[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

  

[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]

[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]

[Herpetology • 2026] Gegeneophis valmiki • Discovery of A New Species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India

 

Gegeneophis valmiki 

Dinesh, Shikalgar, Adhav, Jadhav & Kulkarni, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i2p295-312 

Researchgate.net/publication/398754261 

 facebook.com/NirmalKulkarni

A new species of Gegeneophis is described from the base of the lateritic plateaus of Satara, Maharashtra, India. The new species is described based on morphological characters, metric and meristic measurements, phylogenetic analysis, genetic distances, ASAP analysis,and geographic isolation. Phylogenetic and ASAP analyses suggest the presence of an additional six lineages representing potential new species from the northern and central Western Ghats. The affinities of spatial and temporal distribution of Gegeneophis in thenorthern and central Western Ghats are discussed.

Keywords: Annulocylix caecilian, Legless amphibian, New species description, NorthernWestern Ghats, Tailless caecilians, Taxonomy

Gegeneophis valmiki sp. nov. in life
from Maharshi Valmiki Mandir, Valmiki Plateau, Paneri, Palashi, Pathan, Satara, Maharashtra, India.

Gegeneophis valmiki sp. nov.

 

 K.P. Dinesh, Sahil Shikalgar, Pranjal Adhav, Bapurao Vishnu Jadhav and Nirmal U. Kulkarni. 2026. Discovery of A New Species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India. Phyllomedusa, Journal of Herpetology. 24(2); 295-312. DOI: doi.org/10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v24i2p295-312

https://revistas.usp.br/phyllo/article/view/243831

Researchgate.net/publication/398754261_Discovery_of_a_new_species_of_Gegeneophis_highlights_hidden_diversity_and_implications_for_regional_endemism_in_the_Western_Ghats_India

 facebook.com/NirmalKulkarni/posts/10241140647558997

[Crustacea • 2025] Tayninhon nuibaden • A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam

 

Tayninhon nuibaden

 Dang, Tien & Tu, 2025

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.2.10  

 Researchgate.net/publication/395540785

Abstract

Recent surveys in Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam, found one new genus and species of the potamid, Tayninhon nuibaden gen. nov., sp. nov. The new genus is characterised by its medium adult carapace size, relatively flat, rugose and striae on the carapace dorsal surface, low epigastric, postorbital cristae and epibranchial tooth; the anterolateral margin is serrated; relatively wide thoracic sternum with smooth surface; sternopleonal cavity reaching to the imaginary line connecting anterior edges of cheliped coxae; relatively narrow telson; the male first gonopod is sinuous with relatively broad subterminal segment, and the terminal segment hook-shaped with a fold at the basal part, distal part curved inwards, tip sharp; and the male second gonopod is relatively short. The present study brings the total number of freshwater crab species belonging to Potamidae in Vietnam to 61.

Crustacea, Potamoidea, freshwater crab, taxonomy, new genus, new species, biodiversity, conservation

 

Tayninhon nuibaden gen. nov., sp. nov.

PHAN DOAN DANG, TRAN VAN TIEN and DO VAN TU. 2025. Tayninhon nuibaden, A New Genus and New Species of Freshwater Crab (Crustacea: Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from Ba Den Mountain, Southeast Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5693(2); 291-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5693.2.10 [2025-09-17]

 Researchgate.net/publication/395540785_Tayninhon_nuibaden_a_new_genus_and_new_species_of_freshwater_crab_Potamidae_from_Ba_Den_Mountain_Southeast_Vietnam

https://www.vietnam.vn/en/di-tim-loai-cua-nuoc-nuoc-ngot-tayninhon-nuibaden

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & H. jeraiensis • Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia

 

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak & 
Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis 

 Hong, Anuar, Grismer & Quah, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822

 

Abstract

Phylogenetic analyses of newly discovered populations of Hemiphyllodactylus from sky-islands across Peninsular Malaysia using the mitochondrial gene ND2, recovered two new upland species embedded within the harterti group. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island and H. jeraiensis sp. nov. from Gunung Jerai are sister species with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.6% between them. Together, they formed the sister lineage to H. cicak from Penang Hill, with an uncorrected pairwise sequence divergence of 3.9–4.8% and 4.5–5.7%, respectively. Given that these three populations occur on mountain tops isolated by lowland habitat and the Straits of Malacca, gene flow between them is highly unlikely, and there are unique combinations of characters that differentiate them from one another, as well as from all other species of the harterti group. The time-calibrated BEAST phylogeny shows that the harterti group diversified across the uplands of Peninsular Malaysia in the Oligocene and Pleistocene, which is consistent with climatic fluctuations during this period. During the Middle Oligocene, the ancestral population of the harterti group diverged into two distinct populations, one in the Banjaran Titiwangsa and another in the Banjaran Timur. These two populations then radiated independently across Peninsular Malaysia, giving rise to at least nine additional species within the harterti group.

Keywords: Endemic species, herpetofauna, Gunung Jerai, integrative taxonomy, Kedah, Langkawi Island, Southeast Asia

Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. from Langkawi Island.
A Male holotype (LSUHC 15050) B Female paratype (LSUHC 15081) C Female paratype (LSUHC 15082).

Photographs by L. Lee Grismer.

 Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. 

Suggested English common name: Langkawi Island slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Pulau Langkawi 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus puncak sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 35.6 mm; 5–7 chin scales; enlarged postmentals; four or five circumnasal scales; one or two scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine or 10 supralabials; 10 infralabials; 15 or 16 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven or eight ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 4454 or 4554 or 4555; lamellar formula on foot 4554 or 4565 or 4675 or 5655; four subdigital lamellae on first finger and four or five on first toe; 44 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; one cloacal spur on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to at least base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘puncak’ is the Malay word for peak and named in reference to this species being found on the peak of Gunung Raya on Langkawi Island.

 Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov.

 Suggested English common name: Gunung Jerai slender gecko

Suggested Malay common name: cicak kerdil Gunung Jerai 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus jeraiensis sp. nov. can be differentiated from all other species of Hemiphyllodactylus in having the unique combination of a maximum SVL of 36.5 mm; seven chin scales; enlarged postmentals; five circumnasal scales; three scales between supranasals (= postrostrals); nine supralabials; nine infralabials; 12 longitudinally arranged dorsal scales at midbody and seven ventral scales contained within one eye diameter; lamellar formula on hand 2333; lamellar formula on foot 2333; two subdigital lamellae on first finger and two on first toe; 39 continuous, pore-bearing femoroprecloacal scales in male; two cloacal spurs on each side; subcaudals not plate-like; a dark postorbital stripe extending to base of neck; presence of dorsolateral light-coloured spots on trunk; absence of dark dorsolateral or ventrolateral stripe on trunk; generally unicolour wide vertebral area; postsacral marking lacking light-coloured anteriorly projecting arms; and unpigmented caecum and gonadal ducts. These characters are scored across all species of the harterti group listed in Table 5.

Etymology. The new species name ‘jeraiensis’ is in reference to the type locality of this species on Gunung Jerai, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia.

Zijia Hong, M. S. Shahrul Anuar, L. Lee Grismer and Evan S. H. Quah. 2026. Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Hemiphyllodactylus harterti group (Squamata: Gekkonidae), with Description of Two New Species from the Sky-islands of Peninsular Malaysia. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 1-32.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e154822 [16 Jan 2026]