[Herpetology • 2026] Liolaemus arequipensis • Taxonomic Nightmare: Hard Species Delimitation in Liolaemus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) Lizards of the Peruvian High Andean Plateau with a Description of A New Cryptic Species

Liolaemus arequipensis 

Huamaní-Valderrama, De la Riva, Salas, Santa-Cruz, Salazar, Sites & Aguilar-Puntriano, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18100588

Abstract

Liolaemus species are the only lizards inhabiting the cold and hypoxic environments of the high Andean plateau. However, delimiting species within the Liolaemus montanus group across this region remains exceptionally challenging. Two taxonomically difficult groups in this area, the L. annectens and L. signifer complexes, comprise valid species and unassigned populations that require extensive taxonomic revision using modern species delimitation approaches. In this study, we perform phylogenetic, single-locus species delimitation and nuclear network analyses on these complexes. Our results show that within the L. annectens and L. signifer complexes, three and one lineages, respectively, are congruent with mitochondrial evidence and at least one haplotype network. L. annectens is supported by mitochondrial evidence but lacks unique haplotypes in both nuclear networks, and L. signifer shows inconclusive support by both mitochondrial and nuclear evidence. Based on these molecular results and morphological analyses, we describe a new Andean cryptic species, Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov. from southern Peru.

Keywords: phylogeny; integrative taxonomy; single-locus delimitation; morphology; Liolaemus; Peru

 Holotype of Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov., dorsal (A), ventral (B) and lateral (C) views.

Photographed by C. Salas.

Liolaemus arequipensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name refers to the Peruvian region of “Arequipa”, where the species was collected. The epithet arequipensis is an adjective in the nominative singular.

Ling Huamaní-Valderrama, Ignacio De la Riva, Cinthya Salas, Roy Santa-Cruz , Esther Salazar, Jack W. Sites, Jr. and César Aguilar-Puntriano. 2026. Taxonomic Nightmare: Hard Species Delimitation in Liolaemus (Squamata: Liolaemidae) Lizards of the Peruvian High Andean Plateau with a Description of a New Cryptic Species. Diversity. 18(10), 588; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18100588

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Xizang, China

 

 Impatiens zayuensis  S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang, 

in Yuan, T. Hu, Zhang, Cao, Du, Chen, Cong, G.-W. Hu, Peng et Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7

  Researchgate.net/publication/403820090 

english.CAS.cn

Abstract

Impatiens zayuensis (Balsaminaceae), from Cibagou National Nature Reserve in southeastern Xizang, China, is described. Based on molecular evidence, I. zayuensis is assigned to I. sect. Racemosae. Morphologically, it is close to I. margaritifera and I. casseabriae in having spurless flowers, but differs in upper stem with glands, ovate lateral sepals, dentate margin of lateral sepals, sub-dolabriform or oblong lower petal, and oblique mouth of lower sepal. Phylogenetically, the new species does not cluster with the other two similar spurless species, indicating that the spurless character may have evolved several times within the I. sect. Racemosae.

Impatiens, New Species, Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Xizang, Eudicots

 Impatiens zayuensis.
 A. habitat; B. inflorescence; C-D. front view of flower; E-F. lateral view of flower; G. dissected flower (a. dorsal petal; b. lateral sepals; c. lateral united petals; d. lower sepal; e. stamens and pedicel); H. capsule and fruit stalk. I. seeds; J. leaves; K. root (Image by YUAN Taohua)

Morphological comparison of Impatiens zayuensis (A1-I1) and I. margaritifera (A2-I2).
A. inflorescences; B. the upper part of the stems (showing glands); C. leaves (showing glands at the base of the leaf blade); D. front view of flowers; E. lateral view of flowers; F. lateral sepals; G. dorsal petals; H. lateral united petals; I. lower sepals

 (1-I1 photographed by YUAN Taohua; B2-E2 by HUANG Wen; F2-I2 by PENG Shuai)

Impatiens zayuensis S.Peng, G.W.Hu & Q.F.Wang

TAO-HUA YUAN, TIAN HU, BEI ZHANG, MING CAO, ZHI DU, XIANG-YUN CHEN, YI-YAN CONG, GUANG-WAN HU, SHUAI PENG and QING-FENG WANG. 2026. A New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from southeastern Xizang, China.  Phytotaxa. 751(2); 163-175. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.751.2.7 [2026-04-15] 

Researchgate.net/publication/403820090_A_new_species_of_Impatiens_from_Tibet

 english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202605/t20260507_1158557.shtml

[Herpetology • 2026] Excidobates perplexus • Tiny Jewels of the Forest: A New and Endangered Species of Excidobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from southeastern Ecuador

Excidobates perplexus

Sánchez-Nivicela, Falcón-Reibán, Lituma, Fajardo-Torres, Urgiles, Apunte-Ramos & Ron, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5886.2.2

Abstract

Poison dart frogs are one of the most studied and charismatic groups of amphibians, yet diversity within small and geographically restricted genera such as Excidobates remains incompletely understood. Until recently, this genus was known to comprise only three species distributed across the eastern mountain ranges of southern Ecuador and northern Peru. Here, we describe a new species represented by two populations in southern Ecuador: one from the eastern slopes of the Andes and another from north of Cordillera del Cóndor. The new species is more closely related to Excidobates mysteriosus, from which it differs by a genetic distance of 2.7–3.5% (16S rRNA gene) and markedly distinctive morphology such as 15.1–18.3 mm on snout-vent length and strongly granular skin. The two populations of the new species differ markedly in color from each other and from E. mysteriosus: scarlet red mottled dorsal coloration on a black background and a red-orange and black reticulated venter in the Central Andean Cordillera population, and green dorsal coloration with inconspicuous yellow spots and a yellow and black reticulated venter in the Cordillera del Cóndor population. Its advertisement call has 24–26 pulses, dominant frequency 4781.3–5062.5 Hz, and 0.51–0.56 s duration. The two populations are separated by 65 km, inhabit different forest types and have a genetic distance of 0.6–0.7%. Despite the marked color and habitat differences, the combined evidence indicates that the two populations represent polymorphic variants of the same species. Because the new species faces severe and imminent threats, including large and medium-scale mining, hydroelectric development, and illegal wildlife trade, we propose to assign it to the Red List category as Critically Endangered. Our findings highlight the rich but still underestimated amphibian diversity of the southeastern Ecuadorian Andes and underscore the urgent need for conservation actions in these regions.

Amphibia, Andes, conservation, Ecuador, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

Excidobates perplexus sp. nov. 

JUAN C. SÁNCHEZ-NIVICELA, JOSÉ M. FALCÓN-REIBÁN, MICHELLE CABRERA LITUMA, JAIME D. FAJARDO-TORRES, VERÓNICA L. URGILES, KATHERINE APUNTE-RAMOS, SANTIAGO R. RON. 2026. Tiny Jewels of the Forest: A New and Endangered Species of Excidobates (Anura: Dendrobatidae) from southeastern Ecuador.  Zootaxa. 5886(2); 193-217. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5886.2.2 [2026-10-02]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ololygon cataguas • A New Species of Ololygon (Anura: Hylidae) from the Zona Da Mata Region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil

 

Ololygon cataguas

 Folly, Assis, Santana, Lacerda, Lourenço & Feio, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-24-00007 

 Abstract  

We describe a new species of Ololygon from the Ololygon catharinae species group. Ololygon sp. nov. is known only from the Atlantic Forest of Cataguases municipality, Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais state, southeast Brazil. The new species of treefrog is characterized by the combination of the following characters: medium size (male snout–vent length [SVL] 21.7–24.7 mm, female SVL 27.1–33.8 mm); snout rounded with mucronate tip in dorsal view; males with vocal slits present; vocal sac not expanded externally; interocular region with a w-shaped blotch not exceeding beyond the anterior margin of tympanic level; males with hypertrophied forearms; dorsal portion of the iris homogeneously pigmented; males with nuptial pads protruding; males with a developed pair of inguinal glands; in life, inguinal region and hidden surfaces of thigh with irregular dark brown spots on a white or slightly bluish background; in life, overall night coloration beige in males; call duration of 0.17–0.45 s; call composed of 4–10 notes; note duration of 3–28 ms; note emission rate of 16.8–32.5 notes per second; notes composed of 2–14 pulses; call with a dominant frequency of 2.67–4.56 kHz. We also show data about its habitat, natural history, and conservation and suggest a new diagnostic character for some species belonging to the Ololygon species.

KEYWORDS: Atlantic forest, bioacoustics, Scinaxini, taxonomy

Live topotypical specimens of Ololygon cataguas sp. nov.:
(A, B, C) males and (D) female. (E) Recently killed male.

Photos: C.L. Assis and H. Folly.

Ololygon cataguas sp. nov.

Etymology.—“Cataguas” refers to an indigenous ethnic group that lived in the forests of the Zona da Mata of Minas Gerais. Furthermore, the municipality where the type series was collected is called Cataguases. The name is used here as a noun in apposition.

 

 

Henrique Folly, Clodoaldo L. Assis, Diego J. Santana, João V. A. Lacerda, Ana Carolina C. Lourenço and Renato N. Feio. 2026. A New Species of Ololygon (Anura: Hylidae) from the Zona Da Mata Region, Minas Gerais State, Brazil. Herpetologica. 82(1); 241-256. DOI: doi.org/10.1655/Herpetologica-D-24-00007  (30 September 2026) 

[Herpetology • 2026] Scinax divae, S. galacticus & S. guapore • A Taxonomic Revision of Scinax nebulosus (Anura: Hylidae) with the Revalidation of Scinax cynocephalus and the Description of Three New Species

Scinax nebulosus (Spix, 1824) from Curionópolis municipality, Pará state, Brazil
(A-C) Scinax divae sp. nov. from Ipú municipality, Ceará state, Brazil,
(D-F) S. galacticus sp. nov. from Alter do Chão, Santarém municipality, Pará state, Brazil, 
(G-I) S. guapore sp. nov. from Cotriguaçu municipality, Mato Grosso state, Brazil 

 Ramos, Fouquet, Roberto, Perez, Ferrão, De Carvalho, Almeida, Gordo, Dantas, Chaparro, De Moura & Ávila, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.26059 

 Abstract  

The Spix's snouted treefrog Scinax nebulosus is one of 13 recognised species in the Scinax rostratus group, distributed from the Guiana region through eastern and southwestern Amazonia to north-eastern Brazil. Previous molecular studies identified up to five evolutionary lineages, raising taxonomic uncertainties. Here, we integrate mitochondrial (16S rRNA, n = 121), morphological (n = 587), and bioacoustic (n = 335) data to test species boundaries within the S. nebulosus complex. DNA-based delimitation recovered seven operational taxonomic units (OTUs), six of which were supported by morphological and bioacoustic evidence and thus recognised as confirmed candidate species (CCS). Two OTUs correspond to the nominal species S. nebulosus and S. constrictus. The lineage from the Guiana region corresponds to Scinax cynocephalus (Hyla cynocephala), which we resurrect from synonymy with S. nebulosus. The remaining three CCS are described as new species, being one from the northern portion of north-eastern Brazil, another from the Xingu-Tapajós interfluve and the region north of the lower River Amazon, and another from southwestern Brazilian and Bolivian Amazonia. Given acoustic divergence among populations from north-eastern Brazil, we suspect the existence of additional species or introgression, which deserves further investigation using genomic data and finer-scale phenotypic examination.

KEYWORDS: cryptic diversity, Integrative taxonomy, Neotropics, Scinax rostratus group, Scinaxini

Specimens of Scinax nebulosus from Curionópolis municipality, Pará state, Brazil (L2, A-C), S. constrictus from Barra do Garças municipality, Mato Grosso state, Brazil (L3, D-F) and S. cynocephalus from Sipaliwini district, Suriname (L5, G-I) in life.

Scinax nebulosus (Spix, 1824) (L2)

Scinax constrictus (Lima et al., 2005) (L3)

Scinax cynocephalus (Duméril & Bibron, 1841) stat. rev. (L5)

Specimens of Scinax divae sp. nov. from Ipú municipality, Ceará state, Brazil (L1 E, A-C), S. galacticus sp. nov. from Alter do Chão, Santarém municipality, Pará state, Brazil (L6, D-F) and S. guapore sp. nov. from Cotriguaçu municipality, Mato Grosso state, Brazil (L7, G-I) in life.

 

Scinax divae sp. nov. (L1 East)

Etymology: The specific epithet divae is a noun in the genitive case and a matronym for the herpetologist Diva Maria Borges Nojosa, honouring her pioneering work with the herpetofauna of the brejos-de-altitude, humid highland in the state of Ceará. It also recognises her role as the director of the Núcleo Regional de Ofiologia da Universidade Federal do Ceará (NUROF-UFC), where she made significant contributions to the formation of numerous herpetologists throughout her career as a professor at the institution.

Diagnosis: The new species is characterized by: SVL 23.9-31.0 mm, x̄ = 26.3 ± 1.5 in males and 28.3-40.0 mm, x̄ = 35.3 ± 3.1 in females; males have a subovoid head (Ch.1.0) with a rounded (Ch.2.0) or nearly acute (Ch.2.1) snout in dorsal view, being rounded (Ch.3.0), nearly protruding (Ch.3.1) or protruding (Ch.3.2) in lateral view; females have a subovoid (Ch.1.0) or nearly rounded head (Ch.1.1) with a rounded (Ch.2.0) or nearly acute (Ch.2.1) snout in dorsal view, being nearly protruding (Ch.3.1) or protruding ...

 

Scinax galacticus sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet galacticus is formed from the Latin (galactic + Latin adjectival suffix –us), derived from the Greek ‘γάλα’, ‘γάλακτος’ (gála, gálaktos = ‘milk’), meaning ‘galaxy’ or ‘pertaining to a galaxy’. The name is treated as an adjective and refers to the pattern of blotches covering almost the entire inner surface of the thighs and the heavily speckled ventral pattern observed in some specimens, resembling a starry sky.

Diagnosis: The new species is characterized by: SVL 21.9-32.4 mm, x̄ = 26.4 ± 2.3 in males and 30.8-40.7 mm, x̄ = 35.9 ± 3.3 in females; males have a subovoid head (Ch.1.0) with a rounded snout in dorsal view (Ch.2.0), being rounded (Ch.3.0) or nearly protruding (Ch.3.1) in lateral view; females have a subovoid (Ch.1.0) or nearly rounded (Ch.1.1) head with a rounded snout (Ch.2.0) in dorsal view, being rounded (Ch.3.0) or nearly protruding (Ch.3.1) in lateral view; nostrils not prominent in dorsal view (Ch.4.0); pointed tubercle on the snout absent (Ch.5.0) or slight (Ch.5.1) not forming a small proboscis; conical process on the heel indistinct (Ch.12.0) or small (Ch.12.1); females with a compound pectoral fold ...

Scinax guapore sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet guapore is a noun in apposition and a toponym referring to the River Guaporé, one of the main watercourses in the region where the new species occurs. This river also marks the border between Brazil and Bolivia. The name originates from Tupi-Guarani and probably means ‘deserted valley’ or ‘river with waterfalls’.

Diagnosis: The new species is characterized by: SVL 21.3-29.2 mm, x̄ = 25.8 ± 1.9 in males and 31.0-36.3 mm, x̄ = 33.5 ± 2.1 in females; males with a subovoid head (Ch.1.0) with a rounded (Ch.2.0) or acute (Ch.2.1) snout in dorsal view, being protruding (Ch.3.2) or acute (Ch.3.3) in lateral view; females with a subovoid (Ch.1.0) or nearly rounded (Ch.1.1) head with a rounded (Ch.2.0) or acute (Ch.2.1) snout in dorsal view, being nearly protruding (Ch.3.1) or protruding (Ch.3.2) in lateral view; nostrils prominent in ...

 

Antônio R.L. Ramos, Antoine Fouquet, Igor J. Roberto, Renata Perez, Miquéias Ferrão, Vinícius T. De Carvalho, Alexandre P. Almeida, Marcelo Gordo, Silionamã P. Dantas, Juan C. Chaparro, Geraldo J.B. De Moura and Robson W. Ávila. 2026. A Taxonomic Revision of Scinax nebulosus (Anura: Hylidae) with the Revalidation of Scinax cynocephalus and the Description of Three New Species. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 75 (26059), 26059.1-37. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.26059 (29 September 2026)

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria flavicollaris • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand

 

 Calamaria flavicollaris

 Aksornneam, Rujirawan, Yodthong, Pawangkhanant, Sung & Aowphol, 2026

 

Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake | งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Abstract

A new species of Calamaria is described from the Tenasserim Range, Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit and in contact with first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact with the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) dark collar followed by yellow ring at nuchal region. Genetically, the new species exhibits a pairwise distance of ≥17.56% from all other congeners based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment. Furthermore, we provide cranial osteological description of the new species based on micro-CT scanning. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and represents the fourth species of the genus recorded for Thailand. 

Keywords: cranial osteology; herpetofauna; Isthmus of Kra; molecular; reed snake; Southeast Asia

Holotype of Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131) in life. A small figure shows the yellow color on the ventral side of this species 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Head of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131).
A–B lateral view C–D dorsal view E–F ventral view

Holotype of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131)
in preservative. A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view at the midbody D dorsal view of tail E ventral view of tail

Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters (Tables 3, 4; Suppl. Table 1): 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit, and in contact first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding the paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) a dark nuchal collar followed by a yellow ring along neck.

Four Calamaria species in Thailand:
A Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. from Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province B C. lumbricoidea from Than To District, Yala Province
C C. schlegeli from Betong District, Yala Province D C. pavimentata from Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province 

Photos by Parinya Pawangkhanant (A–C) and Attapol Rujirawan (D)

Etymology. The specific epithet flavicollaris is derived from the Latin words “flavo” (yellow), “collare” (collar or neck), and the suffix “-aris”, which refers to the appearance of the yellow nuchal ring of this species. 

We suggested an English common name “Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake” and the Thai common name “งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ” (Ngu Phong O Buang Bat) for this species.

 Akrachai Aksornneam, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Yik-Hei Sung, and Anchalee Aowphol. 2026. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand.  Contributions to Zoology. 95(4); 366–410. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 [22 Sep 2026]

งูพงอ้อหัวแดง Calamaria schlegeli; 

งูพงอ้อหลากลาย Calamaria lumbricoidea; 

งูพงอ้อท้องเหลือง Calamaria pavimentata

[Paleontology • 2026] New Fossil Material of Chelus colombiana (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru

 

Chelus colombiana MUSM-920
specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru.
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron. 

in Cadena, Salas-Gismondi, Zamora-Vega, ... et Pérez-García. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135

  Artistic reconstruction  by Juan Giraldo

Abstract

We describe two fossil turtle shells of Chelus colombiana from Middle Miocene vertebrate localities in the Fitzcarrald Arch and Iquitos regions of Peru. One specimen represents one of the most complete fossil shells of the genus, also one of the largest known, measuring 84.6 cm in carapace length and estimated to have weighed approximately 65 kg. Morphological comparisons confirm synchronous consistency with other C. colombiana specimens from Colombia and Brazil, with only minor variation in the gular and extragular scutes. These new records extend the known geographic distribution of C. colombiana to the southwestern margins of the Pebas wetland system and support a broader pattern of body size gigantism among Miocene South American turtles, likely driven by ecological connectivity rather than climatic factors. However, the absence of associated cranial material remains a major obstacle to fully resolving the taxonomy of fossil Chelus, a problem further explored in this study.

Keywords: South America; Neogene; Pebas Formation; Testudines; Pleurodira; paleobiogeography

Systematic paleontology

Order Testudines Batsch, 1788 sensu Joyce et al., 2020a

Suborder Pleurodira Cope, 1865 sensu Joyce et al., 2020b

Family Chelidae Gray, 1825 sensu Joyce et al., 2021

Genus Chelus Duméril, 1806

Chelus colombiana Wood, 1976

 Shell of Chelus colombiana MUSM-920 specimen from the Middle Miocene of Fitzcarrald Arch, Peru. 
(A) Shell in anterior (cranial) view. (B) Shell in left lateral view. (C) Shell in posterior (caudal) view, showing both pelvic girdles articulated and sutured to the carapace and plastron.
 (D) Artistic reconstruction of Chelus colombiana by Juan Giraldo.

Edwin-Alberto Cadena, Rodolfo Salas-Gismondi, Camila Zamora-Vega, John Flynn, Pierre-Olivier Antoine, Patrice Baby and Adán Pérez-García. 2026. New Fossil Material of Chelus (Testudines: Chelidae) from the Middle Miocene of Peru. Palaeoworld. 35(5); 201135. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201135 [25 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Sphaenopolystichum) • A New cave fern from Guangxi, China

 

Polystichum oligodontum  Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, 

in Nong, Jiang, Xiong, Q.-J. Wei, G.-Y. Wei, Ji, Lai et  H.-J. Wei, 2025. 

稀齿耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701

Abstract

Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae), a new fern species in P. subg. Haplopolystichum from three karst caves in northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This species is unique in having pinnae with a shallow or nearly free lobe on the acroscopic base and coarsely toothed distal margins. It resembles P. membranifolium and P. kwangtungense in its reflexed and oblong pinnae with an obtuse or rounded apex, but can be easily distinguished by its remote pinnae bearing a lobe at the acroscopic base. The new species also somewhat resembles P. leveillei in the nearly free basal lobe, but differs by its toothed upper pinna margins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 56 Polystichum species, based on the rbcL gene, supports the placement of P. oligodontum within P. sect. Sphaenopolystichum, with P. alcicorne as its closest relative. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category.

Key words: Cave ferns, coarse tooth, karst area, serration pattern

Polystichum oligodontum (from Bama county).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B. Lower portions of stipes showing scales; C, D. Habits; E. Portions of laminae (adaxially); F. Portions of laminae (abaxially); G. Pinna showing sori; H. Portion of pinna showing indusia.

Polystichum oligodontum (from Fengshan County).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B, C. Habit; D. Portions of laminae (adaxially); E. Scales from stipes base (bottom), pinna base (middle) and pinna surface (top); F. Portions of lamina (abaxially).

 Polystichum oligodontum Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Polystichum oligodontum is unique by the pinna acroscopic side with a shallow or nearly free lobe at the base and coarsely toothed along distal margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, oligodontum, meaning “few teeth”, and referring to the number of the teeth on pinna margins.

Chinese name. 稀齿耳蕨 (xī chǐ ěr jué).

 You Nong, Ri-Hong Jiang, Chi Xiong, Qiu-Jun Wei, Gui-Yuan Wei, Xing-Yun Ji, Ke-Dao Lai and Hong-Jin Wei. 2025. Polystichum oligodontum (subg. Haplopolystichum, Dryopteridaceae), A New cave fern from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 297-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701 [25 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum ensiforme (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtomiopsis) • A New simple-lamina Species from Lingnan Region, China

 

[A-C] Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang;  
[D-F] P. basipinnatum (Baker) Ching

 [A & D] Habit, [B & E] Portion of frond, [C & F] Portion of lamina showing sori

in Shang, J.-L. Li, Z.-Y. Li, SHAO, F.-H. Li, D. Li, Liu et Jiang, 2025. 

剑叶鞭叶耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740

 (photos: Z. Y. Li; W. Q. Wang; X. L. Zhou & K. Ye). 

Abstract

Polystichum ensiforme, a new polystichoid fern species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species most closely resembles P. basipinnatum but differs in having a generally simple lamina, scattered sori, and leathery lamina texture. Phylogenetic analysis placed it as an isolated clade within P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis. A key to the species of P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis is also provided.

Cyrtomidictyum, fern, phylogeny, taxonomy, whip-like leaves, Pteridophytes

Morphological comparison between Polystichum ensiforme (top) and P. basipinnatum (bottom): A. & D. Habit, B. & E.Portion of frond, C. & F. Portion of lamina showing sori

 (photo credits: A & C by Z. Y. Li; B by W. Q. Wang; D by X. L. Zhou; E &F by K. Ye). 

Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The species epithet is derived from the Latin, ensiform (sword-shaped), referring to sword-shaped fronds of the new species.

Vernacular name:—剑叶鞭叶耳蕨(jiàn yè biān yè ěr jué)

HUI SHANG, JIAN-LING LI, ZHONG-YANG LI, WEN SHAO, FANG-HUA LI, DONG LI, HONG-MEI LIU and RI-HONG JIANG. 2025. A New simple-lamina Species of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) from Lingnan Region, China.  Phytotaxa. 704(2); 178-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5 [2025-06-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740_A_new_species_of_Polystichum_from_Lingnan_China

New sword-shaped fern species found in Guangxi

http://english.xtbg.cas.cn/rh/rp/202506/t20250616_1045654.html

[Botany • 2026] Primula octopoda (Primulaceae) • A stoloniferous New Species from western Sichuan, China

 

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang,  

in Q. Huang, X. Wang, W.-J. Huang, Yang, Pan, Ru, J.-P. Wang et Ju, 2026.

巴塘粉报春 | DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 

 

ABSTRACT

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, a new species of Primula (Primulaceae) in sect. Aleuritia, is herein described and illustrated from Batang County, Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Morphologically, P. octopoda is most similar to P. stenocalyx, but it can be readily distinguished by its dwarf habit, the presence of stolons 2–7 cm in length ending in small rosettes occasionally bearing a single flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaf blades, a very short or absent scape bearing one or two flowers, and a smaller, annulate corolla with a prominent yellow eye. The complete chloroplast genome of P. octopoda spans 154,164 bp with a GC content of 36.97% and contains 125 genes. Phylogenetic analyses using plastid and ITS data both place P. octopoda within sect. Aleuritia while supporting its distinct species status. Given the current lack of adequate information on its population size and geographic range, the species is provisionally assigned a status of Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species, Primula, taxonomy

Habitat of the Primula octopoda.
 (A) Habitat; (B–D) Plants.

Morphology of Primula octopoda.
 (A) Plant; (B) roots; (C) leaves; (D) inflorescence; (E) corolla; (F) bracts; (G) calyx; (H) thrum flower and pin flower; (I) capsule.

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. The new species most closely resembles P. stenocalyx, sharing narrowly lanceolate bracts, a tubular calyx with similarly divided oblong or lanceolate lobes, stamens and style included within the corolla tube, and an oblong capsule. However, it differs in its shorter stature, the presence of 2–7 cm long stolons each ending in a small rosette and occasionally bearing a solitary flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaves, a scape up to 2 cm long or absent with 1–2 flowers, and an annulate corolla with a yellow eye and smaller flowers (Figures 2 and 3).

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species refers to its distinctive feature of producing multiple stout, fleshy stolons that resemble the tentacles of an octopus; hence the name octopoda, which vividly reflects the plant's numerous stolons extending like “eight legs.”

Vernacular Name. Chinese mandarin: “bā táng fĕn bào chūn” (巴塘粉报春), meaning “Batang Farinose Primrose” in English.

 

Qin Huang, Xin Wang, Wen-Jun Huang, Jie-Yi Yang, Hong-Li Pan, Jian Ru, Jiang-Ping Wang and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula octopoda, A stoloniferous New Species from Western Sichuan, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 [27 August 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum cretaceum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtogonellum) • A New fern from Guangxi, China

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu,  

 

in X.-H. Chen, Shu, Xu, Liu, L.-J. Chen, He, Zheng et Gu, 2025. 

白垩柳叶耳蕨 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725

Abstract

Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) is a cosmopolitan fern genus known for its rich species diversity, with its primary diversity center in eastern Asia. In this study, we describe a novel species, Polystichum cretaceum, discovered in Napo County, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This species is distinguished by its dwarf habit, fronds simple or 1-pinnate (pinnae 2–4 pairs), pilose or glabrous surface, and fenestrate perispores. This new species resembles P. fraxinellum but differs by having oval pinnae with entire margins and free veins, while P. fraxinellum has ovate-lanceolate pinnae with slightly recurved margins and anastomosing veins. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between P. cretaceum and P. minimum. However, P. minimum differs in having obliquely ovate lateral pinnae with shallowly incised-toothed margins and acuminate apices.

new taxon, Cyrtogonellum, ferns, species diversity, Pteridophytes, rbcL gene, chloroplast genome

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “cretaceum” is derived from the habitat of this newly identified species, which thrives on moist, chalky soil slopes.

Vernacular name:—白垩柳叶耳蕨 (bai e liu ye er jue) 

 

XIAO-HUA CHEN, JIANG-PING SHU, YI-DA XU, HONG-MEI LIU, LI-JUN CHEN, JIAO HE, XI-LONG ZHENG and YU-FENG GU. 2025. Polystichum cretaceum (Polystichum sect. Cyrtogonellum, Dryopteridaceae), A New fern from Guangxi, China.  Phytotaxa. 690(2); 276-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8 [2025-02-28]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725_Polystichum_cretaceum_a_new_fern_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma koonmeeana (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Hitcheniopsis) • A New endemic Species from Central Thailand

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Boonma, Ruannakarn, Junsongduang et Setyawan. 2026.  

กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Abstract

Continued botanical exploration in previously insufficiently surveyed areas of Saraburi Province, Central Thailand, revealed an undescribed member of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis. This study aimed to formally describe the taxon, assess its morphological distinctiveness, evaluate its phenetic relationships, and provide a preliminary conservation assessment. Morphological observations were based on living and freshly collected material, herbarium specimens, protologues, and comparative taxonomic sources. Phenetic relationships among 11 taxa were assessed using 34 morphological characters, the Gower coefficient, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The new species, Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, is distinguished from morphologically allied taxa by a unique combination of fertile-bract architecture, poorly developed coma bracts, well-exserted flowers, labellum morphology and indumentum, yellow markings, and anther-crest configuration. Phenetic analyses summarized overall morphological relationships among the sampled taxa, with Curcuma charanii Boonma & Saensouk showing the greatest Gower similarity to C. koonmeeana. The species is currently known from two populations along the same limestone mountain range and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1). Its recognition increases the known native diversity of subgen. Hitcheniopsis in Thailand to 31 taxa, comprising 30 species and one natural hybrid. The discovery highlights the continuing value of targeted botanical exploration and the need for habitat and population conservation.

Keywords: Curcuma; Hitcheniopsis; limestone; phenetic analysis; Phra Phutthabat; Saraburi; taxonomy

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.:
(a) Habit. (b) Thyrse with flowers. (c) Front view of flower. (d,e) Coma bracts. (f) Lateral view of fertile bract. (g) Fertile bract. (h) Front view of anther. (i) Lateral view of anther. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Dorsal corolla lobe. (l) Lateral corolla lobes. (m) Cincinnus with bracteole and flower. (n) Lateral staminodes. (o) Labellum. (p) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma koonmeeana is morphologically most similar to C. charanii in having short, non-creeping rhizome branches, glabrous laminae and fertile bracts, exserted flowers, and similarly coloured lateral staminodes, but differs in having an internally pale-yellow rhizome (vs. ivory), globose to subglobose tuberous roots (vs. fusiform), undulate lamina margins (vs. entire), fertile bracts with the lower ones obtrullate and the upper ones rhomboid to lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate), longer, well-exserted flowers (vs. exserted), narrower lateral staminodes with a broadly obtuse to occasionally acute apex (vs. broader, with a rounded apex), a larger, deeply bilobed labellum with a V-shaped sinus c. 8 mm deep (vs. emarginate, with a sinus 4–5 mm deep), and a white filament (vs. pale purple)  

Etymology: The specific epithet “koonmeeana” is named in honor of Mrs. Koonmee Saensouk, in recognition of her invaluable support and contributions behind the study of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.   "กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี"

Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Prasert Ruannakarn, Auemporn Junsongduang and Ahmad Dwi Setyawan. 2026. Continued Botanical Exploration Uncovers A New endemic Species of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from Central Thailand. Life. 16(10), 1623. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623 [28 September 2026]