[Botany • 2026] Bau djinna (Araceae) • A New Species from the Rejang Basin, Sarawak, Malaysian Borneo [Schismatoglottideae of Borneo LXXX]

Bau djinna S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay, 

in Wong, Boyce et Hay, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70063

ABSTRACT

Bau djinna is described as a new species from Central Sarawak and compared with three species to which it is most similar. Recognition of B. djinna takes the genus to 27 species, 25 of which are endemic to Borneo. A brief note is provided on Schismatoglottis ambigua, a recently published name synonymous with Bau inculta. The paper also introduces the term ‘anthomorph’ for the flowering structure that in general is termed an inflorescence in the Araceae and explains why the term ‘bloom’ that the authors have employed previously is unsatisfactory.

Bau djinna.
 (A) Plant in habitat, the distinctive quilted leaf blades are clearly seen. (B) Stem ascending and rooting adventitiously. (C) Detail of petiole showing the longitudinal ridges and denticulate edges. All images the authors.

Bau djinna.
(A) Cluster of sequentually-maturing anthomorphs, the largest (oldest) at pistillate antheses. The cluster-preceding much-reduced foliage leaf and the prophyll associated with the second oldest anthomorphs are visible. (B) Anthomorph at end of staminate antheses with the spathe limb deliquessing. (C & D) Anthomorph at pistillate anthesis showing the full extent to which the spathe limb opens. All images the authors.

Bau djinna S.Y.Wong, P.C.Boyce & A.Hay, sp. nov  

 

  Diagnosis: Bau djinna belongs to a group of species in which during anthesis the spathe limb barely opens. Within this group B. djinna is vegetatively most similar to B. amosyui (S.Y.Wong, S.L.Low & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce (Figure 1B) and B. hendrikii (S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce) S.Y.Wong & P.C.Boyce (Figure 1C), differing from both by the plain deep green leaf blades and an ascending-rooting stem (vs leaf blades habitually silver variegated and stems clumping and abbreviated). Bau djinna is further distinguished from B. amosyui by lacking a partially naked interstice separating the pistillate and staminate florets, by the subcylindric (vs conical) pistillate zone long-obliquely inserted (vs barely obliquely inserted) and the blunt-tipped cream (vs pointed yellow) spadix appendix. From B. hendrikii B. djinna is distinguished by the conical stout pale green pistillate zone (vs rather slender cylindrical emerald-green), dense (vs rather lax) pistillate florets, button-like (vs broadly disk-like) stigma, and the blunt-tipped cream (vs pointed yellow) spadix appendix.

  Etymology: Djinn, in the context of ‘hidden beings’, originates from Arabic, an extension of the word meaning to hide, conceal, or cover, emphasizing the elusive and unseen nature of djinn, who are believed to inhabit a realm parallel to humans reflecting the belief that these beings are invisible to humans. Here the word is used in the feminine nominative, djinna, in the sense that the spadix is concealed by the hardly opening spathe.

Wong Sin Yeng, Peter C. Boyce and Alistair Hay. 2026. Schismatoglottideae (Araceae) of Borneo LXXX: Bau djinna, a New Species from the Rejang Basin, Sarawak. Feddes Repertorium. 137(1); e70063. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/fedr.70063 [10 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Meiogyne saundersii & M. stenophylla (Annonaceae) • Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon in the Asia-Pacific Region

[C, D] Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and fruit,;
[E, F] Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and early developing fruit.
[A] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu;
[B] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of M. cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden;

in Liu, Munzinger et Chen, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385

Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Abstract

Two new species of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) are described from Malesia based on morphological evidence and the results of a recent molecular phylogenetic study: Meiogyne saundersii from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, and Meiogyne stenophylla from New Guinea. Meiogyne saundersii is morphologically similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its leaf apex (abruptly caudate vs. acute, rarely shortly acuminate) and inner petal corrugation (tentacular vs. weakly longitudinally grooved). Meiogyne stenophylla is unique in the genus in its extremely narrow leaves (< 2 cm wide) with an attenuate apex; it is also similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate) petals and weakly warty (vs. weakly longitudinally grooved) outgrowth on the adaxial surface of the inner petals. In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Meiogyne wilsonii and Monoon papuanum, based on the results of the most recent molecular phylogeny of Meiogyne and related genera.

Key words: Annonaceae, Borneo, Meiogyne cylindrocarpa, New Guinea, Vanuatu

A. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu (C. Hansen 1511); B. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden (Thomas 3418);
C, D. Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 6945) flower and fruit, reproduced from Munzinger et al. (2020);
E, F. Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 3589) flower and early developing fruit. Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu, sp. nov.

Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger, sp. nov.

Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger, comb. nov.

Monoon papuanum (I.M.Turner & Utteridge) M.F.Liu & Junhao Chen, comb. nov.

 Ming-Fai Liu, Jérôme Munzinger and Junhao Chen. 2026. Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon (Annonaceae) in the Asia-Pacific Region. PhytoKeys. 272: 21-36. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385 [20 Mar. 2026]

 

[Invertebrate • 2026] Helobdella viridoclypus • A New free-living Leech Species (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae) from Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

 Helobdella viridoclypus

 K, Trivalairat, P. Trivalairat, Raquib & Purivirojkul, 2026

Emerald-charm leech | ปลิงสร้อยมรกต || 

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74

 Abstract

 A new species of glossiphoniid leech, Helobdella viridoclypus, is described from the northern region of Thailand, representing the first record of the genus Helobdella from the country and Southeast Asia. Its characteristics are similar to those of the type species, H. stagnalis, but can be distinguished by its transparent rice-shaped and triannulated body, cephalisation, a single pair of dark eyes, a smooth dorsal surface without papillae, rich darkgreen pigmentation on the dorsum, six pairs of crop caeca with less developed first pair and unbranched second to sixth pairs (posterior caeca), male and female gonopore separated by a single annulus, and a triangular nuchal scute pointed backwards with yellowish-green colouring around the mid-dorsal region. The phylogenetic relationships of H. viridoclypus, new species, are clarified, showing that it is monophyletic within the stagnalis species-complex clade which includes H. adiastola, H. octatestisaca, H. modesta, and the type species H. stagnalis. The new species is a free-living leech that specifically preys on invertebrates and not on humans. 

Key words. Annelida, Glossiphoniidae, Haementeriinae, jawless leech, freshwater, Huai Tueng Thao Reservoir

Order Rhynchobdellida Blanchard, 1894 

Suborder Glossiphoniiformes Tessler & de Carle, 2018 in Tessler et al., 2018 

Family Glossiphoniidae Vaillant, 1890 

Subfamily Haementeriinae Autrum, 1939 

Genus Helobdella Blanchard, 1896

Diagnosis. Small, two eyes, transparent papillae on segment, nuchal gland or scute on dorsum on VIIIa1/a2, gonopores separated by one annulus, compact salivary glands, crop with less developed first pair and unbranched second to sixth pairs of caeca, liquidosomatophagous (Blanchard, 1896; Sawyer, 1986).

 Helobdella viridoclypus, new species, live holotype (ZRC.ANN.1623).
 A, dorsal view; B, ventral view.

Helobdella viridoclypus, new species

Diagnosis. Rice-shaped, transparent body; cephalisation; a pair of large, distinctly separated, dark eyes on somite III; anterior sucker twice as large as prostomium without pits inside; central mouth in anterior sucker; triangular nuchal scute pointed backward with yellowish-green colouring around mid-dorsal region (VIIa1–a3, annuli 11–13); smooth surface without dorsal papillae; rich dark-green pigmentation on dorsum, particularly around crop caeca; lesser or almost absent pigmentation along crop; one male gonopore on XIIa1/XIIa2 (annuli 26/27); one female gonopore on XIIa2/ a3 (annuli 27/28); six pairs of crop caeca with unbranched posterior caeca; maximum body width wider than anterior and posterior suckers by four and two times, respectively.

 

Etymology. The species epithet refers to the description of the nuchal scute on the neck region, which resembles a shield and is a yellowish green colour. 

The following common names are suggested: “Emerald-charm leech” (English), “Pling soi mor ra kot” (ปลิงสร้อยมรกต) (Thai), and “Der Smaragdt-charm Plattegel” (German).

 Krittiya TRIVALAIRAT, Poramad TRIVALAIRAT, Tashfia RAQUIB and Watchariya PURIVIROJKUL. 2026. Helobdella viridoclypus (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae), A New free-living Leech Species from Chiang Mai, Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 124–141. [23 March 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Quasipaa yunkaiensis • A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China

Quasipaa yunkaiensis  

Qi, Lyu,  Song, Wang, Z. Li, Y. Li & Wang, 2025

云开棘蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 

Abstract

We herein describe a new species of spiny frog, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial (810 bp Cyt b) and nuclear (1 852 bp concatenated Rag2, Tyr, and Rhod) genetic data was used to test its distinctiveness within Quasipaa. Morphologically, the new species differs from other congeners by the following diagnostic characteristics: relatively large body size within Quasipaa; dorsal skin relatively smooth, having sparse tubercles; lacking spiny tubercles on the ventrolateral sides of the body; lacking keratinized spines in the ventral surface of the body, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, in breeding males. Both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic results indicate that Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. constitutes a highly supported, deeply divergent lineage, but its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus Quasipaa remains unresolved. In view of the pronounced discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets within Quasipaa, we encourage future studies to use genome-wide data to improve phylogenetic resolution and to estimate species diversity more accurately.

 Keywords: mito-nuclear discordance, Paini, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov., spiny frog, taxonomy

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in situ.
(A) holotype, SYS a008351, (B) paratype, SYS a008350.

Photos by Jian WANG.

The male holotype of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. (SYS a008351) in life:
 (A) dorsolateral view, (B) dorsal view, (C) ventral view.

Photos by Shuo QI.

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size large, SVL 89.1–113.8 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 95.7 mm in adult female (n = 1); (2) dorsal skin relatively smooth, with sparse tubercles; (3) without spiny tubercles on ventrolateral sides of body; (4) tympanum indistinct, margin blurred; (5) absence of dorsolateral folds; (6) hindlimbs rather long and stout, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching to tip of snout when leg stretched alongside body, heels overlapping when thighs flexed at right angles to body axis; (7) toes nearly entirely webbed, webbing formula: I 0 – 0 II 0 –0–III 0– – 1–IV 1– – 0 V, webbing incurved between tips of toes; (8) tarsal fold present; (9) vomerine teeth distinct, arranged between internal nares; (10) internal vocal sac present in males; (11) no keratinized spines on body ventral surface of breeding males, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, forelimbs strongly hypertrophied; (12) colour in life: dorsal surface yellowish brown with large dark brown blotches, back of head with a dark brown transverse band, edges of the upper and lower lips with some brown blotches; some individuals with a pale yellow vertebral stripe.

Etymology: The specific epithet yunkaiensis refers to the type locality of this species, the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Guangdong, China.

Suggested common name: “Yunkai Spiny Frog” in English and “云开棘蛙 (yún kāi jí wā)” in Chinese.

 

Habitat of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve.

Photo by Shuo QI.

  

Shuo QI, Zhitong LYU, Hanming SONG, Haotian WANG, Zhuoyu LI, Youyu LI and Yingyong WANG. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China. Asian Herpetological Research. 16(4); 319-330. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 [Nov 21, 2025]

  

 

The Yunkai Spiny Frog (Quasipaa yunkaiensis) is a newly described species discovered from the Yunkaishan Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. This species inhabits montane stream environments within evergreen secondary forest at elevations between 1 200–1 550 m. It is currently only known from its type locality. Although mito-nuclear discordance has been reported in several species of the genus Quasipaa, both mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments consistently recover Q. yunkaiensis as a distinct evolutionary lineage. This new species was reported by Shuo QI et al. in this issue. This frog was drawn by Hanwen KANG and Timan YANG.

[Botany • 2026] Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen, 

in V. C. Nguyen, Tran, Truong, Averyanov, T. H. Nguyen, Phan-Thi et Tram, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025

 

Abstract

A new species, Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae subgen. Sauropus), is described and illustrated from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to B. beillei, B. bonii, and B. thorelii, but differs in having oblong-elliptic leaves, sepals marked with reddish striations, an androphore exceeding 1 mm in length, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas. A detailed morphological comparison with related species is provided. A preliminary conservation assessment categorizes it as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) based on IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Breynia, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, taxonomy

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) A plant with inflorescences and infructescences, (B) stipules, (C) leaf from different views: adaxial (upper), abaxial (lower), (D) staminate flower from different views, (E) pistillate flower from different views, (F) inflorescences and infructescences, (G) fruit, (H) open fruit and seeds.

Drawing from type specimens by Thanh Nha Phan-Thi.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Flowering plant in its habitat, (B) inflorescence, (C–D) a staminate flower, (E) flowers from different views; a pistillate flower (left) and a staminate flower (right), (F) fruit with erect stigmas.

All photos from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Leaves and branches, (B) inflorescences, (C) stipules, (D) portion of inflorescence, (E) staminate flower from different views: (1–4) adaxial surface, (5) abaxial surface, (F) pistillate flower from different views, (G) longitudinal section through the pistil and pedicel.

All from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: The species is characterized by a combination of the following features: cauliflorous inflorescences and infructescences arising near the ground, sepals with reddish striations, an androphore more than 1 mm long, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas.

Etymology: The species name honours Ms. Ha Thi Phuong (Hà Thị Phương), who first discovered the species.

 

Van Canh Nguyen, Thi Thuy Nhan Tran, Ba Vuong Truong, Leonid V. Averyanov, Thi Hoa Nguyen, Thanh Nha Phan-Thi and Nguyen-Khanh-Trinh Tram. 2026. Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025 [21 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza jomyi (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from the Vagamon Hills, southern Western Ghats, India

 

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby,  

in Ebin, Sreehari et Joby, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05085 

Abstract

A new species of Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae)is identified and described from the Vagamon hills of Kerala, Western Ghats, India. The new species is similar to Ophiorrhiza eriantha Wight and Ophiorrhiza meenachilarensis Robi and Balan, but differs in having densely hirsute hairs on young stem, petiole and peduncle; patent hirsute hairs on, above and beneath the leaf; 14.0–15.0 mm long flower; linear to falcate bracts and bracteoles; sparsely hirsute cupuliform hypanthium; triangular calyx lobes; 9.5–12.0 mm long corolla tube; stamens inserted at the middle of the corolla tube; and oblong and papillate stigma. A detailed description, colour photographs, comparison, phenology, distribution, conservation status and key to the allied taxa of the new species are provided.

Keywords: Kottayam, new species, Ophiorrhiza jomyi, Western Ghats

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) stipule, (C–D) inflorescence, (E) bract, (F) bracteole, (G–H) adaxial and abaxial side of leaf, (I) indumentum on the upper surface of lamina, (J) indumentum on the lower surface of lamina, (K) flower bud, (L) single flower, (M) flower L.S., (N) indumentum on the stem, (O) indumentum on the peduncle, (O) indumentum on the petiole, (Q) hypanthium cup, (R) stamen, (S) gynoecium, (T) fruit, (U) seed.

Ophiorrhiza jomyi Ebin, Sreehari & Joby sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: This species shows close morphological resemblance with O. eriantha Wight, but differs in having densely ascending hirsute indumentum on stem (versus pubescent or glabrous stem), patent hirsute hairs on both sides of leaves (versus glabrous above, puberulous on the nerves beneath), densely hirsute petiole (versus glabrous or puberulous petiole), stipule acuminate to attenuate at apex (versus stipule bifid at apex), 14.0–15.0 mm long flower (versus 19.0–27.0 mm long flower), cupuliform hypanthium (versus obovoid hypanthium), triangular calyx lobes (versus subulate calyx lobes), densely puberulous hairs and with a villose ring at the middle of the corolla tube inside (versus glabrous inside without a ring of villose hairs), 2.5–3.0 mm long corolla lobes (versus 5.0–7.0 mm long corolla lobes), 1.75–2.0 mm long anthers (versus 3.0–3.5 mm long anthers), oblong stigma, obtuse at apex with papillate hairs (versus lanceolate stigma, acute at apex and glabrous), 0.4 × 0.5 mm, irregularly angled seeds (versus 0.6 × 0.5 mm, 4–6 angular seeds).

Etymology: The specific epithet is in honour of retired Professor, Dr Jomy Augustine, Department of Botany, St Thomas College, Pala, Kottayam, Kerala, for his guidance and support in the field of taxonomy to the authors. Dr Jomy Augustine has significantly contributed to the documentation and conservation of plant diversity in the Western Ghats through his extensive field explorations, research and publications.

 

Ebin Padiyara Joy, Sreehari Sivan Nair, Joby Paul. 2026. Ophiorrhiza jomyi (Rubiaceae) sp. nov. from the Vagamon Hills, southern Western Ghats, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05085 [21 March 2026]

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Balticolasma wunderlichi • 3D analyses of the First ortholasmatine Harvestmen (Opiliones: Nemastomatidae) from European Eocene Ambers

 

Balticolasma wunderlichi 

Bartel, Mitov, Dunlop & Hammel, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01283.2025/sta

Artistic reconstruction by Joshua Knüppe  x.com/JoschuaKnuppe

The first fossil representatives of the harvestman subfamily Ortholasmatinae (Opiliones, Dyspnoi, Nemastomatidae) are described as Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. One male is preserved in Eocene Baltic amber and a presumably conspecific female in Eocene Rovno amber (northwest Ukraine). Ortholasmatines are typically highly ornate arachnids, and for the first time with an amber harvestman we applied computed tomography using synchrotron radiation to investigate its three-dimensional morphology and surface structure in considerable detail. Some of its morphological characters, appear to be closer to extant Asian genera. In a wider biogeographic context, our amber record is a significant find for the Paleogene of Europe given that (i) it is another species apparently found in both Baltic and Rovno amber and (ii) all modern ortholasmatines are restricted to East Asia and North and Central America.

Key words: Nemastomatidae, Ortholasmatinae, Baltic amber, Rovno amber, micro-CT, Priabonian, Eocene

Ortholasmatine harvestman Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. paratype (female) MB.A.4455 from Rovno amber, 33.90–37.71 Ma, Priabonian.
A1, dorsal view of the body A2, close-up of the ocular process in dorsal view, eye lenses arrowed.

Abbreviations: cp, carapace process; ey, eye lens; oc, ocular process; legs numbered I–IV. Scale bars 1 mm (A1) and 0.5 mm (A2).

Artistic reconstruction of the Eocene ortholasmatine harvestman Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. (male) by Joshua Knüppe (Ibbenbüren, Germany).

Systematic palaeontology 

Order Opiliones Sundevall, 1833 

Suborder Dyspnoi Hansen & Sørensen, 1904 

Family Nemastomatidae Simon, 1872 

Subfamily Ortholasmatinae Shear & Gruber, 1983 

Genus Balticolasma nov.

Balticolasma wunderlichi gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: From the Baltic region where the amber hosting one of the specimens originates from and the suffix lasma applied to a few possibly closely related modern ortholasmatine genera.

Christian Bartel, Plamen G. Mitov, Jason A. Dunlop, and Jörg U. Hammel. 2026. 3D analyses of the First ortholasmatine Harvestmen from European Eocene Ambers. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 71(1): 95-107. DOI: doi.org/10.4202/app.01283.2025

 x.com/JoschuaKnuppe/status/2034328564938453473

[Botany • 2026] Gentiana daofuensis (Gentianaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Gentiana daofuensis  Y.M.Yuan & P.C.Fu, 

in Sun, Guo, Zhang, Yi, Xu et Fu, 2026.

道孚小龙胆  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.183828

Abstract

Gentiana daofuensis, a new species of the family Gentianaceae, is described and illustrated here. Currently, this species is known only from Daofu County, Sichuan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on chloroplast genome data indicate that it belongs to G. section Chondrophyllae s.l. Morphologically and genetically, it is closely related to G. crassuloides but can be clearly distinguished from the latter by its shorter calyx and pale blue-purple corolla with numerous dark blue short stripes or spots.

Key words: Chloroplast genome, Gentiana, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, section Chondrophyllae

Morphological characteristics of Gentiana daofuensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Whole plants; C. Stem with flower at anthesis; D. Stem with mature flower bud; E. Leaf pair (front view); F. Leaf pair (reverse view); G. Calyx; H. Flower (front view); I. Fruit (front view); J. Seed; K. Fruit (side view); L. Pistil; M. Dissected flower; N. Flower.

Photographs by Peng-Cheng Fu (B–N) and Yong-Ming Yuan (A).

Gentiana daofuensis Y.M.Yuan & P.C.Fu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gentiana daofuensis is distinguishable from all other similar species of the genus by the combination of the reniform leaves on the upper stem and the pale blue-purple corolla with numerous dark blue short stripes or spots.

Etymology. The specific epithet “daofuensis” is derived from the type locality of the new species, Daofu County, and the Latin suffix -ensis, indicating the place of origin or growth.

Vernacular name. Chinese mandarin: dao fu xiao long dan (道孚小龙胆).

Shan-Shan Sun, Yuan-Meng Guo, Xin-Yue Zhang, Wen-Jie Yi, Shu-Han Xu and Peng-Cheng Fu. 2026. Gentiana daofuensis (Gentianaceae), A New Species from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 272: 1-10.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.183828  [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Ichthyology • 2026] Crossorhombus pescadores • A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei: Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan

Crossorhombus pescadores 

 Amaoka, Su & Ho, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628

Abstract

A new lefteye flounder, Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., is described based on five specimens collected from Penghu Islands. This new species differs from the other four congeners by having a pair of small black spots on the caudal fin, a horizontal triangular bluish-black marking on the blind side of body in male, the front wings of the marking reaching the base of dorsal and anal fins, and a combination of morphometric characters, including a larger head, deeper body, smaller eyes, fewer dorsal- and anal-fin rays and lateral-line scales, and other characters. A key to all five nominal species of Crossorhombus is provided.

Key words: Biodiversity, ichthyology, identification key, sexual dimorphism, taxonomy, western Pacific

Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., NMMB-P 42260, holotype, male, 99.8 mm SL, preserved.
A. Ocular side; B. Blind side.

Paratypes of Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov., showing ocular sides (odd numbers) and blind sides (even numbers).
A. HUMZ 237066, immature male, 74.8 mm SL; B. NMMB-P 42263, female, 92.4 mm SL; C. NMMB-P 42262, immature female, 58.0 mm SL.

 Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov

Diagnosis. A species of Crossorhombus differing from its congeners in having: caudal fin with light-gray band along posterior sub-margin; a pair of small black spots on band at upper and lower fourth rays, respectively; a bluish-black, horizontal triangular marking on blind side of body in male; a series of dark blotches along dorsal and ventral margins of body; combination of some meristic and proportional characters: large head; small upper and lower eyes; slightly longer pectoral-fin on ocular side; fewer dorsal- and anal- fin rays and fewer scales in lateral line and others.

Etymology. The specific name “pescadores” is the old name of the type locality, meaning “fishermen” in Portuguese. It is treated as a noun in apposition.

 Kunio Amaoka, Yo Su and Hsuan-Ching Ho. 2026. A New lefteye Flounder of the Genus Crossorhombus (Teleostei, Bothidae) from Penghu Islands, western Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1273: 15-25. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628 [13 Mar. 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Indosinosuchus peninsularensis • A new teleosaurid (Crocodylomorpha: Thalattosuchia) from the Sibumasu Terrane of Southeast Asia and A Taxonomic Reassessment of Indosinosuchus

 

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis 

Lauprasert, Nilpanapan, Martin, Claude, Kamonlak Wongko, Kantanat Trakunweerayut, Dobutr, Manitkoon, Bhuttarach & Nonsrirach, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20944  

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Abstract 

We describe teleosaurid remains from the Middle to Upper Jurassic Khlong Min Formation at Ban Nam Pun in southern Thailand and define Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. This new species is diagnosed by a unique combination of cranial and postcranial features, including the nasal reaching anteriorly at the level of the 18th maxillary alveolus, absence of an incisive foramen, oval-shaped external nares, and broad ornamented osteoderms. Phylogenetic analysis positions I. peninsularensis within a polytomy alongside Mystriosaurus laurillardi and other Asian teleosaurids, supporting a monophyletic Teleosauroidea. In addition, the revision of Indosinosuchus kalasinensis as a junior synonym of I. potamosiamensis also strengthens the taxonomic framework of the genus Indosinosuchus. Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov., discovered in a low-energy lagoonal environment, offers significant insights on the ecological preferences of teleosaurids. In contrast to the fluvially deposited Phu Kradung Formation of northeastern Thailand, the lagoonal and marginal marine sediments of the Khlong Min Formation are considered indicative of a broad spectrum of habitat occupation by Asian teleosauroids. Based on these observations, a high degree of ecological plasticity has been inferred for Thai teleosaurids, and their extensive dispersal across both the Sibumasu and Indochina terranes during the Middle to Late Jurassic has been further substantiated. The recognition of I. peninsularensis sp. nov. contributes to our understanding of teleosaurid diversity and paleobiogeography in Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Indosinosuchus, Khlong Min Formation, Sibumasu, Phu Kradung Formation, Indochina

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. from the Khong Min Formation, Ban Nam Pun, southern Thailand. Photographs and interpretive drawings of Indosinosuchus peninsularensis sp. nov. from the Khong Min Formation, Ban Nam Pun, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand.
PRC-205: anterior rostrum in dorsal view (A, B) and dorsal vertebrae in ventral view (C, D). PRC-206: osteoderms and dorsal vertebrae in dorsal view (E, F) and ventral view (G, H).

Abbreviations: dv, dorsal vertebrae; en, external nares; mx, maxilla; n, nasal; ost, osteoderm; pmx, premaxilla.

CROCODYLOMORPHA Hay, 1930

THALATTOSUCHIA Fraas, 1901

NEOTHALATTOSUCHIA Young et al., 2024a; Young et al., 2024b

TELEOSAUROIDEA Delfino & Dal Sasso, 2006

TELEOSAURIDAE Geoffroy Saint-Hilaire, 1831

Genus Indosinosuchus Martin et al., 2019

Indosinosuchus peninsularensis 

Holotype: PRC 205 and PRC 206, comprising an anterior portion of the rostrum, osteoderms, and dorsal vertebrae.

Type locality: Ban Nam Pun, Bang Khan District, Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, southern Thailand.

Stratigraphic occurrence: Lower part of the Khlong Min Formation, Thung Yai Group, late Middle Jurassic to early Late Jurassic.

Diagnosis. Indosinosuchus peninsularensis, PRC 205, is characterized by the following combination of characters (autapomorphies denoted with*): (1) four premaxillary alveoli; (2) moderately laterally expanded premaxilla with subequal length and width, producing a broad yet unflared outline; (3) margin of premaxillary-maxillary suture is concave between the 4th premaxillary –1st maxillary alveoli; (4) the external narial opening is subcircular or slightly ‘8-shaped’ in dorsal view; (5) absence of incisive foramen at medial contact of premaxillae*; (6) anterior tip of nasals reaching the level of the 18th maxillary alveolus*.

Locality, lithostratigraphy, and petrographic characteristics of the fossiliferous limestone within the Khlong Min Formation at Ban Nam Pun, southern Thailand.
(A) Tectonic subdivision map of Thailand (modified after Udchachon et al., 2022), illustrating the distribution of Jurassic sedimentary rock units (based on Meesook & Saengsrichan, 2011). The Khlong Min Formation, including the Ban Nam Pun locality, is situated within the Sibumasu Terrane, whereas the Phu Kradung Formation and its equivalents are located within the Indochina and Sukhothai Terranes. (B) Simplified geological map of the Krabi–Khlong Thom–Trang region (adapted from Thailand Department of Mineral Resources, 1999; Meesook & Saengsrichan, 2011), with the study site marked by a red star.
(C) Field photograph of the fossiliferous limestone outcrop intercalated with mudstone. The rock hammer (circled) is 30 cm in length for scale. (D–F) Close-up view of fossiliferous limestone rich in bivalves, (D) Modiolus sp. assemblage, (E) Actinostreon sp. (F) Protocardia sp. (G) MF1: Bioclast wackestone characterized by shell fragments, benthic foraminifera (f), and peloids (p). The yellow arrow indicates a bivalve shell with geopetal fabric: the lower portion infilled with micritic matrix and peloids, and the upper portion filled with sparry calcite cement. (H) MF2: Bioclast-peloidal packstone to grainstone, dominated by peloids (p) and benthic foraminifers (f) with minor ostracod shells (o).

 Komsorn Lauprasert, Apirut Nilpanapan, Jeremy E. Martin, Julien Claude, Kamonlak Wongko, Kantanat Trakunweerayut, Nuntida Dobutr, Sita Manitkoon, Supanut Bhuttarach and Thanit Nonsrirach. 2026. A new teleosaurid (Crocodylomorpha, Thalattosuchia) from the Sibumasu Terrane of Southeast Asia and A Taxonomic Reassessment of Indosinosuchus. PeerJ. 14:e20944. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20944 [2026-03-20]

 facebook.com/Lauprasert/posts/10164083724222162

 

[Fungi • 2026] Gibellula mineira • The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

 

Abstract

In tropical forests, there is a high diversity of parasites that use arthropods as resource, particularly arachnids. One of the most frequent groups of spiders’ parasites in tropical forests are fungi of the genus Gibellula, for which a considerable knowledge gap remains in these environments. In this study, we present the description of a new species that infects spiders of the species Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, Gibellula mineira sp. nov. We also described the prevalence of the new fungal species in the host spider population and evaluated whether the host size influences their probability of parasitism. Morphological and molecular analyses revealed that G. mineira represents a distinct species forming a clade with 100% support of bootstrap and showing a close phylogenetic relationship with Gibellula aurea. The characteristics that distinguish it from other species of the genus include light brown hyphae, white and slightly larger conidiophores, and thinner phialides. We observed a high prevalence of parasitism in this interaction, reaching 25% of the observed I. censoria population. Furthermore, we noted that the cadavers of parasitized spiders are exclusively attached to the underside of leaves, following the typical pattern observed for Gibellula species. Parasitism is more frequent in smaller I. censoria individuals, which is probably associated with thinner cuticles or higher foraging activity in smaller individuals. We suggested that G. mineira is an important natural enemy of I. censoria, directly influencing the population dynamics of this spider and expanding our knowledge of the ecology and biodiversity of araneopathogenic fungi.

 

Keywords: Hypocreales, Araneae, Behavioral manipulation, Parasitism, Araneopathogenic fungi

 Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.
(A) Unparasitized individual foraging in vegetation; (B) Silk retreat built by unparasitized spiders on the leaf lamina;
(C) Adult I. censoria individual infected by G. mineira at an early stage of fungal development; (D) G. mineira colony at mature stage of development;
(E) I. censoria individual showing newly formed synnemata (white); (F) I. censoria individual showing mature synnemata (light brown);
(G) Detail of a white synnema, at the beginning of development, with conidiophores showing chains of conidia; (H) Developed light brown synnema, with dense, white conidiophores.

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

Aline dos Santos, Thairine Mendes-Pereira, Camila de Fátima Ferreira Ribeiro and Thiago Gechel Kloss. 2026. The Silent Hunters of Spiders: Discovering A New Gibellula (Ascomycota: Cordycipitaceae) Fungus in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Fungal Biology. 130(3); 101748. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.funbio.2026.101748

[Paleontology • 2026] Doolysaurus huhmini • A New Dinosaur Species from Korea and its implications for early-diverging neornithischian diversity

 Doolysaurus huhmini

Jung, Kim, Jo & Clarke, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/fr.29.178152 

Abstract

The Korean dinosaur fossil record is exceptionally rich in trackways and eggs, yet skeletal remains are exceedingly rare. Two species have been described based on postcranial elements, and a taxon known from cranial materials has not yet been reported. Here, we report a new early-diverging neornithischian species, known from a small, partially articulated skeleton comprising cranial and postcranial elements as well as gastroliths. The specimen is from the mid-Cretaceous Ilseongsan Formation of Aphae Island (Aphaedo). X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) revealed the anatomy of the new species, including the first studied cranial remains of a dinosaur from Korea. The size and anatomical features of the specimen, along with histological analysis, indicate that it is not a fully grown individual, probably 0–2 years old. Gastroliths are present, with morphologies and a relative mass proposed to be consistent with a more omnivorous diet. Phylogenetic analyses recover the new species, Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov., as a thescelosaurid. The recovery of Doolysaurus with most other Asian thescelosaurids near the base of this clade provides further evidence for its origin and early biogeography. The new discovery suggests that other small dinosaur fossils may be found at Aphaedo or at sites with similar taphonomic conditions in Korea; Doolysaurus is consistent with richer dinosaurian diversity in the Cretaceous of Korea than is represented in its rich trace fossil record.

Key Words: Aphaedo, Doolysaurus huhmini, mid-Cretaceous, Neornithischia, Thescelosauridae, Shinan

Skeletal anatomy of Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov.

All scale bars are 10 mm. Artwork by Janet Cañamar.

Abbreviations: 4th tr: fourth trochanter; be: buccal emargination; boc: basioccipital condyle; bpro: boss for articulation with proatlas; bt: basal tubera; cc: cnemial condyle; cfo: carotid aorta foramen; cpc: coronoid process; dh: dorsal head; dtt: dentary tooth; ec: endocranial cavity; eoas: exoccipital articular surface; fm: foramen magnum; lc: lateral condyle; lw: lateral wing; mc: medial condyle; mkc: Meckelian canal; mt: metatarsal; mw: medial wing; mxt: maxillary tooth; ns: neural spine; oc: occipital condyle; pd: pedal digit; plp: posterolateral process; pop: paroccipital process; poz: postzygapophysis; prz: prezygapophyses; pscf: posterior semicircular canal foramen; ptf: posttemporal foramen.

An artist’s interpretation of a juvenile Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp. nov.
 It is depicted alongside birds and other dinosaurs that lived during the Cretaceous in what is now South Korea.

Artwork by Jun Seong Yi.

 Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp.

Diagnosis. Doolysaurus huhmini is a small-bodied, early-diverging neornithischian dinosaur with the following unique combination of features recovered from analysis of the Fonseca et al. (2024) dataset, including one optimized autapomorphy (*): (1) the lateral condyle of the quadrate is larger than the medial condyle (shared with Orodromeus and Haya) (ch.196:2); (2) Exoccipital, relative positions of the exits of the hypoglossal nerve (XII) combined into a single exit (shared with Jeholosaurus) (ch. 254:2); (3) Basioccipital, contribution to the border of the foramen magnum more than 1/3 its basioccipital condyle size (shared with Fona) (ch. 261: 0); (4) the apex of the maxillary teeth is located posterior to the center (shared with ...

Etymology. The generic name Doolysaurus honors “Dooly the Little Dinosaur,” an iconic Korean cartoon baby dinosaur character created by Soo-Jung Kim in 1983; saurus is from the Greek σαῦρος (sauros), meaning “lizard.” The specific name, huhmini, honors Professor Dr. Min Huh, a paleontologist who conducted research on a theropod fossil nest from the Aphaedo site, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to the study of dinosaurs in Korea over the past 30 years.

 Jongyun Jung, Minguk Kim, Hyemin Jo and Julia A. Clarke. 2026. A New Dinosaur Species from Korea and its implications for early-diverging neornithischian diversity. Fossil Record 29(1): 87-113. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/fr.29.178152 

https://blog.pensoft.net/2026/03/19/fossil-x-ray-reveals-new-species-of-baby-dino-named-after-iconic-korean-cartoon