[Herpetology • 2026] Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis • A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura: Megophryidae) from Xizang, China

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan,
Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

in Liu, Zhang, Wei, Ai, Lu, Li, Zhou, Chen et Yuan, 2026. 

墨脱绿角蟾  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945

Abstract

Motuo County, located in the eastern Himalayas and within the lower section of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, is characterized by steep elevational gradients and complex topography, supporting high levels of biodiversity and endemism that remain insufficiently explored. Based on integrated evidence from morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new subgenus and a new species of Asian horned toads from Motuo County, Xizang, China, are described. The new subgenus, Viridophrys subgen. nov., with its type species Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., represents an independent evolutionary lineage within the broadly defined Megophrys, as supported by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses. Although its exact sister-group relationship is not consistently resolved among different datasets, the new lineage is phylogenetically close to the subgenera Brachytarsophrys and Atympanophrys. Morphologically, the new subgenus can be distinguished from other major megophryine lineages by a combination of morphological characters. The discovery of Viridophrys subgen. nov. and M. (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. highlights the underestimated diversity of megophryids in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region and emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts in the eastern Himalayas.

Key Words: Himalayas, Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., taxonomy, Viridophrys subgen. nov., Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region

Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Megophrys Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

Subgenus Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

 Type species. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis
Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The subgenus Viridophrys subgen. nov. can be distinguished from other subgenera within the broadly defined Megophrys by the following diagnostic characteristics: (1) medium body size, mean SVL < 50 mm in adult females; (2) dorsal skin rough, with vivid green dorsal coloration and reddish markings, and ventral surfaces covered with irregular blotches; (3) head wider than long; (4) snout obtusely rounded and without rostral appendage; (5) maxillary teeth present; (6) vomerine teeth and vomerine ridges absent; (7) palpebral appendages absent, with minute tubercles along the outer edge of the upper eyelid; (8) temporal region short, tympanum large, distinct, close to posterior corner of eye, supratympanic fold thick and slightly curved over tympanum; (9) occipital fold absent; (10) dorsolateral fold absent; (11) presence of V-shaped parietoscapular ridge and arcuate central dorsal ridge; (12) flanks bearing scattered white-tipped tubercles, with a few tubercles occasionally present along the ventrolateral boundary; (13) lower jaw smooth, asperities absent; (14) subarticular tubercles on fingers absent; (15) webbing between toes is absent, toe fringe is lacking (Figs 4, 5).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. adult female holotype SWU 0015893 in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsolateral view; D. Profile of head; E. Cloacal area.

Photographs by Ren-Da Ai.

Habitat of Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. at the type locality, Beibeng Township, Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A. Broadleaf and coniferous mixed forest; B. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. in the wild (SWU 0015893).

Habitat photograph by Wen-Zhu Lu. Species photograph by Ren-Da Ai.

Etymology. The subgeneric name Viridophrys subgen. nov. is derived from the Latin viridis, meaning green, and the Greek ophrys, meaning eyebrow, in reference to the extensive green markings on the dorsum of the new taxon. The gender of the name is feminine.

Common name. Green horned toad subgenus /
Lǜ jiǎo chán yà shǔ (绿角蟾亚属).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Etymology. The name “motuoensis” originated from the type locality: Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

Common name. Motuo green horned toad /
Mò tuō lǜ jiǎo chán (墨脱绿角蟾).

 

Xiao-Long Liu, Yin-Peng Zhang, Ping-Fan Wei, Ren-Da Ai, Wen-Zhu Lu, Xian-Qi Li, Wei-Wei Zhou, Jin-Min Chen and Zhi-Yong Yuan. 2026. A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura, Megophryidae, Megophryinae) from Xizang, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1295-1313. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945 [21 Oct 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae • A New dwarf loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from upper Tigris and Euphrates

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae

Kaya, Yoğurtçuoğlu, Aksu, Bayçelebi & Turan, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15578 

 

Abstract

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae, new species, from upper Euphrates and Tigris drainages is distinguished from other species of Turcinoemacheilus in Western Asia by having a dark stripe broader than the eye diameter along the lateral line, rarely possessing roundish blotches, 5–6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal, a comperatvely smaller head, a deeper body, and a greater pre-pelvic distance. Our specimens collected from the upper Great Zab, near the type locality of Turcinoemacheilus kosswigi, showed notable genetic divergence (a minimum K2P of 3.3%) from sequences reported as T. kosswigi in previous studies. Despite morphological similarities, this molecular difference suggests that the populations analysed in previous studies may represent a potential new species of Turcinoemacheilus, which we tentatively named as Turcinoemacheius cf. kosswigi. Molecular data also suggest that T. ekmekciae is characterized by a minimum K2P distance of 3.5% from Turcinoemacheilus minimus and T. cf. kosswigi. The three methods for species delimitation (assemble species by automatic partitioning [ASAP], Poisson tree processes [PTP], and multi-rate PTP [mPTP]) that were utilized for testing species assignments consistently identified our test group as a distinct species.

Keywords: cytochrome c oxidase I, freshwater, fish, taxonomy, Western Asia

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae,
from the top, FFR 3608, holotype, 36 mm standard length (SL); Kaynarca stream, Euphrates:
FFR 3616, paratype, 41 mm SL, Nerduş stream, Tigris:
Not preserved, ~35 mm SL; not preserved, ~40 mm SL; not preserved, ~40 mm SL; Kaynarca stream, Euphrates.

 Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae, new species

Diagnosis: Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae is distinguished from its congeners from upper Tigris and Euphrates drainages by a combination of characters. The new species is distinguished from T. minimus from Göksu and Kahta drainages by having a deeper caudal peduncle (7%–9% SL v. 6–7), and 5–6 mandibular pores in mandibular canal (v. 4–5). T. ekmekciae is distinguished from T. kosswigi from upper Greater Zab by having a greater pre-pelvic distance (50%–53% SL v. 47–50), a shorter upper caudal fin lobe (14%–18% SL v. 18–21), and a shorter maxillary barbel (15%–21% HL v. 21–26). The new species is further distinguished from T. kosswigi by having a dark stripe broader than the eye diameter along the lateral line, only in one population possessing roundish blotches (v. a dark-brown mid-lateral stripe narrower than the eye diameter).

Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae is distinguished from the two Iranian Turcinoemacheilus, T. bahaii and T. hafezi, by the position of the ...

Etymology: The species is named for Fitnat Güler Ekmekçi for her contribution to the knowledge of the ichthyofauna of Türkiye. A noun in genitive, indeclinable.

 

Cüneyt Kaya, Baran Yoğurtçuoğlu, İsmail Aksu, Esra Bayçelebi and Davut Turan. 2024. Turcinoemacheilus ekmekciae, A New dwarf loach from upper Tigris and Euphrates (Teleostei: Nemacheilidae). Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.15578 [10 October 2023]

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[Ichthyology • 2026] Prognathodes thanatos • A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology

 Prognathodes thanatos

 Tea, Blum, Rocha, Parkinson & Stanley, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038  

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

 Abstract 

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, is described on the basis of the holotype from Mozambique, Africa. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of live coloration details and morphological characters: head and body silvery white with three broad, dark brown bands; pelvic fin including spine black; dorsal-fin rays XIII,19; anal-fin rays III,15; lateral line short and incomplete with 26–29 pored scales; gill rakers 4 + 12–13 = 16–17; snout length 12.6% SL; and angle of preopercle finely serrate. The new species appears to be most closely related to Prognathodes guyotensis, a poorly known, deepwater species of butterflyfish known from very few specimens. The assignment of both species to the genus Prognathodes is accompanied by a critical reassessment and discussion of the currently inadequate definition of the genus.

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, SAIAB 80277, holotype, 100.3 mm SL, off Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Africa in (A) fresh and (B) preserved coloration.
Photographs by (A) P. Heemstra, South African Institute of Aquatic Biology, copyright 2025, used with permission, and (B) C. Phan, Australian Museum Research Institute, copyright 2025.  x.com/IchsAndHerps

Underwater photographs of Prognathodes thanatos, new species, taken using remotely operated submersibles.
(A–B) 200 m, Comoro Islands; (C) depth unknown, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; (D) depth unknown, likely >100 m, Leadsman Canyon, Sodwana Bay, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Yi-Kai Tea, Stanley D. Blum, Luiz A. Rocha, Kerryn Parkinson and Edward L. Stanley. 2026. A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3); 474-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038 (15 September 2026)  

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[Botany • 2026] Capparis sekongensis (Capparaceae) • A New Species from the Sekong Province, Laos

 

Capparis sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, 

in Fici, Souvannakhoummane, Lanorsavanh et Lamxay, 2026. 

sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/adansonia/48/20 

  facebook.com/Laosbiodiverysity

A new species of Capparis L., C. sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Sekong Province, southern Laos. The new species, belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk., is related to C. khuamak Gagnep., differing in several characters as the glabrous-pruinose twigs, the shorter, glabrous pedicels, the smaller sepals, glabrous outside, the petals woolly inside, the shorter gynophore and the subglobose ovary.

Keywords: Capparaceae, Capparis, Laos, sect. Monostichocalyx, new species.

Capparis sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, sp. nov.

 

Silvio FICI, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Soulivanh LANORSAVANH and Vichith LAMXAY. 2026. A New Species of Capparis L. (Capparaceae) from the Sekong Province, Laos. Adansonia. 48(20); 227-232. [12 October 2026]
https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/adansonia/48/20 

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[Arachnida • 2026] Songthela fengxiang, S. nanqiao, S. parallela, S. yanhe, S. yinchiba, ... • Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Araneae: Mesothelae: Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China

[G, J] Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.;
[H, K] S. yanhe sp. nov.;
[I, L] S. yinchiba sp. nov. 

Xu, Zhang & Li, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113

G–I. Female; J–L. Male, Scale bar: 5 mm.

 

Abstract

Twelve new species of the primitively segmented spider genus Songthela Ono, 2000, from Guizhou Province, China, are described based on the genital morphology of both sexes: S. chenjiapian sp. nov. (♂♀), S. cuantang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fengxiang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fuyan sp. nov. (♂♀), S. nanqiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. parallela sp. nov. (♂♀), S. qingganglin sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tianba sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tudiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yanhe sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yinchiba sp. nov. (♂♀), and S. yuhu sp. nov. (♂♀). All new species are assigned to the multidentata-group based on the morphology of the male palp and female genitalia. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map are provided. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences are also provided for the holotypes to facilitate future species identification and molecular studies.

Key Words: COI, description, morphology, taxonomy, trapdoor spiders

Microhabitat (A–F) and general somatic morphology (G–L) of new Songthela species.
G–I. Female; J–L. Male;
G, J. Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.; H, K. S. yanhe sp. nov.; I, L. S. yinchiba sp. nov.

Scale bar: 5 mm.

S. chenjiapian sp. nov., S. cuantang sp. nov., S. fengxiang sp. nov.,
S. fuyan sp. nov., S. nanqiao sp. nov., S. parallela sp. nov.,
S. qingganglin sp. nov., S. tianba sp. nov., S. tudiao sp. nov.,
S. yanhe sp. nov., S. yinchiba sp. nov., S. yuhu sp. nov.

Xin Xu, Yan Zhang and Daiqin Li. 2026. Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Mesothelae, Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1265-1293.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113 [15-10-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma tenasserimensis (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Ecomatae) • A New Species from Southwestern Thailand

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, 

in Boonma, S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Srisuk, Phimpha, Ruannakarn, Koompoot et Oo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15193072

Abstract

Curcuma subgen. Ecomatae comprises several morphologically similar taxa whose delimitation requires careful evaluation of character combinations and intraspecific variation. Botanical surveys across Southwestern Thailand revealed six geographically separated populations of an unidentified Curcuma in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Taxonomic status was evaluated through detailed comparative morphology and complementary individual-level phenetic analyses of 42 morphological characters using Gower distances, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The analyses comprised a population-level assessment of 120 individuals from six populations and an interspecific comparison of 200 individuals, including the same 120 individuals of the putative new taxon and 20 individuals each of four morphologically allied species. The populations are recognized here as a distinct species, Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov., based on a consistent combination of vegetative, inflorescence, floral, and reproductive characters that distinguishes them from the morphologically allied species examined. The population-level analysis revealed morphological variation among the six geographically separated populations while retaining their overall morphological cohesion. In the interspecific analysis, individuals of C. tenasserimensis formed an overall morphologically cohesive assemblage that was differentiated from the four allied species examined. Together, comparative morphology and individual-level phenetic analyses are consistent with the recognition of C. tenasserimensis as a morphologically distinct species and further document the still-emerging diversity of subgen. Ecomatae in Southwestern Thailand.

Keywords: Gower distance; morphological differentiation; morphological variation; numerical taxonomy; phenetic analysis; Tenasserim range

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.:
 (a) Inflorescence with flowers and sterile bracts. (b) Dorsal corolla lobe. (c) Lateral corolla lobes. (d) Lateral view of stamen. (e) Front view of stamen. (f) Labellum. (g) Lateral staminodes. (h) Epigynous glands and ovary. (i) Seed with arils. (j) Habit. (k) Fruit. (l) Dissected calyx. (m) Lateral view of flower.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.:
(a) Habits in natural habitat. (b) Lateral view of inflorescence and flower. (c) Top view of inflorescence and flower. (d) Pinkish fertile bracts. (e) Fruits in inflorescence. (f) Dorsal corolla lobe. (g) Lateral corolla lobes. (h) Labellum. (i) Lateral staminodes. (j) Front view of stamen. (k) Lateral view of stamen. (l) Epigynous glands and ovary. (m) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

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

 Thawatphong Boonma, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Pathomthat Srisuk, Suriya Phimpha, Prasert Ruannakarn, Kamonwan Koompoot and Win Paing Oo. 2026. A New Species of Curcuma subgen. Ecomatae (Zingiberaceae) from Southwestern Thailand: Morphological Delimitation and Phenetic Evidence. Plants. 15(19), 3072; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15193072 [8 October 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Peckoltia kahxi • A New Species of Peckoltia (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rapids of rio Trombetas Basin, Brazi

 

 Peckoltia kahxi

Dopazo, Araújo, Akama & Wosiacki, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2026-0053

Abstract

A new species of Peckoltia is described from the rio Trombetas basin, Pará State, Brazil. The new species was investigated by morphological and molecular dataset and it can be distinguished from its congeners by: (1) mottled appearance, without defined spots or patches on the head and body, (2) partially naked abdomen with clusters of plates on the lateral sides of the abdomen from the pectoral to the pelvic region, (3) higher numbers of teeth on both jaws, (4) short odontodes in the cheek, (5) dark spots on the interradial membranes on all fins, (6) four saddles along the body, (7) lower lips with rounded papillae, (8) yellow stripes of the head obliquely positioned on head, not larger than eye orbit, (9) upper lip completely dark, and (10) dorsal margin of the hyomandibula concave. Genetic analysis revealed a genetic divergence of 2.3 to 15% between the new species and other species of the genus. Additionally, phylogenetic analysis based on a mitochondrial gene (Cytb) was conducted and the species was recognized as a monophyletic unit. The description of the new species contributes to the knowledge of the Trombetas River basin, a little-known tributary on the left bank of the Amazon River.

Keywords: Amazon basin; Ancistrini; Armoured catfish; Rheophilic species; Taxonomy

 Peckoltia kahxi, new species

 Manuela Dopazo, lFelipe Arian de Andrade Araújo, Alberto Akama and Wolmar Benjamin Wosiacki. 2026. A New Species of Peckoltia (Siluriformes: Loricariidae) from the rapids of rio Trombetas Basin, Brazil. Neotrop. ichthyol. 24(3); DOI: doi.org/10.1590/1982-0224-2026-0053

 

[Fungi • 2026] Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov. • Unearthing a fungal Giant: Dianjunaceae fam. nov., A Novel Paleocene Lineage of Xylariales (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes)

 

Dianjunaceae fam. nov.
Dianjunus rex F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan.,

in Song, Yan, Pérez-Moreno, Zhang, Yang, Xie, Su, J. Liu, Wang, D. Liu, Z. Yang, C. Yang, W. Liu, Shi, Wan, Cheewangkoon, Dai, Senanayake et Yu, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2026.1940464

 

Abstract

During mycological surveys in Yunnan Province, China, specimens of a fungus producing massive, upright stromata up to 50 cm high and individually 2.2 kg in weight were sampled. Through an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphology, multilocus phylogeny [internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2), and beta-tubulin (TUB2)], and phylogenomic analyses, this fungus is proposed as the new species Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov., the type of the new family Dianjunaceae (Xylariales). Phylogenetic analyses robustly place Dianjunaceae as a distinct sister clade to Graphostromataceae. Divergence time estimation dates the origin of this family to the early Paleocene (~65 million years ago), coinciding with the period following the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction, when an estimated 75% of all plant and animal species went extinct, and a significant ecological reorganization of life on Earth happened. The stromata of D. rex represent the largest fructifications documented within the Ascomycota, significantly expanding the known morphological range of the Xylariales. The study provides a comprehensive description, including a nodulisporium-like anamorph with periconiella-like branching patterns, and discusses the taxon’s phylogenetic placement and distinctive morphology. This discovery highlights the unexplored fungal diversity in East Asian forests.

Keywords: divergence time, genome sequences, large stromata, morphology, novel taxa

Stromata of Dianjunus rex in the field.
(a, c, d, f) Stromata attached to host roots. (b, e, g, h) Stromata around host plant. (a) Collectors. (i) Total weight of largest bilobedstromata.

Dianjunus rex (HKAS148941, holotype).
(a) Stromata. (b) Yellow powdery layer on outer crust covering ostioles. (c) Ostiole opening on stromatic surface. (d) Vertical cross section of ascoma. (e) Peridium. (f) Stromatic tissues in 5% (w/v) KOH. (g) Horizontal section through the stromata. (h) Apical ring in water. (i) Apical ring in Melzer’s reagent. (j) Apical ring in Lugol’s reagent after pretreatment with 3% (w/v) KOH. (k) Apical ring in Lugol’s reagent. (l) S-shaped germ-slits in ascospores in Melzer’s reagent. (m-p) Asci in water. (q-zf) Ascospores in water.

Scale bars: a = 15 cm, b, c, e = 100 µm, d = 750 µm, g = 250 µm, l = 20 µm, m-p = 50 µm, h-k, q-zf = 10 µm.

Dianjunaceae F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., fam. nov.

Etymology: Based on the type genus Dianjunus.

Diagnosis: Dianjunaceae is distinguished from other families in Xylariales by having large stromata with persistent powdery-fibrous surface, unique S-shaped germ slit in ascospores, the inverted-trapezoid, amyloid apical ring in Melzer’s reagent, and nodulisporium-like anamorph with periconiella-like branching patterns produce distantly-packed branchlets bearing cluster of cylindrical, conidiogenous cells.

 

Dianjunus F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., gen. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the “Dian Kingdom”, a historical society situated in the region of present-day Yunnan Province in southwestern China where the samples were collected. The epithet is combined with the Chinese word “jūn”, meaning ‘mushroom’ or ‘fungus’.

Dianjunus rex F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., sp. nov. 

Etymology: The species epithet rex (Latin = king) refers to the large size and majestic appearance of the stromata.

Jing Song, Zhuyue Yan, Jesús Pérez-Moreno, Fengming Zhang, Shimei Yang, Tao Xie, Luofeng Su, Jianwei Liu, Yanliang Wang, Dong Liu, Zhenyan Yang, Chengmo Yang, Wei Liu, Xiaofei Shi, Shanping Wan, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon, Dongqin Dai, Indunil C. Senanayake and Fuqiang Yu. 2026. Unearthing a fungal Giant: Dianjunaceae fam. nov., A Novel Paleocene Lineage of Xylariales harboring Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov. Front. Fungal Biol. 7; 1940464. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2026.1940464 [29 September 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam, with Nomenclatural Notes including A New Combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis

 

Sonerila plenasicola 

in Hsu, Do, Truong, Hoang et Lin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1

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Abstract

A new species, Sonerila plenasicola, is described from Quang Tri Province in Central Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. yunnanensis but differs in having leaves covered with curved strigose hairs, suprabasal acrodromous or subpinnate venation, peduncles lacking gland-tipped hispid hairs, and anthers 2.5–3 mm long. Furthermore, after detailed comparisons of type materials and additional specimens, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of Sonerila cantonensis var. strigosa and S. yunnanensis, two names long treated as synonyms of S. cantonensis in previous studies. Based on their consistent differences in leaf morphology, indumentum, and floral structure, the former is now elevated to species rank, namely S. strigosa, a new record for the flora of Vietnam, and the latter is resurrected. We also provide updated descriptions, information on distribution, ecology and phenology, conservation status, typification notes, and a diagnostic comparison among the related taxa.

Eudicots, endemism, Flora of Vietnam, new taxon, nomenclature, plant taxonomy, Sonerileae

Sonerila plenasicola

 

TIAN-CHUAN HSU, TRUONG VAN DO, QUANG TRUNG TRUONG, HAI NAM HOANG and CHE-WEI LIN. 2026. Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Central Vietnam, with Nomenclatural Notes including A New Combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis.  Phytotaxa. 781(2); 101-115. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1

[2026-10-21] 

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[Entomology • 2025] Keosarima armillata & K. konkakinha • Keosarima gen. nov., A New Genus in the planthopper tribe Sarimini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) from Indochina

 

 Keosarima gen. nov.
 Keosarima armillata Constant

in Constant et Pham, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2993 

Abstract

A new genus of Issidae in the tribe Sarimini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), Keosarima Constant gen. nov., is described to include two new species, Keosarima armillata Constant gen. et sp. nov., collected in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia, and K. konkakinha gen. et sp. nov., collected in Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Central Vietnam. As a result, four species of Issidae, including two Sarimini, are now recorded from Cambodia, and 59 species, including eight Sarimini, are recorded from Vietnam. A distribution map and illustrations of specimens, terminalia, habitat are provided, as well as a record of trophobiotic interaction for K. armillata, with ants in the genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The relationship with the genus Tetrica Stål, 1866 is briefly discussed.

Keywords: biodiversity, Fulgoroidea, Indochina, trophobiosis

Keosarima Constant gen. nov., 

Keosarima armillata Constant gen. et sp. nov., collected in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia, 

K. konkakinha gen. et sp. nov., collected in Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Central Vietnam

Jérôme Constant and Hong Thai Pham. 2025. Keosarima gen. nov., A New Genus in the planthopper tribe Sarimini from Indochina (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae). European Journal of Taxonomy. 1007(1); 35–56. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2993 

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis orlovi • An overlooked Mountain Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis) from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos

 

Ovophis orlovi  

 Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Yuhao, Tierui, Pawangkhanant, Ananjeva, David, Vogel, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2026

 rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 

facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982 

Researchgate.net/publication/415133263

Abstract

An overlooked species of the mountain pitviper genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge and Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the highlands of central Vietnam and southern Laos based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular and morphological evidence. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. has long been confused with O. monticola and, less frequently, O. convictus, but is recovered as a distinct and well-supported evolutionary lineage in mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses, forming the sister taxon to O. anitae. Its distinctiveness is further supported by substantial mitochondrial divergence from its closest relative (cyt b uncorrected p-distance = 8.0%) and by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including body proportions, scalation, and color pattern. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. is currently known from montane evergreen forests of the Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau in central Vietnam and adjacent montane areas of southern Laos at elevations of approximately 900 – 1,400 m a.s.l. The recognition of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. resolves a long-standing taxonomic misidentification involving populations previously referred to O. monticola or O. convictus, further demonstrates that species diversity within Ovophis remains underestimated, and highlights the importance of integrative taxonomic studies for uncovering overlooked diversity in the montane regions of mainland Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.; integrative taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; morphology; Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau; Bolaven Plateau; biogeography

Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.

Variation in coloration of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. in life.
Vietnam: A, Mang Den, Quang Ngai, VRTC NAP-18718, adult female, holotype; B, Kon Chu Rang NR, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-16315, subadult male, paratype; C, Kon Ka Kinh NP, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-15452, subadult female, paratype.
Laos: Bolaven Plateau, Champasak: D, adult individual; E, F, subadult individual.

Photos by A. M. Bragin (A), N. A. Poyarkov (B, C), and A. Teynié (D – F)

Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Xu Yuhao, Zhang Tierui, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2026. An overlooked Mountain Pitviper from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(3); 178-196. http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 [September 30, 2026]

 facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982

 Researchgate.net/publication/415133263_An_overlooked_Ovophis_from_the_montane_regions_of_Vietnam_Laos

 

 Ovophis orlovi sp. nov., Mang Den Commune, Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, June 6, 2016. Photo by Andrey M. Bragin

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Wyoteuthis linsterorum • ‘The big chunky belemnite’: A New relict megateuthidid from the Oxfordian (Late Jurassic) of Wyoming, USA, and its place in the evolutionary history of the group

 

Wyoteuthis linsterorum 

Ippolitov, Lippincott, Wahl & Lomax, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70123

Abstract

We describe and discuss two finds of large and untypical belemnite rostra originating from the upper part of the Sundance Formation (Oxfordian) of Wyoming, USA. With a diameter reaching c. 60 mm at the anterior end, these rostra are the thickest known for belemnites so far. Herein they are ascribed to a new genus Wyoteuthis, comprising a single new species, W. linsterorum. Both primary and secondary morphological features (rostrum shape, alveolus position, alveolar angle, details of apical grooves and striation) allow us to justify the placement of our new taxon in the family Megateuthididae, which flourished in Toarcian to middle Jurassic time but mostly disappeared during the Bathonian, and is represented by few extremely rare and stratigraphically isolated records from younger strata. In turn, externally similar rostra previously reported in the literature from the same basin belong to Cylindroteuthididae, a common and previously only known family-level group for the Oxfordian of northwestern USA. The new genus represents a relict offshoot of the family Megateuthididae, most likely deriving from the Bajocian members of the genus Brevibelus, formerly described from North America. It demonstrates the presence of a previously unrecognized megateuthidid refugium in the north-eastern Pacific. We also discuss evolutionary macro-trends in belemnites and the possible correlations between rostrum size and soft-body size.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Subclass COLEOIDEA Bather 1888

Order BELEMNITIDA Zittel 1895

Family MEGATEUTHIDIDAE Sachs & Nalnjaeva 1967

‘BREVIBELUS-GROUP’ sensu Ippolitov & Desai 2019

Genus Wyoteuthis nov. 

Type species: Wyoteuthis linsterorum sp. nov.

Derivation of name: A combination of ‘WYO’ (the abbreviation of the State name) and Greek τευθίς (‘squid’); together meaning ‘a squid from Wyoming’.

Differential diagnosis: It differs from Lotharingibelus Weis et al. 2025 by the much larger and more shortened rostrum, and absence of epirostrum; from Brevibelus Doyle 1992 by the same features and clear ventral displacement of the apex; from Arcobelus Sachs in Sachs & Nalnjaeva (1967) by the pronounced ventral, not dorsal displacement of the apex and less compressed cross-section, and smaller alveolar angle (29° in Wyoteuthis vs >35° in Arcobelus); from Pseudosimobelus Dzyuba & C.D. Schraer in Dzyuba et al. (2018) and from Dactyloteuthis Bayle 1878, by the absence of a single ventral groove and extremely short postalveolar part of the rostrum; from the latter additionally with a markedly less compressed rostrum. Other known members of the family Megateuthididae do not have blunt posterior ends comparable with Wyoteuthis.

Occurrence: Upper part of the Sundance Formation (Redwater Shale Member) of Wyoming, USA; late early to early middle Oxfordian (Late Jurassic).

Remarks

Systematic position: Wyoteuthis is a rare taxon with only two specimens known to date. It is stratigraphically isolated from other Megateuthididae, which are mainly restricted to the Toarcian–Bathonian interval. Explanation of its placement in that family and affinity with the genus Brevibelus is provided... 

Wyoteuthis linsterorum gen. et sp. nov., holotype, WYDICE INV-001;
upper lower to lower middle Oxfordian; upper part of Redwater Shale Member, Sundance Formation; 6 km south of Hyattville, Wyoming, USA. Collected by C. Linster.
A, dorsal view. B, right side view. C, alveolar view. D, cross-section 45 mm anterior to the presumed protoconch position. E, apical view. F, frontal CT section, view from ventral side. G, sagittal CT section, right side view. Scale bar represents: 10 mm (A–E; natural size); 30 mm (F, G).

Wyoteuthis linsterorum sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: After the Linster Family, who discovered the holotype and donated it to the WDC, making it available for science and for the present study.

Diagnosis: Rostrum of large diameter (up to 30–32 mm at protoconch and 65–70 mm anteriorly), conical to subconical with a very short postalveolar part (Pa/DV = 0.37–0.43), posteriorly blunt with ventrally displaced mucronate apex bearing striae, grouped in unclear bunches modified as pit-like depressions. Alveolus extends into most of the length of the rostrum.

Alexey P. Ippolitov, Jessica L. Lippincott, William R. Wahl, Dean R. Lomax. 2026. ‘The big chunky belemnite’: A New relict megateuthidid from the Oxfordian (Late Jurassic) of Wyoming, USA, and its place in the evolutionary history of the group. Papers in Palaeontology. 12(5); e70123. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70123 [09 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