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

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

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

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21890 

  facebook.com/Hiddow

Artist reconstruction by Remie Bakker.

Abstract 

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

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

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

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

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

Artist reconstruction by Remie Bakker.

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

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

  facebook.com/Hiddow/posts/29089268894069608

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

 

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

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

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

Palaeoenvironmental reconstruction by Kohei Futaka.

Abstract

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

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

Artwork by Kohei Futaka.

 

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

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

Microcorona girodi

Gale & Jagt, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.24425/agp.2026.158182

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

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

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

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

Order Balanomorpha Pilsbry, 1916 

Family Brachylepadidae Woodward, 1901

Microcorona gen. nov. 

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

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

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

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

Microcorona girodi gen. et sp. nov.

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

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

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

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, 

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7751/telopea22599

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, 

in Le Péchon, Dimassi et Pignal, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a17 

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

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

Famille Malvaceae Juss.

Sous-famille Dombeyoideae Beilsch.

Genre Dombeya Cav.

Section Dombeyastrum Planchon

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

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

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

Photos: A. Dimassi.

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr.,

 in Chagas-Jr et Fernandes, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 

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

Abstract

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

Keywords: Barcoding, caves, Chilopoda, Parotostigmus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tanystropheus conspicuus von Meyer, 1852

in Rytel, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01314.2025

Artist reconstruction by Marcin Ambrozik instagram.com/ambrozik_paleoart

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

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

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

Class Reptilia Laurenti, 1768

Clade Archosauromorpha von Huene, 1946

Order Protorosauria Huxley, 1871

Clade Tanysauria Spiekman et al., 2024b

Family Tanystropheidae Gervais, 1859

Genus Tanystropheus von Meyer, 1849

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

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

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

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

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

 instagram.com/p/DefUYNLiJ9e/ambrozik_paleoart

[Botany • 2026] Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, 

in Wang et Guo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136

 Abstract 

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo (Aristolochiaceae) is described as a new species of A. subg. Siphisia from western Guangdong, China. It is a narrow endemic of high-elevation bamboo forests near mountain summits in the Xinyi City area. It has been collected before but misidentified as A. championii, a morphologically similar congener. The new species is readily distinguished from other Aristolochia taxa by its distinctive floral morphology, characterised by a ruffled, annular calyx limb with a yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots. A detailed morphological description is provided and A. crispata is compared with A. championii and A. haimingii. An identification key to the species of Aristolochia subg. Siphisia occurring in Guangdong and to morphologically similar species from adjacent regions is provided. Aristolochia crispata is tentatively assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Aristolochia crispata.
 — A: Habitat. — B: Flowering plant in situ. — C: Plants climbing as vines in high-elevation bamboo forest. — D: Young seedlings. — E: Perianth morphology, abaxial surface (left) and adaxial surface of the perianth tube (right). — F: Gynostemium. — G: Root system. — H: Developing fruit capsule. — I: Papilionid butterfly larva feeding on the leaves.
 A–C, E, F, H and I photographed at the type locality on 28 May 2013; D and G photographed on 25 December 2025, associated with the paratype gathering Y.F. Wang, Z.R. Guo & Y.W. Jiang ARI25GD002.

Line drawing of Aristolochia crispata (based on the type gathering, Y. Tong, Y.H. Tong & B.M. Wang 13052846).
— A: Young twining stem. — B: Old twining stem, more than two years old, showing nodes bearing cauliflorous inflorescences. — C and D: Fruit capsule, lateral and basal views. — E: Whole-plant habit, showing the twining liana and subterranean tuberous root. — F and G: Bud, lateral and frontal views. — H and I: Gynostemium, top and lateral views. — J–L: Flower at anthesis, frontal, lateral and posterior views. — M and N: Leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces.

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, sp. nova 

Diagnosis. Aristolochia crispata is most similar to A. championii and A. haimingii, but is distinguished by its connate, annular calyx limb with a conspicuously ruffled outline, yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots, upwardly reflexed lower portion and fully dark purple throat. Aristolochia championii differs in having a uniformly reddish-brown calyx limb and a bright yellow throat with sparse red flecks, whereas A. haimingii has a yellowish-green to bright yellow limb with purple striping, an evenly expanded smooth margin and a yellow to yellowish-green throat. For additional diagnostic characters, see Fig. 4 and Table 1.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet crispata is the feminine singular derived from the Latin crispatus, referring to the conspicuously ruffled, annular calyx limb that distinguishes this species from its congeners.

 Yifan Wang and Zirui Guo. 2026. Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 283-291. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136  (21 October 2026) 

[Herpetology • 2026] Rana hainan • A New Species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China

 

 Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang,

in H.-T. Wang, Huang, Liao, Qiu, Song, Qi, Ding, Zhuo, W. Wang, Wu, B. Wang, Y.-Y. Wang, Li et J.-C. Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Rana is described from Hainan Island, southern China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. During herpetological surveys conducted in Wanning City and Mt. Diaoluo, Hainan Province, a series of Rana specimens assignable to the R. johnsi group were collected from montane tropical rainforest habitats. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S, COI, and cyt b sequences recovered the Hainan population as a distinct and well-supported lineage within the R. johnsi group. Morphometric analyses, including PCA, DAPC, and PERMANOVA, further demonstrated significant differentiation between the Hainan population and its congeners. The new species, Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov., is characterized by a medium body size, head longer than wide, a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region, straight and narrow dorsolateral folds, toe tips with connected lateroventral grooves, absence of tarsal folds, and breeding males possessing a continuous grayish-white nuptial pad on finger I. Historical records of R. varians, R. nigrotympanica, and R. johnsi from Hainan are reviewed. Records from Mt. Diaoluo are reassigned to the new species, whereas records from other localities are conservatively treated as Rana cf. johnsi pending further investigation.

Key words: Hainan Island, historical records, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, Rana johnsi group

The female paratypes of  Rana hainan sp. nov. in life.
A. SYS a009526; B. SYS a009527 (Field NO. SYNU 900774);
1. Dorsolateral view; 2. Ventral view; 3. Palmar surface of right hand; 4. Plantar surface of right foot.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Xian-Chun Qiu.

Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy. Rana nigrotympanica – Wang et al. (2007).

Rana johnsi – Shi et al. (2011, in part).

Diagnosis. Rana hainan sp. nov. is distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: (1) body medium-sized, SVL 44.4–45.4 (44.9 ± 0.5, n = 3) mm in adult males, 45.4–57.5 (51.2 ± 4.2, n = 9) mm in adult females; (2) head length significantly larger than head width; (3) a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region; (4) dorsolateral fold distinct and thin, extending straight from posterior margin of upper eyelid to above groin; (5) internarial distances larger than interorbital distances; (6) eyes relatively small; (7) tympanum diameter significantly smaller than eye diameter; (8) fingers without lateroventral grooves, unwebbed, relative finger lengths II < I < IV < III; (9) presence of supernumerary tubercles below the bases of each finger, presence of three separated metacarpal tubercles; (10) toe tips slightly expanded into small discs, lateroventral grooves present on all toe tips, connected at the anterior margin, toes webbing formula: I 0–1/2 II 0–1/2 III 1- – 1/2 IV 1- – 0 V, relative toe lengths I < II < III < V < IV; (11) tibio-tarsal articulation reaching forward beyond tip of snout; (12) heels overlapping; (13) dorsal skin smooth, flanks smooth with few granules; (14) presence of vocal sacs in males; (15) breeding males possessing a grayish-white nuptial pad forming a continuous patch on finger I, extending from the tip of the finger to the posterior margin of the inner metacarpal tubercle, and densely covered with tiny hoary nuptial spines.

Rana hainan sp. nov.
A. Habitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve; B. Microhabitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve;
C. Female Paratype SYS a009746 from Mt. Diaoluo in its natural habitat.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Chen-Xi Liao.

 Hao-Tian Wang, Ming-Hong Huang, Chen-Xi Liao, Xian-Chun Qiu, Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Da-Er Ding, Shang-Biao Zhuo, Wei Wang, Jun Wu, Bin Wang, Ying-Yong Wang, Pi-Peng Li and Ji-Chao Wang. 2026. A New Species of Rana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China. ZooKeys. 1296: 185-208. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503  [04-11-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Oxygyne myanmarensis (Thismiaceae) • A New Species from Myanmar: Bridging the disjunct distribution between Africa and Japan

 

Oxygyne myanmarensis  Nob.Tanaka & Paing,

in Tanaka, Paing et Aung, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.782.3.8

Abstract

A new species of Oxygyne (Thismiaceae), O. myanmarensis Nob.Tanaka & Paing, is described from Myanmar. The genus Oxygyne was previously known only from southern Japan and central Africa, exhibiting a striking disjunct distribution. This discovery is also the first to demonstrate that the genus also occurs in Southeast Asia, bridging the gap between these two regions.

Monocots, Oxygyne myanmarensis, Thismiaceae, Myanmar, mycoheterotrophic plants

Oxygyne myanmarensis
A. Natural habitat. B. Flower viewed from above. C. Habit. D. a: Flower with part of the perianth tube removed to expose the androecium. b: Stamen. c: Pistil. E. Ovary, longitudinal (a) and transverse (b) sections to show placentation.

Scale bars: 1 cm (C, D-a), 1 mm (D-b, c, E).

Oxygyne myanmarensis Nob.Tanaka & Paing, sp. nov. 

 Type:—MYANMAR. Kayin State: Paung Daw Oo Mountain, ...

 Oxygyne myanmarensis is like O. shinzatoi in having a campanulate perianth tube, long filiform perianth lobes and filaments with calluslike clusters but differs by its brownish orange perianth tube, stigma with a triangled head prolonged into an erect conical projection and papillate anther. 

NOBUYUKI TANAKA, CHIT SOE PAING and MU MU AUNG. 2026. A New Species, Oxygyne myanmarensis (Thismiaceae), from Myanmar: Bridging the disjunct distribution between Africa and Japan.  Phytotaxa. 782(3);297-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.782.3.8 [2026-10-30]

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

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, 

in Hervouet et Ranaivo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a14

 

 Abstract  

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

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

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

 front view of lip, 29 February 2020. 

side view of ovary and flower, 29 February 2020.

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

Family Orchidaceae Juss.

Sub-family Orchidoideae A.A. Eaton

Tribe Orchideae (Dressler & Dodson) Verm.

Subtribe Habenariinae sensu Ngugi et al. 2020

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov.

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

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

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

Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet.

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

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

[Botany • 2026] Cycas mindorensis (Cycadaceae) • A New Species from Mindoro Island, Philippines, and its biogeographic significance within section Wadeae

Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis,

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis,. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04

Abstract 

A new species, Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis sp. nov., is described from Mindoro Island, Philippines. It belongs to section Wadeae based on its seeds with ribbed sclerotesta and narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina, characteristics shared with other members of this clade. It is distinguished from related species (C. aenigma, C. curranii, C. saxatilis, and C. wadei) by its larger seeds (50–60 mm in length, the largest in the section) bearing 13–21 sharp-edged longitudinal ribs on the sclerotesta and a narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina with 7–9 fine lateral spines per side. A key to species in section Wadeae based on seed characters is provided, with C. mindorensis uniquely diagnosed by its broadly ellipsoid seeds with deeply fluted, sharp-edged longitudinal ribs. The species is restricted to calcareous soils within the Jurassic Mansalay Formation in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. This discovery extends the known range of section Wadeae eastward from Palawan to Mindoro. The population is extremely small, highly localised, and threatened by agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming. Consequently, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered. The finding highlights the evolutionary importance of microcontinental drift and isolated limestone habitats in shaping Philippine cycad diversity and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation measures. 

Keywords: Critically endangered species, Cycas mindorensis, Palawan Ark hypothesis, Palawan and Mindoro biogeographic zones, Section Wadeae 

Cycas mindorensis.
a. Habit. b. Leaf. c. Median portion of a leaf, showing the leaflets. d. Cross-section of a leaflet. e. Cataphylls. f. Megasporophyll lamina (adaxial view). g. Seed (sclerotesta with deeply fluted and sharp-edged ) (Linis & Gagwis 26-001, PNH).

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

 Cycas mindorensis resembles C. wadei in having a narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina but differs by possessing larger seeds, 5–6 × 4.8–5.2 cm (length × width), with numerous (13– 21), deeply fluted and sharp-edged longitudinal ribs on the sclerotesta (vs. only 8 smooth, slightly fluted ribs in C. wadei). It is also similar to C. curranii, which shares numerous longitudinal ribs on the seeds, but C. mindorensis is distinguished by its deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina (vs. broadly triangular lamina with very short lateral spines in C. curranii). 

 Type: Linis & Gagwis 26-001 (holo PNH; iso DLSUH), Philippines, Oriental Mindoro Province, Mindoro Mountain Range, Bongabong, Barangay Hagan, Sitio Gomatos, 190 m a.s.l., 11 April 2026.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to Mindoro Island, where the species is endemic.

E.M.G. Agoo, D.A. Madulid and V.C. Linis. 2026. Cycas mindorensis (Cycadaceae), A New Species from Mindoro Island, Philippines, and its biogeographic significance within section Wadeae. Blumea. 70(3): 287–294. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04 [30 October 2026]