[Phycology • 2026] Lobophora lewmanomontiae, L. ogawae, ... • A Survey along the East Coast of Thailand reveals High Diversity in the Genus Lobophora (Dictyotales: Phaeophyceae): with the Description of Four New Species

 

Lobophora lewmanomontiae A. M. Klomjit, J. Praiboon & N. Muangmai sp. nov.
 Lobophora ogawae A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 
Lobophora thiemmedhii A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 
Lobophora velasquezii A. M. Klomjit, S. G. A. Draisma & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 

in Klomjit, Draisma, Praiboon, Jurejan, Sutti, Sun, Vieira et Muangmai, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.4490/algae.2026.41.2.2  

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 ABSTRACT

Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) is an ecologically important seaweed genus in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. This alga exhibits cryptic diversity and morphological plasticity, which require taxonomic delineations that primarily depend on DNA analyses, complemented by morphological and ecological data. Species diversity and distribution within Southeast Asia remain understudied compared to well-documented regions such as the Caribbean and the western Pacific. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the genus Lobophora along the east coast of Thailand, integrating DNA-based surveys with morphological analyses. Extensive sampling across the Gulf of Thailand revealed 14 well-supported monophyletic clades of Lobophora. Among these, we described four new species (L. lewmanomontiae sp. nov., L. ogawae sp. nov., L. thiemmedhii sp. nov., and L. velasquezii sp. nov.) and reported three new national records (L. abscondita, L. henae, and L. quangtriensis), thereby bringing the Thai total to 21 species. When combined with previous records, 30 species have now been recorded from Southeast Asia, with 12 of which are endemic to the region. This study also emphasizes the importance of extensive sampling across broader areas, which enhances our understanding of biogeographic distributions and their implications for coastal ecosystem management.

Key words: DNA barcoding; Gulf of Thailand; macroalgae; Phaeophyceae; phylogeny; species diversity; taxonomy

In situ photographs of four new Lobophora species from east coast of Thailand.
(A) Lobophora lewmanomontiae sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2021-0314). (B) Lobophora ogawae sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2021-0310).
(C) Lobophora thiemmedhii sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2022-02470). (D) Lobophora velasquezii sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2022-0237).

Scale bars represent: A, 3 cm; B, 1 cm; C & D, 2 cm.

Lobophora lewmanomontiae A. M. Klomjit, J. Praiboon & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 

Lobophora ogawae A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Lobophora thiemmedhii A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Lobophora velasquezii A. M. Klomjit, S. G. A. Draisma & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Ex situ photographs, transversal (Top) and longitudinal (Bottom) section on holotype specimens.
(A–C) Lobophora lewmanomontiae sp. nov.
(D–F) Lobophora ogawae sp. nov.
(G–I) Lobophora thiemmedhii sp. nov.
(J–L) Lobophora velasquezii sp. nov.

Scale bars represent: A, 2 cm; D & J, 0.5 cm; G, 1 cm.

Distribution pattern of Lobophora species along the east coast of Thailand. The black lines on the map represent the geographic borders of Thai province. The marine territories of the provinces where Lobophora species were identified, are highlighted in colors other than blue. The black dots indicated specific locations where Lobophora samples were collected. The numbers in parentheses next to the species names indicate the number of samples identified in each province. The table on the right lists the Lobophora species found in each province, with circles indicating species presence. Provinces ranked left to right by geographic location starting from east to west and then north to south.

Anirut Klomjit, Stefano G. A. Draisma, Jantana Praiboon, Narapat Jurejan, Suttikarn Sutti, Zhongmin Sun, Christophe Vieira and Narongrit Muangmai. 2026. A Survey along the East Coast of Thailand reveals High Diversity in the Genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae): with the Description of Four New Species. Algae. 41(1); 77-94. DOI: doi.org/10.4490/algae.2026.41.2.2 [March 15, 2026] 

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[Botany • 2026] Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines

 

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman, 

in Naive, Alaman, Villanueva, Baul et Ancheta, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 

  x.com/begoniARCIIae

Abstract

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a center of plant endemism shaped by its complex geology, varied topography, and high habitat heterogeneity. Continued botanical explorations in the region have led to the discovery of Begonia occidentalis, which is herein described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. copelandii in its persistent stipules and capsule with strongly unequal wings, but can be readily distinguished by its arachnoid petiole, ovate leaf lamina with slightly overlapping cordate base and acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin with densely conspicuous maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. A comprehensive taxonomic account is presented, including detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and a discussion on its taxonomic affinities. Furthermore, we lectotypify the name B. copelandii in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Madrid Code).

Biodiversity, Cucurbitales, endemic, typification, Zamboanga peninsula, Eudicots

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman

Mark Arcebal K. NAIVE, Bobby B. ALAMAN, Grace V. VILLANUEVA, Melbert James G. BAUL and Donnafe J. ANCHETA. 2026. Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New Species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii.  Phytotaxa. 749(1); 95-102. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 [2026-03-25]

  x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/2036658662215675993

[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] Homalomena lingua-felis (Araceae: Philodendreae) • A New densely-haired aroid Species of Homalomena from North Sumatra, Indonesia

 

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, 

in Muzzazinah, Damayanti, Fadhil, Raynalta, Husaini, Rivai, Setiawan, Irsyam, Rosleine, Pratami, Hariri et Ariati, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.172410

Abstract

Homalomena lingua-felis is newly described from Tapanuli (North Sumatra Province, Indonesia). This species resembles H. pexa from which can be easily distinguished by its shorter petiole (2.0–4.5 cm vs. 7.0–12 cm), papillate petiole (vs. densely white-tomentose), elliptic or cordate to ovate leaf shape (vs. oblong- to ovate-cordiform), papillate abaxial leaf surface (vs. sparsely hairy), papillate veins (vs. tomentose), papillate peduncle and spathe (vs. tomentose), pendulous peduncle (vs. semi-erect to declinate), and conical staminate flower zone (vs. ellipsoid). This novelty represents a continuation of discoveries on hairy Homalomena in Sumatra.

Key words: Araceae, Chamaecladon, Indonesia, Malesia, Philodendreae

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Adaxial surface of leaf showing dense hairs; C. Bulbous hair in adaxial leaf surface (59.4×); D. Papillose abaxial leaf surface (59.4×); E. Pendulous synflorescence; F. Bloom at late staminate anthesis with half and full spathe artificially removed; G. Bloom at late pistillate anthesis with half spathe artificially removed (20.7×).

Photos by Erick Raynalta (A, B, E) and Muhammad Rifqi Hariri (C, D, F, G).

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Homalomena lingua-felis is similar to H. pexa but differs by having shorter petiole (2.0–4.5 cm vs. 7.0–12 cm), papillate petiole (vs. densely white-tomentose), elliptic or cordate to ovate leaf shape (vs. oblong- to ovate-cordiform), papillate abaxial leaf surface (vs. sparsely hairy), papillate veins (vs. tomentose), papillate peduncle and spathe (vs. tomentose), pendulous peduncle (vs. semi-erect to declinate), and conical staminate flower zone (vs. ellipsoid).

Etymology. The specific epithet lingua-felis is derived from the Latin lingua (tongue) and feles (cat), in reference to the characteristic texture of the leaf surface, which bears a resemblance to the rough surface of a feline tongue.

 Muzzazinah, Inggar Damayanti, Muhammad Hisyam Fadhil, Erick Raynalta, Iin Pertiwi Amin Husaini, Reza Ramdan Rivai, Ade Agus Setiawan, Arifin Surya Dwipa Irsyam, Dian Rosleine, Mentari Putri Pratami, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri and Siti Roosita Ariati. 2026. A New densely-haired aroid Species of Homalomena (Araceae) from North Sumatra, Indonesia. PhytoKeys. 271: 161-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.172410 [02 Mar 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus teraiensis • Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Nepal

 Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis

Gautam, Bhattarai, Neupane, Pokheral, Thackeray, Khandekar, Cyriac & Agarwal, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

Abstract

A new species of ground-dwelling gecko of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) is described from the low elevation Terai-Duar region of southeastern Nepal using molecular and morphological data. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. is the first new species of the C. nebulosus species complex, the remaining members of which are distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats and Satpuras; a lectoype for C. nebulosus is also designated. The new species is the first Geckoella described from outside peninsular India and distributed north of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. forms the deeply divergent sister taxon to Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex with 15.7–18.1% uncorrected mitochondrial sequence divergence from them, and 21.0–28.5% from other Geckoella. The new species is also recognised in tree-based delimitation methods and can be morphologically distinguished from other Cyrtodactylus and Geckoella species by a small body size (snout to vent length, SVL up to at least 45.5 mm), length of original tail < SVL, 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles, 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody; dorsal colour pattern of four or five paired spots between neck and hindlimb insertions alternating with two or three much smaller paired spots. The divergence between Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. and Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex is estimated to have occurred in the Middle Miocene, and it may be that tropical forest expansion during the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum allowed dispersal across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Key words: Endemic species, Indian subcontinent, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Photo of: A. Holotype of Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. in life;
B. Habitat from where the new species was collected. Photographs by BG.

Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A small-sized Cyrtodactylus, snout to vent length up to 45.5 mm. Dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous; smooth granular scales intermixed with more or less regularly arranged rows of enlarged, feebly keeled, blunt to weakly conical tubercles; ventrolateral fold absent on lower flank; 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles at midbody, 29–31 tubercles in paravertebral rows; ventral scales subequal from chest to vent, smooth, subcircular, and subimbricate with rounded end; 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody, 50–54 longitudinal scales between axilla to groin, ....

 Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Tejas Thackeray, Akshay Khandekar, Vivek Phillip Cyriac, Ishan Agarwal. 2026. Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia, Squamata) from Nepal. ZooKeys. 1275: 15-42.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

[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]

[Botany • 2026] Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos

 

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane,

in Sengthong, Tagane, Souladeth, Dang, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Tanaka et Pham, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

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Abstract

A new species, Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae), and five new records, Justicia oreophila (Acanthaceae), Aganosma wallichii (Apocynaceae), Colebrookea oppositifolia (Lamiaceae), Myristica yunnanensis (Myristicaceae), and Brachytome hainanensis (Rubiaceae) are reported for the flora of Laos. Voucher specimens, photographs, and ecological information in Laos are provided for each species.

Keywords: Central Laos, Firmiana laotica, flowering plants, Nam Kading NPA, Phou Hin Poun NP

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane.
A, habitat. B & C, habit. D, leafy twig. E, lower leaf surface. F, inflorescence. G, staminate flower. H & I, pistillate flowers. J, young fruits. All photos by Shuichiro Tagane.

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane, sp. nov. 

ປໍຜາລາວ

  Firmiana laotica is similar to F. fulgens (Wall. ex Mast.) K.Schum., but distinguished by leaf lobe apex (long-acuminate to caudate in F. laotica vs. acute to obtuse F. fulgens), lower leaf surface color (glaucous vs. not glaucous), depth of calyx lobes (lobed (1/3−)1/2 of calyx length vs. lobed 1/3–1/4 of calyx length), and number of stamens (15 in 5 groups of 3 vs. 20 or 25 in 5 groups of 4 or 5).

 

 Anousone Sengthong, Shuichiro Tagane, Phetlasy Souladeth, Van-Son Dang, Takenori Yamamoto, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Nobuyuki Tanaka and Quoc Trong Pham. 2026. A New Species and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. 77(1); 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

 

ຂໍແນະນຳພືດຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ຈາກນິເວດພູຫິນປູນ (ບ້ານກອງລໍ ເຂດປ່າປ້ອງກັນພູໄຮ ແລະ The Rock at Phuphamarn ເມືອງຄູນຄຳ ແຂວງຄຳມ່ວນ)

ມີຊື່ວິທະຍາສາດ Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane

ແລະ ໄດ້ໃຫ້ຊື່ລາວວ່າ ປໍຜາລາວ

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[Entomology • 2026] Calicnemia arunachala, Ca. naga, Ca. mimumkoa, Coeliccia magna, ... • Six New Species of Calicnemia Strand, 1926 and One New Species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) from northeastern India

 Calicnemia arunachala  &  C. mimumkoa 

Sawant, Joshi & Kunte, 

in Sawant, Joshi, Pawar, Khan, Nawge et Kunte, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.4.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/401210423  

 facebook.com/DattaprasadSAWANT1

 

Abstract

We erect six new species of the genus Calicnemia Strand, 1926, namely, Ca. ardena sp. nov., Ca. arunachala sp. nov., Ca. flavovittata sp. nov., Ca. mimumkoa sp. nov., Ca. naga sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov.; and one new species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890, Co. magna sp. nov., from northeastern India. The new Calicnemia spp. are distinguished based on the structure of the genital ligula, colouration patterns of the thorax and abdomen, and the shape of caudal appendages. Based on the morphology of the genital ligula, we propose a third species group within Calicnemia, in addition to the two previously recognised species groups. This new species group accommodates Ca. ardena sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov., which possess short, bifurcated genital filaments that do not align with the diagnostic characteristics of the existing species groups. Additionally, Ca. erythromelas (Selys, 1891) previously reported from India is shown to be misidentified, and the Indian material is identified as Ca. naga sp. nov. Updated identification keys for all known Calicnemia males are provided, along with detailed illustrations of diagnostic features. Coeliccia magna sp. nov., erected from Arunachal Pradesh, is distinguished from congeners by its larger body size, complete blue antehumeral stripes, and distinct male and female morphological features. We further provide lateral thoracic illustrations of Coeliccia spp.

Odonata, Arunachal Pradesh, identification key, new species descriptions, Siang, taxonomy

 Calicnemia ardena sp. nov., Ca. arunachala sp. nov., 

Ca. flavovittata sp. nov., Ca. mimumkoa sp. nov., 

Ca. naga sp. nov., Ca. rubromacula sp. nov. 

Coeliccia magna sp. nov. 

Dattaprasad SAWANT, SHANTANU JOSHI, UJWALA PAWAR, FAHIM KHAN, VIRAJ NAWGE and KRUSHNAMEGH KUNTE. 2026. Six New Species of Calicnemia Strand, 1926 and One New Species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) from northeastern India.  Zootaxa. 5760(4); 401-449. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.4.1 [2026-02-25]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401210423_Six_new_species_of_Calicnemia_et_Coeliccia_from_northeastern_India

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[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] 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]

 

[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]