[Herpetology • 2026] Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis • A New Species of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis 

Liu, Hou & Rao, 2026

 azjournal.ru 

 Researchgate.net/publication/408625531

Abstract

A new species of the genus Brachytarsophrys is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: body size relatively small, dorsal skin smooth with a few large tubercles on dorsum and crotch, snout relatively long, eye relatively small, foot relatively short, pectoral glands orange, upper iris blood red and lower iris reddish brown, nuptial pad present on first finger in adult male. Phylogenetically, the new species differs from other species of the genus by a genetic divergence of 4.2–15.7% and 3.3–15.2% in COI and cytb genes, respectively. This study brings the total number of the species of Brachytarsophrys to 12, with ten occur in China and three in Guangxi.

Keywords: Brachytarsophrys, Jinxiu County, mitochondrial, morphology, new species, phylogeny, Short-Legged Toad, taxonomy

Holotype (KIZ2019035) of  Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) left view; (C) ventral view; (D) closeup view of the crotch region

Close-up views of the hand and foot of the holotype (KIZ2019035) of Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. in preservative.
 (A) volar view of the left hand; (B) plantar view of the left foot

Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. 


Shuo Liu, Mian Hou and Dingqi Rao. 2026. A New Species of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China. Amurian Zoological Journal. 18(2); 586–598. DOI: 10.33910/2686-9519-2026-18-2-586-598 [2026-07-08]

https://azjournal.ru/index.php/azjournal/article/view/2026-07-08

 Researchgate.net/publication/408625531_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Brachytarsophrys_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2026] Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China

 

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân, 

in Yang, Wang, Lai et Tan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5  

english.CAS.cn 

Abstract

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân was previously treated as conspecific with the widespread M. virgata (Blume) Miq. and was synonymized under the latter. However, based on detailed examinations of herbarium specimens and field observations of living plants, we confirm that M. monogyna is a morphologically distinct species. Consequently, we reinstate its species status and document it as a new record for the flora of China, providing a comprehensive taxonomic description and including it in an updated identification key for all three species of Meiogyne recorded in China.

Magnoliids, Meiogyne virgata, morphology, synonym, taxonomy, type, Yunnan

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân

BIN YANG, WEN-GUANG WANG, HAN LAI, JIN-GUO ZHANG, YAN-MEI PING and YUN-HONG TAN. 2026. Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China including a new record.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 45-53. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5 [2026-07-16]

Meiogyne monogyna Reinstated as A Distinct Species and Newly Recorded in China

https://english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202607/t20260727_1179205.shtml

[Paleontology • 2026] Austronaga minuta • Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation

Austronaga minuta Wang, Lei & Li, 2023

 

in Wang, Fraser, Spiekman, Z. Li, et C. Li, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

 

Abstract

Archosauromorpha is a dominant reptile clade that primarily occupied terrestrial ecosystems with limited secondarily aquatic invasions that are poorly known. Here we report on a well-preserved Triassic reptile representing the earliest stem-archosaur to evolve unequivocal aquatic specializations. This taxon exhibits a suite of aquatic adaptations previously unknown in stem-archosaurs, such as hyperphalangy, enhanced paddle-like forelimbs, and a loss of articulation between the sacrum and pelvis, indicating an advanced aquatic lifestyle. The fossil exhibits the oldest known stomach, liver, and intestinal preservations in reptiles. Our findings provide unexpected insights into the early aquatic diversification of Archosauromorpha during the Triassic marine ecosystem recovery and highlight a conservative gastrointestinal system in an early Mesozoic vertebrate. In the absence of clear terrestrial members of the other major Mesozoic marine reptile lineages (e.g., ichthyosaurs and sauropterygians), this discovery provides an unambiguous example of such a lineage including both decidedly terrestrial and extensively marine forms, providing tantalizing evidence for the land-to-sea transition in Triassic reptiles.

Systematic paleontology

Diapsida, Osborn, 1903.

Archosauromorpha, von Huene, 1946.

Tanysauria, Spiekman et al., 2024.

Trachelosauridae, Abel 1919 (sensu Spiekman et al., 2024).

Skeleton of the holotype of Austronaga minuta (IVPP V18579). Abbreviations are in the Supplementary Materials. Scale bars, 2 cm (A) and 1 cm (B to D).

Austronaga minuta, Wang et al., 2023.

Type specimen: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) V18579, a complete articulated skeleton preserved on two slabs (Fig. 1).

Locality and horizon: Waina Village, Luoping County, Yunnan Province, China; Member II of Guanling Formation, middle Anisian (Pelsonian), Middle Triassic.

Emended diagnosis: A tanysaur with the following features: quadrate anteroposteriorly broad and plate-like in lateral view with concave posterior margin; 18 cervical, 24 dorsal vertebrae; tall axe-shaped neural spine on axis; cervical neural spines prominent, with convex dorsal margin and without anterodorsal or posterodorsal projections; chevrons of mid-caudal region hatchet-shaped, with prominent distal expansion and a notch at the midpoint of its ventral margin; forelimb distinctly longer than hindlimb with humerus to femur length ratio over two; hyperphalangy present in both manus and pes.

Reconstruction of the long-necked marine reptile Austronaga minuta.

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

Wei Wang, Nicholas C. Fraser, Stephan N. F. Spiekman, Zhiheng Li, Olivier Rieppel, Hong Lei, Torsten M. Scheyer and Chun Li. 2026. Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation. Science Advances. 12(31); DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 [29 Jul 2026]

[Botany • 2024] Meiogyne konkakinhensis (Annonaceae) • A New Species from the central highlands of Vietnam

 

Meiogyne konkakinhensis B.H.Quang & Tagane,

in Quang, Tagane, Nagahama, Fujiwara, Yoneoka, Binh et Oguri, 2024. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.1.7

Meiogyne Miquel (1865: 12; Annonaceae), with 33–39 species, are trees or shrubs characterised by distinctive corrugated grooved structure at the base of the adaxial surface of the inner petals, axillary or sometimes cauliflorous flowers and oblong multi-seeded indehiscent monocarps (van Heusden 1994, Johnson et al. 2019, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022). The species are collectively distributed in southern India, southern Central China, Southeast Asia, Australia, Melanesia and western Polynesia (van Heusden 1994, Thomas et al. 2012, POWO 2024). In Vietnam, six species of Meiogyne are known (Bân 2000, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022): M. monogyna (Merrill 1942: 163) Bân (1974: 1778), M. subsessilis (Ast 1938: 90) Sinclair (1956: 14), M. hainanensis (Merrill 1925: 131) Bân (1973: 1148), M. rubra Jaikhamseub, Damth. & Chaowasku in Jaikhamseub et al. (2022: 223), M. virgata (Blume 1825: 14) Miquel (1865: 12) and M. vietnamica Jaikhamseub, T.A.Le & Chaowasku in Jaikhamseub et al. (2022: 225), although Jaikhamseub et al. (2022) excluded M. virgata because they could not confirm any Vietnamese specimens. 

During our botanical expedition in Kon Ka Kinh National Park, Gia Lai Province, Central Highland, Vietnam, in 2022, we encountered an unknown species of Meiogyne in primary broad-leaved evergreen forests. After a careful examination of the literature of the genus in Vietnam and surrounding countries (Ast 1938, Bân 2000, van Heusden 1994, Johnson et al. 2019, Jaikhamseub et al. 2022) and herbarium specimens including digitised images from FOF, FU, HN, K, KAG, MAK, P and VNM, we concluded that it was an undescribed species, and we here describe it as new to science.

Flora, Indochina, endemic species, Magnoliales, taxonomy, plant diversity, Magnoliids

Meiogyne konkakinhensis.
A. Flowering branch, view from underneath. B. Flowering branch after anthesis. C. Flower, front view. D. Flower after anthesis, side view. E, F. Fruiting branches, with one monocarp.

Photos of Oguri et al. Q362 when it was alive, taken by B.H. Quang.

Meiogyne konkakinhensis.
 A. Flowers, front view, at early stage of anthesis (left), late stage of anthesis (right). B. Outer petals, adaxial (right) and abaxial (left) surfaces. C. Inner petals, adaxial (left) and abaxial (right). D. Flower, bottom view. E. Flower with petals removed showing sepals, stamens and stigmas. F. Sepals, abaxial (left) and adaxial (right) sides. G. Stamens, carpels. H. Stamens. I. Carpels.

Photos of Oguri et al. Q362 when it was alive, taken by B.H. Quang.

Meiogyne konkakinhensis B.H.Quang & Tagane, sp. nov. 

The new species is similar to Meiogyne rubra in its relatively small leaf size and reddish purple petals at maturity, but it is easily distinguished by yellowish brown hairy midrib on the adaxial surface of lamina (glabrous in M. rubra), smaller petals (outer petals 8.0–18.0 × 5.0–8.0 mm, inner petals 7.0–16.0 × 3.1–7.0 mm vs. 30.0–33.0 × 7.5–10.0 mm and 26.5–30.5 × 7.0–8.0 mm), and fewer and smaller stamens (76–80, 1.0–1.4 mm long vs. ca. 118, 1.5–2.2 mm long), fewer carpels (7–9 vs. 10–11) and more ovules per ovary (7–8 vs. 4).

Etymology:—Named for the Kon Ka Kinh National Park.  

Vernacular name:—Thiểu nhụy kon ka kinh (Vietnamese).

Bui Hong Quang, Shuichiro Tagane, Ai Nagahama, Tao Fujiwara, Katsuhiro Yoneoka, Tran Duc Binh and Emiko Oguri. 2024. Meiogyne konkakinhensis (Annonaceae), A New Species from the central highlands of Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 652(1); 78-82. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.652.1.7

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, 

in Wei, J.-Y. Li, Chen, Y. Nong, Hu, Y.-J. Li, Ji, Xu et Y.-K. Nong. 2026. 

忻城螺序草  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.194094

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from the middle part of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological evidence. This new species resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long) its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube and styles ca. 3 mm long). The new species is currently known from a single population with approximately 60–100 mature individuals. Following IUCN Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Photographs, an illustration and a distribution map are also provided.

Key words: Karst, new species, Ophiorrhiza, Spiradiclis, taxonomy

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei.
A. Habitat; B, C. Flowering plant; D. Stem, showing the linear stipules; E. Inflorescences; F. Fruiting plant; G. Dissected brevistylous flower; H. Dissected longistylous flower; I. Hypanthium, calyx, style and stigma; J. Ovary and calyx; K. Stigma; L. Bracts; M, N. Leaf (abaxially and adaxially); O. Capsule; P. Seeds.

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, sp. nov.

 

Chinese name. “xīn chéng luó xù cǎo” (忻城螺序草).

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis is resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis (R.J.Wang) Razafim. & Rydin in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long), its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube, styles ca. 3 mm long).

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinchengensis” refers to the type location of the new species.

 Gui-Yuan Wei, Jin-Yue Li, Rong Chen, You Nong, Qi-Min Hu, Ying-Jing Li, Xing-Yun Ji, Chuan-Gui Xu, Yun-Kai Nong. 2026. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 1-14.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.194094 [24-07-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Bronchocela carestiai & B. mallarii • A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species

 

(A) Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon,
(B, C) B. philippina from Mindanao,
 (D) Bronchocela carestiai from Mindoro, and
(E) B. mallarii from Palawan. 

 

Supsup, Pitogo, Sanguila, Hallermann, Denzer, Wood & Brown, 2026

Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1),

Photographs by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

 Abstract  

One challenge for species delimitation involves closely related species, characterized by both intra- and interspecifically variable morphologies, for which genetic information is not yet available. One such example is exhibited by agamid lizards of the genus Bronchocela. This group of conspicuously vibrant green lizards is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, with 15 recognized species. However, the geographic distributions of several named taxa have remained unclear because of the imprecise application of names in taxonomic summaries and faunal checklists. For more than a century, many authors have noted that a few species, often considered “widespread,” persist throughout nearly the entire range of the genus. This is particularly true for populations identified as Bronchocela cristatella sensu lato and, to a lesser extent, B. marmorata in the Philippines. In this study, we reassess the systematics and taxonomy of Bronchocela populations in the Philippine archipelago. Using multiple lines of evidence from molecular and morphological data, we uncover four distinct lineages of Philippine Bronchocela, all of which we interpret as being distantly related to B. cristatella sensu lato from Malaysia and Indonesia. We argue that these lineages should now be interpreted as Philippine endemic species. Given the strong congruence in molecular and morphological analyses, we now consider populations from the Luzon faunal region (including Catanduanes, Marinduque, Lubang, and Polillo Islands), Romblon (Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan Islands), and the West Visayas (Negros, Cebu, and Panay Islands) as B. marmorata. The nomenclaturally available name, B. philippina, is now designated to the unique lineage from the Mindanao faunal region. Additionally, we recognize two new, distinctive species from the Mindoro (B. carestiai) and Palawan (B. mallarii) faunal regions. Overall, our findings demonstrate how conspicuous and widely distributed species in Southeast Asia remain poorly understood, overlooked, and taxonomically unresolved. Hence, the taxonomic resolution of Bronchocela populations in the island archipelagos of Southeast Asia will greatly benefit from the urgent priority of determining which landmass the name “B. cristatella” applies.

KEYWORDS: Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov, Bronchocela marmorata, Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov, Bronchocela philippina, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Widespread species

In life photographs of Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon (A), B. philippina from Mindanao (B, C),
B. carestiai from Mindoro (D), and B. mallarii from Palawan (E).

Photographs were taken by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov.

 Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov. 

Christian E. Supsup, Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo, Marites B. Sanguila, Jakob Hallermann, Wolfgang Denzer, Perry L. Wood Jr. and Rafe M. Brown. 2026. A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1), 1-44, (20 July 2026) DOI: doi.org/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003

https://bioone.org/journals/herpetological-monographs/volume-40/issue-1/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003/A-Comprehensive-Archipelago-Wide-Taxonomic-Reassessment-of-the-Genus-Bronchocela/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003.full

[Entomology • 2026] Attenboroughnculus tau • A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad,

in De Ketelaere, Pullar et Broad, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 

ABSTRACT

A new genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is described: Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n. a monotypic genus for Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n. collected in central Chile. This is the fourth genus and fourth described species of Pedunculinae and the second from the Neotropics. Each of the four known genera is defined by putative apomorphies, included in an identification key, and photos of each are provided.

KEYWORDS: Austral, Darwin wasps, Gondwanan, new species, South America, taxonomy, Sir David Attenborough

Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n.

  

Etymology: 

This unique genus from Chile has been named after Sir David Attenborough ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrating the broadcaster and biologist’s highly distinctive contribution to our understanding of the natural world. David Attenborough has featured Chile’s diverse, extreme landscapes in several documentaries, emphasising the unique environmental challenges and ecological resilience of species within the country.

Sir David has also filmed several scenes with parasitoid wasps, famously termed the ‘bodysnatcher wasp’ by the broadcaster in the Trials of Life, first broadcast in 1990. He has used his work to reveal the intimate, unseen or overlooked within nature. This resonates in the discovery of this species in an unsorted drawer within the collections of the Natural History Museum, London.

In 2023 Sir David revealed a new bronze quote outside the Natural History Museum, London, reading: The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands. We are using this opportunity to echo this message through the naming of this new genus of tiny wasp.

We hope to inspire global scientists to take another look in their collections to see if there is something small that could contribute to our collective understanding and therefore the future of our natural world. The name is a concatenation of ‘Attenborough’ and ‘Pedunculus’.

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n.

Etymology: Named after the large, capital ‘T’ marking on the second metasomal tergite, with ‘tau’ being the Greek for ‘T’. A noun in apposition.

Augustijn De Ketelaere, Jennifer Pullar and Gavin R. Broad. 2026. The Description of A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera. Journal of Natural History. 60(21-24); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 [07 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza saxatilis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guizhou, China

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li,

in Li, An, Wu, Yu, Qiu, Liu et Tan, 2026. 

 岩生蛇根草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.197480

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li, sp. nov., a new species of the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae) discovered in the karst regions of Guizhou, China, and provides its taxonomic basis from a morphological perspective. The new species is morphologically similar to Ophiorrhiza lignosa, but differs from the latter by having an inflorescence in that its young branches are uniformly pubescent (vs. bifariously pubescent in O. lignosa); the abaxial leaf surface is pubescent (vs. puberulent only along the midrib and secondary veins in O. lignosa); the bracteoles are 5–6 mm long (vs. 1.5–3 mm long in O. lignosa); the petioles are 2–5.8 mm long (vs. 6–20 mm long in O. lignosa); the stamens are inserted at the base of the corolla tube (vs. inserted near the middle of the corolla tube in O. lignosa); the flowers are distylous (vs. monomorphic with pin flowers in O. lignosa), and the styles of long-styled flowers are 6–8 mm long (vs. 10–11 mm long in O. lignosa). These stable and significant morphological differences, combined with a comprehensive and detailed morphological description of the new species and a comparison of diagnostic characters with similar species, firmly support the recognition of Ophiorrhiza saxatilis as a distinct new species.

Key words: Karst, Morphology, New Taxon, Ophiorrhiza, Rubiaceae

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis.
A, B. Habitat; C. Plant; D. Flowering branch; E. Dissected flowers: long-styled flower (above) and short-styled flower (below); F. Style of long-styled flower; G. Style of short-styled flower; H. Longitudinally dissected short-styled flower; I. Longitudinally dissected long-styled flower; J. Fruit; K. Infructescence; L. Adaxial leaf surface; M. Abaxial leaf surface; N. Branchlets.

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza saxatilis is morphologically similar to O. lignosa Merr., but can be distinguished by several key characteristics (Table 2): uniformly pubescent young branches (vs. bifariously pubescent); white corolla lobes with ridges (vs. purple, without ridges); stamens inserted at the base of the corolla tube (vs. inserted near the middle of the corolla tube); flowers distylous (vs. monomorphic, with pin flowers); long-styled flowers 6–8 mm long (vs. 10–11 mm long); purple midrib on the abaxial leaf surface (vs. green); abaxial leaf surface pubescent (vs. puberulent only on the midrib and secondary veins); bracteoles 5–6 mm long (vs. 1.5–3 mm long); and petioles 2–5.8 mm long (vs. 6–20 mm long).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the habitat of the new species, which occurs in a typical karst limestone environment. It mainly grows in harsh habitats such as rock crevices and stony slopes.

Local name. Simplified Chinese: 岩生蛇根草;
Chinese Pinyin: yán shēng shé gēn cǎo.

 Guang-Lin Li, Ming-Tai An, Xu Wu, Jiang-Hong Yu, Jian Qiu, Shao-Fei Liu and Cheng-jiang Tan. 2026. Ophiorrhiza saxatilis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 27-37.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.197480 [24-07-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis milpe • Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus

 Pristimantis milpe 

Ron, Paredes-Aguirre, Paucar, López, Apunte & Ortega, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383  

 x.com/santiak

Abstract

As currently defined, Pristimantis subsigillatus is a species of the P. lacrimosus species group distributed in the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador, from lowlands to Andean foothill forests. Upon re-examination of the holotype of P. subsigillatus, we conclude that the populations currently ascribed to P. subsigillatus are not conspecific with the holotype. Instead, the holotype is conspecific with one of the syntypes of P. latidiscus, a species described four years before from a nearby locality. To avoid the ambiguity in the application of the binomen Hylodes latidiscus, we designate a lectotype. As a result, P. subsigillatus becomes a junior synonym of P. latidiscus. The misidentified populations represent an undescribed species which we describe based on morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data as Pristimantis milpe sp. nov. The new species has one of the widest distributions among Chocoan Pristimantis and is unusual for having sexual dimorphism in coloration. It is most closely related to Pristimantis degener from which it diverged in the late Miocene and is morphologically distinct. The fact that such a common species remained “invisible” to taxonomy highlights the importance of correctly establishing the link between the name-bearing types and natural populations. Finally, we discuss how taxonomic treatments of Pristimantis during the second half of the 20th century often made this non-trivial error.

Key words: Andes, holotype, integrative taxonomy, lectotype, phylogeny, systematics

Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.

Common name. English: Milpe Rain Frog.
Spanish: Cutín de Milpe.

Diagnosis. We assign the new species to the genus Pristimantis based on the phylogeny (Fig. 5). Species of Pristimantis characterized by: (1) smooth to slightly tuberculate dorsal skin, areolate belly; discoidal fold evident; dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanum condition B; tympanic ring covered dorsally by supratympanic fold, tympanic membrane not differentiated; (3) truncate snout in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view; (4) upper eyelid generally without tubercles (occasionally one tiny tubercle present); (5) cranial crests absent; (6) oblique dentigerous processes of vomers; (7) vocal slits present, nuptial pads ...

Photographs showing color variation in living adult males of  Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
 A. QCAZ-A 77106, holotype, SVL = 24.77 mm; B. QCAZ-A 76585, paratype, SVL = 26.97 mm; C. QCAZ-A 76518, paratype, SVL = 26.06 mm; D. QCAZ-A 65561, SVL = 19.64 mm; E. QCAZ-A 67428, SVL = 26.47 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. F. QCAZ-A 79899; note significant color change within a period of less than 24 h. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the holotype and paratypes sections.

Photographs showing color variation in living adult/subadult females of Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
  A. QCAZ-A 67424, paratype, adult female, SVL = 32.07 mm; B. QCAZ-A 45268, paratype, subadult female, SVL = 29.44 mm; C. QCAZ-A 74171, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.21 mm; D. QCAZ-A 74172, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.17 mm; E. QCAZ-A 51314, adult female, SVL = 33.13 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the paratypes section.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality, the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a private reserve in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. The sanctuary protects ~ 100 ha of Foothill Montane Forest and is part of the Andean Chocó, one of the most diverse and threatened regions on the planet. The Milpe Bird Sanctuary is managed by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in the Andean Chocó. The Foundation maintains close relationships with local communities, promoting environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory management of natural resources. It also supports other private reserves and local Decentralized Autonomous Governments in forest restoration through the production of native plants in their nurseries, strengthening long-term conservation in the region.

Santiago R. Ron, Poulette Paredes-Aguirre, Diego A. Paucar, Yaara López, Katherine Apunte and Jhael A. Ortega. 2026. Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus. ZooKeys. 1286: 121-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383 [24 Jul 2026] 

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[Botany • 2026] Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China

 

Petrocosmea anoleuca   M.Q.Han & C.Liu, 

in Liu, Cai, Zhong, Zhao, Wang et Han, 2026.

沧源石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z

 

Summary

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and colour images and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment are provided. The new species is similar to P. cavaleriei H.Lév., but differs in having subpeltate leaf blades, a white corolla tube base lacking spots, a darker purple throat, purple abaxial lip lobes and nearly straight, sparsely puberulent filaments.

Key Words: Flora of Yunnan, Karst habitats, taxonomy

Petrocosmea anoleuca, images and SEM images.
A – B habit, in natural habit; C – D flower, front view; E flower, side view; F flower bud; G corolla, longitudinally cut; H corolla, transversely cut; J peltate leaf blade, abaxial surface; K – L SEM; K rhizomatous stem; L ovary; M ovary, transversely cut; N pollen.

photos: a – b Cheng Liu and c – k Mengqi Han.

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu sp. nov. 

Recognition. Similar to Petrocosmea cavaleriei, but differing in having subpeltate leaf blades (vs petiole attached at the base in P. cavaleriei), the base of the corolla tube white and lacking spots (vs with three antepetalous spots above the base), the throat inside abaxially darker purple (vs white), the abaxial lip lobes purple (vs pale purple, with two yellow spots at the sinuses between the lateral and median lobes) and filaments almost straight and very sparsely puberulent and with scattered capitate-glandular hairs (vs geniculate near the middle, forming an angle of about 160° and densely covered with capitate-glandular hairs).

Etymology. The term anoleuca derives from Greek roots, ano- (ἄνω, "above") and -leuca (λευκός, "white"), literally meaning "white above". The epithet of the new species refers to the white, upper section of the corolla when in bloom.

vernacular name. Chinese name: cāng yuán shí hú dié (沧源石蝴蝶).

Cheng Liu, Jie Cai, Liang-Liang Zhong, Jin-Chao Zhao, Qiang Wang and Meng-Qi Han. 2026. Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z  [21 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Mitrephora rashmiae (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus

 

Mitrephora rashmiae

in Page, Kishwan et Thackeray. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 

 facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation

ABSTRACT

A new species of Mitrephora is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It can be distinguished from its congeners based on a combination of morphological characters such as evergreen leaf phenology, unbranched inflorescences with up to 8 flowers, inner petals being subequal or equal in length relative to the outer petals and stipitate, beaked, cylindric monocarps. This species is unique in the shape and geometry of the miter (dome) which is longer than broad (length: diameter ratio 1.25). This species is also the only andromonoecious species known in the genus to date. This discovery represents only the second record of the genus from the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Malmeoideae, Miliuseae, staminate flower

Mitrephora rashmiae

 

Navendu V. Page, Shivam Kishwan and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2026. A New Species of Mitrephora (Annonaceae) from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus. Feddes Repertorium. e70134. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 [07 July 2026] 

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[Botany • 2026] Cryptanthus pataxoanus & C. beuckeri • Two Ornamental Species of Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) on the brink of Extinction: A New Species and its congener from the 19th century

 

Cryptanthus pataxoanus  Forzza & Leme,

in Leme, Fernandez, Fontana, Almeida et Forzza, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.1 

Abstract

The authors describe and illustrate a new species of Cryptanthus, C. pataxoanus, found within the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, and present new data on its closest morphological relative, C. beuckeri, both endemic to the Atlantic Forest of the state of Bahia, Brazil, and assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). The new taxon represents one of the most ornamental discoveries in recent years due to its marbled foliage, with contrasting greenish-yellow and dark green colors, which is similar to C. beuckeri. The main differences between C. pataxoanus and its closest relative include leaf blades not petiolate or the basal ones sometimes subpetiolate, the much broader portion of the blades distinctly longer, the narrower sepals covered by brown-centered trichomes, and petals without glandulose trichomes. The discovery of the new species results from cooperative work with the Pataxó indigenous community living in Barra Velha and Barra Velha do Monte Pascoal Indigenous Lands, located within the boundaries of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park. It symbolizes the inexhaustible richness of the Brazilian biodiversity in general and the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia in particular, despite its current coexistence with high levels of threat.

Monocots, Atlantic Forest, Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, morphology, taxonomy

Cryptanthus pataxoanus (Umburanas 141):
A, B. Details of the population at the type locality. C. Habit. Photos: S. Caram (A, B); E. Leme (C).

Cryptanthus pataxoanus (Umburanas 141):
A. Elongate stem. B. Details of the marginal spines. C. Inflorescence. D. Details of the inflorescence. E–O. Perfect flower. E. Floral bracts of the basal fascicles. F. Sepals. G. Petal and stamens. H. Stigma. I. Frontal view of the anther just before anthesis. J. Abaxial view of the anther just before the anthesis. K. Basal fascicle. L. Flower. M. Basal portion of the petal and stamens. N. Details of the apex of the sepals. O. Longitudinal cross section of the ovary. P–T. Staminate flower: P. Flower of the inner portion of the inflorescence. Q. Floral bract. R. Details of the apex of the sepal. S. Sepals. T. Longitudinal cross section of the ovary.

 Photos: E. Leme. Bars: A = 2 cm; B, C, K, L, P = 1 cm; D–G, M–O, Q–T = 5 mm; H–J = 1 mm.

 Cryptanthus pataxoanus Forzza & Leme, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—This new species can be distinguished from its morphologically closest relative, Cryptanthus beuckeri, by the leaf blades not petiolate or the basal ones sometimes subpetiolate, with subpetioles gradually merging into the much broader distal portion (vs. always distinctly petiolate, with petioles strongly contrasting with the much broader distal portion); the much broader portion of the blades longer (20–30 cm vs. 10–20 cm long); sepals with narrower lobes (vs. 2–2.5 mm vs. 3.5–4 mm wide) covered by distinctly brown-centered trichomes (vs. trichomes white); and petals without glandulose trichomes (vs. adaxially bearing glandulose trichomes).

Etymology:—The name of this new species honors the Pataxó indigenous people. They belong to the Macro-Jê linguistic family and have a long history of resistance, facing challenges such as reclaiming their traditional lands and promoting the value of their culture since the 16th century. The Pataxó predominantly inhabit the extreme south of Bahia, which includes the area of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park where the Barra Velha and Barra Velha do Monte Pascoal Indigenous Lands are located. They maintain strong traditions, such as the Patxohã language, rituals (like the Awê), and the use of body paintings that serve as cultural identifiers, in addition to promoting the conservation of the environment within their traditional natural territory.

A. Watercolor by the botanical artist Paulo Ormindo, depicting Cryptanthus pataxoanus.
B. Presentation of the C. pataxoanus and the original watercolor depicting the species during the ceremony commemorating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, as well as the reopening of the Visitor Center, by the Pataxó indigenous people who participated in the discovery.

A. Watercolor by the botanical artist Paulo Ormindo, depicting Cryptanthus pataxoanus. B. Presentation of the C. pataxoanus and the original watercolor depicting the species during the ceremony commemorating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, as well as the reopening of the Visitor Center, by the Pataxó indigenous people who participated in the discovery.
C–F. Illegal selective logging and habitat degradation associated with mule trampling used for clandestine timber extraction inside the park. Photos: R.C. Forzza (B); C. Rodrigues (C, D, E, F).

ELTON M. C. LEME, EDUARDO P. FERNANDEZ, ANDRÉ P. FONTANA, PEDRO S. DE ALMEIDA and RAFAELA C. FORZZA. 2026. Two Ornamental Species of Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae) on the brink of Extinction: A New Species and its congener from the 19th century.  Phytotaxa. 763(3); 201-218. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.1  [2026-06-24]

[Botany • 2026] Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae) • A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Disporum yobinorum 

in Sahani et Chowlu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052

Disporum Salisbury (1812) (Colchicaceae) comprises 42 accepted species worldwide (POWO 2026). In India, Disporum is represented by 10 accepted names including 6 species and varieties (POWO, 2026). Additionally, Dasgupta (2006) treated all Indian taxa under a single species; a broadly circumscribed D. cantoniense (Loureiro; 1790: 206) Merrill (1919: 229). There are 24 species distributed in Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sikkim, Thailand and Vietnam (Liang & Tamura 2000, Li et al. 2007, Hu et al. 2016, Zhu et al. 2016 Hareesh et al. 2018, WCSPF 2018).

Monocots, Disporum yobinorum, new species, Eastern Himalaya, Colchicaceae

Disporum yobinorum sp. nov. 

VINAY KUMAR SAHANI and KRISHNA CHOWLU. 2026. Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae), A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 93-97. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 [2026-07-16] 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052_Disporum_yobinorum_a_new_species_from_Eastern_Himalaya_India