[Entomology • 2026] Luzonogryllus appa • Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus (Orthoptera: Phalangopsinae)

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo,

in Tan, Modina, Alo, Haibil, Mapi-Ot, Macas, Nuñeza, Yap, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 

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Abstract

Recent field work in Sabah state of Malaysia in Borneo, as well as Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor Islands in the Philippines has led to the collection of crickets from the family Phalangopsidae. This allows us to review the taxonomy of Luzonogryllus Yamasaki, 1978 from the Philippines and Sabah. We also describe a new species from Mindanao: Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov. We also present new locality records for Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) mindoroensis Gorochov, 2006 in Negros and Siquijor Islands. Lastly, we also present new material of Strophiola lugubrina (Stål, 1877) from Mindanao and Negros Islands.

Malaysia, Orthoptera, Parendacustina, , Phalangopsini, Southeast Asia

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov.

MING KAI TAN, RIS MENOEL R. MODINA, JOANNA ROSE A. ALO, HELEN H. HAIBIL, EMMARIE F. MAPI-OT, JESSIE JAY P. MACAS, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, SHERYL A. YAP, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and TONY ROBILLARD. 2026. Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus.  Zootaxa. 5777(1); 46-60. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 [2026-03-17]

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[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis, H. maguanensis, H. xingyiensis, ... • Systematic Revision of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with Descriptions of Six New Species

 

 Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis  (Boulenger, 1903)

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov.;

H. jingdongensis sp. nov.;

H. maguanensis sp. nov.;

H. shuangbaiensis sp. nov.

Zhou, Wang, Han, Ang, Zhang, Liu & Rao, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35912-9

Abstract

Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker 1860, one of the fastest-growing genera in the Gekkonidae, comprises 22 species distributed in China, among which Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis is believed to be a species complex. Despite the gradual description of Hemiphyllodactylus populations in various regions of China as new species in the past decade, the taxonomy of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex remains unresolved. We collected Hemiphyllodactylus populations of the yunnanensis complex from 11 locations. Based on 1809 bp dataset (1039 bp mitochondrial ND2 gene, fragments of 375 bp nuclear C-mos + 395 bp PDC genes) and a solo 1039 bp NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence fragment dataset, the constructed phylogenetic topology revealed that our samples fell into seven independent lineages of Clade 7. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) results are consistent with our phylogenetic findings. The uncorrected genetic pairwise distance between populations exceeded 4.2% in ND2 gene, and there were also significant morphological differences among them. Therefore, we consider the specimens that cluster with the topotype specimens as true Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis, and describe the other six lineages as new species, respectively.

Keywords: Integrative taxonomy, Yunnan province, Cryptic species, Slender geckos 

Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis
  (A) KIZ2023Z097, Topotype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z098, Topotype, male in life;
(C) KIZ2023Z311, male in life; (D) KIZ2023Z082, female in life.

 

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z177, Holotype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z176, Paratype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus jingdongensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z212, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z211, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus maguanensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z332, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z331, Paratype, female in life; (C) KIZ2023Z336, Paratype, female in life; (D) KIZ2023Z333, Paratype, female in life.

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The scientific name “dayaoensis” is derived from its type locality Dayao County in Yunnan province. we suggest Dayao Slender Gecko in English and “大姚半叶趾虎(Dà Yáo Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus jingdongensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “jingdongensis” is derived from its type locality Jingdong County in Yunnan province. we suggest Jingdong Slender Gecko in English and “景东半叶趾虎(Jǐng Dǒng Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus maguanensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “maguanensis” is derived from its type locality Maguan County in Yunnan province. we suggest Maguan Slender Gecko in English and “马关半叶趾虎(Mǎ Guān Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus shuangbaiensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z120, Paratype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z125, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus xingyiensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z303, Paratype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z308, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus yuanyangensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z392, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z387, Holotype, male in life.

Hemiphyllodactylus shuangbaiensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “shuangbaiensis” is derived from its type locality Shuangbai County in Yunnan province. we suggest Shuangbai Slender Gecko in English and “双柏半叶趾虎(Shuāng Bǎi Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus xingyiensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The scientific name “xingyiensis” is derived from its type locality Xingyi County in Yunnan province. we suggest Xingyi Slender Gecko in English and “兴义半叶趾虎(Xīng Yì Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus yuanyangensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The scientific name “yuanyangensis” is derived from its type locality Yuanyang County in Yunnan province. we suggest Yuanyang Slender Gecko in English and “元阳半叶趾虎(Yuán Yáng Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hongxin Zhou, Jishan Wang, Keguo Han, Yufan Ang, Dongru Zhang, Shuo Liu and Dingqi Rao. 2026. Systematic Revision of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex with Descriptions of Six New Species. Scientific Reports. 16: 5562. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35912-9 [10 February 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, 

in Lapo-Gonzalez, Iturralde, Uyaguari, Medina, Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Baquero et Jiménez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579

Abstract

Background: The genus Scaphosepalum comprises a group of epiphytic orchids, distinguished by their non-resupinate flowers and prominent osmophores located on the distal portion of the synsepal. With over 60 recognised species, Scaphosepalum is distributed throughout the tropical Americas, with its highest diversity in Colombia and Ecuador. Recent explorations in the Eastern Andes and the Cordillera del Cóndor in south-eastern Ecuador led to the discovery of several new orchid species, including an endemic Scaphosepalum taxon. Many regions remain underexplored, leaving the orchid flora to continually reveal previously undocumented diversity.

New information: Herein, we describe and illustrate Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, as new species discovered in the Andean-Amazonian piedmont of eastern Ecuador. This taxon was initially misidentified as S. medinae based on photographic records. It is compared with S. pleurothallodes and S. medinae, from which it is distinguished by its maroon to yellow-maroon flowers and the rhombic-spathulate shape of the petals. This denotes a marked difference to the yellow flowers spotted with red and the obovate petals of S. pleurothallodes or the lavender with white cells and light brown flowers and the narrowly obtuse petals of S. medinae. The new species is currently known from three localities in the Quimi and Talag River basins. Due to its restricted distribution, small population size and threats from cattle grazing and mining activities, we propose its classification as Critically Endangered under the B criterion of the IUCN.

Keywords: Cordillera del Cóndor, rainforest, Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes, south-eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez.
A Habit; A1 Close-up of the junction between the ramicaul and the inflorescence; B Flower; B1 Close-up of the tails of the synsepal; B2 Close-up of the osmophore; C Dissected perianth; C1 Close-up of the basal margin of the synsepal; C2 Close-up the petal apex; D Column, ovary and lip, lateral view; D1 Close-up of the lip adaxial surface; E Lip, adaxial view; E1 Close-up of the margin the lip; F Anther and pollinia.

Plate by N. Lapo-Gonzalez, based on photographs of the holotype taken by M.M. Jiménez.

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is similar to Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes Luer & Hirtz, but it differs by having a sub-horizontal inflorescence (vs. erect), maroon to red flowers with yellow or red osmophores that are longer and narrower, 3.8 × 1.3 mm (vs. yellow flowers with red spots, with shorter and thicker osmophores, 3.0 × 1.5 mm), petals rhombic-spathulate, apex broadly obtuse and shortly apiculate (vs. obovate petals with acute and 3-toothed in the apex) and a lip with a clawed, obovate-sagittate, rounded, covered by papillose trichomes increasing in length from the middle towards the margin (vs. truncate at the base, obovate-pandurate and pubescent throughout).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Lester Lapo, an outstanding orchid grower from El Pangui, Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southern Ecuador and who first discovered this species.

 Nadia Lapo-Gonzalez, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Johny J. Mendoza Uyaguari, Jefferson Medina, J. R. Kuethe, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Luis E. Baquero and Marco M. Jiménez. 2026. A New Species of Scaphosepalum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from eastern Ecuador. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e176579. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579 [17 Mar. 2026] 

[Entomology • 2026] Zhangius rhymbon & Z. lophos • A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand

Zhangius rhymbon  

Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356

Abstract

A new nanophyine genus, Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov., with two new species Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. (type species) and Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov., are described. The diagnostic characters of the new genus and species are provided. Keys to the male and female of the species and host data are presented.

Key words: Chiang Mai, identification key, Lyalia, new genus, Shiva, taxonomy, weevils, Yunnan

Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.
1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Mating; 4. Host plant, Lagerstroemia tomentosa C. Presl, 1844, leaves and capsule; 5. Crown collecting by long-handle tropical net.

Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov. 

 Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.  

 Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. 

 Zhiliang Wang, Miguel A. Alonso-Zarazaga. 2026. A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera, Brentidae, Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand. ZooKeys. 1273: 205-220. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356 [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Iris cariciformis (Iridaceae) • A New Species from China

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, 

in Z.Z. Zhang et G.X. Zhang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.176663

Abstract

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov. from China is described and illustrated. This species grows on cliff faces or open slopes in the central Qinling Mountains. Morphologically, I. cariciformis is similar to I. dabashanensis but can be distinguished by its longer perianth tube and ellipsoidal capsules with a long beak. Furthermore, this study facilitates the valid publication of Iris fujianensis. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast DNA sequences confirms the placement of the former within I. series Chinenses, while the latter is inferred as sister to I. speculatrix. Simultaneously, a new combination, Iris valida (S.S.Chien) Z.Z.Zhang, H.T.Li & T.Y.Zuo, comb. et stat. nov., is proposed.

Key words: Chloroplast genome, Iris, new species, phylogeny

 

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Plant; C. Sepals, petals and stamens; D. Bracts; E. Pedicel, ovary and pistil; F. Flower; G. Inflorescence (Photos A, B, C. author; C–G Xiaoqiang Shen).

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Morphologically similar to I. dabashanensis, but differs by the longer perianth tube (1.6–2.5 cm vs 0.2–0.5 cm) and ovoid capsules with a prominent beak (vs globose and beakless).

Etymology: The new species grows in clusters and has slender leaves, resembling plants of the Carex L. that inhabit the same environment, hence the specific epithet “cariciformis” was chosen.

 Zhongzheng Zhang and Gexiang Zhang. 2026. Descriptions of A New Species, Validation of a name, and Elevation of a variety in Iris (Iridaceae) from China. PhytoKeys. 271: 299-312. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.176663 [16 Mar 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Nipponeurorthus ailao, N. kuanglu, N. pallidipennis, ... • New Species and New Data of the Dragon Lacewing Genus Nipponeurorthus (Neuroptera: Nevrorthidae) from China

A – Nipponeurorthus furcatus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 2014; B – N. ningboensis sp. nov.;
C – N. qinicus Yang, 1999; D – N. pallidimaculatus sp. nov.
E – type locality of N. kuanglu sp. nov. F – habitat of N. ningboensis sp. nov. in Mt. Longwang.

Li, Zheng, Song & Liu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.37520/aemnp.2026.002 

Photos: A, B – Yuchen Zheng; C – Rongzhen Xu, D – Zhenhao Ma, E – Yujie Zhao.

 

Abstract

 The genus Nipponeurorthus Nakahara, 1958 is an endemic group of the dragon lacewing family Nevrorthidae, currently comprising 13 species from China and Japan. However, due to their rareness in nature, the species and distribution of Nipponeurorthus from China are still poorly explored. Herein we describe five new species of Nipponeurorthus from the Chinese mainland, i.e., N. ailao sp. nov. (China: Yunnan), N. flavipennis sp. nov. (China: Guangxi), N. kuanglu sp. nov. (China: Jiangxi), N. ningboensis sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang), and N. pallidipennis sp. nov. (China: Jiangsu). We also redescribe N. qinicus Yang, 1999, which has been poorly documented since its original description. A molecular delimitation of the Nipponeurorthus species based on the DNA barcodes was performed. An updated key to the species of Nipponeurorthus is also provided.

Key words: Neuroptera, Osmyloidea, Nevrorthidae, new species, taxonomy, Oriental Region

A–D – living adults of Nipponeurorthus Nakahara, 1958: A – N. furcatus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 2014; B – N. ningboensis sp. nov.; C – N. qinicus Yang, 1999; D – N. pallidimaculatus sp. nov.
E – type locality of N. kuanglu sp. nov. F – habitat of N. ningboensis sp. nov. in Mt. Longwang.

Photos: A, B – Yuchen Zheng; C – Rongzhen Xu, D – Zhenhao Ma, E – Yujie Zhao.

Nipponeurorthus ailao sp. nov. (China: Yunnan)

 N. flavipennis sp. nov. (China: Guangxi)

 N. kuanglu sp. nov. (China: Jiangxi)

 N. ningboensis sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang)

N. pallidipennis sp. nov. (China: Jiangsu)

Li Zechuan, Zheng Yuchen, Song Zhishun, Liu Xingyue. 2026. New Species and New Data of the Dragon Lacewing Genus Nipponeurorthus (Neuroptera: Nevrorthidae) from China. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 66(1): 13-36. DOI: doi.org/10.37520/aemnp.2026.002 [16th March 2026]

 Researchgate.net/publication/402239563_New_species_of_Nipponeurorthus_from_China

[Ichthyology • 2026] Arhinoglanis relictus • Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from west of the Andes

 

Arhinoglanis relictus

DoNascimiento, Ortega-Lara, Albornoz-Garzón, Román-Valencia & Lujan, 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002  

  x.com/DrNathanLujan

Abstract

Among vertebrates, specialized scale-feeding occurs almost exclusively in tropical freshwater fishes, with the Amazon basin having the richest regional assemblage of such specialists. With 28 valid species and 11 valid genera, 10 of which are ectoparasitic scale and mucus-feeders, the Neotropical trichomycterid subfamily Stegophilinae is the only fish lineage to have significantly diversified within this niche. Stegophilines are widespread and ubiquitous throughout the lowland freshwaters of South America, east of the Andes. We describe Arhinoglanis gen. nov. and Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov., the first Stegophilinae from west of the Andes, from the upper Cauca River drainage, Colombia. At 26.4 mm maximum standard length, the new genus and species is also the first miniature Stegophilinae. Using diaphanization, light microscopy, and micro-computed tomography imagery, we coded 534 morphological characters for 50 terminal taxa to recover the new taxon as sister to the exclusively cis-Andean clade of Homodiaetus + Schultzichthys. A single unique synapomorphy unites these genera: proximal tip of ceratobranchial 5 wider than proximal tip of ceratobranchial 4. Five autapomorphies diagnose the new genus, the most notable of which is a paedomorphically unossified dorsal lamina of the mesethmoid. The scarcity and highly restricted distribution of the new species within the Magdalena basin has led to its evaluation as Critically Endangered.

catfish, Cauca River, morphology, Neotropics, Stegophilinae, systematics

Arhinoglanis relictus, live paratype, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, in lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views.

 A, ventral photo of live paratype of Arhinoglanis relictus, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, showing gut content, and CT reconstructions of same specimen in (B) ventral and (C) left lateral views, with magnified gut content in (D) ventral, (E) dorsal, and (F) left lateral views.

Scale bars (left) = 5 mm, (right) = 1 mm.

 Arhinoglanis gen. nov. 

Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov.

 

Carlos DoNascimiento, Armando Ortega-Lara, Juan G Albornoz-Garzón, César Román-Valencia and Nathan K Lujan. 2026. Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru from west of the Andes (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 206(3); zlag002. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002 [15 March 2026]

  x.com/DrNathanLujan/status/2033293332143636918

[Botany • 2026] Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New dioecious Species from Mizoram, Northeast India

 

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham,  

in Sailo, Khomdram, Yumkham, Lalthantluanga et Khiangte, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw

Abstract

Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae) under Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Klotzsch) A.DC. is described as a new species from Mizoram, Northeast India. It shares similarities in habit, leaf morphology and inflorescence with Begonia longifolia Blume and Begonia acetosella Craib, but differs in several characters, including longer internode, anthers with dehiscence extending beyond half their length, shorter pedicel in pistillate flower and a puberulent ovary with unequal wings. Taxonomic notes and pollen micromorphology are presented to confirm its novelty and sectional placement. Based on the available data, the newly discovered species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keyword: Begonia acetosella, Begonia longifolia, Begonia mizoramensis, Indo-Burma Hotspot, Mizoram, Platycentrum

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham sp. nov.
A. Male flowering branch and rhizome. B. Stem base and rhizome; C. Internodes; D. Stipule, E. Leaves (adaxial), F. Leaves (abaxial); G. Staminate flower; H. Male tepals. I. Stamen. J. Pistillate flower. K. Female tepals. L–M. Frontal (L) and side (M) view of ovary and stigma. N. Immature fruit. O. Cross section of ovary.

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham sp. nov.
 A–B. Habit (A. inset rhizome). C–D. Flowering twigs of male flowers (bee pollination in D). E. Solitary female flower, F. Flowering twig (abaxial surface). G. Portion of leaf (adaxial surface). H. Portion of leaf base with petiole (abaxial surface). I. Bracts. J. Stipules. K–M. Male Flowers. N. Androecium. O. Stamen showing dehiscence line.

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham, sp. nov.  

 Section Platycentrum 

Diagnosis: Begonia mizoramensis resembles B. longifolia and B. acetosella in habit, leaf morphology and inflorescence but differs by anthers with dehiscence extending beyond half their length, shorter pedicel in pistillate flower (3 mm) and puberulent ovary with unequal wings. B. mizoramensis differs from B. longifolia in sexuality (dioecious vs. monoecious), pedicel in staminate flowers (7–11 mm vs. 25–30 mm) and ovary (puberulent, not inflated vs. glabrous, slightly crested, inflated). It also differs from B. acetosella in peduncle (1– 5.5 mm long, glabrous vs. 2–10 mm long, puberulous), tepal number in pistillate flower (6 vs. 4) and in ovary (3- loculed vs. 4-loculed). 

 

 

Vanlalawmpuia Sailo, Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram, Sanatombi Devi Yumkham, Renthlei Lalthantluanga and Laldinliana Khiangte. 2026. Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae, section Platycentrum), A New dioecious Species from Mizoram, Northeast India.  Taiwania. 71(2); 213-220. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.213 [17 March 2026] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2161

[Ichthyology • 2026] Amblyceps vayavy • A New Catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the northern part of the Western Ghats, India

  Amblyceps vayavy

Vijayakrishnan, Thackeray & Shirke, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.3.6 

 

Abstract

Amblyceps vayavy, a new species of amblycipitid catfish, is described from the northern part of the Western Ghats Hotspot, India. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners in having the following combination of characters: forked caudal fin, adipose-fin separate from dorsal procurrent part of the caudal fin, centrally projecting hooks on proximal lepidotrichia of median caudal-fin rays absent, incomplete lateral line, lower jaw longer than upper, anal-fin base 15.3–15.9% SL, body depth at anus 14.7–15.3% SL, and adipose-fin base length 21.8–22.3% SL.

Pisces, Sisoroidea, Siluriformes, torrent catfishes, Goa, Maharashtra

Amblyceps vayavy sp. nov. 

 

Balaji VIJAYAKRISHNAN, Tejas THACKERAY and Abhishek SHIRKE. 2026. Amblyceps vayavy, A New catfish from the northern part of the Western Ghats, India (Teleostei: Amblycipitidae). Zootaxa. 5768(1); 401-409. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.3.6 [2026-03-11]

 x.com/Meenkaran1/status/2031574661650329930

 facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1442773817894838

[Arachnida • 2026] Karschia baii • A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae: Karschiidae) from China

 

 Karschia (Karschia) baii 

Chen, Fan & Zhang, 2026.  

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913

Abstract

A new species of the genus Karschia Walter, 1889, Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov., is described from northwest China. We provide a detailed morphological description, diagnostic features, and illustrations for the new species, and present its known distribution in China. Additionally, the first photographs of wild mating for the family Karschiidae are presented.

Key words: Camel spider, mating behavior, morphology, solpugids, taxonomy

Habitat and living photos of Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.
A, B. Arid desert habitat with sparse vegetation in Gansu Province; C. Male individual in natural condition; D. Female individual in natural condition; E, F. Close-up of a mating pair on Artemisia branches, showing natural coloration and positioning during copulation.

Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.

Aidie Chen, Wenlong Fan, Feng Zhang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae, Karschiidae) from China. ZooKeys. 1269: 181-197. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913 [13 Feb 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Butis bargabhimae • A New Species of butid fish (Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

  

Butis bargabhimae

Maiti, Mandal, Das, Pahari & Bhattacharya, 2026  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 

  academia.edu/164972645

 

Abstract

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis but can be distinguished from both of these morphologically by the presence of interorbital scales (IOS 2–3/7–8/2–3), auxiliary scales, bands on the pectoral fin, and the absence of a row of alternating blackish and yellowish spots at the base of the caudal fin. The NCBI BLAST result of COI gene shows 86% similarity with both B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis. The COI sequence MN171371.1 submitted as B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh shows 99% similarity with B. bargabhimae sp. nov. and belongs to the same clade rather than the clade of B. koilomatodon from the state of Kerala in India and those from other countries. It seems B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh is a misidentification and should be included under B. bargabhimae sp. nov. Likewise COI sequence of B. koilomatodon, as reported earlier by Pahari et al. (2024), suggests this was a misidentification and should be redesignated as B. delagoensis.

Pisces, Estuarine fish, gudgeon goby, mitochondrial COI, short snout Butis

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. Holotype Female (Reg. No. ZSI FF 10992).
I: Longer 3 rd and 4 th spine. II: Oblique dark bands on body. III: Dark median spot at pectoral fin base. IV: Light and dark alternate bands on pectoral fin.

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov.

Subhadeep MAITI, Sudipta MANDAL, Mitali DAS, Priti Ranjan PAHARI and Tanmay BHATTACHARYA. 2026. Butis bargabhimae sp. nov., A New Species of butid fish (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Zootaxa. 5763(4); 588-596. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 [2026-03-05]

  academia.edu/164972645/Butis_bargabhimae_A_new_species_of_butid_fish_from_the_Rupnarayan_River_Purba_Medinipur_West_Bengal_India

[Botany • 2026] Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

 

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin & Aver., 

 in Nguyen, Lin, Averyanov, Ban, Giang et Bui. 2026.  

turczaninowia.asu.ru 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

We describe and illustrate a new species, Raphiocarpus hapii, recently discovered in central Vietnam. It resembles R. sinovietnamicus but differs in dwarf habit, 20–30 (rarely 50) cm tall, spreading hirsute stems and leaves, shorter corolla, 1.5–1.8 cm long, with a tubular corolla tube, which is pale greyish-pink to dusky greyish-purple, tinged with maroon externally, and white with maroon to crimson internally, having scattered pilose hairs on the lower corolla mouth, and in shorter capsule, 1.8–2.5 cm. According to the IUCN criteria (2024), the new species may tentatively be assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: biodiversity, Central Highlands, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, plant taxonomy

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin et Aver., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. The new species differs from the morphologically closest Raphiocarpus sinovietnamicus by the combination of the following morphological characters: stem seldom exceeding 30 cm in height; stems and leaves hispid-hirsute; leaves have 7 pairs of lateral veins; inflorescence bears 2–7 flowers; corolla tubular, 1.5–1.8 cm long with pilose indumentum on the lower part of the mouth; and capsule 1.8–2.5 cm long.

 

Khang S. Nguyen, Che W. Lin, Leonid V. Averyanov, Ninh K. Ban, Vu H. Giang, Van T. Bui. 2026. Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from central Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(1); 50–56. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.8 [2026-03-12]

 https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/19014

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10232223151865057

 

[Botany • 2026] Homalomena bungamerah (Araceae: Philodendreae) • A New Species from Northern Sumatra, Indonesia

 Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri,

in Mustaqim, Irsyam, Pratama, Surbakti et Hariri. 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2160 

Abstract

A new litophytic species of Homalomena from Sumatra, Homalomena bungamerah, is described. The new species is unique in having a plicate verrucose upper leaf surface combined with the absence of interpistillar staminodes. Owing to the ongoing threats and small population, H. bungamerah is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B2 ab(iii,v)). Morphological descriptions, photographs, and notes are given.

Keyword: aroids, Homalomena asperifolia, Homalomena mobula, Homalomena scutata, herbs, litophyte, west Malesia

Morphology of Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.
 A. Living plant. B. Leaf, adaxial. C. Leaf, abaxial. D. Leaf, adaxial texture. E. Leaf, close up of abaxial. F. Close-up of petiole ribs. G. Synflorescence showing spathe which is nodding at anthesis. H. Synflorescence. I. Inflorescence, front view. J. Inflorescence, lateral view. K. Spadix with spathe removed. L. Female spadix zone. M. Male spadix zone.

Photographs by Wendy A. Mustaqim.

Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: This species is unique in having large and plicate leaves, a spathe that nodding at anthesis, and pistillate flowers without an interpistillar staminode. The most morphologically similar species is H. mobula P.C.Boyce 1/2), the larger leaf lamina (16.5–25.8 × 7.7–14.6 cm vs. 7.5–12 × 2.5–6 cm), and the absence of interpistillar staminodes. 

 

Etymology: The specific epithet “bunga merah” is derived from the Malay language, reflecting the inflorescence (“bunga”) with red (“merah”) peduncle and spathe. Malay is the indigenous language in Langkat Regency, where the type material was collected.  

Wendy A. Mustaqim, Arifin S.D. Irsyam, Muhammad A. Pratama, Irwansyah Surbakti and Muhammad R. Hariri. 2026. Homalomena bungamerah (Araceae), A New Species from Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(2); 209-212 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.209 [16 March 2026]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2160

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus vietnamensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane, 

in Vu, T. A. Le, Nong, Dinh, V. H. Le, Yamamoto et Tagane, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 

 facebook.com/LeTuanAnhBotany

 

Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus, N. vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane is described from Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Hue Province (currently Hue City), central Vietnam. It is similar to N. namkadingensis but distinguished by its branchlet with 14–30(–40) leaves (vs. 50–60 in N. namkadingensis), leaf blades with 3–6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 8–12 pairs), pistillate pedicel of 8–9 mm long (vs. 10–16 mm long), disc of pistillate flowers with 4–6 free rectangular segments (vs. connate and annular), and subglobose capsules (vs. ellipsoid). A detailed description, photographs, and information on the distribution and ecology, vernacular name, phenology, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the species.

Flora of Vietnam, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane sp. nov. 

TIEN CHINH VU, TUAN ANH LE, VAN DUY NONG, DIEN DINH, VAN HUONG LE, TAKENORI YAMAMOTO, SHUICHIRO TAGANE. 2026. Nymphanthus vietnamensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 742(3); 237-242. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 [2026-02-24]

  facebook.com/LeTuanAnhBotany/posts/3501787813307958