[Paleontology • 2026] Sinojapyx giganteus • Giant Jurassic Hunter: the Earliest dipluran (Hexapoda: Diplura) and Its Implications for hexapod body pattern evolution

Sinojapyx giganteus

Wang, Cai, Sánchez-García, Sendra & Huang, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1207 

Palaeoecological reconstruction by Jie Sun.

Abstract

Hexapoda comprises the hyperdiverse insects and three cryptic, early-diverging lineages, Protura, Collembola, and Diplura, that are key to understanding the hexapod body pattern but remain extremely rare as fossils. Here, we report the earliest dipluran, Sinojapyx giganteus gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Biota (approx. 165 Mya). Its ectognathous mouthparts challenge the conventional view that all non‑insect hexapods are entognathous, providing solid evidence that entognathy evolved independently at least three times. The pincer‑like cerci of Sinojapyx are symmetrical and lack denticles, representing a transitional state preceding the sophisticated predatory appendages of extant japygoids. Exceeding 5 cm in body length and equipped with robust mandibles and pincer-like cerci, this giant soil dweller occupied the apex of the soil food web in the Jurassic, filling a niche typically held by scorpions or centipedes today. This discovery not only bridges a major gap in the dipluran fossil record but also offers critical insights into the ancestral body pattern of non‑insect hexapods and soil trophic networks in the Jurassic.

Keywords: diplura, hexapod evolution, mouthpart, entognathy, grasping apparatus

 

General habitus of Sinojapyx giganteus (holotype, NIGP205729) from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Bed.
(A) Counterpart, inner view of dorsal aspect. (B) Part, inner view of ventral aspect. (C) Line drawing based on the part with reference to the counterpart; scale bar, 5 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Superclass: Hexapoda Latreille, 1825 

Class: Diplura Börner, 1904 

Superfamily: Japygoidea Lubbock, 1873 

Family: Sinojapygidae fam. nov.

Type genus: Sinojapyx gen. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size gigantic, exceeding 5 cm (more than twice the length of typical extant Japygoidea, which are usually < 2 cm); head nearly triangular; mouthparts ectognathous, robust mandibles with large teeth and laciniae lacking pectinate laminae; maxillary and labial palps multi-segmented; abdominal segment IX strongly elongated; segment VIII−X not more sclerotized than the rest of abdomen, with urosternite X partly fused to the pleurite; pincer-like cerci equal, devoid of teeth and denticles.

 

Genus: Sinojapyx gen. nov.

Type species: Sinojapyx giganteus sp. nov.

Etymology. The prefix, ‘Sino-,’ refers to China. ‘Japyx’ denotes the type genus of the family Japygidae. The gender is masculine.

 

Sinojapyx giganteus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word ‘gigante’ which means ‘giant.’ The gender is masculine.

Phylogenetic and evolutionary context of Diplura.
(A) Phylogeny of Diplura showing the phylogenetic placement of Sinojapyx giganteus and Ferrojapyx vivax.
(B) Evolutionary context of the cerci in Diplura.

Palaeoecological reconstruction of Sinojapyx giganteus, illustrated by Jie Sun.

Yehao Wang; Chenyang Cai; Alba Sánchez-García; Alberto Sendra and Diying Huang. 2026. A Giant Jurassic Hunter: the Earliest dipluran and Its Implications for hexapod body pattern evolution. Proc. R. Soc. B. 293 (2080): 20261207. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1207 [07 Oct 2026]

[Phycology • 2026] Halymenia dracophylla & H. elegans (Rhodophyta: Halymeniales) • Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia from the Philippines

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin, 

in Tahil, Lin, Dumilag et Liao, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 

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ABSTRACT

Despite early documentation of Halymenia species in the Philippines, the species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of this genus in the region, and its connections to neighbouring areas, have remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used rbcL sequence data to infer interspecific relationships among Philippine and global Halymenia species. Molecular analyses identified at least nine Halymenia species in the Philippines, including two newly described taxa – H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. – alongside several species commonly found throughout the IndoPacific (e.g. H. durvillei, H. tondoana, H. malaysiana, H. maculata, H. dilatata). Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. dracophylla is a sister species to the H. durvillei complex, but it can be readily distinguished by its thallus bearing numerous strap-shaped, short bladelets and having relatively large carposporophytes (260−380 µm in diameter). Conversely, H. elegans forms a lineage sister to a larger clade of branched Indo-Pacific species and differs from the other species by possessing thin, membranous thallus blades and having smaller carposporophytes (100−115 µm in diameter). The discovery of these two new species, along with the identification of additional cryptic taxa through molecular analyses, reveals that Halymenia diversity in the Philippines is greater than previously recognized. These findings highlight the need for continued investigation into the taxonomy and biogeography of Halymenia in the Indo-Pacific region.

 KEYWORDS: Cryptic species, Halymenia dracophylla sp. nov., Halymenia elegans sp. nov., marine red algae, Philippines, taxonomy

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
Fig. 2. Holotype specimen (NTOU002614), a female gametophyte showing densely overlapping bladelets along the thallus margins.
Fig. 3. Isotype specimen (NTOU002618), a tetrasporophyte showing a deeply branched thallus blade arising from a short stipe (arrow).

Scale bars: Figs 2, 3 = 5 cm.

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin, sp. nov.  

ETYMOLOGY: ‘dracophylla’ refers to the thallus blades swinging underwater, resembling flying dragons.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the province of Sorsogon in southern Luzon. Plants were found during the late dry season (May) in the Philippines, in deeper subtidal areas (6–8 m in depth), growing on coral rubble and rocks. The fringing reef habitat is characterized by strong water currents and pronounced tidal waves.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Luzon Island: FMB Resort, Sorsogon, coll. J. Dig & C. Pangantihon 7 May 2024 (tetrasporic and female, NTOU-002614–002616).

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
 Fig. 20. Holotype specimen (NTOU002610), a female gametophyte showing a palmate-shaped blade (white arrow) and feathery branches bearing numerous small bladelets (black arrows) with dentate margins.
Fig. 21. Isotype specimen (NTOU002611), a tetrasporophyte showing broad blades bearing irregularly arranged marginal bladelets (black arrows) and surface tiny bladelets (white arrowheads).  

Scale bars: Figs 20, 21 = 5 cm.

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY: ‘elegans’ referring to its showy and beautiful thallus blades.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the type locality. Plants were found during the early dry season (January) in the Philippines, growing on shaded rocks in the reef adjacent to an estuary and extensive mangrove area on the island of Sanga-Sanga.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Sanga-Sanga Island, Tawi-Tawi: Lakit-Lakit, coll. A. Tahil, 28 January 2024 (tetrasporic & female, NTOU002610–002613).

Arkady A. Tahil, Showe-Mei Lin, Richard V. Dumilag and Lawrence M. Liao. 2026. Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia (Halymeniales, Rhodophyta) from the Philippines, including the Description of H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. European Journal of Phycology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 [22 Oct 2026]

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[Botany • 2026] Puya ukumari (Bromeliaceae: Puyoideae) • A New montane bromeliad Species from southeastern Peru

Puya ukumari  Treviño, Yuca & Gouda, 

in Yuca-Palomino, Mamani-Mayta, Champi-Charalla, Condori-Cuti, Llacta-Gomez, Treviño-Zevallos, Gouda, Forsyth, Whitworth et Pillco-Huarcaya, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.211255

Abstract

Montane forests of the Tropical Andes are among the most diverse and endemic-rich ecosystems in the world; however, they remain insufficiently documented, particularly in remote and topographically complex landscapes. Here, we describe Puya ukumari sp. nov. (Bromeliaceae), a new species from humid montane forests and forest–puna ecotonal habitats in the Kosñipata and Mapacho valleys of southeastern Peru, occurring at elevations between 2,300 and 3,300 m a.s.l. The species was first detected during a long-term ecological monitoring program in the region but remained unrecognized for several years due to the limited number of recorded flowering individuals. Its taxonomic identity became evident following the observation of flowering plants during field surveys conducted in 2025. Puya ukumari resembles P. lineata in possessing a simple, nodding, dark-colored inflorescence; however, it is readily distinguished by its considerably larger flowering plant height (160–200 cm vs. 40–80 cm), significantly wider inflorescence diameter (11–12.5 cm vs. 3.5–6 cm), larger lanate sepals (30–33 × 15–18 mm vs. 13–18 × 6–10 mm and floccose), and markedly darker, nearly black petals. These characters support its recognition as a distinct taxon within the group of Puya species with simple inflorescences. The species is currently known from a limited number of confirmed localities within a restricted elevational range. Based on its distribution and the observed threats to its habitat, a preliminary conservation assessment suggests that it should be classified as Endangered (EN) according to IUCN Red List criteria.

Key words: Bromeliaceae, montane forest, Peru, plant taxonomy, Tropical Andes

 

Puya ukumari sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Lateral view of the flower and longitudinal section of the flower; C. Androecium and gynoecium; D. Stigma with spirally twisted lobes; E. Adaxial and abaxial views of the floral bract; F. Juvenile leaves; G. Spine; H. Blade indument and marginal leaf spines; I. Upper inflorescence bracts near the flowers; J. Basal inflorescence bracts; K. Lateral view of the fruit; L. Bottom view of the fruit; M. Transverse section of the fruit; N. Winged seed.

Illustration by Nidia Sanchez.

Puya ukumari sp. nov.
 A. Inflorescence; B. Frontal view of the flower; C. Lateral view of the flower; D. Longitudinal section of the flower; E1. Androecium and gynoecium; E2. Dorsifixed anthers; E3. Stigma with spirally twisted lobes; F1. Upper right petal; F2. Upper left petal; F3. Lower petal; G1. Adaxial view of the floral bract; G2. Abaxial view of the floral bract; H1. Perianth dissection, showing sepals and petals; H2. Sepal apex; H3. Petal apex. Photographs by Jhon Yuca.

Ecological context, floral visitors, and early regeneration of Puya ukumari sp. nov. 
a. Habitat in humid upper montane forest and forest–puna ecotone, showing rocky slopes and discontinuous canopy where the species occurs;
b. Diurnal floral visitor (bee, Apis mellifera) interacting with flowers during anthesis; c. Diurnal floral visitor Boissonneaua matthewsii approaching the inflorescence; d. Nocturnal floral visitor (Anoura sp.) recorded by camera trap during night activity;
e. Seed germination and early seedling development under ambient montane forest conditions at Wayqecha Biological Station. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Puya ukumari Treviño, Yuca & Gouda, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Puya ukumari is similar to P. lineata but is readily distinguished by its much larger flowering size (160–200 cm vs. 40–80 cm), significantly wider inflorescence (11–12.5 cm in diameter vs. 3.5–6 cm), and much larger sepals (30–33 × 15–18 mm vs. 13–18 × 6–10 mm), which are lanate in P. ukumari and floccose in P. lineata, as well as by its markedly darker petals (nearly black vs. blue).

Etymology. The specific epithet ukumari is a noun in apposition derived from the Quechua word “ukumari”, meaning Andean bear (Tremarctos ornatus). The species is dedicated to the Andean bear in recognition of the ecological importance of Puya species as a key component of its diet and of their close association within Andean montane ecosystems.

 Jhon A. Yuca-Palomino, Norma G. Mamani-Mayta, Luis A. Champi-Charalla, Elias Condori-Cuti, Narciso Llacta-Gomez, Italo F. Treviño-Zevallos, Eric J. Gouda, Adrian Forsyth, Andrew Whitworth and Ruthmery Pillco-Huarcaya. 2026. Puya ukumari sp. nov. (Bromeliaceae, Puyoideae), A New montane bromeliad Species from southeastern Peru. PhytoKeys. 280: 113-131. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.211255 [15-10-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Osbeckia assamensis (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Assam, Northeast India

 

Osbeckia assamensis  Barn. Das & N. Nath,

in Das et Nath, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.3.8 

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Abstract

A new species of Melastomataceae, Osbeckia assamensis, is described here from Assam, northeast India. The new species is morphologically allied to Osbeckia nayarii G.S. Giri but differs in branching pattern, strigose stem, foliar features, inflorescence with 30–35 flowers, hairy calyx margin, presence of intersepalar emergences on the hypanthium, etc. The new species is quite distinct from other Osbeckia species having tetramerous flowers. A detailed taxonomic description, photographic illustration, comparison with allied taxa, and an artificial key to the closely related taxa are provided.

Eudicots, Assam, India, Melastomataceae, new species, Osbeckia, taxonomy

Barnali DAS and Namita NATH. 2026. Osbeckia assamensis, A New Species of Melastomataceae from Assam, Northeast India.  Phytotaxa. 781(3); 291-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.3.8 [2026-10-22] 

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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 

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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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[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 • 2024] 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  

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 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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[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]