[Herpetology • 2025] Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from the montane forests of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

  

  Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka 

 Bharali, Thaosen, Vabeiryureilai, Lalremsanga, Purkayatha, Bhattacharjee, Das, Bohra & Hazarika, 2025 

 

Vanarakshaka Bent-toed Gecko  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.008

ABSTRACT

A new species of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from Dima Hasao, Assam based on an integrative approach combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic evidence derived from the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Molecular phylogenetic analysis places the new species as the sister taxon to the clade comprising C. namtiram and C. barailensis, from which it differs by an uncorrected pairwise genetic distance of at least 11% in the ND2 gene. In addition to molecular evidence, it is morphologically distinguishable from all known congeners based on the combination of precloacal pore count, mid-ventral scale rows, number of paravertebral tubercles, and dorsal tubercle arrangement. This increases the number of Cyrtodactylus in Assam to five species, highlighting the region’s importance as a hotspot for herpetofaunal endemism.

Keywords: lizard, ND2, North-east India, systematics, taxonomy

  Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. in life
[A: holotype (MZMU4036); B: (MZMU4037)].

Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Cyrtodactylus vanarakshaka sp. nov. is a moderately sized gecko with a maximum SVL up to 65 mm (n=4), having 9–11 supralabials and 9–10 infralabials. Dorsum is characterized by smooth granular scales interspersed with somewhat regularly arranged enlarged tubercles that are mostly oval, bluntly conical, and usually feebly keeled; dorsal tubercles are usually 5–7 times the size of dorsal granular scales; the mid-dorsum has 21–22 longitudinal rows of tubercles; 35–36 paravertebral tubercles (PVT2) between the level of the axilla and groin; 52–55 paravertebral tubercles (PVT1), originating from the most anterior tubercle on the occiput to the mid-sacrum; there are 38–41 mid-ventral scale rows between the weakly developed ventrolateral folds. Males possess a continuous series of 10 precloacal pores with no visible pitted scales, and females show a continuous series of 10 visible precloacal pits; finger IV has 16–17 subdigital lamellae (excluding non-lamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae), and toe IV has 16–20 subdigital lamellae (excluding non-lamellar scales between the proximal and apical lamellae). The dorsum displays 9–10 paired, somewhat irregularly shaped, dark-brown transverse paravertebral blotches that are somewhat parallel. The tail bears a continuous series of alternating dark and light transverse bands and lacks a single row of transversely enlarged subcaudal scales.

Etymology. The specific epithet vanarakshaka is derived from the Sanskrit words vana, meaning "forest," and rakshaka, meaning "protector" or "guardian." It is intended as a tribute to the Assam Forest Department, referred to here as vanarakshaka—the protectors of forests. The name acknowledges the department’s crucial role in conserving biodiversity and safeguarding natural habitats across the state. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition.

Suggested common name. Vanarakshaka Bent-toed Gecko

 

 

Manmath Bharali, Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Jayaditya Purkayatha, Rupankar Bhattacharjee, Madhurima Das, Sanath Chandra Bohra and Arup Kumar Hazarika. 2025. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the montane forests of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.06.008 [18 July 2025]

[Botany • 2024] Graffenrieda cardenasii (Melastomataceae: Merianieae) • A New Species from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and A Key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers

 

Graffenrieda cardenasii Humberto Mend. & Edwin Trujillo, 

in Mendoza-Cifuentes et Trujillo. 2024.

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2374 

Abstract

Background and Aims: Graffenrieda is a Neotropical genus with more than 70 species, mainly distributed in the Guiana Shield and the Andes. This work describes a new species of Graffenrieda and provides a key to identify all species with calyptrate flowers in the genus.

Methods: The description of this new species was made from collections deposited in the Colombian herbaria JBB and COAH. Measurements of vegetative parts and inflorescence were made from dried material, while floral structures and fruits were measured from fresh material preserved in alcohol. Their conservation status was assessed according to IUCN guidelines. A key for the recognition of all species of the genus with calyptrate flowers, including the new species and Centronia species to be transferred to Graffenrieda is also provided here, for which lists of species in Neotropical countries, collection databases, and literature on both genera were consulted.

Key results: Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. is endemic to the southern Cordillera Oriental of Colombia and is characterized by its indumentum of irregular lepidote trichomes on the vegetative parts, leaves with incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as the flower buds, 5-merous flowers, calyptrate calyx and 2-locular ovary. It is categorized as Endangered in view of its endemicity and habitat specificity. A key is provided for 30 species of the genus Graffenrieda that share the character of calyptrate flowers.

Conclusions: This species is named in honor of the Colombian botanist Dairon Cárdenas López, a great collector and connoisseur of the Colombian Amazonian flora. It is so far known only from the type localities. The key to the species with calyptrate flowers included in this article allows 43% of the species in the genus Graffenrieda to be recognized, including four Centronia species.

Keywords: Amazonian foothills, Centronia, endemism, Merianieae

Graffenrieda cardenasii Humberto Mend. & Edwin Trujillo.
A. open flowers in front view; B. open flower in lateral view; C. flowering branch. All photos by Alejandro Zuluaga.

Graffenrieda cardenasii sp. nov. 

Graffenrieda cardenasii is recognized by the dense indument of irregular lepidote trichomes on internodes, petioles and inflorescence, incomplete lateral anisophylly, leafy bracteoles as large as flower buds, flowers 5-merous, calyx calyptrate and opening irregularly, and ovary 2-locu-lar. It is morphologically similar to G. moaensis Wurdack, but the latter has 6-merous, smaller flowers with a 3-loc-ular ovary. It also resembles G. penneysii Michelang. & C. Ulloa, but the latter is characterized by inflorescences with-out leafy bracteoles and 4-merous flowers with a 3-locular ovar y.

Humberto Mendoza-Cifuentes and Edwin Trujillo Trujillo. 2024. A New Species of Graffenrieda (Melastomataceae) from the northern Andes, Caquetá, Colombia, and A Key for the Graffenrieda group with calyptrate flowers.  Acta Botanica Mexicana. 131; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2374 

[Botany • 2025] Rhipidoglossum fischerianum (Orchidaceae: Angraecinae) • A New Species from the Western Rift Valley (Africa)

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, 

in Macedo, Trovó, Stévart et Farminhão. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

 

Abstract

Background and aims – Rhipidoglossum is the third most species-rich epiphytic orchid genus in continental Tropical Africa, containing at least 53 species. As part of an ongoing taxonomic revision, a new species endemic to the Western Rift Valley was identified. The novelty was previously confused with R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum. Here, we aim to clarify the diagnostic traits and geographic distribution of these three species.

Material and methods – We applied standard herbarium taxonomic practices to a geographically representative sampling of dry and spirit specimens identified as R. adoxum and R. globulosocalcaratum, and conducted a thorough review of regional floras and field photographs to compile all available information on the novelty. A synoptic table, distribution map, and the risk of extinction based on IUCN Red List conservation status accompany the description and illustration of this new species.

Key results – Rhipidoglossum fischerianum sp. nov., R. globulosocalcaratum, and R. adoxum can be distinguished from each other based on stem size, leaf apex, perianth, and rostellum morphology. Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is endemic to the lower montane forests in the Western Rift, whereas R. globulosocalcaratum is restricted to the Guineo-Congolian forests, and newly recorded from Cameroon and Uganda. Rhipidoglossum adoxum is found in montane forests of Ethiopia, Kenya, and South Sudan. The new species is preliminarily assessed as Vulnerable (VU). The name R. globulosocalcaratum is here lectotypified.

Conclusion – This new species increases the diversity of Rhipidoglossum in the Western Rift to 16 species, of which 10 are endemic or near-endemic to the region. It highlights the relevant role of ongoing taxonomic work and the preservation of the Western Rift forests, which harbour high levels of unique biodiversity.

Keywords: Afromontane, African biogeography, Afrotropical biodiversity, Albertine Rift, East African Rift Valley, Ethiopian Highlands, IUCN, lectotypification, root gall, Virunga mountains

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Stem apex with two inflorescences. C. Leaf. D. Flower: frontal view. E. Flower: lateral view. F. Dorsal sepal. G. Lateral sepals. H. Petals. I. Lip: superior view. J. Lip: inferior view. K. Column: lateral view. L. Column: frontal view. M. Anther cap: frontal view. N. Anther cap: posterior view. O. Pollinaria. P. Fruit.

 Illustration from B. Dumbo 17 (holotype, BRLU). Drawn by Roger Andriamiarisoa.

Watercolour of Rhipidoglossum fischerianum [BR0000006800420].
Prepared by Gilbert Delepierre, December 1991.

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum.
A. Habit. B. Habit with close-up of a root gall (J. Farminhão & B. Dumbo 233, BRLU). C. Habit (Gisenyi). D. Inflorescences (Cyamudongo Forest, from holotype B. Dumbo 17, BRLU). E. Flower: inferior view, showing spur (Gishwati Forest, unvouchered).

Photographs by João Farminhão (A, B), Eberhard Fischer (C, E), and Bonny Dumbo (D).

Rhipidoglossum fischerianum A.R.Macedo & Farminhão, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhipidoglossum fischerianum is most similar to R. globulosocalcaratum and R. adoxum, but can be distinguished by the following characteristics: leaves dark green, linear-falcate with acute apex (vs light green, narrowly oblong with unequally bilobed apex in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs dark green, linear-falcate with unequally bilobed apex in R. adoxum); inflorescences with fewer flowers, 3–5 (vs 4–9 in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs 8–11 in R. adoxum); larger lateral sepals, widely ovate, 3–3.3 × 1.5–1.7 mm (vs widely elliptic to subcircular, 2.1–2.2 × 1.7–1.8 mm in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs triangular to widely deltate, 2.3–2.5 × 0.8–0.9 mm in R. adoxum); lip subcircular, markedly concave and bowl-shaped, spreading (vs transversally elliptic, convex, decurved in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs ovate, concave, decurved in R. adoxum); a lemon anther cap with a small pointed zenithal projection (vs pale yellow anther cap rounded at the zenith in both species); oblong viscidia with acute extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum (vs ellipsoid viscidia and rounded extremities, enclosed onto the sides of the rostellum in R. globulosocalcaratum; vs subcircular, exposed laterally to the rostellum midlobe in R. adoxum).

Arthur Macedo, Marcelo Trovó, Tariq Stévart and João Farminhão. 2025. A New Species of Rhipidoglossum (Orchidaceae, Angraecinae) from the Western Rift Valley (Africa). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 158(2): 248-259. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.155517

[Botany • 2025] Jaltomata veracruzana (Solanaceae: Solanoideae: Solaneae) • A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico

 

Jaltomata veracruzana  

in Martínez‑Flores, Burgos‑Hernández, Martínez-Domínguez et Nicolalde-Morejón, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4

x.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

A new species from the state of Veracruz, Mexico, previously identified as Jaltomata bohsiana, is described as Jaltomata veracruzana. This species occurs in the mountain cloud forest of the Sierra de Chiconquiaco. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of a black to blackish calyx when in flower, pubescence sparse, corolla with light-purple veins, green pedicels, and ovate-deltoid leaves with sinuate to sinuate-toothed margins, acute apex, and attenuated-truncated base. A preliminary conservation assessment is provided for this new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a detailed comparison of this new species with all Jaltomata species distributed in Mexico, including a full description, illustrations, taxonomic notes, comparative table, and an identification key for the genus in Mexico.

conservation status, endemism, Jaltomata, montane cloud forest, Neotropics, Sierra Madre Oriental, Solanaceae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Ma. Mercedes MARTÍNEZ-FLORES, Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ, Lilí MARTÍNEZ-DOMÍNGUEZ and Fernando NICOLALDE-MOREJÓN. 2025. Jaltomata veracruzana (Solaneae, Solanoideae, Solanaceae), A New Species from the mountain cloud forests of Veracruz, Mexico. Phytotaxa. 712(2); 141-155. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.712.2.4 [2025-07-30]

 x.com/LiliMtzD/status/1951793803121361007

[Herpetology • 2025] Litoria stellarum • A New montane Species of Stream-dwelling Treefrog (Anura: Pelodryadidae) from the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea

 

Litoria stellarum

Richards, Johnston & Oliver, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.2.4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393708687

Abstract

We describe a new species of pelodryadid treefrog from a montane stream traversing karst terrain in the Star Mountains of western Papua New Guinea. Litoria stellarum sp. nov. is morphologically similar to L. becki (Loveridge, 1945), a species that is widespread in montane grassland habitats in central Papua New Guinea, but can be distinguished by its more angular snout and the presence of vocal slits in adult males (absent in L. becki). Based on its morphology and ecology we are confident the new species belongs to a monophyletic clade of torrent-breeding Litoria that reaches its greatest diversity in the rugged mountains of New Guinea’s Central Cordillera. Litoria stellarum sp. nov. is the second species in the radiation of torrent-breeding Litoria to be described from high-elevation karst habitats in Papua New Guinea, however in the absence of better ecological data it is not clear whether these species can be considered karst specialists. The single known locality for the species is in a restricted high elevation habitat suggesting it might be vulnerable to climate change. However, we suggest it should be considered Data Deficient until such time as its distribution and ecology can be better assessed.

Amphibia, alpine fernlands, Central Cordillera, frog, karst habitats, Litoria stellarum sp. nov., Strickland Divide, taxonomy

Images of Litoria stellarum sp. nov. in life:
A) SAMA R71763 (holotype); B) SAMA R71762 (paratype); C) PNGNM (USNM [SJR]209376) (paratype).

 All photographs by S. Richards. 

Litoria stellarum sp. nov.

Etymology. stellarum is a latin genitive plural of Stella (star), meaning of the stars, referring to this species’only known locality high in Papua New Guinea’s Star Mountains.

Stephen J. RICHARDS, Gregory R. JOHNSTON and Paul M. OLIVER. 2025. A New montane Species of Stream-dwelling Treefrog (Pelodryadidae) from the Star Mountains, Papua New Guinea. Zootaxa. 5661(2); 221-236. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5661.2.4 [2025-07-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393708687_A_new_species_of_Litoria_from_the_Star_Mountains_PNGuinea

[Botany • 2025] Camellia yangii (Theaceae) • A New Species of Tea Plants from Yunnan, China

 

Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao,

in Zhao. 2025.

三萼茶 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.257.152000

Abstract

Camellia sect. Thea contains plants of beverage sources with huge profits. Their natural germplasm resources have yet to be fully explored. Here, morphological, phenological and phylogenetic analyses were undertaken to reveal a new species of tea plants, C. yangii D.Wei Zhao. It is described with an illustration and photos of fresh characters provided. The new species is similar to C. fangchengensis and C. ptilophylla by the densely pubescent new branchlets, abaxial surface of leaves and pedicel, but differs from them in bearing a larger flower, fewer (3 vs. 5) but larger sepals, and the indumentum of the sepals. Molecular phylogenetic analysis using RPB2 introns 11–15 and 23 and waxy suggests that it is a member of C. sect. Thea and its phylogenetically closely related species are C. longissima and C. taliensis. Camellia yangii has a later flowering phase compared with other taxa of C. sect. Thea that occurred or were planted nearby, so it cannot naturally hybridize with other tea plants. The new species bears a red or purplish red and densely pubescent terminal bud, which suggests it is a rare germplasm resource of tea plants. Camellia yangii is only known from a single extremely vulnerable population and strict conservation and asexual propagations are urgently needed to avoid extinction.

Key words: Beverage, diversity, genetic resources, Yunnan

Illustration of Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov. 
A. Branchlet with flowers; B. A node of branchlet, showing the indumenta of the branchlet, leaf, and bud; C. A part of androecium and a petal; D. Pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium of a flower; E. Capsule; F. Seed.

Drawn by Chen M.Q.

Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov.
A. Habit; B, C. Branchlets; D. Abaxial surface of leaf; E. Flower buds; F. Flower; G. A dissected flower without bracteoles, 1-sepals, 2-petals, 3-androecium, 4-pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium; H. Bracteoles; I. Pedicel, receptacle and gynoecium of a flower; J, K. Capsule.

 Scale bars: 5 cm (C); 1 cm (E, I, J, K); 2 cm (F); 2 mm (H).

Photos: Zhao D.W. (A); Yang S.X. (B–K).

 Camellia yangii D.Wei Zhao, sp. nov. Diagnosis. Similar to C. fangchengensis and C. ptilophylla by the densely pubescent new branchlets, abaxial surface of leaves and pedicel, but differs from them in bearing a larger flower (4–5.5 cm in diam. vs. 2–3.5 cm in diam.), less (3 vs. 5) but larger (8–9 × 10–13 mm vs. 2.5–7 × 3.5–7 mm) sepals, and sericeous (vs. glabrous) adaxial surface of the sepals (Table 1).

Etymology. Camellia yangii is named after the leading collector of its type, Dr. Shixiong Yang, an expert of the family Theaceae at Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences. The Chinese name of C. yangii is proposed as ”三萼茶” because it bears three sepals in the flower.

Dongwei Zhao. 2025. Camellia yangii (Theaceae), A New Species of Tea Plants (Camellia section Thea). PhytoKeys. 257: 247-256. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.257.152000

[Botany • 2025] Prunus luxurians (Rosaceae) • A new cherry species from south-western Ecuador

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán,  

  

in Pérez, Pérez-Zabala, Romoleroux, Espinel-Ortiz, Romoleroux et Albán-Vallejo. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Abstract

Prunus luxurians, a new species from Buenaventura Reserve at El Oro province in Ecuador is described and illustrated. Additionally, notes on its geographical distribution, ecology, conservation status, and taxonomic affinities are documented. Prunus luxurians has some vegetative and floral similarities with other Andean species, but the unique combination of oblong-lanceolate leaves with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, densiflorous floriferous shoots less than 5 cm long, sepals with two marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium clearly differentiates it from the rest. This is the first species of Prunus described from the western flank at elevation below 1500 m, and particularly from a humid spot surrounded by dry areas (Tumbesian influence). Other taxonomic novelties of Prunus on this flank can be expected, so further botanical exploration is needed to better understand the diversity of the genus in the region.

Key words: Buenaventura Reserve, El Oro, Neotropics, plant taxonomy

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B branch with leaves and floriferous shoots C flowers.

 Photos by Á.J. Pérez.

Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán 
A habit B floriferous shoot C leaf lower surface D, E leaf glands F flower G petal lower surface H petal upper surface I detail of petals and sepals (notice marginal glands).

 A–I based on Á.J. Pérez et al. 11743 (QCA). Illustrations by Natasha Albán.

 Prunus luxurians Pérez-Zab., Á.J.Pérez, Romol. & N.Albán, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Prunus luxurians has a unique combination of leaves oblong lanceolate, cernuous in posture, around three times longer than wider, with prominent secondary and tertiary veins, secondary veins curved toward the margin and apparently eucamptodromous but becoming brochidodromous distally, base rounded to subcordate, floriferous shoots erect, densiflorous, less than 5 cm long, sepals with 2 marginal glands and flowers with turbinate hypanthium. Prunus integrifolia (Presl.) Walp. share with the new species the leaf shape and transverse posture, number of secondary veins, erect floriferous shoots and anthers of similar size; but, the new species has leaves shorter than 14 cm (vs. more than 15 cm.), chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), with conspicuous venation (vs. relatively obscure), glands submarginal and separated from the midrib (vs. attached to the midrib), turbinate hypanthium (vs. wide turbinate) and erect pedicels (vs. recurved) (Fig. 4).

 

 Álvaro J. Pérez, Jorge Andrés Pérez-Zabala, Katya Romoleroux, David A. Espinel-Ortiz, Chaquira Romoleroux, Natasha Albán-Vallejo. 2025. A new cherry species (Prunus, Rosaceae) from south-western Ecuador. PhytoKeys. 255: 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.255.151041 

Resumen: Se describe e ilustra Prunus luxurians, una nueva especie de la Reserva Buenaventura en la provincia de El Oro en Ecuador. Además, se documentan notas sobre su distribución geográfica, ecología, estado de conservación y afinidades taxonómicas. Prunus luxurians comparte algunas similitudes vegetativas y florales con otras especies andinas, pero la combinación única de hojas oblongo-lanceoladas con venas secundarias y terciarias prominentes, brotes floríferos densifloros de menos de 5 cm de largo, sépalos con dos glándulas marginales y flores con hipanto turbinado la diferencian fácilmente del resto. Esta es la primera especie de Prunus descrita del flanco occidental a una altitud inferior a 1500 m, y particularmente de un lugar húmedo rodeado de zonas secas (influencia tumbesina). Se espera que existan otras novedades taxonómicas de Prunus en este flanco, por lo que es necesaria una mayor exploración botánica para comprender mejor la diversidad del género en la región.

[Botany • 2025] Piper hongheense (Piperaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, 

in Fan, Zhao, F. Su, Li, Ji, B.-F. Su, Xia et Hao, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao, Illustration by F. Su

Abstract

Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), a new species from Yunnan Province of China, is here described and illustrated. Morphologically it is similar to Piper boehmeriifolium and Piper boehmeriifolium var. glabricaule, from which it can be easily distinguished by the combination of characters: height 0.7–1 m, leaves oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, infructescences ±0.6 cm in diam., berries and bracts white when mature. The description of the new species includes photographs, a detailed description, notes on etymology, distribution and habitat, as well as a comparison with morphologically similar species.

Magnoliids, Asia, Honghe Prefecture, morphology, taxonomy, tropical flora

Line drawing of Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia.
A branch with female infructescence; B adaxial surface of monopodial leaf on the left, and abaxial surface of sympodial leaf on the right; C detail of the leaf base and the prophyll; D magnified view of male inflorescence; E magnified view of the longitudinal section of male inflorescence; F stamen; G magnified view of female inflorescence; H magnified view of infructescence.

Illustration by F. Su based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov.
 A habit; B adaxial surface of leaf; C abaxial surface of leaf; D adaxial surface of leaf base and petiole; E abaxial surface of leaf base and petiole;
F male spike; G female spike; H mature infructescence; I close-up of portion of the male spike; J close-up of portion of the female spike (some bracts were removed); K close-up of portion of the mature infructescence.

Photographs by R. Fan & C.Y. Hao based on the holotype.

Piper hongheense W.J. Zhao, C.Y. Hao & N.H. Xia, sp. nov. 

Erect subshrub, 0.7–1 m high, aromatic, dioecious. Stem greenish, terete, 3–4 mm in diameter, young branchlet sparsely puberulent, glabrescent, finely striate when dry, swollen at node. Leaf dimorphism present, prophyll 1–2 cm long. Sympodial leaf membranous to chartaceous, finely glandular, oblong-lanceolate to lanceolate, 10–16 cm × 2.5–4 cm, base subequilaterally truncate to oblique, one side rounded, the other tapered and acute; apex acutely acuminate to long acuminate, adaxially green and glabrous, abaxially pale greenish and sparsely puberulent on veins; petioles glabrous, 5–7 mm long; venation plinerved, veins 5–9, reticulate, uppermost distal pair of secondary veins alternate, arising 1–3 cm above base, reaching leaf apex, others basal. Monopodial leaf exhibits morphological similarities to sympodial leaf, with the primary distinction being that the base of monopodial leaf is predominantly ...

Rui FAN, Wen-Jing ZHAO, Fan SU, Yang LI, Xun-Zhi JI, Bao-Fen SU, Nian-He XIA and Chao-Yun HAO. 2025. Piper hongheense (Piperaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Phytotaxa. 697(1); 129-137. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.697.1.9 [2025-04-10]

[Botany • 2025] Telipogon cruentilabrum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae) • A New Species from mid-western Ecuador, long misidentified as T. dendriticus

Telipogon cruentilabrum  

in Iturralde, Jiménez, Monteros, Mertel et Baquero, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.6 

 facebook.com: Marco Monteros

 

Abstract

Telipogon cruentilabrum, from the cloud montane forest of mid-western Ecuador, is proposed as a new species. Plants of T. cruentilabrum are characterized by the yellow flowers with dark yellow longitudinal veins and tortuous, occasionally branched transversal lines; petals and lip with heavily undulate blades and irregularly reflexed margins; petals with a dark red-brown, swollen base; lip with a conspicuous radial, red-purple basal stain; a large, dark purple-red, elevated callus; anther profusely surrounded by three tufts of red-purple setae; and the stigma wide, sub-trapezoid, dark purple. This species has long been misidentified as T. dendriticus. Although in the holotype no callus is observed on the lip, and in its description and subsequent citations a callus is never mentioned. We provide here a detailed description, figures, distributional map and comparison with its morphological most similar species, T. tamboensis, and also include arguments to discriminate it from T. dendriticus.

Endangered species, New species, Telipogon Alliance, Monocots

Telipogon cruentilabrum sp. nov. 

Gabbriel A. ITURRALDE, Marco M. JIMÉNEZ, Marco F. MONTEROS, Carlos MARTEL and Luis E. BAQUERO. 2025. Telipogon cruentilabrum (Orchidaceae: Oncidiinae): A New Species from mid-western Ecuador, long misidentified as T. dendriticus.  Phytotaxa. 694(3); 271-280. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.694.3.6  [2025-03-24] 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Tantilla palamala • Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Mountain Centipede Snake (Serpentes: Colubridae: Tantilla) reveal A New Species from Venezuelan Andes

 [A-D] Tantilla palamala sp. nov.

Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Correa, Ortiz, Guerrero, Jiménez, Bazó, Moreno-Pérez, Aguilar & Urra,  

[E-F] Tantilla melanocephala (Linnaeus, 1758)  

in Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Correa, Ortiz, Guerrero, Jiménez-Bolaños, Bazó, Moreno-Pérez, Aguilar et Urra, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20935/AcadBiol7534 

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Abstract

The highest elevations of the Tropical Andes form an archipelago of sky islands, where herpetological diversity is actively evolving. In this study, we combined morphological and molecular data to discover and describe a new snake species of the colubrid genus Tantilla from the middle-upper basin of the Boconó River on the lacustrine slope of the Cordillera de Mérida. This species belongs to the Tantilla melanocephala phenotypic group. Our results align with the previously published data, indicating that Andean populations diverged from a lowland ancestral lineage originating from the Guiana Shield and northern Brazil during the Miocene (~8 million years ago [Myr]). Morphologically, the new species is distinguished from the other members of the genus by its three longitudinal black stripes, the presence of two pale spots on the parietals instead of a pale nuchal band, noncontacting prefrontal and supralabial scales, the first pair of infralabial scales typically separated (rarely in contact), 138–145 ventral scales in males, <60 subcaudal scales in males, 12 maxillary teeth with a moderate diastema and an anterior process on the maxillary bone, and a unilobed, unicalyculate, and noncapitated hemipenis. We discuss the validity of certain available names and the zoogeographic patterns of Tantilla in its northernmost Andean distribution. Furthermore, our study provides the first evidence suggesting that Tantilla species richness may be underestimated in the mountainous regions of northern South America, where allopatric speciation driven by topographic complexity and niche conservatism has likely played a crucial role in the phenotypic and genotypic divergence of centipede snake populations.

Tantilla palamala sp. nov. (a-d)
Life photos of the holotype, MZUC 47710: (a) dorsal view of the body and head, where the dark dorsolateral line can be observed; (b) lateral view of the head, showing the extension of the light band over the snout and the white orbicular spot behind the eye. Paratype, MZUC 47714: dorsal view of the body and close-up of the head in lateral view (c). Paratype, MZUC 47713: lateral and ventral views of the specimen before preservation; note the pale lemon-yellow ventral coloration (d).
Specimen referring to Tantilla melanocephala from Venezuela, MZUC 47717, dorsal view and close-up of the head (e, f).

Tantilla palamala Esqueda, Rojas-Runjaic, Correa, Ortiz, Guerrero, Jiménez, Bazó, Moreno-Pérez, Aguilar & Urra sp. nov.

Definition: (1) 15–15–15 dorsal scales rows, smooth, and without apical pits; (2) eight dorsocaudal scales to the tenth subcaudal; (3) loreal scale is absent; (4) divided cloacal scale; (5) preocular scale is present; (6) rostral visible from above, lateral margins extended and slightly curved similar to gull wings, forming an open V with a >90° obtuse angle, without rostral medial projection and moderate cleft, and margins contacting the prenasal straight or slightly straight; (7) 7(3, 4)/7(3, 4) supralabials; (8) 6(4)/6(4) infralabials; (9) 138–145 ventral scales in males; (10) 53–58 subcaudal scales in males; (11) noncontact prefrontals-supralabial; (12) hexagonal front shield, longer than wide; (13) first infralabial pair ...

Etymology: The specific name is a derived adjective from the Latin words “palam,” meaning in the presence of, openly and “ala,” meaning wing [Brown, 1956] to refer to a visible character in relation to the lateral margins of the rostral in dorsal view, that resemble a gull’s wing, that is, open and forming a V with a >90° obtuse angle and where the internasals tend to be laterally contracted.

Luis Felipe Esqueda, Fernando J.M. Rojas-Runjaic, Claudio Correa, Juan Carlos Ortiz, Pablo Guerrero, Juan David Jiménez-Bolaños, Santos Bazó, Pablo Athenogoras Moreno-Pérez, Melanio Aguilar and Félix Urra. 2025. Morphological and Molecular Analyses of Mountain Centipede Snake (Serpentes: Tantilla) reveal A New Species from Venezuelan Andes. Academia Biology. 3(1):1-25. DOI: doi.org/10.20935/AcadBiol7534

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 Researchgate.net/publication/389852684_Morphological_and_molecular_analyses_of_mountain_Tantilla_reveal_a_new_species_from_Venezuelan_Andes

[Herpetology • 2025] Echinosaura embera • A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus

 

 Echinosaura embera 

 Vásquez-Restrepo & Daza, 2025 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814

Abstract

The gymnophthalmid semi-aquatic lizards of the genus Echinosaura have been subject to taxonomic scrutiny in recent years. Here, we combine previously available and new morphological and phylogenetic evidence to describe a new species formerly known under the name E. palmeri. Our results are consistent with previous phylogenetic hypotheses and recover an overlooked evolutionary lineage which is both morphologically and genetically different from the other ones currently recognized within the genus. This species is diagnosable based on external and hemipenial morphology and is phylogenetically related to E. centralis, E. palmeri, and E. panamensis. The new species inhabits the northern portion of the Pacific region in Colombia and the Darien zone between Colombia and Panama. We also re-evaluate and propose a new IUCN extinction risk categorization for the nine species in the genus, assessing three uncategorized species, removing two species from a threatened category, and including a previously considered Least Concern species into a threatened status.

Reptilia, Chocó, morphology, Neotropical, systematics, taxonomy

  Echinosaura embera in life,
A: MHUA-R 12591 (holotype) from Chigorodó, Antioquia, Colombia,
B: CBUCESD 1867 (paratype) from Carmen de Atrato, Chocó, Colombia.

Photos: Juan M. Daza and Juan D. Vásquez-Restrepo, respectively.

Juan D. VÁSQUEZ-RESTREPO and Juan M. DAZA. 2025. A New Species of Hedgehog-lizard of the Genus Echinosaura (Squamata: Gymnophthalmidae) from Colombia and Panama with A Reevaluation of the Conservation Status of the Genus.  Zootaxa. 5583(1); 128-142. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5583.1.7 [2025-01-31]  

  Researchgate.net/publication/388527814_A_new_species_of_Echinosaura_from_Colombia_and_Panama

[Entomology • 2024] Doliops comvalensis • A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines

Doliops comvalensis Medina, 

in Medina, Agbas, Obrial et Cabras, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n. is described from Candalaga Range in Maragusan, Davao de Oro, Mindanao, Philippines. High-definition images of other known species of Doliops which are considered as the close congeners of the new species are also provided. The mimicry complex between the new species and the members of the tribe Pachyrhynchini known from Candalaga Range is discussed.

Key words: long-horned beetles, Lamiinae, Apomecynini, Pachyrhynchini, taxonomy, new species, mimicry, Mindanao, Oriental Region.

Habitat of Doliops comvalensis Medina sp. nov. in Mt. Candalaga.
 A-B – the montane forest in Mt. Candalaga showing the newly opened road and soil erosion,
C – fallen Shorea contorta, the host plant of D. comvalensis, D – D. comvalensis (in situ).

Doliops comvalensis Medina, sp. n.  

DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS. The new species is similar to its Mindanao endemic congeners, Doliops cuellari Vives, 2012, D. edithae Vives 2009, and D. halconensis Vives, 2012 (Fig. 2), in the size and elytral maculation. However, the new species can be easily distinguished from these species in its unique maculation in pronotum. Pronotal maculation is similar to D. cuellari except that it does not have a thin band of whitish pubescence at the pronotal disc. Elytral maculation is similar to one of variations of D. halconensis but can be easily distinguished based on pronotal differences.

HABITAT. New species was found in the forest near the road and soil erosion (Fig. 3). The host plant is fallen Shorea contorta. 

DISTRIBUTION. Philippines: Mindanao (Davao de Oro: Mt. Candalaga, Maragusan, Davao de Oro). 

ETYMOLOGY. The new species is named after Compostela Valley, the former name of the province of Davao de Oro.

Medina M.N., Agbas D., Grayden Obrial G., Analyn Cabras A. 2024. Description of A New Species of Doliops Waterhouse, 1841 (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae: Apomecynini) from Davao de Oro with notes on other endemic species and mimicry complex in greater Mindanao Philippines. Far Eastern Entomologist. 507: 15-24. DOI: doi.org/10.25221/fee.507.3  

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