[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

[Botany • 2026] Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New, unusual Species from the Philippines

 

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda, 

in Brillo, Cabactulan et Rodda. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6  

  facebook.com/groups/philippineplants

 

Abstract

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from the Philippines is described. When sterile, it resembles several species of Hoya section Acanthostemma, but its flowers make it readily distinguishable by its rotate corolla with a narrowly campanulate tube and free-spreading lobes and triangular-ovate corona lobes. No other species in the genus exhibits this unique combination of characters. The species was originally collected from the wild in Samar Island and subsequently widely distributed in cultivation under the informal name Hoya sp. Samar GN 0003 and Hoya sp. “Yellow Sapphire”; it is herein formally published after nearly seven years of horticultural circulation.

Eudicots, endemic, new species, Samar, taxonomy

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov.

SAMUEL C. BRILLO, DEREK D. CABACTULAN and MICHELE RODDA. 2026. Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae): A New, Unusual Species from the Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 769(3); 287-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6 [2026-08-13] 

 facebook.com/groups/philippineplants/permalink/28049135471405087

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Parastylephorus anatoides • A New fossil from the Eocene of Iran provides new insights regarding the evolution of the morphologically bizarre tube-eye fish

 

Parastylephorus anatoides 

Ridolfi, Schrøder, Bahrami, Yazdi, Roa-Varón, Marramà & Carnevale, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70114

Artwork by Lucrezia Bonardo

Abstract

Stylephoriformes are a morphologically bizarre lineage of deep-sea fishes, currently represented by a single extant species, Stylephorus chordatus, the so-called tube-eye fish. The phylogenetic relationships of the Stylephoriformes were extensively debated until recent genomic studies proposed a sister-group relationship with the Gadiformes. The tube-eye fish exhibits a suite of highly derived features, including extreme cranial kinesis, a pipette-like oral apparatus specialized for suction feeding, and an elongate, naked ribbon-like body lacking scales. The evolutionary origin of these unique traits is largely unknown, in part due to the complete absence of a fossil record. Here, we describe the first-known fossil of the order Stylephoriformes, from Bartonian (c. 40 Ma) sediments of the Pabdeh Formation, Iran. On the basis of several unique morphological features (edentulous premaxillae and dentary, moderately enlarged pterygoid elements, reduced opercle, elongate ribbon-like body comprising more than 63 vertebrae, eight pectoral-fin rays, absence of basipterygia, and the presence of a complete series of well-developed lateral-line scales) the specimen is assigned to a new genus and species: Parastylephorus anatoides. The fossil exhibits a body physiognomy, oral apparatus and cranial architecture remarkably similar to those of the extant tube-eye, with the most derived features already present and closely comparable in morphology. This suggests that the new fossil represents a good example of long-term morphological stasis among marine teleosts, documenting the persistence of a highly specialized body plan for more than 40 myr.

Keywords: Parastylephorus anatoides, Bartonian, Iran, Pabdeh Formation, Paracanthopterygii

Parastylephorus anatoides gen. et sp. nov., holotype, IUGM 100897, from the Eocene of Babaheydar (Iran). Scale bar represents 10 mm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Order STYLEPHORIFORMES sensu Miya et al. 2007

Family STYLEPHORIDAE Swainson 1839

Genus Parastylephorus nov.

 

Derivation of name: The genus name is derived from the Greek prefix para- (παρά), meaning ‘near’, combined with Stylephorus, the name of the only currently recognized stylephoriform genus. The name reflects the shared morphological characteristics with Stylephorus.

 

Remarks: As discussed above, the Stylephoriformes are a lineage currently represented by a single extant species, Stylephorus chordatus, which possesses a number of highly derived anatomical features, including a strongly modified buccal apparatus, extremely reduced first two vertebral centra, and a continuous dorsal fin along the entire dorsal margin of the body. The body plan of Parastylephorus gen. nov. closely resembles that of Stylephorus, although it has a set of distinctive traits. These include the maxilla with a well-developed posterior process, the expanded metapterygoid and ectopterygoid, and the reduced size of the opercular bones. In addition, Parastylephorus gen. nov. possesses body squamation, consisting of thin and delicate lateral-line scales, which are completely absent in Stylephorus.

Parastylephorus anatoides sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The name is derived from the Latin word Anas, meaning ‘duck’, and the Greek suffix -oides (-οειδής) meaning ‘resembling’ or ‘having the form of’.

Holotype: IUGM 100897 a partially preserved specimen on a single plate 

 

Artistic reconstruction of Parastylephorus anatoides gen. et sp. nov. 

Note that the tubular eyes are based on the condition characteristic of the extant Stylephorus chordatus. 

Artwork by Lucrezia Bonardo.

Lorenzo Ridolfi, Ane Elise Schrøder, Ali Bahrami, Mehdi Yazdi, Adela Roa-Varón, Giuseppe Marramà and Giorgio Carnevale. 2026. A New fossil from the Eocene of Iran provides new insights regarding the evolution of the morphologically bizarre tube-eye fish. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70114 [11 August 2026]

[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] 

[Herpetology • 2026] Boulenophrys calciphila • A New Species of Boulenophrys Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2016 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Karst Landscapes in northern Guangdong, China

 

Boulenophrys calciphila Zeng, Wang, Qi, Song, Lyu & Wang,

in Zeng, J. Wang, Qi, Song, Cai, Zhu, Lin, Li, Zhou, H.-C. Yang, Lyu, Y.-P. Yang et Y.-Y. Wang. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e202590

Abstract

Karst landscapes across southern China represent global hotspots for vertebrate diversity and endemism, yet amphibian diversity within such habitats remains insufficiently documented. Herein, we describe Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov., a new species discovered from fragmented karst hills in northern Guangdong Province, China, extending the documented habitat spectrum of the genus in Guangdong to limestone karst terrain. Detailed morphological comparisons coupled with phylogenetic analyses validate its taxonomic distinctness from all known congeners. This new discovery aligns with ongoing records of range-restricted anuran species uncovered from southern Chinese karst formations, reinforcing karst ecosystems as important reservoirs of amphibian diversity. Our results demonstrate that amphibian diversity within poorly-explored karst regions of northern Guangdong is substantially underestimated and call for focused conservation actions to safeguard these microendemic taxa and their unique evolutionary lineages.

Key Words: Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov., conservation priority, karst habitat, micro-endemism, taxonomy

Life aspect of Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov.
 the male holotype (GEP a596): lateral view (A1), dorsal view (A2), ventral view (A3), ventral view of hand (A4), ventral view of foot (A5);
and the female paratype (GEP a594): lateral view (B1), dorsal view (B2), ventral view (B3), ventral view of hand (B4), ventral view of foot (B5).

Photo by Zhao-Chi Zeng.

Boulenophrys calciphila Zeng, Wang, Qi, Song, Lyu & Wang, sp. nov.

 

Common name. Limestone Horned Toad (in English) 

 huī yán jiǎo chán (灰岩角蟾 in Chinese).

Diagnosis. (1) Moderate size (SVL 49.7–52.7 mm in two adult males, 56.3–59.2 mm in five adult females); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin smooth with sparse granules, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on centre of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a prominent horn-like ...

Etymology. The specific epithet calciphila combines the Latin calx, genitive calcis (limestone) with the Greek φίλος (phílos) (= loving), in reference to the association of this species with limestone karst habitats.

 Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yao-Yu Cai, Yun-Sheng Zhu, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Dan-Yang Zhou, Hao-Cong Yang, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Yi-Ping Yang and Ying-Yong Wang. 2026. A New Species of Boulenophrys Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2016 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Karst Landscapes in northern Guangdong, China. Herpetozoa. 39: 291-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e202590 [12-08-2026]

[Paleontology • 2019] Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis • A New freshwater teleosaurid (Thalattosuchia: Teleosauridae) from the Jurassic of northeastern Thailand

Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis

Martin, S. Suteethorn, Lauprasert, Tong, Buffetaut, Liard, Salaviale, Deesri, V. Suteethorn & Claude, 2019

อินโดไซโนซูคัส โปเตโมสยามเอนซิส  || DOI: 10.1080/02724634.2018.1549059 

 Artwork by Kmonvish Lawan

 

ABSTRACT

The core of the fossil record of Teleosauridae, a family of thalattosuchian crocodylomorphs, is well known from western Tethyan marine deposits of the Jurassic. Outside this province, their fossil record is patchy and in need of revision, with specimens from Russia, Madagascar, and Asia. Peipehsuchus teleorhinus is known from the Early or Middle Jurassic of China and teleosaurid specimens have been mentioned or preliminarily described from two Jurassic localities in Thailand, yet they were not assigned to a given taxon. Thanks to recent field work, at least 10 individuals represented by cranial material were excavated and prepared from a single Jurassic locality known as Phu Noi in the lower Phu Kradung Formation of northeastern Thailand. Here, we describe these specimens, together with disarticulated postcranial elements, and erect a new taxon, Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis, gen. et sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the teleosaurid affinities of the new species, which does not form an exclusive clade with the Chinese teleosaurid Peipehsuchus teleorhinus. The presence of teleosaurids at Phu Noi and a preliminary account of its faunal content favor a Middle to Late Jurassic age for the fossil-bearing horizon. In contrast, Cretaceous deposits in Thailand are characterized by goniopholidids and pholidosaurids, indicating a faunal turnover in Southeast Asia across the Jurassic–Cretaceous. As previously shown by isotope data, the new teleosaurid species was a resident of the freshwater environment and co-occurs with remains of exclusively terrestrial taxa such as sauropod, ornithopod, and theropod dinosaurs and freshwater tetrapods such as turtles and temnospondyls.

Indosinosuchus potamosiamensis, gen. et sp. nov.

 Jeremy E. Martin, Suravech Suteethorn, Komsorn Lauprasert, Haiyan Tong, Eric Buffetaut, Romain Liard, Celine Salaviale, Uthumporn Deesri, Varavudh Suteethorn and Julien Claude. 2019. A New freshwater teleosaurid from the Jurassic of northeastern Thailand. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. 64 (2): 239–260. e1549059. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2018.1549059  [27 Feb 2019]

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