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

Hebius yangi

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

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Hebius yangi sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

[A-D] Niceforonia tempestuosa 

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

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

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.198411

Abstract

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

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

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

Family: Strabomantidae Hedges, Duellman & Heinicke, 2008 

Genus: Niceforonia Goin & Cochran, 1963

Niceforonia tempestuosa sp. nov.

 

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

Proposed standard English name. Montane cloud forest frog.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Abstract

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

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

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

Photographs by J.D. Deng.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Nanlingophis nvwa • A New Genus and Species of Dipsadidae (Reptilia: Serpentes) from Guangdong and Hunan Provinces in Southern China

  

Nanlingophis nvwa Chen, Zhang, & Chen, 

in H.-L. Chen, Zhang, G.-X. Liu, Z.-F.Liu, Kwok, Vogel, Wang, Wu and Z.-N. Chen, 2026. 

Nvwa slender snake | 女娲纤蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5849.2.5

Abstract  

Nanlingophis nvwa gen. et sp. nov., a new genus and species of the family Dipsadidae, has been identified based on a specimen collected from Tianjingshan National Forest Park in Guangdong Province, southern China. Nanlingophis is assigned to Dipsadidae based on its phylogenetic placement, currently monotypic and it is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: body slender; tail long, TaL/TL 0.314; dorsal scales smooth, rhomboid and juxtaposed, in 13 rows throughout the body; ventrals 163; anal shield divided; subcaudals paired, 110+1 pairs; supralabials 5/5, with the 3rd and 4th entering the orbit; infralabials 5/5; suboculars absent; loreal single and crescent-shaped; temporals 1+1+2; rostral not dorsally recurved; anterior nasal plates not expanded; dorsum yellowish brown, each scale edged dark brown to blackish and forming a reticulate pattern. This combination of characters distinguishes the new genus from all superficially similar genera, especially Stichophanes, Thermophis, Dipsas, Pareas and Aplopeltura.

 Reptilia, Dipsadidae, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, Nanlingophis nvwa gen. et. sp. nov

Nanlingophis nvwa sp. nov. in life found in Tianjingshan National Forest Park, Guangdong, China

Genus Nanlingophis Chen, Zhang, & Chen gen. nov. 

Etymology. The genus name Nanlingophis is a combination of the geographic name “Nanling” (referring to the type locality) and suffix “-ophis” (όφις) meaning snake in Greek. The name is treated as masculine in gender.  

Preserved holotype of Nanlingophis nvwa sp. nov. (GXNU2025101605).
A Dorsal view. B Ventral view. Scalebar = 10 mm. Details of the middle section. C Dorsal view, D Lateral view, E Ventral view. F–G: Ventral view of the tail.

Scale bar = 2 mm. 

Nanlingophis nvwa sp. nov. Chen, Zhang, & Chen 

Common English Name: Nvwa slender snake.

Common Chinese Name: 女娲纤蛇 (nǚ wā xiān shé).

Etymology: The specific epithet nvwa is derived from “Nüwa”, a significant deity in Chinese mythology traditionally revered as the creator and protector of life. This is nomenclature was selected to honor the cultural heritage of theYao people residing in the autonomous county where the type specimen was discovered, as some members of thiscommunity trace their ancestry to Nüwa. The nearby Mangshan Yao communities traditionally venerate snakes,a symbol closely linked to Nüwa in folklore. The epithet is used as a nominative noun in apposition and remainsindeclinable. 

 

HUI-LING CHEN, LIANG ZHANG, GUO-XIONG LIU, ZHI-FA LIU, CHI-TAI KWOK, GERNOT VOGEL, JIA-YING WANG, ZHENG-JUN WU and ZE-NING CHEN. 2026. A New Genus and Species of Dipsadidae (Reptilia: Squamata: Serpentes) from Guangdong and Hunan Provinces in Southern China.  Zootaxa. 5849(2); 213-226. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5849.2.5 [2026-07-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/409205318_A_new_genus_and_species_of_Dipsadidae_from_Guangdong_and_Hunan_Provinces_in_Southern_China

[Ichthyology • 2026] Rakthamichthys anchi • A New Species of phreatobitic synbranchid eel (Synbranchiformes: Synbranchidae) from Assam, India

 

Rakthamichthys anchi 

Britz, Pinion, Marak, Velentina & Lokeshwor, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.3.3

Abstract

Rakthamichthys anchi, a new species of phreatobitic synbranchid is described from wells in a small village in Goalpara District, Assam, Northeast India. It is distinguished from the northeastern Indian R. rongsaw, and the Western Ghats congeners R. roseni, R. digressus, and R. mumba by absence of lateral-line canal pores in the frontal. From R. roseni, R. digressus, and R. mumba, it is further distinguished by more preanal vertebrae (90–100 vs. 76–88 in) and from R. indicus by more vertebrae (159 vs.162–169). It is also distinguished from the Western Ghats species by an uncorrected p-distance of ~15–20% in the barcoding gene. From R. roseni, the only Western Ghats species for which detailed osteological information is available, R. anchi is distinguished by several anatomical characters. The discovery of R. anchi from wells in the same village in which Gitchak nakana Britz et al. [2026] was recently described highlights the presence of a formerly unknown and highly dynamic subterranean habitat: the groundwater aquifers in alluvial deposits in northeast India.

Pisces, swamp eels, groundwater, well, subterranean fishes, micro-CT, skeleton

Ralf BRITZ, Amanda K. PINION, Wimarithy K. MARAK, Kangjam VELENTINA and Yumnam LOKESHWOR. 2026. Rakthamichthys anchi, A New Species of phreatobitic synbranchid eel from Assam.  Zootaxa. 5857(3); 462-482. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.3.3 [2026-07-30]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam

 

Sonerila namii  C. H. Nguyen, Aver. & C. W. Lin, 

in Nguyen, Averyanov et Lin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana 

Abstract

A new species, Sonerila namii, is described from Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. repens but differs in having a stem covered with golden-brown to maroon hispid or hispid-hirsute hairs (vs. white woolly), a leaf blade bearing white hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute hairs on both surfaces (vs. pubescent with simple hairs), about 6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 2 or 3 pairs), a hypanthium with white hispid or gland-tipped hispid hairs and minute glandular trichomes (vs. woolly simple hairs), and petals up to 2.3 cm long (vs. up to 1.2 cm). According to the IUCN criteria, it may tentatively be assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: endemism, flora of Vietnam, Melastomataceae tribe Sonerileae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Sonerila namii:
 A – habit; B, B’ – portions of leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces; C, D, E – indumentum of reproductive structures: C – villous-hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute indumentum on leaf, D – minutely glandular trichomes on vegetative parts, E – gland-tipped hispid on hypanthium and abaxially of petals; F, F’ – flower, frontal and side views; G, G’ – stamens, frontal and side views; H – hypanthium; I – longitudinal section of ovary.

Drawing by Che Wei Lin from the holotype NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii:
A – habit and habitat; B – habit; C – flowering branch; D – leaves; E – portions of leaf, adaxial surface; F – same, abaxial surface; G – hypanthium, petals, stamens, and styles; H – longitudinal section of ovary; I – longitudinal section of immature fruit; J – cross section of immature fruit.

Photos A by Tinh Van Lam; photos B – J by Cuong Huu Nguyen of plants used for the preparation of type herbarium specimen NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii C. H. Nguyen, Aver. et C. W. Lin, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet honors a postgraduate student from Vietnam National Forestry University, Duong Van Nam, who collected and provided specimens of this new species. 

 

Cuong H. Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov and Che W. Lin. 2026. Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(2); 110–115. 

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10233777096872711

[Mammalogy • 2026] Glauconycteris baka & G. lobeke • An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest

A. Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Djombi village, LNP;
B. G. beatrix, ♂, Pont cassé platform, LNP; 
 C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Mambele village, LNP. 

Gomeh-Djame, Bates, Juste, Suarez-Rubio, Torrent, García-Mudarra, Ayangma, Yettore, Bilong & Bakwo-Fils, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038

Not to scale.

Abstract 

The genus Glauconycteris (Vespertilionidae) comprises small, forest-dependent bats distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its distinctive morphology, the genus remains poorly represented in collections and its taxonomy unresolved. During recent field surveys in southeastern Cameroon, ten Glauconycteris specimens were collected from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest, eight from Lobéké National Park (LNP) and two from the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR). Morphometric and molecular analyses assigned these specimens to eight species, including representatives of three species groups (poensis, beatrix, and humeralis). One species, G. superba, is recorded for the first time from Cameroon and two are described herein as new to science, Glauconycteris baka sp. nov. and Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. These findings increase the total number of recognised Glauconycteris species to 15 and confirm that G. beatrix, as previously understood, represents a species complex, revealing further cryptic diversity within the genus. By combining taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, our results indicate that most members of the genus tolerate moderate habitat degradation and that all 11 species recorded from Cameroon occur within or adjacent to at least one protected area. This study provides the first integrated taxonomic assessment of Glauconycteris in Cameroon, refines species distributions, and contributes additional ecological data for three species (G. gleni, G. egeria, and G. curryae) currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Our findings underscore the importance of continued sampling in the Guineo-Congolian region to better inform the conservation of Africa’s forest-dependent bats.

Key words: Conservation status, cryptic diversity, forest dependent bats, Guineo-Congolian region, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Three small, morphologically similar species of Glauconycteris from Cameroon with dark pelage and wings, a pale shoulder spot and no lateral stripe shown at an enlarged scale to highlight diagnostic external characters. Ventral/lateral views above, dorsal view below.
A. G. lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.11.19.151, Djombi village, LNP; B. G. beatrix, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.182, Pont cassé platform, LNP; C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.07.18.18, Mambele village, LNP.  Not to scale.

Additional species of Glauconycteris recorded in Cameroon, illustrating broader variation in size and pelage across the genus. Species order follows Table 1.
A. Glauconycteris superba, ♂, Mes 26, Mba’a village, DBR; B. G. gleni, ♂, (subadult), AD.2024.22.05.222, Yenga fishing site, LNP; C. G. variegata, ♂, AD.2024.Z73, Zega village, LNP;
D. G. argentata, ♂, Mbouroukou école publique, Mount Manengouba National Park; E. G. curryae, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.181, Pont cassé platform, LNP. The focal, closely related species are illustrated at larger scale in Fig. 3. Not to scale.

 

Glauconycteris baka sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the Baka people, who live in and around LNP, and who have a close relationship with the forest and its wildlife. The name was discussed with members of the local community, including through park rangers, and was positively received, with community members expressing pride in the association. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon Baka’ and the proposed English name is ‘Baka butterfly bat’.

Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after Lobéké National Park, where the individuals were captured. We wish to draw attention to the important role the park can play in protecting a highly diverse fauna of Congolian forest bats, including new and rare species. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon de Lobéké’ and the proposed English name is ‘Lobéké butterfly bat’.

 Aicha Gomeh-Djame, Paul J. J. Bates, Javier Juste, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Laura Torrent, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Eugenie Agodigo Ayangma, Félécité Yettore, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong and Eric-Moise Bakwo-Fils. 2026. An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest. ZooKeys. 1282: 161-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038 [15 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

 

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,   

 in Chowdhury, Hajong, Wood et Bharali, 2026.   

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192

Abstract

Strobilanthes grandidentata, a new species from the Dibang Valley of Arunachal Pradesh, is described and illustrated. A detailed discussion of its morphological similarities and dissimilarities with closely allied taxa is provided. It is accompanied by photographs, as well as notes on distribution, habitat and conservation status. The new species is assigned as ‘Data Deficient’ (DD) following the IUCN (2024) guidelines.

Keyword: Dibang Valley, Eastern Himalaya, Goldfussia, Mishmi Hills, Strobilanthes pentastemenoides, Strobilanthes sumatrana

Strobilanthes grandidentata sp. nov.
A. Habit, B. Leaf, C. Inflorescence, D. Flower bud, E. Bract, F. Bracteoles, G. Calyx, H. Split-open corolla, I. Androecium, J. Gynoecium, K. Stigma, L. Ovary. Photos by Sambit Chowdhury

Strobilanthes grandidentata S.Chowdhury, B.Hajong & P.Bharali, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: A very distinctive new species that has the diagnostic “Goldfussia” androecium in which the anthers are suborbicular to ellipsoid with the shorter (inner) pair incurved. The form of its inflorescence suggests an affinity with species with a similar capitellate inflorescence such as Strobilanthes pentastemenoides (Nees) T.Anderson but the persistent, green herbaceous bracts and presence of bracteoles (vs. bracts caducous, near colourless, scarious and bracteoles absent) are very different. Morphologically it is perhaps closest to the Sumatran species, S. sumatrana Miq., in its corolla size and indumentum, calyx size and indumentum and the shape of its bracts but is readily distinguished by the presence of bracteoles (vs. absent) and persistent bracts (vs. caducous). The new species is also distinctive in its apparently unique shiny leaves with brochidodromous venation, oblique base, large marginal teeth and winged petiole.

Sambit Chowdhury, Bipankar Hajong, John Richard Ironside Wood and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Strobilanthes grandidentata (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India.  Taiwania. 71(3); 483-487 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.483  [2026 May 25]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2192

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

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., 

 

in Kantachot et Chantaranothai, 2026.

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2140

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 Researchgate.net/publication/409266877_PTEROLEPIS_ARENACEA_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THE_BRAZILIAN_CERRADO

[Botany • 2024] Maxillaria andina (Orchidaceae: Maxillariinae) • A New Species from the northern Andes

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero,  

in Pisso-Florez, Moreno, Harding et Baquero, 2024.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v24i1.56756

Abstract

Maxillaria andina, a new orchid species from high-Andean ecosystems of southwestern Colombia and northern Ecuador, is described. The new species is distinguished by having long and narrowly linear white sepals and petals with revolute margins, lip with mucronate epichile, and callus without hairs or trichomes. Distinguishing characters are provided to differentiate it from morphologically similar species, along with ecological and taxonomical notes. Additionally, Maxillaria sibundoyensis is synonymized with Maxillaria floribunda.

Keywords: Colombia, Ecuador, high-Andean ecosystems, Neotropical flora, taxonomy

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero.
A. Habit. B. Flower. C. Dissected perianth, not flattened. D. Ovary, column and lip, lateral view. E. Adaxial view of lip. F. Column, oblique, ventral, and lateral views. LCDP by G.A. Pisso-Florez and J.S. Moreno based on the holotype.

Maxillaria andina Pisso-Florez, J.S.Moreno, P.A.Harding & Baquero, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Maxillaria andina is most similar to M. floribunda and Maxillaria caveroi D.E.Benn. & Christen-son. It is distinguished from M. floribunda by having the entirely white sepals and petals (vs. yellow, white and brownish petals), the longer and narrower sepals (6.08–6.55 × 0.26–0.57 vs. 5.3 × 1.0 cm), the smaller lip (0.78 × 1.14 vs. 1.3 × 1.8 cm), with the mid-lobe apex verrucose (vs. scabrous), and the base of the lip scabrous (vs. slightly verrucose or spiculate). The new species differs from M. caveroi by having narrower, linear sepals and petals (vs. lanceolate) and the absence of sparse trichomes on the lip.

Etymology: Named in reference to the Andean region of Colombia and Ecuador in South America, where the new species was found. The Andean region is a key area for conserving the diversity of Maxillariinae species.

 Gustavo Adolfo Pisso-Florez, Juan Sebastián Moreno, Patricia A. Harding and Luis E. Baquero. 2024. A New Species of Maxillaria (Maxillariinae) from the northern Andes and a new synonym of Maxillaria floribunda. Lankesteriana. 24(1); 79-91. DOI: doi.org/10.15517/lank.v24i1.56756 [2024-04-22]

#NuevaEspecie #PlantasColombia  

Etymology: its name refers to the Andean region between Colombia and Ecuador, where this species is distributed.