[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. hongsonensis, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, ... • Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand

กระดิ่งดอยตุง Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult; 

ข้าวก่ำภูวัว D. phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee; 

ม่วงสามหมอก D. hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, 

in Nangngam, Middleton, Suksathan et Suddee. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13

Abstract

Ten new species of the genus Didymocarpus are described from Thailand: Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. flaviflorus, D. hongsonensis, D. kiewbangii, D. kwanjaiae, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, D. phuwuaensis, D. suchartii and D. vilaiwaniae. Full descriptions, distributions, ecology and colour plates are provided for all taxa. These additional new species increase the total number of Didymocarpus in Thailand to thirty-five species, and therefore, a key to the species of Didymocarpus in Thailand is also provided in this paper.

Keywords: Flora of Thailand, taxonomy, Didymocarpinae, Trichosporeae

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult:
A. habit showing leaves and dichasial cyme inflorescence; B. corolla shape; C. flower in bud and immature capsule.

Photographs: All by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Krading doi tung (กระดิ่งดอยตุง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the corolla colour with the white tube and lobes reddish brown to orange brownish inside.

Didymocarpus flaviflorus Nangngam, Suksathan & Rujich., sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus citrinus Ridl. in the corolla colour but they differ in corolla size (c. 3.5 cm long in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, 2–2.7 cm long in D. citrinus), calyx shape (tubular in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, lobes free in D. citrinus), and in leaf shape and margin (elliptic-oblong and denticulate in D. flaviflorus, ovate to ovate-lanceolate and serrate in D. citrinus).

Vernacular.— Krading lueang wiangchai (กระดิ่งเหลืองเวียงชัย) (Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the bright yellow corolla.

Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan:
A. habit and habitat; B. corolla front view and young fruits; C. corolla shape side view; D. opened flower showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; E. stamens showing anthers coherent.

Photographs: All by Kittiyut Punchay.

 Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Muang sam mok (ม่วงสามหมอก)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Mae Hong Son Province, the type locality.

Didymocarpus kiewbangii Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus insulsus Craib in general appearance and in having 5 free calyx lobes but differs in the leaf arrangement and a longer corolla (leaves opposite and corolla c. 3 cm long in D. kiewbangii, ternate and c. 2.5 cm long in D. insulsus).

Vernacular.— Muang si kieobang (ม่วงศรีเขียวบาง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Wittawat Kiewbang, a former BKF staff member who has accompanied botanists to various parts of the country and contributed valuable photographs and specimens.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee:
A. Habit and habitat; B. flower showing calyx and corolla shape; C. opened corolla showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; D. flower bud.

Photographs: All by Kwanjai Khammmongkol.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus middletonii Souvann., Soulad. & Tagane from Laos in the red corolla colour but differs in the calyx tube campanulate and glabrous (tube campanulate and glabrous in D. kwanjaiae, tube urceolate and with multicellular eglandular hairs in D. middletonii).

Vernacular.— Krading Daeng Phaseeda (กระดิ่งแดงผาสีดา)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Dr Kwanjai Khammongkol, the former chief assistant of Phu Langka National Park and the collector of the known specimens.

Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus biserratus Barnett in having a united and glabrous calyx tube and a funnelform and glabrous corolla but differs in having a symmetrical tubular white-cream and greenish-whitish calyx tube and a white corolla (asymmetrical green-maroon to purple campanulate calyx tube and dark violet corolla in D. biserratus). It is also similar to D. niveus in the white corolla but differs in the symmetrical calyx (asymmetrical in D. niveus) and corolla size (c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis, c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus).

Vernacular. — Krading Khao Lam Kong (กระดิ่งขาวลําโขง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the Mekong Basin, the type locality.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee:
 A. corolla front view; B. inflorescence, cyme 3–5-flowered; C. ovary and stigma. D. stamens showing anthers coherent and 2 longer staminodes.

Photographs: A–B by Pranee Nangngam; C by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee in its white funnelform corolla but differs in having a longer calyx tube and corolla (calyx tube 8–10 mm long and corolla c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus vs calyx tube c. 5 mm long and corolla c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis).

Vernacular.— Krading Khao Khun Phawo (กระดิ่งขาวขุนพะวอ)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the snow-white colour of the corolla.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee:
 A. habit; B. capsules; C. inflorescence and front view of corolla; D. side view of corolla.

Photographs: All by Wittawat Kiewbang.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee, sp. nov.

  This species is similar to Didymocarpus formosus Nangngam & D.J.Middleton in the large paired bracts and funnelform corolla but differs in having bracts not embracing the calyx in bud, a ubular calyx tube, and a dark purple corolla (bracts embracing calyx in bud, campanulate calyx tube, and dark red maroon corolla in D. formosus).

Vernacular.— Khao kam phu wua (ข้าวกําภูวัว)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, the type locality.

Didymocarpus suchartii Nangngam, Makerd & Suddee, sp.nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus megaphyllus Barnett in the corolla covered with multi-cellular glandular hairs but differs in having calyx lobes free, ovary with multicellular glandular hairs, corolla dark purple (calyx formed into a campanulate tube at base, ovary glabrous, corolla crimson-red in D. megaphyllus). Also similar to D. hongsonensisin having a dark purple funnelform corolla but differs in having calyx lobes free (formed into a tube at base in D. hongsonensis).

Vernacular.— Muang chan hom huan (ม่วงจันทร์หอมหวล)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Suchart Chanhomhual, who has contributed a lot to protecting plant diversity in Umphang District, and for his photographs and the type collection.

Didymocarpus vilaiwaniae Nangngam, Moungmaith. & Chamch., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus glandulosus (W.W.Smith) W.T.Wang var. minor (W.T.Wang) W.T.Wang from South China in general appearance and in having free calyx lobes and a salverform corolla but differs in leaf characters (leaves congested at the top of stem and silvery on upper surface in D. vilaiwaniae, scattered along stem and not silvery on upper surface in D. glandulosus var. minor).

Vernacular.— Muang Si Anusarn (ม่วงศรีอนุสาร)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Associate Prof. Dr Vilaiwan Anusarnsunthorn, the founder of CMUB herbarium.

Pranee Nangngam, David J. Middleton, Piyakaset Suksathan and Somran Suddee. 2026. Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 128-149. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13 [2026-08-19]

[Botany • 2026] Primula exserta (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Primula sect. Aleuritia from Yunnan, China

 

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, 

in Yang, Zhang, Zheng, Ye, Tan, Cai et Wum 2026. 

大围山报春  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553

Abstract

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L. Zhang & Z. K. Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports its placement within Primula sect. Aleuritia, a section characterized by entirely glabrous plants that lack scales at the base of the leaf rosette, has a moderate to small habit and typically bears farina on the foliage and scape. The new species differs from other members of this section by its petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, and elongated filaments and a style exserted far beyond the mouth of the corolla tube. Information on its distribution, a morphological comparison with related species, and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are also provided.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, nomenclature, Primula, taxonomy, Yunnan

Primula exserta sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Habit during flowering; C. Lateral view of the plant; D. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; E. Flower, frontal view; F. Flower, lateral view; G. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; H. Dissected corolla with the ovary; I. Dissected calyx.  

Primula exserta sp. nov.
A. Flowering habit; B. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; E. Dissected calyx.

Drawn by Ms. Yang-yang Zheng.

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. This new species is most similar to P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis within the same section, all of which share the following characteristics: aboveground parts farinose, calyx campanulate or narrowly campanulate, and leaves obovate or sub-spatulate. However, it is distinguished from the three species mentioned above by the following morphological features: petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, floral type uniform: stamens of all flowers inserted at the middle of the corolla tube, free from the tube at the mouth, extending ca. 5 mm beyond the tube, style 2.5–3 cm long, longer than the stamens (Figs 1, 2). A comparison of plant photographs of P. exserta with P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis is provided in Fig. 3, and the main morphological differences are summarized in Table 1.

Etymology. The specific epithet exserta is derived from the Latin exsertus, meaning “protruding” or “extended outward,” alluding to the style and stamens that are distinctly exserted beyond the mouth of the corolla tube, a key diagnostic character distinguishing this species from its congeners in P. sect. Aleuritia.

Vernacular name. Simplified Chinese: 大围山报春; 

Chinese Mandarin: “dà wéi shān bào chūn.”

 Li Yang, Gui-Liang Zhang, Yang-Yang Zheng, Qing-Qing Ye, Xin Tan, Lei Cai and Zhi-Kun Wu. 2026. Primula exserta (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Aleuritia from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 117-125. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553 [14 Aug 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae) • A New Species of Thismia sect. Geomitra from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence

 

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.,

in Seelanan, Chantapram, Taosiri, Chuchuea et Chantanaorrapint, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868

Abstract

A new species of Thismia from Thailand, Thismia daemona is described based on morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Morphological characters were examined from fresh and spirit materials using a stereo microscope. Phylogenetic analyses were conducted based on three nuclear (SSU, ITS, LSU) and two mitochondrial (atpA, matR) markers. The new species is characterized by coralliform roots, blackish flowers, reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, inner tepals forming a mitre with three slender claviform appendages, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with white translucent trichomes, and translucent blue stamens with recurved apex. Phylogenetic analyses support its placement within Thismia sect. Geomitra, with a sister relationship to T. betung-kerihunensis. In addition, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered according to the IUCN Red List categories and criteria.

Key words: Achlorophyllous plants, conservation status, coralliform root, endemic species

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Underground part showing hairy roots; B. Above-ground shoots with flowers; C. Top view of mitre showing irregular papillose surface; D. Side view of flower showing outer lobe; E. Longitudinal section of floral tube showing inner surface, three stamens, stylar column and styles; F. Epidermal cells of transversal bar; G. Stamens outer view. H. Stylar column and styles.

Photographed by N. Taosiri (B, C, E, G, H) and C. Chuchuea (A, D, F).

Locality and habitats of Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr.
A. Distribution map; B–D. Habitats; arrowheads indicate plants of T. daemona; E. Plants in natural habitat. Photographed by C. Chuchuea (B–D) and N. Taosiri (E).

Thismia daemona Seelanan & Chantanaorr., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Thismia daemona is somewhat similar morphologically to T. limkokthayi, but differs in having reddish orange and fleshy outer tepals, outer surface of mitre covered with irregular papillae, inner surface of floral tube possessing irregular transverse bars in lower half and finely reticulations in upper half, epidermis of transverse bars and reticulations covered with translucent white trichomes, translucent blue stamens, and absence of mitre foveae.

Habitat and ecology. Thismia daemona was found growing amongst leaf litter, under shade of lower montane forest with small bamboo, at elevations 950–970 m.

 Tosak Seelanan, Isareyakorn Chantapram, Neeranuch Taosiri, Chanachon Chuchuea and Sahut Chantanaorrapint. 2026. Thismia daemona (Thismiaceae), A New Species from Thailand supported by morphological and molecular evidence. PhytoKeys. 278: 177-189. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202868 [17-08-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote,

in Choopan et Grote, 2026.

เข็มฉัตร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12

Abstract

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), a new species known only from Thailand, is here described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous and by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm long. Comparison of morphological characteristics are provided.

Keywords: conservation status, flora, morphology, taxonomy 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A. habit; B. flower; C. pistil and stamens; D. fruits; E. seeds.

(Drawn by Sunitsorn Pimpasalee).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A.-C. flowers; D. puberulous calyx and glabrous pistil; E. dried fruit and seeds; F. seeds; G. lower surface of leaf; H. & J. inflorescences; I. infructescence.

 (Photographed by Thiamhathai Choopan).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote, sp. nov.  

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by the inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous, by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm, and by capsule 3–3.5 cm long instead of 2–2.5 cm.

Thiamhathai Choopan and Paul Grote. 2026. Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 122-127. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12 [17 August 2026]
เข็มฉัตร พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จากเขาสอยดาว จ.จันทบุรี

[Crustacea • 2026] Bogidiella isajii & B. painushima • Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan

Bogidiella painushima 

Tomikawa, Yoshimura, Ugomeki & Shimomura, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5  

 www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Abstract

Two new species of bogidiellid amphipods, Bogidiella isajii and B. painushima are described from an anchialine undersea cave in Minamidaito Island and freshwater flowing through a cave in Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Islands. Bogidiella isajii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the absence of an inner ramus on the pleopods, armature of uropods 1 and 2 rami, and shape of the telson. Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. aprutina and B. broodbakkeri, but differs from these two species in the shape of antennal sinus of the head, size of antenna 2 peduncular article 2 gland cone, armature of the accessory setal row of the mandible, shape of gnathopod 1 propodus and pereopod 7 coxa, and armature of the telson. Nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from paratypes of the two new species were determined for future studies.

Crustacea, brackish, COI, freshwater, Okinawa, taxonomy

Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. 

 

KO TOMIKAWA, HIRO YOSHIMURA, MUSHI UGOMEKI and MICHITAKA SHIMOMURA. 2026. Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan.  Zootaxa. 5831(3); 399-412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5 [2026-06-16]  

Two eyeless shrimp-like species found in Japan’s groundwater are new to science

Finding new species in unassuming settings brings light to further exploration and conservation efforts to preserve the unique diversity in groundwater environments

https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/news/99063

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1140243

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Bataspis crux • A galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency

 

Bataspis crux

Meng, Ferrón, Pisani, Gai & Donoghue, 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081

Life restoration by Dinghua Yang.

Abstract

Galeaspids are an extinct group of jawless fishes from the Silurian–Devonian of China and northern Vietnam that are key to understanding the origin of vertebrate anatomical innovations. A new eugaleaspid, Bataspis crux gen. et sp. nov., is described based on fossil material from the Lochkovian (Early Devonian) Xishancun Formation of Qujing, Yunnan, China. Bataspis crux possesses a suite of unusual features, especially its bat-wing-like cornual processes that are seamlessly integrated with a brim-like rostral margin without a rostral process, constituting a unique morphology for galeaspids. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference all support membership in the family Tridensaspidae. We employed computational fluid dynamics to infer the hydrodynamic properties of the headshield of B. crux. Our analysis reveals that this species achieves an exceptionally high lift-to-drag ratio; the highest recorded among known galeaspids. This remarkable efficiency stems from its low drag across various angles of attack, coupled with passive lift generation through the exploitation of the Bernoulli effect by the airfoil cross-section of the cornual processes. This suggests that the species was an effective gliding cruiser, outperforming not only galeaspids but also other stem gnathostomes, such as osteostracans and pteraspidomorphs. These results provide new insights into our understanding of the evolution of Tridensaspidae, the ecological habits of stem gnathostomes and convergence in the evolutionary assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan.

Keywords: galeaspid, phylogenetic analysis, hydrodynamic analysis, lift-to-drag ratio, convergence, morphological function

Bataspis crux, holotype, IVPP V30969: A, internal mould in dorsal view; B, external mould in ventral view.

Abbreviations: c, cornual process; dcm, dorsal commissure; ic, inner cornual process; ifc, infraorbital canal; ldc, lateral dorsal canal; ltc, lateral transverse canal; mdc, median dorsal canal; md.o, median dorsal opening; orb, orbital opening; pi, pineal opening; se, serrated edge; soc2, posterior supraorbital canal; v.mtc, vestige of the median transverse canal; vr, ventral rim.

 All scale bars represent 1 cm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Subphylum VERTEBRATA-CRANIATA Linnaeus 1758

Infraphylum GNATHOSTOMATA Cope 1889

Subclass GALEASPIDA Tarlo 1967

Order EUGALEASPIFORMES (Liu 1965) Liu 1980

Family TRIDENSASPIDAE Liu 1986

Genus Bataspis nov.

 

Derivation of name: Bat from English, the shape of the cornual processes of Bataspis is similar to the membranous wings in bats.

Type species: Bataspis crux sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Bataspis is assigned to Eugaleaspiformes because it exhibits a suite of diagnostic features in morphology: subtriangular headshield with cornual and inner cornual processes, slit-like median dorsal opening, and typical eugaleaspid-type sensory canals. Although Bataspis lacks a rostral angle or process, its diagnostic specialized laterally-projecting processes suggest it differs from the members of Shuyuidae, Sinogaleaspidae, and Eugaleaspidae and can be assigned to Tridensaspidae. Compared with other members of Tridensaspidae, the absence of the rostral angle and the presence of vestiges of the median transverse canal distinguish Bataspis and Falxcornus; the lack of the rostral process constitute a diagnostic difference between Bataspis and the sister group including Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis. Additionally, Bataspis contains serrations along with the margin connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes and the lateral margins of the median dorsal opening that differ from Falxcornus.

Bataspis crux sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The verb ‘to cruise’, in the sense of ‘to move from one side to the other’, is derived (via Norse and Old English) from the Latin crux (cross).

Holotype: A nearly complete headshield and its counterpart, IVPP V30969 (Fig. 1A–B).

Locality & horizon: Near the Qujing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, Xishancun Formation, Cuifengshan Group, Lochkovian, Early Devonian.

Diagnosis: Medium-sized tridensaspid fish; subtriangular headshield; arcuate rostral margin without rostral angle and process; cornual process spine-like, projecting posterolaterally; lobular inner cornual process projecting posteriorly, slightly stronger than cornual process; the angle between the cornual and inner cornual processes exceeding 90° (sickle-like); margin of the headshield connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes serrated; median dorsal opening slit-like (length/width >6) with nearly parallel lateral serrated margins, the posterior margin almost level with the centra of the orbital openings, and its middle part convex forward; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; pineal opening small, round, beyond the posterior margin of the orbital opening; sensory canal system typical eugaleaspid-type, with three pairs of lateral transverse canals and vestiges of the median transverse canal.

Artistic life restoration of Bataspis crux.

Artwork by Dinghua Yang.

CONCLUSION: 

We describe Bataspis crux, a new species of galeaspid from Xishancun Formation in the Early Devonian (Lochkovian age) of Yunnan, China. Our phylogenetic analyses ally the new genus to the family Tridensaspidae, sister to the clade of Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis, and sharing with Falxcornus the status as the oldest known tridensaspids. The results of probabilistic phylogenetic methods indicate that more data are needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of galeaspids such as the family Shuyuidae. Bataspis crux extends beyond the range of phenotypic variation known previously for galeaspids. The unique morphological features of this bat-like jawless fish result in a high lift-to-drag ratio when at low angles of attack. Our results reveal the breadth of locomotor capabilities available to galeaspids and other jawless stem-gnathostomes, demonstrating that an absence of flexible paired fins was not an impediment to ecological diversity.

Xinyuan Meng, Humberto G. Ferrón, Davide Pisani, Zhikun Gai and Philip C. J. Donoghue. 2026. Bataspis crux, a galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency. Palaeontology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081 [04 August 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Cambarus emegi • A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

 

Cambarus emegi 

Lieb, Williams, Foltz & Loughman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 

  facebook.com/WLUCrayfish

Abstract

A new species of crayfish, Cambarus emegi sp. nov., is described from the upper James and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and the lower Delaware River basin in Pennsylvania, where it occurs in streams and small rivers. The species was formerly part of the Cambarus acuminatus species complex (Cambarus species C complex), a long-standing taxonomic enigma that is widely distributed across the Atlantic slope drainages of eastern North America. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Cambarus acuminatus due to the absence of a well-defined subpalmar tubercle, greater number of punctations across its areola, and differences in the mesial process of the form I male gonopod. Coloration and pattern in life differ between the two species. Additionally, the distributions of C. emegi sp. nov. and C. acuminatus are separated by hundreds of kilometers. The ranges of two other undescribed members of the Cambarus species C complex border that of C. emegi sp. nov. in Virginia. These species do not appear to overlap geographically; C. emegi sp. nov. is confined to the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, whereas the two undescribed species are found in the Blue Ridge and northern inner Piedmont regions. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is morphologically similar but visually and genetically different from the undescribed species directly to the south in the upper Roanoke River system. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is both visually and morphologically similar but genetically distinct from the undescribed species immediately downstream in the James River basin. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is threatened by several potentially interacting factors including invasive crayfishes, narrow range, and urban and agricultural development. Alarmingly, the species is being rapidly replaced by invasive Faxonius species across a substantial part of its range. This paper represents an important step in providing the information needed to conserve and manage Cambarus emegi sp. nov.

Crustacea, Cambarus species C., Cambarus acuminatus, new species, Ridge and Valley, Northern Piedmont, Delaware, James, Roanoke, invasive crayfish

 Cambarus emegi sp. nov., color in life: (a) holotype, NCSM 95987; (b) allotype, NCSM 95988.

Life color and color pattern of adult  Cambarus emegi sp. nov.:
 (a) dorsal view; (b) oblique lateral view (photo credit Zackary A. Graham).

 Life color and color pattern of juvenile  Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Body and eyes pigmented. Rostrum weakly to moderately excavated and ventrally deflected anteriorly; rostral margins subparallel, pronounced and entire through acumen, and more thickened posteriorly than anteriorly; acumen acuminate with prominent dorsally deflected spiniform tubercle at terminus. Areola 2.2–3.6 (¯x=2.7, n=42, s=0.4) times as long as wide, with 6–10 (¯x=8.5, n=42, s= 0.7) punctations across narrowest point. Lateral portion of branchiostegal region of carapace heavily punctate; hepatic regions also punctate with welldeveloped tubercles. Strong cervical spines present; branchiostegal spine prominent; postorbital ridge terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Weak to acute suborbital angle typically present, rarely absent; suborbital angle terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Antennal basipodite spines prominent; ischiopodite spines present but not prominent.

Etymology.—Derived from the Turkish work “emeği” meaning “labor of” or “hard work of”, which seems appropriate given this project required many years and the collection of thousands of specimens from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Additionally, the name honors Emily (Em) and Megan (Meg) Lieb, the senior author’s two daughters, who happily accompanied him on many crayfish sampling trips as children and later helped him collect C. emegi sp. nov. from sites in its Pennsylvania range. 

Common name.—We propose Enigma Crayfish as the common name.

David A. LIEB, Bronwyn W. WILLIAMS, David A. FOLTZ II and Zachary J. LOUGHMAN. 2026. Description of A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status.  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 [2026-07-29]

 facebook.com/WLUCrayfish/posts/1731022025695189 

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops ammachi, A. bella & A. sendenyu • Systematics, Molecular Phylogeny, Diversification, and Biogeography of Cascade Frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Amolops) from India: An Integrative Assessment with Description of Three New Species

 

 the Amolops marmoratus group from India

A, B. Amolops afghanus. C. Amolops ammachi sp. nov.. D–F. A. assamensis. G–I. Amolops bella sp. nov.. J–M. A. gerbillus. N, O. A. indoburmanensis; 

A. Amolops indoburmanensis haplo 1. 

C. A. cf. indoburmanensis sp. 1.  E. A. jaunsari. 

F, A. nepalicus. H. Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. 

Biju, Ellepola, Sarmah, Upadhyaya, Bisht, Tajo, Hanken & Garg, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3099/MCZ88.1

Photos: S. D. Biju.

 Abstract 

The Cascade Frog genus Amolops, currently comprising 95 described species, is a taxonomically challenging group of Asian frogs. Although the genus has been studied extensively across most of its range, the Indian members remain poorly understood, with sporadic species descriptions and no comprehensive taxonomic revision to date. Additionally, the current taxonomy of Amolops in India remains in flux; the true species diversity is potentially underestimated due to insufficient sampling efforts, misidentifications arising from limited investigations, and lack of a comprehensive comparative framework. In this study, we addressed these gaps through extensive sampling of Amolops across their range in India and by using an integrative morphological and molecular approach to investigate existing diversity. By using a multilocus data set of mitochondrial (16S, CO1, ND2) and nuclear (RAG1, TYR) markers, we present the first comprehensive Amolops phylogeny, including all known Indian species, which enables us to confidently establish species boundaries and infer evolutionary relationships. By assigning available names to well-supported lineages and testing multiple species-delimitation hypotheses, we identified a high level of undescribed cryptic diversity in the genus. Integrative analyses confirm three distinct unnamed lineages, which are formally described here as Amolops ammachi sp. nov., Amolops bella sp. nov., and Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. In addition, we report five new country records for India: three genetically conspecific with Amolops afghanus, Amolops nepalicus, and Amolops wangyali, and two shallowly divergent populations of A. medogensis and A. bellulus. Conversely, five nominal species do not represent distinct taxa and are here treated as junior subjective synonyms: Amolops chanakya synonym of Amolops wangyali; Amolops mahabharatensis synonym of Amolops jaunsari; Amolops senchalensis synonym of Amolops formosus; Amolops shillong synonym of Amolops assamensis; and Amolops terraorchis synonym of Amolops gerbillus. Molecular species delimitation reveals six additional candidate species from India; these lineages are left unnamed due to shallow divergence from established species and warrant further taxonomic investigation. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic analyses suggest that Amolops diversification began around the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, with a mean age of 31.5 Mya (median age: 32.5 Mya; 95% highest posterior density: 28.12–36.67 Mya). The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of extant Amolops was widely distributed across Southeast China, mainland Southeast Asia, and the Malayan Peninsula during the early Oligocene. Through subsequent range contraction, subdivision, and jump dispersal, they spread into adjacent regions with dramatic rapid diversification toward the late Miocene. Biogeographic analyses suggest multiple waves of east-to-west colonization and highlight the role of early Himalayan uplift in mediating a complex “into-and-out-of-Himalaya” dynamic in structuring the contemporary distribution and high cryptic diversity in the genus. Mitochondrial haplotypes also show strong geographic structuring, indicating historical allopatric divergence by secondary contact among regions. These findings additionally improve our broader understanding of diversification and distribution patterns in this unique group.

KEYWORDS: Amphibia, Anura, cryptic diversity, evolutionary history, Integrative taxonomy, Himalayas, South and Southeast Asia, species delimitation, monticola Group, viridimaculatus Group, marmoratus Group, tadpole morphology

 

Dorsolateral views of species within the Amolops marmoratus group from India, in life.
A, B. A. afghanus (SDBDU 2023.6459 and SDBDU 2021.322, respectively). C. Amolops ammachi sp. nov. (ZSI A 16551). D–F. A. assamensis (SDBDU 2022.1100, SDBDU 2018.3843, and SDBDU 2025.6858, respectively). G–I. Amolops bella sp. nov. (SDBDU 2011.6959, SDBDU 2011.6913, and SDBDU 2011.6956, respectively). J–M. A. gerbillus (SDBDU 2024.6597, SDBDU 2024.6726, SDBDU 2021.1225, and SDBDU 2024.6598, respectively). N, O. A. indoburmanensis (SDBDU 2018.3870 and SDBDU 2022.5572, respectively). Photos: S. D. Biju.

Amolops ammachi sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named in honor of the late Ms. Padmini Varkey, a renowned social worker and philanthropist from Kerala, India. She is fondly referred to as “Ammachi,” meaning “mother” in Malayalam, the language of Kerala. Her unconditional love and readiness to help those in need were widely admired. The species epithet ammachi is a tribute to her life and spirit; it is treated as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Suggested Common Name. Ammachi's Cascade Frog.

Amolops bella sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet bella is from the Latin word bellus, meaning beautiful, and referring to the beauty of the frog. The species epithet is considered an invariable noun in apposition.

Suggested Common Name. Beautiful Cascade Frog.

Dorsolateral views of species within the Amolops marmoratus group from India, in life.
 A. A. indoburmanensis haplo 1 (SDBDU 2024.6670). B. A. indoburmanensis haplo 2, (SDBDU 2021.4629). C. A. cf. indoburmanensis sp. 1 (SDBDU 2009.140). D, E. A. jaunsari (SDBDU 2012.6991 and SDBDU 2012.153, respectively). F, G. A. nepalicus (SDBDU 2026.6929 and SDBDU 2026.6928, respectively). H. Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. (SDBDU 2024.5438). I–K. A. siju (SDBDU 2023.457, SDBDU 2022.1468, and SDBDU 2025.6832, respectively). L. A. yarlungzangbo (SDBDU 2022.6141). Photos: S. D. Biju.

Amolops sendenyu sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named after Sendenyu Village, Nagaland State, where the type series was collected. The species epithet is considered an invariable noun in apposition.

Suggested Common Name. Sendenyu Cascade Frog.

S. D. Biju, Gajaba Ellepola, A. N. Dikshit Akalabya Sarmah, Radhakrishna Upadhyaya, Karan Bisht, Tage Tajo, James Hanken and Sonali Garg. 2026. Systematics, Molecular Phylogeny, Diversification, and Biogeography of Cascade Frogs (Ranidae: Amolops) from India: An Integrative Assessment with Description of Three New Species. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 164(1); 1-144. DOI: doi.org/10.3099/MCZ88.1 (11 August 2026)