[Botany • 2026] Lepidagathis konkanensis (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) • A New Species from Lateritic Plateaus of Konkan Region of Western Ghats based on morphological and molecular evidence

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil,  

in Patil, Kadam, Jangam, Dive et Mane. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05075  

Abstract

Lepidagathis konkanensis, a new species from the lateritic plateaus of the Konkan region in Maharashtra, India, is described and illustrated based on distinct morphological and molecular characters. Morphologically and phylogenetically, this species is close to L. mahakassapae and L. dalzelliana, but it can be distinguished by its compact inflorescence, oblanceolate leaves, bilabiate yellow corolla, elliptic-lanceolate bracteoles with three nerves, shorter style and smaller seeds. In addition, the longer branch length observed in the phylogenetic tree further supports the presence of molecular divergence. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations and color plates of field photographs and floral part micrographs are provided to aid in precise identification. The IUCN conservation status has also been assessed to emphasize the need for conservation measures.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, Northern Western Ghats, taxonomy, trnL-F, trnS-G

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil, sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) branch, (C) leaf, (dry), (D) inflorescence: spike, (E) flower: lateral view, (F) flower, (G) floral anatomy, (H) outer bract, (I) inner bract, (J) calyx, (K) androecium, (L) gynoecium, (M) capsule, (N) capsule valves, (O) capsule with seeds, (P) seed.

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil, sp. nov.
(A) Habitat, (B) vegetative stage, (C) and (D) flowering spikes.

Lepidagathis konkanensis Mane, Jangam & Patil sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: A species similar to L. mahakassapae and L. dalzelliana, but differing in having condensed spikes (versus elongated spikes in L. mahakassapae and elongated or pyramidal spikes in L. dalzelliana), smaller floral bracts with 5–7 nerves (versus larger floral bracts with 7 nerves in L. mahakassapae and with 3–5 nerves in L. dalzelliana), elliptic-lanceolate bracteoles with 3 nerves (versus lanceolate bracteoles with 5 nerves in L. mahakassapae and elliptic-oblong bracteoles with 1 nerve in L. dalzelliana), a shorter style, 8 mm long (versus 14 mm in L. mahakassapae and 14–17 mm in L. dalzelliana), and smaller seeds, 3.0–3.5 × 2.0–2.5 mm (versus 3.0–3.7 × 3.0 mm in L. mahakassapae and 2.8 × 3.0 mm in L. dalzelliana).

 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘konkanensis' alludes to the geographical region of the type locality, i.e. Konkan region of Maharashtra.

Anant Prakash Patil, Suhas Kishor Kadam, Akshay Prakash Jangam, Ajay Sanjay Dive and Rohit Nivas Mane. 2026. Lepidagathis konkanensis sp. nov. (Acanthaceae: Barlerieae) from Lateritic Plateaus of Konkan Region of Western Ghats based on morphological and molecular evidence. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05075  [13 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus belliflorus (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., 

in Sukkharom, Chantaranothai et Pornpongrungrueng, 2026. 

ว่านธรณีสารเล็ก  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20559 

Abstract

Nymphanthus belliflorus, a newly described species from the northeastern part of Thailand, is the most similar to N. chantaranothaii, N. glaucescens and N. huamotensis in having staminate flowers with four sepals bearing long-fimbriate margins and the pistillate flowers composed of 5–6 sepals with long-fimbriate margins. However, it is distinguished by its swollen stem base, young branchlets that are glabrous, disc glands of staminate flowers that are obdeltoid and yellow-reddish in color, long pedicel of pistillate flowers (3.2–4.8 cm long) and fruits (3.5–5.5 cm long). The description, distribution, ecological information and provisional conservation status are provided.

Keywords: Eriococcus, Morphology, Phyllantheae, Phyllanthus, Taxonomy, Section Nymphanthus

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., sp. nov.
 (A) Habit. (B) Leaf (adaxial side). (C) Leaf (abaxial side). (D) Stipule. (E) Staminate flower. (F) Pistillate flower. (G) Mature capsule.

drawn by Piya Sukkharom.

Nymphanthus belliflorus.
(A) Habit. (B) Staminate flowers. (C) Pistillate flower. (D) Mature capsule. (E) Swollen stem base. (A) & (E) photos by Piya Sukkharom, (B–D) photos by Silakan Khunnok.

Nymphanthus belliflorus P. Sukkharom, Chantar. & Pornp., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Nymphanthus belliflorus is distinguished from other species of Nymphanthus by a combination of swollen stem base, long-fimbriate sepal margins in both staminate and pistillate flowers, obdeltoid, yellow to reddish disc glands in staminate flowers, and long pedicels in pistillate flowers and fruits (3.2–4.8 cm long and 3.5–5.5 cm long, respectively).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the beautiful flowers of this species.

Vernacular name. Wan thorani san lek (proposed here).

Distribution. Khon Kaen and Sakon Nakhon Provinces in the northeast of Thailand.

Ecology. Nymphanthus belliflorus grows on sandy soil with organic matter found in the ecotone between mixed deciduous and dry dipterocarp forest, at 240–285 m elevation.

Piya Sukkharom, Pranom Chantaranothai and Pimwadee Pornpongrungrueng​. 2026. Nymphanthus belliflorus (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. PeerJ. 14:e20559. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20559 [January 21, 2026]

[Entomology • 2025] Pachyrhynchus analynae • A New Species of easter egg weevil (Coleoptera: Curculionidae: Entiminae: Pachyrhynchini) from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines

 Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina, 

in Obrial, Agbas, Pajota, Pepito, Añuber, Medina et Cabras, 2025. 

 Baltic J. Coleopterol. 25(2); 

Abstract

A new species of Pachyrhynchus Germar, 1824 from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov. named after Dr. Analyn Anzano Cabras, for her significant contribution on the advancement of beetle research and conservation in the Philippines particularly on the tribe Pachyrhynchini. The new species is the recent addition to the Pachyrhynchus speciosus species complex. Notes on the species ecology, habitat, distribution, and plant associationare presented.

Keywords: biodiversity, taxonomy, weevils, species groups, new species

 

Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Pachyrhynchus analynae sp. nov. belongs to the P. speciosus species group. In general appearance, this novel species conspicuously resembles a cross between P. miltoni Cabras & Rukmane, 2016, from Marilog, Davao City, and P. cabrasae Rukmane, 2016, from Mt. Kalatungan, Bukidnon. It exhibits a combination of scaly maculations found in both congeners: the longitudinal scaly bands at pronotum which resembles P. miltoni, while reticulate scales at elytra resembles P. cabrasae. However, P. analynae sp. nov. differs with P. miltonibased on the following characteristics: amygdaloid elytral shape, narrower in profile, and tapers apically; elytra bears reticulate net-like maculations that merge and sparsely covered with setae from the apical declivity towards the apex (vs stouter elytra with minute setae only along the lateral margin; with open-and closed-banded variations, with three contiguous scaly bands, with open-banded variation that retains the three scaly bands in P. miltoni).

 Variability of Pachyrhynchus analynae Obrial, Agbas, Pajota & Medina sp. nov.:
A) open-banded, holotype male, B) filled-banded, paratype male
C) unfilled-banded, paratype, female, D) filled-banded, paratype female.

Graden G. Obrial, Daven Jayson D. Agbas, Efrhain Loidge P. Pajota, Mark John T. Pepito, Rylle G. Añuber, Milton Norman D. Medina, Analyn A. Cabras. 2025. Pachyrhynchus analynae sp. nov., A New Species of easter egg weevil (Coleoptera, Curculionidae, Entiminae, Pachyrhynchini) from Tarragona, Davao Oriental, Mindanao, Philippines. Baltic J. Coleopterol. 25(2); 257-271. 

 facebook.com/philcolsoc/posts/122231701238094735

  

[Ichthyology • 2025] Psalidodon terezinhae, P. velhochico & P. paiva • Unraveling a 150-Year-Old Enigma: Psalidodon rivularis (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae: Acestrorhampinae), a Species Complex or a Polymorphic Species

 (a, b) Psalidodon terezinhae 
 (c, d) h  P. velhochico 
 (e, f) P. paiva  

Rodrigues-Oliveira, Assis, Pimente, Soares, Silva, Rocha, Menegidio, Pasa & Kavalco, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology14121793

Abstract

Psalidodon rivularis, a fish endemic to the São Francisco River Basin and known as “piaba do córrego,” has long been regarded as a widely distributed species complex, exhibiting remarkable morphological and cytogenetic variation, even in sympatry. This study aims to determine whether P. rivularis represents a single polymorphic species or a group of cryptic species. We analyzed meristic, morphometric, and karyotypic data from 419 specimens identified as P. rivularis, as well as from the related species Astyanax turmalinensis and Hyphessobrycon santae. Additionally, we inferred the phylogeny of the group using NGS data from 25 individuals, incorporating both mitochondrial and nuclear genomic sequences. Our integrative results support the recognition of at least five distinct species within the P. rivularis complex. The true P. rivularis (called morphotype 1) has 46 chromosomes, while the others have 50 and differ in both morphology and distribution. One of these corresponds to Psalidodon santae comb. nov.—which includes A. turmalinensis as a junior synonym—and three others are newly described species. These findings clarify the diversity of fishes in the São Francisco River Basin and highlight the importance of conserving its unique freshwater ecosystems.

Keywords: cytotypes; cryptic species; phylogenomics; morphometrics

Psalidodon terezinhae (a) holotype, LaGEEvo 27-4521, 53.0 mm SL, Lage stream, Abaeté River drainage and (b) LaGEEvo 35-529, 45.0 mm SL, Funchal River, Indaiá River drainage.
  P. velhochico (c) holotype, LaGEEvo 28-5079, 77.0 mm SL, Rasga Canga Waterfall, São Francisco River drainage and (d) LaGEEvo 51-4999, 75.0 mm SL, Casca d’Anta Waterfall, São Francisco River drainage.
P. paiva (e) holotype, LaGEEvo 29-2072, 62.0 mm SL, Bonito stream, Borrachudo River drainage and (f) LaGEEvo 55, 34.5 mm SL, Usina do Abaeté dam Lagoon, Abaeté River drainage.

Psalidodon terezinhae sp. nov.

Psalidodon velhochico sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet velhochico is used as a noun in apposition and refers to the popular nickname of the São Francisco River in Brazil, affectionately called “Velho Chico” (“Old Chico”) by Brazilians.

Psalidodon paiva sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is used as a noun in apposition and honors the Paiva family, whose life, portrayed in the Brazilian Oscar-winning film “Ainda Estou Aqui” (2024), was profoundly affected by the imprisonment, disappearance, and execution of the family patriarch, Rubens Paiva, during the Brazilian military dictatorship.

Igor Henrique Rodrigues-Oliveira, Priscila Martins de Assis, Luiz Guilherme Pereira Pimente, Rafael Augusto Silva Soares, Iuri Batista da Silva, Renan Rodrigues Rocha, Fabiano Bezerra Menegidio, Rubens Pasa and Karine Frehner Kavalco. 2025. Unraveling a 150-Year-Old Enigma: Psalidodon rivularis (Acestrorhamphidae: Acestrorhampinae), a Species Complex or a Polymorphic Species. Biology. 14(12), 1793. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/biology14121793 [16 December 2025]

 

Simple Summary: This study investigates a group of closely related fish species from southeastern Brazil known as the Psalidodon rivularis complex. These fishes are very similar in appearance, which has made it difficult to know exactly how many species exist. By combining information from their body shape, body measurements, chromosome counts, and DNA, we found that what was once thought to be a single species includes at least five distinct ones. The true P. rivularis has 46 chromosomes, while the others have 50. One of them corresponds to Psalidodon santae, which was previously classified in another genus, and three are new species described here. Our results also suggest that their diversity arose through processes such as changes in chromosome numbers, hybridization between populations, and morphological divergence, potentially within broader scenarios that may involve vicariant or adaptive processes. These fishes live in small rivers and streams of the Upper São Francisco River basin, environments that are rich in unique species but threatened by human activities. Recognizing and protecting these new species is essential for conserving the biodiversity of Brazilian freshwater ecosystems.

[Mollusca • 2025] Taningia silasii • A New Species of Deep-sea Squid Genus Taningia (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea

Taningia silasii Sajikumar & Sasikumar,

in Sajikumar, Sasikumar, Ameri et Thomas, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-025-01576-3

Abstract

A new species of the genus Taningia Joubin, 1931 (family Octopoteuthidae Berry, 1912), is described from the southeastern Arabian Sea, based on a single specimen collected in March 2024 at a depth of 390 m. This new species, Taningia silasii sp. nov., differs from congeners in a combination of traits, including the shape of the funnel-mantle locking cartilage, nuchal-locking cartilage, lower beak morphology, gill lamellae count, and distinct genetic divergence as revealed by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes, with uncorrected p-distances of 11.8–12.1% (COI) and 4.3–4.5% (16S rRNA) from T. danae. Phylogenetic trees clearly separate Taningia silasii sp. nov. from Atlantic Ocean lineages of T. danae, supporting its recognition as a distinct species. The genus Taningia appears to represent a species complex, comprising the newly described Indian Ocean lineage and at least two distinct lineages from the Atlantic Ocean. These findings, based on integrated morphological and molecular analyses, highlight hidden diversity within Taningia and expand the known biogeographic range of the genus.

Keywords: Indian octopus squid, Southeastern Arabian Sea, New species, Morphology, Molecular taxonomy

a Dorsal and b ventral view of Taningia silasii sp. nov. from the Arabian Sea,
 dotted lines showing the proportion of aborted arms; right fin (dotted line) proportion extrapolated from left fin

Octopoteuthidae Berry, 1912

Taningia Joubin, 1931

Taningia silasii sp. nov. Sajikumar and Sasikumar

Proposed common name: Indian octopus squid

Sajikumar KK, Geetha Sasikumar, Shijin Ameri and Toji Thomas. 2025.  Description of A New Species of Deep-sea Squid Genus Taningia (Cephalopoda: Octopoteuthidae) from the Arabian Sea. Marine Biodiversity. 55, 107. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12526-025-01576-3 [14 November 2025]

New deep-sea ‘Octopus Squid’ discovered in Arabian Sea

CMFRI scientists discover new species of a rare octopus squid; Named after eminent marine biologist Dr E. G. Silas

https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2192497&reg=3&lang=2

[Entomology • 2025] Pterotopteryx ivonini, P. elenaivshinae & P. ismailovi • First Records of Many-plumed Moths (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae) from Laos

 

[3, 3a] Pterotopteryx ivonini
[8, 8a] P. ismailovi 

Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.93.14

Abstract

Three new species of many-plumed moths are described from Laos: Pterotopteryx ivonini Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n., Pterotopteryx elenaivshinae Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n., and Pterotopteryx ismailovi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n. The first image of the male genitalia of Pterotopteryx toxophila (Meyrick, 1906), comb. n. This work reports the first records of many-plumed moths from Laos.

Pterotopteryx ivonini Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n.
3. Adult, male (Holotype, ZISP);  3a. Reconstructed image of adult in dorsal view.  

Pterotopteryx ismailovi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n.
 8. Adult, female (Holotype, ZISP);
8a. Reconstructed image of adult in dorsal view.

 Pterotopteryx ivonini Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n. 

 Pterotopteryx elenaivshinae Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n. 

 Pterotopteryx ismailovi Kovtunovich & Ustjuzhanin, sp. n.

Vasily Kovtunovich, Petr Ustjuzhanin. 2025. First Records of Many-plumed Moths (Lepidoptera: Alucitidae) from Laos. Ecologica Montenegrina. 93; 157-167.  DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.93.14

[Entomology • 2025] Metadon reemeri & M. ghorpadei • Review of the Indian Species of Metadon Reemer, 2013 (Diptera: Syrphidae: Microdontinae), with Description of Two New Species

M. reemeri

Sankararaman & Anooj, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.3 

 

Abstract

The hoverfly genus Metadon Reemer, 2013 is reviewed from India and two new species, M. ghorpadei sp. nov. and M. reemeri sp. nov., are described from New Delhi and Tamil Nadu, respectively; based on morphological and molecular analyses. Six species of Metadon that were previously reported from India are illustrated and briefly diagnosed. A new combination, Metadon unicolor (Brunetti) comb. nov., is proposed for Microdon unicolor Brunetti, 1915. An identification key to the genera of Microdontinae from India, a key to the Indian species of Metadon and a provisional species checklist for this genus are provided. This is the first record of Metadon from southern India. Habitat profile and conservation aspects are discussed for the two new species.

Diptera, Myrmecophiles, biodiversity, taxonomy, Delhi Ridge, Western Ghats, ant flies

Metadon reemeri

Metadon ghorpadei 

Hariharakrishnan SANKARARAMAN and Sainulabdeen Sulaikha ANOOJ. 2025. Review of the Indian Species of Metadon Reemer, 2013 (Diptera: Syrphidae: Microdontinae), with Description of Two New Species.  Zootaxa. 5737(4); 509-532. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5737.4.3  [2025-12-29]

[Botany • 2026] Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai, 

in Cuong, Binh et Hai, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.04 

Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae), a new species found only in Vietnam, is described here. A morphological comparison with resembling species and a key to the Myrica species in Vietnam are provided. Details about the distribution and habitat are supplemented with photographic illustrations.

Keywords: Endemism; Myrica tristigma; Myricaceae; Vietnam

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai.
 a. Branches bearing leaves and infructescences; b. Branch bearing leaves and bud; c. Leaf with detail of adaxial surface; d. Leaf with detail of abaxial surface; e. Staminate spike with flowers; f. Stamen; g. Pistillate spike; h. Pistillate flower; i Fruit.

 (a–d: photos by N.T. Cuong from isotype in HN, e–i: photos by T.D. Binh from holotype in HN).

Myrica tristigma N.T.Cuong, T.D.Binh & D.V.Hai, sp. nov.  

Shrubs, monoecious, 1–2,5 m tall. Ovary glabrous, stigma sessile, divided into 3 branches. Drupe usually 1 per infructescence, globose, 0.8–1 cm diam.

Etymology. The species epithet is based on the character of the stigma divided into three relatively long branches.

 Cuong, N.T.; Binh, T.D. and Hai, D.V. 2026. Myrica tristigma (Myricaceae), A New Species from Vietnam.  Blumea - Biodiversity, Evolution and Biogeography of Plants. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.04 [January 13, 2026]

https://www.ingentaconnect.com/content/nhn/blumea

[Entomology • 2024] Actinote pyrrhosticta • A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote (Nymphalidae: Heliconiinae: Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru

 

Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall,

C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco; 

   I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, 

J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago,   

K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, Peru, Amazonas,   
   

in Willmott, Lamas, Hall, Boyer, Pyrcz et Florczyk, 2024.  

Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1) 

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

Abstract  

We describe one new species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., and Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. We treat Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 as a new synonym of Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., and treat Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 as a subspecies, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. We illustrate adult specimens of all described taxa of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) and A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, and representatives of A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). We also provide illustrations of male and female genitalia for select taxa, distribution maps, and a revised, annotated synonymic list for all four species.

  

Images of new Actinote taxa in nature.
A, B) Mating pair of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., female in foreground (A), and male (B), resting on rocks and low vegetation near edge of stream gully at type locality;
C-H, Actinote  pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp., Peru, Cuzco, above Mollepata (photographs by David Geale). C) Last instar; D) Pupal case with freshly emerged adult adjacent; E) Cluster of pupae; F,G) Males nectaring on Asteraceae flowers; H) Female nectaring on Asteraceae flowers;
I) Actinote pyrrhosticta n. ssp.?, Peru, La Libertad, Cochorco (photograph by Jonathan Newman);
J) A. hilaris arcoiris n. ssp. female, puddling on damp gravel, Ecuador, Morona-Santiago, Cebadas-Macas road;
K, L) Actinote hilaris sourakovi n. ssp. female, dorsal (K) and ventral (L), Peru, Amazonas, Abra Patricia (photographs by David Geale).  

Habitats of new Actinote taxa. A) Ecuador, Loja, Jimbura-San Andrés road, type locality of Actinote pyrrhosticta n. sp., stream gully and road where numerous individuals were observed on the morning of 12 June 2014; B) Peru, Cajamarca, El Pargo, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta n. sp. C) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Angasocha, type locality of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.D) Peru,Apurímac, Santuario Nacional Ampay, Laguna Uspacocha, habitat of A. pyrrhosticta apurimac n. ssp.E) Peru,Lambayeque, Cañaris, type locality of A. eresia canyaris n. ssp.F) Ecuador, Zamora-Chinchipe, San Francisco, type locality of Actinote hilaris arcoiris n. ssp.  

Keith R. Willmott, Gerardo Lamas, Jason P. W. Hall, Pierre Boyer, Tomasz Pyrcz and Klaudia Florczyk. 2024. A New Species and eight new subspecies of high elevation Actinote from Colombia, Ecuador and Peru (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 1-20.

  journals.flvc.org/TropLep/article/view/134801

 inabio.biodiversidad.gob.ec/2023/10/27/una-nueva-especie-y-ocho-nuevas-subspecies-de-mariposas-son-descritas-en-colombia-ecuador-y-peru/

En este trabajo describimos una especie nueva y ocho nuevas subspecies altoandinas de Actinote Hübner, [1819] (Nymphalidae, Heliconiinae, Acraeini) encontradas en Colombia, Ecuador y Perú: Actinote pyrrhosticta Lamas, Willmott & Hall, n. sp., Actinote pyrrhosticta quintecocha Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta apurimac Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote pyrrhosticta alfamayo Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia albesia Lamas & Willmott, n. ssp., Actinote eresia canyaris Pyrcz & Lamas, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris arcoiris Willmott & Hall, n. ssp., Actinote hilaris sourakovi Willmott & Lamas, n. ssp., y Actinote trinacria alegria Boyer & Willmott, n. ssp. Consideramos a Actinote binghamae Dyar, 1913 como un nuevo sinónimo de Actinote eresia eresina (Hoffer, 1874) n. syn., y a Altinote santamarta Winhard, 2017 como una subespecie, Actinote trinacria santamarta rev. stat. Ademas, ilustramos especímenes adultos de todos los taxa descritos de A. pyrrhosticta n. sp., A. eresia (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862) y A. hilaris Jordan, 1910, y algunos representantes de A. trinacria (C. Felder & R. Felder, 1862). También presentamos ilustraciones de las genitalias masculinas y femeninas de algunos taxones seleccionados, junto con mapas de distribución, y una lista de sinonimos revisada para las cuatro especies. 

Shinichi Nakahara, Albert Thurman, Gordon B. Small. 2024. A new species of Pseudodebis Forster, 1964 from Panama (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Satyrinae). Tropical Lepidoptera Research. 34(1); 21-28.  

[PaleoMammalogy • 2023] Pachypanthera piriyai • A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Carnivora: Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Pachypanthera piriyai   

de Bonis, Chaimanee, Grohé, Chavasseau, Mazurier, Suraprasit & Jaeger, 2023

  

DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

  Researchgate.net/publication/373162644

 facebook.com/ASRUChula 

 

Abstract

We describe two large predators from the hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand: a new genus of pantherine, Pachypanthera n. gen., represented by partial mandible and maxilla and an indeterminate sabre-toothed cat, represented by a fragment of upper canine. The morphological characters of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., notably the large and powerful canine, the great robustness of the mandibular body, the very deep fossa for the m. masseter, the zigzag HSB enamel pattern, indicate bone-cracking capacities. The genus is unique among Felidae as it has one of the most powerful and robust mandibles ever found. Moreover, it may be the oldest known pantherine, as other Asian pantherines are dated back to the early Pliocene. The taxa we report here are the only carnivorans known from the late Miocene of Thailand. Although the material is rather scarce, it brings new insights to the evolutionary history of Neogene mammals of Southeast Asia, in a geographic place which is partly “terra incognita.”

Keywords: Asia, Felidae, New taxon, Bone cracking, Late Miocene, Sabre-toothed cat, Pantherine

Order Carnivora Bowdich, 1821

Sub-order Feliformia Kretzoi, 1945

Family Felidae Batsch, 1788

Sub-family Felinae Batsch, 1788

Pachypanthera n. gen.

Etymology: from the greek “Pachy” = thick.

 

Digital reconstruction of the mandible of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (a) in comparison with the mandible of Panthera leo (UPPal CAR-5-001) (b) in occlusal view. Scale bar = 20 mm

Right maxilla of Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp. (CUF-KR-2).
a Occlusal view; b medial view; c lateral view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. gen. n. sp., left hemi-mandible CUF-KR-1.
a Occlusal view (stereopair); b inferior view; c lateral view; d medial view (scale bar = 20 mm)

Pachypanthera piriyai n. sp

Origin of the name: in honor of Piriya Vachajitpan, who played a critical part in recovering the fossils.

Holotype (CUF-KR-1): left hemi-mandible with the alveoli for i1–i3, canine alveolus, remains of roots of p3, p4 and partially broken off m1 crown.

 

Locality: Khorat sand pit, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand

Age: late Miocene, 9 to 6 Ma.

 

 

L. de Bonis, Y. Chaimanee, C. Grohé, O. Chavasseau, A. Mazurier, K. Suraprasit and J.J. Jaeger. 2023. A new large pantherine and a sabre-toothed cat (Mammalia, Carnivora, Felidae) from the late Miocene hominoid-bearing Khorat sand pits, Nakhon Ratchasima Province, northeastern Thailand. The Science of Nature. 110, 42. DOI: 10.1007/s00114-023-01867-4

 facebook.com/ASRUChula/posts/688793099932089 

 Researchgate.net/publication/373162644_A_new_large_pantherine_from_the_late_Miocene_hominoid-bearing_Khorat_sand_pits

[Botany • 2026] Elaeocarpus pulneyensis (Elaeocarpaceae) • A New Species from Peninsular India, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence

Elaeocarpus pulneyensis Gole, N.V.Page, Sardesai, 
  

in Gole, Page et Sardesai, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2092

Abstract

A new species of Elaeocarpus is described from the Kodaikanal region of Pulney Hills, India; it is morphologically allied to E. variabilis in having anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs and 3-locular pyrenes. It differs from the latter in having ovate, light-green sepals, and ellipsoid fruits enclosing ellipsoid pyrenes. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on ITS and trnL–F regions revealed that Elaeocarpus pulneyensis is distinct from E. variabilis and support the novelty of the taxon.

Keywords: endemic, Kodaikanal, Oxalidales, Pulney Hills, Rudraksha

Comparative floral morphology of Elaeocarpus variabilis and E. pulneyensis.
 A–D, Elaeocarpus variabilis: A, flowering branch; B, dorsal view of the raceme; C, ventral view of the raceme; D, close-up of flower.
E–H, Elaeocarpus pulneyensis: E, flowering branch; F, dorsal view of the raceme; G, ventral view of the raceme; H, close-up of flower.

Photographs: Navendu Page.

Elaeocarpus pulneyensis Gole, N.V.Page, Sardesai, sp. nov.

Elaeocarpus  pulneyensis can be distinguished from the majority of species of Elaeocarpus from South India and Sri Lanka in having anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs. It is morphologically most similar to Elaeocarpus variabilis, the only other species which exhibits anther tips without setae or tuft of hairs and 3-locular pyrenes. Elaeocarpus pulnyensis can be distinguished from E.variabilis based on light green sepals (vs green or reddish brown), ellipsoid fruits (vs obovoid), pyrenes which are rounded at both base and apex (vs pyrenes which are tapering towards the base and rounded towards the apex), and a pyrene circumference at widest point of 6.3–6.7 cm (vs 4.8–5.4 cm).

Etymology. The specific epithet pulneyensis is derived from the type locality, Pulney Hills, situated in Kodaikanal, Tamil Nadu, peninsular India.

C. N. Gole, N. V. Page and  M. M. Sardesai. 2026. ELAEOCARPUS PULNEYENSIS, A New Species of Elaeocarpus (ELAEOCARPACEAE) from Peninsular India, based on Morphological and Molecular Evidence.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; 1-14. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2092 [2026-01-14]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella deocaensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella deocaensis 

 Do, Nguyen, Hoang, Ziegler & Pham, 2026

Cóc mày đèo cả  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

Abstract

A new species of Leptobrachella is described from the coastal forest of Deo Ca Mountain in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, based on morphological differences and genetic divergences in 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus Leptobrachella by body size, dorsal skin texture, absence of ventrolateral and femoral glands, absence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, color pattern of head and body, and iris color. The new species is divergent from other congeners by at least 6.34% uncorrected genetic distance (16S rRNA gene). Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. macrops from Vietnam, with strong nodal support from both BI and ML analyses (1.00/98).

Key words: Asian Leaf-litter toads, Deo Ca Mountain, genetic divergence, Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life (IB A.6440, male).
A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Underside of right foot; D. Underside of left hand; E. Cloacal and hamstrings area. Scale bars: 5 mm (C, D).

Female paratypes of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life in dorsolateral view.
 A. IB A.6441; B. IB A.6443.

Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov.

 Dang Trong Do, Truong Quang Nguyen, Chung Van Hoang, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura, Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1267: 15-30. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

[20 Jan 2026]