[Botany • 2026] Petalidium matupaense (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Angola

 

Petalidium matupaense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk,

in Swanepoel et van Wyk, 2026.   

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.784.2.4 

Abstract

Petalidium matupaense, first collected in May 2019, is here described as a new species. It is a range-restricted species, only known from the mountainous region bordering the Cunene River in southwestern Angola in the Kaokoveld Centre of Endemism. The species grows amongst boulders on hillsides of the Kunene Igneous Complex, along ephemeral riverbeds and in intermontane valleys. Diagnostic characters for P. matupaense include its slender stems and the dense white indumentum of mainly short-stalked dendritic trichomes on the vegetative parts (glabrescent with age) and inflorescences, giving a matted appearance. The flowers are distinctive in having all lobes similarly coloured adaxially, carmine, peach, vermillion (orange-red), or mauve, the anterior lobe with two yellow narrowly triangular nectar guides, and all lobes discolorous in being abaxially paler or cream-brown. A comparison of key morphological features distinguishing Petalidium matupaense from P. cirrhiferum and P. sebrabergense, its morphologically most similar relatives, is provided. Based on IUCN Red List criteria, the species is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN).

Eudicots, Cunene Province, endemism, Kunene Anorthosite Complex, Oncocua, Ruellieae, Serra Matupa, taxonomy, ultramafic rocks, Zebra Mountains

Petalidium matupaense.
A, B. Flowering shoots with foliaceous bracts, bracteoles and flowers; axes and bracts densely clothed in a white, matted indumentum. C. Mature foliage leaves becoming glabrescent and appearing greenish in contrast to the dense whitish indumentum of a flowering shoot bearing foliaceous bracts and persistent bracteoles.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium matupaense. Morphology of flowers.
A–C. Flowers in front view. Colour of corolla lobes varies adaxially: carmine, peach, vermillion (orange-red), or mauve. D. Flower with bracteole in side view. Corolla lobes abaxially paler or cream-brown. E. Flower and bracteoles viewed from below. F. Flower in oblique side view, with leaves, foliaceous bracts, and bracteoles; note dense white indumentum of leaves and bracts.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium matupaense. Habitat and habit.
A. Dwarf shrub ca. 900 mm tall with long, slender stems. B. Dwarf shrub with flowers ca. 700 mm tall, growing among dark leucotroctolite rocks in a seasonal drainage line; distal flower-bearing stem portions with foliaceous bracts and appear white due to a dense, matted indumentum consisting predominantly of short-stalked dendritic trichomes. C. Dwarf shrub ca. 700 mm tall with mostly older glabrescent leaves, growing in whitish anorthosite-derived soil.

Photographs by W. Swanepoel.

Petalidium matupaense Swanepoel & A.E.van Wyk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—A woody dwarf shrub up to 1.2 m tall, morphologically most similar to Petalidium cirrhiferum and P. sebrabergense, differing by having the indumentum on new vegetative growth and inflorescences similar, matted (vs. indumentum on vegetative parts and inflorescences dissimilar [P. cirrhiferum & P. sebrabergense], matted or floccose [P. cirrhiferum], scattered [P. sebrabergense]), mainly consisting of dendritic trichomes (P. matupaense & P. cirrhiferum) (vs. mainly consisting of stalked glandular trichomes [P. sebrabergense]); bracteoles with all dendritic trichomes short-stalked, not visible to the naked eye (vs. some very long-stalked, up to 5 mm long, clearly visible to the naked eye [P. cirrhiferum]); flowers with corolla lobes adaxially carmine, peach, vermillion (orangered) or mauve (vs. heliotrope, magenta or purple-red [P. cirrhiferum], lilac or mauve [P. sebrabergense]).

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to Serra Matupa [Matupa Mountain] in southwestern Angola, which is the type locality. 

WESSEL SWANEPOEL and ABRAHAM E. VAN WYK. 2026. Petalidium matupaense (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Angola. Phytotaxa. 784(2); 188-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.784.2.4 [2026-11-12]

[Entomology • 2025] Qrocodiledundee thailantis • Expansion of the distributional range of Qrocodiledundee Fernández-Triana (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with the Description of A New Species in the Oriental Region using an Integrative Taxonomy Approach

Qrocodiledundee thailantis Ghafouri Moghaddam & Butcher,  

in Ghafouri Moghaddam, Quicke, Arias-Penna, Jasso-Martínez, Latibari, Liu et Butcher, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2025.978354 

Abstract

Qrocodiledundee Fernández-Triana is a recently described genus of microgastrine braconid wasp (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) with only one known Australasian species to date. Here, we describe and illustrate a second species, Q. thailantis Ghafouri Moghaddam & Butcher sp. n., from Thailand, which represents the first report of the genus in the Oriental region. An illustrated identification key is provided to separate the two known species of the genus. Additionally, Q. outbackense Fernández-Triana & Boudreault is redescribed. The possible biology and the distinctive morphological characters of Qrocodiledundee are discussed. We also provide the first DNA barcode for the genus Qrocodiledundee and present separate COI analyses based on two different programs (IQ-TREE and RAxML), to assess its possible relationship with other microgastrine genera. Additionally, we conduct another analysis that includes COI sequences from 62 Microgastrinae genera, combined with a mitogenome protein-coding gene (PCG) dataset from other available genera. This dataset comprises 12 genes, including those encoding ATP synthase membrane subunits 6 and 8 (ATP6, ATP8), cytochrome c oxidase subunits I to III (COI–COIII), cytochrome b (cytb), and NADH dehydrogenase subunits 1 to 6 (ND1–ND6), totaling 12,441 bp. This approach provides a well-supported phylogenetic backbone to clarify the placement of Qrocodiledundee among other genera. Our results showed that Qrocodiledundee is grouped with some genera within the Apanteles group (Apanteles Foerster, Illidops Mason, Parapanteles Ashmead, Rhygoplitis Mason), with support values ranging from strong to moderate. No relationship was found with three putatively closely related genera (Carlmuesebeckius Fernández-Triana, Ohenri Fernández-Triana, and Sathon Mason). A concise discussion of selected genera within Microgastrinae is presented, based on the topologies obtained from the maximum likelihood analyses.

KEYWORDS: autapomorphy, DNA barcoding, flat mesosoma, mitogenome, propodeal projections, tropics

Qrocodiledundee thailantis Ghafouri Moghaddam & Butcher sp. n., holotype male (CUMZ).
A. Habitus, lateral view. B. Wings. C–E. Head. – C. Frontal view. D. Lateral view. E. Dorsal view. F. Mesoscutum and mesoscutellum, dorsal view. G. Mesoscutellum, lunula, metanotum, and propodeum, dorsal view. H. T1–T3, dorsal view. I. Mesosoma, lateral view. J. Metasoma, metacoxa, and hypopygium, lateral view. K. Tip of metasoma, lateral view. Yellow arrow = propodeal projection.

Abbreviations: PL = propodeal projection maximum length, PWA = propodeal projection maximum width at anterior margin, PWP = propodeal projection maximum width at posterior margin.

 Qrocodiledundee thailantis Ghafouri Moghaddam & Butcher sp. n.

Diagnosis: Body almost entirely black; gena not bulging behind eyes; mesoscutum with distinct punctures throughout, interspaces slightly wavy/lacunose; mesoscutellum and most of mesopleuron with distinct punctation; propodeum with an incomplete short median longitudinal carina defined only on anterior 0.3, followed by a large/deep carinated depression, anteriorly narrow but widening posteriorly; T1 strongly punctate-rugose but medially with a complete narrow longitudinal band of transverse rugae, T1 with posterior corners curved; T2 entirely covered with strong longitudinal striae; T4+ smooth with weak and minute punctures.

Etymology: The specific epithet combines two words: Thai, referring to Thailand, the place where the specimen was collected, and lanthis, which comes from the Greek word Atlantis meaning Island of Atlas, the mythical sunken island mentioned in the Timaeus and Critias of PLATO's dialogues. Thus, thailantis refers to a species that was previously unknown or hidden, waiting to be discovered, like a lost civilization. The name is a noun in apposition and the gender is neuter. It should be noted that all species names within the subfamily Microgastrinae were checked to avoid assigning a duplicate name (Ghafouri Moghaddam et al. 2023).

Mostafa Ghafouri Moghaddam, Donald L. J. Quicke, Diana Carolina Arias-Penna, Jovana M. Jasso-Martínez, Minoo Heidari Latibari, Zhen Liu and Buntika A. Butcher. 2025. Expansion of the distributional range of Qrocodiledundee Fernández-Triana (Hymenoptera: Braconidae: Microgastrinae), with the Description of A New Species in the Oriental Region using an Integrative Taxonomy Approach. Integrative Systematics: Stuttgart Contributions to Natural History. 8(1):11-34. DOI: doi.org/10.18476/2025.978354 [30 June 2025]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus merubetiriensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Meru Betiri National Park highlights hidden diversity of Javan bent-toed geckos

 

Cyrtodactylus merubetiriensis

Fauzi, Widodo, Efendi, Rohman, Racho, Herlambang, Sidik, Hamidy, Abinawanto & Riyanto, 2026

Merubetiri’s Bent-toed Gecko | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5884.1.2 

cecak jarilengkung Meru Betiri | instagram.com/mzbherpetologi

Abstract

A new species of bent-toed gecko in the genus Cyrtodactylus Gray is described from Meru Betiri National Park, East Java, Indonesia, that belongs to the C. sadleiri complex within the C. darmandvillei species group. It is a medium-sized (SVL) species with adult males reaching 73.1 mm and females 71.6 mm; tubercles absent on upper arm, present on lower arm and along the ventrolateral fold; dorsal scales of upper arm keeled; 20–22 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; 30–34 paravertebral tubercles series; 32–40 ventral scale rows across belly; precloacal groove present with the enlarged pore-bearing scales arranged in the shape of an inverse ‘Y’ with the groove broadening posteriorly; males with 37–46 precloacofemoral pores; enlarged femoral and precloacal scales arranged in a continuous series; abrupt transition between the enlarged femorals and the adjacent scales on the posterior margin of the thigh; subequal median subcaudal scales not transversely enlarged. The new species is genetically divergent from the other Javan congeners of the C. darmandvillei group with genetic divergences (p-distances) ranging from 11.6–14.6% for the mitochondrial ND2 gene.

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus, hidden diversity, Meru Betiri, new species, Java

Cyrtodactylus merubetiriensis

Muhammad Alif FAUZI, Wiwied WIDODO, Ketut EFENDI, ROHMAN, Asrael RACHO, Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Irvan SIDIK, Amir HAMIDY, ABINAWANTO and Awal RIYANTO. 2026. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Meru Betiri National Park highlights hidden diversity of Javan bent-toed geckos.  Zootaxa. 5884(4); 48-72. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5884.1.2 [2026-09-25]

 instagram.com/mzbherpetologi/p/DdtjM0QjyNT 

[Paleontology• 2026] Microcorona girodi • A new basal balanomorph cirripede (Thoracica: Brachylepadidae) from the Upper Cretaceous and its bearing on the evolutionary origins of the group

Microcorona girodi

Gale & Jagt, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.24425/agp.2026.158182

A tiny, sessile brachylepadid barnacle, Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov., is described from lower and upper Campanian chalks of the Hannover area (northern Germany) and upper Maastrichtian biocalcarenites of southern Limburg (the Netherlands). The new taxon possesses a fused wall, comprising a rostrum, a carina, paired marginal plates and surrounding imbricating plates; an upper latus is absent. Cladistic analysis supports the interpretation that the new taxon is a sister group to all post-Mesozoic balanomorph barnacles (Neobalanomorpha). In the Hannover area, the new brachylepadid encrusted brachiopod shells, echinoid tests and serpulid tubes in a deep water (>200 m) habitat. The single specimen from the upper Maastrichtian of the southern Netherlands was bioimmured by an exogyrine oyster in a shallow-water (<50 m) setting, thus demonstrating that early balanomorphs were able to occupy a wide range of habitats. 

Key words: Cirripedia; Balanomorpha; Chalks; Biocalcarenites; Germany; The Netherlands.

Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov.,
holotype (MB.A.6823, leg. P. Girod), from the lower Campanian senonensis Zone, Alemania Quarry, Höver (Hannover area, Germany); collections of Museum für Naturkunde, Berlin.
Photographs: A – apical view; B – lateral view; C – dorsal view; D – oblique ventral view. E–H – interpretative drawings.
I – paratype (NHMM JJ 2451), bioimmured by a large exogyrine oyster, showing paired opercular plates, scutum (s) and tergum (t) which are slightly displaced, upper Maastrichtian (Maastricht Formation, Meerssen Member, base of subunit IVf-3), former Blom quarry, Berg en Terblijt, southern Limburg, the Netherlands. J – drawing of external surface of opercular plates. K, L – reconstruction, in lateral (K) and apical views (L). 

Scale bars equal 0.5 mm (A–H) and 1 mm (I).

Order Balanomorpha Pilsbry, 1916 

Family Brachylepadidae Woodward, 1901

Microcorona gen. nov. 

Type species: Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov. 

DIAGNOSIS: Tiny (R-C < 2 mm), low, oval-subrhombic shell made up of fused carina, two marginal plates and rostrum. The carina overlaps the marginal plates, which in turn overlap the rostrum. Two or three tiers of triangular-rectangular imbricating plates, fused to wall. Scutum triangular, elongated, tergum short, equilaterally triangular. Upper latus absent. 

DERIVATION OF NAME: Latin micro-, meaning tiny, and corona meaning crown, in allusion to the size and shape of the shell. 

REMARKS: Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov. possibly evolved from Epibrachylepas or a closely related genus by the development of imbricate articulations between the marginals, carina and rostrum, and fusion of these plates, plus the surrounding imbricating plates. In the opercular valves, the upper latus was lost. 

Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov.

Derivation of name: Named after Dr. Peter Girod (Berlin), who collected the holotype and presented this to the Museum für Naturkunde (Leibniz Institut, Berlin).

Andrew Scott GALE, and John W.M. JAGT. 2026. A new basal balanomorph cirripede (Thoracica, Brachylepadidae) from the Upper Cretaceous and its bearing on the evolutionary origins of the group. Acta Geologica Polonica. 76(1), e68. DOI: doi.org/10.24425/agp.2026.158182

[Paleontology • 2026] Nyana rooiwalensis • South Africa's Earliest near-complete Sauropodomorph Dinosaur Skull from the Late Triassic of the Eastern Cape Province

 

Nyana rooiwalensis

Moopen, Botha, Benson, Chapelle, Barrett, Dollman & Choiniere, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261002 

  x.com/PalaeoCrumpet 

Abstract

Triassic sauropodomorph cranial material is known primarily from Argentina, Brazil and Europe and is sparsely distributed across the phylogenetic tree. In southern Africa, only two Late Triassic taxa preserve cranial elements, Mbiresaurus and Kholumolumo, both represented by limited material. Here we describe Nyana rooiwalensis, a new early-branching sauropodomorph from the Upper Triassic lower Elliot Formation of South Africa, represented by the first well-preserved, near-complete skull to be recovered from the unit. The holotype comprises the braincase, palate, the hyoid apparatus and scleral rings, as well as associated postcranial elements. Body mass estimates predict Nyana was approximately 400 kg yet osteohistological analyses show at most two lines of arrested growth and a crenulated periosteal surface, indicating an early ontogenetic stage. These observations support the early evolution of rapid growth in Sauropodomorpha, foreshadowing the evolution of sauropod gigantism. Phylogenetic analyses place Nyana as the sister taxon to either the North American Sarahsaurus or the South African Ngwevu and is recovered as either an early-branching massopodan or nested within Massospondylidae. The exceptional preservation, early ontogenetic stage and phylogenetic position of Nyana provide critical insights into cranial evolution, postural and locomotory behaviours, body mass and growth dynamics during the early diversification of Sauropodomorpha.

Keywords: Sauropodomorpha, lower Elliot Formation, Norian–Rhaetian, cranial anatomy, osteohistology

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842  

Saurischia Seeley, 1888  

Sauropodomorpha von Huene, 1932  

Photographs of the skull of Nyana rooiwalensis.
 (a) Dorsal, (b) left lateral and (c) ventral views. Scale bar = 5 cm.

Reconstructed skull of Nyana rooiwalensis. (a) Right lateral and (b) left lateral views.

Abbreviations: a, angular; ana, atlantal neural arch; aof, antorbital fenestra; ati, atlantal intercentrum; bo, basioccipital; cb, ceratobranchial; co, coronoid; d, dentary; fr, frontal; j, jugal; hy, hyoid; itf, infratemporal fenestra; j, jugal; la, lacrimal; mf, mandibular fenestra; mx, maxilla; obt, orbit; otc, otoccipital; pa, parietal; pat, proatlas; pl, palatine; po, postorbital; pra, prearticular; pt, pterygoid; q, quadrate; sa, surangular; sp, splenial; sq, squamosal. Scale bar = 25 mm.

Nyana rooiwalensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. From Xhosa and Sesotho, ‘nyana’ means son or reference to a child (Xhosa), and small or little (Sesotho), in reference to its early ontogenetic stage but comparably large body size. The specific name is in reference to Rooiwal, Eastern Cape Tribal Administrative Area 17, in which the fossil site is located.

Diagnosis. Nyana rooiwalensis differs from all other sauropodomorphs on the basis of a unique character combination and three autapomorphies (the latter indicated by ‘*’): at least 23 alveoli in the maxilla; the ascending ramus of the maxilla extends at a 40° angle from its long axis*; the postorbital is mediolaterally thickened with straight rami*; the supratemporal fossa is well-developed and expansive, encroaching on the posterior margin of the frontal; the quadrate ramus of the squamosal extends near vertically; a foramen is present on the posteromedial surface of the jugomaxillary ramus of the palatine*; the orbitosphenoid is ‘C’-shaped with an anteroposteriorly long ...

Atashni Moopen; Jennifer Botha; Roger Benson; Kimberley E. J. Chapelle; Paul M. Barrett; Kathleen Dollman and Jonah N. Choiniere. 2026. Nyana rooiwalensis: South Africa's Earliest near-complete Sauropodomorph Dinosaur Skull from the Late Triassic of the Eastern Cape Province. R. Soc. Open Sci. 13 (11): 261002. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261002 [11 Nov 2026]

 x.com/PalaeoCrumpet/status/2120398135172186174

 

[Botany • 2026] Cynorkis hasinai (Orchidaceae: Orchidioideae: Habenariinae) • A New Species from Madagascar

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, 

in Hervouet et Ranaivo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a14

 

 Abstract  

A new species of Orchidaceae, Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov., discovered in the north of Madagascar, is described and assigned to section Parviflorae. It has a very distinctive uppermost 5-lobed lip and the closest species is Cynorkis schlechteri H.Perrier.

KEYWORDS: Madagascar, Cynorkis, new species, Madagascar, Cynorkis, new species

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov. Montagne d'Ambre National Park,
rachis, 4 April 2024.  

 front view of lip, 29 February 2020. 

side view of ovary and flower, 29 February 2020.

Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Family Orchidaceae Juss.

Sub-family Orchidoideae A.A. Eaton

Tribe Orchideae (Dressler & Dodson) Verm.

Subtribe Habenariinae sensu Ngugi et al. 2020

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. — This species belongs to the group of section Parviflorae species with inversed flowers. It differs from all other species by its 5-lobed lip with two very prominent upward 5 mm long intermediate lobes. Four other species in the section have inversed flowers and 5-lobed lip: Cynorkis quinqueloba H.Perrier ex Hermans, has intermediate lobes at least half the size of the middle lobe; Cynorkis quinquepartita has basal lobes bigger than the intermediate lobes but a little smaller than the middle one; Cynorkis verrucosa Bosser has much smaller intermediate lobes and the zone between the two basal lobes is verrucose. Cynorkis schlechteri H.Perrier is the closest species, with the intermediate lobes also the most prominent, but it is a much smaller plant (maximum 25 cm versus 42 cm for C. hasinai sp. nov.), with smaller flowers, the intermediate lobes being 3 mm long at most, versus 5 mm for C. hasinai sp. nov. The lip colour is light pink and white (versus dark red and white for C. hasinai sp. nov.). The flowering seasons are different (August-September for C. schlechteri, March-April for C. hasinai sp. nov.). The altitudes are different (0-800 m for C. schlechteri versus around 1200 m for C. hasinai sp. nov.).

Etymology. — The species is dedicated to Rakotobe Hasimbola Joelina, known as Hasina. He has been since 2017 our guide, driver and dear friend. He is an ardent orchid enthusiast and an outstanding prospector with a very keen eye. We owe him a lot of discoveries and he was able, with his son Landry in February 2020, after extensively scouting the place, to find one plant in flower among many others which were only in bud.

Liparis chantaliae Hermans & Hervouet, side by side with Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov.
Montagne d'Ambre National Park, 4 April 2024.

Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet.

Jean-Michel Hervouet and Jaona Ranaivo. 2026. Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov. (Orchidaceae, Orchidioideae, Habenariinae), A New Species from Madagascar [une nouvelle espèce de Madagascar]. Adansonia. 48(14), 151-158. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a14 (15 July 2026) 

Une nouvelle espèce d'Orchidaceae, Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov. découverte dans le nord de Madagascar est décrite et attribuée à la section Parviflorae. Elle possède un remarquable labelle supère pentalobé. L'espèce la plus proche est Cynorkis schlechteri H.Perrier.

[Paleontology • 2026] Tanystropheus still conspicuous—An Osteological Redescription of the First tanystropheid

Tanystropheus conspicuus von Meyer, 1852

in Rytel, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01314.2025

Artist reconstruction by Marcin Ambrozik instagram.com/ambrozik_paleoart

Archosauromorphs were the dominant clade of terrestrial vertebrates during the Mesozoic. Extant birds and crocodilians represent only a small remnant of the diversity of this lineage preserved within the fossil record. Especially in the Triassic, following the end-Permian mass extinction, archosauromorphs rapidly diversified into various forms with striking anatomical characteristics and disparate modes of life. Among these are the long-necked tanysaurians, which include the remarkable Tanystropheus, characterised by its extreme body proportions. Unlike other long-necked reptiles, it has relatively few cervical vertebrae, which are, however, extraordinarily elongated instead, resulting in morphology unseen in any other vertebrate. These elements, together with rod-like cervical ribs, form a bauplan that puzzled researchers for over a century. Its habitat, hunting strategy, and lifestyle have long remained enigmatic, due to the best preserved specimens being diagenetically flattened and spatially limited to the Monte San Giorgio area (Italy/ Switzerland) and China. Despite its long history of research, functional anatomy and ecology of Tanystropheus remained poorly understood. The recent discovery of a diverse Ladinian vertebrate assemblage site in Miedary, Poland, has transformed this situation. The new material includes the remains of at least twenty individuals of Tanystropheus, both three-dimensionally isolated elements and articulated portions of several skeletons that together comprise most of the skeleton. These discoveries offer a unique opportunity to reassess the anatomy, taxonomy, and environmental preferences of Tanystropheus. Herein, the osteology of Tanystropheus conspicuus is described in detail, including the first unambiguous cranial remains referred to this species, providing valuable insights into its biology. Due to taphonomical and depositional characteristics of the material, Miedary serves as a good proxy for reconstructing the habitat of this animal. Tanystropheus is confirmed to have been an aquatic ambush predator that hunted in shallow nearshore settings.

Key words: Archosauromorpha, Tanystropheidae, Central European Basin, Middle Triassic, Anisian, Ladinian, Poland.

An osteological reconstruction of a large individual of Tanystropheus conspicuus von Meyer, 1852, in dorsal (A), right lateral (B), and ventral (C) views. Bone outlines based on the specimens illustrated here (coloured in white), and the articulated specimens of T. hydroides (coloured in grey; for the skull see Spiekman et al. 2020b). Body proportions taken from the most complete known specimen of T. hydroides (PIMUZ T 2818).

Class Reptilia Laurenti, 1768

Clade Archosauromorpha von Huene, 1946

Order Protorosauria Huxley, 1871

Clade Tanysauria Spiekman et al., 2024b

Family Tanystropheidae Gervais, 1859

Genus Tanystropheus von Meyer, 1849

Type species: Tanystropheus conspicuus von Meyer, 1852; Bindlacher Berg, Germany; Upper Muschelkalk, Upper Anisian.

Species included: Tanystropheus hydroides Spiekman et al., 2020a;
Tanystropheus longobardicus (Bassani, 1886)

Adam Rytel. 2026. Tanystropheus still conspicuous—An Osteological Redescription of the First tanystropheid. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 71(3): 1-74. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01314.2025 [29 September 2026]

Tysiąc kości sprzed 240 mln lat. Miedary kryją największy na świecie zbiór szczątków tanystrofów

https://naukawpolsce.pl/aktualnosci/news,115225,tysiac-kosci-sprzed-240-mln-lat-miedary-kryja-najwiekszy-na-swiecie-zbior

 instagram.com/p/DefUYNLiJ9e/ambrozik_paleoart

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] A large orca from the Lower Pleistocene of the Southern North Sea Basin pushes back the origin of macropredatory behavior in the oceanic dolphins (Odontoceti: Delphinidae)

The Early Pleistocene macropredatory Orcinus sp. hunting the delphinid Platalearostrum hoekmani. 

in Bakker, Post, Munsterman, Hoekendijk et Bianucci, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21890 

  facebook.com/Hiddow

Artist reconstruction by Remie Bakker.

Abstract 

The evolutionary history of the biggest extant top predator of our planet, the killer whale Orcinus orca, remains poorly understood. Currently, the fossil record of the genus Orcinus includes only a single formally recognized extinct species, the small-bodied (3.5 meters) piscivorous Orcinus citoniensis from the Pliocene of Cetona, Italy. Here we describe and refer to Orcinus sp., five delphinid fossil remains from the Pleistocene of the southern North Sea, consisting of two fragmentary crania, an incomplete mandible and two atlas-axis cervical complexes. Regression analyses based on extant Orcinus orca measurements and 3D model comparisons indicate an estimated body length between 7.2 and 7.7 m, comparable to that of the largest living male killer whales. Palynological dating of the sediment of one cranial specimen supports a Gelasian (2.6–2.1 Ma) age. This large representative of the genus Orcinus displays morphological features - including large, deep, and widely separated alveoli and deeply excavated condylar fossae - indicating macroraptorial feeding abilities. Orcinus sp. represents the largest Pleistocene delphinid yet documented and provides the earliest known evidence for the emergence of macroraptorial predation within Delphinidae, substantially predating the Middle Pleistocene divergence of modern killer whale ecotypes inferred from genomic data. By demonstrating that this feeding strategy was established more than two million years ago, our results underscore both the long-term stability of apex predation in marine ecosystems and its potential vulnerability to rapid human-induced environmental change.

Keywords: Paleontology, Gelasian, Cetacea, Toothed whales, Killer whales

3D-based body length estimation of Gelasian Orcinus sp.
(A–D) Reference 3D model of the skull (A, C) and complete skeleton (B, D) of the extant Orcinus orca (MSNUP C-301, body length 596 m).
(E–F) Digital superimposition of cranial fragment NMR 07979 onto the skull (E) and complete skeleton (F) of the MSNUP C-301 model.
G-H, digital superimposition of cranial fragment NMR 07974 onto the skull (G) and complete skeleton (H) of the MSNUP C-301 model skulls are shown at a common scale, and complete skeletons are shown at a common scale that is reduced relative to the skulls.

A, B, E, F: left lateral views; C, D, G, H: dorsal views.

The Early Pleistocene macropredatory Orcinus sp. hunting the delphinid Platalearostrum hoekmani. 

Artist reconstruction by Remie Bakker.

Hidde Bakker, Klaas Post, Dirk K. Munsterman, Jeroen P.A. Hoekendijk and Giovanni Bianucci. 2026. A large orca from the Lower Pleistocene of the Southern North Sea Basin pushes back the origin of macropredatory behavior in the oceanic dolphins (Odontoceti, Delphinidae). PeerJ. 14:e21890 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21890 [November 10, 2026]

  facebook.com/Hiddow/posts/29089268894069608

[Paleontology • 2026] Exceptional Preservation reveals the Deep-time Reproductive Ecology and Trophic Breadth of Early Cretaceous viviparid gastropods

 

The illustration depicts a stable, warm-climate freshwater ecosystem as reconstructed from the ecological signatures preserved in ‘Viviparus’ sp. fossils. Centrally featured is the ovoviviparous reproductive strategy of these gastropods, with maternal individuals sheltering developing embryos and free-living juveniles.
 the Kitadani Formation (Tetori Group, Lower Cretaceous) based on integrated ecomorphological and taphonomic data.

in Yoshimura, Nakayama, Asato, ... et Sasaki, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-11188-7

Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction by Kohei Futaka.

Abstract

Direct empirical evidence regarding the reproductive biology and trophic strategies of ancient freshwater invertebrates remains scarce due to the typical loss of internal anatomical and dietary records. Here, we report an exceptionally preserved assemblage of the freshwater snail ‘Viviparus’ sp. from the Lower Cretaceous (c. 120 Ma) Kitadani Formation, central Japan. High-resolution X-ray micro-computed tomography and microfossil extraction reveal key ecological adaptations: obligate ovoviviparity with up to 16 embryonic shells showing an axial developmental size gradient within the maternal body whorl, female-biased sexual size dimorphism, and continuous indeterminate growth. Analyses of gastrointestinal residues and taphonomic associations further indicate trophic flexibility (epilithic microalgal grazing, suspension feeding, and detritivory) alongside opportunistic microhabitat use within articulated unionid bivalves. This high-fidelity preservation—retaining delicate embryonic shells, intact protoconchs, and organic residues—is linked to a distinctive taphonomic window, wherein alkaline ash from palaeo-wildfires is inferred to have buffered ambient freshwater acidity, mitigating post-mortem carbonate dissolution. Our findings demonstrate that modern-type viviparid reproductive and feeding adaptations were already established by the Early Cretaceous, illustrating how wildfire-mediated geochemical buffering can preserve rare biological records in Mesozoic limnic ecosystems.

Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction of the Kitadani Formation (Tetori Group, Lower Cretaceous) based on integrated ecomorphological and taphonomic data.
The illustration depicts a stable, warm-climate freshwater ecosystem as reconstructed from the ecological signatures preserved in ‘Viviparus’ sp. fossils. Centrally featured is the ovoviviparous reproductive strategy of these gastropods, with maternal individuals sheltering developing embryos and free-living juveniles. In the foreground, juveniles are shown utilising the empty articulated valves of the bivalve Plicatounio naktongensis Kobayashi & Suzuki (1936) as cryptic habitats or feeding grounds, providing evidence for opportunistic necrophagy. The background highlights a palaeo-wildfire event; the subsequent influx of alkaline-rich charcoal and ash into the aquatic system is proposed to have buffered the water pH, facilitating the exceptional preservation of delicate calcareous structures and internal organic debris. The high population density and continuous breeding of these viviparids, alongside contemporaneous vertebrate fauna such as iguanodontids, characterise a productive and resilient riparian landscape during the Early Cretaceous.

Artwork by Kohei Futaka.

 

Taro Yoshimura, Kentaro Nakayama, Kaito Asato, Yoshikazu Noda, Hiroyuki Fujimoto, Yuki Nakagawa, Julien Legrand, Masayuki Ikeda and Takenori Sasaki. 2026. Exceptional Preservation reveals the Deep-time Reproductive Ecology and Trophic Breadth of Early Cretaceous viviparid gastropods. Communications Biology. 9: 1450.  DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s42003-026-11188-7 [10 November 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Cycas ammonitia (Cycadaceae) • A New Species from the Ammonite-rich semi-deciduous forests in Mindoro Island, Philippines

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, 

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7751/telopea22599

Abstract

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis (Cycadaceae, Section Cycas, Subsection Rumphiae K.D.Hill) is described from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The species grows in seasonally dry semi-deciduous forests on steep ridges over calcareous soils derived from Jurassic ammonite-rich deposits of the Mansalay Formation. Morphologically, Cycas ammonitia resembles Cycas edentata de Laub. and Cycas nitida K.D.Hill & A.Lindstr. in having smooth sclerotesta and a spongy endotesta in the seeds. However, it is distinguished by its very short microsporophyll and megasporophyll apical spines and its unique inland habitat on ammonite-bearing rocks, unlike the coastal or littoral distribution of its relatives. A key to the Philippine species of Cycas subsection Rumphiae is provided.

Keywords: Cycas ammonitia, Cycadaceae, new species, Mindoro Island, Philippines, Subsection Rumphiae

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Bark. C. Leaf. D. Part of a leaf showing petioles. E. Cross-section of a leaflet. F. Microsporangiate strobilus. G. Microsporophylls. H. Megasporophylls. I. Terminal lamina of megasporophylls. J. Seeds (en = endotesta; ga = gametophyte; sa = sarcotesta; sc = sclerotesta).

A – E and H–J from Agoo and N Rag-op 26-008 (PNH, DLSUH), F– G from Agoo and N Rag-op 26-009 (PNH, DLSUH). 

Scale bar: A = 1 m., B = 2 cm., C = 1 m., D = 10 cm., E = 1 cm., F = 30 cm., G = 3 cm., H = 20 cm., I = 5 cm., J = 3 cm.

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Similar to Cycas edentata and C. nitida in having smooth sclerotesta and a spongy endotesta of the seeds; but differ significantly by its very short microsporophyll apical spine (0.1–0.5 cm long) and megasporophyll apical spine (0.5–0.7 cm long) vs microsporophyll apical spine at least 0.9 cm long and megasporophyll apical spine 1.5–4 cm long in Cycas edentata and Cycas nitida and its unique habitat in a semi-deciduous forest near creeks over ammonite-bearing deposits.

Etymology: The specific epithet ammonitia refers to the ammonite fossil deposits found within the Mansalay Formation that are dated as Middle to Late Jurassic (Aurelio et al. 2012; Andal et al. 1968). The unique calcareous geological substrate, to which this species is restricted, highlights the intimate link between the plant’s edaphic niche and its speciation.

 Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo, Domingo A. Madulid and Virgilio Cutibar Linis. 2026. Cycas ammonitia (Cycadaceae), A New Species from the Ammonite-rich semi-deciduous forests in Mindoro Island, Philippines. Telopea. 30; 187–194. DOI: doi.org/10.7751/telopea22599 [2026-09-08]

[Botany • 2026] Dombeya boulletiana (sect. Dombeyastrum; Malvaceae) • A New Species from Mayotte and A Synopsis of Dombeya Cav. (Malvaceae) from the Comoros

 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, 

in Le Péchon, Dimassi et Pignal, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a17 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M. Pignal, sp. nov., is described from Mayotte. The species is assigned to Dombeya sect. Dombeyastrum Planch. It is currently known from a single locality on Mlima Choungui. Morphologically, it is close to D. rottleroides Baill., although it is placed, in a provisional phylogenetic framework, alongside D. cacuminum Hochr. An identification key to the species of Mayotte and the Comoros is provided in French and English. The conservation status of the species occurring in Mayotte and the Comoros is assessed following IUCN criteria. Lectotypifications are provided for D. cacuminum Hochr., D. polyphylla K.Schum., D. rosacea Arènes, D. rottleroides Baill. and D. viburniflora Bojer.

KEYWORDS: MALVACEAE, Dombeya sect. Dombeyastrum, Planchon Mayotte, Comoros Archipelago, IUCN Redlist status, lectotypifications, new species

Famille Malvaceae Juss.

Sous-famille Dombeyoideae Beilsch.

Genre Dombeya Cav.

Section Dombeyastrum Planchon

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, sp. nov. (A. Dimassi 171):
A, rameau feuillé; B, limbe face adaxiale et détail face abaxiale; C, rameau fleuri; D, inflorescence jeune; E, fleur; F, sépale; G, pétale; H, androcée et gynécée; I, tube staminal déroulé, face extérieure; J, pistil.

Échelles: A-C, 10 mm; D-H, 2 mm. Dessin: Ludivine Longou.

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, sp. nov. (A. Dimassi 171):
A, plante dans son milieu; B, jeune pousse; C, feuille, limbe face adaxiale; D, feuille, limbe face abaxiale; E, détail pétiole et stipules; F, pétiole apex, zone pileuse; G, pétiole partie médiane glabre; H, stipules subulées, détail; I, inflorescence en boutons; J, inflorescence épanouie; K, calice détail (sur inflorescence en bouton); L, fleur à l'anthèse.

Photos: A. Dimassi.

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. — D. rottleroidi affinis, sed habitu fruticoso (vs arboreo), lamina late ovata, tricuspidataque (vs ovata acuminataque), serrulata margine (vs integra ad sinuata), lamina facie abaxiali ad basin nervorum indumento instructa (vs glabra), cyma leviter contracta (vs laxa), c. 10 cm longa, (2-) 3-6 (-14)-flora (vs > 20 cm longa, multiflora), bracteis persistentibus, ovatis (vs caducis, anguste triangularibus), petalis albido-roseis, c. 10 × 10 mm (vs roseis vel rubris, 11-15 × 9-15 mm), praecipue differt.

Étymologie. — Cette espèce est dédiée à Vincent Boullet (1956-2024), botaniste et phytosociologue reconnu qui a très largement contribué à la connaissance de la flore et des habitats des territoires de l'Océan Indien (Muller et al. 2024).

 

Timothée Le Péchon, Abassi Dimassi and Marc Pignal. 2026. Une espèce nouvelle de Mayotte et un synopsis des Dombeya Cav. (Malvaceae) dans l'archipel des Comores [A New Species from Mayotte and A Synopsis of Dombeya Cav. (Malvaceae) from the Comoros]. Adansonia. 48(17); 185-196. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a17 (10 September 2026) 

 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, sp. nov. est décrite de Mayotte. L'espèce appartient à Dombeya sect. Dombeyastrum Planchon. Elle n'est actuellement connue que d'un seul site, situé au Mlima Choungui. Elle se rapproche morphologiquement de D. rottleroides Baillon, bien qu'elle se place dans une phylogénie provisoire aux côtés de D. cacuminum Hochr. Une clé d'identification des espèces de Mayotte et des Comores est donnée en français et en anglais. Le statut de conservation selon l'UICN est évalué pour les espèces présentes à Mayotte et aux Comores. Des lectotypifications sont également fournies pour D. cacuminum Hochr., D. polyphylla K.Schum., D. rosacea Arènes, D. rottleroides Baill. et D. viburniflora Bojer.

MALVACEAE, Dombeya sect. Dombeyastrum, Planchon, Mayotte, archipel des Comores, statut liste rouge UICN, lectotypifications, espèce nouvelle

[Chilopoda • 2026] Otostigmus troglobius • A New troglomorphic Centipede Species of Genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae: Otostigminae) from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

 

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr.,

 in Chagas-Jr et Fernandes, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Abstract

A new troglomorphic species of the genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 has been discovered in two hypogenic caves in Serra da Bodoquena National Park, a hotspot for Brazil’s subterranean fauna. This represents the second troglobitic Otostigmus species in the world. The newly described species, Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov., was based on molecular and morphological data. Although the specimens do not occur in the same cave, species delimitation analysis using a mitochondrial marker Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) grouped the new species into a congruent MOTU. Morphologically, the new species closely resembles O. tidius Chamberlin, 1914 due to the median keels on the tergites and the short, incomplete sutures on the sternites. The new discovery underscores the importance of conserving the caves in Serra da Bodoquena.

Keywords: Barcoding, caves, Chilopoda, Parotostigmus

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov. (Holotype CZUFMT-MY 02507):
A. Cephalic plate, antennae and first tergites; B. Cephalic plate and tergite 1; C. Forcipular coxosternite; D. Forcipular coxosternite, showing the tooth plate; E. Tergites 11–14, dorsal view; F. Tergites 17–19, dorsal view.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Long antennae, with 17 articles; legs 1–4 with one tibial spur, and legs 1–17 with two tarsal spurs; Tergites 1–3 without sutures, 4–7 with short sutures in anterior margin, and 8–20 with complete paramedian sutures; tergites 7–20 with a longitudinal keel; sternites 3–16 with short sutures on anterior margin, and sternites 6–16 with two shallow rounded depressions; legs 21 very long, slender and cylindrical.

Etymology. Species name is a Latin word meaning “troglobiont”, an animal that lives only in caves, referring to the habitat of the species.

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov. (Holotype CZUFMT-MY 02507):
A. Cephalic plate, antennae and first tergites; B. Cephalic plate and tergite 1; C. Forcipular coxosternite; D. Forcipular coxosternite, showing the tooth plate; E. Tergites 11–14, dorsal view; F. Tergites 17–19, dorsal view.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Amazonas Chagas-Jr. and Heloisa Barbosa Fernandes. 2026. A New troglomorphic Centipede Species of Genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae, Otostigminae) from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Subterranean Biology.58: 27-42. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 [02-09-2026]