[Botany • 2026] Primula maershanensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Sichuan, China

 

Primula maershanensis  J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, 

in Sheng, Y.-M. Wu, Gu, Lin, Zhou, Zheng and Z.-K. Wu, 2026. 

马耳山报春  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.191386 

Abstract

Primula maershanensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Sichuan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports the placement of P. maershanensis within Primula sect. Auganthus, a section characterized by leaves that are shallowly to deeply lobed and covered with hairs and by a distinctively broad calyx with a flattened base. The new species is distinguished from other species in this section by its short rhizome and nearly fleshy roots; subpurple petioles and scapes; leaf blade suborbicular, wider than long, margin palmately 5–9-lobed to the middle of the blade; and a bright yellow corolla associated with long-homostylous flowers. Information on the distribution, morphological comparisons with closely related species, and the conservation status of the new species is also provided, along with a key to the known species of Primula sect. Auganthus.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, maer shan bao chun, nomenclature, Sichuan, taxonomy

Primula maershanensis sp. nov. 

A. Habitat; B, C. Habit during flowering; D. Roots; E. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; F. Flower scape; G. Flower bract (enlarged view); H. Bracts; I. Flower, lateral view; J. Dissected corolla showing anthers and stigmas; K. Calyx and pedicel; L. Outside of dissected calyx; M. Infructescence; N. Young fruits; O. Dissected young fruit. 

Photographed by Zhikun Wu, Mingyun Sheng, and Jiulin Gu.

Primula maershanensis J.L.Gu & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is most similar to P. sinensis, P. rupestris, and P. jiangyouensis in sharing leaves and stems covered with hairs, lobed leaf blades, distinctly petiolate leaves, and a distinctively broad and flat-bottomed calyx. However, it is distinguished from the latter three mainly by several morphological features: a short rhizome and nearly fleshy roots; subpurple petioles and scapes; leaf blade suborbicular, wider than long, palmately 5–9-lobed to approximately 1/2 of its blade, long-homostylous flowers with a bright yellow corolla (Figs 1, 2). For a more accurate delimitation of all known species in this section, we observed living plants and captured their photographs, in addition to examining herbarium specimens of the other seven species within this section (Figs 3, 4). The main morphological distinctions between P. maershanensis and P. jiangyouensis, P. sinensis, and P. rupestris are summarized in Table 1.

 

Ming-yun Sheng, Yuan-mi Wu, Jiu-lin Gu, Hong-qiang Lin, Wei Zhou, Lei Zheng and Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Primula maershanensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 274: 61-71. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.191386 [28 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Anisomeles tamilnadense (Lamiaceae) • A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India

 

 Anisomeles tamilnadense  Ramasubbu & Bechu 

in Bechu, Ramasubbu, Spurgeon, Venkatesh et Kalaiselvan, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.711.2.10 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393979625

 

Abstract

A new species of Lamiaceae, Anisomeles tamilnadense, is described from Dindigul, Tamil Nadu, India. This species is closely related to A. indica and A. malabarica. However, several features differ, including the ovate-lanceolate and narrowly crenate leaf margin, coloured spathulate bracts, coloured calyx, <100 banded unpigmented corolla hairs and larger stigma lobes. This distinctive combination of traits allows to describe a new species within the genus, contributing to the better knowledge of the flora of the Indian subcontinent.

Eudicots, Anisomeles indica, Anisomeles malabarica, Lamiales, morphology, taxonomy

 Anisomeles tamilnadense:
 a) adult shrub at flowering; b) inflorescence twig; c) indumentum in stem; f) leaf morphology; g) leaf apex; h) leaf margin; A. malabarica: d) leaf morphology; i) leaf margin; A. indica: e) leaf morphology; j) leaf margin

Anisomeles tamilnadense Ramasubbu & Bechu sp. nov.

PUNNEN ABRAHAM BECHU, RAJU RAMASUBBU, EDWIN KIRUBAI DASS SPURGEON, PALANIVEL VENKATESH and KARUPPASAMY KALAISELVAN. 2026. Anisomeles tamilnadense (Lamiaceae), A New Species from Tamil Nadu, India.  Phytotaxa. 711(2); 202-208. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.711.2.10 [2025-07-24]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393979625_Anisomeles_tamilnadense_a_new_species_from_Tamil_Nadu_India

academia.edu/164908527/Anisomeles_tamilnadense_a_new_species_from_Tamil_Nadu_India

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Cimolodon desosai • Cranial and Postcranial Remains of A New Species of Cimolodon (Multituberculata: Cimolodontidae) from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) El Gallo Formation of Baja California, México

Cimolodon desosai

Mantilla, Newbins, Fastovsky, Zhang, Montellano-Ballesteros, Alcántara & Chen, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2641109

Illustration by Andrey Atuchin

ABSTRACT

Late Cretaceous mammals from North America are predominantly known from isolated teeth and fragmentary jaws and from localities representing coastal lowlands along the Western Interior Seaway. Here, we report craniodental and associated postcranial remains of a new species of the cimolodontid multituberculate genus Cimolodon from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) El Gallo Formation of Baja California, México. The specimen was deposited along the Pacific Coast between 75.17 ± 0.30 Ma and 74.55 ± 0.18 Ma. It represents the most complete mammal known from the Mesozoic of México and one of the best known cimolodontan multituberculates from North America. Morphologically, the new species, Cimolodon desosai, is most like C. nitidus, but differences include upper anterior premolar shape, molar cusp formulae, and relative length proportions of the cheek teeth. Phylogenetic analysis supports placement of the new species within Cimolodon and Ptilodontoidea, but uncertainties remain regarding relationships among cimolodontan families. Using the craniodental and postcranial data, we quantitatively reconstruct C. desosai as a small-bodied (∼100 g), animal-dominated omnivore with a scansorial locomotor mode. With the new taxonomic occurrence, the El Gallo mammalian local fauna is now known from 16 specimens referred to three multituberculate species (Mesodma cf. M. formosa, ?Stygimys sp., and Cimolodon desosai), one metatherian (Pediomys sp.), and one eutherian (Gallolestes pachymandibularis). Although further sampling is needed, the mammalian local fauna presently shows greatest biogeographic affinities with the Terlingua local fauna of western Texas.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

MAMMALIA Linnaeus, 1758

MULTITUBERCULATA Cope, 1884

CIMOLODONTA McKenna, 1975

PTILODONTOIDEA Sloan and Van Valen, 1965

CIMOLODONTIDAE McKenna, 1975

CIMOLODON Marsh, 1889

CIMOLODON DESOSAI, sp. nov.

Partial cranium of the holotype of Cimolodon desosai (IGM 14691).
Images are three-dimensional surface renderings from μCT scans in: A, anterior; B, stereo dorsal; C, stereo ventral; D, left lateral; and E, right lateral views of the partial cranium; and F, occlusal view of the right upper cheek tooth row in high magnification. Dashed white lines represent interpreted position of cranial bone sutures.

Abbreviations: al, anterior lamina; fr, frontal; iof, intraorbital foramen; mx, maxilla; na, nasal; naf, nasal foramen; otc, orbitotemporal canal; pa, parietal; pav, palatal vacuity; pmx, premaxilla; pop, postorbital process; sq, squamosal; zpm, zygomatic process of the maxilla. Scale bar equals 10 mm for A–E and 2 mm for F.

Cimolodon desosai on the tree with a fruit in its mouth. It was about the size of a golden hamster. It likely scampered on the ground and in the trees and ate fruits and insects.

Illustration by Andrey Atuchin

 

 

Gregory P. Wilson Mantilla, Isiah R. Newbins, David E. Fastovsky, Yue Zhang, Marisol Montellano-Ballesteros, Dalia García Alcántara and Meng Chen. 2026. Cranial and Postcranial Remains of A New Species of Cimolodon (Mammalia, Multituberculata, Cimolodontidae) from the Upper Cretaceous (Campanian) El Gallo Formation of Baja California, México. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2641109. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2641109  [22 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, 

in Tong, Chen, Huang, Li, Wan et Lin, 2026.

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

Abstract

Aspidistra huashuishanensis, a new species from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. daqingshanensis in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. The new species is currently only known from the type locality in northern Guangdong. Detailed colour plates and data on morphology, ecology, phenology and distribution of the new species are also provided.

Keyword: Aspidistra daqingshanensis, Aspidistra triradiata, Huashuishan City-level Nature Reserve, new taxon

Aspidistra huashuishanensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Flowers; C. Flowering plant; D-E. Flower side view; F. Fruit; G. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (8-merous); H. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (6- merous); I. Pistil; J. Stigma top view (8-merous); K. Stigma top view (6-merous); L. Stigma bottom view (6-merous).

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, sp. nov. 

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to A. daqingshanensis Y.L. Pan & C.R. Lin in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. 

Yi-Hua Tong, Shu-Yan Chen, Hai-Jian Huang, Yuan-Qiu Li, Xin-Yu Wan and Chun-Rui Lin. 2026. Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Taiwania. 71(2); 390 - 393. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.390 [20 April 2026] 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

[Fungi • 2026] Leucoinocybe danxiashanensis & L. haizhuensis (Basidiomycota: Agaricales) • Two mycenoid Species from southern China

 

[A-B] Leucoinocybe danxiashanensis Ming Zhang, T.H. Li & Xiang L. Chen,
[C-D] L. haizhuensis Ming Zhang, C.X. Fan & W.X. Xia,

in Xia, Wang, Chen, Sun, Fan, Li, Deng, Yue et Zhang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.129.174720

Abstract

Two new species of Leucoinocybe from southern China are described, illustrated, and compared with phenotypically similar and phylogenetically related species. Morphologically, L. danxiashanensis sp. nov. is characterized by its mycenoid basidiomata, light brown to brownish orange pileus with faintly yellow striations, decurrent lamellae, abundant lageniform to obclavate and thin-walled cystidia on pileus and stipe surface, and broadly ellipsoid to subamygdaliform basidiospores; and L. haizhuensis sp. nov. is characterized by its mycenoid basidiomata, brown, light brown to yellowish white pileus with pubescent, 2-spored basidia, ovoid, diverse cheilocystidia and elliptical to broadly elliptical basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses based on sequences of the nuclear ribosomal large subunit (nrLSU) and the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) supported them as two distinct species of Leucoinocybe.

Key words: Mycenoid, new taxon, phylogeny, Porotheleaceae, taxonomy

Basidiomata of Leucoinocybe danxiashanensis. A. Collection GDGM 80114 (holotype); B. Collection GDGM 80184. Scale bars: 10 mm (A, B). 
Basidiomata of Leucoinocybe haizhuensis. A, B. Collection GDGM 102360 (holotype); C. Collection GDGM 95340; D. Collection GDGM 99420. Scale bars: 10 mm (A–D).

Leucoinocybe danxiashanensis Ming Zhang, T.H. Li & Xiang L. Chen, sp. nov.

Leucoinocybe haizhuensis Ming Zhang, C.X. Fan & W.X. Xia, sp. nov.

 Wen-Xiao Xia, Chao-Qun Wang, Xiang-Lian Chen, Rui-Hua Sun, Cun-Xiang Fan, Tai-Hui Li, Wang-Qiu Deng, Hai-Mei Yue and Ming Zhang. 2026. Two mycenoid Species of Leucoinocybe (Agaricales, Basidiomycota) from southern China.  MycoKeys. 129: 325-343. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.129.174720  [12 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Melanoseris pendryi (Asteraceae) • A New Species from Sikkim Himalaya, India

 

Melanoseris pendryi  D. Maity & Khuroo,
 

in Maity, Khuroo, Halder, Saha, Jha et Pradhan. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0112

bsky.app/profile/anbf.bsky.social

 

Abstract

Melanoseris pendryi D. Maity & Khuroo (Asteraceae) is described as a new species from the Sikkim Himalaya, India. It shares some characters, such as overall habit, capitulum size and hairy involucres, with M. lessertiana and M. qinghaica. However, among other features, M. pendryi is distinguished from them by having long ciliate hairs on the ventral surface of the lavender ligules. The paper provides a detailed taxonomic description, illustrations, photographs of diagnostic features and other details to facilitate identification.

Melanoseris pendryi (photographed near Thombu on 22 September 2025).
 A: Habitat. — B: Habit. — C: Capitulum. — D: Ligules. — E: Colourless ligule (part). — F: Outer involucral bract (ventral face). — G: Inner involucral bract (ventral face). — H: Floret. — I: Anther tube. — J: Immature cypsela. — K: Mature cypsela. — L: Cypsela body surface.

Debabrata Maity, Anzar Ahmad Khuroo, Arup K. Halder, Suparna Saha, Bhavesh K. Jha and Durga K. Pradhan. 2026. Melanoseris pendryi (Asteraceae), a New Species from Sikkim Himalaya, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1):73-78. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0112 [20 April 2026]

https://bsky.app/profile/anbf.bsky.social/post/3mk5p37iwuc2k

[Crustacea • 2026] Nephropsis perexigua • A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae) [the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster]

Nephropsis perexigua

Chan & Chang, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 

Abstract

Several small specimens of a clawed lobster recently collected off the island of Guadeloupe in the West Indies and originally reported as Nephropsis aculeata Smith, 1881 are found to represent a species new to science. The new species, N. perexigua sp. nov., can be readily separated from N. aculeata by the absence of a dorsal median carina in the abdomen. Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov. actually closely resembles N. pygmaea Chang, Chan & Kumar, 2020 from the West Pacific, but differs in the abdomen being smooth. The shape of the posteromesial plate on the coxa of the pereiopod III is also distinctly different among males of N. perexiguasp. nov., N. aculeata, and N. pygmaea. The large sequence divergence in the barcoding gene COI supports the distinct specific status of the new species. With the carapace length of the largest specimen being 12.1 mm and the smallest ovigerous female only 10.0 mm, N. perexiguasp. nov. is the world’s smallest clawed lobster so far known. An updated key to the species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 is provided.

Nephropsis perexigua sp. nov.

Tin-Yam Chan and Su-Ching Chang. 2026. Description of the World’s Smallest Clawed Lobster, A New Species of Nephropsis Wood-Mason, 1872 (Decapoda: Astacidea: Nephropidae). Journal of Crustacean Biology. 46(2); ruag015. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/jcbiol/ruag015 [10 April 2026 ]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Limnonectes motijheel • A New mud-nesting Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Arunachal Pradesh with notes on L. longchuanensis from India

Limnonectes motijheel 

Boruah, Rajiv, Dutta & Das, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.3.8

facebook.com: Bitupan BORUAH

 

Abstract

A new species of Limnonectes is described from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, based on differences in morphological characters and mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA. The genetic divergence of the new species with its congeners of the L. limborgi complex is 2.4–6.8% in the 16S rRNA gene. The new species can be easily differentiated from its congeners by adult snout-vent length range 23.3–35.9 mm, internarial distance greater than inter-upper eyelid width and upper eyelid width, an inverted “V” shaped dermal fold on dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral folds on dorsum, dark-brown concave line on inter-upper eyelid space. Additionally, the new species exhibits a unique nesting behaviour, constructing mud nest under leaf litter. This study also formally reports L. longchuanensis from India. With the description of this new species and the report of L. longchuanensis, the number of species of the genus currently known from India increases to six.

Amphibia, Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, northeast India, taxonomy, phylogenetics

Limnonectes motijheel sp. nov.

 

BITUPAN BORUAH, N. V. RAJIV, SOURAV DUTTA and ABHIJIT DAS. 2026. A New mud-nesting Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Arunachal Pradesh with notes on L. longchuanensis from India.  Zootaxa. 5796(3); 551-571.3 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.3.8 [2026-04-22]

https://www.facebook.com/bitupan.wild.92/posts/26598769686474352

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha: Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography

 

Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992  
3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data.

  in Mensforth, Long, Bevitt et Clement, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271

Artwork: Thomas Turner

Abstract

Introduction: The ‘osteolepiforms’ are an extinct order of lobe-finned fishes that had a cosmopolitan distribution, which are often considered for their proximity to the vertebrate water-to-land transition. The canowindrids are an East Gondwanan clade of tetrapodomorph fishes that exhibit a high level of endemism. However, due to the rarity of canowindrid material and their taphonomy, there is only a single representative preserved wholly in 3D and thus suitable for investigation via modern non-invasive tomography.

Methods: Here we present an updated description of the holotype of Koharalepis jarviki, a canowindrid collected from the Late Devonian Aztec Siltstone formation in Mt Crean, Antarctica, elucidated via a combination of synchrotron and neutron tomography.

Results and discussion: New elements of the braincase, palate, mandible and axial skeleton are revealed for the first time, and previously reported anatomy including the dermal skull and position of the orbits are confirmed. A partial braincase and endocast has been reconstructed, enabling rare insight into the neural anatomy of Koharalepis. Phylogenetic analysis confirms Koharalepis as a member of the Canowindridae with Harajicadectes zhumini recovered as sister taxon. The canowindrids occupy a region of the phylogenetic tree with ‘osteolepidid’ taxa and megalichthyids, crownward of rhizodonts but below tristichopterids and elpistostegalids. This work provides greater support for the taxonomic characters and phylogenetic position of the enigmatic canowindrid family, and the 3D preservation of this material has enabled us to infer some behavioural and ecological insight.

Keywords: 3D modelling, canowindrid, Devonian, endocast, neutron tomography, phylogenetic analysis, Sarcopterygii, tetrapodomorph

3D rendering of Koharalepis jarviki (AMF 54325) from neutron tomographic data in (A) dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) anterior view, (D) left lateral view and (E) posterior view.

Et, extra temporal; Ju, jugal; L.Ex, lateral extrascapular; M.Ex, median extrascapular; Op, operculum; Par, parietal; Po, postorbital; PP, postparietal; Sclm, supracleithrum; Sq, squamosal.

Life reconstruction of the Devonian tetrapodomorph fish Koharalepis jarviki.

Artwork: Thomas Turner/Flinders University

 Koharalepis jarviki Young & Ritchie, 1992

Corinne L. Mensforth, John A. Long, Joseph J. Bevitt and Alice M. Clement. 2026. New Data on the sarcopterygian Koharalepis jarviki (Tetrapodomorpha; Canowindridae) from the Late Devonian of Antarctica, revealed via Synchrotron and Neutron Tomography. Front. Ecol. Evol. (14); DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fevo.2026.1765271 [16 April 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Theridion himalayana • On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, 

in Tripathy et Priyadarshini, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 

Abstract

A new species of Theridion is reported here from Uttarakhand, India which resembles and exhibits polymorphism like the Happy-face spiders reported from the Hawaiian Islands, Theridion grallator. The species is polymorphic in both sexes and exhibits patterns of a smiling face with dots in colours of red, black and white arranged differently. 32 different morphs of the species have been reported here which have been collected from three different locations in the northwestern state of India, Uttarakhand. This Theridion species also builds webs to hang upside down like the other polymorphic spiders T. californicum and T. grallator. The phylogenetic position of the species is also reported here which was compared against some of the Asian and Neotropical species across the world using the COI marker. A genetic variation of around 8.5% is observed from the Hawaiian Happy-face spider which indicates a separately evolved species in Asia where several morphs have been found. Despite moderate overall divergence, T. himalayana appears to be phylogenetically isolated from both its Palearctic and Nearctic congeners. This supports its distinctiveness within the genus and raises broader questions about lineage dispersal, parallel evolution of colour polymorphism and independent evolution of species in montane forests. A dichotomous key to the Theridion species described form India is also presented here.

Key Words: Happy-face spider, polymorphism, dichotomous key, Phylogeny, Theridiidae, Uttarakhand, India

Theridion himalayana Priyadarshini & Tripathy, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Theridion himalayana sp. nov. can be readily distinguished from other Indian congeners by the unique configuration of the copulatory ducts (CD) and fertilisation ducts (FD). In T. himalayana sp. nov., the CD is elongate, strongly curved, and prominently protruding forward, with both ducts running almost parallel before terminating downward. The CD which is longer than the spermathecae exhibits a distinctive sew-hook–like appearance, which is not observed in any other examined species. The fertilisation ducts are short, narrow, and directed upwards, diverging away from each other to form a V-shaped orientation. The FD arises below the spermatheca, with each duct directed opposite to the CD. This configuration clearly separates T. himalayana sp. nov. from T. odisha, which has a S-shaped, coiled CD that terminates in oval loops and FD inclined towards each other; T. bengalensis, where CD is short, slender, and directed away from each other, while FD appears tapering distally and directed away from spermatheca; T. melanostictum, characterized by extremely long, highly coiled CD and downward-directed, sickle-shaped FD; T. zonulatum, which possesses short, uncoiled CD and looped FD directed upwards.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘himalayana’ is assigned to species owing to the locality from which it was first found as an ode to the mighty Himalayan Mountain range that holds a wealth of biodiversity.

Suggested common name. Himalayan Happy-Face Spider.

 Ashirwad Tripathy and Devi Priyadarshini. 2026. On the Discovery of A New polymorphic Happy-Face Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae) from the Western Himalayas, India, with notes on its natural history. Evolutionary Systematics. 10(1): 63-84. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/evolsyst.10.174338 [24 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Begonia hanhhoae (Begoniaceae, sect. Jackia) • A New Species from the South Central Coast region, Vietnam

 

Begonia hanhhoae  C.W.Lin, V.C.Nguyen, Vuong & Aver.,

in Tran, V. C. Nguyen, T. H. Nguyen, Averyanov, Truong, Q. B. Nguyen, V. K. Nguyen et Lin, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.752.3.5 

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract 

Begonia hanhhoae, a new species from Khanh Hoa Province, Ninh Hoa District, South Central Coast region, Vietnam, is described and illustrated. It resembles B. aspersa from northern Vietnam but differs in having broadly ovate to suborbicular leaves (vs. reniform) with a slightly waxy adaxial surface (vs. velvety), inflorescence with up to 13 flowers (vs. up to 5), actinomorphic androecium (vs. zygomorphic), and pistillate flowers that are subsessile or borne on very short pedicels up to 1.5 mm long (vs. 4–12 mm). According to the IUCN criteria, it has been tentatively assessed as Endangered (EN).

biodiversity, plant conservation, endemism, Indochina, Khanh Hoa Province, taxonomy, Eudicots

THI THUY NHAN TRAN, VAN CANH NGUYEN, THI HOA NGUYEN, LEONID V. AVERYANOV, BA VUONG TRUONG, QUOC BAO NGUYEN, VAN KHUONG NGUYEN and CHE WEI LIN. 2026. Begonia hanhhoae (Sect. Jackia), A New Species of Begoniaceae from the South Central Coast region, Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 752(3); 228-234. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.752.3.5 [2026-04-23]

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10232689178635435

[Botany • 2026] Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) • A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Afzelia corallina  A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi, 

in Bianchi, Baldesi, Calzoni, Delledonne, Focaia, Luke, Khamis, Tomasi et Orsenigo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903

Abstract

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) is described from the coral rag forests of the Tondooni Peninsula in the Ngezi–Vumawimbi Forest Reserve on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Morphologically distinct from all known members of the genus, this large, emergent tree shows the closest affinities to Afzelia quanzensis but differs in several vegetative and floral characters, including its falcate leaflets, highly branched terminal inflorescences, petal colour, the colour of stamens, and the number of extra staminodes. The species is currently known only from a restricted coastal limestone habitat, indicating a micro-endemic distribution. An updated diagnostic key to East African Afzelia species is provided. This discovery highlights the botanical uniqueness and conservation importance of Pemba’s remaining forest ecosystems.

Key words: Afzelieae, Detarioideae, new species, Ngezi, taxonomy, Vumawimbi

Afzelia corallina. a. Flower close-up showing two rudimentary subulate petals; b. Single flower; c. Inflorescence. Pictures by: Andrea Bianchi.

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species is similar to Afzelia quanzensis but can be distinguished by paniculate inflorescence (vs. racemose or one-forked inflorescence), number of flowers per inflorescence (up to 150 vs. 4–12), colour of the large petal (white and red, with a white median stripe vs. entirely green outside and red inside, occasionally mottled with white or greenish-white), the shape of small petals (subulate vs. clavate), the colour of stamen and staminodes that are crimson red in A. corallina and green, often with a red base, in A. quanzensis. Moreover, A. corallina shows a bigger style (40–50 mm vs 25 mm) and ovary (7 × 2.2–2.7 vs. 3.5 × 1.5 mm) compared to A. quanzensis. Finally, pods are thinly woody and 1–4 seeded (vs. thickly woody and 5–13 seeded in A. quanzensis), and seeds have much smaller aril (4–5 vs. 8–13 mm long) (Table 1).

 

Etymology. The epithet corallina (from the Latin ‘corallium’, coral) refers to this species’ habit of growing on coral rag, a rubbly limestone composed of ancient coral reef material. Furthermore, the colourful and dense inflorescence may resemble a coral head, as does the red marking on the large petal.

 Andrea Bianchi, Giacomo Baldesi, Daniela Calzoni, Massimo Delledonne, Riccardo Focaia, Quentin Luke, Khamis A. Khamis, Laura Tomasi and Simone Orsenigo. 2026. Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae), A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. PhytoKeys. 273: 55-69. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903 [9 Apr 2026]

  

[Ichthyology • 2026] Tympanopleura personata • A New Species of inseminating Catfish of the Genus Tympanopleura (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Ituxi River, Amazon River Basin, northern Brazil, revealed by integrative taxonomy

Tympanopleura personata

 Ribeiro, Silva-Oliveira, Magalhães, Gama & Py-Daniel, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70445 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Tympanopleura is described from the Iquiri River, a tributary of the Ituxi River, a right-bank tributary to the Purus River, Amazon River, northern Brazil. The new species is distinguished from all its congeners by a combination of features, such as the presence of an intensely pigmented square-shaped blotch on the supraoccipital, a semicircular dark blotch above each eye and an inconspicuous vertical bar on the caudal-fin base (except Tympanopleura piperata), and by a combination of meristic and morphometric character states. Preliminary molecular analyses demonstrate genetic distance values of 2.4% of cytochrome oxidase, subunit I, divergence between the new species and T. piperata and 8.0%–13.0% between the new species and the other congeners. The new species shows several reproductive adaptations to copulation and internal insemination. Considering the period during which prenuptial and nuptial specimens were available, we can presume that its reproductive period occurs when the water level increases. In addition, an identification key for the species of Tympanopleura is provided.

Tympanopleura personata in life, in dorsal (a) lateral, (b) ventral views and (c) dorsal views, UFOPA-I 1374, 84.0, mm LS, paratype, Iquiri River, Lábrea, Amazonas, Brazil.

  Tympanopleura personata, new species

Diagnosis: Tympanopleura personata is distinguished from all congeners by having a unique colouration of the head, consisting of the combination of an intensely pigmented square-shaped blotch on the supraoccipital and a semicircular dark blotch above each eye (Figure 2; Walsh et al., 2015: Figure 1e). It also differs from all congeners, except T. piperata, by the caudal-fin pigmentation, consisting of a patch of scattered melanophores forming an inconspicuous vertical bar on the caudal-fin base, most visible in live or freshly preserved specimens (Figure 2). Tympanopleura personata differs from T. piperata by having a longer caudal peduncle (11.1%–13.8% LS vs. 7.6%–10.5% LS) and a smaller distance between the insertion of the last dorsal-fin ray and adipose-fin origin (41.9%–45.6% LS vs. 45.9%–55.4% LS). Additionally, T. personata can be distinguished from T. atronasus, T. cryptica, T. brevis, T. piperata and T. rondoni by having more anal-fin rays (36–40, mode 39 vs. 23–30, mode 27 in T. atronasus; 23–30, mode 29 in T. cryptica; 31–36, mode 33 in T. brevis; 31–38, mode 35 in T. piperata; and 28–37, mode 31 in T. rondoni) and few total gill rakers (17–20, mode 19 vs. 20–24, mode 23 in T. brevis; 21–26, mode 22 in T. cryptica; 19–25, mode 23 in T. longipinna; and 24–33, mode 29–30 in T. rondoni).

Etymology: The specific epithet personata is derived from the Latin personatus, meaning masked, in reference to the dorsal pigmentation of the head. It is treated as a noun in apposition. Gender is feminine.

Frank Raynner V. Ribeiro, Cárlison Silva-Oliveira, Valdenor Magalhães, Lucas Gama and Lúcia H. Rapp Py-Daniel. 2026. A New Species of inseminating Catfish of the Genus Tympanopleura (Siluriformes: Auchenipteridae) from the Ituxi River, Amazon River Basin, northern Brazil, revealed by integrative taxonomy. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70445 [13 April 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Androctonus tinzaouatinensis • A New scorpion Species (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from In Guezzam Province, Algeria

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis 

Yağmur, Benali, Derradj & Bikada, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 

facebook.com: Lotfi Derradj

 ABSTRACT

A new scorpion species, Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from the hyperarid Saharan regions of the Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province and Timiaouine District, Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province, southern Algeria. This new species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from the Timiaouine and Tin Zaouatine areas. It is compared with congeners from Algeria and Niger, notably A. ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Lourenço, A. amoreuxi (Audouin), and A. eburneus (Pallary).

 

KEYWORDS: Morphology, taxonomy, Tin Zaouatine, Sahara, endemic

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. 

 

Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Noureddine Benali, Lotfi Derradj and Manna Bikada. 2026. Androctonus tinzaouatinensis A New scorpion Species from In Guezzam Province, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 60(17-20); 1033-1047. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 [21 Apr 2026]

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