[Crustacea • 2026] Lemurophusa empusa & Balssiathelphusa inopinata • Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)

Lemurophusa empusa

Ng & Guinot, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 

 Abstract 

The systematics of the gecarcinucid genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 is revised. Balssiathelphusa has an atypical distribution pattern for a freshwater crab genus, with the four known species recorded from Sumatra, Borneo and Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. The type species, Para-Perithelphusa sucki Balss, 1937 [sic, see infra], is redescribed and figured, and the genus is redefined to include B. sucki, B. cursor Ng, 1986, from East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, and a new species, B. inopinata n. sp., also from East Kalimantan. The type locality of B. sucki was reported as southeastern Sumatra, but the available evidence suggests the holotype was actually collected from South Kalimantan in Borneo. Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, from Natuna Island, is transferred to a new monotypic genus, Natunusa n. gen., while B. phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, collected from a cave in East Kalimantan, is referred to a separate genus, Lemurophusa n. gen. A new species, L. empusa n. gen., n. sp., is also described from another karst system in East Kalimantan, whereas a juvenile female from a nearby cave in East Kalimantan is treated as Lemurophusa sp. Particular attention was paid to the thoracic sternum and its sutures, to the median bridges between the sternites, as well to the median line, characters often overlooked but that are particularly useful in this group of small gecarcinucid crabs.

KEYWORDS: Borneo, Sumatra, Natuna Islands, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, freshwater crab, cave crab, new genera, new species 

 

Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969

Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969: 364; 1970: 98. — Ng 1986a: 207.

Included species. — Balssiathelphusa sucki (Balss, 1937), B. cursor Ng, 1986; B. inopinata n. sp.

Balssiathelphusa inopinata n. sp.

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin “inopinatus” for “unexpected” as it had been previously believed that Nobili's (1903) record was Balssiathelphusa cursor and not a new species.

Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb., ♂ 12.9 × 11.3 mm (ZRC 2021.0831), Natuna Island:
A, overall dorsal habitus; B, dorsal view of carapace; C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, frontal median triangle, antennules, antennae and epistome; E, buccal cavity, anterior thoracic sternum, telson and pleonal somites 5 and 6; F, posterior thoracic sternum and pleonal somites 1-4; G, sternopleonal cavity.

Genus Natunusa n. gen.

 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, 

by original designation and monotypy.

Diagnosis. — Carapace quadrate, just wider than long; carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae rugose, low but visible, not cristate; postorbital cristae low, rugose, discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista straight; external orbital tooth with outer margin 3.0-4.0 times length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by small notch; rest of anterolateral margins gently convex; posterolateral ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the name of the type locality, Natuna Island, in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. The gender of the name is feminine.

Included species. — Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb.

Lemurophusa empusa n. gen., n. sp.:
 A, C, holotype, ♀ 24.2 × 18.5 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan;
B, D, paratype ♀ 22.2 × 17.2 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan.
A, B, overall dorsal habitus; C, D, dorsal view of carapace.

Genus Lemurophusa n. gen. 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, 

by present designation.

Included species. — Lemurophusa phasma (Ng & Guinot, 2014) n. comb.; Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Diagnosis. — Carapace transversely ovate, wider than long, carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae low, rugose but visible; postorbital cristae low, rugose, just discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista medially bent, fused with lateral cristae; external orbital tooth distinct, with outer margin about twice length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by notch; rest of anterolateral margins ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin word “lēmurēs” for “spirits of the dead”; in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. This alludes to the cave habitat of the species. The gender of the name is feminine.

Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Etymology. — The species is named after Empusa, a demigoddess of Greek mythology. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Peter K. L. Ng and Danièle Guinot. 2026. Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). Zoosystema. 48 (18); 557-587. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 (13 July 2026)

Révision du genre de crabes d'eau douce d'Asie du Sud-Est Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae).

Bornéo, Sumatra, îles Natuna, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, crabe d'eau douce, crabe cavernicole, genres nouveaux, espèces nouvelles

[Crustacea • 2026] Pilumnus guadeloupensis • A New Species of Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda: Brachyura) from Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles

 

Pilumnus guadeloupensis 

Magalhães, Oliveira-Rogeri, Felder & Mantelatto, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a16

 Abstract  

Pilumnus Leach, 1861 is a speciose cosmopolitan genus of marine crabs typical from rocky and coral coastal environments and known to occur in tropical and temperate oceans and seas worldwide, including the waters of western Atlantic and Caribbean Sea surrounding the Lesser Antilles, a recognized hotspot of biodiversity in Caribbean. Despite recent sampling efforts, this region remains underexplored, limiting understanding of its marine fauna. To address this gap, several field expeditions have been carried out, including KARUBENTHOS 2012. This expedition extensively collected specimens of various taxonomic groups, expanding documentation of biodiversity in the Lesser Antilles. Among collections, a unique specimen of Pilumnus was recognized and analyzed through morphological and molecular approaches. Genetic analyses of this specimen, a component of molecular phylogenetic studies previously conducted by our team, confirmed its divergence from previously described species. Herein, we performed a thorough morphological examination analyzing most of the taxonomic informative characters used in species descriptions of representatives of Pilumnus. Based on the presently accessed morphological features and previously detected molecular divergence, a new species, Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., is described. This species can be distinguished from others from the genus mainly by the ornamentation and tuberculation patterns of pereopods, number of anterolateral prominences and shape of the carapace. Detailed morphological comparisons with congeners, alongside a comprehensive review of the literature, are provided.

KEYWORDS: Caribbean, KARUBENTHOS 2012, morphology, Pilumnidae, new species, 

Habitus of alcohol-preserved holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, dorsal; B, ventral.

 Scale bar: 2 mm.

Holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, entire specimen on dorsal view; B, left third maxilliped, external; C, outer surface of major chela; D, left first gonopod, mesial; E, pleon and telson.

 Scale bars (mm): A, 3 mm; B, 0.7 mm; C, 2.5 mm; D, 0.2 mm; E, 1.5 mm.

Alcohol-preserved holotype of Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., male (CW = 6.44 mm),  MNHN-IU-2013-16321:
A, habitus, frontal; B, carapace front, dorsal; C, left anterolateral carapace margin, dorsal; D, left suborbital and pterygostomial carapace regions, ventral; E, left third maxilliped, external; F, left (major) cheliped, dorsal; G, right (minor) chela, external; H, left (major) chela, external; I, right pereopods 4 and 5, meri, carpi, and propodi, dorsal; J, anterior sternites and pereopod coxae, ventral; K, sternopleonal cavity with pleonal lock button; L, left first gonopod, mesial. Not to scale.

Phylum ARTHROPODA Latreille, 1829

Class MALACOSTRACA Latreille, 1802

Order DECAPODA Latreille, 1802

Infraorder BRACHYURA Latreille, 1802

Family PILUMNIDAE Samouelle, 1819

Genus Pilumnus Leach, 1816

Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp.

 

Diagnosis. — Carapace anterodorsally with short pubescence; frontal, protogastric, and hepatic regions of dorsal surface with strong tubercules; supraorbital margins strongly toothed; anterolateral margin with four teeth, anteriormost of which formed by outer orbital tooth. Major chela palm with outer surface nearly smooth and glabrous. Ambulatory pereopods with merus dorsal margin mostly smooth, single subdistal denticle on dorsal margin of meri of pereopods 2-4; carpi and propodi with prominent spiniform tubercles.

Etymology. — The specific epithet guadeloupensis refers to Guadeloupe, the type locality of the species, and it is used here as an adjective.

 

Tatiana Magalhães, Lucas Oliveira-Rogeri, Darryl L. Felder and Fernando L. Mantelatto. 2026. A New Species of Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda, Brachyura) from Guadeloupe, Lesser Antilles, with morphological comparisons to regional congeners. Zoosystema. 48 (16), 389-399. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a16 (3 July 2026)

Une nouvelle espèce de Pilumnus Leach, 1816 (Decapoda, Brachyura) de Guadeloupe, Petites Antilles, et comparaisons morphologiques avec les espèces régionales apparentées.

Pilumnus Leach, 1861 est un genre cosmopolite de crabes marins, typique des environnements côtiers rocheux et coralliens. Ces animaux sont présents dans les océans et mers tropicaux et tempérés du monde entier, notamment dans les eaux de l'Atlantique ouest et la mer des Caraïbes, y compris dans les eaux entourant les Petites Antilles, un point chaud de biodiversité en région caraïbe. Malgré de récents efforts d'échantillonnage, cette région reste sous-explorée, ce qui limite la connaissance de sa faune marine. Pour combler cette lacune, plusieurs expéditions de terrain ont été menées, dont KARUBENTHOS 2012. Cette expédition a permis de collecter de nombreux spécimens de divers groupes taxonomiques, enrichissant ainsi nos connaissances sur la biodiversité des Petites Antilles. Parmi les spécimens collectés, un spécimen unique de Pilumnus a été identifié et analysé par des approches morphologiques et moléculaires. Les analyses génétiques de ce spécimen, réalisées dans le cadre d'études de phylogénie moléculaire précédemment menées par notre équipe, ont confirmé sa divergence avec les espèces précédemment décrites. Un examen morphologique approfondi analysant la plupart des caractères taxonomiques informatifs utilisés dans les descriptions des espèces de Pilumnus a été réalisé. Sur la base des caractéristiques morphologiques décrites dans cette étude et des divergences moléculaires précédemment détectées, une nouvelle espèce, Pilumnus guadeloupensis n. sp., est décrite. Cette espèce se distingue des autres espèces du genre principalement par l'ornementation et les tubercules des péréiopodes, le nombre de proéminences antérolatérales et la forme de la carapace. Des comparaisons morphologiques détaillées avec ses congénères, ainsi qu'une revue exhaustive de la littérature, sont fournies.

Caraïbes, KARUBENTHOS 2012, morphologie, Pilumnidae, espèce nouvelle

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron trichopetalum & R. yalaense (Ericaceae) • Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron in Thailand

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
 

 in Tubtamat, Watthana, Hodkinson et Suwanphakdee, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Abstract

Two new species, Rhododendron trichopetalum and R. yalaense, from Peninsular Thailand, are described and illustrated. Three new records of R. jasminiflorum, R. klossii and R. robinsonii are newly reported for Thailand, and R. klossii is herein reinstated. Lectotypifications were designated where required and an updated key to species, modified from the Flora of Thailand, is provided.

Keywords: anatomical features, Ericaceae, plant taxonomy, pollen morphology, Flora of Thailand

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph.
A. flowering branch; B. flowers; C. hairs on corolla tube; D. basal filament with hairs; E. anther; F. ovary; G. stigma; H. capsule.

Photographed by C. Suwanphakdee and M. Tubtamat.

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Rhododendron javanicum subsp. teysmannii (Miq.) Argent, however, R. trichopetalum lacks hairs on lower leaf surfaces (vs sparsely hairy or glandular-verruculose in R. javanicum subsp. teysmannii), with the corolla tube being sparsely hairy outside (vs glabrous), and the larger capsule 2.3–2.5 cm long (vs 3.7–8 cm long).

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
A. habit; B. scales on lower leaf surface; C. inflorescence; D. ovary; E. stigma; F. capsule.

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This new species is similar to Rhododendron rarilepidotum J.J.Sm., endemic to Indonesia, but differs by having petioles without grooves (vs with grooves in R. rarilepidotum), corolla 3.1–3.6 cm long (vs 2–2.5 cm long), pale orange with 2.1–3.0 cm long filaments (vs purplish, dark red or white, 0.9–1.0 cm long), yellow anthers (vs purplish) and cylindrical capsule (vs fusiform capsule).

Maneenuch Tubtamat, Santi Watthana, Trevor R. Hodkinson and Chalermpol Suwanphakdee. 2026. Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 92–116. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10 [2026-08-10] 

facebook.com/BotanyKU/posts/1514419747153693 

กุหลาบฮาลา และ กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์: กุหลาบพันปีชนิดใหม่ของโลก

facebook.com/BotanyKU/posts/1514419747153693 

👩🏻‍💼น.ส. มณีนุช ทับทะมาตย์ นิสิตปริญญาโท ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ ค้นพบกุหลาบพันปี  ชนิดใหม่ของโลก 2 ชนิด 

🔬การค้นพบนี้เป็นผลงานวิจัยในระดับปริญญาโท ภายใต้การดูแลของ รศ. ดร. เฉลิมพล สุวรรณภักดี ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์, รศ. ดร. สันติ  วัฒฐานะ สาขาวิชาชีววิทยา สำนักวิชาวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีสุรนารี และ Prof. Dr. Trevor R. Hodkinson จากทรินิตี้คอลเลจ มหาวิทยาลัยแห่งกรุงดับลิน ประเทศไอร์แลนด์ ซึ่งตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่ในวารสาร 🌱Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) 🌱 ซึ่งกุหลาบพันปีทั้ง 2 ชนิด ประกอบด้วย

1. Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบฮาลา พบที่จังหวัดนราธิวาส  ดอกมีสีเหลืองเข้ม กลีบดอกเป็นเอกลักษณ์ และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัยในป่าดิบชื้น ความโดดเด่นของลักษณะดอกและการปรับตัวต่อสภาพแวดล้อม ทำให้มีศักยภาพในการใช้เป็นแหล่งพันธุกรรมสำหรับการปรับปรุงพันธุ์ไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต

2. Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์ พบที่จังหวัดยะลา ดอกมีสีส้มเข้ม ออกเป็นช่อค่อนข้างแน่น และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัย ด้วยลักษณะดอกที่โดดเด่นและสีสันสวยงาม จึงมีศักยภาพในการพัฒนาเป็นไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต ควบคู่กับการอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรพันธุกรรมของพืชพื้นถิ่นไทย

[Ichthyology • 2026] Glyptothorax jiwanae • A New Species of the Sisorid Catfish Genus Glyptothorax (Siluriformes: Sisoridae) from Nepal

 

 Glyptothorax jiwanae

Haggard, Ng, Edds & Conway, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025050  

 x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

Glyptothorax jiwanae, new species, is described in this study based on 42 specimens, 41–133 mm SL, from Nepal. It is distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters, including presence of longitudinal striae on the gular region, presence of adhesive papillae on the lower lip, premaxillary teeth hidden when the mouth is closed, nasal barbel reaching posterior to eye, skin flaps along the posterior edges of the maxillary and inner and outer mandibular barbels extending for half or less of barbel length, round eye, thoracic adhesive apparatus (TAA) consisting only of longitudinally oriented striae, an elongate, oval depression within the medial pit of the TAA, finely tuberculate skin, pelvic origin at a vertical through or slightly anterior to the base of the last dorsal-fin ray, length of adipose-fin base 14.9–18.4% SL, i,7,8,i caudal-fin rays, caudal-fin lobes approximately equal in length, and slightly asymmetrical procurrent rays.

 Glyptothorax jiwanae, KU 28638, holotype, 55.4 mm SL, Nepal, Rautahat/Sarlahi, Bagmati River. Scale bar = 5 mm.

Glyptothorax jiwanae, new species 

Etymology.— This species is named after Dr. Jiwan Shrestha, for her pioneering work on elucidating the ichthyofaunal diversity of Nepal. A noun in the genitive.

 

Angela Haggard, Heok Hee Ng, David R. Edds and Kevin W. Conway. 2026. A New Species of the Sisorid Catfish Genus Glyptothorax from Nepal (Siluriformes: Sisoridae). Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3):439-450. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025050 [20 August 2026]

 x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/2091934920453062812

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis medogensis • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Xizang, China

 Ovophis medogensis 

 Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Giri & Wang, 2026

墨脱烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067

Abstract

In 1981, Hoge & Romano-Hoge (1981) erected the genus Ovophis, one of the most widely distributed snake groups in Asia. Its distribution ranges westward from eastern Asia to Nepal, encompassing the entire East Asia and the Indochinese Peninsula. During recent herpetological surveys conducted near Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, a previously undescribed snake species was discovered. Based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence, this species is herein described as a new taxon: Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. This new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: possesses off-white spots on the ventral surface; lacks irregular markings on the dorsal surface of the head; body short and stout, with a brown dorsal ground color bearing 19-20 irregular black butterfly-shaped blotches; presence of a brownish-orange postorbital stripe; vertically elliptical pupil, brownish-black in color; dorsal surface of the tail with white dots extending to the tail tip; infralabials: 11 (12)/11 (10); the first and second pairs of infralabials in contact with chin shields; supralabials: mostly 8, occasionally 9; ventrals: 132-138; subcaudals: 39-49, mostly paired; dorsal scale rows 23-23-19; Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species forms a well-supported distinct lineage, with a Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) of 1.00 and an ultrafast bootstrap (UFB) value of 100. Analyses of uncorrected pairwise genetic distances based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene showed that the genetic distances between the new species and other known species of the genus Ovophis range from 0.055 (vs. Ovophis monticola) to 0.135 (vs. Ovophis tonkinensis). The discovery of this new species further enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the eastern Himalayas and provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the genus.

Keywords: Medog, Cryptic diversity, Ovophis medogensis sp. nov., pit-viper, Eastern Himalayas

Photographs of individuals of  Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. (CIB 122660) in life.
Full view (A), dorsal view of head (B), left lateral view of head (C), and right lateral view of head (D).

Photographed by Shengchao SHI. 

The holotype (Adult male, specimen No. CIB 122661) of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in preservation.
Dorsal view of the body (A); ventral view of the body (B); dorsal view of the head (C); ventral view of the head (D); dorsal view of the midbody (E); right lateral view of the head (F); left lateral view of the head (G); ventral view of the midbody (H); lateral view of the midbody (I); dorsal view of the tail (J).

Photographed by Dihao WU.

Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Rohit and Wang  

Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Ovophis characterized by the following combination of characters: tail length to total length (TaL/TL) ratio 0.179–0.181 (N=4); internasal scales undivided or separated by 1 scale; second supralabial bordering the loreal pit; dorsal scale rows (DSR) 23(25)–23–19 (N=4); ventrals scales (VEN) 132–138 (N=4), bearing strong keels along the dorsal region; subcaudals scales (SC) 39–49 (N=4), mostly paired with occasional single undivided scales; third supralabial distinctly larger than the fourth (N=4); dorsal surface of the head lacking distinct markings; postocular region to neck with orange-red coloration; neck marked by two approximately parallel stripes; dorsal body brownish-yellow with irregular black, butterfly-shaped blotches; and dorsal surface of the tail or named with a continuous series of white spots.

Comparison of live morphologies of genus Ovophis from the Eastern Himalayan Region. Includes the following specimens: (A1–A3) O . monticola, (B1–B3) O. medogensis sp. nov., and (C1–C3) O. zayuensis.
O . monticola: A1 is one adult individual from Chhaimale, Nepal; A2 is one adult male individual from Majua, West Bengal, India; A3 is one adult male individual from Mangan, Sikkim, India;
O. medogensis sp. nov.: B1 is one juvenile individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B2 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China;
O. zayuensis: C1 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; C2 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China; and C3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China.

Photographic credits: (A1) photographed by Rohit GIRI; (A2, A3) photographed by Prajjwal RAY. (A2, A3) cited from the iNaturalist.org occurrence dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/ab3s5x) via GBIF.org, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), with record numbers: A2 No. 248018996 and A3 No. 423862755. (B1, B2, C2, C3) photographed by Shengchao SHI, (B3) photographed by Zhonghao LUO, and (C1) photographed by Dihao WU.

Type locality habitat of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in Beibeng Township, Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.
A: Microhabitat; B: Overall habitat.

Photographed by Linghong LIAO. 

Etymology: The specific epithet medogensis refers to Medog County, the type locality of this species, and is chosen in recognition of the region’s exceptional herpetological diversity, which has facilitated the discovery of this new taxon. The proposed Chinese common name is “墨脱烙铁头蛇” (Mòtuō Làotiětóu Shé), directly derived from the type locality. The English common name is proposed as “Medog Pitviper”.

Linghong LIAO, Shengchao Shi, Zhonghao Luo, Yun Huang, Yiheng Lin, Rohit Giri and Bin Wang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Xizang, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067 [May 9, 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Allium erimomeli (Amaryllidaceae) • A New hexaploid Species of Allium sect. Codonoprasum from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece)

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, 

in  Nikolopoulos, Tan, Kobrlová, Adamakis, Bareka, Duchoslav et Trigas, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916

Abstract

Background and aims – The genus Allium exhibits extensive diversification in the Mediterranean Basin, where insular endemism and polyploidy have played a significant role in species evolution. During taxonomic and biosystematic studies of A. sect. Codonoprasum, an undescribed species was discovered on the volcanic islands of Milos and Antimilos (Kiklades, Greece). This study aims to determine its taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships using an integrative approach.

Material and methods – The new species was investigated using comparative morphology, leaf anatomy, karyological analyses, genome size estimation by flow cytometry, and phylogenetic reconstruction based on nrITS sequence data. These data were compared with those of closely related species, particularly A. occultum, as well as other representatives of A. sect. Codonoprasum from Europe and the Mediterranean region.

Key results – Allium erimomeli is described here as a new species. Karyological and flow cytometric analyses revealed a hexaploid chromosome complement (2n = 6x = 48) with a mean genome size of 46.2 pg. Phylogenetic reconstruction recovered the species as a strongly supported clade sister to the tetraploid A. occultum. Despite their close phylogenetic relationship, the two taxa differ in ploidy level, genome size, and diagnostic morphological characters, primarily relating to the bulb, leaves, and ovary. Additional differentiation is supported by leaf anatomy. Morphological characters were also compared with those of A. sibthorpianum and A. rumelicum.

Conclusion – The recognition of A. erimomeli as a distinct species emphasizes the significance of polyploidy and insular isolation in the diversification of A. sect. Codonoprasum in the Aegean region. These findings further enhance our understanding of evolutionary relationships within the section and call for expanded phylogenetic and cytogenetic sampling across the eastern Mediterranean region.

Keywords: genome size, Greek flora, karyology, leaf anatomy, nuclear ITS, polyploidy, vascular plants

Allium erimomeli.
A. Individual at the onset of flowering in its natural habitat. B. Inflorescence, lateral view. C. Inflorescence, view from below. D. Flowers. E. Outer tepal (left) and inner tepal (right). F. Individual during the vegetative phase, with visible leaf sheaths and blades. G.Leaf blade. H. Bulb with multi-layered tunics. I. Bulb bearing shortly stalked bulblets at its base. J. Ovary.

Photos by Panayiotis Trigas (A, F, G) and Iasonas Nikolopoulos (B–E, H, I, J).

Allium erimomeli Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Duchoslav & Trigas, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Allium erimomeli is closely related to A. occultum but differs in the colour of inner bulb tunics (whitish, rarely tinged with purple vs purple), leaves (4–6, semicylindrical, 0.8–1.5 mm wide vs 2–4, subcylindrical to terete, 0.3–0.8 mm wide), length of pedicels (9–12 mm long, 1.5–2.5× the length of the perigon vs 3–7 mm long, 0.7–1.5× the length of the perigon), ovary (green, ± smooth, 3-lobed vs whitish, yellowish orange at the apex, papillose, 6-lobed), and ploidy level (hexaploid vs tetraploid).

Etymology: The specific epithet is the genitive of the geographical noun “Erimomilos/Erimomelos”, a local/alternative name for Antimilos Island, where the species occurs and from where the type material was collected. The island’s name is derived from the Greek elements erimos (ἔρημος, “desert”) and Melos (the island of Milos), thus referring to Antimilos as the “deserted Milos”.

 Iasonas Nikolopoulos, Kit Tan, Lucie Kobrlová, Ioannis-Dimosthenis S. Adamakis, Pepy Bareka, Martin Duchoslav and Panayiotis Trigas. 2026. Allium erimomeli, A New hexaploid Species of A. sect. Codonoprasum (Amaryllidaceae) from Milos and Antimilos Islands (Kiklades, Greece). Plant Ecology and Evolution. 159(3): 470-482. DOI: doi.org/10.5091/plecevo.189916 [21 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote,

in Choopan et Grote, 2026.

เข็มฉัตร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12

Abstract

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), a new species known only from Thailand, is here described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous and by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm long. Comparison of morphological characteristics are provided.

Keywords: conservation status, flora, morphology, taxonomy 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A. habit; B. flower; C. pistil and stamens; D. fruits; E. seeds.

(Drawn by Sunitsorn Pimpasalee).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A.-C. flowers; D. puberulous calyx and glabrous pistil; E. dried fruit and seeds; F. seeds; G. lower surface of leaf; H. & J. inflorescences; I. infructescence.

 (Photographed by Thiamhathai Choopan).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote, sp. nov.  

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by the inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous, by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm, and by capsule 3–3.5 cm long instead of 2–2.5 cm.

Thiamhathai Choopan and Paul Grote. 2026. Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 122-127. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12 [17 August 2026]
เข็มฉัตร พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จากเขาสอยดาว จ.จันทบุรี

[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. hongsonensis, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, ... • Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand

กระดิ่งดอยตุง Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult; 

ข้าวก่ำภูวัว D. phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee; 

ม่วงสามหมอก D. hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, 

in Nangngam, Middleton, Suksathan et Suddee. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13

Abstract

Ten new species of the genus Didymocarpus are described from Thailand: Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. flaviflorus, D. hongsonensis, D. kiewbangii, D. kwanjaiae, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, D. phuwuaensis, D. suchartii and D. vilaiwaniae. Full descriptions, distributions, ecology and colour plates are provided for all taxa. These additional new species increase the total number of Didymocarpus in Thailand to thirty-five species, and therefore, a key to the species of Didymocarpus in Thailand is also provided in this paper.

Keywords: Flora of Thailand, taxonomy, Didymocarpinae, Trichosporeae

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult:
A. habit showing leaves and dichasial cyme inflorescence; B. corolla shape; C. flower in bud and immature capsule.

Photographs: All by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Krading doi tung (กระดิ่งดอยตุง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the corolla colour with the white tube and lobes reddish brown to orange brownish inside.

Didymocarpus flaviflorus Nangngam, Suksathan & Rujich., sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus citrinus Ridl. in the corolla colour but they differ in corolla size (c. 3.5 cm long in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, 2–2.7 cm long in D. citrinus), calyx shape (tubular in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, lobes free in D. citrinus), and in leaf shape and margin (elliptic-oblong and denticulate in D. flaviflorus, ovate to ovate-lanceolate and serrate in D. citrinus).

Vernacular.— Krading lueang wiangchai (กระดิ่งเหลืองเวียงชัย) (Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the bright yellow corolla.

Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan:
A. habit and habitat; B. corolla front view and young fruits; C. corolla shape side view; D. opened flower showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; E. stamens showing anthers coherent.

Photographs: All by Kittiyut Punchay.

 Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Muang sam mok (ม่วงสามหมอก)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Mae Hong Son Province, the type locality.

Didymocarpus kiewbangii Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus insulsus Craib in general appearance and in having 5 free calyx lobes but differs in the leaf arrangement and a longer corolla (leaves opposite and corolla c. 3 cm long in D. kiewbangii, ternate and c. 2.5 cm long in D. insulsus).

Vernacular.— Muang si kieobang (ม่วงศรีเขียวบาง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Wittawat Kiewbang, a former BKF staff member who has accompanied botanists to various parts of the country and contributed valuable photographs and specimens.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee:
A. Habit and habitat; B. flower showing calyx and corolla shape; C. opened corolla showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; D. flower bud.

Photographs: All by Kwanjai Khammmongkol.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus middletonii Souvann., Soulad. & Tagane from Laos in the red corolla colour but differs in the calyx tube campanulate and glabrous (tube campanulate and glabrous in D. kwanjaiae, tube urceolate and with multicellular eglandular hairs in D. middletonii).

Vernacular.— Krading Daeng Phaseeda (กระดิ่งแดงผาสีดา)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Dr Kwanjai Khammongkol, the former chief assistant of Phu Langka National Park and the collector of the known specimens.

Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus biserratus Barnett in having a united and glabrous calyx tube and a funnelform and glabrous corolla but differs in having a symmetrical tubular white-cream and greenish-whitish calyx tube and a white corolla (asymmetrical green-maroon to purple campanulate calyx tube and dark violet corolla in D. biserratus). It is also similar to D. niveus in the white corolla but differs in the symmetrical calyx (asymmetrical in D. niveus) and corolla size (c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis, c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus).

Vernacular. — Krading Khao Lam Kong (กระดิ่งขาวลําโขง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the Mekong Basin, the type locality.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee:
 A. corolla front view; B. inflorescence, cyme 3–5-flowered; C. ovary and stigma. D. stamens showing anthers coherent and 2 longer staminodes.

Photographs: A–B by Pranee Nangngam; C by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee in its white funnelform corolla but differs in having a longer calyx tube and corolla (calyx tube 8–10 mm long and corolla c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus vs calyx tube c. 5 mm long and corolla c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis).

Vernacular.— Krading Khao Khun Phawo (กระดิ่งขาวขุนพะวอ)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the snow-white colour of the corolla.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee:
 A. habit; B. capsules; C. inflorescence and front view of corolla; D. side view of corolla.

Photographs: All by Wittawat Kiewbang.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee, sp. nov.

  This species is similar to Didymocarpus formosus Nangngam & D.J.Middleton in the large paired bracts and funnelform corolla but differs in having bracts not embracing the calyx in bud, a ubular calyx tube, and a dark purple corolla (bracts embracing calyx in bud, campanulate calyx tube, and dark red maroon corolla in D. formosus).

Vernacular.— Khao kam phu wua (ข้าวกําภูวัว)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, the type locality.

Didymocarpus suchartii Nangngam, Makerd & Suddee, sp.nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus megaphyllus Barnett in the corolla covered with multi-cellular glandular hairs but differs in having calyx lobes free, ovary with multicellular glandular hairs, corolla dark purple (calyx formed into a campanulate tube at base, ovary glabrous, corolla crimson-red in D. megaphyllus). Also similar to D. hongsonensisin having a dark purple funnelform corolla but differs in having calyx lobes free (formed into a tube at base in D. hongsonensis).

Vernacular.— Muang chan hom huan (ม่วงจันทร์หอมหวล)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Suchart Chanhomhual, who has contributed a lot to protecting plant diversity in Umphang District, and for his photographs and the type collection.

Didymocarpus vilaiwaniae Nangngam, Moungmaith. & Chamch., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus glandulosus (W.W.Smith) W.T.Wang var. minor (W.T.Wang) W.T.Wang from South China in general appearance and in having free calyx lobes and a salverform corolla but differs in leaf characters (leaves congested at the top of stem and silvery on upper surface in D. vilaiwaniae, scattered along stem and not silvery on upper surface in D. glandulosus var. minor).

Vernacular.— Muang Si Anusarn (ม่วงศรีอนุสาร)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Associate Prof. Dr Vilaiwan Anusarnsunthorn, the founder of CMUB herbarium.

Pranee Nangngam, David J. Middleton, Piyakaset Suksathan and Somran Suddee. 2026. Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 128-149. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13 [2026-08-19]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Laimosemion laranja • A New killifish of the Genus Laimosemion (Cyprinodontiformes: Rivulidae) from Rio Cajari in the Brazilian Amazon

Laimosemion laranja 

Abrantes, Lima, Nielsen, de Lira, da Silva & Berbel-Filho, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.187659

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular evidence, this study describes a new species of rivulid of the genus Laimosemion from the lower Rio Amazonas Basin in the south of the state of Amapá in northern Brazil. The new species, Laimosemion laranja sp. nov., exhibits a color pattern characteristic of the L. geayi species group, consisting of longitudinal rows of spots on the anterior portion of flank and oblique chevron-shaped bars on the posterior portion of flank. It can be distinguished from its congeners by unique combination of characters, including position of dorsal-fin origin relative to anal-fin rays, frontal squamation pattern of head, counts of transverse and longitudinal scale series, fin-ray counts, vertebral count, osteology of caudal fin, and number of neuromasts in infraorbital series. Partial sequences of the mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (cox1) gene indicates that the new species diverges genetically by 5.3% from its closest relatives, L. agilae and L. strigatus, by 9.2% from L. dibaphus, and 12.3% from L. geayi. We further discuss the systematic relationships within the L. geayi species group and the conservation status of the new species based on IUCN criteria, including recommendations for its conservation.

Key Words: Amapá State, Amazonas Estuary and Coastal Drainages Ecoregion, Amazonian ichthyofauna, conservation

Laimosemion laranja new species
 Holotype [INPA–ICT 062600], male, 26.8 mm SL; 
 Paratype [INPA–ICT 062601], female, 20.1 mm SL 
Brazil, Amapá, Laranjal do Jari, Rio Cajari, Amazonas Basin.

photos: Y. Abrantes. 

 

Laimosemion laranja sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Laimosemion laranja differs from the six congeners of the L. geayi group by having eight scales in transverse series (vs.7 in L. dibaphus and L. strigatus, 9 in L. geayi, 9–10 in L. agilae and L. cladophorus, and 9–11 in L. mabura). It can be distinguished from all other congeners of the L. geayi group, except L. agilae and L. cladophorus, by dorsal-fin origin positioned on transversal plane through bases of 4th–6th anal-fin rays in both sexes (vs. of 7th–8th anal-fin rays). It differs from L. agilae by frontal squamation pattern of head (E squamation vs. F squamation) and from ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘laranja’ is a name with a dual allusion. It refers to the bright orange color pattern on males of the new species (‘laranja’ means the color, as it also means the fruit in Portuguese), and is also an homage to the municipality of Laranjal do Jari, founded on December 17, 1987, in the south of Amapá State, Brazil, from where the species is currently only found. A noun in apposition.

Sampling localities of Laimosemion laranja new species.
 Localities one and two (A, B), and the type locality (C). Brazil, Amapá, Laranjal do Jari, Rio Cajari, Amazonas Basin.

 Photos: W.M. Berbel-Filho.

Yuri Gomes Abrantes, Sergio Maia Queiroz Lima, Dalton Tavares Bressane Nielsen, Fabio Origuela de Lira, Márcio Joaquim da Silva, Waldir Miron Berbel-Filho. 2026. A New killifish of the Genus Laimosemion (Cyprinodontiformes, Rivulidae) from Rio Cajari in the Brazilian Amazon. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1079-1088. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.187659 [20 Aug 2026]