[Botany • 2020] Memecylon nervosum (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from South INDIA

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, 

in Vadhyar, Benjamin et Sujana, 2020. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524

Abstract
Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, a new species of Melastomataceae from the Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Western Ghats, India, is described and illustrated. It is compared with the closely allied Memecylon heyneanum Benth. and Memecylon jambosioides Wight.

Keywords: India, Kanyakumari Wildlife Sanctuary, Melastomataceae, Memecylon nervosum

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.
A, Plants in their naturalhabitat; B, leaf (adaxial view); C, leaf (abaxial view); D, inflorescence; E, flowers; F–J, fruit atdifferent stages of development. 

Memecylon nervosum Vadhyar, J.H.F.Benj. & Sujana, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet alludes to the presence of prominently raised lateral andintramarginal veins on the lower surface of the lamina.

 R. G. Vadhyar, J. H. F. Benjamin and K. A. Sujana. 2020. MEMECYLON NERVOSUM (MELASTOMATACEAE), A New Species from South INDIA. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 77(3); DOI: doi.org/10.1017/S0960428620000050 [27 April 2020]

 Researchgate.net/publication/340951524_MEMECYLON_NERVOSUM_A_NEW_SPECIES_from_SOUTH_INDIA

[Ichthyology • 2026] Opsarius geminus • A New danionid fish (Cypriniformes: Danionidae) from the Western Ghats, India and Revalidation of Barilius papillatus Day 1869

 

 Opsarius geminus

Vijayakrishnan, Nallathambi, Jayasimhan, & Knight, 2026

Barilius papillatus Day 1869

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.4.7

Abstract

Opsarius geminus, a new species of danionid fish is described from the Krishna River, Western Ghats, India. It can be distinguished from its congeners in the Western Ghats by possessing a combination of the following characters: unique colour pattern consisting of 9–11 blue bars that are 2–3 scales wide; 46–51 lateral-line scales; 20–23 pre-dorsal scales; barbels absent; length of last dorsal-fin ray almost equal to, or greater than length of first dorsal-fin ray; 7 ½–8½ dorsal-fin branched rays and 10½–11½ anal-fin branched rays. Barilius papillatus Day 1869, currently a synonym of Opsarius barna (Hamilton, 1822) is redescribed, based on the syntype and fresh specimens, and a lectotype is designated to fix its identity. Opsarius papillatus can be diagnosed from all its congeners in India, by possessing a combination of the following characters: colour pattern consisting of 7–9 blue bars that are 1–2 scales wide; 39–41 lateral-line scales; 15–18 pre-dorsal scales; barbels absent; length of last dorsal-fin ray shorter than length of first dorsal-fin ray; 7½ dorsal-fin branched rays and 10½ anal-fin branched rays.

Pisces, new species, Opsarius barna, Krishna River, Mahanadi River, Eastern ghats

 

 

BALAJI VIJAYAKRISHNAN, MOULITHARAN NALLATHAMBI, PRAVEENRAJ JAYASIMHAN, J.D. MARCUS KNIGHT. 2026. Opsarius geminus, A New danionid fish from the Western Ghats, India and Revalidation of Barilius papillatus Day 1869 (Teleostei: Danionidae).  Zootaxa. 5878(4); 589-600. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.4.7 [2026-09-16]

  facebook.com/praveenraj.39750121/posts/28655245830753728

[Herpetology • 2026] Gegeneophis chandgadi • Exploring Cryptic Diversity in Gegeneophis Peters (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) with A Novel Species from the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India

 

Gegeneophis chandgadi

Shikalgar, Patil, Adhav, Kulkarni, Hiragond, Gramapurohit, Tripathy & Dinesh, 2026

Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 126(3); 

recordsofzsi.com

Abstract

A new species of annulocylix caecilian is described from the genus Gegeneophis based on distinct genetic and morphological features. The species is having both primary and secondary annuli, wherein secondary annuli are concentrated at the posterior half of the body. Molecular analysis reveals that the new species is sister to an unknown lineage from Amboli and Gegeneophis mhadeiensis from the near proximity phylogenetically. Molecular phylogeny suggests the possibility of four other new lineages from the northern Western Ghats. The findings are discussed in the light of cryptic diversity of these limbless amphibians and the need for systematic studies to describe them.

Keywords: Amphibians, annulocylix caecilian, homestead areas, tailless caecilian

Gegeneophis chandgadi sp. nov.

Etymology: The species is named after the ‘Chandgadi language’, which is a distinct dialect of the language Marathi, predominantly spoken in and around the type locality Chandgad, Kolhapur, Maharashtra, India. The species epithet ‘chandgadi’ is treated as a noun in apposition to the generic name.

  Sahil Shikalgar, Rahul N. Patil, Pranjal Adhav, Nirmal U. Kulkarni, N. C. Hiragond, N. P. Gramapurohit, Basudev Tripathy and K. P. Dinesh. 2026. Exploring Cryptic Diversity in Gegeneophis Peters (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) with A Novel Species from the northern Western Ghats, Maharashtra, India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 126(3); 221–236.  DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i3/2026/173052 [2026-08-27]

https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/173052 

[Mammalogy • 2026] Rhinolophus indorouxii • Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguity: A New cryptic Rufous Horseshoe Bat (Chiroptera: Rhinolophidae: Rhinolophus) from southern India

 

 Rhinolophus indorouxii  

Raman, Garg & Chattopadhyay, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.003

Abstract

Bats are the second largest group of mammals with high cryptic diversity. In this study, we describe the previously identified sibling species Rhinolophus indorouxii of the endemic rufous horseshoe bat Rhinolophus rouxii from Southern India. The species was discovered based on acoustic diversity and mitochondrial cytochrome b gene sequencing–based genetic distance metric and phylogenetic affinity. However, no detailed morphological description was available. We address this lacuna by presenting with a detailed morphological description along with acoustic and genetic (cytochrome oxidase I barcoding gene) data and identify species specific characters for future studies. This is an important step in recognizing the species diversity of Southern India, which is home to one of the global biodiversity hotspots.

Keywords: bat, taxonomy, systematics, Chiroptera, New species, Rhinolophidae, Western Ghats

 External appearance of Rhinolophus indorouxii sampled from Kerala part of southern Western Ghats. 
A—front view of the bat showing the noseleaf and ears, taken from Silent Valley National Park on 05 June 2018, B—dorsal view of the bat, taken Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017,
C—lateral view of bat with brown coloration, taken from Kasargod Forest Division on 25 Nov 2018, D—bat having a combination of orange and brown coloration, taken from Ranipuram (Kasargod Forest Division) on 21 Feb 2018, E—bat with a combination of golden and orange coloration from Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017, F—bat with dark-orange coloration from Periyar Tiger Reserve on 12 July 2017.

Images: Sreehari Raman. Not to scale.

The skull and mandible of Rhinolophus indorouxii, ♂ ZSI/WGRC/I.R.-V.4044 (holotype) from Dhoni reserve forest, Palakkad, Kerala, south India.
A—lateral views of the skull; B—lateral views of the mandible; C—dorsal view of the skull; D—occlusal view of skull; E—occlusal view of the mandible; F—frontal view of the mandible

Scale=10 mm.

 

Sreehari Raman, Kritika M. Garg and Balaji Chattopadhyay. 2026. Resolving Taxonomic Ambiguity: Description of A New cryptic Rufous Horseshoe Bat from Southern India Rhinolophus indorouxii sp. nov. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press, DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2026.06.003 [24 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India

 

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja,

in Alen, Abhilash, Gayathri, Arya, Kumar, Sojan, Suresh, Antony et Leeja, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 

 Abstract

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova (Selaginellaceae) is described as a new lycophyte species from the southern Western Ghats in Kerala, India. It morphologically resembles S. tenera, but can be distinguished by its small habit, basal rhizophores, median leaf traits, lack of vegetative buds and tapering strobili. The taxonomic delimitation is strongly supported by multivariate morphometric analysis (PCA) of macro- and micromorphological traits. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the rbcL gene places S. jobii as a sister to S. miniatospora. Growing on shaded laterite habitats in Palakkad, the species has an Area of Occupancy of less than 10 km2. Consequently, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) following the IUCN criteria.

Selaginella jobii (from the holotype).
— A: Habit. — B: Rhizophore. — C: Stem. — D: Axillary leaf. — E: Lateral leaf. — F: Median leaf. — G: Strobili, dorsal view. — H: Strobili, ventral view. — I: Ventral sporophyll with megasporangium. — J: Ventral sporophyll with microsporangium. — K: Dorsal sporophyll with microsporangium.

Selaginella jobii Alen Alex, Abhilash, Gayathri, Sojan, V. Suresh & Leeja, sp. nova  

Etymology. The specific epithet jobii honours Dr Joseph Job, retired Associate Professor of Botany, St. Berchmans College, Changanassery, Kerala, India. An exemplary educator, Dr Job inspired numerous students, including the first author, to pursue science.

Diagnosis. Selaginella jobii is morphologically similar to S. tenera and S. miniatospora, but can be distinguished by its lean, non-spreading habit with exclusively basal rhizophores, tapering strobili featuring a distinct apical microsporangiate zone, and regular verrucate ornamentation on the megaspores. A comprehensive morphological comparison of these taxa is provided in Table 1.

Alex Philip Alen, Kalathil Sethumadhavan Abhilash, Thekkekara Suresh Gayathri, Sindhu Arya, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anil Kumar, Jose Sojan, Veerankutty Suresh, Raju Antony and Lakshmanan Leeja. 2026. Selaginella jobii (Selaginellaceae), A New Species from Kerala, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1);201-211. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0127 (13 August 2026)  

[Entomology • 2025] Lyriothemis abrahami • A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India

 

Lyriothemis abrahami  Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, 

in Sadasivan, Jose, Palot, Sudheer, Augustine, Kochunarayanan, Nair et George, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470  

Researchgate.net/publication/393568494

Abstract

A new species of phytotelma-breeding dragonfly, Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov., is described from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. The new taxon was previously misidentified as L. flava Oguma, 1915 (= L. tricolor Ris, 1916). In contrast to L. flava, the new species is sexually dimorphic, with males easily identified based on the characteristic shape of the hamules. Females are identified by their jet black and yellow colour with triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. Photographs of mature adults, tenerals, hamules, illustrations of vesica seminalis, vulvar lamina, and a key to Lyriothemis of the Indian subcontinent are provided.

KEY WORDS: Anisoptera, new taxon, taxonomy, dragonfly, phytotelmata, Kerala

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. Holotype TORG # 1053.
A–lateral view of the holotype; B–close-up of head; C–lateral view of segment 2; D–dorsal view of head, prothorax and synthorax; E–lateral view of head, prothorax, and synthorax; F–dorsal view of abdomen; G–lateral view of abdomen; H–dorsal view of S8–10, and anal appendages; I–lateral view of S8–10, and anal appendages. © Kalesh Sadasivan

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. in life.
A–mature male from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary © Kalesh Sadasivan; B–lateral view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; C–dorsal view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; D–lateral view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; E–dorsal view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; F–female ovipositing in a phytotelma © Jebine Jose. (B–E, reared from the larvae collected in Pooyamkutty, Ernakulam District, Kerala)

Lyriothemis abrahami Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Males of Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. are identified by the combination of the following characters: two short oval paradorsal streaks on the mesepisternum not extending halfway up the thorax towards the alar sinus; anterolateral yellow thoracic band as broad as or narrower than the black area just posterior to it; in anteroventral view hamule trapezoid, higher than wide; hamular inferolateral angle right-angled and well-defined, medial border with a distinct insinuation at the junction of its inferior and middle third, inferior border straight. The elongated shape of the hamule is a distinct characteristic of the new taxon. Sexual dimorphism is strongly exhibited in L. abrahami sp. nov., with the females identified by their jet-black and yellow colour with characteristic triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. The new species is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India, south of Coorg, and its distribution does not overlap with the range of L. flava, as far as it is known.

Etymology. The species is named after Dr. Abraham Samuel, a pioneer of odonatology from Kerala, for his contributions to the field and his constant encouragement to the authors. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case.

Kalesh Sadasivan, Jebine Jose, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Shanas Sudheer, Toms Augustine, Baiju Kochunarayanan, Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair and Maya George. 2025. A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata, Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.  ENTOMON. 50(2); 203-214. DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470 [2025-06-30]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393568494_A_new_species_of_Lyriothemis_from_the_Western_Ghats_of_Peninsular_India

[Botany • 2022] Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu,  

in Harishma, Mohan et Nampy, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/359299628

Abstract  

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Monocots, Data Deficient, Eriocaulon quinquangulare, Eriocaulon truncatum, Idukki district, Koymanchola

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu sp. nov.

Kuttukaran Haridasan HARISHMA, Vishnu MOHAN and Santhosh NAMPY. 2022. Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India.  Phytotaxa. 539(3); 273-279. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6

 Researchgate.net/publication/359299628_Eriocaulon_pandeyana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India

[Botany • 2026] Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

  

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia  Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya, 

in Remya, Prabhukumar, Muhsina, Kanakambika, Smitha et Maya. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 

Summary

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia, a new species of Asteraceae, from the slopes of stream banks of montane grasslands of the southern Western Ghats of Kerala and Tamil Nadu, India, is described and illustrated. The new species exhibits morphological affinities with its allied taxon, Anaphalis marcescens, in its habit, leaf shape, heterogamous and disciform capitula and 16, uniseriate, free, barbellate pappus bristles. However, it differs in habitat preference, coriaceous leaf texture, glabrous adaxial leaf surface, acute recurved leaf apex, sheathed leaf base, number of rows of phyllaries, type and nature of receptacle, number of florets and glandular indumentum in cypselae. A description of the new species, along with details on distribution and ecology and an illustration, colour photographs and comparison with its allied taxa, using SEM data of cypselae, are provided.

Key Words: Anaphalis marcescens, endemism, Nilgiri Biosphere Reserve, stenoendemic.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia. A & B habit; C leaf, adaxial surface; D leaf, abaxial surface; E inflorescence; F foliar bract, adaxial surface; G foliar bract, abaxial surface; H capitulum; J – Q phyllaries; R receptacle, aerial review; S pistillate floret; T bisexual floret; U stamens; V pistil; W & X dimorphic pappus; Y cypsela.

photos: S. Remya & C. N. Maya.

Anaphalis rosmarinifolia Remya, K.M.P.Kumar & Maya sp. nov. 

Recognition. The new species is morphologically similar to Anaphalis marcescens (Wight) C.B.Clarke (Fig. 4) in overall habit, capitula type and the number, type and arrangement of pappus bristles. It differs from the latter by its habitat preference of wet rocks on the stream banks of montane grasslands (vs mud cliffs of montane grasslands in A. marcescens); coriaceous linear leaves (vs membranaceous linear); sheathing leaf base (vs decurrent); glabrous adaxial leaf surface (vs sparsely arachnoid midrib); leaf apex

Etymology. The specific epithet is based on the similarity of its leaves with those of rosemary (Salvia rosmarinus Spenn.), a medicinal and culinary plant in the Lamiaceae.

 

S. Remya, K. M. Prabhukumar, A. A. Muhsina, G. Kanakambika, M. Smitha and C. N. Maya. 2026. Anaphalis rosmarinifolia (Asteraceae: Asteroideae: Gnaphalieae): A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10354-0 [30 July 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) 

    

[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]

[Arachnida • 2026] Langelurillus sahyadri & L. udaipurensis • Further Notes on Indian Langelurillus Próchniewicz, 1994 (Araneae: Salticidae), with the Description of Two New Species

 

Langelurillus sahyadri Sanap, Tripathi, Thackeray & Caleb, 

in Sanap, Tripathi, Caleb, H. Koli, V.K. Koli, Intodia et Thackeray, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5792.1.11

Abstract

We describe two new species, Langelurillus sahyadri Sanap, Tripathi, Thackeray & Caleb sp. nov. (♂♀) from Maharashtra and Langelurillus udaipurensis Tripathi, Sanap & Caleb sp. nov. (♂) from Rajasthan. Additionally, the previously unknown females of L. lacteus Sanap, Joglekar & Caleb, 2017 and L. onyx Caleb, Sanap, Joglekar & Prajapati, 2017 are described for the first time. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations, diagnostic comparisons of the studied species, and a distributional map for all Indian species are provided.

Araneae, Aravalli hills, distribution, jumping spider, taxonomy, Western Ghats

 Langelurillus sahyadri Sanap, Tripathi, Thackeray & Caleb sp. nov. 

Langelurillus udaipurensis Tripathi, Sanap & Caleb sp. nov. 

Langelurillus lacteus Sanap, Joglekar & Caleb, 2017 

L. onyx Caleb, Sanap, Joglekar & Prajapati, 2017

RAJESH V. SANAP, RISHIKESH TRIPATHI, JOHN T.D. CALEB, HEMLATA KOLI, VIJAY KUMAR KOLI, ANJANA INTODIA and TEJAS THACKERAY. 2026. Further Notes on Indian Langelurillus Próchniewicz, 1994 (Araneae: Salticidae), with the Description of Two New Species. Zootaxa. 5792(1); 183-199. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5792.1.11 [2026-04-10]

[Botany • 2026] Lobelia janardhananii (Lobeliaceae) • A New Species from the Western Ghats of India

 

Lobelia janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil, 

in Sunil, Prabhukumar, Sivadas, Sanilkumar et Robi, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2165 

Abstract

A new species of Lobelia, L. janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil is described from Kerala, India. It resembles Lobelia heyneana Schult. in herbaceous habit and axillary solitary flowers but differs from the latter by leaf shape, texture, flower length, compressed or ancipitous pedicel, characters of calyx lobe, the colour of corolla tube and lobe, size and colour of stamens, stylar length and seeds. A detailed description and photographs are provided for the identification of the species.

Keyword: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala, Lobelia heyneana, Lobelia janardhananii, perennial, taxonomy

Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov.
 A–C. Flowering shoot, D. C.S. of stem, E. Leaf adaxial side, F. Leaf abaxial side.

Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov.
A. Flower, B. Pedicel with bracteoles, C. Calyx, D. Calyx lobe, E. Corolla split open, F. Staminal column with anthers, G. Anthers, H. Style and stigma, H1. Stigma closeup view, I. Immature capsule, J. Seeds.

Lobelia janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov. is morphologically similar to L. heyneana, but differs in the rhomboid, elliptic or ovate leaves, 1.5–4 × 0.4–2 cm, attenuate base (vs. elliptic to sub-orbicular, 0.6–0.8 × 0.4– 0.8 cm; base truncate and decurrent); flowers 14–17 mm long (vs. 8.7–9.2 mm long); pedicel compressed or ancipitous, bibracteolate near middle (vs. trigonous, bracteoles absent); sepals toothed, hirsute abaxially (vs. entire, glabrous on both sides); corolla tube blue (vs. tube white); upper lip 3–4 mm long, whitish-blue; lower lip bright blue (vs. upper lip white; lower lip pale violet); filament of stamens 4.5–5 mm long, purplish (vs. 1.3–1.4 mm long, light green).  

Etymology: The specific epithet is to honour the contributions of Sri. N.K. Janardhanan, Gardner, Herb Garden, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, for his 45 years of dedicated service towards the conservation of threatened plants, especially medicinal plants. 

Chandrasseril Narayanan Sunil, Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Deepu Sivadas, Malayil Gopalan Sanilkumar and Aloor Jose Robi. 2026. A New Species of Lobelia (Lobeliaceae) from the Western Ghats of India. Taiwania. 71(2); 243-246 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.243 [2026 March 21] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2165

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Gegeneophis bavali • A New Species of Gegeneophis Peters, 1879 (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) from the Western Ghats of northern Kerala, India

 

Gegeneophis bavali 

Kotharambath, Vengot & Gower, 2026 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.3.9

 

Abstract

A new species of grandisoniid caecilian amphibian, Gegeneophis bavali sp. nov., is described based on two specimens from northern Kerala state in the southern part of the Western Ghats region of peninsular India. This species is distinguished from all other Gegeneophis by the combination of lacking an unsegmented terminal shield, having secondary annular grooves, and having more than 132 primary annuli. A new key to the identification of the species of the genus is presented.

Amphibia, caecilians, Herpetology, identification key, morphology, taxonomy

 

Gegeneophis bavali sp. nov.

Ramachandran KOTHARAMBATH, Ranjith VENGOT and David J. GOWER. 2026. A New Species of Gegeneophis Peters, 1879 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) from the Western Ghats of northern Kerala, India. Zootaxa. 5782(3); 571-580.  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.3.9 [2026-03-25]

 

[Botany • 2026] Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar, 

in Sindhu, Jose, Alen, Anilkumar et Suresh, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812 

Abstract

A new species of Phyllocephalum is described and illustrated from Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The new species shows similarity to P. rangacharii but differs with respect to key floral traits, viz. ovoid shape of the capitula, involucral bracts in 3 series, inflated receptacle and ovoid 6-ribbed ovary with 5–6 densely barbellate pappus setae. Colour photographs, SEM images of pollen and florets along with a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: Achene, florets, involucre bracts, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi

Phyllocephalum keralense sp. nov. 
 (A) Habit, (B) and (C) flower, (D) outer phyllaria, (E) middle phyllaria, (F) inner phyllaria, (G) floret, (H) floret open, (I), (J) & (K) corolla lobes, (L) base of ovary with pappus, (M) gynoecium, (N) achene.

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar sp. nov. 

Arya Sindhu, Sojan Jose, Alex Philip Alen, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anilkumar and Veerankutty Suresh. 2026. Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812  [03 April 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Nyctibatrachus kali • Hiding in plain sight: A New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Anura: Nyctibatrachidae) from the central Western Ghats, India

Nyctibatrachus kali 

Aravind, Ramesh, Naik, Gururaja & Priti, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20895

Abstract 

Frogs belonging to the genus Nyctibatrachus are endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. They are the second most speciose frogs in the Western Ghats, with 70% of the species having narrow distribution ranges. They are also highly cryptic in nature. In this study, we describe a new species of Nyctibatrachus frog from the central Western Ghats of India. Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. is described from the Kali River basin of North Karnataka. The new species is distinguishable from all 34 currently recognised Nyctibatrachus species by a combination of morphological, acoustic and phylogenetic analyses. Molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and ND1) reveals that it belongs to the N. sanctipalustris clade. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >5% with its congeners, and based on the analysis of ND1, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >10% with its congeners. The bioacoustics analyses indicated that the new species differed from their closest congeners based on the dominant frequency of the advertisement calls and the number of notes in each call. For the first time, we observed two distinct advertisement call categories–call notes with low and high dominant frequency in Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. and its congeners. Our study adds to the rich diversity of frogs from the Western Ghats of India.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Biodiversity, Cryptic species, Endemic frogs, Freshwater ecosystem, Night frogs

Habitus of holotype (BNHS 6831) of Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov.
 (A) Live individual of holotype; (B) Slow flowing stream habitat of the holotype with female and a clutch of eggs; (C) Dorsal view; (D) Ventral view; (E): Lateral profile of head and trunk; (F): Ventral view of hand; (G): Ventral view of foot; (H): third finger disc without dorso-terminal groove; (I): fourth toe disc with dorso-terminal groove cover notched distally; (J): Schematic view of webbing in hindlimb (black lines represents toes, curved black lines represents webbing, blue circles represents subarticular tubercle and orange circles represents toe discs.).

 Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. belongs to the N. sanctipalustris clade (Fig. 4) and is a sister lineage to N. dattatreyaensis. Hence, we compared Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. (both ♂ and ♀ individuals of type specimens) with all the species belonging to the N. sanctipalustris clade (both ♂ and ♀ individuals of type specimens), i.e., N. dattatreyaensis; N. karnatakaensis; N. kumbara; N. sanctipalustris; N. shiradi, N. tunga and N. vrijeuni.

...

Etymology: We name the species as Kali, the river at which the type locality of the species located. The specific epithet is an invariable noun in apposition.

 

C. K. Aravind, Badiger Ramesh, Chandrakanth Rukkappa Naik, K. V. Gururaja and Hebbar Priti. 2026. Hiding in plain sight: Description of A New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Amphibia, Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) from the central Western Ghats, India. PeerJ. 14:e20895 . DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20895 [2026-03-27]