GELLÉRT PUSKÁS, MICHÈLE LEMONNIER-DARCEMONT, LUC WILLEMSE, DRAGAN CHOBANOV, KLAUS-GERHARD HELLER, ELTJON HALIMI, CHRISTIAN DARCEMONT, NEFELI KOTITSA, GERGELY SZÖVÉNYI. 2026. Montana tomorri and Montana dani (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), Two New Species of Bush-crickets from the Mountains of south Albania. Zootaxa. 5828(2); 225-255. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.2.3 [2026-06-09]

[Mollusca • 2026] Sundadontina panhai • Discover before they Disappear: A New freshwater mussel Species in the Genus Sundadontina (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Pseudodontini) from the remote headwaters of the Chi River, Mekong Basin, northeastern Thailand

 

Sundadontina panhai  Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, 

in Nahok, Chanlabut, Tanmuangpak, Bolotov, Vikhrev, C Tumpeesuwan et S Tumpeesuwan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.99.1 

facebook.com/BenchawanNAHOK 

Abstract

The Mekong River basin is a globally recognized freshwater biodiversity hotspot.  The most species-rich radiation of freshwater mussels in this basin belongs to the tribe Pseudodontini. This group contains numerous local endemic species that prefer small river and stream habitats with fast currents, rocky or gravel substrates, and clean water. Here, we describe Sundadontina panhai Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, sp. nov., a new species within this unique tribe. This species was discovered in remote tributaries of the Upper Chi River drainage, northeastern Thailand. Its taxonomic status was evaluated using an integrative approach, combining an analysis of shell morphology and mtDNA phylogeny (based on COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences). The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of unique conchological characteristics, including an elongate-ovate shell without a prominent wing, an unprojected umbo, a yellowish to dark brown periostracum, and a clearly protruding, triangular pseudocardinal tooth. All Sundadontina species are phylogenetically well-separated from each other in the mtDNA phylogeny, exhibiting a corrected COI p-distance of 2.5–16.1%. Our findings highlight that remote tributaries of the Mekong River still house undescribed endemic lineages of freshwater mussels, which are on the brink of extinction due to habitat degradation, rapid deforestation, river damming, irrigation and drainage projects, and other anthropogenic activities.

Key words Disjunct distribution, endemic freshwater mussel, habitat specialist, lotic ecosystem, phylogeny

Maps showing the geographic distribution of the genus Sundadontina.
 (A) General distribution of Sundadontina species (circles) and the type locality of the new species (red star) across mainland Southeast Asia; areas outlined by a dashed line indicate historical records from vague localities that could not be precisely georeferenced.
(B) Detailed sampling localities of Sundadontina panhai sp. nov. in the headwaters of the Chi River, northeastern Thailand, highlighting the type locality (red star) and additional collection sites (red circles). Maps were generated using QGIS v. 3.44 with the map base from HydroSHEDS (Lehner and Grill, 2013). (Maps: U. Chanlabut).

Family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820

Subfamily Gonideinae Ortmann, 1916

Tribe Pseudodontini Frierson, 1927

Subtribe Pseudodontina Frierson, 1927 

(type genus: Pseudodon Gould, 1844; by original designation).

Genus Sundadontina Bolotov et al., 2020 

(type species: Anodonta cumingii Lea, 1851; by original designation)

Holotype of Sundadontina panhai sp. nov. (ZCPRU-0051).
External view of (A) right valve and (B) left valve. Internal view of (C) left valve and (D) right valve. (E) dorsal view of the shell; (F) details of the pseudocardinal teeth, showing the left valve on the left-hand side and the right valve on the right-hand side. (Photos: B. Nahok)

 Sundadontina panhai Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The shell is elongate-ovate, rather thick. The umbo is not prominent, the posterior margin is somewhat biangular, without a prominent wing. The periostracum is yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with a copper-colored tint on the posterior margin; the nacre is whitish and shining. The pseudocardinal tooth is clearly protruding and triangular. The anterior adductor muscle scar is elliptical and distinctly deep, whereas the posterior adductor muscle scar is rounded and shallower. 

Etymology. The specific epithet 'panhai' is named in honor of Professor Dr. Somsak Panha, the esteemed mentor of the sixth and last authors, recognizing his pioneering leadership in the taxonomic research of land snails and freshwater bivalves in Thailand. 

Benchawan Nahok, Utain Chanlabut, Kitti Tanmuangpak, Ivan N. Bolotov, Ilya V. Vikhrev, Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan. 2026. Discover before they Disappear: A New freshwater mussel Species in the Genus Sundadontina (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Pseudodontini) from the remote headwaters of the Chi River, Mekong Basin, northeastern Thailand. Ecologica Montenegrina. 99; 1-18. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.99.1

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[Cnidaria • 2026] Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum • A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum

Koido, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 

 

Abstract

A new precious coral species, Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Scleralcyonacea, Coralliidae), retrieved from a depth of 550 m in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is described, and an updated identification key for the genus Hemicorallium is provided. The new species is confirmed as belonging to the genus Hemicorallium based on the presence of nonretractile but contractile autozooids with an ovate-cylindrical shape and sclerites comprising elongated rods, 6–8-radiates and double clubs, with elongated rods present exclusively in the tentacles. Moreover, the species is distinct from all its congeners in that it has orange coenenchyme and a pink axis, with autozooids distributed only on the front side of the branch, forming clusters at the branch tips. These morphological features differ from those of all previously described species of Hemicorallium, and molecular analysis of mitochondrial sequences (16S, ND1, ND2, ND3, ND6, COI, MSH, and IGR1) further corroborates the validity of this new species. This is the first report of Hemicorallium off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan.

Key words: Cnidaria, deep-sea corals, precious coral, Scleralcyonacea, Western Pacific

 

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Holotype: KBF-OA-00436).
 A. ‘‘Front’’ and ‘‘back’’ of colony; B. Branch, showing autozooid (AZ); C. Exposed axis with the coenenchyme removed; D, E. Surface detail of branch, showing autozooid (AZ), siphonozooid (SZ), burrows (Bu), cluster of autozooids (CL), warts on coenenchyme surface (W), and commensal polychaete (Po).

 Scale bars: 50 mm (A); 10 mm (B–E).

Class Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866

Order Scleralcyonacea McFadden, van Ofwegen & Quattrini, 2022

Family Coralliidae Lamouroux, 1812

Genus Hemicorallium Gray, 1867

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. 

 New Japanese name. Kinmokusei-mizo-sango.

Diagnosis. The colony branches in one plane, and anastomoses are present only where broken branches come into contact with other branches. Autozooids are contracted but not retracted, and they are distributed only on one side of the colony. Spacing is almost absent on the twigs, and clusters are formed at the tips. The axis has no pits beneath the autozooids and is pale pink to pink in colour. Sclerites are predominantly radiate, and double clubs are rare. Warty rods are present only in the tentacles.

 

Tatsuki Koido. 2026. A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus. ZooKeys. 1277: 339-354.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 [20 Apr 2026]

[Chilopoda • 2026] Hainanthereua albilineata • Integrative Morphological and Molecular Evidence reveals A New Genus of scutigerid centipede (Scutigeromorpha: Scutigeridae) from Hainan, China, with implications for its evolution and biogeography

Hainanthereua albilineata   

Li, Edgecombe & Jiang, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e186815

Abstract

Hainanthereua albilineata gen. nov. et sp. nov. is described and illustrated based on specimens from Hainan Province, China. Morphological examination showed that these specimens belong to Thereuoneminae and share certain similarities with Thereuopodina Verhoeff, 1905. Phylogenetic reconstruction based on five genes (nuclear 18S and 28S rRNA, mitochondrial 12S and 16S rRNA, and cytochrome c oxidase subunit I) indicated that the specimens form a distinct and well-supported clade that is sister group to Thereuonema Verhoeff, 1904, so a new genus is accordingly established. Combining the evolutionary history and biogeographic framework of Thereuoneminae, this study revealed the evolutionary significance of Hainanthereua gen. nov. in the context of the Peninsular Indian Plate as a biotic ferry implicated in the origin of East and Southeast Asian lineages. Morphological similarities between Hainanthereua and Thereuopodina are symplesiomorphies of a clade that includes these two genera, Thereuonema and Thereuopoda Verhoeff, 1904.

Key words: Chilopoda, morphology, new species, phylogeny, taxonomic key, Thereuoneminae

Hainanthereua albilineata sp. nov., holotype.
A Habitus, dorsal view, body length 23 mm; B head, dorsal view; C T1, dorsal view; D T2, dorsal view.

Abbreviations: lmd, longitudinal median depression; ap, anterior projection of the (cephalic) transverse suture; To, Tömösváry’s organ; t, (cephalic) transverse suture; ce, compound eye.

 Hainanthereua gen. nov.

Hainanthereua albilineata gen. nov. et sp. nov. 

Habitat of Hainanthereua albilineata sp. nov. (from type locality: Mingfenggu Valley, Jianfengling, Ledong Li Autonomous County, Hainan Province, China).
A Panoramic view of type locality; B woodland on the mountain of type locality shown in A; C interior habitat of the woodland shown in B, the species was collected in relatively dry leaf litter or under stones; D individual of the species found under a stone; E live habitus of the species.

 A–D provided by Mr. Quanyu Ji, E provided by Mr. Jiazhou Lu.

Qing Li, Gregory D. Edgecombe and Chao Jiang. 2026. Integrative Morphological and Molecular Evidence reveals A New Genus of scutigerid centipede from Hainan, China, with implications for its evolution and biogeography (Scutigeromorpha: Scutigeridae). Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 447-464. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e186815

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Eschatornis aterradora • A New terror bird (Cariamiformes: Phorusrhacidae) from the Late Pleistocene of Brazil: insights into the last representatives of the family

Eschatornis aterradora 

Machado, Vasconcelos, Santos, Dutra, Cartelle, Câmara, Dantas & Degrange, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70080  

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Abstract

Terror birds comprise an iconic group of apex predator birds from America, with a rich fossil record that is one of the longest among birds for a Neoaves family, ranging from the middle Eocene to the latest Pleistocene. Here, we report the discovery of a new genus and species of Phorusrhacidae, based on an incomplete tibiotarsus recovered from an Upper Pleistocene (25 326–25 733 cal yr BP) cave deposit in Bahia, northeastern Brazil, and previously interpreted as a New World vulture. The preserved morphology exhibits unique diagnostic features that support the recognition of a new species belonging to the small-size phorusrhacids, the Psilopterinae, a clade that probably had poor flying abilities. In addition to the systematic assignment, we discuss aspects of its palaeoecology (isotopic habitat and body mass estimate), providing new insights into the diversity and evolutionary history of the last known terror birds.

Keywords: Aves, Cariamiformes, Psilopterinae, Quaternary, Toca dos Ossos, Brazil

Eschatornis aterradora 

Victor Hugo M. Machado, Marcelo F. de Vasconcelos, Luciano Vilaboim Santos, Rodrigo Parisi Dutra, Cástor Cartelle, Bruno G. O. Câmara, Mário A. T. Dantas and Federico J. Degrange. 2026. A New terror bird (Cariamiformes, Phorusrhacidae) from the Late Pleistocene of Brazil: insights into the last representatives of the family. Papers in Palaeontology. 12(2); e70080. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70080 [26 March 2026] 

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