[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis etsa • A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador

Pristimantis etsa

Figueroa-Coronel, Cisneros-Heredia, Brito-Zapata, Carrión-Olmedo & Reyes-Puig, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506

Abstract

A new species of Pristimantis is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeastern Ecuador, based on morphological and molecular data, Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: female SVL 32.5 mm and male SVL 18.3 mm, dorsolateral folds formed by rows of subconical tubercles, strongly areolate ventral skin, two distinct rows of forearm tubercles, one along the ventrolateral margin and a second along the externolateral margin of the forearm, and a prominent yellow groin blotch in the female holotype. The species belongs to the Pristimantis cryptomelas group, part of the Huicundomantis subgenus, and is closely related to P. nangaritza, P. verrucosus, and P. plateado. Currently, the species is known only from its type locality, where it inhabits low montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,655–1,830 m. Additionally, we discuss the use of the term “ulnar tubercles” in Pristimantis, noting that it may refer to tubercles occupying different positions on the forearm.

Key words: Amphibia, forearm tubercles, Huicundomantis, sub-Andean cordilleras

Color in life of Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.
A, E. Dorsolateral view; B, F. Dorsal view; C, G. Ventral view, and D, H. Groin.
(A–D) ZSFQ 6188; (E–H) ZSFQ 6189.

Photographs by David Brito-Zapata and Carolina Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.

 Proposed standard English name. Etsa Rain Frog.

Proposed standard Spanish name. Cutín de Etsa.

Generic placement. The new species is assigned to Pristimantis based on the presence of a differentiated tympanic membrane, S-shaped adductor muscles, and expanded terminal discs on digits bearing well-defined circumferential grooves (Hedges et al. 2008).

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is summarized in Table 1, and a visual comparison of P. etsa sp. nov. and P. nangaritza is shown in Fig. 8. The species included in the comparative diagnosis were selected because they are phylogenetically close to Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. within the P. cryptomelas group or because they share one or more externally similar characters, especially colored groin, ulnar tuberculation, and occurrence in the Cordillera del Cóndor, southern Ecuador, or adjacent northern Peru. Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. is distinguished from these congeners by the following combination of characters: snout rounded in dorsal view and profile; dorsolateral folds conspicuous, composed of subconical ...

Etymology. The specific epithet etsa is a noun in apposition derived from the Shuar language. Among the Shuar people, an indigenous nationality inhabiting eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, including parts of the Cordillera del Cóndor, Etsa is a powerful anthropomorphic being whose primary manifestation is the sun. In Shuar cosmology, Etsa acts as a cultural transmitter who endows animals and people with essential skills, such as hunting techniques, restores life to forest birds, and upholds moral order (Pellizaro 1984; Barrueco 1985).

 Elías Figueroa-Coronel, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, David Brito-Zapata, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador. ZooKeys. 1282: 205-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506 [15 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Microlicia almedae (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil

Microlicia almedae  R.B.Pacifico & Kriebel,

in Pacifico et Kriebel, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.193021

Abstract

A new species, Microlicia almedae, is described and illustrated from the species-rich campo rupestre vegetation of Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. The taxonomic novelty is morphologically related to M. giuliettiana and M. pulchra, which are also restricted to Chapada Diamantina. Microlicia almedae differs from the latter two species in leaf shape and size, hypanthium indumentum, calyx lobe shape and size, and petal size. In addition, M. almedae differs from M. giuliettiana by its uniformly magenta petals and from M. pulchra by its capsules with deciduous columellae. Variation in leaf shape among M. almedae, M. pulchra, and M. giuliettiana was quantified using elliptic Fourier analysis, which revealed near-complete separation among the three species.

Key words: Campo rupestre, Lavoisiereae, Pico da Lapa Grande, Serra do Barbado, taxonomy

Microlicia almedae.
 A. Habit; B. Flower; C. Landscape with campo rupestre vegetation at Serra do Barbado, the type locality of M. almedae.

Voucher: L. Daneu et al. 796 (JABU). 

Photos: by L. Daneu (A, B); by E.A. Ramos (C).

Microlicia almedae.
A. Habit; B. Close-up of a branch; C. Leaf adaxial surface; D. Leaf abaxial surface; E. Detail of glandular-punctate adaxial surface; F. Detail of glandular-punctate indumentum on abaxial surface; G. Flower in lateral view; H. Flowering hypanthium and calyx lobes; I. Detail of the indumentum on the hypanthium; J. Petal in adaxial view; K. Antepetalous (left) and antesepalous (right) stamens; L. Gynoecium; M. Apex of style and stigma; N. Ovary in cross-section; O. Capsule enveloped by the hypanthium and calyx lobes; P. Seed in lateral view.

Illustration by Klei Sousa based on L. Daneu et al. 796 (JABU).

  

Microlicia almedae R.B.Pacifico & Kriebel, sp. nov.

Ricardo Pacifico and Ricardo Kriebel. 2026. Microlicia almedae (Melastomataceae), A New Species from the Chapada Diamantina, Bahia, Brazil. PhytoKeys. 276: 183-195. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.193021 [12 Jun 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Begonia thanhquyetii (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Quang Tri province, Central Vietnam

Begonia thanhquyetii  C.H. Nguyen, T.A. Le & C.W. Lin,

in Duong, C. H. Nguyen, Le, Bui, Dinh, Dang, Y. T. Nguyen, Tran, T. H. Nguyen, Averyanov et Lin, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.762.2.8 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

Begonia thanhquyetii, a new species from central Vietnam, is herein described and illustrated. It is morphologically most similar to B. baik in its creeping habit, rugose ovate leaves, and protogynous inflorescences. However, it differs in several key morphological characters, including stipules hirsute on the abaxial surface (vs. glabrous), bracts lacking glandular hairs along the margins (vs. glandular-ciliate), a pair of bracteoles present near the apex of the pistillate pedicel (vs. bracteoles absent), abaxial tepals of both staminate and pistillate flowers hirsute (vs. glabrous), and densely hirsute ovary (vs. glabrous). Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria (Version 16), B. thanhquyetii is provisionally assessed as Least Concern (LC), pending further field surveys to clarify its distribution and population status.

Eudicots, biodiversity, endemism, Flora of Vietnam, Indochina, taxonomy

Begonia thanhquyetii sp. nov.

 

NAM VAN DUONG, CUONG HUU NGUYEN, ANH TUAN LE, DOI THE BUI, DIEN DINH, HA VAN DANG, YEN THI NGUYEN, HUNG THE TRAN, TUAN HOANG NGUYEN, LEONID V. AVERYANOV and CHE WEI LIN. 2026. Begonia thanhquyetii (B. sect. Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Quang Tri province, Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 762(2); 177-184. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.762.2.8 [2026-06-16] 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10233296686462751

[Entomology • 2026] Cricotopus motuoensis & C. neomatudigitatus • DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov.,
C. (P.) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

in Chen, Z.-C. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Nyima et Lin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 

Abstract

Two cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China have been discovered by DNA barcodes. Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., and Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The validity of some previously described species is discussed, and the diagnosis of the subgenus is amended. A key to known adult males of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) is presented.

Diptera, Orthocladiinae, taxonomy, pupa, female, key

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

YI-ZHU CHEN, ZHI-CHAO ZHANG, YAN ZHANG, TENZIN NYIMA and XIAO-LONG LIN. 2026. DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China.  Zootaxa. 5828(3); 481-501. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 [2026-06-10]

 

[Botany • 2026] Ceropegia gengmaensis (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Ceropegia gengmaensis  P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun,

in Luo, Liu, Tong, Zhang, Wang, Deng, Goyder et Sun, 2026. 

耿马吊灯花  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.197333

Abstract

Ceropegia gengmaensis P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun, a new species from Gengma County, Yunnan, Southwest China, is described. Both morphological characteristics and chloroplast phylogenetic analysis strongly support its placement within C. sect. Chionopegia H.Huber. Molecular data further reveal that C. gengmaensis is closely related to C. salicifolia, C. mairei, and C. dolichophylla, yet it can be distinguished from them readily by its stem indumentum, leaf shape, and floral morphology, particularly the shape of the corolla tube, and features of the lobes. A detailed line drawing of this new species is also provided.

Key words: Ceropegieae, Chloroplast, Karst Landform, Morphology, Southwest China

Ceropegia gengmaensis. 
 A, B. Plant showing the rootstock; C, D. Upper and lower sides of leaf; E. Inflorescence with bases of adjoining leaves; F. Corolla tube dissected longitudinally; G. Side view of gynostegium (with sepals and pedicel shown); H. Top view of gynostegium with sepals shown; I. Ovary; J Pollinarium.

 Scale bars: 15 cm (A, B); 5 cm (C, D); 4 cm (E, F); 1 cm (G); 0.8 cm (H); 0.3 cm (I); 0.5 mm (J).

Morphological features of Ceropegia gengmaensis based on living plants collected from the type locality.
 A. Plant showing the rootstock; B, C. Leaf: B, abaxial surface and C, adaxial surface; D. Stem; E, F. Corolla: E, corolla from the outside with its base cut off and F, corolla with the tube dissected longitudinally; G. Small peduncle, part of the pedicel and petiole; H. White hairs on the inside of the base of the tube; I. Side view of gynostegium; J. Gynostegium from above; K. Pollinarium.

Scale bars: 15 cm (A); 5 cm (B, C); 4 cm (D, E, F); 1 cm (G, H, I); 0.8 cm (J); 0.5 mm (K).

Ceropegia gengmaensis P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Ceropegia gengmaensis shows affinities with C. salicifolia and C. dolichophylla, both of C. sect. Chionopegia . It differs from C. salicifolia by its erect to sprawling habit (vs. twining), elliptic leaves 2.0–5.5 cm (vs. lanceolate, 6–15 cm), densely pubescent stems bearing usually solitary flowers (vs. glabrous stems with sessile cymose many-flowered inflorescences), and narrower corolla lobes with only slight expansion above the throat (vs. lobes longer and wider, upper portion markedly expanded). From C. mairei it differs by the much less pronounced basal inflation of the tube (vs. a strongly inflated tube) and ... 

Etymology. Ceropegia gengmaensis is named after its type locality, Gengma County, Southwest Yunnan.

Vernacular name. the Chinese name is given as “耿马吊灯花” (gěng mă diào dēng huā) named after the type locality, Gengma County, Southwest Yunnan.

Peng-Rui Luo, Ang Liu, Rui Tong, Xin-Jian Zhang, Zi-Yi Wang, Tao Deng, David J. Goyder and Hang Sun. 2026. Ceropegia gengmaensis (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 217-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.197333 [15 Jun 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Pseudocapritermes novus • A New Species of Soil-dwelling Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae: Mirocapritermitinae) from the Indian Subcontinent

Pseudocapritermes novus Rituparna, Baraik & Rajmohana, 

in Sengupta, Baraik, Rajmohana, Debnath, Dinesh et Chinu, 2026. 

https://jibs.modares.ac.ir 

 Researchgate.net/publication/404799169

Abstract

The present study reports a new species, Pseudocapritermes novus Rituparna, Baraik & Rajmohana sp. nov. from West Bengal, India. Species description followed an integrative taxonomic approach by including a mitochondrial 16S rRNA genetic sequence with comprehensive morphological characteristics of the soldier caste. Additionally, the first mt 16S rRNA gene sequence for the recently identified Pseudocapritermes kunjepu Mathew, 2020, is presented in the study. Digital photos of the new species are also included, along with an identification key to the soldier castes of all species of the genus reported from the Indian sub-continent. Association of Pericapritermes semarangi (Holmgren, 1913) with the new species is also recorded in the study.

 

Keywords: Inquiline, mitochondrial 16S rRNA, molecular phylogeny, Pericapritermes, Pseudocapritermes, taxonomy

Pseudocapritermes novus Rituparna, Baraik & Rajmohana sp. nov., Soldier:
A. General habitus, lateral view; B. Postmentum; C. Mandibles; D. Head capsule, dorsal view; E. Head capsule, ventral view; F. Labrum marked with an arrow (the extended process of the anterolateral corner of the labrum is broken on the right side); G. Antennae.

Pseudocapritermes novus Rituparna, Baraik & Rajmohana sp. nov. 

  

Rituparna Sengupta, Balmohan Baraik, Rajmohana K., Rupam Debnath, K. P. Dinesh and Ipe Chinu. 2026. Description of A New Species of Soil-dwelling Termites (Blattodea: Termitidae: Mirocapritermitinae) from the Indian subcontinent. The Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. DOI: 10.48311/jibs.12.03.537 [13 May 2026] 

https://jibs.modares.ac.ir/article_28644.html

 Researchgate.net/publication/404799169_a_new_species_of_Pseudocapritermes_from_the_Indian_subcontinent

[Arachnida • 2026] Orchestina nojimai & O. insulana • Taxonomic Revision of the Jumping Goblin Spider Genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan with Descriptions of Two New Species

A–B. Orchestina flava Ono, 2005, females. 
C. Orchestina insulana sp. nov., female; D. O. sanguinea Oi, 1955;
Orchestina saltitans Banks, 1894; O. okitsui Oi, 1958, male. 

Suzuki, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1068.3293 

Abstract 

The goblin spider genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan has been revised, recognizing nine species including two new species and four species newly recorded from Japan: O. okitsui Oi, 1958 (♂♀), O. flava Ono, 2005 (♂♀), O. sanguinea Oi, 1955 (♀), O. saaristoi Henrard & Jocqué, 2012 (♂♀, new record), O. saltitans Banks, 1894 (♂♀, new record), O. colubrina Liu, Henrard & Xu, 2019 (♂, new record), O. pavesii (Simon, 1873) (♂♀, new record), Orchestina nojimai sp. nov. (♀) and O. insulana sp. nov. (♀). A literature survey revealed errors in the correspondences between figures and captions in a pictorial book, which likely led to the misidentification of the synanthropically introduced species O. saltitans as the forest-dwelling native species O. okitsui. The misrepresentation also gave rise to the erroneous assumption that the male of O. sanguinea had been described, although no male specimen has actually been reported. In addition, Orchestina flagella Saaristo & van Harten, 2006, is here synonymized with O. saltitans (O. flagella syn. nov.). This study provides photographs and illustrations of nine Orchestina species, including the type specimens of O. okitsui, O. flava and O. sanguinea, notes on their habitats, distribution maps, supplemental molecular data, and a graphical character matrix of Orchestina species in Japan.

Keywords: Arachnida, misidentification, type material, synanthropic species, Synspermiata

Live specimens of species of Orchestina Simon, 1882.
A. Orchestina okitsui Oi, 1958, male (YSPC-Op-1). B. Orchestina saltitans Banks, 1894, male (YSPC-Op-2).

Live specimens of species of Orchestina Simon, 1882.
 A–B. Orchestina flava Ono, 2005, females (TKPM-AR, voucher specimen numbers not specified). C. Orchestina insulana sp. nov., female (TKPM-AR 3489). D. Orchestina sanguinea Oi, 1955, female (TKPM-AR 3491).

 

Yuya SUZUKI. 2026. Taxonomic Revision of the Jumping Goblin Spider Genus Orchestina Simon, 1882 (Araneae: Oonopidae) in Japan with Descriptions of Two New Species. European Journal of Taxonomy.  1068: 1–49. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1068.3293 [2026-06-12]

[Entomology • 2026] Leptogenys distincta & L. gastrolucida • Two New Species of Ant Genus Leptogenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with an updated key to the known Oriental species

Leptogenys distincta  
 Leptogenys gastrolucida

Baidwan, Kapoor & Bharti, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2657496

 

ABSTRACT

Two new species of the genus Leptogenys are described based on the worker caste, namely Leptogenys distincta sp. n. and Leptogenys gastrolucida sp. n. from India. The male of L. gastrolucida sp. n. is also reported and described. An updated dichotomous key to the 60 known species of Leptogenys from the Oriental region is provided.

 

KEYWORDS: Taxonomy, Indo-Burma, biodiversity, description

 

 Leptogenys distincta sp. n.  

Leptogenys gastrolucida sp. n.  

Parvinder Singh Baidwan, Rakeshwar Kapoor and Himender Bharti. 2026. Two New Species of Ant Genus Leptogenys (Hymenoptera: Formicidae) from India, with an updated key to the known Oriental species. Journal of Natural History. 60(25-28); 1357-1397. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2657496 [08 Jun 2026] 

[Entomology • 2020] Apsidophora bala & A. chandrapatyae • Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand

[2, 5] Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male)
[3, 6] A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, females)
[4, 7] A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 

Pinkaew & Muadsub, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150

Abstract

 Two new species, Apsidophora bala sp. nov. and Apsidophora chandrapatyae sp. nov., are described. Illustrations of adult and genitalia are provided. We also present a photograph of living specimen of A. chandrapatyae sp. nov. in natural resting posture. The two new taxa increase the number of described Apsidophora species to 3.

 Key words: new species, Olethreutini, Thailand

 

 Head of Apsidophora spp. 5. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 6. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np13274) 7. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male).

 Wing pattern of Apsidophora spp. 2. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 3. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np6675) 4. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male), scale bars = 2 mm.

 Male hindwing of Apsidophora spp.
8–9. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 8. Hindwing 9. Projecting lobe
10–13. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 10. Hindwing 11. Projecting lobe 12. Two groups of sex scales on hindwing (upperside hindwing) 13. A row of long scales (underside hindwing).

Nantasak Pinkaew and Sopita Muadsub. 2020. Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand. Zootaxa. 4877(3); 401–412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150_Two_new_Apsidophora_from_Thailand

[Botany • 2018] Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, 

in Li, Wei, Liu, Chen, Hu et Wang, 2018.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

Abstract

Lobelia hongiana, a new species of Campanulaceae from Guangxi, South China, is described and illustrated here. This new species is most similar to L. chinensis and L. loochooensis, but differs by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaf, 2.5–3 mm long greenish-carmine hypanthium, 5 or 6 calyx lobes, purplish-white corolla, with yellowish-green blotches at the base of lower lobes, glabrous filaments, 7–8 mm long broadly obconic capsule. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has been conducted based on ITS and two chloroplast sequences (atpB and rbcL) and 14 taxa in Lobelia are included. L. hongiana is well supported as a new species by the evidence from both morphology and molecular phylogeny.

Keywords: Hypsela, Lobelia chinensis, Lobelia loochooensis, Southern China

 

Photos of Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu: morphology.
A Habitat B Part of one individual C A stem bearing leaves and a flower D–G Flower viewed from different orientations H–I Fruit viewed from different orientations.

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is distinguished from L. chinensis and L. loochooensis by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaves, usually sinuate-dentate margin; hypanthium 2.5–3 mm long, greenish-carmine; calyx lobes 5 or 6, shorter than hypanthium; corolla purplish-white, yellowish- green blotches at the base of lower lobes; glabrous filaments; broadly obconic capsule, 7–8 mm long; flowering time from May to July.

 

Distribution and ecology: The new species has been found in Huixian Wetland, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China, with only two populations. There is a high probability that L. hongiana is also distributed at adjacent areas, given its vegetative propagation traits. Its living environment is wetland and farmland.

Phenology: The new species was found in flower from May to July.

Etymology: Species epithet, “hongiana”, is in honour of Prof. De-Yuan Hong who made a significant contribution to the authors’ knowledge of Campanulaceae.

 Zhi-Zhong Li, Neng Wei, Yan Liu, Jin-Ming Chen, Guangwan Hu and Qing-Feng Wang. 2018. Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 95: 27-36.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

[Botany • 2026] Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae) • A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China

 

Oreocharis sihuiensis  L.B.Ji & F.Wen, 

in  Ji, Wen, Jin, Xu, Li et Tang. 2026. 

四会瑶山苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 

Abstract

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) is described from Guangdong Province, China. Morphologically, the flower shape of this new species is similar to that of O. dayaoshanioides, but it can be distinguished by its leaf blade being adaxially densely pubescent, with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. adaxially sparsely villous to villous, with hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded and apex rounded (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate and apex acute), 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), shorter filaments (ca. 6.0 mm long vs. 8.0–12.0 mm long), and shorter capsules (ca. 1.0 cm long vs. ca. 2.0 cm long). Considering its scarce number of individuals, and the presence of severe human disturbance, we preliminarily assess the new species as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: Medicinal plant, morphology, new taxon, Oreocharis cotinifolia, Oreocharis dayaoshanioides, taxonomy

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B, C. Flowering individuals; D. Leaves, adaxial (left), abaxial (right), and their partially magnified views (a, b. Respectively, showing indumentum); E. Inflorescence; F, G. Flowers, front and lateral view, respectively; H. Longitudinal section of corolla, lower lip (left), upper lip (right) and its partially magnified view (a. Showing indumentum and staminodes); I. Calyx lobes; J. Disc and Pistil; K. Capsules.

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Front view of a flower; C. Lateral view of a flower; D. Longitudinal section of corolla; E. Disc and Pistil; F. Capsules; G. Leaf, abaxial surface.

Oreocharis sihuiensis L.B.Ji & F.Wen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species similar to Oreocharis dayaoshanioides Yan Liu & W.B.Xu (in Liu et al. 2012), but can be distinguished from the latter by the adaxial leaf blade being densely pubescent with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. sparsely to densely villous, hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded with a rounded apex (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate with an acute apex), presence of 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), filaments shorter, less than ca. 6.0 mm long (vs. 8.0–12.0 mm), and capsules ca. 1.0 cm long (vs. ca. 2.0 cm). (Table 1, together with the type species of Dayaoshania, now namely Oreocharis cotinifolia).

Etymology. Specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Sihui City.

Vernacular name. Sì Huì Yáo Shān Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation); 

四会瑶山苣苔 (Chinese name).

Ling-Bo Ji, Fang Wen, Xiu-Hui Jin, Yi-Da Xu, Bo-Heng Li and Bo Tang. 2026. Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae), A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 175-182. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 [12 Jun 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Trogloraptor tulishpun • A New northern Species of Trogloraptor (Araneae: Trogloraptoridae), Genetic Diversity and Natural History

 

 Trogloraptor tulishpun Jones & Binford,

in Jones, Watson, Hedin et Binford, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.1.5 

photos by M. Hedin

Abstract

We present a morphological description of a recently discovered species of spider in the family Trogloraptoridae from the Columbia River Gorge in northwestern Oregon. The family was previously monotypic (Trogloraptor marchingtoni) and only known from populations near the southwestern Oregon—northern California border. Trogloraptor tulishpun sp. nov. retains the key family synapomorphy, distinctive subsegmented raptorial tarsi, and an oblique membranous division of the basal segment of the anterior lateral spinnerets. Trogloraptor tulishpun is distinguished from T. marchingtoni by its color pattern, clypeal height, vulvar and palp structure. We have found T. tulishpun in four localities in the Columbia River Gorge, which show little mitochondrial sequence divergence from one another, but are highly genetically distinct from T. marchingtoni. Trogloraptor tulishpun is found in basalt features, including lava tubes and shallow talus caves, and has been observed to eat arachnids and moths, making them top predators in these environments.

Araneae, arachnophagy, caves, invertebrate conservation, mitochondrial divergence, subterranean biodiversity

Habitus of live Trogloraptor tulishpun from Herman Creek Talus Cave.
A male in captivity, B female in captivity,
C male in Herman Creek Talus Cave, D female in Herman Creek Talus Cave on sparse web,
 E male on non Trogloraptor web, F female in Herman Creek Talus Cave.

(all photos by M. Hedin)

Habitus of male Trogloraptor tulishpun (holotype, USNMENT02418340) from Herman Creek Talus Cave.
A, B dorsal views, C, E ventral views, D anterior view.

Trogloraptor tulishpun, Jones and Binford, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. Trogloraptor tulishpun resembles T. marchingtoni (Griswold et al., 2012) by its similar carapace and abdominal shape and coloration, its subsegmented raptorial tarsi, and the partly sclerotized genital region (Figs 2, 3, 5, 7). It is clearly distinguished by its conspicuous scalloped patterning along the lateral and posterior edges of the carapace which is absent in T. marchingtoni. The abdominal patterning is different from the chevron pattern of T. marchingtoni, with oval-shaped spots down the center of the dorsal side that have a thin line of beige down the ...

Etymology. Tulishpun (pronounced too-lish-pun) is a word, simplified for ease of pronunciation, from the Sahaptin River dialect meaning “cave predator, owner of the domain”. The Sahaptin River dialect is from the Columbia River area, the type locality of this species, and the name was given to us by elders from the Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission. The specific epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 

MADELINE M. JONES, FINN WATSON, MARSHAL HEDIN and GRETA J. BINFORD. 2026. Beneath the Surface: A New northern Species of Trogloraptor (Araneae: Trogloraptoridae), Genetic Diversity and Natural History.  Zootaxa. 5828(1); 103-116. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.1.5 [2026-06-08]

[Botany • 2025] Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen, 

in Ma, Yin, Xi et Shen, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 

 Abstract  

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen (Apocynaceae) is described as a new species from Luquan, Yunnan, China. It morphologically resembles V. yunnanense, V. secamonoides and V. rotundifolium, but differs from them in many features of the leaves and flowers. Based on the IUCN categories and criteria, and considering imminent threats to the species, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

 

Xing-Da Ma, Yi-Qiang Yin, Hou-Cheng Xi, Jian-Yong Shen. 2025. Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 327-331. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 (18 November 2025) 

https://bsky.app/profile/anbf.bsky.social

[Botany • 2025] Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar

 

Gravesia gautieri Almeda & R.B.Pacifico, 

in Almeda et Pacifico, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 

  Researchgate.net/publication/396286653

Abstract

Gravesia gautieri, a new species from northern Madagascar, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with presumed relatives based on morphological characters. It is readily diagnosed by its sparingly branched suffrutescent habit, 3-nerved leaf blades that are coarsely and remotely serrate at least distally with a sparse cover of minute brown granular hairs and ± appressed smooth hairs abaxially, long-pedunculate umbellate inflorescences, ± terete and ecostate hypanthia, obsolete calyx lobes with callose-thickened teeth borne on and barely exceeding the calyx tube in length, and dorso-basal subulate staminal appendages that are deflexed to variously coiled.

Andrafiamena-Andavakoera, Madagascar, new species, paleotropics, Sonerileae, Eudicots

 

 Photos of living plants of Gravesia gautieri.
A. Habit. B. Flower close-up.

FRANK ALMEDA and RICARDO PACIFICO. 2025. Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New Species from northern Madagascar.  Phytotaxa. 721(3); 288-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 [2025-10-08] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/396286653_Gravesia_gautieri_a_new_species_from_northern_Madagascar

[Paleontology • 2026] Gondwananectes osvaldoi • A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

Otero, Acuña, Vargas, Rojas, Ortiz & Aguirrezabala, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 

 x.com/ThePalAss

Abstract 

Cryptoclidia (Plesiosauria, Plesiosauroidea) was a major clade of marine reptiles that originated during the Jurassic. The early evolution of Cryptoclidia is documented by records of Cryptoclididae from the Middle Jurassic (174.7–165.1 Ma) and onwards in Europe, the Caribbean and South America. However, the origin of Cryptoclidia itself has remained obscure. Only some traits shared with Cryptoclidia are found in the Toarcian (184.2–174.7 Ma) taxa Plesiopterys wildi and Franconiasaurus brevispinus, from southern Europe. Here we describe a small-bodied sub-adult skeleton belonging to a new plesiosaurian taxon from the Middle Jurassic (c. 170 Ma) of the Atacama Desert (former southwestern Gondwana). The new taxon has single-headed ribs in its axial skeleton, and its combination of novel and ancestral features place it as the sister taxon of Cryptoclidia. The lower Bajocian stage, the phylogenetic position of the new taxon, as well as its palaeogeographic occurrence, point to an older origin and dispersal of Cryptoclidia ancestors, reinforcing the notion that an early Caribbean corridor between the Pacific and Tethyan realms was already functional during the Middle Jurassic.

Keywords: marine reptile, plesiosaurian, phylogeny, Middle Jurassic, Gondwana, palaeogeography

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

 

Rodrigo A. Otero, Sergio Soto Acuña, Alexander O. Vargas, Jennyfer Rojas, Héctor Ortiz, Guillermo Aguirrezabala. 2026. A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 [08 March 2026] 

x.com/ThePalAss/status/2031413080001823092