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

Crossorhombus pescadores 

 Amaoka, Su & Ho, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.167628

Abstract

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

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

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

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

 Crossorhombus pescadores sp. nov

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

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

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

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

Iguarima censoria (Anyphaenidae) spiders

unparasitized and parasitized by Gibellula mineira sp. nov.

Santos, Mendes-Pereira, Ribeiro & Kloss. 2026 

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

 

Abstract

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

 

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

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

Scale bars: E, G, H = 1 mm.  

Gibellula mineira sp. nov. 

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

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

 Doolysaurus huhmini

Jung, Kim, Jo & Clarke, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/fr.29.178152 

Abstract

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

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

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

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

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

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

Artwork by Jun Seong Yi.

 Doolysaurus huhmini gen. et sp.

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

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

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

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

[Ichthyology • 2026] Formosania tangi • A New Species of Suck-loach (Cypriniformes: Gastromyzontidae) from the Jiulongjiang River, southeastern China

Formosania tangi 

Chen, Zhou, Chen & Yang, 2026

文乔缨口鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.184335 

 

Abstract

For decades, populations of the suck-loach genus Formosania from the Jiulongjiang River in Fujian Province, China, have been identified as F. fascicauda, a species originally described from in a separate coastal drainage basin in Fuqing County. Employing an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, we demonstrate that the Jiulongjiang River population represents a distinct species, formally described here as Formosania tangi sp. nov. It is diagnosed by a combination of characters: 13 rostral barbels arranged in two rows, a distinct straight, dark, longitudinal stripe along the lateral line, and an emarginate caudal fin. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recover it as a unique evolutionary lineage showing significant genetic divergence from true F. fascicauda, with a Kimura 2-parameter distance of 4.16%. The description of F. tangi clarifies the taxonomic status of the Jiulongjiang River population and enhances our understanding of species diversity and biogeography of Formosania in the coastal drainages of southeastern China.

Key words: Molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Lateral, dorsal, and ventral views of Formosania tangi sp. nov., holotype, adult, SHOU20251010601, 63.74 mm SL.

Formosania tangi sp. nov.
Habitat (photographed by Yong-Sheng Lin)
and live appearance. (photographed by Hao-Jun Chen).

 Formosania tangi sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from congeners by combination of following characters: rostral barbels 13, well developed, arranged in two rows (Fig. 3B) (vs one row in F. davidi, F. fasciolata, F. galericula, and F. immaculata – Fig. 3A; 12–15 rudimentary barbels in F. chenyiyui – Fig. 3C); lateral line accompanied by broad, dark, longitudinal band, margins weakly undulating or nearly straight, pale stripe between lateral line band and dark dorsal surfaces ...

Etymology. The species name honours Wen-Qiao Tang, a senior Chinese ichthyology researcher, and is derived from the latinized Chinese spelling of his family name, in recognition of his contributions to the field. We propose “Wén Qiáo Yīng Kŏu Qiū” (文乔缨口鳅) as its Chinese common name.

Yang Chen, Jia-Jun Zhou, Jing-Chen Chen, Jin-Quan Yang. 2026. Formosania tangi, A New Species of Suck-loach (Cypriniformes, Gastromyzontidae) from the Jiulongjiang River, southeastern China, with Taxonomic Notes on F. fascicauda. ZooKeys. 1273: 147-166. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.184335 [17 Mar. 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Luzonogryllus appa • Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus (Orthoptera: Phalangopsinae)

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo,

in Tan, Modina, Alo, Haibil, Mapi-Ot, Macas, Nuñeza, Yap, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 

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Abstract

Recent field work in Sabah state of Malaysia in Borneo, as well as Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor Islands in the Philippines has led to the collection of crickets from the family Phalangopsidae. This allows us to review the taxonomy of Luzonogryllus Yamasaki, 1978 from the Philippines and Sabah. We also describe a new species from Mindanao: Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov. We also present new locality records for Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) mindoroensis Gorochov, 2006 in Negros and Siquijor Islands. Lastly, we also present new material of Strophiola lugubrina (Stål, 1877) from Mindanao and Negros Islands.

Malaysia, Orthoptera, Parendacustina, , Phalangopsini, Southeast Asia

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov.

MING KAI TAN, RIS MENOEL R. MODINA, JOANNA ROSE A. ALO, HELEN H. HAIBIL, EMMARIE F. MAPI-OT, JESSIE JAY P. MACAS, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, SHERYL A. YAP, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and TONY ROBILLARD. 2026. Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus.  Zootaxa. 5777(1); 46-60. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 [2026-03-17]

  facebook.com/JnnRsALO/posts/3630866377062704

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis, H. maguanensis, H. xingyiensis, ... • Systematic Revision of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex (Squamata: Gekkonidae) with Descriptions of Six New Species

 

 Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis  (Boulenger, 1903)

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov.;

H. jingdongensis sp. nov.;

H. maguanensis sp. nov.;

H. shuangbaiensis sp. nov.

Zhou, Wang, Han, Ang, Zhang, Liu & Rao, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35912-9

Abstract

Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker 1860, one of the fastest-growing genera in the Gekkonidae, comprises 22 species distributed in China, among which Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis is believed to be a species complex. Despite the gradual description of Hemiphyllodactylus populations in various regions of China as new species in the past decade, the taxonomy of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex remains unresolved. We collected Hemiphyllodactylus populations of the yunnanensis complex from 11 locations. Based on 1809 bp dataset (1039 bp mitochondrial ND2 gene, fragments of 375 bp nuclear C-mos + 395 bp PDC genes) and a solo 1039 bp NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence fragment dataset, the constructed phylogenetic topology revealed that our samples fell into seven independent lineages of Clade 7. Automatic Barcode Gap Discovery (ABGD) results are consistent with our phylogenetic findings. The uncorrected genetic pairwise distance between populations exceeded 4.2% in ND2 gene, and there were also significant morphological differences among them. Therefore, we consider the specimens that cluster with the topotype specimens as true Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis, and describe the other six lineages as new species, respectively.

Keywords: Integrative taxonomy, Yunnan province, Cryptic species, Slender geckos 

Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis
  (A) KIZ2023Z097, Topotype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z098, Topotype, male in life;
(C) KIZ2023Z311, male in life; (D) KIZ2023Z082, female in life.

 

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z177, Holotype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z176, Paratype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus jingdongensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z212, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z211, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus maguanensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z332, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z331, Paratype, female in life; (C) KIZ2023Z336, Paratype, female in life; (D) KIZ2023Z333, Paratype, female in life.

Hemiphyllodactylus dayaoensis sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The scientific name “dayaoensis” is derived from its type locality Dayao County in Yunnan province. we suggest Dayao Slender Gecko in English and “大姚半叶趾虎(Dà Yáo Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus jingdongensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “jingdongensis” is derived from its type locality Jingdong County in Yunnan province. we suggest Jingdong Slender Gecko in English and “景东半叶趾虎(Jǐng Dǒng Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus maguanensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “maguanensis” is derived from its type locality Maguan County in Yunnan province. we suggest Maguan Slender Gecko in English and “马关半叶趾虎(Mǎ Guān Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus shuangbaiensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z120, Paratype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z125, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus xingyiensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z303, Paratype, female in life; (B) KIZ2023Z308, Holotype, female in life.
Hemiphyllodactylus yuanyangensis sp. nov. (A) KIZ2023Z392, Paratype, male in life; (B) KIZ2023Z387, Holotype, male in life.

Hemiphyllodactylus shuangbaiensis sp. nov.  

Etymology: The scientific name “shuangbaiensis” is derived from its type locality Shuangbai County in Yunnan province. we suggest Shuangbai Slender Gecko in English and “双柏半叶趾虎(Shuāng Bǎi Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus xingyiensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The scientific name “xingyiensis” is derived from its type locality Xingyi County in Yunnan province. we suggest Xingyi Slender Gecko in English and “兴义半叶趾虎(Xīng Yì Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hemiphyllodactylus yuanyangensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The scientific name “yuanyangensis” is derived from its type locality Yuanyang County in Yunnan province. we suggest Yuanyang Slender Gecko in English and “元阳半叶趾虎(Yuán Yáng Bàn Yè Zhǐ Hǔ)” in Chinese.

Hongxin Zhou, Jishan Wang, Keguo Han, Yufan Ang, Dongru Zhang, Shuo Liu and Dingqi Rao. 2026. Systematic Revision of the Hemiphyllodactylus yunnanensis complex with Descriptions of Six New Species. Scientific Reports. 16: 5562. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35912-9 [10 February 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi (Orchidaceae: Pleurothallidinae) • A New Species from eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, 

in Lapo-Gonzalez, Iturralde, Uyaguari, Medina, Kuethe, Garzón-Suárez, Baquero et Jiménez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579

Abstract

Background: The genus Scaphosepalum comprises a group of epiphytic orchids, distinguished by their non-resupinate flowers and prominent osmophores located on the distal portion of the synsepal. With over 60 recognised species, Scaphosepalum is distributed throughout the tropical Americas, with its highest diversity in Colombia and Ecuador. Recent explorations in the Eastern Andes and the Cordillera del Cóndor in south-eastern Ecuador led to the discovery of several new orchid species, including an endemic Scaphosepalum taxon. Many regions remain underexplored, leaving the orchid flora to continually reveal previously undocumented diversity.

New information: Herein, we describe and illustrate Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, as new species discovered in the Andean-Amazonian piedmont of eastern Ecuador. This taxon was initially misidentified as S. medinae based on photographic records. It is compared with S. pleurothallodes and S. medinae, from which it is distinguished by its maroon to yellow-maroon flowers and the rhombic-spathulate shape of the petals. This denotes a marked difference to the yellow flowers spotted with red and the obovate petals of S. pleurothallodes or the lavender with white cells and light brown flowers and the narrowly obtuse petals of S. medinae. The new species is currently known from three localities in the Quimi and Talag River basins. Due to its restricted distribution, small population size and threats from cattle grazing and mining activities, we propose its classification as Critically Endangered under the B criterion of the IUCN.

Keywords: Cordillera del Cóndor, rainforest, Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi, Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes, south-eastern Ecuador

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez.
A Habit; A1 Close-up of the junction between the ramicaul and the inflorescence; B Flower; B1 Close-up of the tails of the synsepal; B2 Close-up of the osmophore; C Dissected perianth; C1 Close-up of the basal margin of the synsepal; C2 Close-up the petal apex; D Column, ovary and lip, lateral view; D1 Close-up of the lip adaxial surface; E Lip, adaxial view; E1 Close-up of the margin the lip; F Anther and pollinia.

Plate by N. Lapo-Gonzalez, based on photographs of the holotype taken by M.M. Jiménez.

Scaphosepalum lesterlapoi N. Lapo-Gonzalez & M.M.Jiménez, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: This species is similar to Scaphosepalum pleurothallodes Luer & Hirtz, but it differs by having a sub-horizontal inflorescence (vs. erect), maroon to red flowers with yellow or red osmophores that are longer and narrower, 3.8 × 1.3 mm (vs. yellow flowers with red spots, with shorter and thicker osmophores, 3.0 × 1.5 mm), petals rhombic-spathulate, apex broadly obtuse and shortly apiculate (vs. obovate petals with acute and 3-toothed in the apex) and a lip with a clawed, obovate-sagittate, rounded, covered by papillose trichomes increasing in length from the middle towards the margin (vs. truncate at the base, obovate-pandurate and pubescent throughout).

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Lester Lapo, an outstanding orchid grower from El Pangui, Zamora-Chinchipe Province, southern Ecuador and who first discovered this species.

 Nadia Lapo-Gonzalez, Gabriel A. Iturralde, Johny J. Mendoza Uyaguari, Jefferson Medina, J. R. Kuethe, Henry X. Garzón-Suárez, Luis E. Baquero and Marco M. Jiménez. 2026. A New Species of Scaphosepalum (Orchidaceae, Pleurothallidinae) from eastern Ecuador. Biodiversity Data Journal. 14: e176579. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/BDJ.14.e176579 [17 Mar. 2026] 

[Entomology • 2026] Zhangius rhymbon & Z. lophos • A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera: Brentidae: Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand

Zhangius rhymbon  

Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356

Abstract

A new nanophyine genus, Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov., with two new species Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. (type species) and Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov., are described. The diagnostic characters of the new genus and species are provided. Keys to the male and female of the species and host data are presented.

Key words: Chiang Mai, identification key, Lyalia, new genus, Shiva, taxonomy, weevils, Yunnan

Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.
1. Male; 2. Female; 3. Mating; 4. Host plant, Lagerstroemia tomentosa C. Presl, 1844, leaves and capsule; 5. Crown collecting by long-handle tropical net.

Zhangius Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, gen. nov. 

 Zhangius rhymbon Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov.  

 Zhangius lophos Wang & Alonso-Zarazaga, sp. nov. 

 Zhiliang Wang, Miguel A. Alonso-Zarazaga. 2026. A New nanophyine Genus, Zhangius gen. nov., with descriptions of Two New Species (Coleoptera, Brentidae, Nanophyinae) from China and Thailand. ZooKeys. 1273: 205-220. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1273.175356 [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Iris cariciformis (Iridaceae) • A New Species from China

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, 

in Z.Z. Zhang et G.X. Zhang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.176663

Abstract

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov. from China is described and illustrated. This species grows on cliff faces or open slopes in the central Qinling Mountains. Morphologically, I. cariciformis is similar to I. dabashanensis but can be distinguished by its longer perianth tube and ellipsoidal capsules with a long beak. Furthermore, this study facilitates the valid publication of Iris fujianensis. Phylogenetic analysis based on chloroplast DNA sequences confirms the placement of the former within I. series Chinenses, while the latter is inferred as sister to I. speculatrix. Simultaneously, a new combination, Iris valida (S.S.Chien) Z.Z.Zhang, H.T.Li & T.Y.Zuo, comb. et stat. nov., is proposed.

Key words: Chloroplast genome, Iris, new species, phylogeny

 

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Plant; C. Sepals, petals and stamens; D. Bracts; E. Pedicel, ovary and pistil; F. Flower; G. Inflorescence (Photos A, B, C. author; C–G Xiaoqiang Shen).

Iris cariciformis Z.Z.Zhang & G.X.Zhang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Morphologically similar to I. dabashanensis, but differs by the longer perianth tube (1.6–2.5 cm vs 0.2–0.5 cm) and ovoid capsules with a prominent beak (vs globose and beakless).

Etymology: The new species grows in clusters and has slender leaves, resembling plants of the Carex L. that inhabit the same environment, hence the specific epithet “cariciformis” was chosen.

 Zhongzheng Zhang and Gexiang Zhang. 2026. Descriptions of A New Species, Validation of a name, and Elevation of a variety in Iris (Iridaceae) from China. PhytoKeys. 271: 299-312. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.176663 [16 Mar 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Nipponeurorthus ailao, N. kuanglu, N. pallidipennis, ... • New Species and New Data of the Dragon Lacewing Genus Nipponeurorthus (Neuroptera: Nevrorthidae) from China

A – Nipponeurorthus furcatus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 2014; B – N. ningboensis sp. nov.;
C – N. qinicus Yang, 1999; D – N. pallidimaculatus sp. nov.
E – type locality of N. kuanglu sp. nov. F – habitat of N. ningboensis sp. nov. in Mt. Longwang.

Li, Zheng, Song & Liu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.37520/aemnp.2026.002 

Photos: A, B – Yuchen Zheng; C – Rongzhen Xu, D – Zhenhao Ma, E – Yujie Zhao.

 

Abstract

 The genus Nipponeurorthus Nakahara, 1958 is an endemic group of the dragon lacewing family Nevrorthidae, currently comprising 13 species from China and Japan. However, due to their rareness in nature, the species and distribution of Nipponeurorthus from China are still poorly explored. Herein we describe five new species of Nipponeurorthus from the Chinese mainland, i.e., N. ailao sp. nov. (China: Yunnan), N. flavipennis sp. nov. (China: Guangxi), N. kuanglu sp. nov. (China: Jiangxi), N. ningboensis sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang), and N. pallidipennis sp. nov. (China: Jiangsu). We also redescribe N. qinicus Yang, 1999, which has been poorly documented since its original description. A molecular delimitation of the Nipponeurorthus species based on the DNA barcodes was performed. An updated key to the species of Nipponeurorthus is also provided.

Key words: Neuroptera, Osmyloidea, Nevrorthidae, new species, taxonomy, Oriental Region

A–D – living adults of Nipponeurorthus Nakahara, 1958: A – N. furcatus Liu, H. Aspöck & U. Aspöck, 2014; B – N. ningboensis sp. nov.; C – N. qinicus Yang, 1999; D – N. pallidimaculatus sp. nov.
E – type locality of N. kuanglu sp. nov. F – habitat of N. ningboensis sp. nov. in Mt. Longwang.

Photos: A, B – Yuchen Zheng; C – Rongzhen Xu, D – Zhenhao Ma, E – Yujie Zhao.

Nipponeurorthus ailao sp. nov. (China: Yunnan)

 N. flavipennis sp. nov. (China: Guangxi)

 N. kuanglu sp. nov. (China: Jiangxi)

 N. ningboensis sp. nov. (China: Zhejiang)

N. pallidipennis sp. nov. (China: Jiangsu)

Li Zechuan, Zheng Yuchen, Song Zhishun, Liu Xingyue. 2026. New Species and New Data of the Dragon Lacewing Genus Nipponeurorthus (Neuroptera: Nevrorthidae) from China. Acta Entomologica Musei Nationalis Pragae. 66(1): 13-36. DOI: doi.org/10.37520/aemnp.2026.002 [16th March 2026]

 Researchgate.net/publication/402239563_New_species_of_Nipponeurorthus_from_China

[Ichthyology • 2026] Arhinoglanis relictus • Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru (Siluriformes: Trichomycteridae) from west of the Andes

 

Arhinoglanis relictus

DoNascimiento, Ortega-Lara, Albornoz-Garzón, Román-Valencia & Lujan, 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002  

  x.com/DrNathanLujan

Abstract

Among vertebrates, specialized scale-feeding occurs almost exclusively in tropical freshwater fishes, with the Amazon basin having the richest regional assemblage of such specialists. With 28 valid species and 11 valid genera, 10 of which are ectoparasitic scale and mucus-feeders, the Neotropical trichomycterid subfamily Stegophilinae is the only fish lineage to have significantly diversified within this niche. Stegophilines are widespread and ubiquitous throughout the lowland freshwaters of South America, east of the Andes. We describe Arhinoglanis gen. nov. and Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov., the first Stegophilinae from west of the Andes, from the upper Cauca River drainage, Colombia. At 26.4 mm maximum standard length, the new genus and species is also the first miniature Stegophilinae. Using diaphanization, light microscopy, and micro-computed tomography imagery, we coded 534 morphological characters for 50 terminal taxa to recover the new taxon as sister to the exclusively cis-Andean clade of Homodiaetus + Schultzichthys. A single unique synapomorphy unites these genera: proximal tip of ceratobranchial 5 wider than proximal tip of ceratobranchial 4. Five autapomorphies diagnose the new genus, the most notable of which is a paedomorphically unossified dorsal lamina of the mesethmoid. The scarcity and highly restricted distribution of the new species within the Magdalena basin has led to its evaluation as Critically Endangered.

catfish, Cauca River, morphology, Neotropics, Stegophilinae, systematics

Arhinoglanis relictus, live paratype, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, in lateral (A) and dorsal (B) views.

 A, ventral photo of live paratype of Arhinoglanis relictus, ROM 112325, 20.9 mm SL, showing gut content, and CT reconstructions of same specimen in (B) ventral and (C) left lateral views, with magnified gut content in (D) ventral, (E) dorsal, and (F) left lateral views.

Scale bars (left) = 5 mm, (right) = 1 mm.

 Arhinoglanis gen. nov. 

Arhinoglanis relictus sp. nov.

 

Carlos DoNascimiento, Armando Ortega-Lara, Juan G Albornoz-Garzón, César Román-Valencia and Nathan K Lujan. 2026. Phylogenetic Assessment and Taxonomic Description of the First Scale-feeding Candiru from west of the Andes (Siluriformes, Trichomycteridae). Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 206(3); zlag002. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlag002 [15 March 2026]

  x.com/DrNathanLujan/status/2033293332143636918

[Botany • 2026] Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Platycentrum) • A New dioecious Species from Mizoram, Northeast India

 

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham,  

in Sailo, Khomdram, Yumkham, Lalthantluanga et Khiangte, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw

Abstract

Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae) under Begonia sect. Platycentrum (Klotzsch) A.DC. is described as a new species from Mizoram, Northeast India. It shares similarities in habit, leaf morphology and inflorescence with Begonia longifolia Blume and Begonia acetosella Craib, but differs in several characters, including longer internode, anthers with dehiscence extending beyond half their length, shorter pedicel in pistillate flower and a puberulent ovary with unequal wings. Taxonomic notes and pollen micromorphology are presented to confirm its novelty and sectional placement. Based on the available data, the newly discovered species has been provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keyword: Begonia acetosella, Begonia longifolia, Begonia mizoramensis, Indo-Burma Hotspot, Mizoram, Platycentrum

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham sp. nov.
A. Male flowering branch and rhizome. B. Stem base and rhizome; C. Internodes; D. Stipule, E. Leaves (adaxial), F. Leaves (abaxial); G. Staminate flower; H. Male tepals. I. Stamen. J. Pistillate flower. K. Female tepals. L–M. Frontal (L) and side (M) view of ovary and stigma. N. Immature fruit. O. Cross section of ovary.

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham sp. nov.
 A–B. Habit (A. inset rhizome). C–D. Flowering twigs of male flowers (bee pollination in D). E. Solitary female flower, F. Flowering twig (abaxial surface). G. Portion of leaf (adaxial surface). H. Portion of leaf base with petiole (abaxial surface). I. Bracts. J. Stipules. K–M. Male Flowers. N. Androecium. O. Stamen showing dehiscence line.

Begonia mizoramensis Vanlalawmpuia, Khomdram & Yumkham, sp. nov.  

 Section Platycentrum 

Diagnosis: Begonia mizoramensis resembles B. longifolia and B. acetosella in habit, leaf morphology and inflorescence but differs by anthers with dehiscence extending beyond half their length, shorter pedicel in pistillate flower (3 mm) and puberulent ovary with unequal wings. B. mizoramensis differs from B. longifolia in sexuality (dioecious vs. monoecious), pedicel in staminate flowers (7–11 mm vs. 25–30 mm) and ovary (puberulent, not inflated vs. glabrous, slightly crested, inflated). It also differs from B. acetosella in peduncle (1– 5.5 mm long, glabrous vs. 2–10 mm long, puberulous), tepal number in pistillate flower (6 vs. 4) and in ovary (3- loculed vs. 4-loculed). 

 

 

Vanlalawmpuia Sailo, Sandhyarani Devi Khomdram, Sanatombi Devi Yumkham, Renthlei Lalthantluanga and Laldinliana Khiangte. 2026. Begonia mizoramensis (Begoniaceae, section Platycentrum), A New dioecious Species from Mizoram, Northeast India.  Taiwania. 71(2); 213-220. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.213 [17 March 2026] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2161

[Ichthyology • 2026] Amblyceps vayavy • A New Catfish (Siluriformes: Amblycipitidae) from the northern part of the Western Ghats, India

  Amblyceps vayavy

Vijayakrishnan, Thackeray & Shirke, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.3.6 

 

Abstract

Amblyceps vayavy, a new species of amblycipitid catfish, is described from the northern part of the Western Ghats Hotspot, India. The new species can be distinguished from all congeners in having the following combination of characters: forked caudal fin, adipose-fin separate from dorsal procurrent part of the caudal fin, centrally projecting hooks on proximal lepidotrichia of median caudal-fin rays absent, incomplete lateral line, lower jaw longer than upper, anal-fin base 15.3–15.9% SL, body depth at anus 14.7–15.3% SL, and adipose-fin base length 21.8–22.3% SL.

Pisces, Sisoroidea, Siluriformes, torrent catfishes, Goa, Maharashtra

Amblyceps vayavy sp. nov. 

 

Balaji VIJAYAKRISHNAN, Tejas THACKERAY and Abhishek SHIRKE. 2026. Amblyceps vayavy, A New catfish from the northern part of the Western Ghats, India (Teleostei: Amblycipitidae). Zootaxa. 5768(1); 401-409. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.3.6 [2026-03-11]

 x.com/Meenkaran1/status/2031574661650329930

 facebook.com/100064866994974/posts/1442773817894838