[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Nazaria limnica • A New deep bodied ray-finned fish (Osteichthyes: Actinopterygii) from the Permian Pedra do Fogo Formation (Northeastern Brazil) and its phylogenetic and paleogeographic affinities

Nazaria limnica

Richter, Cisneros, Kammerer, Pardo, Marsicano, Fröbisch, Smith & Angielczyk, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2697805  

Artwork by Juan C. Cisneros & Martha Richter

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ABSTRACT

A deep bodied ray-finned fish is reported from Cisuralian lacustrine deposits of the Parnaíba Basin. Its ecological niche and systematic affinities are discussed, considering the paleogeographic distribution of selected Permo-Carboniferous deep bodied fishes from several separate sedimentary successions of western Gondwana. The occurrence of deep bodied fishes in the Parnaíba Basin mirrors the presence of a similarly shaped but less derived and distantly related taxon, Paranaichthys longianalis from the late Permian of the Paraná Basin of southern Brazil. The new taxon’s unique combination of characters includes an elongated pectoral fin; posteriorly inclined suspensorium; deep flank scales ornamented with fine vertical striae, tiny mandibular teeth and palatal crushing dental plates. It shares with Guildayichthys and Discoserra two preopercular bones, a supraorbital, and marginal teeth on the lower jaw. Phylogenetic analyses were performed based on two datasets. Dataset 1 included 53 characters coded for 26 deep bodied and fusiform fish fossils from Brazil, North America, China, South Africa, and Australia, with results indicating that is most closely related to the North American order Guildayichthyformes, known from marine rocks of Pennsylvanian age. Dataset 2 included 119 taxa coded for 293 characters. The two analyses place the new taxon as the sister group of a clade comprised of Blourugia and Paranaichthys. However, the results of the study of both datasets show a high degree of uncertainty about the interrelationships between the new taxon and other deep bodied Paleozoic fish species.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

OSTEICHTHYES Huxley, 1880

ACTINOPTERYGII Cope, 1887

NAZARIA, gen. nov.

 

Etymology—Named after the municipality of Nazária in the State of Piauí, where the fossils were collected.

NAZARIA LIMNICA, gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology—Derives from the Greek epithet limne (‘lake’) a reference to the lacustrine paleoenvironment where the fishes lived.

Nazaria limnica, MAP PV1029 (holotype).
A, part; B, counterpart (reversed). The caudal and anal fins are not preserved in the holotype.

Abbreviations: vrs, ventral ridge scales.

Nazaria limnica, MAP PV1029 (holotype).
A, skull and anterior part of the trunk (dorsal crest not figured here); B, identification of skull bones as preserved in A and, augmented drawing of one of the anteriormost trunk scales, showing its vertical ornamental ridges and dorsal of the peg-and-socket articulation system. The hatched lines indicate uncertain bone boundaries.

Abbreviations: An, angular; a.In, anterior infraorbital; br, branchiostegal rays; Cl, cleithrum; Cla, clavicle; De, dentary; Dro, dorsal rostral; Dsp, dermosphenotic; Ent?, impression of an entopterygoid?; Ex, extrascapulars; Fr, frontal; Ju, jugal; mt, mandibular teeth; Mx, maxilla; Na, nasal; Op, operculum; Pa, parietal; Pmx-ant, premaxilla-antorbital; Pop1, preoperculum 1; Pop2, preoperculum 2; Psp, post-spiracular; Sco, scapulocoracoid; So, suborbitals; Sop, suboperculum; St, supratemporal; Su, supraorbital; Vo, vomer; VRo, ventral rostral.

 Nazaria limnica, MAP PV1029 (holotype).
A, detail of the mouth and surrounding region; B, details of the dentition.

 Abbreviations: maxt?, possible maxillary crushing teeth; mt, mandibular marginal teeth; Mx, maxilla; Vo, vomer (vomerine tooth plate).

Tentative reconstruction of the skull pattern and anteriormost flank scales of Nazaria limnica, based on MAP PV1029 (holotype), after rearrangement of some taphonomically dislocated bones (jugal, lachrymal and ventral preopercular). Short, dotted lines represent inferred bone limits (preoperculum, suboperculum, and ventral limit of the suprachleithrum). The inset features the skull sensorial line pattern.

Abbreviations: An, angular; a.In, anterior infraorbital; app, anterior process of parasphenoid; asp, posterior ascending process of parasphenoid; br, branchiostegal rays; Cl, cleithrum; Cla, clavicle; Dro, dorsal rostral; Dsp, dermosphenotic; Ent?, impression of an entopterygoid?; Ex, extrascapulars; Fr, frontal; Ju, jugal; Mx, maxilla; Na, nasal; Op, operculum; P1, pectoral fin; Pa, parietal; Par, parasphenoid; Pmx-ant, premaxilla-antorbital; Pop1, preoperculum 1; Pop2, preoperculum 2; Psp, post-spiracular; Sco, scapulocoracoid; So, suborbitals; Sop, suboperculum; sr, sclerotic ring; St, supratemporal; Su, supraorbital; Vo, vomer; Vro, ventral rostral.

Life reconstruction of Nazaria limnica, based on a composite rendering of characters observed on either the holotype, the paratype or both.

Art by Juan C. Cisneros based on Martha Richter reconstruction.

 

Martha Richter, Juan C. Cisneros, Christian F. Kammerer, Jason D. Pardo, Claudia A. Marsicano, Jörg Fröbisch, Roger M. H. Smith and Kenneth D. Angielczyk. 2026. A New deep bodied ray-finned fish (Osteichthyes/Actinopterygii) from the Permian Pedra do Fogo Formation (Northeastern Brazil) and its phylogenetic and paleogeographic affinities. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2697805. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2697805 [26 Aug 2026]

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[Botany • 2024] Curcuma roseobracteata (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

   

 Curcuma roseobracteata  P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Maknoi, Nguyen et Boonma, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807

Researchgate.net/publication/383849598

Abstract  

Curcuma roseobracteata P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma sp. nov., a newly identified species within the Curcuma subgenus Curcuma of the Zingiberaceae family, has been found in the northern and southwestern floristic regions of Thailand, distributed in Mae Hong Son, Tak, and Kanchanaburi Provinces. This new species shares similarities with C. rubrobracteata Škorni?ková, M. Sabu & Prasanthkumar, and C. suraponii Boonma, but differentiated by its lemon yellow rhizome; leaves base broadly cuneate to rounded, or cordate, abaxial surface with scattered hairs; thyrse oblong ovoid; fertile bracts obovate, rose pink with a pale green base; coma bracts inconspicuous, with 1-4 in number; bracteoles apex rounded with short mucronate; filament c. 3 × 6 mm; anther c. 8.5 × 3.5 mm; epigynous glands c. 4.5 mm long; ovary 2.5-3 × 2.5 mm. The new taxon is formally described here, detailing its morphological characteristics, vernacular name, ecology, phenology, and distribution, which includes updates on the presence of C. suraponii, previously recorded only in Tak Province, but now also observed in Mae Hong Son Province. The study includes an IUCN conservation assessment based on recent collections and presents a revised taxonomic key to differentiate the new species from its relatives. 

Curcuma roseobracteata P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma sp. nov. 

Piyaporn SAENSOUK, Surapon SAENSOUK, Charun MAKNOI, Danh Duc NGUYEN and Thawatphong BOONMA. 2024. Curcuma roseobracteata sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand and Distribution Notes on C. suraponii Boonma. Biodiversitas 25: 3368-3375. DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807 

Researchgate.net/publication/383849598_Curcuma_roseobracteata_sp_nov_a_new_species_from_Thailand

ว่านงูเห่าชมพู (𝘾𝙪𝙧𝙘𝙪𝙢𝙖 𝙧𝙤𝙨𝙚𝙤𝙗𝙧𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙚𝙖𝙩𝙖 P.Saensouk, Saensouk, Maknoi & Boonma) พืชสกุลขมิ้นชนิดใหม่จากจังหวัดแม่ฮ่องสอน ตาก และกาญจนบุรี ตีพิมพ์ในวารสารระดับนานาชาติ Biodiversitas 25(8): 3368-3375. DOI: doi.org/10.13057/biodiv/d250807

[Herpetology • 2026] Acanthosaura aurantiogularis • A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Lacertilia: Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, 

in Wang, Lu, Zhao, Shi, Wan, Zhu, Jin et Che, 2026

橙喉棘蜥 | Orange-throated Pricklenape  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408

Abstract

Using an integrative dataset of both mitochondrial DNA and morphological data, we describe a new species of the genus Acanthosaura from the China-Myanmar border region in Menglian County, Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China. The new species, Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov., is sister to A. tongbiguanensis, and it can be readily diagnosed from all recognized congeners by its bright orange gular coloration in the male, flesh colored oral cavity, moderate post-orbital spines and occipital spines, five or six well-developed nuchal crest scales, and a distinct dorsal coloration. We recommend further comprehensive phylogenetic studies of the genus and highlighted the understudied agamid diversity in northeastern Myanmar.

Key words: Agamid, Burma, cross-border, distribution, Draconinae, Pricklenape, taxonomy

Comparison between males (left column) and females (right column) of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (top row, A, B) and closely related A. tongbiguanensis (bottom row, C, D) in life.

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu and Kai Wang.

Holotype male of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61664) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

Paratype female of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61665) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

 

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. can be diagnosed from congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) tail short, TAL 167% SVL in female; (2) length of post-orbital and occipital spines moderate, LOPS 11.0–15.1% HL, LLOC 9.5–15.9% HL; (3) nuchal crest erected, 5 or 6, discontinuous from dorsal crests, TNCL 13.8–18.7% HL; (4) diastema short, composed of 6–8 small scales; (5) dorsal crest erected, anterior most one shorter than nuchal, decreasing in length posteriorly; (6) enlarged middorsal crest scales 41; (7) gular pouch moderately developed, transverse gular fold ...

Etymology. The specific epithet aurantiogularis is a compound Neo-Latin adjective derived from the Latin aurantius, meaning “orange-colored,” and gularis, meaning “the throat”. This nomenclature is a direct descriptor of the lizard’s most striking and diagnostic morphological feature: the vibrant, unmarked orange-yellow gular pouch in males. The suggested Chinese common name is “橙喉棘蜥” (Pinyin: Chéng Hóu Jí Xī), and the suggested English common name is Orange-throated Pricklenape.

 Kai WANG, Zhuo-Yu LU, Gui-Gang ZHAO, Wei SHI, Ru-Wen WAN, Na ZHU, Jie-Qiong JIN and Jing CHE. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China. ZooKeys. 1290: 319-337.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408 [27 Aug 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Oreolalax lizipingensis • A New Oreolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from southwest Sichuan, China

 

Oreolalax lizipingensis

Huang, Dai, Hou, Lin, Wang, Yu, Lin & Xie, 2026

栗子坪齿蟾  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183210

Abstract

The genus Oreolalax of the family Megophryidae currently comprises 22 recorded species, the majority of which are endemic to China. During field work in Liziping National Natural Reserve, Shimian County, Sichuan Province, China, we discovered several Oreolalax toads with morphological characteristics different from other Oreolalax species. Based on the analyses of morphological, bioacoustic and molecular data, this newly identified population forms an independent clade nested with Oreolalax lichuanensis, Oreolalax schmidti and Oreolalax pingii, which we describe as a new species. The new species, Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov., can be distinguished from other congeneric species by the combination of the following characters: (1) relatively small body size in Oreolalax, SVL of males 37.6–43.3 mm and females 44.2–52.7 mm; (2) toes with rudimentary webbing; (3) interorbital region with dark triangular spot; (4) the female’s belly, flanks and lower surface of limbs evenly dotted with white spots, absent or inconspicuous in males; (5) dorsum with dark brown and nearly round warts; (6) male with spiny warts along edge of jaw, ventral thighs and abdomen near vent; and (7) breeding season occurring from July to August. Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov. is currently known only from high-elevation streams at 2400–3100 m a.s.l. within the Menghuo Castle where it occurs in sympatry with Oreolalax liangbeiensis.

Key Words: New species, Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov., taxonomy

Photos of the holotype CIB22565 of male Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov. in life
 A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Lateral view; D. Ventral view of hand and; E. Ventral view of foot. The scale bars for panels A, B, and C are uniform and located in the upper right corner.

Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis.

Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov. assigned to the genus Oreolalax based on its phylogenetic position and the following characters: pupil vertical; vocal sac absent; dorsal surface exhibiting dark-colored and nearly round tubercles; males possessing a pair of chest glands densely covered with black spines (Fei et al. 2009).

The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) the body size relatively small, SVL of adult males 40.2 mm (37.6–43.3 mm, n = 5); adult females 47.7 mm (44.2–52.7 mm, n = 3); (2) head length slightly longer than head width; (3) tongue deeply notched posteriorly; (4) supratympanic fold narrow and elongated; (5) tympanum hidden; (6) hand without subarticular and ...

Etymology. The specific epithet “liziping” of the new species refers to the type locality of the species, Liziping National Nature Reserve, Sichuan Province, China. 

We suggest the common name as “Liziping toothed toad”, and the Chinese name as “Li Zi Ping Chi Chan (栗子坪齿蟾)”.

The amplexus, egg mass, and breeding habitat of Oreolalax lizipingensis sp. nov.
A. Amplexus in July; B. Pile-shaped gelatinous egg mass; C, D. Breeding habitat.

 Si Ning Huang, Qin Long Dai, Yin Meng Hou, Yi Heng Lin, Yuan Fei Wang, Hao Qi Yu, Xiu Qin Lin and Feng Xie. 2026. A New Oreolalax (Anura, Megophryidae) from southwest Sichuan, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1107-1125. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183210 [2 Sep 2026]

[Entomology • 2025] Lyriothemis abrahami • A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata: Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India

 

Lyriothemis abrahami  Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, 

in Sadasivan, Jose, Palot, Sudheer, Augustine, Kochunarayanan, Nair et George, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470  

Researchgate.net/publication/393568494

Abstract

A new species of phytotelma-breeding dragonfly, Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov., is described from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India. The new taxon was previously misidentified as L. flava Oguma, 1915 (= L. tricolor Ris, 1916). In contrast to L. flava, the new species is sexually dimorphic, with males easily identified based on the characteristic shape of the hamules. Females are identified by their jet black and yellow colour with triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. Photographs of mature adults, tenerals, hamules, illustrations of vesica seminalis, vulvar lamina, and a key to Lyriothemis of the Indian subcontinent are provided.

KEY WORDS: Anisoptera, new taxon, taxonomy, dragonfly, phytotelmata, Kerala

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. Holotype TORG # 1053.
A–lateral view of the holotype; B–close-up of head; C–lateral view of segment 2; D–dorsal view of head, prothorax and synthorax; E–lateral view of head, prothorax, and synthorax; F–dorsal view of abdomen; G–lateral view of abdomen; H–dorsal view of S8–10, and anal appendages; I–lateral view of S8–10, and anal appendages. © Kalesh Sadasivan

Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. in life.
A–mature male from Shendurney Wildlife Sanctuary © Kalesh Sadasivan; B–lateral view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; C–dorsal view of a teneral male © Jebine Jose; D–lateral view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; E–dorsal view of a teneral female © Jebine Jose; F–female ovipositing in a phytotelma © Jebine Jose. (B–E, reared from the larvae collected in Pooyamkutty, Ernakulam District, Kerala)

Lyriothemis abrahami Sadasivan, Jose, Nair & Palot, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Males of Lyriothemis abrahami sp. nov. are identified by the combination of the following characters: two short oval paradorsal streaks on the mesepisternum not extending halfway up the thorax towards the alar sinus; anterolateral yellow thoracic band as broad as or narrower than the black area just posterior to it; in anteroventral view hamule trapezoid, higher than wide; hamular inferolateral angle right-angled and well-defined, medial border with a distinct insinuation at the junction of its inferior and middle third, inferior border straight. The elongated shape of the hamule is a distinct characteristic of the new taxon. Sexual dimorphism is strongly exhibited in L. abrahami sp. nov., with the females identified by their jet-black and yellow colour with characteristic triangular yellow streaks on the dorsum of the abdomen and the distinct triangular shape of the vulvar lamina. The new species is endemic to the Western Ghats of Peninsular India, south of Coorg, and its distribution does not overlap with the range of L. flava, as far as it is known.

Etymology. The species is named after Dr. Abraham Samuel, a pioneer of odonatology from Kerala, for his contributions to the field and his constant encouragement to the authors. The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case.

Kalesh Sadasivan, Jebine Jose, Muhamed Jafer Palot, Shanas Sudheer, Toms Augustine, Baiju Kochunarayanan, Vinayan Padmanabhan Nair and Maya George. 2025. A New Species of Lyriothemis Brauer, 1868 (Odonata, Libellulidae) from the Western Ghats of Peninsular India.  ENTOMON. 50(2); 203-214. DOI: doi.org/10.33307/entomon.v50i2.1470 [2025-06-30]

 Researchgate.net/publication/393568494_A_new_species_of_Lyriothemis_from_the_Western_Ghats_of_Peninsular_India

[Mollusca • 2025] Songkhlanaia songkhramensis • An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia: Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species

 Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov.

Jeratthitikul, Sutcharit & Prasankok, 2025

S. tamodienica, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand; 
 S. moreleti, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549  

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Abstract

Mainland Southeast Asia, also known as Indochina, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot for freshwater mussels, hosting a significant number of species and exhibiting high levels of endemism. Recently, the monotypic genus Songkhlanaia was described from the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand. In this study, two additional lineages are revealed, S. moreleti comb. nov. and S. songkhramensis sp. nov., from the Mekong Basin through an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The multi-locus phylogenetic inference supported the monophyly of the genus and further elucidated the sister relationship between S. moreleti and the new species, and with S. tamodienica positioned as a basal lineage. Pairwise uncorrected COI p-distances among these three species also supported the species validity and ranged from 4.2% to 8.24%. Notably, S. songkhramensis sp. nov. and S. moreleti exhibit similarities in shell morphology; however, the new species can be differentiated by more robust pseudocardinal teeth. Both species are distinguishable from S. tamodienica by their approximately twice larger size, more inflated shells, and more prominent, roughened, irregular growth lines on the shell surface. Furthermore, based on the current data, these three species are recognized as endemic and are restricted to disjunct biogeographic areas in Indochina: S. tamodienica in the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand, S. moreleti in the Tonle Sap and Lower Mekong basins, and S. songkhramensis sp. nov. in the Songkhram Basin and its nearby tributaries of the Middle Mekong Basin.

Key words: Freshwater mussels, Indochina, Mekong Basin, multi-locus phylogeny, new taxa, Pseudodontini, taxonomic revision, Thailand

Family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820

Subfamily Gonideinae Ortmann, 1916

Tribe Pseudodontini Frierson, 1927

Subtribe Pseudodontina Frierson, 1927

Genus Songkhlanaia Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov, 2023

Songkhlanaia Konopleva et al., 2023: 13, 14. Bolotov et al. 2023: 12.

Type species: Songkhlanaia tamodienica Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov in Konopleva et al. 2023 (by original designation).

Species included: Songkhlanaia currently consists of three species: S. tamodienica (type species), S. moreleti comb. nov., and S. songkhramensis sp. nov.

Shells of Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov. 
A holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 and B paratype MUMNH-UNI3023 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand C specimen MUMNH-UNI0925 from Songkhram River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand.

Pseudocardinal teeth, left valve on the left-hand side, and right valve on the right-hand side
A S. tamodienica, topotype MUMNH-UNI2956 from Tamot Stream, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand B S. moreleti, specimen MUMNH-UNI0301 from Phrom Hot Stream, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand C S. songkhramensis sp. nov., holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand. Scale bars: 10 mm.

 Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Chirasak Sutcharit and Pongpun Prasankok. 2025. An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia, Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species. ZooKeys. 1224: 187-209. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549

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[Botany • 2026] Gaultheria watsonii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Sikim Himalaya

 

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha,

in Maity, Halder, Saha, Panda, Jha et Pradhan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606

Abstract

A new species of Gaultheria L. (Ericaceae) from the Sikkim Himalaya, Gaultheria watsonii, is described and illustrated. This species is  morphologically most similar to Gaultheria heteromera in terms of habit, especially in its procumbent branchlets and tetramerous flowers. However, it can be readily distinguished from all other known species of the genus, including Gaultheria heteromera, by its unique combination of morphological characters, namely prostrate habit with procumbent branchlets, adaxially smooth and smaller leaf blades with strongly acute and mucronulate apices, pseudoterminal 2- to 4-flowered racemes, longer rachis, shorter pedicel, 4-merous flowers, and ovary sparsely white hispidulous with conspicuously 8- to 10-lobed discs. Based on its limited geographical distribution and the continuing decline in habitat quality, the conservation status of the new species is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B2ab(iii)] according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Critically Endangered (CR), Gaultheria series Leucothoides (Airy Shaw) D. J. Middleton, Himalaya, IUCN

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.
 A, Habit and habitat; B, inflorescence; C, flower.

Photographs: A. K. Halder.

Gaultheria watsonii D.Maity, A.K.Halder and S.Saha, sp. nov.

The new species is most similar to Gaultheria heteromera, from which it differs by having smaller leaf blades (4–10 × 3–5 mm vs 8–25(–30) × 5–14 mm), strongly acute leaf apex (vs obtuse), smaller petioles (0.5–0.75 mm vs 1–3 mm), pseudoterminal racemes (vs pseudoterminal and axillary), longer rachis (5–15 mm vs 3–6(–10) mm), shorter pedicel (1–1.75 mm vs 3–6 mm), bract and bracteoles with margins densely ciliolate (vs eciliolate), 8 stamens (vs 8 or 9), and ovary with conspicuous shallowly lobed disc (vs disc absent). In Gaultheria heteromera the veins on the adaxial surface of leaves are distinctly impressed, forming prominent reticulations, whereas in the new species although sometimes the midvein is slightly depressed adaxially, the secondary and tertiary veins are not impressed and thus the upper surface appears smooth. Moreover, in Gaultheria watsonii the ovary is sparsely white-hispidulous, whereas in G. heteromera the ovary is densely hispidulous.

D. Maity, A. K. Halder, S. Saha, S. Panda, B. K. Jha and D. K. Pradhan. 2026. GAULTHERIA WATSONII (ERICACEAE): A New Species from Sikim HIMALAYA. EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 83, 3606. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3606 [2026-08-24]

[Botany • 2026] Typhonium boonmae • A New Species from central Thailand [Studies on Typhonium (Araceae: Areae) of Thailand VI]

 Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk,

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Hein, Rakarcha et Chanthavongsa, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05154

Abstract

A species new to science, Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk and Saensouk, is described and illustrated from Saraburi and Lop Buri Provinces, central Thailand. A detailed description, color plates, comparisons with similar taxa, phenology, distribution, ecology, and a preliminary conservation status assessment are provided.

Keywords: colluvial deposit, Indochina, pedatisect leaf blade, Typhonium bognerianum, Typhonium watanabei

Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. 
(A) Excavated flowering individuals, (B) leaf blade of mature leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (C) leaf blade of first seasonal leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (D) leaf blade of juvenile leaf (left showing adaxial surface, right showing abaxial surface), (E) inflorescence at pistillate anthesis (left showing front view, middle showing back view, right showing side view), (F) spadix at pistillate anthesis (nearside of spathe artificially removed), (G) detail of spadix showing pistillate zone, sterile interstice, and staminate zone (nearside of spathe artificially removed).

Scale bars: (A) = 5 cm, (B), (C), (E), and (F) = 2 cm, (D) = 1 cm, (G) = 5 mm. 

Photos by T. Boonma and K. Z. Hein.

Typhonium boonmae K.Z.Hein, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A species similar to T. bognerianum J.Murata and Sookch. (Hetterscheid et al. 2001) (Fig. 3A) and T. watanabei J.Murata, Sookch. and Hett. (Murata et al. 2002) (Fig. 3C) in having pedatisect leaf blades with five to seven narrowly linear lobes and similar inflorescence morphology. Typhonium boonmae differs from T. bognerianum by having a stigma narrower than the ovary (versus stigma wider than the ovary), staminodes arranged in a single whorl accompanied by an upper incomplete whorl (versus staminodes arranged in 6–7 whorls), and a sessile appendix (versus stipitate appendix). Typhonium boonmae differs from T. watanabei by having filiform staminodes with acute apices (versus clavate-fusiform staminodes with obtuse or rounded apices), a staminate zone diameter equal to the diameter of the appendix at its base (versus appendix base wider than staminate zone), and a pale yellow to pinkish-orange appendix (versus blackish-grey appendix).

Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. (A) Mature flowering individuals in a clump in situ, (B) inflorescences in situ, left one at post-staminate anthesis and right one at pistillate anthesis.

Photos by T. Boonma and K. Z. Hein.

Details of spadices of Typhonium species with pedatisect leaf blades having narrowly linear lobes (spathe artificially removed).
(A) T. bognerianum, (B) T. boonmae sp. nov., (C) T. watanabei, (D) T. vietnamense, (E) T. lineare, (F) T. pallescens, (G) T. edule.

Photos by K. Z. Hein ((A), (B), (C), (F) and (G), Nguyen Van Canh (D), and Vuong Ba Truong (E)).

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Khant Zaw Hein, Sarayut Rakarcha and Khamfa Chanthavongsa. 2026. Studies on Typhonium (Araceae – Areae) of Thailand VI: Typhonium boonmae sp. nov. from central Thailand. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05154 [31 August 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Dasypeltis albigularis • A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Colubridae: Colubrinae: Boigini)

Dasypeltis albigularis Tiutenko, Heller & Bates, 2026

[A] Dasypeltis atra Sternfeld, 1912 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 

Abstract

Based on morphology, biogeography, biology, and the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, a new species of Dasypeltis is described from Harenna Forest in the southern Somalian plateau in Ethiopia. It is a medium-sized member of the genus (females up to 92 cm total length, males up to 58 cm), usually uniformly black dorsally but occasionally light brown with a dense and somewhat irregular pattern of narrow brown saddles and vertically elongate lateral markings, sometimes forming bands across the back, and small white spots and streaks, or reddish-brown with indistinct darker dorsal and lateral markings. Interstitial skin is light grey, appearing bluish in adults. Infralabials, chin shields, gulars, and 20–62 anterior ventral plates (medially) are mostly white, the other plates being ash-grey or black in colour. Scales in the first row of dorsals on either side of the body are smooth or almost smooth; those of the second row are weakly keeled; other dorsal scales are moderately keeled with two apical pits each. Pairwise genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener, D. atra, is similar to or greater than the distances between some long-recognised species in the genus. The new species is also geographically and ecologically isolated from closely related congeners.

Key Words: Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov., Dasypeltis atra, Dasypeltis fasciata, Dasypeltis gansi, egg-eater, Harenna Forest, Horn of Africa, Serpentes, Somalia, taxonomy

A. Dasypeltis atra from Chuka, Kenya (ZSM 328/2023);
B. Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia (ZSM 94/2019).

A patterned specimen (HFE2025-023) of Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia.

Male Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. (HFE2025-002) from Manyate village, Harenna Forest, Ethiopia. Note the bluish interstitial skin.

Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Dasypeltis (females approximately 90 cm in total length, males less than 60 cm). Dorsally usually uniformly dark-grey or blackish, seldom reddish-brown with faint dark streaks; or light yellow-brown with a dense and irregular pattern of small brown saddles and narrow brown bars on the flanks, and numerous small white markings. Interstitial skin light grey, sometimes bluish, especially in adults. Anterior infralabials, gulars, chin shields and 20–62 anterior ventral plates mostly white, other ventrals gradually transition to ash-grey. Dorsal scales arranged around midbody in 20–23 rows. Scales of the first row of dorsals on either side of the body very weakly keeld or smooth and much larger than other dorsal scales. Scales of the second row on either side of body weakly keeled. Other dorsal scales each with a moderate median keel and a pair of apical pits distally. Head with fine white spots and speckles. Supralabials 7, 3rd and 4th bordering orbit. Postocular single. Frontal shield pitted in only one row around edges. Inter-prefrontal sulcus moderately marked, not deep. Prefrontal scales longer and larger overall than internasals. Rostral shield visible from above head.

Etymology. The specific Latin epithet ‘albigularis’ means ‘white-throated’ and refers to the pale ventral colouration on the lower parts of the head and anterior parts of the body of the new species.

Arthur Tiutenko, Tim L. Heller and Michael F. Bates. 2026. A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Squamata, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Boigini). Herpetozoa. 39: 343-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 [27 Aug 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae) • A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China

  

Didiclis pseudobisulcata  X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang,

in Gong, Hu, Pollawatn, Chantanaorrapint, Wang, Zhang et Zhou. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

Abstract

Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Lycopodioidoideae, Selaginellaceae), a new lycophyte species from northern Thailand and southwest China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it is similar to D. bisulcata but can be reliably distinguished by its dorsal leaves on branches with an arista often more than 3/4 of the leaf length, the densely ciliolate base of the dorsal sporophyll pteryx, and megaspores with subreticulate exospore ornamentation. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on ITS and rbcL sequences supports this species as an independent clade. The ITS sequences revealed more than 42 nucleotide differences between the new species and other members of the Bisulcata group, providing clear molecular evidence for its separation from its closest relatives.

Key words: Asia, Lycopodioidoideae, megaspore and microspore, phylogeny

Field photographs of Didiclis pseudobisulcata.
 A, B. Plant in its natural habitat; C. Dorsal view of stems and branches with strobili; D. Ventral view of stems and branches with strobili; E. Dorsal view of strobilus; F. Ventral view of strobilus; G. Dorsal view of a portion of the main stem, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; H. Dorsal view of a portion of a branch, showing ventral and dorsal leaves; I. Ventral view of a portion of the main stem, showing axillary and ventral leaves; J. Ventral view of a portion of a branch, showing axillary and ventral leaves.

(from voucher: Liang Zhang, Xin-Mao Zhou, Lu-Yao Jiang, & Xu-Ke Han 5734).

Didiclis pseudobisulcata X.M.Zhou & Liang Zhang, sp. nov.

 Sheng-Rong Gong, Yu-Ping Hu, Rossarin Pollawatn, Sahut Chantanaorrapint, Wen Wang, Liang Zhang and Xin-Mao Zhou. 2026. Didiclis pseudobisulcata (Selaginellaceae), A New Species of the Bisulcata group from northern Thailand and southwest China. PhytoKeys. 278: 233-246. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204624

[Fungi • 2026] Clonostachys kasetsartana (Hypocreales) • A Novel epiphytic Fungus isolated from the mangrove leaves in Thailand

Clonostachys kasetsartana   

in Sahathippayakul​, Supapongsri​, Kuncharoen​, Suwannarach et Lueangjaroenkit, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.007273

Abstract

Two fungal isolates, DMKU-RG2M15ᵀ and DMKU-RG2P11, were isolated from the phylloplane of healthy leaves of the mangrove tree Ceriops tagal (Perr.) C.B. Rob., collected in Chanthaburi Province, Thailand. Their taxonomic placement was investigated using a polyphasic approach based on morphological, physiological and multilocus phylogenetic analyses. Colonies produced primary conidiophores with verticillate branching, bearing hyaline, smooth-walled, oval to ellipsoidal conidia. Phylogenetic analyses based on a combined dataset of the internal transcribed spacer region, the large subunit rRNA gene, translation elongation factor 1-α, β-tubulin and RNA polymerase II second-largest subunit resolved the two isolates as a distinct and well-supported monophyletic lineage within the genus Clonostachys. Phylogenetic analyses showed that the two isolates are closely related to Clonostachys mangrovei, Clonostachys viticola and Clonostachys reniformis. Morphological and physiological comparisons further distinguished the isolates from their closest relatives. The congruence between phylogenetic and phenotypic data supports the recognition of the two isolates as representing a distinct species. Accordingly, both strains are proposed as a novel species of Clonostachys, for which the name Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov. is introduced.

 Keywords: fungal taxonomy, leaf habitat, mangrove forest, multilocus phylogeny and novel fungus

Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov.

 

Ananya Sahathippayakul​, Vassana Supapongsri​, Nattakorn Kuncharoen​, Nakarin Suwannarach and Piyangkun Lueangjaroenkit. 2026. Clonostachys kasetsartana sp. nov., A Novel epiphytic Fungus isolated from the mangrove leaves in Thailand. International Journal of Systematic and Evolutionary Microbiology. 76(8); DOI: doi.org/10.1099/ijsem.0.007273 [19 August 2026]

รายงานการค้นพบเชื้อรา Clonostachys สปีชีส์ใหม่ของโลก คือ Clonostachys kasetsartana ซึ่งแยกได้จากบนผิวใบของต้นโปรงแดง (Ceriops tagal) ในสวนพฤกษศาสตร์ป่าชายเลนนานาชาติ รัชกาลที่ 9 จังหวัดจันทบุรี

 facebook.com/oryzanol.khoe/posts/10164300296533497

[Botany • 2022] Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India

 

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu,  

in Harishma, Mohan et Nampy, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/359299628

Abstract  

Eriocaulon pandeyana from the Idukki district in Kerala is here described as a new species of Eriocaulaceae. It closely resembles E. ramnadense but is distinct by having oblong-lanceolate, lobed, acute, hyaline involucral bracts, oblanceolate, acuminate floral bracts, 3 sub-equal male petals, 3 unequal, slightly hoary female sepals and yellow, elliptic seeds with transversely elongated or isodiametric seed coat cells. The differences between the other similar species are also discussed. Since adequate data on abundance and distribution are lacking, the new species is provisionally listed under the category Data Deficient (DD) as per IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Monocots, Data Deficient, Eriocaulon quinquangulare, Eriocaulon truncatum, Idukki district, Koymanchola

Eriocaulon pandeyana Nampy, Harishma & Vishnu sp. nov.

Kuttukaran Haridasan HARISHMA, Vishnu MOHAN and Santhosh NAMPY. 2022. Eriocaulon pandeyana (Eriocaulaceae), A New Species from southern Western Ghats, India.  Phytotaxa. 539(3); 273-279. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.539.3.6

 Researchgate.net/publication/359299628_Eriocaulon_pandeyana_a_new_species_from_southern_Western_Ghats_India