[Herpetology • 2026] Lycodon trifasciatus • Neotype Designation for Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Species from Sri Lanka

 

Lycodon trifasciatus

Amarasinghe, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel & Karunarathna,

 in Amarasinghe, Campbell, Seneviratne, Weerakkody, Mata, Kennedy-Gold, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.422

Abstract

We revisit the systematics of Sri Lankan wolf snakes, historically assigned to Lycodon aulicus and describe a new species using an integrative assessment of external morphology (morphometry, meristics, and hemipenial morphology), osteology (microCT), mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b), and distributional data. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene recovered the L. aulicus group as a strongly supported monophyletic clade that includes five distinct lineages: (i) a Sri Lankan lineage currently referred to as L. aulicus, (ii) L. flavicollis from India, (iii) L. capucinus from the Sundaland region, (iv) L. zawi from Myanmar, and (v) the Sri Lankan endemic described herein as a new species. In our analyses, the new species is placed close to the Sri Lankan lineage currently identified as L. aulicus and to L. flavicollis, although support for some internal relationships is limited. Because the molecular representation of L. aulicus remains geographically restricted (including only a single sequenced Sri Lankan individual and no sequence data from the neotype locality in southwestern India), broader conclusions about the species boundaries, monophyly, and range-wide structure of L. aulicus should be treated as provisional working hypotheses. We do not attempt a range wide revision of L. aulicus sensu lato; we restrict our taxonomic actions and interpretations to (i) stabilizing name usage via type fixation and (ii) diagnosing the description of an overlooked Sri Lankan tri banded lineage.

 (A) Lycodon aulicus neotype (NHMUK 1904.10.18.5), an adult male from Kannur City in Kerala State, India; © Photo: GV; (B) adult voucher specimen of Lycodon aulicus (in life) from Rambukkana, Sri Lanka (NMSL 2026.09.04/Field No. DMSSK217); © Photo: SK.
 (C) Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. paratype (NMSL 2026.09.01/Field No. DMSSK379), an adult male from Udadumbara, Sri Lanka; © Photo: SK; (D) a hatchling of L. trifasciatus sp. nov. (in life) from Kalutara, Sri Lanka (not collected); © Photo: AKAG.

Dorsal, ventral, and lateral head scalation of (A) neotype of L. aulicus (NHMUK 1904.10.18.5; also, lectotype of L. a. oligozonatus) from Cannanore in the Malabar Coast (now Kannur in the Kerala State), (B) holotype of Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. (FMNH 165045) from Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka, and (C) topotype of L. capucinus (UIMZ 0121) from Central Java.

 Illustrations by A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe (not to scale).

Lycodon trifasciatus Amarasinghe, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel & Karunarathna, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeners by having the following combination of characters (Table 2): adults reach maximum SVL 615 mm; a single preocular; two postoculars; a single loreal scale; divided cloacal plate; nasal scale completely divided by the nostril; preocular in contact with frontal; ventrals 182–184 in 2 males and 192– 195 in 3 females; subcaudals 51–60+ in males and 40–65 in females; 2+3 temporals shorten; nine supralabials with 3rd–5 th in contact with eye; dorsal scale rows 17-17-15; tail length 16.2– 18.1% of total length in males; reddish or dark olive brown dorsum (rarely black) with three (rarely four) white striated crossbands only on the anterior part of the body; crossbands with thickness of 2–4 vertebral scales and 22–28 scales in-between crossbands; 28–33 vertebrate scales between the parietal and first crossband on the body; poorly visible collar mark on the nape; absence of white lip band.

A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Patrick D. Campbell, Sampath S. Seneviratne, Sanjaya Weerakkody, Joshua Mata, Stevie R. Kennedy-Gold, Anusha Aththanagoda, Bhanuka Ranasinghe, Gernot Vogel and Suranjan Karunarathna. 2026. Neotype Designation for Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Species from Sri Lanka. TAPROBANICA. 15(2); DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.422

[Paleontology • 2026] Kayrasaurus changliensi • A New therizinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota and ecomorphological patterns among early therizinosaurians

 

Kayrasaurus changliensis  Liao, Freimuth, Zanno & Xu, 2026;

Beipiaosaurus inexpectus; Jianchangosaurus yixianensis; Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2710287 

Artwork by Kōhei Futaka. x.com/_HETAKA

 

Abstract

Therizinosauria is a highly specialized clade of maniraptoran theropods, notable for a suite of unusual traits in late-branching taxa. These paradoxical anatomical features contributed to the complex taxonomic history of the clade, which remained unresolved until the discovery of early branching taxa. Here, we describe a new early branching species, Kayrasaurus changliensis, based on a nearly complete, skeletally immature specimen (IVPP V 18597) recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, China. This taxon is notably larger than other penecontemporaneous Jehol therizinosaurians (at least 1.6 times larger than the second-largest taxon, Beipiaosaurus inexpectus) and exhibits a unique combination of features (e.g. extremely small and densely packed teeth, cervical centra markedly longer than dorsal centra, and a dorsally extended ‘lip’ on manual ungual IV). We evaluate the phylogenetic position of K. changliensis using an expanded dataset with increased character and taxon sampling. Our results allow us to revise the diagnosis of B. inexpectus and provide new insights into therizinosaurian evolution, provisionally recovering two subclades within Therizinosauridae that are differentiated by their manual ungual morphology. By integrating morphological traits, body mass estimates, and biomechanical data, we infer the possibility of at least two distinct ecological niches among Jehol therizinosaurians. One ecological group, represented by B. inexpectus and possibly K. changliensis, exhibits features indicative of enhanced bite force and a more robust, less cursorial body plan. In contrast, Jianchangosaurus yixianensis and Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis display traits associated with greater cursoriality and a reliance on forelimb-based foraging. Kayrasaurus changliensis, together with the results of our phylogenetic analysis, provides new insights into the morphological evolution and ecological adaptations of therizinosaurians in the Jehol Biota. However, further analyses and the discovery of more complete, well-preserved specimens are essential to rigorously test and refine these hypotheses. 

Keywords: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning, maniraptoran, morphology, taxonomy

four species of therizinosaurids from the Jehol Biota, China: 
Kayrasaurus changliensis; Beipiaosaurus inexpectus;
Jianchangosaurus yixianensis; Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis

Artwork by Kōhei Futaka.  x.com/_HETAKA

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria sensu Gauthier, 1986

Therizinosauria Russell and Dong, 1993

Kayrasaurus changliensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Kayra, the god of creation in Turkic Shamanism, is the father of Erlik, the god of death, symbolizing its phylogenetic connection to Erlikosaurus; saurus, Greek for lizard. The specific name changliensis is derived from Changli, a historical place name from the Three Kingdoms period, referring to the provenance of the fossil.

Horizon and locality. Dabangou village, Sihetun Area, near Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, P. R. China; Lower Cretaceous (Barremian–Aptian) Yixian Formation (Chang et al., 2017).

Chun-Chi Liao, William J. Freimuth, Lindsay E. Zanno and Xing Xu. 2026. A New therizinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota and ecomorphological patterns among early therizinosaurians. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(2); 2710287. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2710287 [10 Sep 2026]  

x.com/_HETAKA/status/2098404378852102507

[Botany • 2026] Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae) • A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Sarkar, Gap, Rai et Kumar, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7  

 facebook.com/DipuBORAH2

Abstract

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov. is described from Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is morphologically allied to G. putaoensis but differs in having a broadly obovate basal part of the labellum with 6–7 prominent longitudinally thickened structures, and a distinct, thick, strongly incurved, narrowly oblong-ligulate, yellow apical part that is minutely papillate, with the apex rounded to obtuse (vs. an elliptic basal part with 3–5 parallel thickened lines, and a narrower apical part densely covered with yellow hairs, with the apex obtuse and densely covered with red papillae). A detailed morphological description, diagnosis, photographic illustrations, notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status, together with comparisons with morphologically allied species, are provided to facilitate its identification.

Monocots, Ghost orchid, Mycoheterotroph, New to Science, Orchid, Taxonomy

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov.

MADHUSUDHAN KHANAL, DIPANKAR BORAH, SHUVADIP SARKAR, NEELAM GAP, SANTOSH KUMAR RAI and DEVENDRA KUMAR. 2026. Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 773(3); 289-295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7 [2026-09-09]

  facebook.com/DipuBORAH2/posts/28179222161743622

[Herpetology • 2026] Eremiascincus erebos • A New banded skink (Scincidae: Sphenomorphini) from sandstone habitats of the Gulf of Carpentaria, Australia

 

Eremiascincus erebos

Zozaya, Lloyd, Budd & Torkkola, 2026

Garrwa Banded Skink | www.TaxonomyAustralia.org.au 

Abstract  

We describe Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov., a new species of banded, crepuscular and nocturnal skink from sandstone habitats of the southern Gulf of Carpentaria region in the Northern Territory, Australia. The species is known to inhabit scree and deep, cave-like crevices in gorges and rock towers. Morphology and genomic sequence data indicate E. erebos sp. nov. is most closely related to E. fasciolatus—with which it shares divided posterior supralabials, a character otherwise absent in Eremiascincus—but differs in having a larger ear opening, no ridges along the dorsal surfaces of the hindbody and tail, and a higher midbody scale row count. Although currently known from only two localities in the north-eastern Northern Territory, E. erebos sp. nov. is likely more widespread across the region south of the Gulf of Carpentaria.

Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov. in life and associated habitat:
 (A) MAGNT R36326 (holotype) and (B) MAGNT R36327 (paratype) from Pungalina–Seven Emu Sanctuary; (C) an unvouchered individual from Caranbirini;
(D) typical habitat at Caranbirini; (E) an unsampled individual from Caranbirini observed inside a deep, horizontal rock crevice.

 Photos: R. Lloyd (A–B); E. Budd (C); S. Zozaya (D–E).

Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov. (A) compared with the morphologically similar E. fasciolatus (B), geographically adjacent E. intermedius (C), and sympatric E. isolepis (D). Note that E. erebos sp. nov. lacks the longitudinal dorsal ridges on the posterior body and tail visible in B and C.

Localities: (A, D) Caranbirini Conservation Reserve, NT; (B) Cecil Plains, Qld; (C) Barkly Homestead, NT. 

Photos: S. Mahony (A), W. Read (B), M. Clancy (C), S. Zozaya (D).

 Eremiascincus ereboss sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Can be differentiated from all other Eremiascincus by the following combination of characters: irregular, dark, transverse bands on dorsal surface of body and original tail; dark bands on torso 1–2.5 scales wide; 37–39 MBSR; 8–9 supralabials, the penultimate and/or posteriormost being divided horizontally; ear opening very large (ear height 33–34% head depth) and elliptical; scales on dorsal surface of fourth toe arranged in multiple rows with oblique sutures, with only the terminal and penultimate scale row single; dorsum and tail completely lacking longitudinal ridges; snout rounded in lateral view, not depressed.

 Etymology. From the Greek ἔρεβος (erebos), used by Homer in the Iliad for the dark, gloomy passages between Earth and Hades, in reference to the dark sandstone crevices and caves in which this species is often found. The epithet was intentionally chosen for its phonetic resemblance to the generic name Eremiascincus, with both names beginning with ere- despite deriving from different Greek roots. The name is used as a noun in apposition. Coincidentally—and unknown to us until we compiled the reference list for this paper—the related species E. pallidus (Günther, 1875) was described in The Zoology of the Voyage of HMS Erebus and Terror, which refers to a ship bearing the same name in its Latinised form. 

We recommend the common name 'Garrwa Banded Skink' given that the species' known extent of occurrence falls mostly within Garrwa country. We thank Daphne and Peggy Mawson, Garrwa Elders, for their ongoing support toward understanding the lizard diversity on their country.

 

 Stephen M. Zozaya, Ray Lloyd, Elliot Budd and Janne J. Torkkola. 2026. Eremiascincus erebos sp. nov., A New banded skink (Scincidae; Sphenomorphini) from sandstone habitats of the Gulf of Carpentaria. Taxonomy Australia. 130: 1–11.   [2026-09-09] 

 www.TaxonomyAustralia.org.au/ajt/papers/gr5q0xngp9

[Invertebrate • 2026] Polycapus rubrum, Stelletta plana, ... • Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida)

 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov.

Lehnert, Rooney & Everett, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov 

 

Abstract

An investigation of Alaska’s extraordinarily rich sponge fauna was conducted utilizing samples retained as bycatch during National Marine Fisheries Service stock assessment bottom trawl surveys in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands between 1997 and 2021. Subsequent analysis of the samples revealed four new species, which are representatives of four different orders of demosponges: Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov., Julavis borealis sp. nov., Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov., and Stelletta plana sp. nov.. The new species are described and compared to congeners. Polycapus rubrum was assigned to the Hymedesmiidae but the combination of acanthoxeas and chelae does not occur in any other existing genus within the family which necessitates a new genus. These new collections further highlight the richness of the sponge fauna from the region.

Porifera, new species, North Pacific, Aleutian Islands, Gulf of Alaska, Tetractinellida, Axinellida, Haplosclerida, Stelletta, Polycapus, Julavis, Cladocroce, 28S

Cladocroce cylindrica, is a stalked, branching sponge distinguished by a unique spicule framework that forms a complex, web-like network. 

Julavis borealis, grows like a thin mat over organisms. Its presence in Alaska represents a massive high-latitude geographic leap for a group previously found only in warm, tropical environments. 

Cladocroce cylindrica sp. nov.  

Julavis borealis sp. nov.  

Polycapus rubrum gen. nov. & sp. nov. 

Stelletta plana sp. nov.

Helmut LEHNERT, Sean C. ROONEY and Meredith V. EVERETT. 2026. Four New Demosponges from Alaska and the Designation of A New Genus in Hymedesmiidae (Heteroscleromorpha, Poecilosclerida).  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 317-334. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.6 [2026-07-29]

Nine Species of Deep-Sea Sponges Discovered in Alaska

www.fisheries.NOAA.gov/feature-story/nine-species-deep-sea-sponges-discovered-alaska

[Botany • 2026] Sedum guniuensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Anhui, China

 

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, 

in Wang, Ma, Fang, Ding, Ni, Zhang, Zou, Shao, Li, Liu et Ai, 2026. 

牯牛景天  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120

 

ABSTRACT

A new species of Sedum (Crassulaceae), Sedum guniuensis from the Guniujiang Mountains in southern Anhui, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. emarginatum, but can be clearly distinguished by its creeping growth habit and smaller cordate leaves. Additionally, complete chloroplast genomes from six populations of S. guniuensis provide strong molecular evidence for its taxonomic separation from S. emarginatum.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov.
 (A) habitat, (B) habit winter, (C) habit spring, (D) flowers, (E) plants.

 All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov. (Figures 4, 5).

Diagnosis: Sedum guniuensis (Figures 4 and 5) is morphologically similar to S. emarginatum, but differs in prostrate stems, cordate smaller leaves (0.5–1.2 × 0.4–1.0 cm vs. 1–2.5 × 0.5–1.2 cm), linear-obovate sepals (2–5 × 0.7–2 mm), and diminutive petals (6–8 × 1.5–2 mm) (Table 2). In sympatry (Figure 4A,B), S. guniuensis has creeping stems and smaller leaves than S. emarginatum.

Etymology: The epithet “guniuensis” is derived from the type locality, Guniujiang mountains, Shitai County, Anhui Province, China. 

The Chinese name given is “Gǔ Niú Jǐng Tiān” (牯牛景天).

Sedum guniuensis (B, D, E, G, I, K) and S. emarginatum (A, C, F, H, J, L),
(A, B) comparison of both species co-occurring in sympatric communities in the wild, (C, D) plants, (E, F) cauline leaves, (G, H) leaf, (I, J) flowers, (K, L) fruits.

All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

 

Wan-Zeng Wang, Hai-Jun Ma, Hong-Ming Fang, Bai-Lin Ding, Wei-Yong Ni, Si-Yu Zhang, Shi-Hui Zou, Jian-Wen Shao, Nai-Wei Li, Kun Liu and Li-Jiao Ai. 2026. Sedum guniuensis, A New Species of Sedum (Crassulaceae) from Anhui, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120 [29 July 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Hydrangea medogensis (Hydrangeaceae) • A New Species from Xizang (Tibet), China

 

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He, 

in He, Zheng, F.-Y. Zhao, Yin, Li, K.-H. Zhao, Zhang, Liao et Lan, 2026.

墨脱绣球  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203326 

Abstract

Based on field surveys, examination of herbarium specimens, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, the present study described a new species, Hydrangea medogensis sp. nov. (Hydrangeaceae), from Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that H. medogensis was placed in Clade 1 as a distinct lineage, sister to the remainder of the clade. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to H. stylosa but can be distinguished by the following key characteristics: fertile flowers with a globose calyx tube constricted at the mouth; calyx teeth triangular, occasionally oblong-ovate, 0.6–1 mm long; adaxial leaf surface covered with two types of soft hairs (long and short); ovary more than 4/5 inferior, nearly completely inferior; and seeds with a very narrow wing around the margin. The taxonomic status of the new species was established based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence.

Key words: Hydrangea, morphological analysis, new species, phylogenetic analysis

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He.
A. Habit; B. Fruiting branch; C. Adaxial surface of leaf; D. Abaxial surface of leaf; E. Flower bud; F. Flower; G. Fruit; H. Seed (drawing by Wenqi He).

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He. 
A. Habitat; B. Flowering branch; C. Sterile flowers and young fruits; D. Branchlet; E. Fruiting branch.

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Hydrangea medogensis is morphologically similar to H. stylosa, but differs in having ovaries more than 4/5 inferior (vs. ca. 2/3 inferior), leaves with adaxial surface covered with long and short hairs (vs. nearly glabrous or glabrous on both surfaces), fertile flowers with calyx tube subglobose, calyx opening constricted, calyx teeth triangular, occasionally oblong-ovate, 0.6–1 mm long (vs. calyx tube campanulate, calyx opening tubular, calyx teeth ovate or suboblong, 1–1.5 mm long), and seeds narrowly winged around margin (vs. minutely winged at one or both ends).

Etymology. The epithet indicates the type locality, i.e., Medog area, Xizang, China.

Vernacular name. mò tuō xiù qiú (Chinese pronunciation); 

墨脱绣球 (Chinese name).

 Wen-Qi He, Wei-Lie Zheng, Fang-Yu Zhao, Kai-Xin Yin, Lian-Qiang Li, Kai-Hui Zhao, Fang-yuan Zhang, Zhi-hua Liao and Xiao-Zhong Lan. 2026. Hydrangea medogensis (Hydrangeaceae), A New Species from Xizang (Tibet), China. PhytoKeys. 279: 51-68. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203326 [10 Sep 2026]

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

 

Gegeneophis chandgadi

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

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

recordsofzsi.com

Abstract

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

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

Gegeneophis chandgadi sp. nov.

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Duttaphrynus phawngpui • A New Montane Toad Species (Anura: Bufonidae: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern India

Duttaphrynus phawngpui 

 Dawngliana, Warjri, Amarasinghe, Bal, Hruaia, Hlychho, Lalremsanga, Vabeiryureilai & Purkayastha, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782

Abstract

We describe a new montane bufonid toad from Phawngpui National Park, Mizoram, northeastern India, using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology, multivariate morphometrics, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Mizoram population as a well-supported lineage within the Duttaphrynus stuarti species group, distinct from its closest congeners, including D. stuarti, D. chandai, and D. dhara. Uncorrected 16S sequence divergence from currently recognised taxa ranges from 3.8–5.5%, consistent with species-level differentiation in Asian bufonids. Principal component analysis of size-corrected morphometric variables further supports its distinctiveness, with the new species occupying a discrete region of morphospace. The new species is characterized by moderate body size (SVL 47.72–56.26 mm), indistinct tympanum, absence of most cranial ridges, distinctive digital proportions, moderate toe webbing, and a dorsum with glandular warts, irregular dark blotches, and a narrow mid-dorsal stripe. Concordant molecular, morphometric, and morphological evidence supports its recognition as a distinct species. Known only from the type locality in high-elevation (>2000 m a.s.l.) montane habitats, the species highlights the importance of the Mizoram uplands for undocumented amphibian diversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Duttaphrynus phawngpui sp. nov 

Malsawm Dawngliana, Holiness Warjri, A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Amit K. Bal, Vanlal Hruaia, Mara D. Hlychho, Hmar T. Lalremsanga, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai and Jayaditya Purkayastha. 2026. A New Montane Toad Species (ANURA: BUFONIDAE: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 15(2); 298–309. DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423 [13 September 2026]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782_A_NEW_MONTANE_TOAD_Duttaphrynus_from_MIZORAM_NE_INDIA

[Botany • 2026] Begonia salog (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New endemic Species from southeastern Luzon, Philippines

 

Begonia salog Dela Cruz, Bucay, Corre, & Valiente, 

in Dela Cruz, Bucay, Corre, Valiente, Tandang et Chung, 2026. 

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2212 

 facebook.com/TaiwaniaOffice

 

Abstract

Begonia salog, a member of section Baryandra, is characterized by rhizomatous growth, axillary protandrous inflorescences with boat-shaped bracts, and ovaries with bifid placentae. While sharing glandular hairs on the inflorescence with B. caramoanensis, it is distinguished by puberulent petioles (vs. tomentose), broadly serrated, non-ciliate leaf margins (vs. shallowly undulate and ciliate), a glabrous abaxial leaf surface (vs. pilose), glabrous bracts (vs. glandular-hairy), and a glabrous ovary (vs. glandular-hairy). Begonia salog is described here as a new species from the karst landscapes of southeastern Luzon, Philippines, with notes on its ecology and habitat, and a preliminary IUCN-based conservation assessment.

Keyword: Begonia caramoanensis, biodiversity conservation, comparative morphology, plant endemism, species delimitation

Begonia salog Dela Cruz, Bucay, Corre, & Valiente.
A. Habitat and habit; B. Rhizome, showing stipules and petiole base; C. Petiole showing vestiture; D. Adaxial leaf lamina; E. Abaxial leaf lamina; F. Staminate flower, face view; G. Pistillate flower, face view; H. Staminate flower, side view; I. Pistillate flower, side view; J. Inflorescence; K. Immature staminate flower showing the bracts and vestiture; L. Dissected stipule; M. Capsule; N. Ovary cross-section.

All from C.J.P. Dela Cruz 0016 (Holotype, PNH)

Begonia salog Dela Cruz, Bucay, Corre, & Valiente, sp nov.

 (§ Baryandra) 

Diagnosis: Begonia salog is characterized by its rhizomatous growth habit, axillary protandrous inflorescences with boat-shaped bracts, and an ovary exhibiting bifid placentation. Begonia salog is morphologically similar to B. caramoanensis (Rubite et al., 2020) in possessing glandular hairs on the inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by several key morphological traits. These include its puberulent (vs. tomentose) petioles; broadly serrate, non-ciliate leaf margins (vs. shallowly undulate to almost entire and ciliate); a glabrous abaxial lamina (vs. pilose with lightgreen to maroon hispid hairs denser along the veins) abaxial leaf lamina; glabrous (vs. glandular-hairy) bracts; and a glabrous (vs. glandular-hairy) ovary. Additional diagnostic differences between the two taxa are detailed in Table 1

Etymology: The epithet salog comes from the Bicolano word meaning ‘river,’ referring to the habitat where the plant was first documented.

Cyrus Job P. Dela Cruz, Mark Angelo C. Bucay, Karen B. Corre, Judy Ann V. Valiente, Danilo N. Tandang and Kuo-Fang Chung. 2026. Begonia salog (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New endemic Species from southeastern Luzon, Philippines.  Taiwania. 71(4); 632-637 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.632 [10 August 2026] 

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2212 

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[Botany • 2026] Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae) • A New Species from Mamasa, Sulawesi

 

Begonia andariasii  Mustaqim & Ardi,

in Mustaqim et Ardi, 2026.  

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2213 

Abstract

Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae) is described as a new species endemic to Mamasa Regency, Sulawesi Barat Province, Indonesia. The species is provisionally assigned as Critically Endangered (CR). Detailed descriptions, distribution, photographs, and discussions are given.

Keyword: Begonia ranoposoensis, Cucurbitales, herbs, Indonesia, taxonomy, Wallacea

Morphology of Begonia andariasii.
A. Wild plants. B. Stipule. C. Leaf, adaxial. D. Leaf, abaxial. E. Inflorescence. F. Male flower, lateral view. G. Male flower, frontal view. H. Stamens. I. Female flowers. J. Female flower, frontal view. K. Style and stigmas. L. Cross-section of ovary, also showing placentae. M. Capsules.

Photographs: A–E, F–G by Andarias Sambokaraeng and H–M by Wendy A. Mustaqim,

Begonia andariasii Mustaqim & Ardi, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Begonia andariasii is similar to B. ranoposoensis Saleh, Bandjolu & Ardi but differs in being consistently erect (vs. semi-erect to creeping), longer stipules (14–16 vs. 6‒11 mm long), male inflorescences consisting of 1–2 compressed monochasia, with up to 7 flowers (vs. a thyrse composed of up to 18 partial inflorescences, each compressed-subumbellate and bearing 4–12 flowers), male flowers with more anthers (43–47 vs. 21–29), longer female inflorescence peduncle (9–36 mm vs. 1–3 mm), longer fruiting pedicels (5–6 mm vs. up to 4 mm) and a longer capsule (20–22 mm vs. 9–17 mm). 

Etymology: Named in honour of Andarias Sambokaraeng, also known as Andre, a local plant enthusiast and conservationist whose contributions have revealed the plant diversity of Mamasa to the scientific community and the public.

 Wendy A. Mustaqim and Wisnu H. Ardi. 2026. Begonia andariasii (Begoniaceae), A New Species from Mamasa, Sulawesi.  Taiwania. 71(4); 638-642 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.638 [11 August 2026] 

  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2213

[Botany • 2026] Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae, sect. Monophyllon) • A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

 

 Begonia neelamorum  D.Borah & M.Khanal,

in Borah, Khanal, Taram et Gap, 2026.

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

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Abstract

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sect. Monophyllon, is described as a new species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. It closely resembles B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence which arises from the base of the sessile leaf blade, and white staminate and pistillate flowers, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum, terete stem, ovate lamina with double-serrate margins, a dichasial cyme and shorter styles. The species description is accompanied by illustrations and photographs, and information is provided on its distribution, phenology, ecology, preliminary conservation assessment and similarity to other species.

Keyword: Arunachal Pradesh, Begonia kayinensis, Begonia oyuniae, Begonia prolifera, Himalaya, Monophyllon, new species

 Begonia neelamorum. A. Habit; B. Flowering branch; C. Inflorescence; D-E. Male flowers, front and back views; F. Female flower, side view, G. Female flower, front view; H. Styles; I. Androecium.

(D.Borah, M.Khanal and G.Neelam 2267)

 Begonia neelamorum. A-C. Habitat

Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal, sp. nov. 

sect. Monophyllon

 Diagnosis: Begonia neelamorum D.Borah & M.Khanal is most similar to B. prolifera A.DC. in having a globose tuber, a single, sessile, basifixed leaf with a uniformly light-green lamina, an inflorescence from the base of the lamina and a symmetric or subsymmetric, cordate leaf bases, but differs in its glandular-hispid indumentum (vs. glabrous to subglabrous), stem terete (vs. adaxially grooved), ovate lamina with double-serrate margins (vs. orbicular-cordate lamina with dentate to slightly incised margins, sometimes tuberculate at the edges), dichasial cymes (vs. thyrsoid cyme), shorter styles, 1 mm long (vs. 3 mm)

Etymology: The specific epithet honours the Neelam clan of the Nyishi tribe of Arunachal Pradesh, who assisted in the collection of the species during a particularly treacherous expedition. Neelam is also the name of the village inhabited by members of the clan and is among the nearest villages to the type locality from which the species was collected. 

Vernacular name: Kobiirhopu Baabrai (Nyishi) 

 Dipankar Borah, Madhusudhan Khanal, Momang Taram and Neelam Gap. 2026. Begonia neelamorum (Begoniaceae sect. Monophyllon), A remarkable New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. Taiwania. 71(4); 617-620. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.617 [05 August 2026]

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2210 

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