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

Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis,

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis,. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04

Abstract 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Arachnida • 2025] Troglorhopalurus iuiu • Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species

Habitus of live specimens of Troglorhopalurus,
including T. translucidus (A), T. lacrau (B–E), and T. iuiu n. sp. (F–H).
(A) Adult female from Gruta Rio dos Pombos cave, Andaraí;
(B) adult female from Lapa do Bode, Itaeté; (C) adult female from Gruta da Mangabeira cave, Ituaçu; (D) juvenile from Gruta Moreno cave, Nova Redenção; (E) juvenile from Gruta do Calixto, Iramaia;
Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. (F) adult female from Gruta do Sepultamento, Iuiú; (G) juvenile from Lapa do Baixão cave, Iuiú; (H) juvenile from Toca Fria cave, Iuiú. 

 Carvalho, Silva, de Souza & Ferreira, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020006 

Photos: L.S. Carvalho (A,B), R.L. Ferreira (C–H).

Abstract

The genus Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is endemic to northeastern Brazil and comprises cave-dwelling species with limited distributions. Based on newly collected specimens, this study provides a description of a new cave-dwelling Troglorhopalurus species and the first detailed description of the male hemispermatophore of the genus. Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. is diagnosed based on morphometric characters, distinct carapace granulation, and differences in the pedipalps and metasomal carinae and peg sensillae shape. The hemispermatophore of Troglorhopalurus is like other Centruroidinae species, with internal, external, and basal lobes. Additionally, we discuss the distribution and conservation status of Troglorhopalurus species. Troglorhopalurus lacrau distribution range is extended based on additional epigean and hypogean records. This species may be reassessed from data deficient to least concern. Based on the limited localities and declining habitat quality, we propose that T. iuiu n. sp. be considered endangered. This research underscores the importance of further sampling to explore species-specific variations and promote conservation efforts for these ecologically specialized scorpions.

Keywords: Arachnida; Centruroidinae; taxonomy; hemispermatophore; conservation status

Habitus of live specimens of Troglorhopalurus, including T. translucidus (A), T. lacrau (B–E), and T. iuiu n. sp. (F–H).
(A) Adult female from Gruta Rio dos Pombos cave, Andaraí; (B) adult female from Lapa do Bode, Itaeté; (C) adult female from Gruta da Mangabeira cave, Ituaçu; (D) juvenile from Gruta Moreno cave, Nova Redenção; (E) juvenile from Gruta do Calixto, Iramaia; (F) adult female from Gruta do Sepultamento, Iuiú; (G) juvenile from Lapa do Baixão cave, Iuiú; (H) juvenile from Toca Fria cave, Iuiú.

 Photos: L.S. Carvalho (A,B), R.L. Ferreira (C–H).

Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. 

Diagnosis. Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. is most similar to T. lacrau. Both species share a light-brownish coloration in adult specimens, lack remarkably elongated pedipalps and metasoma segments, and have a rhomboid subaculear tubercle, distinguishing them from T. translucidus (Figure 1A). In T. translucidus, adults have a black base coloration, elongated pedipalps and metasomal segments, and spinoid subaculear tubercle (Figure 1A). Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. differs from T. lacrau by the following characteristics: (1) The carapace of T. iuiu n. sp. is mostly covered by fine granules (e.g., in the area between the anterior median and the anterior lateral carinae) and vestigial carinae (e.g., anterior central submedian, posterior central submedian, and posterior submedian carinae; Figure 2C,D), but coarse granules and well-marked carinae are found in ...

Leonardo Sousa Carvalho, Maria Idalete Lopes Silva, Priscila Emanuela de Souza and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira. 2026. Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones, Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species. Arthropoda. 3(2), 6. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020006 [7 April 2025]

[Entomology • 2026] Brachyscleroma chadchawanae, B. chavanichae, B. malaivijitnondae, B. suriyai, ... • Taxonomic Review of Brachyscleroma Cushman, 1940 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) including Eight New Species from India and Thailand

 

Brachyscleroma chavanichae; B. malaivijitnondae

in Ranjith, Quicke et Butcher, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.1 

  facebook.com/IIECECU

Abstract 

The sisyrostoline genus Brachyscleroma Cushman is reviewed from India and Thailand with the description of eight new species, one from India (B. suriyai sp. nov.) and seven from Thailand (B. chadchawanae sp. nov., B. chavanichae sp. nov., B. emmaolsenae sp. nov., B. livalvernae sp. nov., B. malaivijitnondae sp. nov., B. voraveehoveniae sp. nov. and B. vangnaiae sp. nov.). We report the genus from Thailand for the first time. The new species are fully described and illustrated photographically. A taxonomic key is provided for the extant species of the genus.

Hymenoptera, Sisyrostolinae, Oriental region, taxonomic key, Southeast Asia

Brachyscleroma chadchawanae sp. nov.

Brachyscleroma chavanichae sp. nov.

seven from Thailand: 

Brachyscleroma chadchawanae sp. nov., B. chavanichae sp. nov., B. emmaolsenae sp. nov., B. livalvernae sp. nov., B. malaivijitnondae sp. nov., B. voraveehoveniae sp. nov. and B. vangnaiae sp. nov.

Brachyscleroma malaivijitnondae sp. nov.

A.P. RANJITH, Donald L.J. QUICKE and Buntika A. BUTCHER. 2026. Taxonomic Review of Brachyscleroma Cushman, 1940 (Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae) including Eight New Species from India and Thailand.  Zootaxa. 5862(2); 201-231. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.1 [2026-08-05]

  facebook.com/IIECECU/posts/1674105021385123

[Botany • 2026] Primula panzhouensis (Primulaceae) • Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species from southwestern China

 

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu,   

in Ye, Liu, Guo, Deng, Zhou et Wu, 2026. 

盘州报春  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280

Abstract

Based on comparative chloroplast genomes (cp genomes) and phylogenetic analyses integrated with morphological evidence, this study investigated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of an extremely rare short-styled homostylous lineage of Primula from southwestern China, providing new molecular insights into the delimitation of this complex group. Complete cp genomes were sequenced and comparatively analyzed for one putative new taxon, Primula panzhouensis, and 15 representative samples within Sect. Petiolares from southwestern China. The cp genome characteristics, simple sequence repeat (SSR) patterns, codon usage bias, inverted repeat (IR) boundary variations, and nucleotide diversity patterns were systematically evaluated. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were conducted based on complete cp genome sequences, and an integrative taxonomic assessment was performed by combining cp genomic evidence with morphological comparisons. All 16 cp genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, with genome sizes ranging from 151,076 to 153,420 bp. The overall cp genome structure and gene composition were highly conserved, although interspecific variations were detected in IR boundary regions, SSR distributions, and highly variable regions, including trnH-psbA and ycf1. The sequenced cp genome of P. panzhouensis exhibited several distinctive structural features and sequence variation patterns compared with closely related taxa. ML and BI analyses consistently recovered P. panzhouensis as a distinct cp lineage within Sect. Petiolares with strong support. Morphological comparisons further demonstrated that P. panzhouensis possesses the short-styled homostyly trait and can be distinguished from related taxa by differences in floral style structure, corolla morphology, scape length, and leaf characteristics. Integrating cp genomic evidence, phylogenetic relationships, and morphological traits, our results support the recognition of P. panzhouensis as a distinct taxonomic entity, which is herein described as a new species, Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov. This study demonstrates that comparative cp genomics integrated with phylogenetic analyses can effectively assist in resolving lineage relationships and taxonomic boundaries in complex groups of Primula. It also identifies an extremely rare short-styled homostylous species, providing valuable material for further investigating the evolution of floral diversity and its potential evolutionary significance in Primula.

Keywords: chloroplast genomics, molecular phylogeny, morphological taxonomy, Primula panzhouensis, Primula sect. Petiolares, short-styled homostylous species

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically similar to P. esquirolii, P. bergenioides, and P. hookeri, and all four species exhibit morphological characteristics consistent with the diagnostic features of Sect. Petiolares. It differs from P. esquirolii primarily in that the latter produces few or no new leaves during the flowering period, has a relatively long corolla tube, and bears extremely shortened scapes that are usually less than 1 cm in height or nearly absent. In addition, P. esquirolii is homostylous with long-style flowers, whereas the new species possesses a short corolla tube, well-developed scapes, and produces numerous new leaves during anthesis. Compared with the heterostylous P. bergenioides, the new species is readily ...

  Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is taken from the Chinese Pinyin “Panzhou”, the name of the county in western Guizhou, China, where the type specimen was collected (Figure 15).

 Vernacular name: Chinese mandarin: pán zhōu bào chūn (盘州报春).

 

Qing-qing Ye, Yong-lin Liu, Ying Guo, Qiang Deng, Wei Zhou and Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species of Primula (Primulaceae) from southwestern China. Front. Plant Sci. 17:1934280. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280  [29 September 2026]

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

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, 

in Hervouet et Ranaivo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a14

 

 Abstract  

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

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

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

 front view of lip, 29 February 2020. 

side view of ovary and flower, 29 February 2020.

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

Family Orchidaceae Juss.

Sub-family Orchidoideae A.A. Eaton

Tribe Orchideae (Dressler & Dodson) Verm.

Subtribe Habenariinae sensu Ngugi et al. 2020

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov.

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

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

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

Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet.

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

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

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

 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, 

in Le Péchon, Dimassi et Pignal, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a17 

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

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

Famille Malvaceae Juss.

Sous-famille Dombeyoideae Beilsch.

Genre Dombeya Cav.

Section Dombeyastrum Planchon

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

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

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

Photos: A. Dimassi.

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Oxygyne myanmarensis  Nob.Tanaka & Paing,

in Tanaka, Paing et Aung, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.782.3.8

Abstract

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

Monocots, Oxygyne myanmarensis, Thismiaceae, Myanmar, mycoheterotrophic plants

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus dimaensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis

 Thaosen, Vabeiryureilai, Hlychho & Lalremsanga, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835

Abstract

We describe a new species of karst-associated Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Gekkonidae) of the khasiensis species group within the Indo-Burma clade from Umrangso, Dima Hasao District, Assam, northeast India, based on integrative analysis with morphological and molecular data. The new species Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. is revealed as a sister taxon to the recently described C. vanarakshaka, both belonging to the same district, Dima Hasao, Assam, with an uncorrected p-distance of 5%, and to C. namtiram of Manipur with 10% divergence. Intraspecific uncorrected p-distance for the new species was found to be between 0.0–1.3 %, and the interspecific divergence from the closely related congeners was between 5–38 %. The new species can be identified from its congeners by the presence of 7 or 8 precloacal pores in subadult males. This is the eight Cyrtodactylus species described from Assam, highlighting the region’s richness in herpetofaunal diversity and the need for further herpetological expeditions into this highly under-studied region.

Keywords: Age-class, Bent-toed Gecko, Brahmaputra, Indo-Burma, microhabitat, ND2 gene, northeastern India, phylogeny, subadult, taxonomy, Umrangso

 Live specimen of Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. (MZMU4012), a paratype.

photo by Jithu Das

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov.

Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Mara Duasa Hlychho and Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga. 2026. Unveiling A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 18(10); 29818-29835. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835

[Paleontology • 2026] Heterocarinella japonica • A New ammonoid Genus (Ammonoidea: Turrilitidae) from the late Cretaceous in the Northwestern Pacific Realm

 

Heterocarinella japonica

Aiba, 2026 

 

「ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ」DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014

  fukadaken.or.jp 

 Abstract  

A new genus and species of the family Turrilitidae, Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This taxon is characterized by a persistently turriconic shell, a siphuncle positioned near the upper edge of the flank, and a vertically asymmetrical keel at or below the middle flank of the whorls. Notably, the keel differentiates Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from all other genera belonging to the Turrilitidae. The family Turrilitidae has previously been considered to range from the middle Albian to the late Cenomanian. However, the occurrence of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. demonstrates that this family survived until at least the Santonian. In addition, Tridenticeras from the Turonian to Coniacian of Europe, which is often assigned to the Nostoceratidae, is here re-evaluated as more appropriately belonging to the Turrilitidae. The previous misclassification likely resulted from limited knowledge of the position of the siphuncle, an internal structure, and from the tendency to prioritise stratigraphic consistency over morphological characters in taxonomic assignments. The discovery of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. suggests that the Turrilitidae survived the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2) while progressively narrowing their palaeogeographic range, ultimately contracting only in the northwestern Pacific realm.

KEYWORDS: ammonoid, Heterocarinella, Northwestern Pacific realm, Santonian, Turrilitidae, Yezo Group

Order Ammonitida Haeckel, 1866

Suborder Ancyloceratina Wiedmann, 1966

Superfamily Turrilitoidea Gill, 1871

Family Turrilitidae Gill, 1871

Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas, Hokkaido, northern Japan.
A–J, MCM-A1322 (holotype): A, lateral view with the aperture facing the observer; B–D, lateral views after successive 90° rotations; E, apical view; F, basal view; G, tomographic image; H, whorl section; I, suture line; J, 3D model, viewed at approximately 45° posteriorly from the orientation of D.  

 Genus Heterocarinella gen. nov.

 Type species.—Heterocarinella japonica Aiba gen. et sp. nov.  

Diagnosis.—This genus is characterised by turriconic whorls in contact with each other, each bearing a keel at or just below the middle flank, and a siphuncle located near the upper edge of the flank. The whorl cross-section is vertically asymmetrical with respect to the keel, with a gently curved upper part above the keel apex and a somewhat steeper, sharper lower part. The keel is continuous and is not interrupted by ribs, except for a double collar rib associated with a constriction that appears in the later growth stage.

Discussion.—Heterocarinella gen. nov. exhibits several features consistent with those of other turrilitid genera, including the presence of a siphuncle near the upper edge of the flank, turriconic whorls throughout ontogeny, and a double collar rib associated with a constriction appearing in the later growth stage.

Heterocarinella japonica sp. nov.

Type locality.—Float in a tributary of Machiyoizawa Creek in the Haboro area of northwestern Hokkaido, northern Japan.

Daisuke Aiba. 2026. Heterocarinella, a New Ammonoid Genus: Turrilitidae Survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the Northwestern Pacific Realm. Paleontological Research. 30(1); 164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014  (29 August 2026) 

  Daisuke AIBA (相場 大佑；深田地質研究所). 2026. Heterocarinella, a new ammonoid genus: Turrilitidae survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the north-western Pacific realm [新属アンモナイト類Heterocarinella：北西太平洋地域ではツリリテス科はサントニアン期（白亜紀後期）まで生き残っていた]. Paleontological Research. vol.30, p.164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014 [2026年8月29日]

【プレスリリース】北海道で中生代白亜紀の新属新種アンモナイトを発見 Heterocarinella japonica (ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ) と命名（10/14更新 https://fukadaken.or.jp/?p=9866

[Paleontology • 2026] Hintighernia edingerae • A tapejarid Pterosaur from the Cambridge Greensand (Cretaceous of England), with comments on its Neuroanatomy and the Biogeography of the Group

Hintighernia edingerae

Pêgas, Bandeira, Naish & Holgado, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag162 

  x.com/TetZoo

Artwork by Matheus Gadelha.

Abstract

A reassessment of azhdarchoid pterosaur material from the Cretaceous Cambridge Greensand Member of the West Melbury Marly Chalk Formation of Great Britain is presented. The partial cranium CAMSM B54406, often referred to Ornithostoma sedgwicki, is here identified as a sinopterine tapejarid. Diagnostic traits, including the shape of the upper temporal fenestra margins and a robust, elongate supraoccipital median ridge, lead us to diagnose a new taxon, which we name Hintighernia edingerae gen. et sp. nov. Micro-CT scanning of CAMSM B54406 reveals a neuroanatomy closely resembling that of Tapejara wellnhoferi. Some additional remains from the Cambridge Greensand Member can also be referred to Tapejaridae, and we tentatively refer an isolated fragment of rostrum to cf. Hintighernia. In turn, Ornithostoma sedgwicki is regarded as a chaoyangopterid azhdarchoid, and its hypodigm is restricted to four jaw fragments. The existence of at least a third azhdarchoid species (a non-azhdarchid concilazhian) in the Cambridge Greensand is suggested based on both jaw and cervical remains. We also provide new insights regarding the biogeography of tapejarid pterosaurs. Europe appears to have been an early hotspot of phylogenetic diversity for this group and a potential point of origin for the sinopterines of Eastern Laurasia and tapejarines of South America.

Azhdarchoidea, systematics, Cambridge Greensand Member, Cretaceous

Pterosauria Burmeister, 1837

Pterodactyloidea Plieninger, 1901

Azhdarchoidea Unwin, 1995

Tapejaridae Kellner, 1989

Sinopterinae Lü et al., 2016

Hintighernia gen. nov.

Hintighernia edingerae gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic epithet is a combination of hɨnt and tɨɣern, which are the reconstructed Proto-Brittonic words for ‘path’ and ‘lord’, respectively, with the intended meaning of ‘lord of the paths’. This is in reference to the name Tapejara, which shares the same meaning in Ancient Tupi. The intended pronunciation in International Phonetic Alphabet is [hɨn‧tɨ‧ɣern‧i‧a]. The specific epithet honours palaeontologist Johanna Ottilie ‘Tilly’ Edinger (1897–1967), founder of modern palaeoneurology. Edinger was responsible for impor- tant advances in pterosaur palaeoneurology, including the description of a pterodactyloid endocast from the Cambridge Greensand (Edinger 1927), similar to that of CAMSM B54406.

Hintighernia edingerae holotype (CAMSM B54406).
 Left lateral view: A, photograph; and B, reconstructed 3D model. Posterior view: C, photograph; and D, reconstructed 3D model. Posterodorsal view: E, photograph; and F, reconstructed 3D model.

Abbreviations: add.r, adductor ridge; f, frontal; fm, foramen magnum; fpc, frontoparietal crest; or, orbit; p, parietal; pmcv, posterior middle cerebral vein foramen; soc.r, supraoccipital ridge; utf.pm, upper temporal fenestra posterior margin. Scale bar: 20 mm.

Virtually reconstructed braincase endocast of CAMSM B54406.
Views: A, anterior; B, posterior; C, left lateral; D, ventral, E, dorsal; F, right lateral.

Abbreviations: Cer, cerebrum; Cbl, cerebellum; Flo, flocculus; Op, optic lobe; Mat, matrix; Med, medulla; PoC, posterior semicircular canal. Scale bar: 20 mm.

Life restoration of Hintighernia edingerae, with schematic reconstruction of its skull and encephalon.

Artwork by Matheus Gadelha.

 

Rubi V Pêgas, Kamila L N Bandeira, Darren Naish and Borja Holgado. 2026. A tapejarid Pterosaur from the Cambridge Greensand (Cretaceous of England), with comments on its neuroanatomy and the biogeography of the group. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 208(3); zlag162, DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag162 [01 November 2026] 

  x.com/TetZoo/status/2117179164037976309

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

 

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr.,

 in Chagas-Jr et Fernandes, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 

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

Abstract

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

Keywords: Barcoding, caves, Chilopoda, Parotostigmus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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