[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Parastylephorus anatoides • A New fossil from the Eocene of Iran provides new insights regarding the evolution of the morphologically bizarre tube-eye fish

 

Parastylephorus anatoides 

Ridolfi, Schrøder, Bahrami, Yazdi, Roa-Varón, Marramà & Carnevale, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70114

Artwork by Lucrezia Bonardo

Abstract

Stylephoriformes are a morphologically bizarre lineage of deep-sea fishes, currently represented by a single extant species, Stylephorus chordatus, the so-called tube-eye fish. The phylogenetic relationships of the Stylephoriformes were extensively debated until recent genomic studies proposed a sister-group relationship with the Gadiformes. The tube-eye fish exhibits a suite of highly derived features, including extreme cranial kinesis, a pipette-like oral apparatus specialized for suction feeding, and an elongate, naked ribbon-like body lacking scales. The evolutionary origin of these unique traits is largely unknown, in part due to the complete absence of a fossil record. Here, we describe the first-known fossil of the order Stylephoriformes, from Bartonian (c. 40 Ma) sediments of the Pabdeh Formation, Iran. On the basis of several unique morphological features (edentulous premaxillae and dentary, moderately enlarged pterygoid elements, reduced opercle, elongate ribbon-like body comprising more than 63 vertebrae, eight pectoral-fin rays, absence of basipterygia, and the presence of a complete series of well-developed lateral-line scales) the specimen is assigned to a new genus and species: Parastylephorus anatoides. The fossil exhibits a body physiognomy, oral apparatus and cranial architecture remarkably similar to those of the extant tube-eye, with the most derived features already present and closely comparable in morphology. This suggests that the new fossil represents a good example of long-term morphological stasis among marine teleosts, documenting the persistence of a highly specialized body plan for more than 40 myr.

Keywords: Parastylephorus anatoides, Bartonian, Iran, Pabdeh Formation, Paracanthopterygii

Parastylephorus anatoides gen. et sp. nov., holotype, IUGM 100897, from the Eocene of Babaheydar (Iran). Scale bar represents 10 mm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Order STYLEPHORIFORMES sensu Miya et al. 2007

Family STYLEPHORIDAE Swainson 1839

Genus Parastylephorus nov.

 

Derivation of name: The genus name is derived from the Greek prefix para- (παρά), meaning ‘near’, combined with Stylephorus, the name of the only currently recognized stylephoriform genus. The name reflects the shared morphological characteristics with Stylephorus.

 

Remarks: As discussed above, the Stylephoriformes are a lineage currently represented by a single extant species, Stylephorus chordatus, which possesses a number of highly derived anatomical features, including a strongly modified buccal apparatus, extremely reduced first two vertebral centra, and a continuous dorsal fin along the entire dorsal margin of the body. The body plan of Parastylephorus gen. nov. closely resembles that of Stylephorus, although it has a set of distinctive traits. These include the maxilla with a well-developed posterior process, the expanded metapterygoid and ectopterygoid, and the reduced size of the opercular bones. In addition, Parastylephorus gen. nov. possesses body squamation, consisting of thin and delicate lateral-line scales, which are completely absent in Stylephorus.

Parastylephorus anatoides sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The name is derived from the Latin word Anas, meaning ‘duck’, and the Greek suffix -oides (-οειδής) meaning ‘resembling’ or ‘having the form of’.

Holotype: IUGM 100897 a partially preserved specimen on a single plate 

 

Artistic reconstruction of Parastylephorus anatoides gen. et sp. nov. 

Note that the tubular eyes are based on the condition characteristic of the extant Stylephorus chordatus. 

Artwork by Lucrezia Bonardo.

Lorenzo Ridolfi, Ane Elise Schrøder, Ali Bahrami, Mehdi Yazdi, Adela Roa-Varón, Giuseppe Marramà and Giorgio Carnevale. 2026. A New fossil from the Eocene of Iran provides new insights regarding the evolution of the morphologically bizarre tube-eye fish. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70114 [11 August 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Lielaphis slashi • A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea

 Lielaphis slashi  

Huang, Austin, Bernstein, Iova, Roberts, Frederick & Ruane, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 

 

Abstract

The recently resurrected genus Lielaphis (Squamata: Colubridae) is comprised of 19 medium-sized, terrestrial snakes collectively regarded as groundsnakes. Although found primarily in New Guinea, a biologically megadiverse region with high conservation priorities, Lielaphis remain poorly studied due to their largely homogenous appearance, elusive nocturnal nature, limited records, and complex taxonomic history, leaving high potential for undescribed species still existing within this group. Using high-throughput sequence data of 12 previously described species of Lielaphis and representatives of its sister taxon, Stegonotus, we apply an integrative approach combining genetic analyses with morphological examinations using vouchered specimens to explore the cryptic diversity of Lielaphis. We place particular emphasis on populations occurring on and adjacent to mainland New Guinea. We identify both molecular and morphological evidence for a new species, Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. from the northeastern lowlands of mainland New Guinea, bringing the number of Lielaphis species to 20, along with a potential range extension of L. aplini. Despite the recent resurgence of interest in New Guinea’s snake diversity, our findings highlight persistent knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive taxonomic studies of the speciose New Guinea herpetofauna.

Reptilia, Morphology, phylogenetics, Serpentes, systematics, taxonomy

Photographs of holotype Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. LSUMZ92332
showing dorsum (A), venter (B), ventral and dorsal sides of head (C), and right and left lateral sides of head (D).

Black bars equal to 100 mm in (A) and (B), and equal to 10 mm in (C) and (D).

Photographs from T. Huang.

 Life photo of a juvenile  Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. (LSUMZ 97666, paratype).

Photograph from C. C. Austin.

Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. 

Slash’s groundsnake

Diagnosis. A new species of Lielaphis that can be diagnosed from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: a reddish-brown unpatterned dorsum with an unmarked white or cream venter that may be barely darker towards the subcaudal scales, 17 scale rows at midbody, absence of apical pits, 165−181 ventral scales and 83−107 divided subcaudal scales, two preocular scales, two postocular scales, eight to nine (primarily eight) supralabial scales, eight to ten (primarily ten) infralabial scales, supralabial and infralabial scales cream to light tan, supralabials darker, infralabials may be slightly mottled anteriorly. 

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym to honor Mr. Saul Hudson, known popularly and professionally as the musician “Slash,” in recognition for his life-long support of museums and zoos, and especially for his love of snakes. Slash has frequently promoted and acted as an advocate for snakes across various media outlets over many years. Senior author SR also credits much of her scientific writing as having occurred while listening to Slash’s music, including that of Slash’s Snakepit, Guns N’ Roses, and Velvet Revolver

TIANQI HUANG, CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN, JUSTIN M. BERNSTEIN, BULISA IOVA, JACKSON R. ROBERTS, JEFFREY H. FREDERICK and SARA RUANE. 2026. A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5866(2); 305-319. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 [2026-08-11]

[Botany • 2026] Lepidagathis argentea (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand, and Updated Synopsis Lepidagathis of Thailand

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., 

 

in Kantachot et Chantaranothai, 2026.

สังกรณีเงิน  |  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.07 

Abstract

In this synopsis of the genus Lepidagathis for the Flora of Thailand, nine species are recognized. This includes Lepidagathis argentea, a new species collected from limestone bedrock in Tak Province, and three species newly recorded for Thailand, L. dulcis, L. purpuricaulis and L. thorelii. Lepidagathis chiengmaiensis and L. thyrsiflora, are reduced to synonyms of L. incurva and L. fasciculata, respectively. The following names have been lectotypified: Lepidagathis chiengmaiensis, L. chlorostachya, L. dissimilis, L. dulcis, L. falcata and L. thorelii. A genus description with key to species, nomenclatural notes, distributional data and specimens examined are provided.

Keywords: Lamiales, lectotype, new record, new species, taxonomy

Drawing of Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar.
 A. habit, B. inflorescence with flowers, C. external surface of calyx, D. bracteoles, E. sterile bracts, F. gynoecium, G. fertile bracts, H. flower, J. capsule and seeds, K. seed and embryo.

Drawn from Kladwong & Kantachot 2025-1 (KKU) by K. Tuanku.

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar.
A. habitat, B. habit, C.-D. inflorescences with flowers.

Photos by P. Kladwong, W. Kiewbang and S. Suddee.

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., sp. nov.

Chortip Kantachot and Pranom Chantaranothai. 2026. Lepidagathis (Acanthaceae) of Thailand: New Species and Updated Synopsis. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany), 54(2), 64–75. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.07  [2026-07-02] 

[Botany • 2026] Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New, unusual Species from the Philippines

 

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda, 

in Brillo, Cabactulan et Rodda. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6  

  facebook.com/groups/philippineplants

 

Abstract

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from the Philippines is described. When sterile, it resembles several species of Hoya section Acanthostemma, but its flowers make it readily distinguishable by its rotate corolla with a narrowly campanulate tube and free-spreading lobes and triangular-ovate corona lobes. No other species in the genus exhibits this unique combination of characters. The species was originally collected from the wild in Samar Island and subsequently widely distributed in cultivation under the informal name Hoya sp. Samar GN 0003 and Hoya sp. “Yellow Sapphire”; it is herein formally published after nearly seven years of horticultural circulation.

Eudicots, endemic, new species, Samar, taxonomy

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov.

SAMUEL C. BRILLO, DEREK D. CABACTULAN and MICHELE RODDA. 2026. Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae): A New, Unusual Species from the Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 769(3); 287-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6 [2026-08-13] 

 facebook.com/groups/philippineplants/permalink/28049135471405087

[Herpetology • 2026] Boulenophrys calciphila • A New Species of Boulenophrys Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2016 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Karst Landscapes in northern Guangdong, China

 

Boulenophrys calciphila Zeng, Wang, Qi, Song, Lyu & Wang,

in Zeng, J. Wang, Qi, Song, Cai, Zhu, Lin, Li, Zhou, H.-C. Yang, Lyu, Y.-P. Yang et Y.-Y. Wang. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e202590

Abstract

Karst landscapes across southern China represent global hotspots for vertebrate diversity and endemism, yet amphibian diversity within such habitats remains insufficiently documented. Herein, we describe Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov., a new species discovered from fragmented karst hills in northern Guangdong Province, China, extending the documented habitat spectrum of the genus in Guangdong to limestone karst terrain. Detailed morphological comparisons coupled with phylogenetic analyses validate its taxonomic distinctness from all known congeners. This new discovery aligns with ongoing records of range-restricted anuran species uncovered from southern Chinese karst formations, reinforcing karst ecosystems as important reservoirs of amphibian diversity. Our results demonstrate that amphibian diversity within poorly-explored karst regions of northern Guangdong is substantially underestimated and call for focused conservation actions to safeguard these microendemic taxa and their unique evolutionary lineages.

Key Words: Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov., conservation priority, karst habitat, micro-endemism, taxonomy

Life aspect of Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov.
 the male holotype (GEP a596): lateral view (A1), dorsal view (A2), ventral view (A3), ventral view of hand (A4), ventral view of foot (A5);
and the female paratype (GEP a594): lateral view (B1), dorsal view (B2), ventral view (B3), ventral view of hand (B4), ventral view of foot (B5).

Photo by Zhao-Chi Zeng.

Boulenophrys calciphila Zeng, Wang, Qi, Song, Lyu & Wang, sp. nov.

 

Common name. Limestone Horned Toad (in English) 

 huī yán jiǎo chán (灰岩角蟾 in Chinese).

Diagnosis. (1) Moderate size (SVL 49.7–52.7 mm in two adult males, 56.3–59.2 mm in five adult females); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin smooth with sparse granules, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on centre of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a prominent horn-like ...

Etymology. The specific epithet calciphila combines the Latin calx, genitive calcis (limestone) with the Greek φίλος (phílos) (= loving), in reference to the association of this species with limestone karst habitats.

 Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yao-Yu Cai, Yun-Sheng Zhu, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Dan-Yang Zhou, Hao-Cong Yang, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Yi-Ping Yang and Ying-Yong Wang. 2026. A New Species of Boulenophrys Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2016 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Karst Landscapes in northern Guangdong, China. Herpetozoa. 39: 291-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e202590 [12-08-2026]

[Paleontology • 2019] Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis • A New freshwater teleosaurid (Thalattosuchia: Teleosauridae) from the Jurassic of northeastern Thailand

Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis

Martin, S. Suteethorn, Lauprasert, Tong, Buffetaut, Liard, Salaviale, Deesri, V. Suteethorn & Claude, 2019

อินโดไซโนซูคัส โปเตโมสยามเอนซิส  || DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2018.1549059 

 Artwork by Kmonvish Lawan

 

ABSTRACT

The core of the fossil record of Teleosauridae, a family of thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs, is well known from western Tethyan marine deposits of the Jurassic. Outside this province, their fossil record is patchy and in need of revision, with specimens from Russia, Madagascar, and Asia. Peipehsuchus teleorhinus is known from the Early or Middle Jurassic of China and teleosaurid specimens have been mentioned or preliminarily described from two Jurassic localities in Thailand, yet they were not assigned to a given taxon. Thanks to recent field work, at least 10 individuals represented by cranial material were excavated and prepared from a single Jurassic locality known as Phu Noi in the lower Phu Kradung Formation of northeastern Thailand. Here, we describe these specimens, together with disarticulated postcranial elements, and erect a new taxon, Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis, gen. et sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the teleosaurid affinities of the new species, which does not form an exclusive clade with the Chinese teleosaurid Peipehsuchus teleorhinus. The presence of teleosaurids at Phu Noi and a preliminary account of its faunal content favor a Middle to Late Jurassic age for the fossil-bearing horizon. In contrast, Cretaceous deposits in Thailand are characterized by goniopholidids and pholidosaurids, indicating a faunal turnover in Southeast Asia across the Jurassic–Cretaceous. As previously shown by isotope data, the new teleosaurid species was a resident of the freshwater environment and co-occurs with remains of exclusively terrestrial taxa such as sauropod, ornithopod, and theropod dinosaurs and freshwater tetrapods such as turtles and temnospondyls.

Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis, gen. et sp. nov.

 Jeremy E. Martin, Suravech Suteethorn, Komsorn Lauprasert, Haiyan Tong, Eric Buffetaut, Romain Liard, Celine Salaviale, Uthumporn Deesri, Varavudh Suteethorn and Julien Claude. 2019. A New freshwater teleosaurid from the Jurassic of northeastern Thailand. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 64 (2): 239–260. e1549059. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2018.1549059  [27 Feb 2019]

 facebook.com/Dinosaursdiary/photos/1606369629465840 

 twitter.com/Synapsida/status/1101165207257337856

[Paleontology • 2021] Priscaleclercera christae • Taxonomic Revision of Fossil Psilodercidae and Ochyroceratidae Spiders (Araneae: Synspermiata), with A New Species of Priscaleclercera from mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber, northern Myanmar

 

Priscaleclercera christae

Magalhaes, Porta, Wunderlich, Proud, Ramírez & Pérez-González, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104751  

  x.com/6eyes8legs 

 Researchgate.net/publication/348281048

Highlights

• We revise the types of most known psilodercid and ochyroceratid spiders in amber.

• We describe a new Priscaleclercera species from Late Cretaceous Burmese amber.

• Priscaleclercera is a crown-group psilodercid, close to Althepus and Leclercera.

• Late Cretaceous Burmese amber contains 11 species of psilodercids.

• Arachnolithulus, preserved in Dominican amber, is an Ochyroceratinae.

Abstract

Psilodercidae contains some 200 known extant species of small spiders that live in tropical rainforests and caves and is mainly restricted to the Oriental biogeographic realm. Interestingly, at least ten different fossil species have been described from inclusions in Late Cretaceous Burmese amber. This suggests the family has been diversifying in the region for ∼100 million years. In this paper, we revise the taxonomy of fossil species of this family and the closely related Ochyroceratidae, based on the re-examination of type specimens of described species. We find that ten Cretaceous species described in the psilodercid genera Priscaleclercera and Aculeatosoma are valid, and present new illustrations of their type material. The genus Propterpsiloderces apparently does not belong to Psilodercidae, but rather to a family representing a stem lineage within Scytodoidea. Ochyroceratidae is represented in the fossil record by a single ochyroceratine genus from Miocene Dominican amber, Arachnolithulus. The original combination of the extant species Leclercera spinata Deeleman-Reinhold, 1995 is reinstated by transferring it from Priscaleclercera, leaving this latter genus as a strictly fossil taxon. Finally, we present the description of a hitherto unknown species of Priscaleclercera from mid-Cretaceous Burmese amber, Priscaleclercera christae sp. nov., bringing the total number of congeners to ten. By studying its morphological features, we argue that Priscaleclercera is a crown-group Psilodercidae, closely related to the Althepus–Leclercera lineage. The high species diversity of Priscaleclercera indicates that Psilodercidae was already a diverse component of the Oriental tropical forests during the Cretaceous.

Keywords: Aculeatosoma, Arachnolithulus, Cretaceous, Myanmar, Synspermiata

Priscaleclercera christae sp. nov.

 

 Ivan L.F. Magalhaes, Andrés O. Porta, Jörg Wunderlich, Daniel N. Proud, Martín J. Ramírez and Abel Pérez-González. 2021. Taxonomic Revision of Fossil Psilodercidae and Ochyroceratidae Spiders (Araneae: Synspermiata), with A New Species of Priscaleclercera from mid-Cretaceous Burmese Amber, northern Myanmar. Cretaceous Research. In Press, 104751. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2020.104751 [5 January 2021]

 twitter.com/6eyes8legs/status/1346826645638946825 

 Researchgate.net/publication/348281048_Taxonomic_revision_of_fossil_Psilodercidae_and_Ochyroceratidae_spiders_with_a_new_species_of_Priscaleclercera_from_mid-Cretaceous_Burmese_amber

 

[Botany • 2026] Pterolepis arenacea (Melastomataceae: Melastomateae) • A New Species from the Brazilian Cerrado

Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim.,

 in Silva, Figueira, Schindler, Simon et Guimarães, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2140

Abstract

Pterolepis arenacea is described and illustrated as a new species to the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins and its  surroundings, in the Brazilian states of Bahia and Tocantins. This species is restricted to microhabitats of sandstone outcrops surrounded by savanna vegetation. Pterolepis arenacea is the first known species of the genus exhibiting a dorsal appendage on the stamens. Morphologically, Pterolepis arenacea is most similar to species of the P. polygonoides complex, composed of P. polygonoides, P. saturejiformis and P. trimera. Furthermore, Pterolepis arenacea shares vegetative similarities with the  haplostemonous species P. haplostemona and P. xaxa. Detailed line drawings, field photographs, and scanning electron microscopy images are provided. The conservation status of Pterolepis arenacea is preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) under the IUCN criteria.

Keywords: Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins, Jalapão, Matopiba, Pterolepis polygonoides, sandstone outcrops

 Field images of  Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov.
A, Individuals growing in sandstone outcrop cavities; B, detail of a stem, showing the grey-green abaxial surface leaf blades; C, individuals with both flowers and fruits; D, flowering individual; E and F, details of the flowers and floral bud.

Photographs by M. Figueira (A, C and D; all from M. Figueira et al. 1773) and M. F. Simon (B, E and F; all from R.R. Souza et al. 269).

 Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov.
 A, Flowering branch; B, a small branched specimen; C, branch node; D, abaxial surface of the leaf blade; D′, detail of the abaxial surface of the leaf blade base; E, adaxial surface of the leaf blade; E′, detail of the adaxial surface of the leaf blade base; F, front view of the flower, exposing the inner surfaces of the petals and the androecium; G, lateral view of the flower, showing the outer surfaces of the hypanthium and perianth; H, inner surface of the petal, highlighting the venation; I–I′′, antesepalous stamens (I, lateral view of the stamen; I′, front view of the stamen; I′′, detail of the dorsal and ventral appendages); J, gynoecium; K, capsule covered by the hypanthium and persistent sepals; L, exposed capsule; M, open capsule exposing persistent placenta.

Drawn by Carla de Lima from R.R. Souza et al. 269 (A and C–M) and M. Figueira et al. 1773 (B).

 Distribution and habitat of  Pterolepis arenacea D.Nunes & P.J.F.Guim., sp. nov. 
A, Distribution map for Pterolepis arenacea (yellow triangles) (Brazilian states: BA, Bahia; MA, Maranhão; TO, Tocantins). B, Aerial view of the vegetation in the Estação Ecológica Serra Geral do Tocantins (EESGT), showing a predominance of savannas and grasslands interspersed with rocky outcrops. C and D, Habitat where Pterolepis arenacea was found in the municipality of Formosa do Rio Preto, Bahia.

Photographs: Sérgio E. Noronha (B) and M. Figueira (C and D).

D. N. Silva, M. Figueira, B. Schindler, M. F. Simon and P. J. F. Guimarães. 2026. PTEROLEPIS ARENACEA (MELASTOMATACEAE: Melastomateae), A New Species from the Brazilian Cerrado.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. (83); 1-14 pp. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2140 [2026-07-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/409266877_PTEROLEPIS_ARENACEA_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THE_BRAZILIAN_CERRADO

[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius yangi • A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Serpentes: Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

Hebius yangi

 Liu, J. Wang, Hou, Deng, Zhang, M. Wang & Rao, 2026

Yang’s Keelback | 杨氏腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681

Abstract

A new species of the Hebius atemporalis complex is described from Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the complex by the differences in the ratio of tail length to total length, the number of ventral and subcaudal scales, the number of maxillary teeth, and the coloration of the iris and anterior body. Phylogenetically, the new species is separated from other species of the complex by an uncorrected p-distance of 6.0–7.8% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This study further highlights the cryptic diversity in the H. atemporalis complex and the need to re-examine previous records of H. atemporalis and specimens previously considered H. atemporalis from central-southern China, as well as northeastern Vietnam.

Key words: Complex, cytb, keelback snake, morphology, taxonomy, Wenshan Prefecture

The holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view.

Close-up views of the head of the holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Left view; D. Right view.

Hebius yangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size relatively small, SVL 237–306 mm; tail moderately long, TaL/TL 0.32–0.33; dorsal scale rows 17-17-17, all keeled except the outermost rows; ventrals 130–131; subcaudals 80–85, paired; supralabials six, third and fourth entering orbit; infralabials seven; maxillary teeth 32–34, gradually enlarged posteriorly; dorsal surface grayish brown to blackish brown with a series of neatly arranged small orange spots on dorsolateral body on each side; ventral surface of head white, scattered with black streaks on scale sutures; iris brownish gray; lip region black and white alternately; neck collar present, discontinuous.

Etymology. The specific epithet is in commemoration of the late renowned Chinese herpetological taxonomist Prof. Dr Datong Yang. We suggest “Yang’s Keelback” as the common English name and “杨氏腹链蛇” as the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, JiShan Wang, Mian Hou, Tao Deng, Chaowu Zhang, Mo Wang and Dingqi Rao. 2026. A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Squamata, Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1289: 141-157. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681 [11-08-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Niceforonia tempestuosa • A New Species of Niceforonia (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Serranía de los Paraguas, Colombia, with the Description of A New phenotypic synapomorphy for the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group

[A-D] Niceforonia tempestuosa 

Ospina-Sarria, Rodríguez-Betancourt, Gómez-Sepúlveda, Morales-Vertel, Vélez-Franco, Gallego-Posada, Herrera-Rengifo, Grajales Escobar, Ceballos-Castro, García-Gómez, Velásquez-Trujillo, Ortiz Baez & Mendez Narvaez, 2026

and [F, H] N. mantipus (Boulenger, 1908)

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.198411

Abstract

A new species of Niceforonia is described from the montane cloud forests of southwestern Colombia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by possessing dorsolateral folds, a visible tympanic membrane, a fleshy lip swelling in adult males, nuptial pads, circumferential grooves on all fingers, a reddish-brown to grayish dorsal coloration, yellow ventral and hidden surfaces, and dark supra-inguinal spots. Molecularly, the new species differs from all congeners by an uncorrected p-distance of > 7% for the 16S rRNA gene fragment. Furthermore, the possession of dark supra-inguinal spots optimizes unambiguously as a synapomorphy for two clades within Strabomantidae. The first clade comprises members of the genus Niceforonia and includes N. brunnea, N. dracula, N. elassodiscus, N. mantipus, N. nigrovittata, N. quilloturo, N. peraccai, four candidate species, and the new species described herein. This clade is referred to as the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group, diagnosed by the presence of dark supra-inguinal spots. By retaining this name, we ensure taxonomic stability and honor the well-established historical use of the nomenclature in literature. The second clade comprises members of the subfamily Holoadeninae, including the genera Bahius, Barycholos, Phyllonastes, and Urkuphryne. A previous study already proposed a phenotypic synapomorphy for the group composed of Phyllonastes + Barycholos. Consequently, the available evidence corroborates the monophyly of both the group comprising these four holoadenine genera and the Phyllonastes + Barycholos group. This congruence provides a robust, nested phylogenetic resolution and precise taxonomic diagnoses, demonstrating how the integration of molecular and phenotypic evidence is a powerful tool for testing evolutionary hypotheses in brachycephaloid frogs.

Key words: Brachycephaloid frogs, Cerro El Inglés, evolution, Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), taxonomy

Living specimens of Niceforonia tempestuosa and N. mantipus.
Dorsal and ventral views of adult males of Niceforonia tempestuosa. A, C. ARUQ-1885, SVL 24.5 mm; B, D. ARUQ-1882, SVL 23.8 mm
and N. mantipus; E, G. Specimen not collected; F, H. ARUQ-1881, SVL 23.5 mm.

Family: Strabomantidae Hedges, Duellman & Heinicke, 2008 

Genus: Niceforonia Goin & Cochran, 1963

Niceforonia tempestuosa sp. nov.

 

Proposed standard Spanish name. Rana de los bosques montanos nublados.

Proposed standard English name. Montane cloud forest frog.

Diagnosis. Niceforonia tempestuosa is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: (1) skin of dorsum smooth with scattered small warts; dorsolateral and \ /-shaped scapular folds present; venter smooth, discoidal fold absent; (2) tympanic membrane differentiated, upright-oval to round; its length 33.3–44.8% of eye length in six adult males and 47% in one adult female; prominent tympanic annulus, its upper edge covered by supratympanic fold, extending only just posterior to tympanic annulus; (3) snout subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile; a fleshy swelling of lip in adult males; canthus rostralis straight; (4) upper eyelid bearing minute tubercles, narrower than IOD (62.0–85.1% IOD); interocular tubercle absent; cranial crest absent; (5) choanae small, ovoid; partially concealed by palatal shelf of maxillary arch; dentigerous ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is the feminine adjective tempestuosa (meaning “stormy”), derived from the Latin noun tempestas (meaning “storm” or “weather”). This name was chosen for local communities as a metaphor for the global climate emergency, referring to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events—symbolized by the “storm”—which represent a growing threat to global biodiversity. The discovery of this new species in the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Serranía de los Paraguas underscores the resilience of this biodiversity hotspot amidst the current climate crisis, safeguarded by the persistent efforts of local communities and biodiversity guardians.

Habitat of Niceforonia tempestuosa at the type locality. The habitat is characterized by the presence of large tree buttresses and stilt roots of Wettinia sp. palms, with the forest floor covered by abundant leaf litter.

 Jhon Jairo Ospina-Sarria, Andrés Felipe Rodríguez-Betancourt, Ximena Gómez-Sepúlveda, Iván Darío Morales-Vertel, Valentina Vélez-Franco, Nayely Gallego-Posada, Jose Daniel Herrera-Rengifo, John Edison Grajales Escobar, Irene Ceballos-Castro, Isabella García-Gómez, David Andrés Velásquez-Trujillo, Ayda Susana Ortiz Baez and Javier Mendez Narvaez. 2026. A New Species of Niceforonia (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Serranía de los Paraguas, Colombia, with the Description of A New phenotypic synapomorphy for the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group. ZooKeys. 1289: 159-184. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.198411 [11-08-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella gigas • A mountain giant: Description of The Largest known Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Yunnan Province, China

Scincella gigas Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Nguyen, Poyarkov & Peng, 

in Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Wang, Sun, Nguyen, Poyarkov et Peng, 2026.  

Giant Ground Skink | 巨滑蜥  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.204139 

 

Abstract

A remarkable new species of skink, Scincella gigas sp. nov., is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on integrative morphological and molecular evidence. The new species represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella, with the adult female holotype attaining a snout-vent length of 125 mm and a total length exceeding 316 mm despite possessing a partially regenerated tail. Scincella gigas sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including three prefrontal scales, relatively short limbs that fail to meet when adpressed, the third pair of chin shields separated by four small scales, 28 midbody scale rows, 80 paravertebral scale rows, and broad dorsolateral stripes with distinctly serrated margins. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated mitochondrial gene fragments (12S, 16S, CO1, and Cyt b) recovered the new taxon as a distinct lineage within Scincella, although its precise phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved. The new species exhibits substantial genetic divergence from all examined congeners (≥ 4.4% in 16S and ≥ 14.2% in CO1). Scincella gigas sp. nov. is currently known only from montane mixed forests and associated alpine meadows in Fengyi Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, at an elevation of 2,790 m a.s.l. The discovery of such a conspicuous and exceptionally large species suggests that the diversity of montane Scincella in southwestern China remains insufficiently documented.

Key Words: Integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, morphology, Scincella gigas sp. nov., S. potanini–S. monticola complex, southwestern China

Holotype of Scincella gigas sp. nov. in life (QHU R2026003, adult female).

Photographs by J.D. Deng.

Head scalation of Scincella gigas sp. nov. (holotype, QHU R2026003, adult female).

A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view.

Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the body; 

D. Ventral view of the left hand; E. Ventral view of the left foot of  the holotype in preservation. 

Photographs by Y.H. Xu. Scale bars: 20 mm (A–C); 5 mm (D, E).

Notes: CS: chin shield; F: frontal; FrN: frontonasal; FrP: frontoparietal; IL: infralabials; IP: interparietal; L: loreals; LST: lower secondary temporal; M: mental; NU: nuchals; P: parietal; PF: prefrontal; PM: postmental; PT: primary temporal; R: rostral; SC: superciliaries; SL: supralabials; SO: supraoculars; UST: upper secondary temporal; * indicates the gulars separating the chin shields.

Photographs and drawings by Y.H. Xu. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Scincella gigas Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Nguyen, Poyarkov & Peng, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Scincella gigas sp. nov. represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella, with the adult female holotype attaining an SVL of 125 mm and TL exceeding 316 mm. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) exceptionally large body size, with the adult female holotype attaining an SVL of 125 mm; (2) three prefrontal scales; (3) six supraciliaries; (4) seven supralabials, separated from the eye by a row of small scales; (5) six infralabials; (6) tympanum deeply recessed and lacking lobules, with the tympanum diameter exceeding that of the palpebral disc (TD/PDD ratio 1.45); (7) three pairs of chin shields, with the third pair separated medially by four small scales; (8) 28 midbody scale rows; (9) total ventral + gular scale rows numbering 81; (10) 80 paravertebral scale rows; (11) relatively short limbs, with toes not in contact with fingers when the limbs are adpressed (FLL+HLL/AGD ratio 0.57); (12) 9–10 enlarged subdigital lamellae beneath Finger IV and 13 beneath Toe IV; and (13) in life, dorsum brown, with relatively broad dorsolateral stripes bearing distinctly serrated margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet “gigas” is derived from the Latinized form of the Greek noun γῐ́γᾱς (gígas), meaning “giant.” The name refers to the exceptional size of the new species, which represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella. 

In reference to this remarkable characteristic, “Giant Ground Skink” is proposed as the English common name, “гигантский малый сцинк” (gigantskiy malyi stsink) as the Russian common name, and “巨滑蜥” (Pinyin: jù huá xī) as the Chinese common name for the new species.

Habitat and field observations of Scincella gigas sp. nov.
 A. Microhabitat at Fengyi, Dali, Dali BAP, Yunnan, China; B. General habitat of the type locality; C. Holotype (QHU R2026003) found trapped in an artificial water reservoir.

Photographs by J.D. Deng (A, B) and H.Q. Wang (C).

 Yuhao Xu, Jundong Deng, Shuo Qi, Shun Ma, Tierui Zhang, Bo Cai, Haoquan Wang, Fanyue Sun, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Lifang Peng. 2026. A mountain giant: Description of The Largest known Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1047-1063. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.204139 [2026-07-29]