[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

[Arachnida • 2026] Karschia baii • A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae: Karschiidae) from China

 

 Karschia (Karschia) baii 

Chen, Fan & Zhang, 2026.  

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913

Abstract

A new species of the genus Karschia Walter, 1889, Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov., is described from northwest China. We provide a detailed morphological description, diagnostic features, and illustrations for the new species, and present its known distribution in China. Additionally, the first photographs of wild mating for the family Karschiidae are presented.

Key words: Camel spider, mating behavior, morphology, solpugids, taxonomy

Habitat and living photos of Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.
A, B. Arid desert habitat with sparse vegetation in Gansu Province; C. Male individual in natural condition; D. Female individual in natural condition; E, F. Close-up of a mating pair on Artemisia branches, showing natural coloration and positioning during copulation.

Karschia (Karschia) baii sp. nov.

Aidie Chen, Wenlong Fan, Feng Zhang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Karschia Walter, 1889 (Solifugae, Karschiidae) from China. ZooKeys. 1269: 181-197. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.180913 [13 Feb 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Butis bargabhimae • A New Species of butid fish (Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India

  

Butis bargabhimae

Maiti, Mandal, Das, Pahari & Bhattacharya, 2026  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 

  academia.edu/164972645

 

Abstract

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. is morphologically similar to B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis but can be distinguished from both of these morphologically by the presence of interorbital scales (IOS 2–3/7–8/2–3), auxiliary scales, bands on the pectoral fin, and the absence of a row of alternating blackish and yellowish spots at the base of the caudal fin. The NCBI BLAST result of COI gene shows 86% similarity with both B. koilomatodon and B. delagoensis. The COI sequence MN171371.1 submitted as B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh shows 99% similarity with B. bargabhimae sp. nov. and belongs to the same clade rather than the clade of B. koilomatodon from the state of Kerala in India and those from other countries. It seems B. koilomatodon from Bangladesh is a misidentification and should be included under B. bargabhimae sp. nov. Likewise COI sequence of B. koilomatodon, as reported earlier by Pahari et al. (2024), suggests this was a misidentification and should be redesignated as B. delagoensis.

Pisces, Estuarine fish, gudgeon goby, mitochondrial COI, short snout Butis

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov. Holotype Female (Reg. No. ZSI FF 10992).
I: Longer 3 rd and 4 th spine. II: Oblique dark bands on body. III: Dark median spot at pectoral fin base. IV: Light and dark alternate bands on pectoral fin.

Butis bargabhimae sp. nov.

Subhadeep MAITI, Sudipta MANDAL, Mitali DAS, Priti Ranjan PAHARI and Tanmay BHATTACHARYA. 2026. Butis bargabhimae sp. nov., A New Species of butid fish (Teleostei: Gobiiformes: Butidae) from the Rupnarayan River, Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, India. Zootaxa. 5763(4); 588-596. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.4.9 [2026-03-05]

  academia.edu/164972645/Butis_bargabhimae_A_new_species_of_butid_fish_from_the_Rupnarayan_River_Purba_Medinipur_West_Bengal_India

[Botany • 2026] Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

 

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin & Aver., 

 in Nguyen, Lin, Averyanov, Ban, Giang et Bui. 2026.  

turczaninowia.asu.ru 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

We describe and illustrate a new species, Raphiocarpus hapii, recently discovered in central Vietnam. It resembles R. sinovietnamicus but differs in dwarf habit, 20–30 (rarely 50) cm tall, spreading hirsute stems and leaves, shorter corolla, 1.5–1.8 cm long, with a tubular corolla tube, which is pale greyish-pink to dusky greyish-purple, tinged with maroon externally, and white with maroon to crimson internally, having scattered pilose hairs on the lower corolla mouth, and in shorter capsule, 1.8–2.5 cm. According to the IUCN criteria (2024), the new species may tentatively be assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: biodiversity, Central Highlands, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, plant taxonomy

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin et Aver., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. The new species differs from the morphologically closest Raphiocarpus sinovietnamicus by the combination of the following morphological characters: stem seldom exceeding 30 cm in height; stems and leaves hispid-hirsute; leaves have 7 pairs of lateral veins; inflorescence bears 2–7 flowers; corolla tubular, 1.5–1.8 cm long with pilose indumentum on the lower part of the mouth; and capsule 1.8–2.5 cm long.

 

Khang S. Nguyen, Che W. Lin, Leonid V. Averyanov, Ninh K. Ban, Vu H. Giang, Van T. Bui. 2026. Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from central Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(1); 50–56. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.8 [2026-03-12]

 https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/19014

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10232223151865057

 

[Botany • 2026] Homalomena bungamerah (Araceae: Philodendreae) • A New Species from Northern Sumatra, Indonesia

 Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri,

in Mustaqim, Irsyam, Pratama, Surbakti et Hariri. 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2160 

Abstract

A new litophytic species of Homalomena from Sumatra, Homalomena bungamerah, is described. The new species is unique in having a plicate verrucose upper leaf surface combined with the absence of interpistillar staminodes. Owing to the ongoing threats and small population, H. bungamerah is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR B2 ab(iii,v)). Morphological descriptions, photographs, and notes are given.

Keyword: aroids, Homalomena asperifolia, Homalomena mobula, Homalomena scutata, herbs, litophyte, west Malesia

Morphology of Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.
 A. Living plant. B. Leaf, adaxial. C. Leaf, abaxial. D. Leaf, adaxial texture. E. Leaf, close up of abaxial. F. Close-up of petiole ribs. G. Synflorescence showing spathe which is nodding at anthesis. H. Synflorescence. I. Inflorescence, front view. J. Inflorescence, lateral view. K. Spadix with spathe removed. L. Female spadix zone. M. Male spadix zone.

Photographs by Wendy A. Mustaqim.

Homalomena bungamerah Mustaqim, A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov. 

 Diagnosis: This species is unique in having large and plicate leaves, a spathe that nodding at anthesis, and pistillate flowers without an interpistillar staminode. The most morphologically similar species is H. mobula P.C.Boyce 1/2), the larger leaf lamina (16.5–25.8 × 7.7–14.6 cm vs. 7.5–12 × 2.5–6 cm), and the absence of interpistillar staminodes. 

 

Etymology: The specific epithet “bunga merah” is derived from the Malay language, reflecting the inflorescence (“bunga”) with red (“merah”) peduncle and spathe. Malay is the indigenous language in Langkat Regency, where the type material was collected.  

Wendy A. Mustaqim, Arifin S.D. Irsyam, Muhammad A. Pratama, Irwansyah Surbakti and Muhammad R. Hariri. 2026. Homalomena bungamerah (Araceae), A New Species from Northern Sumatra, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(2); 209-212 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.209 [16 March 2026]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2160

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus vietnamensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane, 

in Vu, T. A. Le, Nong, Dinh, V. H. Le, Yamamoto et Tagane, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 

 facebook.com/LeTuanAnhBotany

 

Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus, N. vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane is described from Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Hue Province (currently Hue City), central Vietnam. It is similar to N. namkadingensis but distinguished by its branchlet with 14–30(–40) leaves (vs. 50–60 in N. namkadingensis), leaf blades with 3–6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 8–12 pairs), pistillate pedicel of 8–9 mm long (vs. 10–16 mm long), disc of pistillate flowers with 4–6 free rectangular segments (vs. connate and annular), and subglobose capsules (vs. ellipsoid). A detailed description, photographs, and information on the distribution and ecology, vernacular name, phenology, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the species.

Flora of Vietnam, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane sp. nov. 

TIEN CHINH VU, TUAN ANH LE, VAN DUY NONG, DIEN DINH, VAN HUONG LE, TAKENORI YAMAMOTO, SHUICHIRO TAGANE. 2026. Nymphanthus vietnamensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 742(3); 237-242. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 [2026-02-24]

  facebook.com/LeTuanAnhBotany/posts/3501787813307958

[Botany • 2026] Sadiria kachinensis (Primulaceae: Myrsinoideae) • A New Species from Myanmar

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka,

in Utteridge, Armstrong, Yoneda et Tanaka. 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1

 

Abstract

Sadiria kachinensis from Kachin State, Myanmar is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is morphologically similar to S. boweri and S. solanifolia but differs in several characters especially the smaller leaves on the vegetative shoots and the flowering branches, larger inflorescences and petals, and smaller sepals. In addition, this new species is compared to S. eugeniifolia var. burmanica, the only other member of Sadiria in Myanmar.

 Burma, Ericales, Indo-China, South-East Asia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
 A habit; B detail of leaf margin; C inflorescences; D flower; E single calyx lobe; F detail of overlapping corolla lobes; G flower opened to show stamens opposite the corolla lobes; H ovary and style (flower with corolla removed); I stamen abaxial view; J stamen adaxial view; K ovary; L fruit with persistent style.

Drawn from Armstrong et al. 4307 (TNS). Scale bars: A = 3 cm, C, D, G, H, L = 5 mm, E & F = 1 mm, I, J & K = 3 mm. Illustration by Kaoru Yoneda.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
A. habit; B. plagiotropic (flowering) branch with inflorescences and flowers pre-anthesis; C. plagiotropic branch with fruits; D. inflorescence/flower detail, note exserted styles in the flowers on the right hand side; E. fruit detail, note persistent style (dry and black).

 Photographed by Kate Armstrong.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov. 

 Recognised in the genus Sadiria by the leaves (ortho- and plagiotropic) drying greenish and the shorter plagiotropic reproductive branches, and unique amongst those species in the combination of the following characters: 3–4 leaves in pseudowhorls along the erect (orthotropic) stems, these orthotropic leaves, elliptic and 9.5–13 × 3.5–4.5 cm; the lateral plagiotropic (reproductive) flower-bearing branches (4–)6.5–11 cm long, with 3(–5) leaves along the length of the branch; orthotropic and reproductive shoots leaves drying green; pendulous inflorescences sessile or with a very short rachis to 2 mm long; the corolla fused for approximately three-quarters of its length; stamens with anthers 2 mm long; and the style conspicuously exserted at anthesis and extending ca. 3 mm beyond the apex of the corolla lobes.

Timothy UTTERIDGE, Kate E. ARMSTRONG, Kaoru YONEDA and Nobuyuki TANAKA. 2026. Sadiria kachinensis (Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae), A New Species from Myanmar.  Phytotaxa. 744(3); 205-211. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1 [2026-03-10]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hyphessobrycon pastanai • A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae: Hyphessobryconinae) of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage from the lower Aripuanã Basin, Brazil, with comments about the lineage

Hyphessobrycon pastanai

 Faria, Ohara, Monteiro & Oliveira, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70379 

  Researchgate.net/publication/401289168

 

Abstract

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from a tributary of Rio Jatuarana, lower Rio Aripuanã basin, Rio Madeira basin, Apuí, Amazonas. The new species is part of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage, with the typical midlateral narrow black stripe immediately followed dorsally by an iridescent stripe. Its phylogenetic position is corroborated by the DNA barcoding methodology, which also indicates the new species as closely related to Hyphessobrycon ericae and Hyphessobrycon ribeiroi, with both possessing very distinct colour patterns. The new species can be distinguished from all species of Hyphessobrycon by the association of a well-defined and horizontally elongated humeral blotch with a ventral diffuse expansion, a conspicuous caudal peduncle blotch restricted to the ventral half of the caudal peduncle and proximal half of mid rays of caudal fin, the presence of a red midlateral stripe dorsal to the iridescent stripe and lateral-line scale counts.

Keywords: biodiversity, Hyphessobrycon ericae, Hyphessobrycon ribeiroi, Ichthyology, Rio Amazonas

Hyphessobrycon pastanai n. sp. Living specimens.
Brazil, Amazonas, Apuí, stream tributary of Rio Jatuarana, Rio Aripuanã basin, Rio Madeira basin.
(a) MZUSP 117609, unsexed; (b) LBP 32949, female. 

Hyphessobrycon pastanai n. sp. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is a homage to Dr. Murilo Nogueira de Lima Pastana, dear friend, ichthyologist and curator in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, as a recognition of its important contributions to the knowledge of fishes from the Apuí region. A genitive noun.

Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus and Hyphessobrycon agulha species groups representatives.
(a) Hy. heterorhabdus, ZUEC 17135, female, Brazil, Belém region, picture of Douglas A. Bastos.
(b) Hy. agulha, LBP 33136, female, Brazil, Rio Mamuru basin.

Tiago C. Faria, Willian M. Ohara, Iann Leonardo Pinheiro Monteiro and Claudio Oliveira. 2026. A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae) of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage of Hyphessobryconinae from the lower Aripuanã Basin, Brazil, with comments about the lineage. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70379 (26 February 2026)  

  Researchgate.net/publication/401289168_A_new_Hyphessobrycon_from_the_lower_Aripuana_basin_Brazil

[Paleontology • 2026] Alnashetri cerropoliciensis • Argentine Fossil rewrites Evolutionary History of a baffling Dinosaur Clade

Alnashetri cerropoliciensis Makovicky, Apesteguía & Gianechini, 2012

in Makovicky, Mitchell, Meso, Gianechini, Cerda et Apesteguía, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10194-3

Abstract

Alvarezsauroids are an enigmatic clade of predominantly small-bodied theropod dinosaurs that are known mainly from the Jurassic to Cretaceous periods of Asia and South America. Late Cretaceous alvarezsauroids possess specialized forelimbs adapted for digging, minute supernumerary teeth and heightened sensory capacities, and are interpreted as myrmecophagous. They are hypothesized to exhibit evolutionary miniaturization coupled to their dietary specialization. Fragmentary South American taxa are traditionally arrayed as a paraphyletic grade with respect to the Late Cretaceous Asian subclade Parvicursorinae, invoking dispersal to explain their disjunct distributions. Here we describe a skeleton of the alvarezsauroid Alnashetri cerropoliciensis representing to our knowledge the most complete and smallest South American taxon to date. We also recognize two alvarezsauroids among historic taxa from the Northern Hemisphere. Phylogenetic analysis recovers Alnashetri among basal non-alvarezsaurids, rendering South American taxa polyphyletic. Combined with the new taxa recognized here, our biogeographical analyses infer a Pangaean ancestral distribution for Alvarezsauroidea, with vicariance dominating the early history of the clade. The early branching position of Alnashetri among larger-bodied relatives revises best-fit models of body size evolution in alvarezsauroids—we find no support for evolutionary miniaturization but, rather, find support for repeated evolution within a narrow body size range.

 

Peter J. Makovicky, Jonathan S. Mitchell, Jorge G. Meso, Federico A. Gianechini, Ignacio Cerda and Sebastian Apesteguía. 2026. Argentine Fossil rewrites Evolutionary History of a baffling Dinosaur Clade.  Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10194-3 [25 February 2026]

 x.com/NatureJapan/status/2031626177027387582

[Botany • 2026] Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Assam, Northeast India

Osbeckia zubeengargiana Barnali Das & N. Nath,

in Das, Pulpra et Nath, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 

 facebook.com: Barnali DAS

 

Abstract

A new species of Osbeckia, O. zubeengargiana, from the family Melastomatacaeae, is described based on collections made from Assam, India. The new species is related to O. rostrata because of its tetramerous flowers, but can be distinguished by its habit, foliar morphology, bract shape and size, morphology of the intersepalar emergences, ciliated style base, and seed size. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, photographs showing diagnostic features, and comparison with the related species are provided here.

Assam, India, Melastomataceae, new species, Osbeckia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Barnali DAS, Prashob PULPRA and Namita NATH. 2026. Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Assam, Northeast India.  Phytotaxa. 747(1); 1-7. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 [2026-03-13]

 facebook.com/BarnaliDAS1466126/posts/4383160901962339

  

[Paleontology • 2026] Crocodylus lucivenator • Lucy’s peril: A Pliocene crocodile from the Hadar Formation, north-eastern Ethiopia

  

Crocodylus lucivenator

 Brochu, Drumheller, Campisano, Tekle, Getachew, Head, Platt & Leaphart, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2614954 

Artwork by Tyler Stone

Abstract

We herein describe a new crocodile, Crocodylus lucivenator sp. nov., from palaeoanthropological sites in the Pliocene Hadar Formation in north-eastern Ethiopia. It shares derived features and plesiomorphic states with two Pleistocene species of Crocodylus from East Africa. Conversely, C. lucivenator bears a midline boss on the dorsal surface of the rostrum similar to those of modern Neotropical crocodiles and late Miocene crocodiles from Libya and Kenya. A boss is also present on Pliocene specimens from Kanapoi in Kenya previously referred to C. thorbjarnarsoni. Some C. lucivenator also have a more substantial prenarial rostrum than other Palaeoafrican Crocodylus, though not to the same extent as in extant Crocodylus, and its expression is variable. Phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between C. lucivenator, Kanapoi Crocodylus, C. anthropophagus, C. thorbjarnarsoni, and fossils from the Turkana Basin previously misreferred to C. checchiai. A close relationship with Neoafrican Crocodylus is rejected, reinforcing a comparatively recent arrival for Neoafrican Crocodylus in East Africa. Crocodylus lucivenator and the Kanapoi form are very similar, but an exclusive relationship is not unambiguously supported in our analysis. The phylogenetic placement of the Palaeoafrican clade depends on how one regards the prenarial rostrum, and positions outside crown Crocodylus or close to the Neotropical clade can be equally optimal. One mandible preserves pathological structures consistent with injuries sustained during intraspecific combat. Crocodylus lucivenator appears to have been the only crocodylian in the Hadar Formation, while coeval deposits in the Turkana Basin preserve as many as four species. The reason for this disparity is unclear.

 

Keywords: Crocodylus lucivenator, Hadar Formation, Pliocene, prenarial rostrum, cladistic assessment, Turkana Basin

Crocodylus lucivenator sp. nov.

Etymology. luci-, Latin for light, but here used with reference to A.L. 288-1 (Lucy), the iconic Australopithecus afarensis skeleton from Hadar; -venator, Latin, hunter. There is no evidence A.L. 288-1 was ever attacked by a crocodile, but her species (and most likely Lucy herself) would doubtless have been pursued as prey by this species.

Christopher A. Brochu, Stephanie K. Drumheller, Christopher Campisano, Getahun Tekle, Tomas Getachew, Jason J. Head, Nathan C. Platt & Daniel Leaphart. 2026. Lucy’s peril: A Pliocene crocodile from the Hadar Formation, north-eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(1); 2614954. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2614954 [11 Mar 2026]