[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius malnatei • Taxonomic Reassessment of Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata: Natricidae), with the Description of A New Species from China

 

 Hebius malnatei  Li, Nguyen, Huang, Poyarkov, David, Li & Ren, 

 in M.-L. Li, Nguyen, Huang, Idiiatullina, Le, Poyarkov, David, Han, Wu, J.-T. Li et Ren, 2026.

云贵腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.176342 

Abstract

Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) has been reported from both northern Vietnam and southern China. Previous studies revealed deep genetic divergence between the Chinese and Vietnamese populations; however, no comprehensive taxonomic revision has examined the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of these divergent lineages. Here, we present an integrative taxonomic reassessment of the H. atemporalis complex, combining detailed morphological comparisons and molecular data. As a result, we identify and describe a distinct new species, Hebius malnatei sp. nov., endemic to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China. The new species can be distinguished from H. atemporalis sensu stricto by its larger adult body size, shorter relative tail length, higher numbers of ventrals and subcaudals, and distinctive coloration characterized by the absence of a nuchal collar. Phylogenetic analyses based on cytochrome b sequences consistently recover Hebius malnatei sp. nov. as the sister taxon of H. atemporalis s. str., with uncorrected p-distances of 8.0–9.8%. According to the IUCN Red List criteria, we recommend assigning Hebius malnatei sp. nov. to the category Least Concern (LC). This study highlights the need for taxonomic revision of widely distributed Hebius species and underscores the role of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau uplift in promoting species diversification.

Key Words: Cryptic diversity, cytochrome b, morphology, taxonomy, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Photographs in life of Hebius malnatei sp. nov. from China:
CIB 122551, Pugu, Panzhou, Liupanshui, Guizhou (A); CIB 122558, Heilongtan Park, Kunming, Yunnan (B, C); Mengzi, Yunnan (D); Pugu, Panzhou, Liupanshui, Guizhou (E).

Photographs by J.J. Huang (A) and M. L. Li (B–E).

Hebius malnatei Li, Nguyen, Huang, Poyarkov, David, Li & Ren, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Hebius malnatei sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small body size, maximum snout-vent length 416 mm; (2) head small, narrow, and moderately distinct from neck; (3) maxillary teeth 26–29, gradually enlarged posteriorly; (4) supralabials 6 (rarely 5), with the 3rd and 4th entering the orbit; (5) temporal scale absent or represented by a small narrow scale; (6) infralabials 7 (rarely 6); (7) dorsal scale rows 17-17-17, weakly keeled except for the outermost 1–6 rows; (8) ventrals 146–156 with two preventrals; (9) subcaudals 60–70, paired; (10) ventral surface of head white, scattered with black spots or streaks; (11) sutures of infralabials strongly edged in black; (12) a white to orangish nuchal collar absent; (13) dorsal ground color gradually changing from brown to dark olive, usually with a series of discontinuous light spots along the lateral side, forming an inconspicuous stripe; (14) tail relatively short (TaL/SVL ratio 0.22–0.27).

Etymology. The specific epithet malnatei is a patronym in genitive declension honoring Edmond V. Malnate (1916–2003), an American herpetologist who made significant contributions to the taxonomy and systematics of Asian colubrid snakes, especially within Natricidae, and who first revised the taxonomic placement of Hebius atemporalis. 

We recommend the following common names for this species: English: “Malnate’s Keelback”, Chinese (中文): “云贵腹链蛇” (Yún Guì Fù Liàn Shé) for its restricted distribution to Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Vietnamese: “Rắn sãi Man-lát”, French: “Couleuvre aquatique de Malnate”, Russian (Русский): “Лесной уж Мэлнейта” (Lesnoy Uzh Melneyta).

Distribution. Hebius malnatei sp. nov. is likely endemic to China, with its known range restricted to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at elevations of 1,750–1,950 m a.s.l. (Fig. 5).

 Mao-Liang Li, Tan Van Nguyen, Jun-Jie Huang, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Son Xuan Le, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Patrick David, Bu-Ying Han, Wei Wu, Jia-Tang Li and Jin-Long Ren. 2026. Taxonomic Reassessment of Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata, Natricidae), with the Description of A New Species from China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 235-251.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.176342 

[Paleontology • 2026] Sauropia macrorhinus • The Smallest Tetrapod from the Middle Triassic of South America: A New procolophonoid parareptile from the Ladinian of Southern Brazil

 

Sauropia macrorhinus

Müller, Roberto-da-Silva, Aurélio & Kerber, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35114-3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/400168701

Artwork by Caetano Soares.

 

Abstract

The Middle Triassic fossil record of South American parareptiles is scarce, with only a few procolophonoid specimens known. Here, we describe Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov., a procolophonoid from the Ladinian (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence of the Santa Maria Supersequence) of southern Brazil. The holotype, a nearly complete skull measuring only 9.5 mm in length, represents the smallest tetrapod known from these deposits. Its unique combination of features includes a proportionally large external naris, slender dorsal ramus of the maxilla, broad interorbital space, and three premaxillary teeth. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recover Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. as an early-diverging procolophonid, although its phylogenetic placement is complicated by its putatively immature ontogenetic stage. Its morphology provides valuable insight into early developmental stages of parareptiles and contributes to the understanding of Middle Triassic terrestrial ecosystems. Based on size and dentition, the new taxon was likely insectivorous or fed on other small invertebrates, possibly being predated upon by small carnivorous organisms. This discovery expands the taxonomic and ecological diversity known for Middle Triassic faunas of South America and enhances our understanding of the structure and complexity of terrestrial food webs in Middle Triassic ecosystems, preceding the Carnian Pluvial Episode and the rise of dinosaurs.

Results of the phylogenetic analysis and ordinary linear regressions. (a) Time-calibrated reduced global strict consensus tree depicting the phylogenetic position of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. Values on the branches represent absolute (left) and GC (right) frequencies from symmetric resampling with no-zero weighting. The temporal bars for each OTU represent the maximum and minimum ages of each geological unit. Geological Time Scale was generated with GIMP version 2.8 (https://www.gimp.org/). Artistic representation of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. by Caetano Soares. (b) Scatter plots of log-transformed measurements of the skull length and the orbitotemporal length of selected procolophonoids (n = 31). Linear regression line is shown in black, with the 0.95 confidence interval indicated by red dotted lines.

Systematic paleontology

Parareptilia Oslo, 1947

Procolophonoidea Romer, 1956

cf. Procolophonidae Seeley, 1888

Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype CAPPA/UFSM 0510, an almost complete skull with mandible in occlusion.

Diagnosis: Sauropia macrorhinus differs from all other known procolophonoids with comparable material in (*local autapomorphies): Skull nearly as wide as it is long; proportionally large external naris (taller than the orbitotemporal fenestra)*; broad interorbital space in dorsal view; posterior margin of the orbitotemporal fenestra almost reaching the posterior end of the skull; premaxillae bearing three teeth; slender dorsal ramus of the maxilla*; absence of a temporal fenestra bordered anteriorly by the postorbital; U-shaped mandible in ventral view; and anterior maxillary teeth with a circular cross-section (not labiolingually expanded) and lacking a basal constriction.

Etymology: The genus name combines the Greek word “sauros” (= lizard) and the Portuguese word “piá” (= young boy), a regional term from southern Brazil rooted in Gaúcho culture, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where it is commonly used to refer to a child. The name alludes to the small size and putative early ontogenetic stage of the holotype. The specific epithet combines the Greek words “makros” (= large) and “rhinos” (= nose or snout), in reference to the proportionally enlarged external naris of the holotype.

Artistic representation of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. 

Artwork by Caetano Soares.

 

Rodrigo T. Müller, Lúcio Roberto-da-Silva, Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurélio and Leonardo Kerber. 2026. The Smallest Tetrapod from the Middle Triassic of South America: A New procolophonoid parareptile from the Ladinian of Southern Brazil. Scientific Reports. 16: 866. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35114-3 [28 January 2026]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400168701_a_new_procolophonoid_parareptile_from_the_Ladinian_of_Southern_Brazil

[Ichthyology • 2026] Oreonectes jinxiuensis • A New Species of Oreonectes (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Oreonectes jinxiuensis 

 Chen, Huang, Zou, Du & Lin, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172439

Abstract

Fishes of the genus Oreonectes inhabit complex karst landscapes, and additional cryptic species may be present within Oreonectes. Specimens previously identified as O. platycephalus and collected from Fenzhan Village, Jinxiu County, Guangxi, may represent a new species, Oreonectes jinxiuensis. It is distinguished from all congeners by a degenerated swim bladder, adjacent anterior and posterior nostrils, 13 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch, a dorsal-fin origin posterior to the pelvic-fin origin, 10 branched pectoral-fin rays, 14–15 branched caudal-fin rays, a preanal length of 73.7%–77.3% of SL, and a caudal-peduncle length of 13.3%–16.4% of SL. Its validity is further supported by its recovered monophyly in a molecular phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial COI and Cyt b gene sequences, as well as by species-level genetic divergence between the new species and its closest relatives.

Key Words: Cryptic species, karst region, mitochondrial gene, Oreonectes, taxonomy

Oreonectes jinxiuensis sp. nov.
A–C. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the holotype KIZ2005006221 (♀);
D–F. Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of the paratype KIZ2005006226 (♂);
G. Living photo of Oreonectes jinxiuensis sp. nov., taken by Liu Caixin.

 Oreonectes jinxiuensis

Zhuo-Ni Chen, Shi-Rong Huang, Tong-Xiang Zou, Li-Na Du, Feng Lin. 2026. Description of A New Species of Oreonectes (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 119-130. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172439 [13 Jan 2026] 

[Paleontology • 2026] Foskeia pelendonum • A New rhabdodontomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos Province, Spain), and a new phylogeny of ornithischian dinosaurs

Foskeia pelendonum

Dieudonné, Becerra, Zanesco, Tortosa, Cruzado-Caballero, Stein & Fernández-Baldor, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70057 

 

Abstract

The Vegagete ornithopod is a diminutive bipedal iguanodont from the upper Barremian to lower Aptian (Lower Cretaceous) Castrillo de la Reina Formation of the Burgos Province (Spain). This dinosaur is principally known from disarticulated and fragmentary postcranial remains and was established as the earliest rhabdodontomorph. However, the nature of this material did not allow formal diagnosis of what still appeared to be a new taxon due to its particularly small body size. Recently, new cranial elements have been identified. These elements underwent micro-computed tomography scanning, segmentation and three-dimensional assembly. We herein name the Vegagete ornithopod Foskeia pelendonum gen. et sp. nov. It is diagnosed by a high number of unique features such as the possession of fused premaxillae, procumbent premaxillary teeth, one filiform first dentary tooth, and an elevated craniomandibular joint. Simultaneously, we observe a unique ventrolateral extension of the insertion of the muscle adductor mandibulae externus superficialis on the coronoid process of the dentary. Answering a number of phylogenetic controversies, we provide an updated, taxonomically augmented ornithischian phylogeny toward poorly sampled regions of the ornithischian tree. Rhabdodontia nov. is defined as a restricted clade of European rhabdodontomorphs, including F. pelendonum and rhabdodontids. Rhabdodontomorpha is nested to the base of Ankylopollexia. Thescelosauridae includes Tenontosaurus, and Dryosauridae includes Elasmaria. Agilisaurus louderbacki and Minimocursor phunoiensis are basal ornithopods. Heterodontosauridae remains at the base of Pachycephalosauria. Silesauridae and Sauropodomorpha are resolved in a position closer to Ornithischia than to Theropoda. This provisional result is pending the inclusion of more saurischian characters and taxa.

Keywords: Rhabdodontia, Rhabdodontomorpha, Ornithopoda, Ornithischia, phylogeny

Reconstruction of the skull of Foskeia pelendonum based on different elements.

Foskeia pelendonum.
PaleoArt reconstruction by Martina Charnell

Growth trajectory of Foskeia pelendonum, compared to an adult chicken.
This trajectory is based on differently sized bony elements and their histology.
Note the proportionally smaller forelimbs in the more mature individuals.  

Paul-Emile Dieudonné, Marcos Gabriel Becerra, Tábata Zanesco, Thierry Tortosa, Penélope Cruzado-Caballero, Koen Stein, Fidel Torcida Fernández-Baldor. 2026. Foskeia pelendonum, A New rhabdodontomorph from the Lower Cretaceous of Salas de los Infantes (Burgos Province, Spain), and a new phylogeny of ornithischian dinosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. 12(1); e70057. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70057 [01 February 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops guangzhouensis • A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura: Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China

Amolops guangzhouensis  

Song, F.-X. Wang, Qi, H.-T. Wang, Lyu, Cai, Zhu, Zhong, Liu & Y.-Y. Wang, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8

 

Abstract

In this study, a new species of the genus Amolops (Anura, Ranidae), Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., is described based on six type specimens collected from Conghua District, Guangzhou City, and adjacent Longmen County, Huizhou City, in Guangdong Province, China. The molecular phylogenetic analysis, based on two mitochondrial DNA fragments (16S and COI), places the new species as an independent evolutionary lineage within the A. daiyunensis group. The morphometric statistical analysis and morphological comparison also distinguish the new species from all other congeners. This species can be differentiated from those close relatives by dorsal surface pattern, tiny translucent white spinules across skin, indistinct supernumerary tubercle below fingers, prominent tarsal gland and tarsal fold, and nuptial pad coloration. The discovery of this new species adds to the growing diversity of this genus and represents the westernmost distribution occurrence of the A. daiyunensis group, implying the species diversity of Amolops in southeastern China might still be underestimated.

Amphibia, Amolops daiyunensis group, Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov., Guangzhou, principal components analysis, torrent frog

  The holotype of Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. (SYS a009405, male) in life:
(A) dorsolateral view; (B) opisthenar surface of left hand, showing the feature of the nuptial pad and nuptial spines; (C) dorsal view; (D) ventral view; (E) ventral surface of right hand; (F) ventral surface of left foot.

Photos by Shuo Qi.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov. in situ:
 (A) the male paratype CIB 119033; (B) uncaptured individuals at the type locality.

Photos by Han-Ming Song and Dan-Yang Zhou.

Amolops guangzhouensis sp. nov.

HAN-MING SONG, FU-XUAN WANG, SHUO QI, HAO-TIAN WANG, ZHI-TONG LYU, YAO-YU CAI, YUN-SHENG ZHU, QI-FENG ZHONG, YANG LIU and YING-YONG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Amolops Cope, 1865 (Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangdong, China.  Zootaxa. 5750(2); 267-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5750.2.8 [2026-01-20]

Researchgate.net/publication/400040586_A_new_species_of_Amolops_from_central_Guangdong_China

[Botany • 2026] Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae: Justiciinae) • A New Species from Telangana, India

 

Dicliptera pakhalica  Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, Parthiban & V. Chandra Sekhara Rao,

in Rasingam, Harikrishna, Parthiban et Rao, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09869-4 

Abstract

Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae) is described here as a new species from Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary, Mahabubabad District, Telangana, India. The species is closely related to D. parvibracteata, sharing a similar inflorescence structure and small bracts. However, it differs in several key morphological characters, including the presence of hairs on the stem, unkeeled secondary and tertiary bracts, the absence of glandular hairs on the calyx, corolla, and capsules, and echinate seeds. A detailed morphological description, notes on distribution and habitat, and photographic illustrations are provided to support the identification of this new species and stimulate further study.

 

Keywords: Deciduous forests, Justiciinae, Mahabubabad, Pakhal Wildlife Sanctuary

A–D. Dicliptera pakhalica. A. Habit. B. Flowering twig. C. Flower. D. Fruits.
E–G. Dicliptera parvibracteata. E. Flowering twig. F. Flower. G. Fruit with glandular hairs.

 (Photos by L. Rasingam).

Dicliptera pakhalica Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, Parthiban & V. Chandra Sekhara Rao, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Dicliptera pakhalica is morphologically similar to D. parvibracteata in its inflorescence architecture and the presence of small-sized bracts. However, it differs in several key diagnostic characters, including secondary and tertiary bracts that are eglandular and not keeled (vs. prominently keeled and bearing glandular hairs in D. parvibracteata); calyx, corolla, and capsules uniformly eglandular (vs. sparsely to densely covered with a mixture of glandular and simple hairs); capsule obovoid (vs. ellipsoid); and seeds echinate (vs. tuberculate) (Table 1).

...

Etymology. The specific epithet pakhalica refers to the type locality the Pakhal Lake, a famous man-made water body dating to the Kakatiya rule in Telangana state, which was later declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary.

L. Rasingam, P. Harikrishna, A. Parthiban and V. Chandra Sekhara Rao. 2026. Dicliptera pakhalica (Acanthaceae) – A New Species from Telangana, India. Brittonia. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12228-025-09869-4 [29 January 2026] 

[Funga • 2025] Phaeoclavulina aurea & P. fulva (Agaricomycetes: Gomphaceae) • Two New Species from North China based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis

   

[A–C] Phaeoclavulina aurea; [D–F] P. fulva  

Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, 

in Tong, Gao, Wang, Zhou et Hou, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.138950

Abstract

Two new species, Phaeoclavulina aurea and P. fulva, were discovered and described from North China. Identification was based on morphological observations combined with phylogenetic analysis of nrITS–nrLSU sequences. Phaeoclavulina aurea is characterized by its pale yellow to golden yellow basidiomata, brownish black coloration with dark tips at maturity, and basidiospores bearing truncate spines. Phaeoclavulina fulva is distinguished by its dirty orange basidiomata, pale yellow stipe surface, and basidiospores ornamented with rounded warts. This study enriches the species diversity of Phaeoclavulina in North China.

Key words: Clavarioid fungi, new taxa, systematics, taxonomy

Morphology of Basidiomata.
A–C. Phaeoclavulina aurea (A, B. BJM 344955 holotype; C. BJTC L007);
D–F. Phaeoclavulina fulva (D. BJTC C274 holotype; E. BJTC ZH0015; F. BJTC ZH1138).

Scale bars: 1 cm.

 Phaeoclavulina aurea Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet “aurea” refers to the yellow to golden yellow basidiomata.

 Phaeoclavulina fulva Y. Gao, X. Tong, & C.L. Hou, sp. nov.

Etymology. The epithet “fulvus” refers to the dirty orange to yellowish-brown basidiomata.

 Xin Tong, Yue Gao, Hai-Qi Wang, Hao Zhou and Cheng-Lin Hou. 2025. Two New Species of Phaeoclavulina (Gomphaceae, Gomphales) from North China based on morphological and phylogenetic analysis. MycoKeys. 120: 157-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.120.138950 [29 Jul 2025]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Balitora tiandengensis • A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach (Cypriniformes: Balitoridae) from Guangxi, China

 

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei,   

in Nong, Fang, Li, Q.-J. Wei, Xu et G.-Y. Wei, 2026. 

天等爬鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354

Abstract

Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), a new species collected from a karst cave at Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi, China is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic trees reconstructed based on 70 sequences of two mitochondrial (COI and Cyt b) and three nuclear genes (RAG1, IRBP, and EGR2B) show that the new species represents an independent evolutionary lineage. Morphologically, Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov. can be distinguished from the other species currently assigned to the genus Balitora by its dorsal fin iii-9, anal fin i-6, pectoral fin v-12, and caudal-fin 19 branched rays. The lips exhibit no complex folding or thickening, maintaining a relatively thin and simple structure. Upper and lower lips connected at corner of mouth, upper lip with a row of inconspicuous papillae, and lower lip thin. Dorsal fin long, 16.7–19.4% of standard length (SL), anal fin short, 15.0–16.7% of SL, distal margin truncated, origin close to the anus and far from the caudal-fin base, pectoral fin 18.4–20.5% of SL, pelvic fin moderately developed, distal margin rounded, 15.1–16.7% of SL. Anus 72.5%–73.3% distance from posterior end of the pelvic fin base to the anal fin origin. The new species will help to define the new distribution of the genus Balitora in Guangxi, China.

Key words: Karst cave, loach, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Morphological characters of holotype (WGY2024121901) of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. 
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral side view of head; E. Dorsal side view of head; F. Close up photo of the mouth.

Habitat and photographs of Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. in life.

Balitora tiandengensis Nong & Wei, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Balitora tiandengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) two pairs of maxillary barbels; (2) dorsal fin rays iii, 9; (3) pectoral fin rays v, 12; (4) pelvic fin rays ii, 7; (5) anal fin rays i, 6; (6) lateral-line scales 69–75; and (7) 6–7 indistinctly separated transversely oval blotches on the dorsal side.

Etymology. The specific epithet tiandengensis is in reference to the type locality of the new species: Duoru Village, Dukang Town, Tiandeng County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. We propose the common English name “Tiandeng cave loach” and the Chinese name “tiān děng pá qiū (天等爬鳅)”.

 You Nong, Yuan Fang, Jin-Yue Li, Qiu-Jun Wei, Chuan-Gui Xu and Gui-Yuan Wei. 2026. Balitora tiandengensis (Teleostei, Balitoridae), A New Species of Cave-dwelling Loach from Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1267: 373-390. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.166354 [30 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus lii • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, 

in Cai, Gou, Wang, Liu, Liang, X. Gu, H. Gu, Fang, Liu, Li et Ding, 2026. 

华西竹叶青蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601

Abstract

The genus Trimeresurus Lacépède comprises over 57 species, with recent taxonomic revisions recognizing six subgenera. Despite extensive research, many regions in China remain understudied, particularly the biodiversity-rich West China Rain Zone. This study reports a new pitviper species from western Sichuan Province, China, based on comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses. Specimens collected from the West China Rain Zone were examined using detailed morphological comparisons and phylogenetic analyses of three mitochondrial genes (16S, cytb, and ND4). The results show that this population, together with T. loong, forms a distinct monophyletic clade within the subgenus Viridovipera Malhotra & Thorpe, with uncorrected genetic distances to its closest relatives exceeding 6.50% (cytb) and 5.77% (ND4). Diagnostic morphological differences, including smooth cephalic scales, a postocular streak extending beyond the 2nd supralabial in males, dorsal scale rows of 21–21–15, and a grass-green body color lacking bands or markings, further support its taxonomic distinctness. We propose the new species Trimeresurus lii sp. nov., which represents the second species of Viridovipera in Sichuan Province and the 58th species of Trimeresurus worldwide, and contributes to understanding biodiversity in the Giant Panda National Park region. This discovery highlights the importance of continued field surveys in biodiversity hotspots for documenting and conserving unique faunal assemblages.

Key Words: Bamboo pitviper, biodiversity hotspots, Giant Panda National Park, morphology, snakebite envenoming, Viridovipera, West China Rain Zone

Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in life:
paratype CIB CB2120, male (A, B);
allotype CIB 122872, female (C, D); and
paratype CIB CB249CD03, juvenile male (E, F).

Photographs by Bo CAI.

Trimeresurus lii Cai, Liu, Liang, Wang & Ding, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (Table 2). This new species can be distinguished from all of its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) dorsal scale rows 21-21-15; (2) ventrals 152–167 in males and 160–168 in females; (3) subcaudals 64–75 in males and 63–70 in females; (4) skin coloration is black to dark gray, and body coloration is grass green without bands or markings in both sexes; (5) eye color is amber in males and orange-yellow in females; (6) postocular stripe is red and white, extending to the 2nd supralabial in males, but yellow or faintly developed yellow in females; (7) ventrolateral stripe is white (above) and red (below) in males, but yellow in females; (8) temporal scales and occipital scales smooth, dorsal scales rhomboid, feebly keeled except the first row of scales, which are smooth in both sexes.

Etymology. The specific epithet lii is a Latinized genitive form honoring LI Er (c. 6th–5th century BCE), traditionally revered as Laozi, the ancient Chinese philosopher whose teachings emphasize harmonious coexistence between humans and nature—a principle that aligns closely with the conservation ethos of the Giant Panda National Park, where this species was discovered. The known distribution of Trimeresurus lii sp. nov. in western Sichuan Province falls within the West China Rain Zone, a region historically associated with the early development of Daoist thought. In light of its geographic range and ecological context, we propose ‘Huaxi Green Pitviper’ as the English common name and ‘华西竹叶青蛇’ (Huáxī Zhúyèqīng Shé) as the Chinese name.

 Bo Cai, Yubo Gou, Gang Wang, Fengjing Liu, Dong Liang, Xiaodong Gu, Haijun Gu, Haolong Fang, Yuzhou Liu, Qiujie Li and Li Ding. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata, Viperidae) from western Sichuan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 285-302.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.178601 [30 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella xinshaoensis • Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from central China

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis  

Jiang, Liu, Huang Zhang & Wang, 2026

新邵掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

Abstract

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Leptobrachella from Xinshao County, Hunan Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences support the new species as an independent lineage. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congeners are 2.1% and 8.1%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentarily webbed, with narrow lateral fringes; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened, with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white, with dark brown spots on the chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on the flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs are flexed at right angles to the body axis; and (8) tibia–tarsal articulation reaching between the eye and the tympanum.

Key Words: Leptobrachella, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species

Photographs of the holotype CIB XS20240319001 of Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. in life. 

A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot. 

(Photos A–E by Jing Liu.)

Color variation in Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. 
 A. Dorsolateral view and B. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319002;
C. Dorsolateral view and D. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319003.

(Photos A–D by Jing Liu.)

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentary webbed, lateral fringes on toes narrow; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white with dark brown spots on chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs flexed at right angles to the axis of body; (8) tibia-tarsal articulation reaching between eye and tympanum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinshaoensis” refers to the name of the type locality, Xinshao County, Hunan, China. We suggest the English name “Xinshao Leaf-litter Toad” and the Chinese name “Xin Shao Zhang Tu Chan (新邵掌突蟾)”.

 Liming Jiang, Jing Liu, Yun Huang, Hongyan Zhang and Bin Wang. 2026. Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 253-269. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

[Paleontology • 2026] Nabia civiscientrix • New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal

 

Nabia civiscientrix 

Guillaume, Evans, Jones, Puértolas-Pascual & Moreno-Azanza, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623

Illustration by Eva Carret

Abstract

The Albanerpetontidae are a group of small extinct lissamphibians ranging from the Bathonian to the early Pleistocene. The Upper Jurassic of Portugal is known to yield a large collection of albanerpetontid remains, ascribed to the genus Celtedens. However, recent studies have shown that the frontal bones used for species diagnosis display important intraspecific variation. Here, we describe 468 bones from the Kimmeridgian-Tithonian Lourinhã Formation, together with thousands of remains from the Guimarota beds of the Kimmeridgian Alcobaça Formation. They support the erection of a new genus and species, Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov., characterized by a unique combination of five synapomorphies: a bulbous/flabellate outline of the internasal process of the frontal in dorsal or ventral view; no sculpture on the postorbital wing of the parietals; the dorsal condyle of the axis with a recurved edge; the long axis of the iliac shaft strongly tilted posteriorly; and a limited pubic/ischial articulation flaring. This material represents the oldest albanerpetontid species from the Iberian Peninsula and potentially the third described from the Jurassic, during which time it played a major palaeobiogeographical role in relation to Europe, north-western Africa and North America. Our results further confirm the need to revise Celtedens. The material from the Lourinhã Formation suggests that other multi-specific microfossil vertebrate bonebeds should contain a greater variety of elements than is reported. We stress the need to review unpicked and unidentified material to look for postcranial bones rather than focusing only on cranial elements, as in combination they aid a better characterisation of this group.

 

Keywords: Albanerpetontidae, Kimmeridgian–Tithonian, Lourinhã Formation, Guimarota, systematics

Nabia civiscientrix gen. et sp. nov.

Alexandre R. D. Guillaume, Susan E. Evans, Marc E. H. Jones, Eduardo Puértolas-Pascual and Miguel Moreno-Azanza. 2026. New albanerpetontid Species (Lissamphibia) from the Late Jurassic of Portugal. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(1); 2580623. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2025.2580623 [23 Jan 2026]

  

[Botany • 2026] Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu  

in She, Huang, Zhang, Yao, Zhu, Zhou et Xu. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024

 

Abstract

In this paper, Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. is described as a new species based on morphological and molecular analyses, and its taxonomic relationships are discussed. Morphological analysis indicates that S. zhenghaianum should be classified in the genus Sedum sect. Sedum and is distinct from the related species S. tosaense in morphology, e.g. by lacking sterile stems, rosulate leaves 4-whorled, leaf blade and sepal apices retuse or obtuse, flowers pedicellate, ventral suture of follicles with a wing-like membranous structure, and seeds with auricled protrusions. Phylogenetic analysis of sequences of the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) further demonstrates that S. tosaense is the closest extant relative of the new species.

Keywords: ITS, morphological characters, new species, phylogenetic analysis, Sedum zhenghaianum

Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov.
(A) General view , (B) flower, (C) petals and stamens, (D) sepals, (E) mature follicle.

Drawn by Xin Zhou, based on the holotype.

Morphology of Sedum zhenghaianum sp. nov. 
 (A) Habitat, (B) rosulate plant in winter, (C) plant in early spring, (D) plant in flowering stage, (E) plant in fruiting stage, (F) rosulate leaves (4-whorled and spurless), (G) upper leaves (alternate and shortly spurred), (H) inflorescence, (I) flower, (J) sepals, (K) peduncle, (L) follicle.

Sedum zhenghaianum Y.L. Xu sp. nov. 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘zhenghaianum' is derived from the name of Zhenghai Chen (Professor Senior Engineer of Zhejiang Forest Resources Monitoring Center), to honor his contributions to the discovery of this new species.

 

Shi-Qi She, Shi-Guo Huang, Yang Zhang, Shen-Hao Yao, Zong-Wei Zhu, Xin Zhou and Yue-Liang Xu. 2026. Sedum zhenghaianum (Crassulaceae), A New Species from Zhejiang and Jiangxi, East China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05024 [27 January 2026]