[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Bataspis crux • A galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency

 

Bataspis crux

Meng, Ferrón, Pisani, Gai & Donoghue, 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081

Life restoration by Dinghua Yang.

Abstract

Galeaspids are an extinct group of jawless fishes from the Silurian–Devonian of China and northern Vietnam that are key to understanding the origin of vertebrate anatomical innovations. A new eugaleaspid, Bataspis crux gen. et sp. nov., is described based on fossil material from the Lochkovian (Early Devonian) Xishancun Formation of Qujing, Yunnan, China. Bataspis crux possesses a suite of unusual features, especially its bat-wing-like cornual processes that are seamlessly integrated with a brim-like rostral margin without a rostral process, constituting a unique morphology for galeaspids. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference all support membership in the family Tridensaspidae. We employed computational fluid dynamics to infer the hydrodynamic properties of the headshield of B. crux. Our analysis reveals that this species achieves an exceptionally high lift-to-drag ratio; the highest recorded among known galeaspids. This remarkable efficiency stems from its low drag across various angles of attack, coupled with passive lift generation through the exploitation of the Bernoulli effect by the airfoil cross-section of the cornual processes. This suggests that the species was an effective gliding cruiser, outperforming not only galeaspids but also other stem gnathostomes, such as osteostracans and pteraspidomorphs. These results provide new insights into our understanding of the evolution of Tridensaspidae, the ecological habits of stem gnathostomes and convergence in the evolutionary assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan.

Keywords: galeaspid, phylogenetic analysis, hydrodynamic analysis, lift-to-drag ratio, convergence, morphological function

Bataspis crux, holotype, IVPP V30969: A, internal mould in dorsal view; B, external mould in ventral view.

Abbreviations: c, cornual process; dcm, dorsal commissure; ic, inner cornual process; ifc, infraorbital canal; ldc, lateral dorsal canal; ltc, lateral transverse canal; mdc, median dorsal canal; md.o, median dorsal opening; orb, orbital opening; pi, pineal opening; se, serrated edge; soc2, posterior supraorbital canal; v.mtc, vestige of the median transverse canal; vr, ventral rim.

 All scale bars represent 1 cm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Subphylum VERTEBRATA-CRANIATA Linnaeus 1758

Infraphylum GNATHOSTOMATA Cope 1889

Subclass GALEASPIDA Tarlo 1967

Order EUGALEASPIFORMES (Liu 1965) Liu 1980

Family TRIDENSASPIDAE Liu 1986

Genus Bataspis nov.

 

Derivation of name: Bat from English, the shape of the cornual processes of Bataspis is similar to the membranous wings in bats.

Type species: Bataspis crux sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Bataspis is assigned to Eugaleaspiformes because it exhibits a suite of diagnostic features in morphology: subtriangular headshield with cornual and inner cornual processes, slit-like median dorsal opening, and typical eugaleaspid-type sensory canals. Although Bataspis lacks a rostral angle or process, its diagnostic specialized laterally-projecting processes suggest it differs from the members of Shuyuidae, Sinogaleaspidae, and Eugaleaspidae and can be assigned to Tridensaspidae. Compared with other members of Tridensaspidae, the absence of the rostral angle and the presence of vestiges of the median transverse canal distinguish Bataspis and Falxcornus; the lack of the rostral process constitute a diagnostic difference between Bataspis and the sister group including Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis. Additionally, Bataspis contains serrations along with the margin connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes and the lateral margins of the median dorsal opening that differ from Falxcornus.

Bataspis crux sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The verb ‘to cruise’, in the sense of ‘to move from one side to the other’, is derived (via Norse and Old English) from the Latin crux (cross).

Holotype: A nearly complete headshield and its counterpart, IVPP V30969 (Fig. 1A–B).

Locality & horizon: Near the Qujing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, Xishancun Formation, Cuifengshan Group, Lochkovian, Early Devonian.

Diagnosis: Medium-sized tridensaspid fish; subtriangular headshield; arcuate rostral margin without rostral angle and process; cornual process spine-like, projecting posterolaterally; lobular inner cornual process projecting posteriorly, slightly stronger than cornual process; the angle between the cornual and inner cornual processes exceeding 90° (sickle-like); margin of the headshield connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes serrated; median dorsal opening slit-like (length/width >6) with nearly parallel lateral serrated margins, the posterior margin almost level with the centra of the orbital openings, and its middle part convex forward; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; pineal opening small, round, beyond the posterior margin of the orbital opening; sensory canal system typical eugaleaspid-type, with three pairs of lateral transverse canals and vestiges of the median transverse canal.

Artistic life restoration of Bataspis crux.

Artwork by Dinghua Yang.

CONCLUSION: 

We describe Bataspis crux, a new species of galeaspid from Xishancun Formation in the Early Devonian (Lochkovian age) of Yunnan, China. Our phylogenetic analyses ally the new genus to the family Tridensaspidae, sister to the clade of Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis, and sharing with Falxcornus the status as the oldest known tridensaspids. The results of probabilistic phylogenetic methods indicate that more data are needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of galeaspids such as the family Shuyuidae. Bataspis crux extends beyond the range of phenotypic variation known previously for galeaspids. The unique morphological features of this bat-like jawless fish result in a high lift-to-drag ratio when at low angles of attack. Our results reveal the breadth of locomotor capabilities available to galeaspids and other jawless stem-gnathostomes, demonstrating that an absence of flexible paired fins was not an impediment to ecological diversity.

Xinyuan Meng, Humberto G. Ferrón, Davide Pisani, Zhikun Gai and Philip C. J. Donoghue. 2026. Bataspis crux, a galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency. Palaeontology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081 [04 August 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Bogidiella isajii & B. painushima • Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan

Bogidiella painushima 

Tomikawa, Yoshimura, Ugomeki & Shimomura, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5  

 www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp

Abstract

Two new species of bogidiellid amphipods, Bogidiella isajii and B. painushima are described from an anchialine undersea cave in Minamidaito Island and freshwater flowing through a cave in Ishigaki Island, Ryukyu Islands. Bogidiella isajii sp. nov. differs from its congeners in the absence of an inner ramus on the pleopods, armature of uropods 1 and 2 rami, and shape of the telson. Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. aprutina and B. broodbakkeri, but differs from these two species in the shape of antennal sinus of the head, size of antenna 2 peduncular article 2 gland cone, armature of the accessory setal row of the mandible, shape of gnathopod 1 propodus and pereopod 7 coxa, and armature of the telson. Nucleotide sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I from paratypes of the two new species were determined for future studies.

Crustacea, brackish, COI, freshwater, Okinawa, taxonomy

Bogidiella painushima sp. nov. 

 

KO TOMIKAWA, HIRO YOSHIMURA, MUSHI UGOMEKI and MICHITAKA SHIMOMURA. 2026. Two New Species of the Genus Bogidiella (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Bogidiellidae) from Japan.  Zootaxa. 5831(3); 399-412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5831.3.5 [2026-06-16]  

Two eyeless shrimp-like species found in Japan’s groundwater are new to science

Finding new species in unassuming settings brings light to further exploration and conservation efforts to preserve the unique diversity in groundwater environments

https://www.hiroshima-u.ac.jp/en/news/99063

https://www.eurekalert.org/news-releases/1140243

[Crustacea • 2026] Cambarus emegi • A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

 

Cambarus emegi 

Lieb, Williams, Foltz & Loughman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 

  facebook.com/WLUCrayfish

Abstract

A new species of crayfish, Cambarus emegi sp. nov., is described from the upper James and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and the lower Delaware River basin in Pennsylvania, where it occurs in streams and small rivers. The species was formerly part of the Cambarus acuminatus species complex (Cambarus species C complex), a long-standing taxonomic enigma that is widely distributed across the Atlantic slope drainages of eastern North America. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Cambarus acuminatus due to the absence of a well-defined subpalmar tubercle, greater number of punctations across its areola, and differences in the mesial process of the form I male gonopod. Coloration and pattern in life differ between the two species. Additionally, the distributions of C. emegi sp. nov. and C. acuminatus are separated by hundreds of kilometers. The ranges of two other undescribed members of the Cambarus species C complex border that of C. emegi sp. nov. in Virginia. These species do not appear to overlap geographically; C. emegi sp. nov. is confined to the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, whereas the two undescribed species are found in the Blue Ridge and northern inner Piedmont regions. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is morphologically similar but visually and genetically different from the undescribed species directly to the south in the upper Roanoke River system. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is both visually and morphologically similar but genetically distinct from the undescribed species immediately downstream in the James River basin. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is threatened by several potentially interacting factors including invasive crayfishes, narrow range, and urban and agricultural development. Alarmingly, the species is being rapidly replaced by invasive Faxonius species across a substantial part of its range. This paper represents an important step in providing the information needed to conserve and manage Cambarus emegi sp. nov.

Crustacea, Cambarus species C., Cambarus acuminatus, new species, Ridge and Valley, Northern Piedmont, Delaware, James, Roanoke, invasive crayfish

 Cambarus emegi sp. nov., color in life: (a) holotype, NCSM 95987; (b) allotype, NCSM 95988.

Life color and color pattern of adult  Cambarus emegi sp. nov.:
 (a) dorsal view; (b) oblique lateral view (photo credit Zackary A. Graham).

 Life color and color pattern of juvenile  Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Body and eyes pigmented. Rostrum weakly to moderately excavated and ventrally deflected anteriorly; rostral margins subparallel, pronounced and entire through acumen, and more thickened posteriorly than anteriorly; acumen acuminate with prominent dorsally deflected spiniform tubercle at terminus. Areola 2.2–3.6 (¯x=2.7, n=42, s=0.4) times as long as wide, with 6–10 (¯x=8.5, n=42, s= 0.7) punctations across narrowest point. Lateral portion of branchiostegal region of carapace heavily punctate; hepatic regions also punctate with welldeveloped tubercles. Strong cervical spines present; branchiostegal spine prominent; postorbital ridge terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Weak to acute suborbital angle typically present, rarely absent; suborbital angle terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Antennal basipodite spines prominent; ischiopodite spines present but not prominent.

Etymology.—Derived from the Turkish work “emeği” meaning “labor of” or “hard work of”, which seems appropriate given this project required many years and the collection of thousands of specimens from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Additionally, the name honors Emily (Em) and Megan (Meg) Lieb, the senior author’s two daughters, who happily accompanied him on many crayfish sampling trips as children and later helped him collect C. emegi sp. nov. from sites in its Pennsylvania range. 

Common name.—We propose Enigma Crayfish as the common name.

David A. LIEB, Bronwyn W. WILLIAMS, David A. FOLTZ II and Zachary J. LOUGHMAN. 2026. Description of A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status.  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 [2026-07-29]

 facebook.com/WLUCrayfish/posts/1731022025695189 

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops ammachi, A. bella & A. sendenyu • Systematics, Molecular Phylogeny, Diversification, and Biogeography of Cascade Frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Amolops) from India: An Integrative Assessment with Description of Three New Species

 

 the Amolops marmoratus group from India

A, B. Amolops afghanus. C. Amolops ammachi sp. nov.. D–F. A. assamensis. G–I. Amolops bella sp. nov.. J–M. A. gerbillus. N, O. A. indoburmanensis; 

A. Amolops indoburmanensis haplo 1. 

C. A. cf. indoburmanensis sp. 1.  E. A. jaunsari. 

F, A. nepalicus. H. Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. 

Biju, Ellepola, Sarmah, Upadhyaya, Bisht, Tajo, Hanken & Garg, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3099/MCZ88.1

Photos: S. D. Biju.

 Abstract 

The Cascade Frog genus Amolops, currently comprising 95 described species, is a taxonomically challenging group of Asian frogs. Although the genus has been studied extensively across most of its range, the Indian members remain poorly understood, with sporadic species descriptions and no comprehensive taxonomic revision to date. Additionally, the current taxonomy of Amolops in India remains in flux; the true species diversity is potentially underestimated due to insufficient sampling efforts, misidentifications arising from limited investigations, and lack of a comprehensive comparative framework. In this study, we addressed these gaps through extensive sampling of Amolops across their range in India and by using an integrative morphological and molecular approach to investigate existing diversity. By using a multilocus data set of mitochondrial (16S, CO1, ND2) and nuclear (RAG1, TYR) markers, we present the first comprehensive Amolops phylogeny, including all known Indian species, which enables us to confidently establish species boundaries and infer evolutionary relationships. By assigning available names to well-supported lineages and testing multiple species-delimitation hypotheses, we identified a high level of undescribed cryptic diversity in the genus. Integrative analyses confirm three distinct unnamed lineages, which are formally described here as Amolops ammachi sp. nov., Amolops bella sp. nov., and Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. In addition, we report five new country records for India: three genetically conspecific with Amolops afghanus, Amolops nepalicus, and Amolops wangyali, and two shallowly divergent populations of A. medogensis and A. bellulus. Conversely, five nominal species do not represent distinct taxa and are here treated as junior subjective synonyms: Amolops chanakya synonym of Amolops wangyali; Amolops mahabharatensis synonym of Amolops jaunsari; Amolops senchalensis synonym of Amolops formosus; Amolops shillong synonym of Amolops assamensis; and Amolops terraorchis synonym of Amolops gerbillus. Molecular species delimitation reveals six additional candidate species from India; these lineages are left unnamed due to shallow divergence from established species and warrant further taxonomic investigation. Our time-calibrated phylogenetic analyses suggest that Amolops diversification began around the Eocene-Oligocene boundary, with a mean age of 31.5 Mya (median age: 32.5 Mya; 95% highest posterior density: 28.12–36.67 Mya). The most recent common ancestor (MRCA) of extant Amolops was widely distributed across Southeast China, mainland Southeast Asia, and the Malayan Peninsula during the early Oligocene. Through subsequent range contraction, subdivision, and jump dispersal, they spread into adjacent regions with dramatic rapid diversification toward the late Miocene. Biogeographic analyses suggest multiple waves of east-to-west colonization and highlight the role of early Himalayan uplift in mediating a complex “into-and-out-of-Himalaya” dynamic in structuring the contemporary distribution and high cryptic diversity in the genus. Mitochondrial haplotypes also show strong geographic structuring, indicating historical allopatric divergence by secondary contact among regions. These findings additionally improve our broader understanding of diversification and distribution patterns in this unique group.

KEYWORDS: Amphibia, Anura, cryptic diversity, evolutionary history, Integrative taxonomy, Himalayas, South and Southeast Asia, species delimitation, monticola Group, viridimaculatus Group, marmoratus Group, tadpole morphology

 

Dorsolateral views of species within the Amolops marmoratus group from India, in life.
A, B. A. afghanus (SDBDU 2023.6459 and SDBDU 2021.322, respectively). C. Amolops ammachi sp. nov. (ZSI A 16551). D–F. A. assamensis (SDBDU 2022.1100, SDBDU 2018.3843, and SDBDU 2025.6858, respectively). G–I. Amolops bella sp. nov. (SDBDU 2011.6959, SDBDU 2011.6913, and SDBDU 2011.6956, respectively). J–M. A. gerbillus (SDBDU 2024.6597, SDBDU 2024.6726, SDBDU 2021.1225, and SDBDU 2024.6598, respectively). N, O. A. indoburmanensis (SDBDU 2018.3870 and SDBDU 2022.5572, respectively). Photos: S. D. Biju.

Amolops ammachi sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named in honor of the late Ms. Padmini Varkey, a renowned social worker and philanthropist from Kerala, India. She is fondly referred to as “Ammachi,” meaning “mother” in Malayalam, the language of Kerala. Her unconditional love and readiness to help those in need were widely admired. The species epithet ammachi is a tribute to her life and spirit; it is treated as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Suggested Common Name. Ammachi's Cascade Frog.

Amolops bella sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet bella is from the Latin word bellus, meaning beautiful, and referring to the beauty of the frog. The species epithet is considered an invariable noun in apposition.

Suggested Common Name. Beautiful Cascade Frog.

Dorsolateral views of species within the Amolops marmoratus group from India, in life.
 A. A. indoburmanensis haplo 1 (SDBDU 2024.6670). B. A. indoburmanensis haplo 2, (SDBDU 2021.4629). C. A. cf. indoburmanensis sp. 1 (SDBDU 2009.140). D, E. A. jaunsari (SDBDU 2012.6991 and SDBDU 2012.153, respectively). F, G. A. nepalicus (SDBDU 2026.6929 and SDBDU 2026.6928, respectively). H. Amolops sendenyu sp. nov. (SDBDU 2024.5438). I–K. A. siju (SDBDU 2023.457, SDBDU 2022.1468, and SDBDU 2025.6832, respectively). L. A. yarlungzangbo (SDBDU 2022.6141). Photos: S. D. Biju.

Amolops sendenyu sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named after Sendenyu Village, Nagaland State, where the type series was collected. The species epithet is considered an invariable noun in apposition.

Suggested Common Name. Sendenyu Cascade Frog.

S. D. Biju, Gajaba Ellepola, A. N. Dikshit Akalabya Sarmah, Radhakrishna Upadhyaya, Karan Bisht, Tage Tajo, James Hanken and Sonali Garg. 2026. Systematics, Molecular Phylogeny, Diversification, and Biogeography of Cascade Frogs (Ranidae: Amolops) from India: An Integrative Assessment with Description of Three New Species. Bulletin of the Museum of Comparative Zoology. 164(1); 1-144. DOI: doi.org/10.3099/MCZ88.1 (11 August 2026)

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Lielaphis slashi • A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea

 Lielaphis slashi  

Huang, Austin, Bernstein, Iova, Roberts, Frederick & Ruane, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 

 

Abstract

The recently resurrected genus Lielaphis (Squamata: Colubridae) is comprised of 19 medium-sized, terrestrial snakes collectively regarded as groundsnakes. Although found primarily in New Guinea, a biologically megadiverse region with high conservation priorities, Lielaphis remain poorly studied due to their largely homogenous appearance, elusive nocturnal nature, limited records, and complex taxonomic history, leaving high potential for undescribed species still existing within this group. Using high-throughput sequence data of 12 previously described species of Lielaphis and representatives of its sister taxon, Stegonotus, we apply an integrative approach combining genetic analyses with morphological examinations using vouchered specimens to explore the cryptic diversity of Lielaphis. We place particular emphasis on populations occurring on and adjacent to mainland New Guinea. We identify both molecular and morphological evidence for a new species, Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. from the northeastern lowlands of mainland New Guinea, bringing the number of Lielaphis species to 20, along with a potential range extension of L. aplini. Despite the recent resurgence of interest in New Guinea’s snake diversity, our findings highlight persistent knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive taxonomic studies of the speciose New Guinea herpetofauna.

Reptilia, Morphology, phylogenetics, Serpentes, systematics, taxonomy

Photographs of holotype Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. LSUMZ92332
showing dorsum (A), venter (B), ventral and dorsal sides of head (C), and right and left lateral sides of head (D).

Black bars equal to 100 mm in (A) and (B), and equal to 10 mm in (C) and (D).

Photographs from T. Huang.

 Life photo of a juvenile  Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. (LSUMZ 97666, paratype).

Photograph from C. C. Austin.

Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. 

Slash’s groundsnake

Diagnosis. A new species of Lielaphis that can be diagnosed from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: a reddish-brown unpatterned dorsum with an unmarked white or cream venter that may be barely darker towards the subcaudal scales, 17 scale rows at midbody, absence of apical pits, 165−181 ventral scales and 83−107 divided subcaudal scales, two preocular scales, two postocular scales, eight to nine (primarily eight) supralabial scales, eight to ten (primarily ten) infralabial scales, supralabial and infralabial scales cream to light tan, supralabials darker, infralabials may be slightly mottled anteriorly. 

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym to honor Mr. Saul Hudson, known popularly and professionally as the musician “Slash,” in recognition for his life-long support of museums and zoos, and especially for his love of snakes. Slash has frequently promoted and acted as an advocate for snakes across various media outlets over many years. Senior author SR also credits much of her scientific writing as having occurred while listening to Slash’s music, including that of Slash’s Snakepit, Guns N’ Roses, and Velvet Revolver

TIANQI HUANG, CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN, JUSTIN M. BERNSTEIN, BULISA IOVA, JACKSON R. ROBERTS, JEFFREY H. FREDERICK and SARA RUANE. 2026. A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5866(2); 305-319. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 [2026-08-11]

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

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., 

 

in Kantachot et Chantaranothai, 2026.

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

Lepidagathis argentea Kantachot & Chantar., sp. nov.

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

[Paleontology • 2026] Pygocephalus brymboensis • A New pygocephalomorph Crustacean from the Brymbo Fossil Forest (Moscovian), North Wales, UK and A Reassessment of the Genus Pygocephalus

Pygocephalus brymboensis 

Astrop, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2699904

Abstract

The genus Pygocephalus was one of the first groups of eumalacostracan Crustacea to explore and adapt to the new and dynamic freshwater systems created by the Earth’s earliest established rainforest in the Carboniferous. Characterized by a flattened body with a distinct carapace covering the thorax and well-developed pleon, Pygocephalus is regularly recovered from what were the braided rivers of the Carbonifeorus forests of Europe and North America. In this paper a new species of Pygocephalus, Pygocephalus brymboensis sp. nov., is described from the Moscovian of North Wales, primarily distinguished by a carapace that is slightly broader than long, a rostrum equal in length to the carapace and a unique pleural morphology. This study explores the position of P. brymboensis within Pygocephalomorpha and investigates the use of non-carapace-based morphometry as a tool for exploring morphological relationships between related taxa. The description of this species and exploration of the taxonomic history of the genus highlights the need for close examination of historical collections for the identification of subtle morphological differences, particularly in collections primarily amalgamated from multiple geographically disparate ex situ localities.

 

Keywords: Carboniferous, Crustacea, fossil forest, Pygocephalus

Systematic palaeontology

Class Malacostraca Latreille, 1802

Subclass Eumalacostraca Grobben, 1892

Order Pygocephalomorpha Beurlen, 1930

Family Pygocephalidae Brooks, 1962

Genus Pygocephalus Huxley, 1857

Type species. Pygocephalus cooperi Huxley, 1857

Other included species. Pygocephalus aisenvergi (Birshteyn, 1967); Pygocephalus dubius (Prestwich, 1840); Pygocephalus brymboensis (this study)

Diagnosis (after Schram, 1979). Carapace without hepatic spines. Females with oostegites and seminal receptacle. Telson narrows posteriorly in two abrupt steps with furcal lobes at each narrowing.

 Top: Pygocephalus brymboensis holotype BB0366 (NMW) from the Bashkirian (Brymbo, Denbighshire Coalfield) of North Wales (part and counterpart). Bottom: Inferred anatomy.

Abbreviations: Ant1, remnants of first antenna; Ant2, distal flagelliform part of 2nd antenna; B, branchial region of carapace; Ba, basis; Bc, brancial chamber; Ca, carpus; Co, coxa; cvg, cervical groove; D, remains of the digestive tract; Gntbs, gnathobase; Gs, gastric spine; H, hepatic region of the carapace; Im, ischiomerus; Mxpd, remnants of maxipilleds; Pr, propodus; Prpd, pereopod; R, rostrum; S, scaphocerite, Tel, telson; TelL, telson lobe; TelS, telson spine; U, uropod; 1–5, antennal segments; VII–XII, thoracic sternites. Dashed line = inferred reconstruction of carapace margin. 

Scale bar = 10 mm. Original image reproduced with permission of Peter Appleton.

 Artistic reconstruction of Pygocephalus brymboensis

(credit: William Norris). 

Scale bar = 5 mm.

Pygocephalus brymboensis sp. nov.

Derivation of name. From Brymbo, the Welsh village in which the host deposit resides.

 

Tim Astrop. 2026. A New pygocephalomorph Crustacean from the Brymbo Fossil Forest (Moscovian), North Wales, UK and A Reassessment of the Genus Pygocephalus. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(2); 2699904. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2699904 [03 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Atrostemma mexicanum (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae: Gonolobinae) • A New Species and First Record of the Genus Atrostemma in Mexico

 

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado & Rodríguez-Gómez,  

in Martínez-Domínguez, Rodríguez-Gómez, Alvarado-Cárdenas, Díaz-Mota et Pío-Léon, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2640 

  x.com/LiliMtzD

Abstract

Background and Aims: The genus Atrostemma (Apocynaceae) includes 10 climbing plant species of subtribe Gonolobinae, which are distributed from Guatemala to Brazil. This paper describes a new species of Atrostemma for the state of Veracruz, Mexico; this is also the first record of the genus for the country.

Methods: The new species was discovered during botanical expeditions in the municipality of Emiliano Zapata, Veracruz, from December 2025 to June 2026. The taxonomic identification was carried out by reviewing specialized literature and consulting type specimens available online. Its conservation status was assessed according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Key results: Atrostemma mexicanum sp. nov. is endemic to Veracruz, Mexico, and grows in riparian vegetation similar to subtropical evergreen forest and in transition zones between oak forest and tropical deciduous forest, at elevations above 700 m. It is distinguished from the other Atrostemma species of Central America (A. glaberrimum, A. hadrostemmum, and A. hammelii) by its shorter calyx lobes, as well as differences in indumentum and the length of the gynostegium stipite. A record on iNaturalist suggests the presence of a second population between the municipalities of Córdoba and Orizaba, Veracruz. However, it could not be physically located despite explorations in the area where the record was made. Due to its restricted distribution and highly fragmented habitat, it is proposed that the new species be listed as Critically Endangered (CR).

Conclusions: The number of known species in the genus increases to 11 and it is the first species recorded in Mexico, which extends its northern range. This study highlights the importance of continuing botanical and conservation explorations of ecosystems, even when these are already fragmented.

Keywords: flora of Veracruz, iNaturalist, oak forest, tropical deciduous forest, tropical subdeciduous forest

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez 

(A-C) Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez 
 (D-F) Atrostemma hadrostemmum (W.D.Stevens) Morillo 

Atrostemma mexicanum Pío-León, Mart.-Domínguez, L.O.Alvarado, Rodríguez-Gómez sp. nov.

Atrostemma mexicanum differs from its Mesoamerican congeners by having shorter calyx lobes. This species is most similar to Atrostemma glaberrimum, but can be distinguished by having glandular trichomes and a stipitate gynostegium

Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Carlos J. Rodríguez-Gómez, Leonardo O. Alvarado-Cárdenas, Sarahí Díaz-Mota and Juan Fernando Pío-Léon. 2026. A New Species and first record of the Genus Atrostemma (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae, Gonolobinae) in Mexico. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 133; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm133.2026.2640 [2026-08-12]

  x.com/LiliMtzD/status/2087921768505753787 

[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] Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae) • A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India

 

Rubus kashmiricus   

in Sofi, Khuroo, Lateef, Moochi et Wani, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 

  x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir

 

Abstract

Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), is described here as a new species from the Kashmir Himalaya, India. The species is distinct from its closely allied species R. niveus in possessing pedately-pinnate leaves on primocanes, 7–9-foliate with an obovate terminal leaflet, inflorescence paniculiform, flower larger (13–20 mm diam.), sepals reflexed at or after anthesis, petals spreading and non-overlapping, nearly equal in length to the sepals, stamens shorter than petals as well as carpels, ovary glabrous with a few hairs only at apex and fruit comprising 1–4 drupelets. Detailed photographic illustrations and comparison of its diagnostic characters with the allied taxa are provided to aid accurate identification.

Eudicots, Rosales, Species discovery, Systematic, Taxonomy

  

SAMEER A. SOFI, ANZAR AHMAD KHUROO, SHAGUFTA LATEEF, SHAKIR A. MOOCHI, AIJAZ A. WANI. 2026. Rubus kashmiricus (Rosaceae), A New Species from Kashmir Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 770(1); 20-28. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.770.1.2 [2026-08-14] 

 x.com/Khuroo_Kashmir/status/2088089468213530826