[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria hunanensis • A New Species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Calamariidae) from Hunan Province, South Central China

Calamaria hunanensis

Zhang, Zhu, Wei, Shu, Li, Gernot, Niu, Ding, Chen, Guo & Shi. 2026

 

Hunan Reed Snake | 湖南两头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.041 

Abstract

A new species of Southeast Asian reed snake Calamaria Boie, 1827, Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov., is described from Hunan Province, China. Genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cyt b gene indicates that the new species forms a deeply divergent clade, with a minimum interspecific genetic distance of 16.1% from C. jinggangensis. Morphologically, it differs from other species of the genus in the following characters: 181 ventral scales and 23 subcaudals in the male; preocular present; eye diameter slightly smaller than the eye-mouth distance; mental not touching anterior shields; posterior chin shields in contact at the anterior third; 6 scales surrounding paraparietal; end of tail sharp-pointed, dorsal scales reduced to four rows above the 4th subcaudal scale anterior to the tail tip; dorsal body basically brown, with nine narrow indistinct deep brown stripes; light nuchal collar present; lateral margins of ventral scales pigmented dark brown, matching the coloration of the adjacent outermost dorsal scales; and ventral body yellow.

Keywords: Calamaria hunanensis, Taxonomy, Morphology, Phylogeny 

Holotype of Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov. CSIPI ZNY202207179 in a fresh condition
A, dorsal view; B, ventral view; C, dorsal head and neck; D, ventral head; E, right lateral head; F, left lateral head; G, lateral middle body; H, dorsal middle body; I, ventral tail; J, lateral tail.

Photographed by Keji Guo.

 Holotype of Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov. CSIPI ZNY202207179 in preservative

Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Male with 181 ventral scales and 23 subcaudals; preocular present; eye diameter slightly smaller than eye-mouth distance; mental scale not touching anterior shields; posterior chin shields in contact at anterior third part; 6 scales surrounding paraparietal; tail tip sharp-pointed, with dorsal scales reduced to the 4th rows above the 4th subcaudal scale anterior to the tail tip; dorsal body basically brown, with nine narrow indistinct deep brown stripes; light nuchal collar present; lateral margins of ventral scales pigmented dark brown, matching the coloration of the adjacent outermost dorsal scales; ventral body yellow.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘hunanensis’ refers to Hunan Province, where the type locality is located. The Chinese name is suggested as ‘湖南两头蛇’. The English common name is suggested as ‘Hunan Reed Snake’.

Mengfei Zhang, Wenbo Zhu, Yifu Wei, Fu Shu, Qi Li, Vogel Gernot, Yandong Niu, Li Ding, Zening Chen, Keji Guo, Shengchao Shi. 2026. A New Species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Calamariidae) from Hunan Province, South Central China. Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation, 2026, 3(1): 1-12. DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.041 

Researchgate.net/publication/404800547_A_new_species_of_Calamaria_from_Hunan_China

[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Malvaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

in Dang, Souladeth, Pham, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Sengthong, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Tagane, 2026.

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

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Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

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[Herpetology • 2026] Trachischium lalremsangai • A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Trachischium lalremsangai 

Bhardwaj, Bal, Tluanga & Mirza, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919  

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Abstract

A new species of fossorial natricine snake, Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The holotype was collected from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, near the India–Myanmar border, while the paratype originated from Haka Township, Chin State, Myanmar. Based on morphological and molecular data, the new species is related to T. reticulata (Blyth); however, it can be diagnosed from members of the genus Trachischium by possessing 13 dorsal scale rows, two postoculars, one anterior temporal scale, and two posterior temporal scales, in addition to distinctive colouration and other scalation details. The discovery of several new snake species within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot underscores the need for increased research efforts and funding dedicated to this region in the near future.

Key Words: Blythia, Colubridae, Myanmar, Natricinae, northeast India, phylogeny, taxonomy

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov. holotype male MZMU 3757 in situ.

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized member of the genus reaching SVL of 351–432 mm. Dorsal scales smooth and iridescent, arranged in 13 rows throughout the body. Supralabials 5–6, 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit. Paired prefrontals; a pair of postoculars. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 135 (+3–4 preventrals) and 28–29 subcaudals paired. Dorsum brown and ventrally, anterior one quarter of the snake is creamish white, while the rest is a shade of brown that has sparse white speckles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring Prof. Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University for his contributions to herpetology in Northeast India, his guidance to numerous students, and his facilitation of research throughout the region and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

 Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal, Chhangte L. Tluanga and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2026. A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Herpetozoa. 39: 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919 [19 May 2026]

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[Botany • 2026] Henckelia moniliformis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from North-Eastern Thailand

Henckelia moniliformis Sirim., 

in Sirimongkol, Tetsana et Middleton, 2026. 

เศวตนาด้วง หรือ ดาวสร้อยไข่มุก  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.1.06  

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Abstract

The new species Henckelia moniliformis (Gesneriaceae) is described from North-Eastern Thailand. A key to the species of Henckelia in Thailand is provided, along with illustrations, notes on the ecology and the IUCN conservation status of the new species.

Keywords: Henckelia amplexifolia, Henckelia nakianensis, Lamiales, revision,taxonomy

Henckelia moniliformis Sirim.:
A.–C. habitat; D. lower leaves; E. flower, side view; F. flower, front view; G. fruit; H. eglandular hairs.

Photos by Naiyana Tetsana.

Henckelia moniliformis Sirim.:
 A. shows undeveloped leaf; B. shows pair of small leaves; C. flower dissection; D. shows moniliform hairs; E. & F. 100X moniliform hairs; G. fruits; H. seeds.

 A.–H. photos by Sukontip Sirimongkol.

Henckelia moniliformis Sirim. sp. nov.

This new species is allied to Henckelia amplexifolia and H. nakianensis in having a campanulate corolla tube which is less than 1 cm long, but differs in having one caducous bract (two persistent bracts in H. amplexifolia and H. nakianensis), two flowers per inflorescence (vs mostly more than two flowers per inflorescence), calyx persistent (vs calyx caducous), two lobes of upper lip hooded (vs two lobes of upper lip straight), anthers with dense moniliform hairs only on the lower half (vs anthers glabrous), staminodes apparently lacking (vs present) and orthocarpic fruit (vs  plagiocarpic  fruit).  It  also  differs  from  H. amplexifolia in having a caulescent habit (acaulescent in H. amplexifolia) and lacking stolons (present in H. amplexifolia) and differs from H. nakianensis in having more than one leaf (only one leaf in H. nakianensis) and the curved filaments (filaments straight in H. nakianensis)

  

 

Sukontip Sirimongkol, Naiyana Tetsana, David J. Middleton. 2026. A New Species of Henckelia (Gesneriaceae) from North-Eastern Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany), 54(1); 58–63. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.1.06 [2026-05-20] 

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"เศวตนาด้วง" พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก

พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก ตีพิมพ์ในวารสาร Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) vol. 54(1):58-63. 2026 โดย ดร. สุคนธ์ทิพย์ ศิริมงคล และ ดร. นัยนา เทศนา กลุ่มงานพฤกษศาสตร์ป่าไม้ สำนักวิจัยการอนุรักษ์ป่าไม้และพันธุ์พืช กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติ สัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช ร่วมกับ Dr David J. Middleton นักพฤกษศาสตร์จากสวนพฤกษศาสตร์เอดินบะระ สกอตแลนด์ ผู้เชี่ยวชาญพืชวงศ์ชาฤาษี (Gesneriaceae) ของโครงการพรรณพฤกษชาติประเทศไทย (Flora of Thailand) ซึ่งพรรณไม้ชนิดนี้พบโดยทีมสำรวจพรรณไม้ภายใต้โครงการวิจัยความหลากหลายของพันธุ์พืชในระบบนิเวศเขาหินปูน บริเวณอำเภอนาด้วง จังหวัดเลย โดยตัวอย่างพรรณไม้ต้นแบบ (Holotype) N. Tetsana et al. หมายเลข 2974 ถูกเก็บรักษาไว้ที่หอพรรณไม้ กรมอุทยานแห่งชาติสัตว์ป่า และพันธุ์พืช (BKF)

เศวตนาด้วง หรือ ดาวสร้อยไข่มุก ชื่อพฤกษศาสตร์ Henckelia monilformis Sirim. จัดอยู่ในวงศ์ชาฤาษี (Gesneriaceae) เป็นพืชล้มลุกปีเดียว ขนาดเล็ก ใบเรียงตรงข้าม โดยใบคู่แรกเจริญเติบโตเต็มที่ใบเดียว ส่วนใบคู่ที่สองมีขนาดขนาดเล็ก ดอกออกเป็นช่อกระจุกจำนวน 2-8 ช่อ แต่ละช่อมี 2 ดอก ออกตามซอกใบ หรือดอกช่อล่างสุดออกติดโคนเส้นกลางใบ ดอกสีขาวรูประฆัง ยาว 4-5 มิลลิเมตร. กลีบดอก 5 กลีบ 2 กลีบด้านบนม้วนงอ 3 กลีบดอกด้านล่าง ปลายแผ่ออก เกสรเพศผู้ที่สมบูรณ์ 2 อัน ด้านล่างอับเรณูมีขนแบบเซลล์เรียงต่อกันคล้ายสร้อยไข่มุก

ปัจจุบันเศวตนาด้วง (เศวต=ขาว) เป็นพืชถิ่นเดียวของประเทศไทย พบขึ้นกระจายเฉพาะพื้นที่เขาหินปูนบริเวณของจังหวัดเลย บริเวณวัดถ้ำผาดำสันติธรรม อ.นาด้วง จ. เลย ซึ่งมีจำนวนประชากรค่อนข้างน้อย พบประมาณ 100-150 ต้น ในพื้นที่ประมาณ 2-3 ตารางเมตร บริเวณที่พบอยู่ในเขต ป่าสงวนแห่งชาติป่าโคกผาดำ 

สถานภาพการอนุรักษ์จัดเป็นพืชใกล้สูญพันธุ์ (Endangered - EN) ตามเกณฑ์ของ IUCN พบเฉพาะจากแหล่งที่เก็บตัวอย่างพรรณไม้ต้นแบบเท่านั้น ซึ่งไม่ได้เป็นพื้นที่อนุรักษ์คุ้มครอง ในฤดูแล้ง พืชอาจถูกรบกวนโดยนักท่องเที่ยว ยังไม่พบแหล่งกระจายพันธุ์ของพืชชนิดนี้เพิ่มเติม การสำรวจพืชชนิดนี้ในแหล่งหินปูนอื่น ๆ ในภูมิภาคนี้อย่างเข้มข้นคาดว่าจะนำไปสู่การค้นพบประชากรเพิ่มเติม ซึ่งมีความเป็นไปได้ว่าถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัยที่เหมาะสมของพืชชนิดนี้มีจำกัด

การอนุรักษ์ถิ่นที่อยู่เขาหินปูนหย่อมเล็ก ๆ โดยการประกาศเป็นพื้นที่อนุรักษ์ความหลากหลายทางชีวภาพนอกเขตพื้นที่คุ้มครอง หรือ Other Effective Area-based Conservation Measures: OECMs เป็นแนวทางหนึ่งที่ช่วยอนุรักษ์ถิ่นที่อยู่อาศัย รวมถึงการเก็บรักษาเมล็ดในธนาคารเมล็ด (Seed Bank) ก็เป็นตัวช่วยที่สำคัญ

[Entomology • 2026] Pyralis papaleonei • A New Species (Lepidoptera: Pyralidae) from Crete (Greece)

[2, 3, 6, 9] Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov.

Huemer, Kaila & Segerer, 2026;

[4] P. kacheticalis;    [5] P. regalis  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.49.185483

Abstract 

Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov. is described based on diagnostic phenotypic and genital morphological characters as well as unique DNA barcodes (COI gene – cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1) and compared with closely related taxa occurring in the Eastern Mediterranean, namely P. kacheticalis and P. regalis. The new species is endemic to the island of Crete and currently only known from the White Mountains (Lefka Ori) in the western part of the island. Pyralis kacheticalis is recorded from Iraq and Armenia for the first time.

Pyralis spp., habitus.
2. Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov., holotype, ♂; 3. P. papaleonei sp. nov., paratype, ♂;
4. P. kacheticalis, ♂, Georgia; 5. P. regalis ♂, Italy (TLMF). 

Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by its narrow white forewing markings, featuring an almost uniformly slender white median band extending across the entire wing (Figs 2, 3). In all other species of the group (Figs 4, 5), except for specimens of P. kacheticalis from Cyprus, the white pattern elements are distinctly broader, and in some cases abruptly narrowed medially or terminating in the middle of the wing. Also characteristic are the nearly uniform pale greyish-purple hindwings, which are divided into three sections by two white lines; the basal section is only slightly darker than the outer sections. In contrast, in ...

Etymology. The new species is dedicated to the head of the Catholic Church, Pope Leo XIV. The Pontiff is a strong advocate of climate and environmental protection, and we hope that his voice may serve as an example for humanity. Furthermore, due to its distinctive coloration and overall appearance, the new species belongs to a group of Pyralidae whose species names refer to high secular or ecclesiastical offices, including Pyralis regalis, Pyralis imperialis (= P. kacheticalis), Pyralis princeps, and Pyralis cardinalis.

 Peter Huemer, Lauri Kaila and Andreas H. Segerer. 2026. Pyralis papaleonei sp. nov. from Crete (Greece) (Lepidoptera, Pyralidae). Nota Lepidopterologica. 49: 63-74. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/nl.49.185483 [28 Apr 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Acutodon villeveyracensis • A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France)

Acutodon villeveyracensis 

Jansen, Augé, Garcia, Otero & Valentin, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649 

Artwork by Olivier Jansen

ABSTRACT

The Chinese crocodile lizard (Anguimorpha, Pan-Shinisaurus Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered species inhabiting the lowland rainforests of southeastern China and northern Vietnam. The evolutionary history of this clade remains poorly understood, as only five fossil species and a few fossil specimens are described from the Lower Cretaceous of China and the Cenozoic of Europe and North America, revealing a considerable gap in the fossil record. A new anguimorph, Acutodon villeveyracensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) locality of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France), corresponding to a freshwater subtropical paleoenvironment. The species is attributed to a pan-shinisaur anguimorph based on a toothed maxilla sharing multiple characters with the extant Sh. crocodilurus and its fossil relatives, notably tall, tapered, and recurved teeth, with mesiodistally constricted tooth bases lacking basal infoldings but possessing medial resorption pits, and a posteromedially shifted anterior superior alveolar foramen. This Cretaceous record is the oldest in Europe for pan-shinisaur lizards. It pre-dates the occurrence of this clade in Europe by around 30 Myr, raising questions about the paleobiogeographic history of pan-shinisaur lizards.

Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55). Photographs, virtual reconstruction, and interpretative drawings of the maxilla in A, labial; B, lingual; C, occlusal; and D, dorsal views. Note that the posteriormost tooth was lost after CT scanning.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; ce, cutting edge; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; fp, facial process; lf, labial foramina; lic, lamina intercristalis; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; lr, lacrimal recess; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; rp, resorption pit; sds, supradental shelf. Scale bar equals 10 mm.

Details of the teeth of Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55) from the virtual reconstruction.
A, morphology in anterior view; B, section in median plane; C, section in horizontal plane.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; c, cement; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; d, dentine; lf, labial foramen; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; m, maxilla; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; t1–t4, teeth numbered from front to back. Scale bar equals 2 mm.

SQUAMATA Oppel, Citation1811

ANGUIMORPHA Fürbringer, Citation1900

PAN-SHINISAURUS sensu Smith and Gauthier, Citation2013

ACUTODON gen. nov.

ACUTODON VILLEVEYRACENSIS, gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Large anguimorph lizard characterized by the following combination of characters: the teeth are tall, thin, and possess a tapered apex; anterior teeth are strongly posteriorly recurved, but the most posterior teeth are straight; the teeth lack striations and basal infoldings; the base of the teeth expands lingually but is strongly anteroposteriorly compressed, and is covered in a thin layer of cementum; the crowns have a faint cutting edge, restricted to the most apical portion; medial resorption pits are ...

Etymology—‘acutus’ (Latin), sharp, pointed, piercing, and thin; ‘ὀδόντος’ (Greek), teeth; the genus name refers to the tapered, sharp, and thin teeth of this new genus; ‘villeveyracensis’ (Latin) from the locality of Villeveyrac, department of Hérault, France, where this new lizard taxon has been found.

Acutodon villeveyracensis
Paleoartistic reconstruction of the new genus and species of pan-shinisaur lizard from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Original artwork by Olivier Jansen.

Olivier Jansen, Marc Augé, Geraldine Garcia, Olga Otero and Xavier Valentin. 2026. A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649  [20 May 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Tylosaurus rex • A gigantic New Species of Tylosaurus (Squamata: Mosasauridae) from Texas: and A revised character list for phylogenetic analyses of Mosasauridae

Tylosaurus rex

Zietlow, Polcyn & Tykoski, 2026

 

hdl.handle.net/2246/7549 

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Abstract

At least four subfamily-level clades of mosasaurs are broadly recognized (Mosasaurinae, Plioplatecarpinae, Tylosaurinae, Halisaurinae), each of which independently evolved flippers and other aquatic adaptations, including large body size. Tylosaurine mosasaurs are distinguished from other mosasaurs, in part, by edentulous extensions of both upper and lower jaws, proportionally long tails, and poorly ossified limbs, and they were the first mosasaur clade to achieve gigantic (>8 m) body size. Several tylosaurine species are known from Europe, Asia, New Zealand, Africa, and Antarctica, but they were most common in the Western Interior Seaway of North America. Here, we describe a new species, Tylosaurus rex, sp. nov., from the Campanian of Texas and analyze tylosaurine in-group systematics using a significantly updated phylogenetic character list. Our new species is distinguished by a unique suite of characters, including some associated with increased jaw and neck musculature, and others that may be convergent with other giant mosasaur species (e.g., Mosasaurus). Body length estimates for specimens referred to our new species are consistently larger (7.7–13.2 m) than those for the largest Niobrara species, T. proriger (3.9–9.5 m), although it is unclear whether this is a taxonomic signal or taphonomic bias. Several specimens that we refer to T. rex were previously referred to T. proriger in various collections databases, and some of the traits distinguishing them had been previously attributed to ontogenetic differences. However, we rule out this possibility as specimens of T. proriger and T. rex that do overlap in size can be differentiated by unique suites of diagnostic characters. The implicit association between body size and ontogeny, as well as the general absence of reliable locality and stratigraphic data associated with historical collections of North American mosasaurs, raises the possibility of the presence of other currently unrecognized species, previously dismissed as ontogenetic stages of other species.

 

Keywords: Tylosaurus rex, Tylosaurus, Texas, Classification, Mosasauridae, Phylogeny 

The holotype for the newly described Tylosaurus rex is a giant specimen displayed at the Perot Museum of Nature and Science in Dallas that was first discovered in 1979.

 Perot Museum of Nature and Science

Tylosaurus rex, sp. nov.

A reconstruction of Tylosaurus rex in the Cretaceous-era Western Interior Seaway of North America

artwork by Alderon Games - Path of Titans

Zietlow, Amelia R.; Polcyn, Michael J. and Tykoski, Ronald S. 2026. A gigantic New Species of Tylosaurus (Squamata, Mosasauridae) from Texas: and A revised character list for phylogenetic analyses of Mosasauridae. Bulletin of the American Museum of Natural History. 482; DOI: 10.1206/0003-0090.482.1.1 https://hdl.handle.net/2246/7549

  x.com/TyrantLzrdQueen/status/2057493465521393765

[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus xuanlienensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

 

Didymocarpus xuanlienensis T.S.Hoang, W.G.Wang & H.C.Xi,  

in Tran, Hoang, Wang, Lang et  Xi, 2026. 

Song quả Xuân Liên  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.185766

 

Abstract

Didymocarpus xuanlienensis, a new species from Vietnam, is described and illustrated here. It is morphologically similar to D. brevipedunculatus and D. purpureobracteatus in terms of corolla size and color but differs from D. brevipedunculatus in leaf blade shape, bract shape, indumentum, and calyx shape and differs from D. purpureobracteatus in peduncle indumentum, bract shape, and calyx shape. A detailed morphological description of the new species and a key to all Didymocarpus species in Vietnam are provided.

Key words: Didymocarpus, new taxon, taxonomy, Vietnam

Didymocarpus xuanlienensis T.S.Hoang, W.G.Wang & H.C.Xi, sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Flowering plant; C. Leaves, adaxial and abaxial views; D. Inflorescences; E. Part of inflorescence, showing peduncle, pedicel and bracts; F. Bracts; G. Calyx and disc; H. Flowers; I. Dissected corolla, showing stamens and pistil (Photos by Son Thanh Hoang).

Didymocarpus xuanlienensis T.S.Hoang, W.G.Wang & H.C.Xi, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species differs from the most similar species, Didymocarpus brevipedunculatus Y.H.Tan & Bin Yang, (2019: 191), in leaf blade elliptic to oblong, base cuneate (vs. ovate, base extremely obliquely cordate); bracts broadly ovate, glabrous (vs. orbicular to ovate, sparsely villous); calyx broadly campanulate, lobes triangular (vs. campanulate, lobes ovate to semiorbicular). D. xuanlienensis is also similar to D. purpureobracteatus W.W.Smith, (1912: 153) but differs from it in peduncle glandular-pubescent (vs. glabrous); bracts free (vs. often connate at base); calyx actinomorphic, broadly campanulate, lobes triangular (vs. slightly zygomorphic, tubular campanulate, lobes semiorbicular). Moreover, the new species differs from D. brevipedunculatus and D. purpureobracteatus in distribution, elevation, and flowering time. A detailed morphological and ecological comparison of these three species is presented in Table 1.

Van Thi Thuy Tran, Son Thanh Hoang, Wen-Guang Wang, Xiao-An Lang and Hou-Cheng Xi. 2026. Didymocarpus xuanlienensis, A New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae) from Vietnam. PhytoKeys. 275: 73-79. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.185766 [21 May 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Teulisna breveprocessa & T. nicobara • Two New Species and A New Species Record of Genus Teulisna Walker (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from India

[1-2]. Teulisna breveprocessa sp. nov., Devikulam, Kerala, India;
[3] T. ruma (Swinhoe. 1889), Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu, India; [4] T. basigera (Walker [1865]), Tamil Nadu, India (NZCZSI); [5] T. inducta (Walker 1864), Naduvattam, Tamil Nadu, India;
[6-8]. T. nicobara sp. nov., Great Nicobar Islands, Govind Nagar, India.

S. Singh, N. Singh & Joshi, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.03.007

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Teulisna Walker, 1862 (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Lithosiina) are described from India: T. (Cossa) breveprocessa sp. nov. (from the Western Ghats of Kerala) and T. (Tegulata) nicobara sp. nov. (from the Great Nicobar Island). The former is diagnosed with its close congeners in the subgenus Cossa Walker: T. (C.) ruma (Swinhoe, [1890] 1889), T. (C.) munnara Volynkin, 2023, T. (C.) basigera (Walker, [1865]) and T. (C.) inducta (Walker, [1865]), whereas the latter is diagnosed with T. (Tegulata) chiloides chiloides (Walker 1862). T. (Poikilothosia) sayinyingpo Huang, Volynkin & Černý, 2025, from Arunachal Pradesh, which is a new record to India.

Keywords: Kerala, Lithosiina, Nicobar Islands, NorthEast Himalaya, Tegulata, Western Ghats

Habitus of Teulisna spp.
1. Teulisna breveprocessa sp. nov., m# HT, Devikulam, Kerala, India (NZCZSI); 2. T. breveprocessa sp. nov., m# PT, Devikulam, Kerala, India (NZCZSI);
3. T. ruma (Swinhoe. 1889) m# Avalanchi, Nilgiri, Tamil Nadu, India (NZCZSI); 4. T. basigera (Walker [1865]) m# Pykara, Tamil Nadu, India (NZCZSI);
5. T. inducta (Walker 1864), m#, Naduvattam, Tamil Nadu, India (NZCZSI);
6. T. nicobara sp. nov., m# HT Great Nicobar Islands, Govind Nagar, India (NZCZSI); 7. T. nicobara sp. nov., m# PT Great Nicobar Islands, Govind Nagar, India (NZCZSI); 8. T. nicobara sp. nov., f# PT, Great Nicobar Islands, Govind Nagar, India (NZCZSI);
9. T. sayinyingpo Huang, Volynkin & Černý, 2025 m#, Sela, Arunachal Pradesh, India (NZCZSI); 10. T. sayinyingpo Huang, Volynkin & Černý, 2025 f#, Sela, Arunachal Pradesh, India (NZCZSI).

Teulisna (Cossa) breveprocessa sp. nov. (from the Western Ghats of Kerala) 

T. (Tegulata) nicobara sp. nov. (from the Great Nicobar Island).

Santosh Singh, Navneet Singh and Rahul Joshi. 2026. Two New Species and A New Species Record of Genus Teulisna Walker (Lepidoptera: Erebidae: Arctiinae) from India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.03.007 [20 April 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron jiucaipingensis (Ericaceae, subgen. Hymenanthes) • A New Species from Guizhou, China

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, 

in Hu, Xu, An, Yu et Lu, 2026. 

韭菜坪杜鹃  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.183519

Abstract

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, sp. nov. (Ericaceae), a new species of R. subgen. Hymenanthes, subsect. Argyrophylla, from northwestern Guizhou, China, is described and illustrated. It is an evergreen shrub 1.5–3.0 m tall, characterized by green, densely white-tomentose current-year branchlets, leaves crowded at branch apices (5.5–9.5 × 2.5–4.0 cm) with 8–11 pairs of lateral veins, 10 stamens, and cylindric capsules 1.2–2.0 cm long. The new species is morphologically most similar to R. hypoglaucum and R. argyrophyllum, but it is readily distinguished by having densely white-tomentose current-year branchlets, fewer lateral veins (8–11 pairs), a double-layered white indumentum on the abaxial surfaces of young leaves, and 10 stamens. Phylogenetic analysis based on a whole-genome SNP dataset robustly resolves R. jiucaipingensis as a distinct lineage within subsect. Argyrophylla, positioned as sister to the monophyletic clade of five congeneric species with high support (SH-aLRT = 100%, UFBoot = 100%). This molecular evidence, congruent with diagnostic morphological characters, supports the recognition of R. jiucaipingensis as a species new to science.

Key words: Ericaceae, Flora of China, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Rhododendron jiucaipingensis Jian Xu & M. T. An, sp. nov.
 A. Cliff habitat; B. Older branches; C. Current-year branchlet and its dense white tomentum (inset); D. Mature leaf and its short, brown tomentum on the abaxial surface (inset); E. Adaxial surface of young leaf; F. Abaxial surface of young leaf and long white glandular hairs of it (inset); G. Flowering plant; H. Anatomical diagram of the flower and leaf; I. Stamens and their white stiff hairs at the filament base (inset); J. Calyx; K. Ovary; L. Capsule and its colorless stellate hairs (inset); M. Capsule in longitudinal section (Photographs by Jian Xu)

Diagnosis. Rhododendron jiucaipingensis belongs to subgen. Hymenanthes and is similar in morphology to R. hypoglaucum and R. argyrophyllum, but can be distinguished from R. hypoglaucum by its current-year branchlets and young petioles being densely covered with indumentum (vs. glabrous), and its pedicels being densely white-villous (vs. glabrous). It further differs from R. hypoglaucum in having fewer lateral veins (8–11 pairs vs. 10–14 pairs), an ovary sparsely covered with colorless stellate hairs (vs. glabrous), and typically 7-loculed capsules (vs. 6-loculed). Compared to R. argyrophyllum, the new species is distinguished by its acuminate leaf apex (vs. obtuse), fewer stamens (10 vs. 12–15), and the presence of colorless stellate hairs on the ovary (vs. white short tomentum). Additionally, R. jiucaipingensis is characterized by its restricted cliff habitat at higher elevations (2,400–2,700 m).

Etymology. The specific epithet jiucaipingensis refers to the type locality, Xingfa Township (Jiucaiping), Hezhang County, Bijie City, Guizhou, China.

Vernacular name. The Chinese name is jiǔ cài píng dù juān (韭菜坪杜鹃).

Hong-Fen Hu, Jian Xu, Ming-Tai An, Jiang-Hong Yu, Xing Lu. 2026. Rhododendron jiucaipingensis (Ericaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys 275: 15-26. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.183519 [19 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India

 

Sonerila roxburghii  Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., 

in Resmi, Nampy, Francis, Mohan et Karthigeyan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119

Abstract

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig. (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Mankulam Reserve forest in the southern Western Ghats, India. It is morphologically similar to S. grandiflora and S. sadasivanii but differs from them by having terete stems, lanceolate to elliptic leaves with a cuneate and attenuate base, 3–10-flowered cymes, obscurely 6-ribbed hypanthia, acuminate to rostrate anthers, and 6-ribbed capsules.

Sonerila roxburghii. — A–E: Plants in natural habitats (A–C from Nallathanni, near Kurumalai bridge on 9 December 2025; D and E from Mankulam Reserve forest, near Lakshmi Tea estate on 20 December 2019).

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A and B: Habit. — C and D: Flowering shoots. — E: Leaves, adaxial view. — F: Leaves, abaxial view. — G: Stem. — H: Leaf base.

Sonerila roxburghii (holotype material). — A: Flowering shoot with inflorescences. — B: Base of stem. — C and D: Inflorescence. — E: Flower. — F: Hypanthium. — G: Petals, adaxial view. — H: Petals, abaxial view. — I: Hypanthium with stamens and pistil. — J: Hypanthium with pistil. — K: Style and stigma. — L: Stamens. — M: Immature capsule.

Sonerila roxburghii Resmi, Nampy & Karthig., sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet roxburghii honours William Roxburgh (1751–1815) for his valuable contributions to the taxonomy of the genus Sonerila.

Comparison of morphological characters among
Sonerila roxburghii (A1, B1 and C1; holotype material),
S. grandiflora (A2, B2 and C2; Resmi S., Krishnapriya M.P. & Santhosh Nampy 164464, CALI) and
S. sadasivanii (A3, B3 and C3; from Resmi S. & Santhosh Nampy 168287, CALI).
 A1–A3: Habit. — B1–B3: Inflorescence. — C1–C3: Leaves, adaxial view.

 

Resmi S., Nampy S., Francis D., Mohan V. & Karthigeyan K. 2026. Sonerila roxburghii (Melastomataceae), A New Species from the southern Western Ghats, India.  Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 125–134, DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0119 (7 May 2026) 

[Botany • 2026] Dioon nuusaviorum (Zamiaceae) • A striking New Species from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev.,   

in Martínez-Domínguez, Nicolalde-Morejón, Stevenson, Lorea-Hernández et Vergara-Silva, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 

Abstract

Taxonomic studies in cycad genera using multiple approaches have refined the delimitation of many species. In the case of Dioon Lindl., a Mesoamerican genus, a reliable classification has been achieved through taxonomic work carried out since the description of the genus and pioneering studies in Mexico during the 1980–90s. Here, we describe a new species from Guerrero based on evidence collected from populations encountered during fieldwork carried out in 2019. These populations had previously been considered morphologically similar to Dioon holmgrenii De Luca, Sabato & Vázq. Torres, which has a markedly disjunct distribution in Oaxaca. After studying herbarium specimens and making extensive observations on vegetative and reproductive structures from different populations in Oaxaca, we have concluded that the disjunct populations analysed in 2019 represent a distinct and new species of Dioon, separate from the two most phenotypically similar species—namely, D. stevensonii Nic.-Mor. & Vovides and D. holmgrenii. A key to geographically proximal and morphologically similar species as well as to the other species occurring in Guerrero and Oaxaca States is also presented. The proposed new species, Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., is endemic to Guerrero and inhabits pine and pine-oak forest. Its conservation status, assessed on the based IUCN guidelines and criteria, qualifies as Endangered.

Key words: Cycadales, cycads, Mesoamerica, Neotropics, Sierra Madre del Sur

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. Ovulate strobilus; B. Megasporophyll; C. Basal scale of megasporophyll; D. Microsporophyll; E. Leaflets variation; F. Cataphylls; G. Seeds variation; H. New leaves; I. Leaves at emergence; J. Leaf at maturity.

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov., in habitat.
 A. Ovuliferous plant in habitat; B. Eumaeus sp; C. Population in La Trinidad; D. Vegetation view; E. Ovulate strobilus at maturity in habitat. 

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. differs from D. holmgrenii by having leaflets imbricate to strongly imbricate, each with three to six long marginal teeth (0.26–0.37 cm long), a margin of the leaflets curved acroscopically, microsporophylls with an acuminate apex and megasporophylls with an apiculate apex. In contrast, D. holmgrenii has non-imbricate leaflets (generally a 0.2–1.0 cm between leaflets) with two to five short teeth on the distal margin (0.15–0.29 cm long), a margin of the leaflets straight, microsporophylls with an acute apex and megasporophylls with an acuminate apex. In comparison to D. stevensonii, this new species differs by its light green leaflets at emergence (vs golden), leaflet imbricate to strongly imbricate (vs not imbricate), acuminate apex of microsporophylls (vs acute), tomentose indument and narrowly-triangular megasporophylls at maturity (vs pubescent at base or scarcely pubescent and triangular).

Comparison of leaflets of Dioon holmgrenii, D. stevensonii and Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. D. stevensonii; B. D. holmgrenii; C. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.;
D. D. stevensonii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1554, CIB); E. D. holmgrenii (Brigada T. Walters s/n [3997], XAL); F. D. holmgrenii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1468, XAL); G. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. (L. Martínez-Domínguez et al. 1745, CIB).

 Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Dennis Wm. Stevenson, Francisco G. Lorea-Hernández and Francisco Vergara-Silva. 2026. A striking New Species of Dioon (Zamiaceae) from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico. PhytoKeys. 274: 229-245. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 [11 May 2026]