[Botany • 2026] Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, 

in Wang et Guo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136

 Abstract 

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo (Aristolochiaceae) is described as a new species of A. subg. Siphisia from western Guangdong, China. It is a narrow endemic of high-elevation bamboo forests near mountain summits in the Xinyi City area. It has been collected before but misidentified as A. championii, a morphologically similar congener. The new species is readily distinguished from other Aristolochia taxa by its distinctive floral morphology, characterised by a ruffled, annular calyx limb with a yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots. A detailed morphological description is provided and A. crispata is compared with A. championii and A. haimingii. An identification key to the species of Aristolochia subg. Siphisia occurring in Guangdong and to morphologically similar species from adjacent regions is provided. Aristolochia crispata is tentatively assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Aristolochia crispata.
 — A: Habitat. — B: Flowering plant in situ. — C: Plants climbing as vines in high-elevation bamboo forest. — D: Young seedlings. — E: Perianth morphology, abaxial surface (left) and adaxial surface of the perianth tube (right). — F: Gynostemium. — G: Root system. — H: Developing fruit capsule. — I: Papilionid butterfly larva feeding on the leaves.
 A–C, E, F, H and I photographed at the type locality on 28 May 2013; D and G photographed on 25 December 2025, associated with the paratype gathering Y.F. Wang, Z.R. Guo & Y.W. Jiang ARI25GD002.

Line drawing of Aristolochia crispata (based on the type gathering, Y. Tong, Y.H. Tong & B.M. Wang 13052846).
— A: Young twining stem. — B: Old twining stem, more than two years old, showing nodes bearing cauliflorous inflorescences. — C and D: Fruit capsule, lateral and basal views. — E: Whole-plant habit, showing the twining liana and subterranean tuberous root. — F and G: Bud, lateral and frontal views. — H and I: Gynostemium, top and lateral views. — J–L: Flower at anthesis, frontal, lateral and posterior views. — M and N: Leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces.

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, sp. nova 

Diagnosis. Aristolochia crispata is most similar to A. championii and A. haimingii, but is distinguished by its connate, annular calyx limb with a conspicuously ruffled outline, yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots, upwardly reflexed lower portion and fully dark purple throat. Aristolochia championii differs in having a uniformly reddish-brown calyx limb and a bright yellow throat with sparse red flecks, whereas A. haimingii has a yellowish-green to bright yellow limb with purple striping, an evenly expanded smooth margin and a yellow to yellowish-green throat. For additional diagnostic characters, see Fig. 4 and Table 1.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet crispata is the feminine singular derived from the Latin crispatus, referring to the conspicuously ruffled, annular calyx limb that distinguishes this species from its congeners.

 Yifan Wang and Zirui Guo. 2026. Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 283-291. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136  (21 October 2026) 

[Herpetology • 2026] Rana hainan • A New Species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China

 

 Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang,

in H.-T. Wang, Huang, Liao, Qiu, Song, Qi, Ding, Zhuo, W. Wang, Wu, B. Wang, Y.-Y. Wang, Li et J.-C. Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Rana is described from Hainan Island, southern China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. During herpetological surveys conducted in Wanning City and Mt. Diaoluo, Hainan Province, a series of Rana specimens assignable to the R. johnsi group were collected from montane tropical rainforest habitats. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S, COI, and cyt b sequences recovered the Hainan population as a distinct and well-supported lineage within the R. johnsi group. Morphometric analyses, including PCA, DAPC, and PERMANOVA, further demonstrated significant differentiation between the Hainan population and its congeners. The new species, Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov., is characterized by a medium body size, head longer than wide, a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region, straight and narrow dorsolateral folds, toe tips with connected lateroventral grooves, absence of tarsal folds, and breeding males possessing a continuous grayish-white nuptial pad on finger I. Historical records of R. varians, R. nigrotympanica, and R. johnsi from Hainan are reviewed. Records from Mt. Diaoluo are reassigned to the new species, whereas records from other localities are conservatively treated as Rana cf. johnsi pending further investigation.

Key words: Hainan Island, historical records, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, Rana johnsi group

The female paratypes of  Rana hainan sp. nov. in life.
A. SYS a009526; B. SYS a009527 (Field NO. SYNU 900774);
1. Dorsolateral view; 2. Ventral view; 3. Palmar surface of right hand; 4. Plantar surface of right foot.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Xian-Chun Qiu.

Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy. Rana nigrotympanica – Wang et al. (2007).

Rana johnsi – Shi et al. (2011, in part).

Diagnosis. Rana hainan sp. nov. is distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: (1) body medium-sized, SVL 44.4–45.4 (44.9 ± 0.5, n = 3) mm in adult males, 45.4–57.5 (51.2 ± 4.2, n = 9) mm in adult females; (2) head length significantly larger than head width; (3) a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region; (4) dorsolateral fold distinct and thin, extending straight from posterior margin of upper eyelid to above groin; (5) internarial distances larger than interorbital distances; (6) eyes relatively small; (7) tympanum diameter significantly smaller than eye diameter; (8) fingers without lateroventral grooves, unwebbed, relative finger lengths II < I < IV < III; (9) presence of supernumerary tubercles below the bases of each finger, presence of three separated metacarpal tubercles; (10) toe tips slightly expanded into small discs, lateroventral grooves present on all toe tips, connected at the anterior margin, toes webbing formula: I 0–1/2 II 0–1/2 III 1- – 1/2 IV 1- – 0 V, relative toe lengths I < II < III < V < IV; (11) tibio-tarsal articulation reaching forward beyond tip of snout; (12) heels overlapping; (13) dorsal skin smooth, flanks smooth with few granules; (14) presence of vocal sacs in males; (15) breeding males possessing a grayish-white nuptial pad forming a continuous patch on finger I, extending from the tip of the finger to the posterior margin of the inner metacarpal tubercle, and densely covered with tiny hoary nuptial spines.

Rana hainan sp. nov.
A. Habitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve; B. Microhabitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve;
C. Female Paratype SYS a009746 from Mt. Diaoluo in its natural habitat.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Chen-Xi Liao.

 Hao-Tian Wang, Ming-Hong Huang, Chen-Xi Liao, Xian-Chun Qiu, Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Da-Er Ding, Shang-Biao Zhuo, Wei Wang, Jun Wu, Bin Wang, Ying-Yong Wang, Pi-Peng Li and Ji-Chao Wang. 2026. A New Species of Rana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China. ZooKeys. 1296: 185-208. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503  [04-11-2026]

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

 

Oxygyne myanmarensis  Nob.Tanaka & Paing,

in Tanaka, Paing et Aung, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.782.3.8

Abstract

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

Monocots, Oxygyne myanmarensis, Thismiaceae, Myanmar, mycoheterotrophic plants

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, 

in Hervouet et Ranaivo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a14

 

 Abstract  

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

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

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

 front view of lip, 29 February 2020. 

side view of ovary and flower, 29 February 2020.

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

Family Orchidaceae Juss.

Sub-family Orchidoideae A.A. Eaton

Tribe Orchideae (Dressler & Dodson) Verm.

Subtribe Habenariinae sensu Ngugi et al. 2020

Cynorkis hasinai Hervouet & Ranaivo, sp. nov.

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

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

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

Photograph by Jean-Michel Hervouet.

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

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

[Botany • 2026] Cycas ammonitia (Cycadaceae) • A New Species from the Ammonite-rich semi-deciduous forests in Mindoro Island, Philippines

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, 

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7751/telopea22599

Abstract

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis (Cycadaceae, Section Cycas, Subsection Rumphiae K.D.Hill) is described from Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro, Philippines. The species grows in seasonally dry semi-deciduous forests on steep ridges over calcareous soils derived from Jurassic ammonite-rich deposits of the Mansalay Formation. Morphologically, Cycas ammonitia resembles Cycas edentata de Laub. and Cycas nitida K.D.Hill & A.Lindstr. in having smooth sclerotesta and a spongy endotesta in the seeds. However, it is distinguished by its very short microsporophyll and megasporophyll apical spines and its unique inland habitat on ammonite-bearing rocks, unlike the coastal or littoral distribution of its relatives. A key to the Philippine species of Cycas subsection Rumphiae is provided.

Keywords: Cycas ammonitia, Cycadaceae, new species, Mindoro Island, Philippines, Subsection Rumphiae

Cycas ammonitia Agoo, Madulid & Linis, sp. nov.
A. Habit. B. Bark. C. Leaf. D. Part of a leaf showing petioles. E. Cross-section of a leaflet. F. Microsporangiate strobilus. G. Microsporophylls. H. Megasporophylls. I. Terminal lamina of megasporophylls. J. Seeds (en = endotesta; ga = gametophyte; sa = sarcotesta; sc = sclerotesta).

A – E and H–J from Agoo and N Rag-op 26-008 (PNH, DLSUH), F– G from Agoo and N Rag-op 26-009 (PNH, DLSUH). 

Scale bar: A = 1 m., B = 2 cm., C = 1 m., D = 10 cm., E = 1 cm., F = 30 cm., G = 3 cm., H = 20 cm., I = 5 cm., J = 3 cm.

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

Diagnosis: Similar to Cycas edentata and C. nitida in having smooth sclerotesta and a spongy endotesta of the seeds; but differ significantly by its very short microsporophyll apical spine (0.1–0.5 cm long) and megasporophyll apical spine (0.5–0.7 cm long) vs microsporophyll apical spine at least 0.9 cm long and megasporophyll apical spine 1.5–4 cm long in Cycas edentata and Cycas nitida and its unique habitat in a semi-deciduous forest near creeks over ammonite-bearing deposits.

Etymology: The specific epithet ammonitia refers to the ammonite fossil deposits found within the Mansalay Formation that are dated as Middle to Late Jurassic (Aurelio et al. 2012; Andal et al. 1968). The unique calcareous geological substrate, to which this species is restricted, highlights the intimate link between the plant’s edaphic niche and its speciation.

 Esperanza Maribel G. Agoo, Domingo A. Madulid and Virgilio Cutibar Linis. 2026. Cycas ammonitia (Cycadaceae), A New Species from the Ammonite-rich semi-deciduous forests in Mindoro Island, Philippines. Telopea. 30; 187–194. DOI: doi.org/10.7751/telopea22599 [2026-09-08]

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

Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis,

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis,. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04

Abstract 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Diploderma gulaense • A New Species of the Genus Diploderma (Reptilia: Agamidae) from Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China

 

Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, 

in Cai, Liu, Budian, Yao, Wu, Jiang, Luo et Guo, 2026.

古拉攀蜥  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.198381

 

Abstract

A new species of the agamid genus Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 is described from Gula Township, Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), China, based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial ND2 genes reveal that the new species Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov. forms a well-supported clade with D. laeviventre, D. yangi, and D. slowinskii, endemic to the Nu River valley. It is sister to D. laeviventre but differs from it and other congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics: moderate body size (SVL 53.1–63.4 mm in males, 54.8–70.2 mm in females); relatively long tail (TAL/SVL 2.07–2.38 in males, 1.90–2.26 in females); tympanum concealed; ventral body scales strongly keeled; transverse gular fold present; cyan gular spot in both sexes; pale cyan dorsolateral stripes in males; and tongue pale flesh colored. The new species is currently known only from the Ranbuqu valley, a dry-warm valley along a tributary of the middle Nu River, at elevations between 2,332 and 3,300 m. Its restricted distribution and ongoing habitat degradation suggest a preliminary IUCN assessment of Vulnerable (VU). The discovery of Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov. further highlights the role of river-valley systems in driving allopatric speciation within the genus and underscores the underestimated diversity of Diploderma in the Hengduan Mountains.

Key words: Diploderma gulaense sp. nov., dry valley, geographical isolation, Hengduan mountains, Mountain Lizard, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Salween River

Live coloration of Diploderma gulaense sp. nov. (male, CIB-CB23CY17, photographed while healthy).
A. Lateral view of body; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Lateral view of head; E. Oral cavity.

Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Diploderma gulaense sp. nov. can be diagnosed from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) adult body size moderate, SVL 53.1–63.4 mm in males (n = 4), 54.8–70.2 mm in females (n = 7); (2) tail relatively long, TAL/SVL 2.07–2.38 (mean 2.18) in males, 1.90–2.26 (mean 2.02) in females; (3) head moderately depressed, HW/HL 0.65–0.75 in males, 0.65–0.74 in females; (4) foreleg length moderate, FLL/SVL 0.46–0.48 in males, 0.43–0.50 in females; (5) hindleg length relatively short, HLL/SVL 0.74–0.80 in males, 0.66–0.77 in females; tympanum concealed by small scales; (6) middorsal crest scales ....

Etymology. The Latin specific epithet gulaense is derived from the Gula Township, where the new species was discovered. The genus Diploderma is Greek neuter, and the suffix -ense of this new species name is the Latin neuter combinatorial suffix denoting ‘pertaining to’ or ‘originating in’. 

And we suggest Gula Mountain Lizard as its English common name and 古拉攀蜥 (Chinese phonetic alphabet: gǔ lā pān xī) as its Chinese common name.

 Bo Cai, Fengjing Liu, Ayimo Budian, Zhongyi Yao, Boyang Wu, Jianping Jiang, Xiaobo Luo and Keji Guo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Diploderma (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae) from Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.  ZooKeys. 1296: 209-230. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.198381 [04 Nov 2026]

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

 

Dombeya boulletiana Le Péchon, Dimassi & M.Pignal, 

in Le Péchon, Dimassi et Pignal, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5252/adansonia2026v48a17 

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

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

Famille Malvaceae Juss.

Sous-famille Dombeyoideae Beilsch.

Genre Dombeya Cav.

Section Dombeyastrum Planchon

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

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

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

Photos: A. Dimassi.

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

 

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

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

 

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

 

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

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

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

 

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr.,

 in Chagas-Jr et Fernandes, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 

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

Abstract

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

Keywords: Barcoding, caves, Chilopoda, Parotostigmus

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Colostethus bocatoro, C. kuara, C. portobelensis, ... • Six New Species in the Colostethus latinasus group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama

 

Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov.

Venkrbec, Veselý, Daza, Kusy, Fuentes, Quiroz, Garcés, Ibáñez, Crawford & Batista, 2026  

   DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e189911 

Abstract

For decades, there has been taxonomic confusion regarding the identity of Colostethus pratti-like frogs occurring in Panama. By including a sample from the close vicinity of the type locality of C. pratti (Valdivia, Colombia), we revealed that these Panamanian frogs instead form a monophyletic clade sister to C. latinasus. Using an integrative approach combining mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, bioacoustics, morphology, and geographical distribution, we describe these lineages herein as six new species: Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov. Based on divergence-time estimates, we further discuss the potential timespan of dispersal from South America in relation to the formation of the Isthmus. Our findings highlight the role of geographical isolation in driving divergence of reproductive signals and generating cryptic amphibian diversity across the Isthmus of Panama. Much of this diversity likely remains undiscovered, underscoring the urgent need for further research and conservation attention in the region.

Keywords: Cryptic species diversity, formation of the Isthmus of Panama, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., 

C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., 

C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov. 

Images of specimens in life.
Row A AB 1084 (OTU1, Rambála, Bocas del Toro) and TV 022, MHCH 3299 (OTU1, Francés River, Bocas del Toro); B AB 2120, MHCH 3290 (OTU2, Cerro Gaital, Coclé);
C MHCH 2705 (OTU3, Rancho Frío field station, Serranía de Pirre); D TV 028, MHCH 5093 (OTU4, Konsenda San Blas, Panamá) and TV 015, MHCH 3296 (OTU4, Salto de los Monos, Portobelo National Park);
E SMF 97201 (OTU5, Taintidu River, Nurra); F AB 2075, MHCH 3286 (OTU6, Cerro Chucantí);
G SMF 97189 (C. latinasus, Cerro Pirre, Darién); H MHUA-A 08171 (C. pratti, Gómez Plata, Antioquia).

 Tadeáš Venkrbec, Milan Veselý, Juan M. Daza, Dominik Kusy, Rogemif Fuentes, Michelle Quiroz, Orlando Garcés, Roberto Ibáñez, Andrew J. Crawford and Abel Batista. 2026. Six New Species in the Colostethus latinasus group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 727-773. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e189911  [04 Nov 2026]

Resumen: Durante décadas, ha existido una confusión taxonómica respecto a la identidad de las ranas similares a la especie Colostethus pratti que se encuentran en Panamá. Aquí incluimos una muestra de las proximidades de la localidad tipo de C. pratti (Valdivia, Colombia), y encontramos que estas ranas panameñas forman un clado monofilético hermano de C. latinasus. Utilizando un enfoque que integra marcadores de ADN mitocondriales y nucleares, así como bioacústica, morfología y distribución geográfica, describimos estos linajes como seis nuevas especies: Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov. y C. chucantiensis sp. nov. Utilizando estimaciones de tiempo de divergencia, analizamos el posible lapso de dispersión desde Sudamérica a partir de la formación del Istmo de Panamá. Nuestros hallazgos resaltan el papel del aislamiento geográfico en la divergencia de las señales reproductivas y la generación de diversidad críptica de anfibios a lo largo del Istmo. Es probable que gran parte de esta diversidad permanezca por descubrir, lo que subraya la urgente necesidad de intensificar la investigación y la conservación en la región.

[Botany • 2026] Perilimnastes pluriflora (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos

Perilimnastes pluriflora Phonep. & C.W.Lin,

in Phonepaseuth et Lin, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.783.3.7  

   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Perilimnastes pluriflora from Sekong Province, is described here as a new species endemic to Laos. It resembles P. aura in having multi-branched stems, oblanceolate leaves, and bright pink flowers, and both species occur in relatively close geographical proximity. However, the new species can be readily distinguished from P. aura by its equal to subequal leaf pairs, multi-flowered inflorescences, shorter peduncles, linear calyx lobes, and longer petals with an acuminate to attenuate apex. So far, only two populations are known from the type locality, with the total number of mature individuals estimated at fewer than 50. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii); B2ab(iii); C2a(i); D].

Annamite range, biodiversity, endemics, Indochina, taxonomy, Eudicots

Perilimnastes pluriflora

Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH and Che-Wei LIN. 2026. Perilimnastes pluriflora (tribe Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), A New Species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos.  Phytotaxa. 783(3); 287-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.783.3.7 [2026-11-05]   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10200525976735489

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Yakamys sirindhornae • A giant Eocene ischyromyid from Southeast Asia reveals the early Evolution of Rodent Gigantism

Yakamys sirindhornae

 Chaimanee,  Marivaux, Millien, Yamee, Tian & Jaeger, 2026

 

ยักษ์คามิส สิรินธรเน  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-76711-6 

Abstract

Gigantism has evolved repeatedly in rodents, but the best-documented examples are predominantly known from Neogene caviomorphs of South America. Evidence for gigantism among early rodents is scarce, limiting our understanding of its evolutionary history. Here we describe Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov., a giant ischyromyid from the late Eocene of the Krabi Basin, southern Thailand. The new taxon is represented by a lower second molar and an associated lower incisor that combine exceptionally large dimensions with a distinctive suite of dental characters, including a moderately high crown, a short, isolated anteroconid, an incomplete metalophulid II, a bifid entolophid, and the absence of a mesoconid and hypoconulid. Incisor enamel exhibits a pauciserial Hunter–Schreger band pattern consistent with Ischyromyidae enamel microstructure. Body mass estimates derived from seven allometric equations range from 21.4 to 47.3 kg, with a mean of 31.6 kg and a median of 28.6 kg. We use approximately 30 kg as a rounded summary of the central tendency of these estimates, while acknowledging the substantial uncertainty associated with dental allometry. This estimate indicates that Yakamys had a substantially greater body mass than previously described Paleogene ischyromyids. Its discovery provides evidence for exceptionally large body size in Eocene ischyromyids of Southeast Asia. It demonstrates that substantial body-size increases had occurred in an early rodent lineage by the late Eocene, well before the major diversification of giant Neogene caviomorphs in South America. This finding further highlights the importance of the Southeast Asian fossil record for understanding the early diversification and morphological evolution of rodents.

 

Keywords: Rodentia, Ischyromyidae, Gigantism, Body mass, Incisor enamel microstructure, Krabi, Thailand

Systematic palaeontology

Class Mammalia Linnaeus, 175821.

Order Rodentia Bowdich, 182122.

Clade Ischyromyiformes Marivaux et al., 200423.

Family Ischyromyidae Alston, 187624.

Subfamily indet.

Yakamys gen. nov.

 

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Thai yak, meaning “giant”, and the Greek mys, meaning “mouse” or “rat”. The species epithet honors HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her longstanding support of scientific and paleontological research in Thailand.

Morphological and size comparisons of the lower molars of Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov. from the late Eocene of the Krabi Basin, Thailand, with those of Paleogene ischyromyids of different sizes.
(A) Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov., right m2 (TF 2942); (B) Asiomys dawsoni, left m1 (IVPP V 17800.8; reversed), left m2 (V 17800.11; reversed), and right m3 (IVPP V 17800.16)18; (C) Hulgana ertnia, right m1 − m3 (AMNH 26085)29; (D) Eosischyromys youngi, right p4 − m2 (V 11376)19; (E) Hartenbergeromys hautefeuillei, left m2 (UM2-138; reversed) and left m3 (SLP-43-PR-119; reversed)16;
 (F) Manitsha tanka, right p4 − m3 (AMNH 39081)13. Scale bar = 2 mm.

Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov.

“หนูยักษ์สิรินธร”

Holotype: Right lower second molar (m2; TF 2942) (Fig. 2).

Diagnosis: Large-bodied ischyromyid characterized by a moderately high-crowned lower m2 measuring 11.56 mm in mesiodistal length and 11.27 mm in buccolingual width, with a subquadrate occlusal outline, a large incompletely enclosed trigonid, a short isolated anteroconid lacking an anterolophid, a short transversely oriented metalophulid II terminating before the metaconid, a strongly curved ectolophid lacking a mesoconid, a shallow posteriorly directed hypoflexid, a bifid entolophid, and a posterolophid lacking a hypoconulid.

Yaowalak Chaimanee, Laurent Marivaux, Virginie Millien, Chotima Yamee, Pannipa Tian and Jean-Jacques Jaeger. 2026. A giant Eocene ischyromyid from Southeast Asia reveals the early Evolution of Rodent Gigantism. Scientific Reports. 16: 34523. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-76711-6  [04 November 2026]