[Paleontology • 2026] Sauropod teeth from the Khorat Group of Thailand suggest the Faunal Replacement of Sauropod Dinosaurs across the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous

Sauropod diversity interpretation throughout the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition of Thailand based on dental evidence in

A, the Late Jurassic (Tithonian); B, the Early Cretaceous (late Valanginian to Barremian), C, the late Early Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian). 

in Chowchuvech, Manitkoon, Chanthasit et Ketwetsuriya. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2026.2710631 

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Illustrations by Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn x.com/Peak4651

ABSTRACT

Sauropod teeth are among the most abundant vertebrate fossils recovered from the Upper Jurassic to Lower Cretaceous Khorat Group of Thailand. However, their taxonomic and palaeoecological significance has not previously been examined in detail. This research presents the first comprehensive taxonomic identification of isolated sauropod teeth from several localities across the Khorat Plateau in Northeastern and Eastern Thailand. Based on morphological analyses, these teeth were assigned to four distinct morphotypes. Additionally, multi-quantitative analyses revealed affinities with four sauropod clades: Mamenchisauridae, Brachiosauridae, Somphospondyli, and Dicraeosauridae. The taxonomic framework recovered in this study is consistent with the broader sauropod fossil record of the Khorat Group and reveals a marked faunal shift across the Jurassic–Cretaceous of Thailand. Mamenchisaurids appeared during the Late Jurassic to the earliest Cretaceous, whereas neosauropods, such as titanosauriforms and diplodocoids, became more prevalent during the Early Cretaceous. These findings suggest new evidence for a major sauropod faunal replacement event, likely driven by ecological changes affecting herbivorous dinosaurs during this crucial timeframe of the Mesozoic.

KEYWORDS: Sauropoda, Mamenchisauridae, Brachiosauridae, Somphospondyli, Diplodocoidea

Sauropod diversity interpretation throughout the Jurassic–Cretaceous transition of Thailand based on dental evidence in A, the Late Jurassic (Tithonian); B, the Early Cretaceous (late Valanginian to Barremian), C, the late Early Cretaceous (Aptian to Albian).

 Illustrations by Pakorn Chotchaiyaporn.

 

Wongwech Chowchuvech, Sita Manitkoon, Phornphen Chanthasit and Chatchalerm Ketwetsuriya. 2026. Sauropod teeth from the Khorat Group of Thailand suggest the Faunal Replacement of Sauropod Dinosaurs across the Late Jurassic–Early Cretaceous. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/08912963.2026.2710631 [15 Sep 2026]

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  x.com/Peak4651/status/2100259226346201579

[Herpetology • 2026] Indotyphlops gyirongensis • A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes: Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China

 

Indotyphlops gyirongensis

Lyu, Tan, Zhao, Wallach, Liu & Guo, 2026

吉隆盲蛇  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322

Abstract

Typhlopidae is the most species-rich and broadly distributed family of blind snakes. Due to their secretive habits, fossorial lifestyle, and conserved morphology, the taxonomy and systematics of this group remain poorly understood. Here, a new species of blind snake is described from Xizang, China, based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species is genetically divergent from its closest relatives with an uncorrected CO1 p-distance exceeding 18.3%. Morphologically, it can be diagnosed by a combination of the following characters: 1) large size with 265 mm total length, 2) supralabial imbrication pattern T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap. Currently, the new species is known only from Xizang, China, but it likely occurs in adjacent regions in Nepal.

Key words: Blind snake, morphology, new species, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy, Typhlopidae

General (top) and ventral (below) views of the holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in life  

photos by Peng Guo

Holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in preservative.
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the body, dorsal (C) and lateral (D) views of head, and ventral view of tail (E)

photos by Peng Guo

Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A blind snake distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters: 1) large size with 265 mm in total length, 2) SIP T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap.

Etymology. The specific epithet Gyirong is a noun in apposition, referring to the type locality, Gyirong Town, Gyirong County, Xizang, China. We suggest the English common name “Gyirong blind snake” and the Chinese common name “吉隆盲蛇” (Jílóng Mángshé) for this new species.

 Bing Lyu, Songwen Tan, Zhichao Zhao, Van Wallach, Qin Liu and Peng Guo. 2026. A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes, Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. ZooKeys. 1292: 261-273. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322 [17-09-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ingerana aizawl • Leaping from a University Campus to the Scientific Records: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, 1987 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Mizoram, India

Ingerana aizawl

Lalremsanga, Bharali, Dawngliana, Hlychho, Malsawmtluanga, Bhattacharjee, Hazarika, Das & Purkayastha, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.2.3

 

Abstract

Populations of Ingerana Dubois (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Mizoram, northeastern India, have historically been assigned to Ingerana borealis (Annandale), however recent taxonomic reassessment questioned their identity. We evaluated these populations using an integrative approach combining external morphology and mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses recovered the Mizoram population as a distinct lineage within Ingerana, while morphological comparisons revealed multiple diagnostic differences from recognised congeners. Based on these data, we recognise the Mizoram population as a distinct species. It differs from I. borealis, I. occidens, and I. tenasserimensis by a unique combination of body size, tympanic morphology, dorsal skin texture, and proportional morphometric characters. Our findings resolve the taxonomic identity of Ingerana populations from Mizoram and suggest that species diversity within the genus in northeastern India remains underestimated.

Amphibia, 16S rRNA, Aizawl, new species, northeastern India

Ingerana aizawl

HMAR TLAWMTE LALREMSANGA, MANMATH BHARALI, MALSAWM DAWNGLIANA, MARA DUASA HLYCHHO, MALSAWMTLUANGA, RUPANKAR BHATTACHARJEE, ARUP KUMAR HAZARIKA, NILUTPAL DAS and JAYADITYA PURKAYASTHA. 2026. Leaping from a University Campus to the Scientific Records: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, 1987 (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Mizoram, India.  Zootaxa. 5878(2); 224-236. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.2.3 [2026-09-14]

[Botany • 2026] Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae) • A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Sarkar, Gap, Rai et Kumar, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7  

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Abstract

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov. is described from Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is morphologically allied to G. putaoensis but differs in having a broadly obovate basal part of the labellum with 6–7 prominent longitudinally thickened structures, and a distinct, thick, strongly incurved, narrowly oblong-ligulate, yellow apical part that is minutely papillate, with the apex rounded to obtuse (vs. an elliptic basal part with 3–5 parallel thickened lines, and a narrower apical part densely covered with yellow hairs, with the apex obtuse and densely covered with red papillae). A detailed morphological description, diagnosis, photographic illustrations, notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status, together with comparisons with morphologically allied species, are provided to facilitate its identification.

Monocots, Ghost orchid, Mycoheterotroph, New to Science, Orchid, Taxonomy

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov.

MADHUSUDHAN KHANAL, DIPANKAR BORAH, SHUVADIP SARKAR, NEELAM GAP, SANTOSH KUMAR RAI and DEVENDRA KUMAR. 2026. Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 773(3); 289-295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7 [2026-09-09]

  facebook.com/DipuBORAH2/posts/28179222161743622

[Mollusca • 2026] Pagodapalaina euphrosyne • A New open-coiled Microsnail Species of the Genus Pagodapalaina (Caenogastropoda: Diplommatinidae) from Thailand

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit,

 

in Sutcharit, Srisonchai, Maneewan, Jeratthitikul et Annate, 2026. 

หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคลายเกลียวยูโฟรซีน  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1556/1777.2026.00169  

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Abstract

A new species of Pagodapalaina from southern Thailand is described. Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit, sp. nov. is characterised by a sinistral, elongate-fusiform shell with an open-coiled teleoconch, well-developed radial ribs restricted to the penultimate and last whorls, and the presence of the parietalis and columellaris. Unlike all other congeners, the detached teleoconch subsequently resumes regular coiling, with the last whorl becoming tightly reattached to the preceding whorl. This previously undocumented developmental pattern raises fundamental questions about current understanding of the developmental constraints governing shell coiling in terrestrial caenogastropods.

Keywords: limestone; endemic species; whorl detachment; ecophenotypic plasticity; micro-CT

A, approximate locations of the type locality of all Pagodapalaina species.
Numbers correspond to: 1) P. acme (Laidlaw, 1949) [= Diplommatina laemsonensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023]; 2) P. attenuata (Laidlaw, 1949); 3) P. carinaspinosa (Maassen, 2002); 4) P. diminuta (von Möllendorff, 1891); 5) Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov.; 6) P. gadutensis (Maassen, 2002); 7) P. hidagai (Panha, 1998a); 8) P. hortulanica Chen, 2025; 9) P. jirasaki (Panha, Kanchanasaka & Burch, 2002); 10) P. karoensis (Maassen, 2002); 11) P. krabiensis (Panha & Burch, 1998); 12) P. lenggongensis (Tomlin, 1941) [= Diplommatina lenggongensis nawawii Davison, 1995]; 13) P. parabates (Laidlaw, 1949); 14) P. pongrati (Panha, Kanchanasaka & Burch, 2002); 15) P. prakayangensis (Panha, 1998b); 16) P. sinistra (Tomlin, 1938) [= Diplommatina prakaiphetensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023]; 17.1) P. superba superba (Godwin-Austen & Nevill, 1879); 17.2) P. superba brevior (Laidlaw, 1949); 18) P. suratensis (Panha & Burch, 1998);
B, live snail of  Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov.

Systematics

Superfamily Cyclophoroidea Gray, 1847

Family Diplommatinidae Pfeiffer, 1856

Genus Pagodapalaina Chen, 2025

Pagodapalaina Chen in Chen et al. 2025: 390, 391.

Type species: Diplommatina acme Laidlaw, 1949, by original designation.

Remark: The genus is characterised by a sinistrally coiled, elongate-fusiform shell with tightly to loosely coiled whorls and a shell surface bearing low ridges to prominent and trough-like radial ribs. The internal lamellar system comprises a well-developed columellaris, a parietalis varying from small to well developed, a vertical palatalis that may be absent, and a constriction ranging from weak to strong.

The genus currently comprises 18 recognised species (Chen et al. 2025, MolluscaBase 2026, this study). Of these, three species are known from Sumatra, Indonesia, and nine species, including the new species described herein, are recorded from Thailand. The northern distributional limit of the genus is currently considered not to extend beyond the Isthmus of Kra (Fig. 1A).

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov., paratypes CUMZ 14506 from the type locality.
A, B, adult specimens with narrowly expanded lip;
C, juvenile specimen shows an early stage of penultimate whorl, and onset of tall trough-like radial ribs

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne sp. nov. from the type locality.
A, holotype CUMZ 14505, insets show the aperture with columellaris;
B, paratype CUMZ 14506, juvenile with penultimate and last whorl reattached but lip not yet expanded;
C, paratype CUMZ 14506, insets show the protoconch sculpture

Pagodapalaina euphrosyne Sutcharit, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Shell small, sinistral, elongate-conical, fusiform, with ∼6 whorls. Earlier teleoconch whorls solute for about two whorls, with smooth surface. Penultimate and last whorls regularly coiled, tightly attached, sculptured with very tall, trough-like radial ribs, and fine spiral striations throughout. Peristome double, expanded. Aperture rounded, with four barriers: one parietalis, two vertical palatalis and one columellaris.

Etymology: The specific epithet, euphrosyne, is a noun in apposition derived from Euphrosyne, one of the Three Graces (Charites) in Greek mythology, the personification of joy, beauty, and elegance. It refers to the graceful and delicate shell morphology of the new species.

  Chirasak Sutcharit, Ruttapon Srisonchai, Nattaphong Maneewan, Ekgachai Jeratthitikul and Supunya Annate. 2026. A New open-coiled Microsnail Species of the Genus Pagodapalaina (Caenogastropoda: Diplommatinidae) from Thailand. Animal Taxonomy and Ecology. DOI: doi.org/10.1556/1777.2026.00169 [16 Sep 2026]

𝙋𝙖𝙜𝙤𝙙𝙖𝙥𝙖𝙡𝙖𝙞𝙣𝙖 𝙚𝙪𝙥𝙝𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙮𝙣𝙚 Sutcharit, 2026 หรือ หอยกระสวยจิ๋วคลายเกลียวยูโฟรซีน ค้นพบที่ถ้ำทะลุ อำเภอละงู จังหวัดสตูล โดยตั้งชื่อชนิดตามรูปร่างเปลือกที่ละเอียดอ่อนและสง่างาม เสมือน “ยูโฟรซีน” ผู้เป็น 1ใน 3เทพีแห่งความงามของเทพปกรณัมกรีก 

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[Mammalogy • 2026] Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats (Carnivora: Felidae: Leopardus) in South America

 

Leopardus tilcayo  Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik, 

in Lescroart, Nogales-Ascarrunz, Cassatt-Johnstone, Bonilla-Sánchez, ... et Eizirik, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059

Highlights: 

• First discovery of a novel cat species in over a century: Leopardus tilcayo

• Description of a novel cat subspecies: Leopardus tigrinus antisuyo

• Phylogenomic resolution of the tiger cat complex, revealing five distinct species

• Museomics and novel approaches to assess evolutionary history and genomic diversity

Summary

The evolutionary history of elusive organisms can be characterized through genomic analyses, which have the power to reveal previously unknown taxa even in groups assumed to be well studied, such as cats. We have analyzed complete genomes of 38 individuals from the Neotropical cat genus Leopardus, including 26 individuals representing multiple evolutionary units of the contentious tiger cat (Leopardus tigrinus) species complex. Eight genomes were generated from museum specimens, which allowed the first genetic assessment of the type locality for L. tigrinus in the Guiana Shield. We found that this complex comprises five distinct species, including a novel cat species, discovered in the Bolivian Yungas and described in this study as L. tilcayo. The Peruvian Yungas unit of this complex also represents a distinct taxonomic entity, which we describe here as a novel subspecies, L. tigrinus antisuyo. Our phylogenomic analyses resolve the evolutionary relationships among the tiger cat geographic units, thus stabilizing their recalcitrant taxonomy and enabling adequate conservation assessment of these threatened felids. We also address other aspects of their evolution, including biogeography, past episodes of interspecies admixture, demographic history of each taxonomic unit, and temporal changes in genetic diversity. Altogether, our results clarify the evolutionary history of a complex radiation of wild cats, reveal novel taxa, and serve as a basis for conservation planning on behalf of these elusive wild cats.

 

Keywords: Bolivian Yungas, Peruvian Yungas, Felidae, Guiana Shield, historic DNA, Leopardus, museomics, concordance vector, new species, tilcayo

 

Live specimen of Leopardus tilcayo (sample ID: L. tilcayo BOl-2, voucher ID: MNHN-L2), a newly described tiger cat species from the Bolivian Yungas.

Photo by Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz

 

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788 

Subfamily Felinae Batsch, 1788 

 Leopardus Gray, 1842

Leopardus tilcayo sp. nov. Nogales-Ascarrunz, Aliaga-Rossel, Lescroart & Eizirik 

Type material: Holotype: CBF-11990, adult male. Live-captured and held in captivity, genome sequences NCBI SRA accession SRX30196846. Date: 09-2021; collectors: E. Aliaga-Rosel and P. Nogales-Ascarrunz (see Data S1).

Type locality: La Paz, Nor Yungas, near Arapata village (1,570 m above sea level [a.s.l.]), Bolivia. Coordinates: −16.248594, −67.634691 (WGS84).

Etymology: This species is named after the local name “tilcayo” used for this felid, which is widely known in the Bolivian Yungas zone. The name is treated as an unchanged noun in apposition.

Vernacular name: We propose “tilcayo” as the English common name, preserving the traditional local designation in recognition of its cultural and regional relevance.

Diagnosis: Leopardus tilcayo differs from L. pardinoides by its shorter pelage, lower contrast pattern, more expanded and irregular open rosettes, less bushy tail, and the absence of broad and complete caudal bands (see Data S1). It differs from L. tigrinus by its larger and more irregular flank markings, longer and fuller tail, and irregular caudal blotches. It differs from L. guttulus by its larger, more heterogeneous markings, lower dorsal contrast, and relatively longer tail. L. tilcayo can be distinguished from other Leopardus taxa by a large number of molecular characters. In the nuclear genome, among the 29,288,951 transversion variants, on average 1,392,646 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. t. antisuyo and 1,491,301 sites differentiate L. tilcayo from L. pardinoides. For simplicity we provide a list of diagnostic mitochondrial DNA sites (see Data S1).

Jonas Lescroart, Paola Nogales-Ascarrunz, Molly Cassatt-Johnstone, Alejandra Bonilla-Sánchez, Caroline Charão Sartor, Fernando Angulo, Jorge L. Ramirez, Larissa Rosa de Oliveira, Tadeu Gomes de Oliveira, Beth Shapiro, Enzo Aliaga-Rossel, Hannes Svardal and Eduardo Eizirik. 2026. Phylogenomics and Museomics reveal Five distinct Species of Tiger Cats in South America. Current Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2026.08.059 [September 17, 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Leucheria melorum (Asteraceae: Nassauvieae) • A New Species from the Patagonian Andes

 

Leucheria melorum Horton & Picca, 

in Horton & Picca, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.774.3.4 

 

Abstract

A new species of Leucheria endemic to the Patagonian Andes in northern Neuquén, Argentina, is reported. Leucheria melorum is characterized by its cushion-like growth habit composed of dense woolly rosettes, rhizomes covered by persistent old leaves, and capitula with white to pink flower corollas. The species inhabits high-elevation volcanic environments (2550–2900 m a.s.l.) on the Domuyo and the Wayle massifs. We provide a detailed morphological description, illustrations highlighting the diagnostic morphological traits and a key for distinguishing L. melorum from related species. Based on the IUCN criteria and categories, a preliminary conservation status assessment is also given.

 Eudicots, Flora Altoandina, Leucheria, Nassauvieae, Patagonia

A. General view of the habitat of Leucheria melorum on Cerro Wayle at 2900 m a.s.l. with the Volcán Tromen in the background; B. Several dense rosettes; C. Rosette with capitula at different developmental stages; D. Close-up view of some flowering capitula; E. Fruit; F. Photomicrograph of the cypsela surface showing characteristic twin trichomes (indicated by white arrows) and biseriate glandular trichomes (indicated by black arrows).

Photos A, C, E & F: Pablo Picca; B & D: J. Felipe Horton.

Leucheria melorum.
A. Habit; B. Leaf, adaxial view; C. Scape and capitulum; D. Inner phyllary, dorsal view; E. Outer phyllary, dorsal view; F. Bract-like phyllary, dorsal view; G. Flower; H. Flower (ovary and pappus removed); I. Stamens; J. Fruit.

Line drawings by Angélica Marino.

Leucheria melorum Horton & Picca, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Leucheria melorum is morphologically similar to L. candidissima and L. millefolium, which are also present in the northern Neuquén volcanic massifs. However, the new species is readily distinguished by its compact, cushion-like growth habit. It further differs from both by having very short stems (vs. more or less elongated in L. candidissima and L. millefolium), flabelliform leaf blades (vs. lanceolate in L. candidissima and elliptic in L. millefolium) and by having bi- or tri-pinnatisect leaves with oblong segments closely approximated towards the apex (vs. pinnatisect with an elongate terminal lobe in L. candidissima and bi- or tri-pinnatisect with rhomboidal segments in L. millefolium; segments regularly distributed along the rachis in both species).

Etymology:—The specific epithet honors Mabel and Sergio MELO, a couple of dedicated naturalists, who were the first people to collect specimens of this new species. Their keen observations of the high Andean flora and kind cooperation were very important to the recognition of this novelty.

Juan Felipe HORTON and Pablo I. PICCA. 2026. A New Species of Leucheria (Nassauvieae, Asteraceae) from the Patagonian Andes.  Phytotaxa. 774(3); 241-251. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.774.3.4 [2026-09-17]

[Crustacea • 2026] Caridina srivijaya, C. takkola, C. tambralinga, ... • A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda: Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species

A. Caridina cf. rangoona, from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; 

C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov. from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;

E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Phrasaeng District, Bang Sawan Spring; 

G. C. takkola sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi NHA. 

Macharoenboon, von Rintelen, Klotz, Sutcharit, Siriwut & Jeratthitikul, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168

Abstract

A comprehensive taxonomic review of the genus Caridina in southern Thailand is presented, integrating extensive field surveys with comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses to document the species diversity. Phylogenetic tree reconstructed from partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and COI) indicated 18 distinct lineages, recognized as species in our study, belonging to six species groups, from southern Thailand. Five of these are new to science and are described as Caridina kuehnei sp. nov., C. nangroma sp. nov., C. srivijaya sp. nov., C. takkola sp. nov., and C. tambralinga sp. nov. Including historical records, there are 21 species of Caridina found in southern Thailand of which almost half are endemic to the region. Updated distribution maps and a key to all known species in the region are also provided. Our findings highlight that while morphological identification is challenging due to significant intraspecific variation and interspecific similarity, molecular data is essential for helping taxonomists to delineate species boundaries.

Key words: Amphidromous, crustacean, freshwater fauna, landlocked, Malay Peninsula, molecular phylogeny, Thailand

Living specimens of Caridina species.
 A. C. thai, topotype MUMNH-CAR861-F1 from Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Pak Chong District, Muak Lek Waterfall; B, C. C. gracillima, specimens; B. MUMNH-CAR626-P1 from Trang Province, Mueang District, Trang River; C. MUMNH-CAR631-P1 from Krabi Province, Mueang District, Tha Hindarn Stream; D. C. gracilipes, specimen MUMNH-CAR462-P1 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Khanom District, Khao Phlai Dam;
E. C. macrophora, specimen MUMNH-CAR800 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Bang Khan District, Lam Dang Stream; F. C. peninsularis, specimen MUMNH-CAR633-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Khum Mut Stream; G. C. excavatoides, specimen MUMNH-CAR616-F2 from Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, Thung Song District, Tha-Luang Stream; H. C. temasek, specimen MUMNH-CAR835-P1 from Pattani Province, Mueang District, Pattani River. Scale bar: 4 mm.

Living specimens of Caridina species.
A. C. cf. rangoona, specimen MUMNH-CAR434-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, specimen MUMNH-CAR471-P1 from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov.; C. paratype MUMNH-CAR404-P1 and D. specimen MUMNHCAR474-P1 from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;
E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., paratypes; E. MUMNH-CAR502-P1; F. MUMNH-CAR502-M1; G. C. takkola sp. nov., paratype MUMNH-CAR469-P1; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., specimen MUMNH-CAR489-P1 from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area. Scale bar: 3 mm.

Caridina kuehnei sp. nov. 

C. nangroma sp. nov. 

C. srivijaya sp. nov. 

C. takkola sp. nov. 

C. tambralinga sp. nov. 

 

 Kongkit Macharoenboon, Thomas von Rintelen, Werner Klotz, Chirasak Sutcharit, Warut Siriwut and Ekgachai Jeratthitikul. 2026. A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda, Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species. ZooKeys. 1292: 1-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168 [15 Sep 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Neolamprologus labrosus • A New Species of the Genus Neolamprologus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika

Neolamprologus labrosus

Takahashi, Snoeks & Satoh, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70640  

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Abstract

Lake Tanganyika harbours an exceptionally diverse fauna of cichlids that has arisen through explosive adaptive radiation. During a recent survey at Kasenga and Kombe, Zambia, we discovered an undescribed species of the genus Neolamprologus. The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by its uniquely developed upper lip, which protrudes conspicuously beyond the lower lip, along with several additional morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene showed that specimens of the new species were not recovered as monophyletic; instead, they formed a clade together with Neolamprologus mustax. Nevertheless, the new species is morphologically clearly distinct from N. mustax despite their sympatric occurrence. This discovery highlights the still underestimated diversity of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika and underscores the importance of documenting its fauna in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures on the lake's ecosystem.

 Keywords: freshwater, biodiversity, mitochondrial ND2, morphology, phylogeny

Neolamprologus labrosus

Tetsumi Takahashi, Jos Snoeks and Shun Satoh. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Neolamprologus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70640 [15 September 2026]

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[Mollusca • 2025] Pagodapalaina gen. nov. & Pagodapalaina hortulanica • A New sinistral Genus of Diplommatinidae (Gastropoda: Cyclophoroidea) from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, with Description of A New Species from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia

Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov.
Pagodapalaina hortulanica gen. & sp. nov.
 Pagodapalaina spp. 

in Chen, Sutcharit et Ablett, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.3.5  

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Abstract

A new diplommatinid genus, Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov., is erected for several sinistral species from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra originally assigned to Diplommatina Benson, 1849. In addition, a new species of this new genus, Pagodapalaina hortulanica sp. nov., is described from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia. The genus Pagodapalaina gen. nov., is characterised by a sinistral and conical shell with a mostly keeled periphery; the radula consists of a strong central tooth with a large central cusp and smaller lateral cusps; the basal plate of the central tooth bears two small cusps; the lateral and marginal teeth have very short basal parts. An annotated type catalogue of all known species is presented, with illustrations provided for most taxa. Additionally, Diplommatina laemsonensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 and Diplommatina prakaiphetensis Boonmachai, Bergey & Nantarat, 2023 are recognised as synonyms of Pagodapalaina acme (Laidlaw, 1949) comb. nov., and Pagodapalaina sinistra (Tomlin, 1938) comb. nov., respectively.

Mollusca, Micro snails, new genus, new species, Southeast Asia, systematics, taxonomy

Pagodapalaina hortulanica gen. & sp. nov., holotype, NHMUK 19930124.

Pagodapalaina Z.-Y. Chen gen. nov.

Etymology. The name of the new genus is derived from “Pagoda”, referring to the tiered, keeled and tower-like shape of the shell, reminiscent of East Asian pagodas, and diplommatinid genus name Palaina . This genus name is feminine.

Distribution. Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia. The known species of the new genus are distributed on the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra.

Pagodapalaina hortulanica sp. nov.

Etymology. We adopted Davison’s manuscript name with minor modification. The name hortulanica, meaning “garden-dwelling” in Latin, may refer to the flourishing vegetation of the type locality.

 Pagodapalaina spp. 

FIG. 3. A. Pagodapalaina lenggongensis, syntype, NHMUK 1943.6.28.1. B. Pagodapalaina hidagai, paratype, CUMZ Di 005. C. Pagodapalaina parabates, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.6. D. Pagodapalaina pongrati, paratype, CUMZ Di 044. E. Pagodapalaina prakayangensis, paratype, CUMZ Di 007. F. Pagodapalaina sinistra, syntype, NHMUK 1938.10.25.4. G. Pagodapalaina superba brevior, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.7, the outline of shell follows Laidlaw (1949). H. Pagodapalaina suratensis, paratype CUMZ Di 029. Scale bars = 1 mm.

FIG. 2. A. Pagodapalaina acme, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.5. B. Pagodapalaina attenuate, holotype, NHMUK 1948.11.12.8. C. Pagodapalaina carinaspinosa, paratype, NHMUK 20030224/1. D. Pagodapalaina diminuta, holotype, SMF 105374/1. E. Pagodapalaina gadutensis, paratype, NHMUK 20030225/1. F. Pagodapalaina jirasaki, paratype, CUMZ Di 041. G. Pagodapalaina karoensis, paratype, NHMUK 20030226/1. H. Pagodapalaina krabiensis, paratype CUMZ Di 032. Scale bars = 1 mm.

ZHE-YU CHEN, CHIRASAK SUTCHARIT, JONATHAN D. ABLETT. 2025. Pagodapalaina, A New sinistral Genus of Diplommatinidae from the Malay Peninsula and Sumatra, with Description of A New Species from Perak, Peninsular Malaysia (Gastropoda: Caenogastropoda: Cyclophoroidea). Zootaxa. 5737(3); 389-400. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.3.5 [2025-12-24]

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[Paleontology • 2026] Chosha praecursor • Amphibious stem-insect sheds light on Colonization of Land

Chosha praecursor

Tihelka,  Vásquez, Engel, Schram, Lozano-Fernandez & Cai, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10961-2

Abstract

Molecular clock analyses, trace fossils, exceptionally preserved amphibious stem-myriapods and sea scorpions have recently challenged classical assumptions about the timeline of the animal colonization of land, suggesting that terrestrial ecosystems may date back as far as the Cambrian period. However, the early evolutionary history of the most successful clade of animals, the insects, has remained elusive, as the period of their early diversification constrained by time divergence estimates falls within the notorious ‘hexapod gap’ in the fossil record. Here we describe Chosha praecursor gen. et sp. nov. from the Carboniferous period (Late Mississippian epoch, approximately 324 million years ago) Tesnus Formation in Texas. Cross-polarized light imaging reveals that C. praecursor possesses insect apomorphies including an ovipositor and a terminal filament but differs from crown-group insects, most notably with respect to the presence of multisegmented abdominal legs with paddle-like modifications. Our phylogenetic reconstruction recovers C. praecursor as a hexapod, strongly favouring its placement as an early-diverging insect. A revision of three other enigmatic hexapod fossils, the Devonian period Leverhulmia and two undescribed Carboniferous fossils from the Mazon Creek Lagerstätte, demonstrates diverse body organization in Palaeozoic wingless insects. Together, these stem-group fossils represent the earliest uncontested insects and partly reconcile the incongruence between molecular clock estimates and the fossil record. The unusual abdominal gill-like appendages of Chosha suggest a semiaquatic mode of life in at least some stem-insects and revise our understanding of the assembly of insect morphological organization.

Chosha praecursor gen. et sp. nov. 

Erik Tihelka, Carlos Vásquez, Michael S. Engel, Frederick R. Schram, Jesus Lozano-Fernandez and Chenyang Cai. 2026. Amphibious stem-insect sheds light on colonization of land. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10961-2 [26 August 2026]