[Herpetology • 2026] Trimeresurus liqibini • A New Species of the Genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from Yunnan, China

 

Trimeresurus liqibini  

Liang, Ding, Wu, Yang et Chen, 2026

Li Qibin’s Green Pit Viper | 昆明竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173390 

 

Abstract

In this study, we describe a green pit viper of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804, from Yunnan Province, China, based on both morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from other congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) dorsal body grass-green, ventral body yellowish green; (2) postocular stripe absent in females; (3) ventrolateral stripe white, present on the first dorsal scale rows in females; (4) iris golden yellow in females; (5) DSR 19/20–19–15 (N = 2), VEN 145–147 (N = 2), SC 55–60 (N = 2); (6) 10–11 cephalic scales; (7) first supralabial separated from the nasal scale by a distinct suture. Phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cyt b, ND4, 12S rRNA, and 16S rRNA gene fragments indicates that the new species is genetically divergent from all congeners (BPP 1.00/UFB 100), with uncorrected genetic distances of the mitochondrial gene cyt b ranging from 3.6% (T. mayaae) to 13.1% (T. hageni, T. septentrionalis, T. guoi, and T. ayeyarwadyensis) compared with its congeners.

Key Words: Morphology, molecular phylogeny, Southwestern China, taxonomy, Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov.

Holotype of Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov. in life (adult female, GXNU251216).

Trimeresurus liqibini Liang, Ding, Wu, Yang & Chen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Trimeresurus liqibini sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeneric species by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) Dorsal body grass-green, ventral body yellowish-green. (2) Lateral head grass-green above lower margin of eyes, and light green below, without postocular stripes in females. (3) Ventrolateral stripe white, present on outermost rows of dorsal scales in females. (4) Iris golden yellow in females. (5) First supralabial separated from nasal scale by a distinct suture. (6) Head scales feebly keeled; dorsal scale rows 19 (20)–19–15 (N = 2), slightly keeled except the outermost rows; ventral scales 145–147 in females (N = 2); subcaudal scales 55–60 in females (N = 2). (7) Tail prehensile, predominantly reddish-brown; tail moderate in length, with TaL/TL ratios of 0.171–0.175 in females. (8) Internasals not in contact, usually separated by one scale. (9) Supraoculars large but elongate, separated by 10–11 cephalic scales.

Etymology. The specific name is in honor of Prof. Qibin Li (Guangxi, China) for his significant contributions to snakebite prevention, treatment, and the clinical application of snake venom. As a common name, we suggest “Li Qibin’s Green Pit Viper” in English and “Kūn Míng Zhú Yè Qīng (昆明竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Zheng-Jun Wu, Rui-Gang Yang and Ze-Ning Chen. 2026. Description of A New Species from Yunnan, China, within the Genus Trimeresurus (Reptilia, Squamata, Viperidae) by integrating morphological and genetic evidence. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 303-314. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173390 [09 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae) • A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio,

 in Hurtado-Reveles, Amancio et Burgos-Hernández, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2

 

Abstract

Peperomia accentus is described and illustrated as a new species of Piperaceae from the state of Zacatecas, Mexico, in the Sierra Madre Occidental mountain range. This new taxon belongs to the subgenus Tildenia, which includes species characterized by their geophytic habit. It can be distinguished from its congeners mainly by the combination of roots at the apex of the globose tuber, peltate leaves, numerous simple inflorescences and flowers with long and geniculated styles of a reddish color. A preliminary threat assessment is provided for the new species based on IUCN Red List guidelines. We provide a comprehensive analysis of the distribution patterns of the Mesoamerican species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia. Finally, we include a key for species distributed north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

endemic, geophyte, Neotropics, Tildenia, Magnoliids

Peperomia accentus morphology. A. General view of a flowering specimen from a lateral perspective. B. General view from an upper perspective. C. Tuber from the bottom. D. Apex of a developing inflorescence with flowers in different anthesis stages. E. Flower with mature stamens from a front and bottom perspective. F. Close-up of a mature anther. G. Sideways perspective of a flower in anthesis. H. Closeup of a receptive stigma. I. Lateral perspective of a developing fruit.

Photographs of Peperomia accentus in habitat.
A. General view of a flowering specimen. B. Mature inflorescences. C. Closeup of a single inflorescence. D. Specimen growing in a sheltered soil pocket on a rock outcrop.

Peperomia accentus Reveles & Amancio, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis:—Peperomia accentus can be differentiated from the rest of the geophytic species of Peperomia subgenus Tildenia by the following combination of characters: globose tubers without trunk-like outgrowths, green to wine-colored inflorescences (green to black in sicco), and flowers with geniculate styles 1.5–2.5 mm long, which remain longer than the ovaries after anthesis, persistent in fruit. 

Etymology:—The specific epithet alludes to the common shape of the pistil in developing flowers: a wavy line which resembles a tilde (~). Tildes are graphemes commonly used as diacritic (accent) in several scripts.

Leopoldo HURTADO-REVELES, Guadalupe AMANCIO and Mireya BURGOS-HERNÁNDEZ. 2026. Peperomia accentus (Piperaceae), A New geophytic Species endemic to the Sierra Madre Occidental, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 740(3); 237-247. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.740.3.2 [2026-02-10]

[Crustacea • 2026] Leiogalathea samudragiri • A New deep-sea munidopsid squat lobster of the Genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969 (Decapoda: Anomura: Munidopsidae) from the southeastern Arabian Sea, India

  

Leiogalathea samudragiri  

Tiwari, Padate & Cubelio, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s44289-026-00117-5

Abstract

The present study describes a new species of the deep-water munidopsid squat lobster genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969. Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. resembles L. achates Rodríguez-Flores, Macpherson & Machordom, 2019, L. evander Rodríguez-Flores, Macpherson & Machordom, 2019, and L. laevirostris (Balss, 1913) by the unarmed hepatic margin of the carapace. However, the new species differs from these congeners mainly in having uninterrupted mesogastric and mid-transverse ridges on the carapace and the presence of six transverse ridges on the posterior half of the carapace.

 

Keywords: Anomura, Arabian Sea, New species, Seamount, Taxonomy

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. Holotype, ovigerous female (IO/SS/ANO/00195; PCL 4.8 mm, CW 3.7 mm).
a carapace, dorsal view, b thoracic sternum, ventral view, c left eye, antennular article 1 and antennal peduncle, ventral view, d left mxp3, lateral view, e right P1, dorsal view, f right P2, lateral view, g right P2 dactylus, lateral view, h right P3, lateral view, i right P4, lateral view

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov. Holotype, ovigerous female (IO/SS/ANO/00195; PCL 4.8 mm, CW 3.7 mm). Dorsal habitus

Leiogalathea samudragiri sp. nov.  

 

 Etymology: The species name is derived from a combination of the Sanskrit “samudra” meaning ocean, and “giri” meaning mountain, which refers to the seamount habitat of this species.

Shivam Tiwari, Vinay P. Padate and Sherine Sonia Cubelio. 2026. A New deep-sea munidopsid squat lobster of the Genus Leiogalathea Baba, 1969 (Decapoda: Anomura) from the southeastern Arabian Sea, India.  Discover Oceans. 3, 6. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s44289-026-00117-5 [04 February 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Titanidiops kolhapurensis • A New Species of the Trapdoor Spider Genus Titanidiops Simon (Araneae: Idiopidae) from western Maharashtra, India

 

Titanidiops kolhapurensis

Gangalmale, Thackeray, Khandekar & Gaikwad, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2603654

ABSTRACT

A new species, Titanidiops kolhapurensis sp. n., is described on the basis of six adult female and three adult male specimens collected from the outskirts of Kolhapur City, western Maharashtra, India. Specimens of both sexes are described in detail and they are distinguished from all other known peninsular Indian congeners of Titanidiops and Idiops in several non-overlapping morphological characters. Notes on natural history, and on intraspecific variation of genital characters, as well as measurements and meristic data of the new species are provided. Additionally, we present preliminary observations on occurrence of the new species and other sympatric habitat specialist taxa in natural and altered/modified habitats from the type locality and nearby localities. We emphasise the urgent need to halt further alteration or modification of the natural habitat of T. kolhapurensis sp. n. and to implement habitat restoration measures to safeguard the new species and other habitat specialists from the imminent risk of local extinction.

KEYWORDS: Anthropogenic pressure, grassland and savanna, habitat loss, morphology, taxonomy, urban biodiversity

 Live habitus of Titanidiops kolhapurensis:
(A) holotype, (NRC-AA-1191) and (B) paratype, (NRC-AA-1196).

Photos by: Akshay Khandekar.

 Titanidiops kolhapurensis sp. n.

Satpal Gangalmale, Tejas Thackeray, Akshay Khandekar and Sunil M. Gaikwad. 2026. A New Species of the Trapdoor Spider Genus Titanidiops Simon (Araneae: Idiopidae) from western Maharashtra, India. Journal of Natural History. 60(5-8); 401-421. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2025.2603654 [28 Jan 2026]

[Crustacea • 2022] Raymunida shraddhanandi, Munidopsis bengala & M. kadal • Squat Lobsters of the Genera Raymunida and Munidopsis (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, with Descriptions of Three New Species

  

Raymunida shraddhanandi 
Munidopsis bengala and M. kadal  

Tiwari, Padate, Cubelio & Osawa, 2022

   

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2022.2138600

 x.com/marine_shivam

ABSTRACT

We report four squat lobster species of the genera Raymunida Macpherson and Machordom, 2000 (Munididae) and Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874 (Munidopsidae) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone. The genus Raymunida is recorded for the first time from Indian waters, including a new species Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov. and R. vittata Macpherson, 2009 based on material from the Andaman Sea. Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov. differs from its closest congener R. formasanus Lin, Chan and Chu, 2004 in the armatures of the anterior branchial carapace region, antennal peduncle and third maxilliped merus, and the length of the fourth pereopod. Two new species of the genus Munidopsis, referred to the Anoplonotus group, are described from the south-western Bay of Bengal and the south-eastern Arabian Sea. Munidopsis bengala sp. nov. and M. kadal sp. nov. are distinguished from all of their allies – M. bruta Macpherson, 2007, M. shulerae Vázquez-Bader, Gracia and Lemaitre, 2014, and M. truculenta Macpherson and Segonzac, 2005 – by the unarmed dorsodistal margin of the third maxilliped merus and the relative length of the antennal peduncle, respectively.

 

KEYWORDS: new record, new species, fauna, Indian ocean

Raymunida shraddhanandi sp. nov.  

Munidopsis bengala sp. nov.  

M. kadal sp. nov.

 

Shivam Tiwari, Vinay P. Padate, Sherine S. Cubelio and Masayuki Osawa. 2022. Squat Lobsters of the Genera Raymunida Macpherson & Machordom, 2000 and Munidopsis Whiteaves, 1874 (Decapoda: Anomura: Galatheoidea) from the Indian Exclusive Economic Zone, with Descriptions of Three New Species. Journal of Natural History. 56(41-44); 1819-1839. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2022.2138600 [29 Nov 2022]

 x.com/marine_shivam/status/1601248468886261760

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis mecada • A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia

Pristimantis mecada

Garzón-Franco, Durango, Ospina-Sarria & Arredondo, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1  

Researchgate.net/publication/400583019

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pristimantis based on morphological and acoustic evidence from the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, tentatively assigned to the Pristimantis ridens species group. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by having coppery or reddish bronze iris, with fine black reticulations and light blue sclera, upper eyelid bearing one to three subconical tubercles, posterior surfaces of thighs generally solid brown, with small cream specks present in a few cases and groin solid brown, with some individuals showing a cream or golden blotch. Moreover, this new species distribution is notably distant from the other most similar species, inhabiting the humid lowland tropical forests of the western slopes of the Serranía del Baudó. With the description of this new species, the Pristimantis ridens species group reaches 31 species, that can be found in the Andean and Pacific regions from Central America to northern Peru.

Amphibia, Bioacoustics, Biogeographical Chocó, Pristimantis ridens species group, Taxonomy

 Holotype of Pristimantis mecada in life (EAFIT-0050, SVL = 26.2 mm, adult female).
(A) Lateral view; (B) ventral view; coloration of the posterior surfaces of thigh (C) and groin (D), showing absence of conspicuous marks or spots.

Photos by Juan C. Arredondo.

Pristimantis mecada sp. nov. 

Esteban GARZÓN-FRANCO, Juan-P. DURANGO, Jhon Jairo OSPINA-SARRIA and Juan C. ARREDONDO. 2026. A New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the western Slopes of the Serranía del Baudó, Chocó, Colombia. Zootaxa. 5757(4); 301-323. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.4.1 [2026-02-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400583019_A_new_species_of_Pristimantis_from_the_western_slopes_of_the_Serrania_del_Baudo_Choco_Colombia

[Entomology • 2026] Lyriothemis keralensis • A New Species of Lyriothemis (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the southwestern coast of India

Lyriothemis keralensis 

Sawant, Chandran, Mathews & Kuntee, 2026 

 

Slender Bombardier  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.48156/1388.2026.1917364  

 facebook.com/VivekChandranA 

Abstract

A new species of dragonfly, Lyriothemis keralensis sp. n. is described from the coastal plains adjoining the Western Ghats of Kerala, southern India, based on a male holotype (IBC-CD161) and a female paratype (IBC-CD310) (type specimens are deposited in the Biodiversity Lab Research Collections, currently held at the National Centre for Biological Sciences, Bengaluru). This taxon was hitherto misidentified as L. acigastra (Selys, 1878) from which it differs in having leaner abdomen, and differently shaped secondary genitalia and caudal appendages. Information on its biology and ecology are provided.

Keywords: Anisoptera, conservation, dragonfly, endemic, insect diversity, new species, taxonomy 

Images of Lyriothemis spp. from the wild.
(a) Lyriothemis keralensis sp. n. male (Kerala, India); (b) L. keralensis sp. n. female (Kerala, India);
(c) L. acigastra male (Assam, India), ©Kumud Ghosh; (d) L. acigastra (Assam, India), ©Kumud Ghosh;
(e) L. defonsekai male (Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka), ©Michael van der Poortan; (f) L. defonsekai female (Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka), ©Michael van der Poortan.

Lyriothemis keralensis sp. n. habits and habitat.
 (a) Type locality (Varapetty, Kerala, India); (b) a pair in copula, ©Jeevan Jose; (c) female ovipositing in a vegetated region of irrigation canal.

 Lyriothemis keralensis sp. n. 

Dattaprasad Sawant, A. Vivek Chandran, Renjith Jacob Mathews and Krushnamegh Kuntee. 2026. Description of Lyriothemis keralensis sp. n. (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the southwestern coast of India. International Journal of Odonatology. 29; 19-36. DOI: doi.org/10.48156/1388.2026.1917364 [7 February 2026]

 facebook.com/VivekChandranA/posts/26238546669086793

[Entomology • 2022] Chlorogomphus hoaian & C. vani • Two New Species of the Genus Chlorogomphus Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Chlorogomphidae) from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

[1-2] Chlorogomphus hoaian; [26-27] C. vani 

Phan & Karube, 2022   

 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1657 

ABSTRACT

Two new species of the genus Chlorogomphus are described based on both sexes collected from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. These species are C. hoaian sp. nov. (holotype male from Kon Ka Kinh National Park, ..., alt. 1000 m) and C. vani sp. nov. (holotype male from Chu Yang Sin National Park, ..., alt. 749 m). Furthermore, C. gracilis Wilson & Reels, 2001 is recorded from Vietnam for the first time, with notes on its morphology and detailed illustrations of male and female structures.

 

Keywords: Odonata, Chlorogomphus, new species, Vietnam

Habitus of Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov. 

1. Holotype, ♂ (ZCDTU 2019042001-ODO). 

2. Paratype, ♀ (ZCDTU 2019042003-ODO).

                Habitus of Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov. 

26. Holotype, ♂ (ZCDTU 2021042001-ODO). 

27. Paratype, ♀ (ZCDTU 2021042003-ODO).

Class Insecta Linnaeus, ‎1758

Order Odonata Fabricius, 1793

Suborder Anisoptera Selys, 1854

Family Chlorogomphidae Needham, 1903

Genus ChlorogomphusSelys, 1854

Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov.

Diagnosis In lateral view, Chlorogomphus hoaian sp. nov. shows short, robust cerci and an epiproct which are generally similar to those of seven other species: C. aritai, C. arooni Asahina, 1981, C. caloptera, C. daviesi Karube, 2001, C. fraseri, C. nakamurai and C. yokoii Karube, 1995. However, C. hoaian sp. nov. is different from these seven species in major characteristics (alternative characters for the seven other species in parentheses): the cerci (Figs 12–13) are subequal in length to the epiproct (half as long except in C. caloptera); the dorsoposterior margin of S10 is broadly convex (narrowly convex); the length of the cerci is half that of the epiproct and S10 extends apically (except in C. caloptera, C. arooni (Asahina 1981: figs 7–8), C. caloptera (Karube 2013: fig. 6g), C. daviesi (Karube 2001: figs 5–6) and C. yokoii (Karube 1995: figs 15–16); the cerci are acute apically (Fig. 12) (blunt apically in C. nakamurai; see Karube 1995: figs 36–37).

Etymology: ‘Hoaian’, named after Mrs Van Cong Hoai An (born 1992) of Da Nang City, Vietnam, the wife of the first author, a noun in apposition.

Distribution: Vietnam (Fig. 61: yellow circle): Kon Tum Province (Dak Glei District) and Gia Lai Province (Mang Yang District and Ka Bang District).

Habitat and ecology: The new species was discovered coursing up and down over small streams (2–4 m width) interspersed with large stones within dense vegetation in a pristine forest. No other specimens of Chlorogomphus were found at the type locality.

Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Within this genus, the new species seems to be closest to Chlorogomphus auratus and C. canhvang based on the similar male appendage morphology and the amber pattern on the female wings. Chlorogomphus vani sp. nov. differs from two above mentioned species by the following characters: In the male anal appendage morphology, (1) in lateral view, the cercus is shorter than the epiproct (Fig. 37), while it is subequal in C. auratus (Fig. 39) and C. canhvang (Fig. 41); (2) in dorsal view, the cercus is simple and bluntly acute apically (Fig. 38), while it is expanded apically in C. auratus (Fig. 40) and C. canhvang (Fig. 42); (3) in lateral view, S10 has no protrusion between the cerci in C. vani sp. nov. (Fig. 37), but this structure is clearly visible and stout in C. auratus (Fig. 39); and (4) the secondary genitalia of C. vani sp. nov. are similar to those in C. auratus (Karube 1995: fig. 8) but its anterior lamina is ....

Etymology: ‘Vani’, a noun in the genitive case, is named after Mr Dang Ngoc Van (born 1987), resident of Bao Loc District of Lam Dong Province, who kindly supplied the authors with the specimens of this new species, as well as other material from southern Vietnam.

Distribution: Vietnam (Fig. 62: yellow rectangle): Dak Lak (Chu Yang Sin National Park) Province.

Quoc Toan Phan and Haruki Karube. 2022. Description of Two New Species of the Genus Chlorogomphus Selys, 1854 (Odonata: Chlorogomphidae) and a new record of Chlorogomphus gracilis Wilson & Reels, 2001 from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. European Journal of Taxonomy. 794(1), 91-110. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2022.794.1657 

[PaleoOrnithology • 2025] Aenigmatorhynchus rarus • A remarkable Beak Morphology in a Bird Skull from the Eocene of Messel (Germany) signifies unusual feeding specializations

 Aenigmatorhynchus rarus 

 Mayr & Smith, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250620  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392979376  

 

Abstract

We report the skull of a new avian species from the latest early or earliest middle Eocene fossil site Messel in Germany. Aenigmatorhynchus rarus, gen. et sp. nov. is characterized by a long, straight, and pointed beak, as well as a mandible with prominent processus coronoidei, a very long symphysis, closely adjacent cristae tomiales, and a narrow dorsal sulcus along the tip. This unusual character mosaic impedes a straightforward phylogenetic assignment. In its proportions, the mandible is superficially similar to that of extant stilts (Himantopus, Recurvirostridae) and oystercatchers (Haematopus, Haematopodidae), but some features preclude an assignment of Ae. rarus to these and other charadriiform taxa. The ventral ossification of the rostrum suggests comparisons with long-beaked taxa of the Aequornithes and Telluraves, but again several features conflict with a position of Ae. rarus within either of these clades. Even though an unambiguous phylogenetic placement is not possible, the new fossil expands the avifauna of the Messel site and exhibits a distinctive beak morphology, which is not found in extant birds and indicates a specialized foraging behaviour as yet unknown in birds.

Keywords: Aenigmatorhynchus rarus, gen. et sp. nov., Aves, beak morphology, fossil birds, evolution

Skulls of Aenigmatorhynchus rarus from the latest early or earliest middle Eocene of Messel in Germany. (a) The holotype specimen (SMF-ME 11857A) coated with ammonium chloride. (b), (c) µCT scans of the holotype. (d) The holotype before it was transferred to artificial resin (photograph by Bruno Behr). (e), (f) a referred skull of Ae. rarus in the Pohl collection (PBP-MES−590A+B); coated with ammonium chloride.

 Abbreviations: car, cartilago arytenoidea; cdo, condylus occipitalis; hyo, hyoid apparatus; ios, ventral margin of interorbital septum; jug, jugal bar; lmd, articular (caudal) end of left mandibular ramus; lqd, left quadrate; pal, palatine (os palatinum); ppo, processus postorbitalis; rmd, articular (caudal) end of right mandibular ramus; rps, rostrum parasphenoidale; rpt, right pterygoid; rqd, right quadrate; sym, symphysis mandibulae; tra, tracheal rings. The scale bars equal 10 mm.

Skull and cervical vertebrae of the new avian species Aenigmatorhynchus rarus from the Messel fossil site in Germany. This fossil consists of slab and counter slab and is a referred specimen in a private collection. It was coated with ammonium chloride to enhance the contrast; the scale bar equals 10 mm. 

 

 Aves Linnaeus, 1758

  Order and family incertae sedis

Aenigmatorhynchus, gen. nov. 

 Diagnosis: The new taxon is characterized by a long, straight, mediolaterally narrow and pointed beak, which reaches about 75% of the entire skull length; the mandibular symphysis is very long and measures about half the length of the mandible; the rami mandibularum run in parallel in the rostral half of the mandible; the mandible exhibits prominent processus coronoidei and its tip forms a trough-like dorsal sulcus. The latter two features probably represent autapomorphies of the new taxon.

Etymology: The genus name is derived from aenigma (Lat.), riddle—which in turn is derived from αἴνιγμα (Gr.), speaking in riddles—and ῥύγχος (Gr.), beak; the taxon name refers to the unusual character distribution shown by the mandible of the new species.

  Aenigmatorhynchus rarus, sp. nov.

Etymology: The species epithet is derived from rarus (Lat.), rare, in reference to the fact that the holotype skull currently is the only record of the species in a public collection.

 

Gerald Mayr and Krister Smith . 2026. A remarkable Beak Morphology in a Bird Skull from the Eocene of Messel (Germany) signifies unusual feeding specializations. R Soc Open Sci. 12(6): 250620. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.250620 [25 Jun 2025] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392979376_A_remarkable_beak_morphology_in_a_bird_skull_from_the_Eocene_of_Messel_Germany

[Entomology • 2025] Gametis polita • Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan

 

Gametis polita  

Seshima & Yoshida, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5

 

Abstract 

A new species of the flower chafer genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842, Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov., is described from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island in the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan, which was formerly misidentified as Gametis forticula (Janson, 1881). This is the first new species of the subfamily Cetoniinae sensu stricto described from Japan in approximately half a century. Using molecular and morphological evidence, we conclude that the genus Gametis comprises three species in Japan: G. forticula (Janson, 1881), G. polita sp. nov., and G. ishigakiana (Nomura, 1959), which was formerly treated as a subspecies of G. forticula. In addition, G. forticula miyakoana (Nomura, 1959) and G. forticula yonakuniana (Nomura, 1959) are transferred to subspecific status under G. ishigakiana.

Coleoptera, Cetoniini, cryptic species, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, the Ryukyus

Gametis polita sp. nov.: 
1–7, male (holotype); 1–2, habitus, dorsal (1), and ventral views (2); 3, mesosternal process, ventral view; 4, pygidium, dorsal view; 5, parameres, lateral view; 6, parameres, dorsal view; 7, right protibia, anterior view. 8–11, female (paratype); 8–9, habitus, dorsal (8) and ventral views (9); 10, right protibia, anterior view; 11, color variation, dorsal view.

 Scale bars = 5 mm (1–2, 8–9, 11); 1 mm (4–7, 10); 0.5 mm (3).

Live specimens of Gametis, dorso-lateral view.
28–29, Gametis polita sp. nov., 28, habitus, 29, punctures on elytra;
30–31, Gametis forticula, 30, habitus, 31, punctures on elytra;
32–33, Gametis ishigakiana ishigakiana, 32, habitus, 33, punctures on elytra;
34–35, Gametis ishigakiana yonakuniana, 34, habitus, 35, punctures on elytra.

Habitat of Gametis polita sp. nov., Tarama-jima Island (type locality). Photo by Fubito Aizawa.

Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov.

[Japanese name: Hisui-koao-hanamuguri]

YÛHI SESHIMA and TAKAHIRO YOSHIDA. 2025. Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan. Zootaxa. 5706(1); 79-92. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5 [2025-10-09]

[Botany • 2026] Etlingera cinnabarina, E. funakoshii & E. rigida (Zingiberaceae) • Three New Species from Samar Island, Philippines

 Etlingera rigida Docot;

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas;  

Etlingera funakoshii Docot

 in Docot, Ordas, Moran, Zamudio, Romeroso, Tandang et Poulsen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 

Abstract  

Botanical field surveys performed in the largest terrestrial protected area in the Philippines, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), led to the discovery of three new species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) herein described. Etlingera cinnabarina sp. nov. can easily be distinguished by its red orange flowers, at least among Philippine species. Etlingera funakoshii sp. nov. was first identified and recorded in the Philippines as Etlingera brevilabrum, but the absence of black patches in the ligule, absence of reddish cloudy patches in the laminae, and 1-2 flowers per flowering shoot makes it a unique species. Etlingera rigida sp. nov. is closely resembling Etlingera pilosa but unique by the sessile leaves, purplish to reddish abaxial side of the lamina and rigid young fertile bracts. Each new species is provided with a detailed description, colour plate, and information on distribution, phenology, and habitat. Etlingera cinnabarina matches the criteria of the IUCN red list as Endangered (EN), whereas E. funakoshii and E. rigida as Critically Endangered (CN), since all three species have narrow distributions and threats in their respective habitats. A key to the Etlingera of Samar Island is also provided.

Keywords: Etlingera brevilabrum; Etlingera pilosa; Etlingera sayapensis; SINP; critically endangered; endangered 

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Lamina; d. Inflorescence. e. Inflorescence. f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous glands. o. Ovary (R.V.A. Docot et al. 357).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas, sp. nov. 

 Similar to Etlingera sayapensis A.D.Poulsen & Ibrahim but differing by the sericeous ligule (vs pubescent); 10–15 mm long petiole (vs 50–70 mm); non-plicate lamina (vs prominently plicate); red orange labellum (vs deep red); lateral lobes of the labellum folded over the stamen forming a 13–16 mm long tube (vs adhering only to the sides of the stamen); and retuse anther crest (vs entire).  

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to its vermilion/red orange corolla lobes and labellum.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Inflorescence (top view). d. Inflorescence (side view). e. Inflorescence (detached from the plant). f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous gland (front and back view) (S.G.S Zamudio et al. S21−183).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot, sp. nov. 

Similar to Etlingera brevilabrum (Valeton) R.M.Sm. but differing by the glabrous ligule with black patches (vs scabrid without black patches); narrowly ovate lamina without reddish cloudy patches (vs oblong obovate with reddish cloudy patches); 1–2 flowers per flowering shoot (vs 1–6); mid pink corolla lobes (vs red); ecristate anther (vs 3 mm long anther crest); and dark purple stigma (vs dark red or white)  

Etymology. The first author named this species in honour of Dr. Hidenobu Funakoshi, who first saw and documented the species in the type locality. Since the early 2000’s, Dr. Funakoshi continues to share his interest in studying Philippine gingers up to the writing of this paper.

 Etlingera rigida Docot, sp. nov. 

 

Similar to Etlingera pilosa A.D.Poulsen & Docot but differing by the red and truncate apex of the ligule (vs greenish brown and rounded); sessile leaves (vs petiolate); red to greenish red abaxial side of the lamina (vs light green); rigid young fertile bracts (vs soft); pubescent dorsal side of the anther (vs glabrous); and fruit with few small warts near the apex when mature (vs prominently carinated). 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the rigid bracts.

 Docot, R.V.A. ; Ordas, J.A.D. ; Moran, C.B. ; Zamudio, S.G.S. ; Romeroso, R.B. ; Tandang, D.N. ; Poulsen, A.D. 2026. Three New Species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) from Samar Island, Philippines. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 [January 12, 2026]

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[Botany • 2022] Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae) • A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar

 

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh,  

     

in Shiga, Kato, Suzuki, ... et Itoh, 2022.   

   DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

Abstract

A new species of Sagittaria (Alismataceae), S. siamaginashi, characterized by a cylindrical branch with numerous tubercles in each leaf axil, is described from Thailand and Myanmar. The scapes and inflores- cences were not seen in nature, but gibberellin-treated individuals flowered under cultivation. In floral morphology, S. siamaginashi is similar to the Chinese endemic, S. lichuanensis. A phylogenetic study based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast rpl16 intron, psbA–trnH spacer and trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer regions showed that S. siamaginashi and S. lichuanensis were sister taxa. A key to the taxa of Sagittaria in E and SE Asia is also provided.

Keywords: psbA–trnH spacer, rpl16 intron, Sagittaria aginashi, Sagittaria lichuanensis, Sagittaria potamogetifolia, Sagittaria tengtsungensis, trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer

Holotype of Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov. (A. Tanutong 238-D)
 a, Magnified view of cylindrical branches (black arrows) with tubercles (white arrows) is also shown (b).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.
Habit (a, Khun Wang, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, August 12, 2004), flowering plant (b), branching inflorescence (c), staminate flower (d), pistillate flower (e), leaf (f), lateral leaf lobe apex (g), cross section of petiole in middle (h), sheath and tubercles (i), cylindrical branch with tubercles [dorsal (j) and ventral (k)], cylindrical branches with tubercles removed (l), and mature tubercles (m). Images in b–m are photographs of plants in cultivation. Inflorescences (b–e) were produced after plants were treated with gibberellin (see main text for details).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.

Haec species nova Sagittariae lichuanensi et S. aginashi proxime affinis est; sed ab ea axe axillari bulbifero sylindraceo et bulbillis pleiomeris (15–50) differ.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the former name of Thailand, Siam and the related Sagittaria aginashi. Dr. Jiro Harada, who originally found the species in 1986 (Harada et al. 1987), referred to the species as ‘Siam aginashi (Sagittaria sp.)’ in his publications (e.g. Harada et al. 2001, 2002, Niitsu et al. 2003, 2004a, 2004b, Suzuki et al. 2005). 

Thail name. Nor doa (Chiang Mai Province), Phak Gam (Northeast Thailand). 

Distribution and habitat. Thailand and Myanmar (Fig. 1). In ponds, marshes, riversides and paddy fields.

Takashi Shiga, Syou Kato, Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Kazumasa Tsubota, Siriporn Zungsontiporn, Tanchanok Jongrukthai, Ansaya Promma, Akekarat Tanutong, Mu Mu Aung, Norio Tanaka, Qixiang Lu and Kazuyuki Itoh. 2022. Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae): A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 73(1); 35-47. DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

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