[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Talentichthys kuragh • A new Devonian lungfish (Dipnoi: Holodontidae) from the western Karakoram of northern Pakistan

Talentichthys kuragh 

Young & Lu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201130  

https://www.IVPP.ac.cn 

Abstract

A well-preserved sarcopterygian fish skull from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) Shogrãm Formation, of the Chitral region, northern Pakistan, is described. Collected as a calcareous nodule by J.A. Talent and colleagues, it has been investigated using high-resolution computed tomography to reveal the internal cranial architecture. It represents a new genus and species of tooth-plated, cosmine-covered dipnoan (lungfish), Talentichthys kuragh n. gen. n. sp., distinguished from all previously described Devonian dipnoans by its deep nasal notches, elongate narrow subnasal ridge, and uniquely shaped olfactory cavities. Additional specimens from the type locality, showing additional aspects of morphology, will be necessary to clarify the phylogenetic position of the new form within the Dipnoi.

Keywords: Devonian lungfish; Dipnoi; Talentichthys; Famennian; northern Pakistan

ANU V3736, holotype of Talentichthys kuragh n. gen. n. sp., the anterior portion of a lungfish skull preserved in calcareous matrix.
(A) Dorsal view. (B) Ventral view. (C) Anterior view.

ioc, infraorbital sensory canal; ri, dentine ridge; ?ri, broken possible lateral dentine ridge; snr, subnasal ridge; soc, supraorbital sensory canal; t, tooth; TP, tooth-plate.

Systematic palaeontology

Class Osteichthyes Huxley, 1880

Subclass Sarcopterygii Romer, 1955

Superdivision Dipnomorpha Ahlberg, 1991

Division Dipnoi Müller, 1845

Family Holodontidae Gorizdro-Kulczyzka, 1950

Genus Talentichthys n. gen.

Etymology: The generic name commemorates Professor John Talent, with -ichthys (Gk) for fish.

 

Diagnosis: A tooth-plated, cosmine-covered dipnoan with deep notches for the anterior (incurrent) nares, elongate subnasal ridges, and the nasal cavity subdivided dorsally into a posteromesial reniform recess, and an anterolateral subdivision elongated rostrocaudally that extends as a groove to the nasal notch.

Remarks: The new taxon is represented by only one incomplete anterior skull portion, which displays nasal notches in the upper mouth margin, a long and deep nasal groove, prominent subnasal ridge and a pterygoid tooth plate. These features demonstrate dipnoan affinity, and are not consistent with porolepiforms, the other major dipnomorph subgroup, in which cosmine-covered forms are predominantly of Early Devonian age. We provisionally refer Talentichthys n. gen. to the family Holodontidae, based on the updated diagnosis and comprehensive review of the family provided by Long (2010). Although very incomplete, our new taxon displays features not shown in any previously described dipnoan. Further material from the Karakoram type area (currently inaccessible) will clarify the relationships of the new taxon.

Talentichthys kuragh n. gen. n. sp.

Etymology: The specific epithet is the local term ‘Kurãgh’ from the name of the stratigraphic section of Talent et al. (1999) which produced the specimen.

 

Locality and horizon: Collected from about 63 m above the base of the Kurãgh Spur stratigraphic section of Talent et al. (1999), about 55 km northeast of Chitral, northern Pakistan (Fig. 1), within the Upper Devonian (Famennian) Shogrãm Formation.

Holotype: ANU V3736, the only known specimen (ANU Department of Materials Physics, Research School of Physics, Canberra).

 Gavin C. Young and Jing Lu. 2026. A new Devonian lungfish from the western Karakoram of northern Pakistan. Palaeoworld. 35(5): 201130. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.palwor.2026.201130  [2026-10-09]

“喜马拉雅化石骗局”的回响——西喀喇昆仑泥盆纪肺鱼新知

https://www.IVPP.ac.cn/xwdt/kyjz/202610/t20261007_8289394.html

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Yipetalichthys maxiongensis • A New quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Middle Devonian of China

 

 Yipetalichthys maxiongensis

 Pan, Dupret, Ahlberg, Zhao, Wang, Wang & Zhu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70124  

 www.IVPP.ac.cn 

Abstract

We describe Yipetalichthys maxiongensis gen. et sp. nov., a quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Eifelian Shangshuanghe Formation (Qujing, Yunnan, China). High-resolution micro-CT reveals an endocranium bearing cranial nerve grooves and inner ear structures. The dermal neck joint permits a quantitative character, the angle between the ventral laminar ridge (v.l.r) and the skull-roof midline. Current specimens yield two non-overlapping bins (state 0: ≤15°; state 1: ≥28°), separating Macropetalichthyidae and Quasipetalichthyidae; the 15–28° interval is unsampled and the threshold remains testable with new material. Expanded parsimony analysis, adding Yipetalichthys and six additional ptyctodont taxa, recovers Petalichthyida as sister to Ptyctodontida and places Yipetalichthys within Quasipetalichthyidae. The diagnosis includes large unenclosed elliptical orbits, slender unbifid postorbital processes, an elongate occipital region, and a shallow posterolateral vagus canal. Yipetalichthys shows a high v.l.r angle, supporting its quasipetalichthyid placement and providing a reproducible metric for future comparisons across articulated specimens. Our analysis of the neck joint helps to clarify petalichthyid phylogeny and identifies distinct, recurring architectures among major placoderm groups: in Antiarcha, a reverse sliding joint; in Petalichthyida, an elaborate sliding joint guided by the ventral laminar ridge with laminar cranial articular facets forming a longitudinal sliding track opposing the articular flanges of the anterior dorsolateral plate (ADL); in Ptyctodontida, a sliding joint with spoon-shaped cranial articular facets opposing ADL articular flanges; in Actinolepidoidei, a simple sliding condition; in Brachythoraci, a ginglymoid joint. These distinct neck joint architectures demonstrate the high evolutionary plasticity of this structure and its multiple, independent pathways toward cranial mobility in placoderms.

Yipetalichthys maxiongensis gen. et sp. nov.

 

Zhaohui Pan, Vincent Dupret, Per E. Ahlberg, Wenjin Zhao, Jianhua Wang, Mengjun Wang and Min Zhu. 2026. A New quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Middle Devonian of China. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70124 [24 September 2026] 

DeepBone团队发现瓣甲鱼新属种，揭示颈胸关节演化新线索

https://www.IVPP.ac.cn/xwdt/kyjz/202609/t20260928_8287312.html

[PaleoIchthyology • 2022] Dianodipterus huizeensis • A New dipnoan Genus (Sarcopterygii: Dipnoi) from the Middle Devonian of Huize, Yunnan, China

Dianodipterus huizeensis

Luo, Cui, Qiao & Zhu, 2022

DOI: doi.org/0.1080/14772019.2022.2042409 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359575707

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of tooth-plated lungfishes, Dianodipterus huizeensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Qujing Formation (late Eifelian, Middle Devonian) of Huize County, Qujing, north-eastern Yunnan, China. It differs from other lungfishes in the small proportion of the tooth-bearing part on the pterygoid (less than one-quarter), the extensively developed anteromedial edentulous portion of the pterygoid, and tooth rows few in number (only four). Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Dianodipterus is more plesiomorphic than Dipterus, yet crownward of Melanognathus. As the ninth Devonian lungfish genus from China, the new taxon displays a novel schema of lungfish dentition and increases the diversity of early lungfishes.

Keywords: Dipnoi, Middle Devonian, dentition, vomer, phylogeny, China

Dianodipterus huizeensis gen. et sp. nov.

Yanchao Luo, Xindong Cui, Tuo Qiao and Min Zhu. 2022. A New dipnoan Genus from the Middle Devonian of Huize, Yunnan, China. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 19(18); 1303-1315 DOI: doi.org/0.1080/14772019.2022.2042409 [29 Mar 2022]

 Researchgate.net/publication/359575707_A_new_dipnoan_genus_from_the_Middle_Devonian_of_Huize_Yunnan_China

x.com/ChinaScience/status/1514136308083412994

[Paleontology • 2026] Tromerosaurus solumons • A new albertosaurine from the Oldman Formation, Alberta, Canada, illuminates ambiguity between albertosaurine and tyrannosaurine characteristics

Tromerosaurus solumons

Powers, Napoli, Coppock, Sharpe, Garros, Demers-Potvin, Raun, Stock, Miyashita & Currie, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2728669

   x.com/Paleoartologist

 ABSTRACT

Tyrannosaurid species have often been considered to have high longevity and low diversity relative to contemporaneous megaherbivores. Recent chronospecies assertions around tyrannosaurid lineage evolution have reinforced this idea. An albertosaurine, Tromerosaurus solumons, from the Oldman Formation of Alberta, Canada, shares features with Daspletosaurus and Gorgosaurus, and prompts reassessment of tyrannosaurid characteristics and the Late Cretaceous radiation of Tyrannosauridae. Maxillary morphometrics reveal clear intermediate morphologies in Tromerosaurus between Daspletosaurus and Gorgosaurus, including an anteroposteriorly longer maxillary fenestra and narrower pila promaxillaris than in Gorgosaurus libratus. An anatomical diagnosis of Tromerosaurus solumons allowed referral of specimens previously attributed to Gorgosaurus. Restricted stratigraphic overlap between Tromerosaurus and Gorgosaurus offers support to this distinction. A modified recent character-taxon dataset recovers Tromerosaurus as the earliest diverging member of Albertosaurinae under parsimony or Tyrannosaurinae under Bayesian inference. The difference in topologies along with reduced node support values for clades such as Lythronax + Teratophoneus, or Bistahieversor and other derived tyrannosaurines, suggests uncertainty as to their recovery within Albertosaurinae or Tyrannosaurinae. Together, these results support a younger divergence of the two main tyrannosaurid lineages with rapid character acquisition and transition during the Late Cretaceous (Santonian–Maastrichtian).

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

THEROPODA, Marsh 1881

TYRANNOSAUROIDEA, Walker 1964

TYRANNOSAURIDAE, Osborn 1906

ALBERTOSAURINAE, Currie et al. 2003

Clade Definition—A group of tyrannosaurid theropods that are more closely related to Albertosaurus than Tyrannosaurus (Currie et al., 2003).

TROMEROSAURUS, gen. nov.

TROMEROSAURUS SOLUMONS, gen. et sp. nov.

Albertosaurus libratus TMP 1985.011.0003 (Table 1); Carr 1999

Gorgosaurus libratus TMP 1994.012.0602 and TMP 1995.005.0001 (Table 1); Currie 2003b.

Daspletosaurus torosus UALVP 52981 (Table 1); Rhodes et al. 2021.

Gorgosaurus libratus TMP 1985.011.0003 (Fig. 3B), TMP 1994.012.0602 (Figs. 3K, 7D and 8C), and TMP 1995.005.0001 (Fig. 5B); Voris et al. 2021.

Daspletosaurus UALVP 52981 (Table 1); Paul et al. 2022.

Etymology—The genus name derives from Ancient Greek for terrible or frightful (tromerós) lizard (saûros) with regard to the taxon having a mosaic of characteristics between Gorgosaurus (terrible lizard) and Daspletosaurus (frightful lizard). The specific epithet (solumons) derives from Latin for lonely (solus) and mountain (mons), pertaining to the isolation of the lacrimal horn by a broad flat shelf of the posterior process of the lacrimal. This also pays homage to the infamous fictional dragon Smaug (in particular, to his lair in The Hobbit (Tolkien, 1937), recognizing the visual similarities between tyrannosaurids and iconography of dragons.

 

Mark J. Powers, James G. Napoli, Colton C. Coppock, Henry S. Sharpe, Christiana W. Garros, Alexandre V. Demers-Potvin, Gorm S. Raun, Jordan C. Stock, Tetsuto Miyashita and Philip J. Currie . 2026. A new albertosaurine from the Oldman Formation, Alberta, Canada, illuminates ambiguity between albertosaurine and tyrannosaurine characteristics. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2728669. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2728669 [02 Oct 2026]

   x.com/Paleoartologist/status/2106080433905778821

 

[Botany • 2026] Beaumontia laotica (Apocynaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen, 

in Ma, Xi, Lorphengsy et Shen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0130 

Abstract

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen (Apocynaceae) is described as a new species from Bolikhamxai Province, Laos. It closely resembles B. grandiflora, B. murtonii and B. jerdoniana, but differs from them by several features of the leaves, sepals and corolla, and by flowering in November. A full taxonomic description, diagnostic illustration and formal IUCN conservation assessment are presented for the new species. An identification key to all species of Beaumontia is provided.

Beaumontia laotica (from the holotype).
 — A: Branch. — B: Longitudinal section of flower. — C: Style-head and anther, side view. — D: Anther, adaxial view. — E: Anther, abaxial view. — F: Ovary, side view.

Beaumontia laotica (A and B photographed at type locality, 11 November 2025; C–P from the holotype).
— A: Natural habitat. — B: Habit. — C: Branch. — D: Young stem. — E: Leaf, adaxial view. — F: Leaf, abaxial view. — G: Adaxial leaf surface. — H: Abaxial leaf surface. — I: Inflorescence. — J: Bracts, adaxial views. — K: Sepals, adaxial views. — L: Flower, front view. — M: Longitudinal section of corolla showing inner surface and stamens. — N: Pedicel and pistil, side view. — O: Disc and ovary, front view. — P: Ovary, side view.

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen, sp. nova

Diagnosis. Beaumontia laotica differs from B. grandiflora, B. murtonii and B. jerdoniana by its lanceolate or narrowly obovate (vs. elliptic or obovate) leaf blade; persistent (vs. deciduous) bracts; glabrous (vs. pubescent) sepals; and glabrous (vs. pubescent or puberulent) corolla tube, lower portion ca. 7.4 cm long (vs. 1.5–2.5 cm long), upper portion abruptly expanding to trumpet-shaped, ca. 2 cm long (vs. obconical or campanulate, 6.5–11 cm long). 

Xing-Da Ma, Hou-Cheng Xi, Sengvilay Lorphengsy and Jian-Yong Shen. 2026. Beaumontia laotica (Apocynaceae), A New Species from central Laos. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1), 233-237. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0130  (11 September 2026) 

[Paleontology • 2026] Dianhaia heptacantha • A non-biomineralized trilobitomorph euarthropod (Trilobitomorpha: Helmetiida: Helmetiidae) with appendicular morphology from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, China

 

Dianhaia heptacantha 

Zhu, Zeng, Liu & Zhao, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2026.10257

Abstract

Helmetiida is a major group of Trilobitomorpha and Artiopoda known from Cambrian Burgess Shale-type Lagerstätten. Phylogenetic studies have suggested that they are closely related to trilobites as their possible sister taxon. With seven genera and eight species, Helmetiida has only been found in the Burgess Shale and the Chengjiang biota. Here we describe a new helmetiid, Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp., from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3), Yunnan Province, South China. Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. possesses an anterior sclerite that is diagnostic of Helmetiida. The semicircular cephalon bears a pair of short genal spines. The thorax consists of seven tergites, each having a pair of long pleural spines and showing edge-to-edge articulation. The pygidium carries one short terminal spine and three pairs of long lateral spines. Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. is distinguished from other helmetiids by different numbers of thoracic tergites and pygidial spines. Computed microtomography shows that D. heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. has a pair of antennae and 13 pairs of homonomous biramous appendages. Each biramous appendage consists of a gnathobasic protopodite, seven-podomerous endopodite, and a lobate exopodite with lamellae. Phylogenetic analysis of Artiopoda resolved Dianhaia n. gen. as the sister taxon of Haifengella within Helmetiida. The discovery of this new helmetiid enriches the taxonomic diversity and appendicular morphoanatomy of Cambrian trilobitomorphs from the Chengjiang biota.

Systematic paleontology

Euarthropoda Lankester, 1904

Artiopoda Hou and Bergström, 1997

Trilobitomorpha Størmer, 1944

Conciliterga Hou and Bergström, 1997

Helmetiida Novozhilov, 1960

Helmetiidae Simonetta and Delle Cave, 1975

Included genera: Helmetia Walcott, 1918; Kuamaia Hou, 1987; Rhombicalvaria Hou, 1987; Haifengella Zhao et al., 2014.

Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota, holotype NIGP 203984, part and counterpart.
(1, 2, 4–9) Part, NIGP 203984a; (1) whole specimen; (2) interpretative drawing; (4) endopodite; (5) a thoracic biramous appendage; (6) exopodite; (7) setae on the exopodite; (8) spines on the pleural spine; (9) spines on the pygidium.
(3) Counterpart, NIGP 203984b.

Scale bars represent 5 mm (1, 2), 1 mm (3, 7), 2 mm (4–6, 8, 9).

 Abbreviations: as, anterior sclerite; ce, cephalic segment; cs, cephalic shield; cw, claw; ed, endite; en, endopodite; ex, exopodite; gs, genal spine; gn, gnathobase; hy, hypostome; lm, lamella; ls, lateral spine; ps, pleural spine; pt, protopodite; py, pygidium; sp, marginal spine; ts, terminal spine; T1–7, thoracic tergite 1–7; xs, setae on exopodite.

Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota, paratype NIGP 203985.
(1) Whole specimen; (2) interpretative drawing; (3) pygidial segments; (4) cephalic and anterior thoracic segments with appendages; (5) marginal spines on the pygidial pleural spine; (6) marginal spines on the pygidium; (7) whole appendage; (8) endopodite; (9) setae on exopodite. Scale bars represent: 5 mm (1, 2), 2 mm (3), 1 mm (4–9).

Abbreviations: as, anterior sclerite; en, endopodite; ex, exopodite; ls, lateral spine; ps, pleural spine; pt, protopodite; py, pygidium; sp, marginal spine; st, sternite; ts, terminal spine; T1–7, thoracic tergite 1–7; xs, setae on exopodite.

Genus Dianhaia new genus

Etymology: Derived from Dianhai, another name of the Dian Lake, which is close to the fossil locality.

Remarks: Dianhaia n. gen. has an oval anterior sclerite and tergites with edge-to-edge articulation, supporting its assignment to Helmetiida. Its well-developed segmental boundaries and several large pygidial spines indicate that it was a member of Helmetiidae (Losso et al., 2025). Different from Helmetia and Kuamaia, Dianhaia n. gen. has long pleural spines and pygidial spines that are similar to the counterparts in Rhombicalvaria and Haifengella (Hou and Bergström, 1997; Zhao et al., 2014; Losso et al., 2025). But compared with Rhombicalvaria and Haifengella, Dianhaia n. gen. has different numbers of thoracic tergites and pygidial spines, suggesting it is a separate genus.

Dianhaia heptacantha new species

Holotype: NIGP 203984a, b, part and counterpart.

Materials: Holotype (NIGP 203984a, b); paratype (NIGP 203985).

Diagnosis: The cephalic shield possesses a pair of short genal spines. The thorax comprises seven thoracic tergites with long pleural spines. The semicircular pygidium bears one very short terminal spine and three pairs of long lateral spines. Biramous appendages have an undivided long-ovate flap with marginal setae and imbricated lamellae.

Occurrence: Maotianshan Shale Member, Yu’anshan Formation, Wutingaspis–Eoredlichia trilobite Zone, Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, Jianshan section, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.

Etymology: Hepta means seven in Greek. Acantha means spine in Greek. The name derives from the seven pairs of thoracic spines and seven pygidial spines in this species.

Reconstruction of the helmetiid euarthropod Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota.
 (1) Dorsal view; (2) ventral view. 
 Morphology of the articular membrane and position of antennae are inferred. The number of antennal podomeres was referred from Kuamaia lata.

 

Yuyan Zhu, Han Zeng, Yao Liu and Fangchen Zhao. 2026.  A non-biomineralized trilobitomorph euarthropod (Helmetiida) with appendicular morphology from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, China. Journal of Paleontology.  First View, pp. 1 - 10. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2026.10257 [07 October 2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Dianoconodon youngi • Fossils document Evolutionary Changes of jaw joint to mammalian middle ear

 

Dianoconodon youngi 

Mao, C. Zhang, Ren, T. Wang, G. Wang, F. Zhang, Rich, Vickers-Rich & Meng, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0  

 Researchgate.net/publication/379540254

Reconstruction by Chuang Zhao

Abstract

The dual jaw joint of Morganucodon consists of the dentary–squamosal joint laterally and the articular–quadrate one medially. The articular–quadrate joint and its associated post-dentary bones constitute the precursor of the mammalian middle ear. Fossils documenting the transition from such a precursor to the mammalian middle ear are poor, resulting in inconsistent interpretations of this hallmark apparatus in the earliest stage of mammaliaform evolution. Here we report mandibular middle ears from two Jurassic mammaliaforms: a new morganucodontan-like species and a pseudotribosphenic shuotheriid species. The morganucodontan-like species shows many previously unknown post-dentary bone morphologies and exhibits features that suggest a loss of load-bearing function in its articular–quadrate joint. The middle ear of the shuotheriid approaches the mammalian condition in that it has features that are suitable for an exclusively auditory function, although the post-dentary bones are still attached to the dentary. With size reduction of the jaw-joint bones, the quadrate shifts medially at different degrees in relation to the articular in the two mammaliaforms. These changes provide evidence of a gradual loss of load-bearing function in the articular–quadrate jaw joint—a prerequisite for the detachment of the post-dentary bones from the dentary and the eventual breakdown of the Meckel’s cartilage during the evolution of mammaliaforms.

Reconstruction of the newly described species Dianoconodon youngi.

illustration by Chuang Zhao 

Mammaliaformes Rowe, 1988

Dianoconodon youngi gen. et. sp. nov.

Holotype. A complete skull with associated dentitions and partialpostcranial skeleton (IVPP V4257, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontologyand Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing) (Figs. 1and 2; Methods and Extended Data Figs. 1–6).

Etymology. Dian, the short form (Chinese phonetic Pinyin) of Yunnan Province, where the Lufeng fossil site is located; konos, Greek ‘cone’ or ‘cusp’; odon, Greek ‘tooth’. The specific name honours C. C. Young, who initiated the study of mammaliamorphs in Lufeng.  

Mandibular middle ears and transformation of the articular-quadrate joints in mammaliaforms. 

Fangyuan Mao, Chi Zhang, Jicheng Ren, Tao Wang, Guofu Wang, Fakui Zhang, Thomas Rich, Patricia Vickers-Rich and Jin Meng. 2024. Fossils document Evolutionary Changes of jaw joint to mammalian middle ear. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 [03 April 2024]

 Researchgate.net/publication/379540254_Fossils_document_evolutionary_changes_of_jaw_joint_to_mammalian_middle_ear

 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Feredocodon chowi • Jurassic shuotheriids show earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms

 Feredocodon chowi

Mao, Li, Wang, Zhang, Rich, Vickers-Rich & Meng, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 

  Researchgate.net/publication/379540347

illustration by Chuang Zhao

Abstract

Shuotheriids are Jurassic mammaliaforms that possess pseudotribosphenic teeth in which a pseudotalonid is anterior to the trigonid in the lower molar, contrasting with the tribosphenic pattern of therian mammals (placentals, marsupials and kin) in which the talonid is posterior to the trigonid. The origin of the pseudotribosphenic teeth remains unclear, obscuring our perception of shuotheriid affinities and the early evolution of mammaliaforms. Here we report a new Jurassic shuotheriid represented by two skeletal specimens. Their complete pseudotribosphenic dentitions allow reidentification of dental structures using serial homology and the tooth occlusal relationship. Contrary to the conventional view, our findings show that dental structures of shuotheriids can be homologized to those of docodontans and partly support homologous statements for some dental structures between docodontans and other mammaliaforms. The phylogenetic analysis based on new evidence removes shuotheriids from the tribosphenic ausktribosphenids (including monotremes) and clusters them with docodontans to form a new clade, Docodontiformes, that is characterized by pseudotribosphenic features. In the phylogeny, docodontiforms and ‘holotherians’ (Kuehneotherium, monotremes and therians) evolve independently from a Morganucodon-like ancestor with triconodont molars by labio-lingual widening their posterior teeth for more efficient food processing. The pseudotribosphenic pattern passed a cusp semitriangulation stage, whereas the tribosphenic pattern and its precursor went through a stage of cusp triangulation. The two different processes resulted in complex tooth structures and occlusal patterns that elucidate the earliest diversification of mammaliaforms.

 Feredocodon chowi 

illustration by Chuang Zhao

Mammaliaformes Rowe, 1988

Shuotheridia Chow and Rich, 1982

 Feredocodon chowi

 

Fangyuan Mao, Zhiyu Li, Zhili Wang, Chi Zhang, Thomas Rich, Patricia Vickers-Rich and Jin Meng. 2024. Jurassic shuotheriids show earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms. Nature. 628; 569–575. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 [03 April 2024] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/379540347_Jurassic_shuotheriids_show_earliest_dental_diversification_of_mammaliaforms

 

[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]

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 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] Infernogallus jamesi • Fruit-eating Adaptations in a Late Cretaceous oviraptorosaur (Oviraptorosauria: Caenagnathidae)

 Infernogallus jamesi 

Funston, Dudgeon, Simon, Dufault, Boyd, Fowler, Currie & Evans, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78343-w

Abstract

The diversification of herbivorous dinosaurs and the rise of angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous are each well established, but the link between them is debated. Broad-scale diversity patterns in the two groups appear not to closely align, and there is no direct evidence of dinosaur adaptation to angiosperm-based diets. Here we describe Infernogallus jamesi gen. et. sp. nov., a diminutive caenagnathid oviraptorosaur, and show that these theropods were specialised herbivores that originated alongside the rise of fleshy angiosperm fruits. The nearly complete, articulated skull of Infernogallus jamesi—the first for the clade—reveals drastic changes to the adductor musculature organisation, unique in non-avian theropods but converged upon by extant frugivorous parrots. These modifications enabled extensive oral processing of soft food using anteroposterior movement of the mandible and occlusion of ridges and grooves on opposed elements. Altogether, this attests to a highly specialised herbivorous diet in caenagnathids, which likely consisted in large part of fleshy angiosperm fruits, which increased in size and diversity in concert with the radiation of oviraptorosaurs. Caenagnathids thus provide one of the strongest candidates for angiosperm-based diet adaptations in dinosaurs, but their role in the Late Cretaceous proliferation of fruit—which shaped early Cenozoic flora—remains unclear.

Systematic palaeontology

Theropoda

Oviraptorosauria

Caenagnathidae

Eucaenagnathinae Clade nov.

Definition. The most inclusive monophyletic group including Anzu wyliei and Elmisaurus rarus, but not Anomalipes zhaoi.

Diagnosis. Eucaenagnathines (meaning ‘true caenagnathids’) are distinguished from other caenagnathids by the morphology of the fused dentaries, with an upturned tomial edge marked with lateral and anterior occlusal ridges, and a midline sulcus bordered by longitudinal lingual ridges separated from the tomial edge by a lingual groove.

Infernogallus jamesi (ROM VP 65050). Photograph (a) and line drawing (b) of ROM VP 65050. c Skeletal reconstruction of Infernogallus jamesi based on ROM VP 65050 and other eucaenagnathines (shaded areas are preserved in ROM 65050). d Palaeohistological thin section of the femur of ROM VP 65050, showing lines of arrested growth (arrows) and an external fundamental system indicative of advanced age and skeletal maturity. cv cervical vertebrae, dv dorsal vertebrae, efs external fundamental system, fe femur, ga gastralia, hu humerus, il ilium, ma manus, pb pubis, pp plane-polarised light, sc scapulacoracoid, sk skull, tb tibia, xp cross-polarised light. Scale bars as indicated.

Cranial anatomy of Infernogallus jamesi gen. et sp. nov.
Photograph (a) and line drawing (b) of the skull of ROM VP 65050 in left lateral view. ...

 Infernogallus jamesi gen et. sp. nov. (Figs. 1–4) 

Etymology. The name comes from the Latin “Inferno” (Hell) and “gallus” (chicken), referring to the Hell Creek Formation and the small, bird-like appearance of the species; “jamesi”, a patronym for James William Boyd, the paternal grandfather of author CAB, who sparked his interest in the field of palaeontology. 

Holotype. ROM VP 65050, articulated partial skeleton including the skull, cervical and dorsal vertebrae, right pectoral girdle and forelimb, partial pelvic girdle, and partial right hindlimb. Paratypes. ROM VP 64193, dentaries; ROM VP 64194, articularsurangular-coronoid complex; ROM VP 88690, left and right pterygoids; NDGS 4351, dentaries. 

Locality and horizon. Hell Creek Formation (late Maastrichtian), Garfield County, Montana; Meade County, South Dakota; and Bowman County, North Dakota, USA. 

Diagnosis. Small (femur length 185 mm; est. 12 ± 3 kg body mass) caenagnathid oviraptorosaur diagnosed by the following autapomorphies: broad jugal with large anterior ascending process and which contacts the squamosal posteriorly; infratemporal fenestra extremely reduced, about 25% the diameter of the orbit; quadratojugal with greatly enlarged, circular posterior process; squamosal with dorsoventrally broad body lacking a depression and ridge for adductor musculature; pterygoids concave dorsally, unfused along the midline, and with a lateral buttress; ectopterygoid–pterygoid bar greatly expanded and extending far ventrally; long axis of vomer oriented ...

 

Gregory F. Funston, Thomas W. Dudgeon, D. Jade Simon, Danielle M. Dufault, Clint Boyd, Denver Fowler, Philip J. Currie and David C. Evans. 2026. Fruit-eating Adaptations in a Late Cretaceous oviraptorosaur (Theropoda). Nature Communications. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78343-w [10 October 2026] 

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