[Herpetology • 2026] Bronchocela carestiai & B. mallarii • A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species

 

(A) Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon,
(B, C) B. philippina from Mindanao,
 (D) Bronchocela carestiai from Mindoro, and
(E) B. mallarii from Palawan. 

 

Supsup, Pitogo, Sanguila, Hallermann, Denzer, Wood & Brown, 2026

Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1),

Photographs by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

 Abstract  

One challenge for species delimitation involves closely related species, characterized by both intra- and interspecifically variable morphologies, for which genetic information is not yet available. One such example is exhibited by agamid lizards of the genus Bronchocela. This group of conspicuously vibrant green lizards is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, with 15 recognized species. However, the geographic distributions of several named taxa have remained unclear because of the imprecise application of names in taxonomic summaries and faunal checklists. For more than a century, many authors have noted that a few species, often considered “widespread,” persist throughout nearly the entire range of the genus. This is particularly true for populations identified as Bronchocela cristatella sensu lato and, to a lesser extent, B. marmorata in the Philippines. In this study, we reassess the systematics and taxonomy of Bronchocela populations in the Philippine archipelago. Using multiple lines of evidence from molecular and morphological data, we uncover four distinct lineages of Philippine Bronchocela, all of which we interpret as being distantly related to B. cristatella sensu lato from Malaysia and Indonesia. We argue that these lineages should now be interpreted as Philippine endemic species. Given the strong congruence in molecular and morphological analyses, we now consider populations from the Luzon faunal region (including Catanduanes, Marinduque, Lubang, and Polillo Islands), Romblon (Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan Islands), and the West Visayas (Negros, Cebu, and Panay Islands) as B. marmorata. The nomenclaturally available name, B. philippina, is now designated to the unique lineage from the Mindanao faunal region. Additionally, we recognize two new, distinctive species from the Mindoro (B. carestiai) and Palawan (B. mallarii) faunal regions. Overall, our findings demonstrate how conspicuous and widely distributed species in Southeast Asia remain poorly understood, overlooked, and taxonomically unresolved. Hence, the taxonomic resolution of Bronchocela populations in the island archipelagos of Southeast Asia will greatly benefit from the urgent priority of determining which landmass the name “B. cristatella” applies.

KEYWORDS: Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov, Bronchocela marmorata, Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov, Bronchocela philippina, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Widespread species

In life photographs of Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon (A), B. philippina from Mindanao (B, C),
B. carestiai from Mindoro (D), and B. mallarii from Palawan (E).

Photographs were taken by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov.

 Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov. 

Christian E. Supsup, Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo, Marites B. Sanguila, Jakob Hallermann, Wolfgang Denzer, Perry L. Wood Jr. and Rafe M. Brown. 2026. A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1), 1-44, (20 July 2026) DOI: doi.org/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003

https://bioone.org/journals/herpetological-monographs/volume-40/issue-1/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003/A-Comprehensive-Archipelago-Wide-Taxonomic-Reassessment-of-the-Genus-Bronchocela/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003.full

[Entomology • 2026] Attenboroughnculus tau • A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad,

in De Ketelaere, Pullar et Broad, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 

ABSTRACT

A new genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) is described: Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n. a monotypic genus for Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n. collected in central Chile. This is the fourth genus and fourth described species of Pedunculinae and the second from the Neotropics. Each of the four known genera is defined by putative apomorphies, included in an identification key, and photos of each are provided.

KEYWORDS: Austral, Darwin wasps, Gondwanan, new species, South America, taxonomy, Sir David Attenborough

Attenboroughnculus De Ketelaere and Broad, gen. n.

  

Etymology: 

This unique genus from Chile has been named after Sir David Attenborough ahead of his 100th birthday, celebrating the broadcaster and biologist’s highly distinctive contribution to our understanding of the natural world. David Attenborough has featured Chile’s diverse, extreme landscapes in several documentaries, emphasising the unique environmental challenges and ecological resilience of species within the country.

Sir David has also filmed several scenes with parasitoid wasps, famously termed the ‘bodysnatcher wasp’ by the broadcaster in the Trials of Life, first broadcast in 1990. He has used his work to reveal the intimate, unseen or overlooked within nature. This resonates in the discovery of this species in an unsorted drawer within the collections of the Natural History Museum, London.

In 2023 Sir David revealed a new bronze quote outside the Natural History Museum, London, reading: The future of the natural world, on which we all depend, is in our hands. We are using this opportunity to echo this message through the naming of this new genus of tiny wasp.

We hope to inspire global scientists to take another look in their collections to see if there is something small that could contribute to our collective understanding and therefore the future of our natural world. The name is a concatenation of ‘Attenborough’ and ‘Pedunculus’.

Attenboroughnculus tau De Ketelaere and Broad, sp. n.

Etymology: Named after the large, capital ‘T’ marking on the second metasomal tergite, with ‘tau’ being the Greek for ‘T’. A noun in apposition.

Augustijn De Ketelaere, Jennifer Pullar and Gavin R. Broad. 2026. The Description of A New Genus of Pedunculinae (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) from Chile and A Key to the World Genera. Journal of Natural History. 60(21-24); 1167-1180. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2663058 [07 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae) • A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Disporum yobinorum 

in Sahani et Chowlu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052

Disporum Salisbury (1812) (Colchicaceae) comprises 42 accepted species worldwide (POWO 2026). In India, Disporum is represented by 10 accepted names including 6 species and varieties (POWO, 2026). Additionally, Dasgupta (2006) treated all Indian taxa under a single species; a broadly circumscribed D. cantoniense (Loureiro; 1790: 206) Merrill (1919: 229). There are 24 species distributed in Bhutan, China, India, Japan, Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Sikkim, Thailand and Vietnam (Liang & Tamura 2000, Li et al. 2007, Hu et al. 2016, Zhu et al. 2016 Hareesh et al. 2018, WCSPF 2018).

Monocots, Disporum yobinorum, new species, Eastern Himalaya, Colchicaceae

Disporum yobinorum sp. nov. 

VINAY KUMAR SAHANI and KRISHNA CHOWLU. 2026. Disporum yobinorum (Colchicaceae), A New Species from Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 93-97. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.11 [2026-07-16] 

Researchgate.net/publication/410044052_Disporum_yobinorum_a_new_species_from_Eastern_Himalaya_India

[Botany • 2026] Cryptanthus pataxoanus & C. beuckeri • Two Ornamental Species of Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae: Bromelioideae) on the brink of Extinction: A New Species and its congener from the 19th century

 

Cryptanthus pataxoanus  Forzza & Leme,

in Leme, Fernandez, Fontana, Almeida et Forzza, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.1 

Abstract

The authors describe and illustrate a new species of Cryptanthus, C. pataxoanus, found within the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, and present new data on its closest morphological relative, C. beuckeri, both endemic to the Atlantic Forest of the state of Bahia, Brazil, and assessed as Critically Endangered (CR). The new taxon represents one of the most ornamental discoveries in recent years due to its marbled foliage, with contrasting greenish-yellow and dark green colors, which is similar to C. beuckeri. The main differences between C. pataxoanus and its closest relative include leaf blades not petiolate or the basal ones sometimes subpetiolate, the much broader portion of the blades distinctly longer, the narrower sepals covered by brown-centered trichomes, and petals without glandulose trichomes. The discovery of the new species results from cooperative work with the Pataxó indigenous community living in Barra Velha and Barra Velha do Monte Pascoal Indigenous Lands, located within the boundaries of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park. It symbolizes the inexhaustible richness of the Brazilian biodiversity in general and the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia in particular, despite its current coexistence with high levels of threat.

Monocots, Atlantic Forest, Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, morphology, taxonomy

Cryptanthus pataxoanus (Umburanas 141):
A, B. Details of the population at the type locality. C. Habit. Photos: S. Caram (A, B); E. Leme (C).

Cryptanthus pataxoanus (Umburanas 141):
A. Elongate stem. B. Details of the marginal spines. C. Inflorescence. D. Details of the inflorescence. E–O. Perfect flower. E. Floral bracts of the basal fascicles. F. Sepals. G. Petal and stamens. H. Stigma. I. Frontal view of the anther just before anthesis. J. Abaxial view of the anther just before the anthesis. K. Basal fascicle. L. Flower. M. Basal portion of the petal and stamens. N. Details of the apex of the sepals. O. Longitudinal cross section of the ovary. P–T. Staminate flower: P. Flower of the inner portion of the inflorescence. Q. Floral bract. R. Details of the apex of the sepal. S. Sepals. T. Longitudinal cross section of the ovary.

 Photos: E. Leme. Bars: A = 2 cm; B, C, K, L, P = 1 cm; D–G, M–O, Q–T = 5 mm; H–J = 1 mm.

 Cryptanthus pataxoanus Forzza & Leme, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—This new species can be distinguished from its morphologically closest relative, Cryptanthus beuckeri, by the leaf blades not petiolate or the basal ones sometimes subpetiolate, with subpetioles gradually merging into the much broader distal portion (vs. always distinctly petiolate, with petioles strongly contrasting with the much broader distal portion); the much broader portion of the blades longer (20–30 cm vs. 10–20 cm long); sepals with narrower lobes (vs. 2–2.5 mm vs. 3.5–4 mm wide) covered by distinctly brown-centered trichomes (vs. trichomes white); and petals without glandulose trichomes (vs. adaxially bearing glandulose trichomes).

Etymology:—The name of this new species honors the Pataxó indigenous people. They belong to the Macro-Jê linguistic family and have a long history of resistance, facing challenges such as reclaiming their traditional lands and promoting the value of their culture since the 16th century. The Pataxó predominantly inhabit the extreme south of Bahia, which includes the area of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park where the Barra Velha and Barra Velha do Monte Pascoal Indigenous Lands are located. They maintain strong traditions, such as the Patxohã language, rituals (like the Awê), and the use of body paintings that serve as cultural identifiers, in addition to promoting the conservation of the environment within their traditional natural territory.

A. Watercolor by the botanical artist Paulo Ormindo, depicting Cryptanthus pataxoanus.
B. Presentation of the C. pataxoanus and the original watercolor depicting the species during the ceremony commemorating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, as well as the reopening of the Visitor Center, by the Pataxó indigenous people who participated in the discovery.

A. Watercolor by the botanical artist Paulo Ormindo, depicting Cryptanthus pataxoanus. B. Presentation of the C. pataxoanus and the original watercolor depicting the species during the ceremony commemorating the 64th anniversary of the creation of the Monte Pascoal National and Historical Park, as well as the reopening of the Visitor Center, by the Pataxó indigenous people who participated in the discovery.
C–F. Illegal selective logging and habitat degradation associated with mule trampling used for clandestine timber extraction inside the park. Photos: R.C. Forzza (B); C. Rodrigues (C, D, E, F).

ELTON M. C. LEME, EDUARDO P. FERNANDEZ, ANDRÉ P. FONTANA, PEDRO S. DE ALMEIDA and RAFAELA C. FORZZA. 2026. Two Ornamental Species of Cryptanthus (Bromeliaceae, Bromelioideae) on the brink of Extinction: A New Species and its congener from the 19th century.  Phytotaxa. 763(3); 201-218. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.3.1  [2026-06-24]

[Herpetology • 2026] Gekko qiannanensis • A New Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from southern Guizhou, China

Gekko (Japonigekko) qiannanensis Huang, Ma, Jiang & Wu,   

in Huang, Ma, Xiao, Zhang, Pu, Ran, Zhu, Jiang et Wu, 2026. 

黔南壁虎  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.189932

Abstract

Karst landscapes, which are characterized by their complex terrain, foster exceptionally high species diversity. During recent field surveys in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, a new karst-adapted gecko species was discovered. Using an integrative approach combining molecular and morphological analyses, it is described here as Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. Phylogenetically, it clusters within a well-supported clade of the subgenus Japonigekko that includes the karst-adapted G. fengshanensis, G. liboensis, G. kwangsiensis, G. paucituberculatus, and the dry-hot valley species G. tesselatus. Morphologically, it can be distinguished from all known species in Japonigekko by a combination of the following traits: moderate body size, with snout–vent length 65.4–82.9 mm in adult males and 77.7–91.7 mm in adult females; two enlarged postmentals; nares in contact with the rostral, internasal absent; subdigital lamellae: fourth fingers 14–16, first toes 9–11, and fourth toes 14–17; moderately developed toe webbing, originating proximal to subdigital lamellae; interorbitals 28–38; midbody scale rows 134–155; ventral scale rows 42–49; precloacal pores 10–11 in males; a single postcloacal tubercle on each side; dorsum earth gray, with six dirty-white bands between the nape and sacrum. Notably, the new species can be distinguished from its karst-adapted congeners by its moderately developed toe webbing. The discovery of G. qiannanensis brings the number of recognized species in Japonigekko to 42 globally, of which 28 are now recorded from China. This finding highlights the role of karst habitat fragmentation in driving allopatric speciation and underscores the rich but still incompletely documented herpetofaunal diversity of South China’s karst regions.

Key Words: herpetofauna, integrative taxonomy, new species, phylogeny, toe webbing

Holotype (JSU-HJ2025024, adult male) of Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. after euthanasia.
 A. Dorsal view of body. B. Ventral view of body. C. Dorsal view of head. D. Ventral view of head. E. Right lateral view of the head. F. Ventral view of right hand. G. Ventral view of left hand. H. Ventral view of right foot. I. Ventral view of left foot. J. Ventral view of precloacal region. K. Right lateral view of basal tail.

Photos by Jie Huang and Yang Xiao. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Egg hatching of Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov.  
A. Discovery of gecko eggs at the corner of the wall, with 14 eggs already hatched and two remaining unhatched. B. Two hatching gecko eggs with attached wall plaster. C. One gecko egg in the process of hatching, side view. D. One gecko egg in the process of hatching, top view. E. The gecko juvenile 13 days after hatching.

Photos by Jie Huang. Scale bar: 10 mm.

Gekko qiannanensis Huang, Ma, Jiang & Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the subgenus Japonigekko according to phylogenetic analysis. It can be distinguished from other congeners in Japonigekko by the following characters: moderate body size: SVL 65.4–82.9 mm in adult males, 77.7–91.7 mm in adult females; two enlarged postmentals; nares in contact with the rostral, internasal absent; subdigital lamellae: fourth fingers 14–16, first toes 9–11, fourth toes 14–17; moderately developed toe webbing, originating proximal to subdigital lamellae; interorbitals 28–38; Midbody scale rows 134–155; ventral scale rows 42–49; precloacal pores 10–11 in males; a single postcloacal tubercle on each side; dorsum earth gray, with six dirty-white bands between nape and sacrum.

Etymology and suggested Chinese and English name. The specific epithet, qiannanensis, is derived from the Chinese pinyin of its type locality in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. The Chinese name for the new species is suggested as “黔南壁虎” (pinyin: qián nán bì hǔ), and the English is suggested as “Qiannan Gecko.”

 Jie Huang, Shun Ma, Yang Xiao, Fangpeng Zhang, Zhongzhu Pu, Jingcheng Ran, Jingyi Zhu, Wansheng Jiang and Jianpu Wu. 2026. Gekko (Japonigekko) qiannanensis, A New Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from southern Guizhou, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 973-987. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.189932 [20-07-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China

 

Petrocosmea anoleuca   M.Q.Han & C.Liu, 

in Liu, Cai, Zhong, Zhao, Wang et Han, 2026.

沧源石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z

 

Summary

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and colour images and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment are provided. The new species is similar to P. cavaleriei H.Lév., but differs in having subpeltate leaf blades, a white corolla tube base lacking spots, a darker purple throat, purple abaxial lip lobes and nearly straight, sparsely puberulent filaments.

Key Words: Flora of Yunnan, Karst habitats, taxonomy

Petrocosmea anoleuca, images and SEM images.
A – B habit, in natural habit; C – D flower, front view; E flower, side view; F flower bud; G corolla, longitudinally cut; H corolla, transversely cut; J peltate leaf blade, abaxial surface; K – L SEM; K rhizomatous stem; L ovary; M ovary, transversely cut; N pollen.

photos: a – b Cheng Liu and c – k Mengqi Han.

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu sp. nov. 

Recognition. Similar to Petrocosmea cavaleriei, but differing in having subpeltate leaf blades (vs petiole attached at the base in P. cavaleriei), the base of the corolla tube white and lacking spots (vs with three antepetalous spots above the base), the throat inside abaxially darker purple (vs white), the abaxial lip lobes purple (vs pale purple, with two yellow spots at the sinuses between the lateral and median lobes) and filaments almost straight and very sparsely puberulent and with scattered capitate-glandular hairs (vs geniculate near the middle, forming an angle of about 160° and densely covered with capitate-glandular hairs).

Etymology. The term anoleuca derives from Greek roots, ano- (ἄνω, "above") and -leuca (λευκός, "white"), literally meaning "white above". The epithet of the new species refers to the white, upper section of the corolla when in bloom.

vernacular name. Chinese name: cāng yuán shí hú dié (沧源石蝴蝶).

Cheng Liu, Jie Cai, Liang-Liang Zhong, Jin-Chao Zhao, Qiang Wang and Meng-Qi Han. 2026. Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z  [21 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Mitrephora rashmiae (Annonaceae) • A New Species from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus

 

Mitrephora rashmiae

in Page, Kishwan et Thackeray. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 

 facebook.com: Thackeray Wildlife Foundation

ABSTRACT

A new species of Mitrephora is described from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It can be distinguished from its congeners based on a combination of morphological characters such as evergreen leaf phenology, unbranched inflorescences with up to 8 flowers, inner petals being subequal or equal in length relative to the outer petals and stipitate, beaked, cylindric monocarps. This species is unique in the shape and geometry of the miter (dome) which is longer than broad (length: diameter ratio 1.25). This species is also the only andromonoecious species known in the genus to date. This discovery represents only the second record of the genus from the Himalayan Biodiversity Hotspot.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, Malmeoideae, Miliuseae, staminate flower

Mitrephora rashmiae

 

Navendu V. Page, Shivam Kishwan and Tejas U. Thackeray. 2026. A New Species of Mitrephora (Annonaceae) from Indian Himalaya, representing the first record of andromonoecy for the genus. Feddes Repertorium. e70134. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70134 [07 July 2026] 

facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1551535750351977-ThackerayWildlifeFoundation

[Ichthyology • 2026] The prolonged Reemergence of Megapredatory Pelagic Fishes

  

the diversification of living large-bodied (> 2 m) marine predatory fishes such as tunas and mackerels (Scombridae)

in Brownstein, Alencar, Kindsvater, Thacker, Wainwright, Near et Harrington, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1257 

 x.com/ChaseBrownstein

 

Abstract

The assembly of modern ocean ecosystems was fundamentally affected by the Cretaceous–Palaeogene (K-Pg) mass extinction. Among the casualties of this event were many extinct clades of large pelagic predatory fishes. The extinction of these lineages is thought to have created ecological opportunity that spurred the diversification of living large-bodied (> 2 m) marine predatory fishes such as tunas and mackerels (Scombridae). However, it remains unclear whether a large, endothermic body plan evolved in tunas and mackerels directly after the K-Pg boundary or in a stepwise manner throughout the Cenozoic. Here, we demonstrate that Scombridae, which includes half of living endothermic ray-finned fish species, evolved endothermy and large body sizes long after the initial radiation of the clade at the K-Pg boundary. Our time-calibrated phylogeny also reveals that the origins of endothermy, large body size and increased longevity in true tunas are staggered over evolutionary time. These findings indicate that the evolution of large endothermic scombrids was not triggered by the K-Pg extinction and substantiate the protracted development of the endothermic predatory body plans of tunas and relatives over more than 50 million years of evolutionary history.

Keywords: Scombridae, tunas, phylogenomics, K-Pg mass extinction, endothermy

Origin of large body sizes in Scombridae. The phylogeny is coloured according to the ancestral state reconstruction for log-transformed standard length. Warmer colours indicate body sizes approaching 4 m. Body size increases over 2 m are denoted by Roman numerals. The innermost dashed circle indicates the K-Pg boundary. Illustrations of scombrids are by Julie Johnson (lifesciencestudios.com).

Tempo of trait shifts in Scombridae. Inferred histories of significant trait optima shifts across Scombridae plotted on the time-calibrated phylogeny of this clade. Shifts inferred with over 30% posterior probability are included. The full bayou outputs are in the electronic supplementary material associated with this article. Illustrations of scombrids are by Julie Johnson (lifesciencestudios.com).

Chase D. Brownstein; Laura R. V. Alencar; Holly K. Kindsvater; Christine E. Thacker; Dylan K. Wainwright; Thomas J. Near and Richard C. Harrington. 2026. The prolonged Reemergence of Megapredatory Pelagic Fishes.  Proc Biol Sci. 293 (2074): 20261257. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1257 [08 Jul 2026] 

 x.com/ChaseBrownstein/status/2074791152318865890

[Herpetology • 2026] Isthmohyla nacientes • A New Species of Stream-Breeding Isthmohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Costa Rica

 

Isthmohyla nacientes  

Chaves-Acuña, Abarca, Navarro-Picado, Hidalgo-Mora, Ureña-Chaves, Valverde-Castillo, Chaves, Bolaños & Faivovich, 2026

   

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024066 

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

We describe a new species of the Isthmohyla tica group that occurs along the montane regions of the central Pacific of Costa Rica, between 1,400 and 2,000 masl. Although the new species is the sister taxon of a clade including an unde-scribed species and I. rivularis, it is more similar to I. tica. However, the new species can be distinguished because the flanks have scattered, distinct, round and irregular dark blotches or spots and because the advertisement call is comprised by a single, tonal note, typically emitted singly or in series, at dominant frequencies of 4,048–4,909 Hz, with a duration of 10–50 ms. The new species exhibits a broad acoustic repertoire composed of advertisement, release, and courtship calls, with the latter being emitted underwater. We discuss our findings with respect to adult and larval morphology, reproductive biology, and bioacoustics of the I. tica group.

Isthmohyla nacientes in life.
 (A) Holotype (UCR 24345), dorsal coloration at night. (B) Lateral view of male paratype (UCR 24367). (C) Ventral view of male paratype (UCR 24367), showing orange coloration on the hidden and ventral surfaces of the thighs and shank. (D) Male paratype (UCR 23770) showing bilobate, translucent vocal sac. (E) Lateral view of female paratype (UCR 24368).

Photos: B, C, and E by Gabriel Ureña

Isthmohyla nacientes, new species  

 

Etymology.—The specific epithet “nacientes” refers to the crucial role of headwaters and springs (nacientes in Spanish) in the habitat and life cycle of the new species and its stream-breeding congeners. This name highlights the species’ association with aquatic environments, particularly the springs found in its range, acknowledging the ecological significance of these water sources.

Wagner Chaves-Acuña, Juan Abarca, Jonathan Navarro-Picado, Esteban Hidalgo-Mora, Marilyn Ureña-Chaves, Alejandro Valverde-Castillo, Gerardo Chaves, Federico Bolaños and Julián Faivovich. 2026. A New Species of Stream-Breeding Isthmohyla (Anura: Hylidae) from Costa Rica. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(2); 337-356. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2024066 (3 July 2026) x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/2076689784525717838

  

We describe a new species of the Isthmohyla tica group that occurs along the montane regions of the central Pacific of Costa Rica, between 1,400 and 2,000 masl. Although the new species is the sister taxon of a clade including an undescribed species and I. rivularis, it is more similar to I. tica. However, the new species can be distinguished because the flanks have scattered, distinct, round and irregular dark blotches or spots and because the advertisement call is comprised by a single, tonal note, typically emitted singly or in series, at dominant frequencies of 4,048–4,909 Hz, with a duration of 10–50 ms. The new species exhibits a broad acoustic repertoire composed of advertisement, release, and courtship calls, with the latter being emitted underwater. We discuss our findings with respect to adult and larval morphology, reproductive biology, and bioacoustics of the I. tica group.

[Botany • 2026] Begonia leasalongae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Begonia leasalongae  Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite, 

in Blasco, Alejandro, Cortes et Rubite, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 

facebook.com: Freddie A. Blasco

 Abstract

A new species of Begonia section Petermannia, Begonia leasalongae, from Surigao del Sur is described and illustrated. It grows on shady, moist, rocky slopes alongside a small creek in sitio Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur. The new species resembles Begonia noraaunoriae in having erect stems, obovately oblong leaves, 2-tepaled staminate flowers, 5-tepaled pistillate flowers and an upright capsule, but differs in having stems with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous), lanceolate stipules with an aristate apex (vs. obovately oblong with a roundly acute apex), and capsule with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous). The species is named in honor of Lea Salonga. Based on IUCN criteria, we propose its conservation status as Data Deficient (DD), as only one population is currently known.

Begonia agusanensis, Begonia noraaunoriae, flora, setose, Taxonomy, Eudicots, Caraga Region, Surigao provinces, vascular flora

Begonia leasalongae Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite 

FREDDIE A. BLASCO, GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. ALEJANDRO, JUNELITO C. CORTES and ROSARIO R. RUBITE. 2026. Begonia leasalongae (Section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 767(1); 72-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 [2026-07-16]

  facebook.com/fred8z/posts/1082141354383953

[Crustacea • 2026] Pachycheles ravichandrani • A New Species of Porcelain Crab (Decapoda: Porcellanidae) from Lakshadweep, India

 

Pachycheles ravichandrani 

Sureandiran, Radhakrishnan, S. Kumar & T. T. A. Kumar, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5849.2.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/409222030 

Abstract

A new species of porcelain crab, Pachycheles ravichandrani sp. nov. is described from specimens collected at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, India. Pachycheles ravichandrani sp. nov. shares similar morphology with P. garciaensis (Ward 1942) and P. setiferous Yang, 1996 in the following characters: carapace with trilobed front, cheliped without setae, 5-plated telson and presence of a pair of pleopods in males. The new species, however, is differentiated by the presence of setae along lateral ridges and posterior margin of carapace, minor cheliped with distinct gap between fingers and cutting edge of minor cheliped truncate. To validate the taxonomic status of the new species, molecular analysis, using COI and 16S rRNA genes were carried out. Phylogenetic reconstruction consistently showed P. ravichandrani sp. nov. as a distinct, well-supported lineage separate from all congeners. Genetic divergence within the genus Pachycheles ranged from 12.6–21.7% (COI) and 4.0–13.7% (16S rRNA).

Crustacea, Crab, Integrative taxonomy, Indian Ocean, Lakshadweep reefs

Pachycheles ravichandrani sp. nov. in live condition, collected from Agatti Island, Lakshadweep. Specimen not preserved. Scale bar: 1 mm.

Pachycheles ravichandrani sp. nov., holotype male, PORPRAV/NBFGR, CW 3.69 mm.

 A, carapace, dorsal view; B, frontal lobe, frontal view; C, antennular peduncle, dorsal view; D, antennule basal segment, dorsal view; E, maxilliped 3, ventral view; F, thoracic sternite, ventral view; G, pleopod, dorsal view. 

Scale bars: A, B, F = 1 mm; C–E, G = 0.5 mm.

 A, major cheliped, dorsal view; B, fingers of major cheliped, closer view; C, minor cheliped, dorsal view (paratype male, PORPRAV/NBFGR.1); D, fingers of minor cheliped, closer view (paratype male); E, P2, lateral view; F, P3, lateral view; G, P4, lateral view; H, P5, lateral view. 

Scale bars: A–D = 1 mm; E–H = 0.5 mm.

Pachycheles ravichandrani sp. nov. 

BALAMURUGAN SUREANDIRAN, DIVYA PREMA RADHAKRISHNAN, SENDHIL KUMAR and THIPRAMALAI THANGAPPAN AJITH KUMAR. 2026. Pachycheles ravichandrani, A New Species of Porcelain Crab from Lakshadweep, India (Crustacea: Decapoda: Porcellanidae).  Zootaxa. 5849(2); 227-238. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5849.2.6 [2026-07-13]

 Researchgate.net/publication/409222030_Pachycheles_ravichandrani_a_new_species_of_porcelain_crab_from_Lakshadweep_India

[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)

[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 

Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 

Abstract

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 

4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 

Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., 

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Kwonkan elatus & K. yorkrakine • Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum. B Female K. wonganensis C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ 
 Burrow entrance morphology of D K. eboracum (open); E K. wonganensis (closed); F K. sp. ‘MYG978’(open) 
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

in Wilson, Urso, Rix, et Harvey, 2026. 

  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

Abstract

The collar-door wishbone spiders of the genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 are an Australian-endemic lineage of mygalomorph spiders that often construct elaborate burrow entrances, including collars and turrets, and remain poorly documented across their range, despite museum collections indicating high local endemism and substantial undescribed diversity. Much of the existing taxonomy, including nine of the 14 currently described species, was based on limited material and lacked modern morphological or molecular approaches to species delimitation, hindering efforts to document the remaining diversity and address conservation concerns. Here, we redescribe all nine legacy species and review Kwonkan diversity within the south-western Western Australian (SWWA) agricultural region, a highly fragmented and mostly cleared landscape harbouring extensive undescribed diversity and the threatened species K. eboracum Main, 1983. In the process, we clarify species identities, present the first molecular data for several species including K. eboracum, and describe two new species (K. elatus sp. nov. and K. yorkrakine sp. nov.) that were previously attributed to legacy species. In our review of the SWWA agricultural region fauna we identify 29 putative undescribed species and a pattern of extensive sympatry, fine-scale species turnover, and extremely restricted ranges. These findings highlight the need for continued revisionary work and potential conservation listing of additional described species such as K. wonganensis (Main, 1977).

Keywords: short-range endemism, conservation systematics, mygalomorph spiders, south-western Australian biodiversity hotspot, Wheatbelt

Live spiders and burrows of Kwonkan.
A Juvenile K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, Western Australia (W.A.). B Female K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. C Juvenile K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
D Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. eboracum from near Kellerberrin, W.A. E Burrow entrance morphology (closed) of K. wonganensis from near Wongan Hills, W.A. F Burrow entrance morphology (open) of K. sp. ‘MYG978’ from the Avon Wheatbelt, W.A.
G, H Burrow entrance morphology of K. turriger, showing both free-standing (G) and foliage-supported (H) burrow entrances. I Burrow entrance morphology (open) of an undescribed Kwonkan species from near Leinster, W.A. 

 Photos: A, C, F, I by J. Wilson; B, E by E. Volschenk; D by V. Cruz Bedón; G, H by M. Harvey.

 Jeremy D. Wilson, Arianna Urso, Michael G. Rix, Erich S. Volschenk, Valentina Cruz Bedón and Mark S. Harvey. 2026. Wishbone Spiders of the Genus Kwonkan Main, 1983 (Araneae: Mygalomorphae: Anamidae) in south-western Australia: Redescription of legacy species, Two New Species, and an assessment of agricultural zone diversity. Arthropod Systematics & Phylogeny. 84: 510-547.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/asp.84.e189518 [08-07-2026]