[Botany • 2026] Justicia balakrishnaniana (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India

Justicia balakrishnaniana Parthiban, Rasingam & D. Sandhya Deepika,

in  Parthiban, Rasingam et Deepika, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0102  

  bsky.app/profile/AnBF.bsky.social 

Abstract

Justicia balakrishnaniana Parthiban, Rasingam & D. Sandhya Deepika (Acanthaceae) is described and illustrated as a new species from the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. It is morphologically allied to J. ekakusuma due to similarities in the inflorescence and bracteoles, but differs in its decumbent growth habit, stems that root at the lower nodes, 5-lobed calyx, fruits lacking a constriction at the middle and wingless seeds. An identification key to the species of Justicia in the Andaman and Nicobar Islands is provided.

Justicia balakrishnaniana.
— A: Habit. — B: Flower. — C: Fruiting twig. — D: Flower bud. — E: Dorsal and ventral view of bract. — F: Dorsal and ventral view of bracteoles. — G: Corolla open. — H: Calyx. — I: Unequal calyx lobes. — J: Stamens. — K: Ovary with style. — L: Capsule. — M: Seeds.

D–M from the holotype; A–C photographed at Munda Pahad region of Chidiyatapu, 1 July 2025.

Justicia balakrishnaniana Parthiban, Rasingam & D. Sandhya Deepika, sp. nova 

Annual, erect or decumbent herbs, up to 30 cm tall; stems angular, 6-ridged, pubescent with strigose or hispid downwards-facing hairs on ridges, rooting at lower nodes; internodes 2–5 cm long, green. Leaves distinctly petiolate, petiole 1–2 mm long, sparsely hairy; lamina ovate to sub-orbicular, rarely elliptic, 0.6–1.5 × 0.4–1 cm, base cuneate to shortly attenuate, margins thickened with scabrous hairs, apex obtuse to rounded, sparsely strigose hairy on both sides; midrib prominent, on both sides with scabrous hairs; secondary veins 3–4 pairs, faint on adaxial surface, prominent on abaxial surface; cystoliths horizontally distributed along margins on adaxial surface. Inflorescence terminal spike, up to 3 cm long or solitary in ...

Etymology. The species is named in honour of Dr. N.P. Balakrishnan, former Regional Botanist of the Botanical Survey of India, who was instrumental in establishing the Andaman and Nicobar Regional Centre of the Botanical Survey of India at Port Blair.

Arikrishnan Parthiban, Ladan Rasingam, and Devara Sandhya Deepika. 2026. Justicia balakrishnaniana (Acanthaceae), a New Species from Andaman and Nicobar Islands, India. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 5-8. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0102 (30 January 2026) 

 bsky.app/profile/AnBF.bsky.social/post/3mhpq47u3qk2p

[Crustacea • 2026] Caridina tashanica • A New cave Shrimp Species (Decapoda: Atyidae) from Sulphidic Water in southwestern Iran

 Caridina tashanica sp. nov. (both ovigerous females)
from Tashan Cave, Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran.

 Jugovic, Malek Hosseini & Zakšek,

in Jugovic, Malek Hosseini, Fatemi, Flot, Kuntner et Zakšek, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.55.184889

Abstract

A new cave species of atyid shrimp of the genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 was discovered during a survey of a subterranean habitat in southwestern Iran (Khuzestan Province, Tashan Cave). This is the first record of a cave atyid shrimp in Iran and the first documented occurrence of a Caridina species inhabiting sulphidic groundwater. Phylogenetic analyses and genetic distances support the status of Caridina tashanica sp. nov. as a distinct species, closely related to C. shahrazadae. Morphologically, the new species is characterised by reduced eyes and pigmentation, and by an extremely elongated rostrum with numerous teeth. Males have specific, triangular endopodite of pleopod I, and a rod-like appendix masculina of pleopod II with numerous long setae. Ovigerous females lay relatively large, oval, white eggs, which clearly indicate a landlocked life cycle. This study contributes to the knowledge of atyid shrimps in the Middle East and to the subterranean biodiversity of the sulphidic Tashan Cave ecosystem in Iran.

Keywords: Atyids, groundwater, Middle East, subterranean, sulphidic, Tashan Cave

Photo of two cave shrimps Caridina tashanica sp. nov. (both ovigerous females) from Tashan Cave, Khuzestan Province in southwestern Iran.

Photo credit: YF and MJMH, photographed on 8 December 2018.

Caridina tashanica Jugovic, Malek Hosseini & Zakšek, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Caridina tashanica sp. nov. is the only species of cave shrimp (depigmented and with strongly reduced eyes without pigmentation; Fig. 6) from Iran of the family Atyidae. It is characterised by an extremely long rostrum (Fig. 3) with numerous teeth (13–19+3–5/9–22), uropodal diaeresis with 7–10 spiniform setae and 4–6 pairs of dorsomarginal spiniform setae on the telson of which the distal pair is dorsomarginal-terminal. Propodus of pereiopod III and V bears only 7–14 and 9–18 spiniform setae, respectively, while dactylus of pereiopod V bears ...

 Jure Jugovic, Mohammad-Javad Malek Hosseini, Yaser Fatemi, Jean-François Flot, Matjaž Kuntner and Valerija Zakšek. 2026. Caridina tashanica sp. nov., A New cave Shrimp Species (Decapoda, Atyidae) from Sulphidic Water in southwestern Iran. Subterranean Biology. 55: 137-160. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.55.184889 [23 Mar 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Claea dafangensis (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) • A New Cave-dwelling Fish from the upper Wujiang River, Guizhou Province, China

(A) Claea dafangensis Wang, Luo & Zhou, sp. nov. 

(F) Habitat of C. dafangensis sp. nov.

(B) C. dabryi (E) C. scet (Lei et al. 2025). 

in J.-J. Wang, Luo, M.-Y. Xiao, Xie, Y.-L. Wang, Deng, N. Xiao et Zhou, 2026.  

大方山鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172325

 Abstract

A new species of the genus Claea, Claea dafangensis sp. nov., is described from Yuchong Township, Dafang County, Guizhou Province, China. This species can be distinguished from its four congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: body pigmentation present; normal eyes with a diameter of 10.9–21.0% of head length (HL); processus dentiformis prominent, covering the lower jaw when the mouth is shut; 8–9 branched pectoral-fin rays; 16 branched caudal-fin rays; caudal-peduncle depth 6.1–8.7% of standard length (SL); interorbital width 23.6–39.0% HL; tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of the eyes; outrostral barbel extending backward beyond the anterior nostrils; and anal-fin base length 4.0–5.5% SL. Mitochondrial Cyt b analysis further supports the distinctiveness of this population, revealing that it forms an independent phylogenetic lineage with a minimum genetic distance of 2.6% from C. wulongensis. The description of this new species suggests that Claea dabryi represents a species complex containing multiple distinct lineages, the diversity of which requires further evaluation.

Key Words: Mitochondrial, morphology, taxonomy, Wujiang basin

Holotype GZNU20241204001 (A–K) of Claea dafangensis sp. nov. in preservative.
 (A) Lateral view. (B) Dorsal view. (C) Ventral view. (D) Dorsal-fins view. (E) Anal-fins view. (F) Pectoral-fins view. (G) Pelvic-fins view. (H) Dorsal view of head. (I) Lateral view of head. (J) Ventral view of head. (K) Anterior chamber and posterior chamber. (Cephalic lateral line system highlighted as yellow dots)

Claea dafangensis Wang, Luo & Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Comparative data between new species and all four known species within the genus Claea are provided in Table 3. Claea dafangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from C. scet by the processus dentiformis prominent, covering lower jaw when mouth shut (vs.reduced, not covering lower jaw when mouth shut), body pigmentation present (vs. reduced), eyes normal, with diameter 10.9–21.0% of head length (HL) (vs. eyes reduced, 3.8–5.9% HL); from C. minibarba by tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eyes (vs. extending to the middle of eye), 8–9 branched pectoral-fin rays (vs. 10), and caudal-peduncle depth 6.1–8.7% SL (vs. 9.5–11.7%); from C. wulongensis by tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eye (vs. extending to ansterior margin of eye), 16 branched caudal-fin rays (vs. 18), and interorbital width 23.6–39.0% HL (vs. 38.5–43.1%); from C. dabryi (Fig. 6) by outrostral barbel backward extending beyond the anterior nostrils (vs. reaching or beyond to ansterior margin of eye), tip of maxillary barbel reaching the posterior margin of eye (vs. beyond the posterior margin of eye), and anal fin base length 4.0–5.5% SL (vs. 2.8–3.4%).

Lateral view of species in the genus Claea during life and the habitat of the new species.
(A) Claea dafangensis sp. nov. (B) C. dabryi (C) C. wulongensis (Chen et al. 2021). (D) C. minibarba (Zhang et al. 2024). (E) C. scet (Lei et al. 2025). (F) Habitat of Claea dafangensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “dafangensis” refers to the type locality of the new species, distributed in Dafang County. We propose the common English name “Dafang mountain loach” and the Chinese name “Dà Fānɡ Shān Qīu (大方山鳅).”

Jia-Jia Wang, Tao Luo, Ming-Yuan Xiao, Xin Xie, Yu-Ling Wang, Huai-Qing Deng, Ning Xiao and Jiang Zhou. 2026. Claea dafangensis (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae), A New Cave-dwelling Fish from the upper Wujiang River, Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 519-531.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.172325 [26 Mar 2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Masripithecus moghraensis • An Early Miocene Ape from the Biogeographic Crossroads of African and Eurasian Hominoidea

Masripithecus moghraensis

Al-Ashqar, Seiffert, El-Sayed, Salem, Gohar, El-Saka, Amin & Sallam, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1126/science.adz4102

nhm.org

Illustration by Mauricio Antón

Abstract

The Early Miocene fossil record documenting hominoid evolution has long been restricted primarily to sites in East Africa, whereas contemporaneous North African sites have only yielded remains of cercopithecoid monkeys. Here, we describe a fossil ape from North Africa, a new genus (Masripithecus) from the Early Miocene (~17 million to 18 million years) of northern Egypt, on the basis of mandibular remains. A combined molecular-morphological Bayesian tip-dating analysis positions Masripithecus closer to crown hominoids than coeval fossil apes from East Africa, thereby filling a phylogenetic and biogeographic gap in the evolution of stem hominoids. This evidence suggests that crown Hominoidea might have originated during the Early Miocene in the underexplored northeastern part of Afro-Arabia, rather than in eastern Africa or Eurasia.

 

Masripithecus moghraensis

Illustration of Masripithecus moghraensis by Mauricio Antón

Masripithecus moghraensis and the dispersal of crown hominoids in the Miocene. The map highlights Wadi Moghra, Egypt (star), which is the discovery site of Masripithecus—the first definitive North African ape—alongside key Miocene hominoid localities (see table S1) across Afro-Arabia and Eurasia. Arrows indicate inferred dispersal routes based on the phylogenetic and biogeographic analyses presented here. The inset phylogeny places Masripithecus as the closest sampled sister taxon of crown Hominoidea. At lower left, a life reconstruction of Masripithecus based on the Masripithecus mandible combined with the facial morphology of the middle Miocene hominoid Pierolapithecus. Illustration by Mauricio Antón

 

SHOROUQ F. AL-ASHQAR, ERIK R. SEIFFERT, SANAA EL-SAYED, BELAL S. SALEM, ABDULLAH S. GOHAR, HOSSAM EL-SAKA, MOHAMED AMIN, AND HESHAM M. SALLAM. 2026. An Early Miocene Ape from the Biogeographic Crossroads of African and Eurasian Hominoidea. SCIENCE. 391(6792); 1383-1386. DOI: doi.org/10.1126/science.adz4102 [26 Mar 2026]

https://nhm.org/stories/meet-masripithecus-newly-described-ancient-ape-fills-gap-evolutionary-history-primates

 facebook.com/TheLeakeyFoundation/posts/1414457444059470

Editor’s summary: The vast majority of early hominoid fossil hunting has occurred in East Africa, where a trove of early fossils and lineages have been found. Other regions in Africa have been less explored for various reasons, inspiring the question of whether a focus on East Africa has shaped opinions about where early hominoid evolution occurred. Al-Ashqar et al. now describe a Miocene ape from Egypt with crown hominoid affinities suggesting both that this lineage diverged before entering Eurasia and that a focus on one African region may have shaped our ideas about where hominoids first emerged (see the Perspective by Alba and Arias-Martorell). —Sacha Vignieri

[Botany • 2026] Primulina acutiloba (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Northwest Guangxi, China

Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen,  

 

in Xiong, Fu, Qin, Pan, Liu et Wen, 2026. 

尖瓣报春苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.178656 

(All photographed by Chi Xiong).

Abstract

A new species of Gesneriaceae, Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, from the limestone karsts of Northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, it resembles Pri. pingguoensis H.S.Ma & B.Pan and Pri. pseudoeburnea (D.Fang & W.T.Wang) Mich. Möller & A. Weber in corolla shape and coloration, particularly in the presence of purple stripes extending from the throat to the lobes. However, it can be readily distinguished by a combination of characters, including the shape of the leaf blades, bracts, and calyx lobes, the length of the peduncle and pistil, and the height of the disc. Currently, only a single population is known from the type locality, comprising approximately 60–80 mature individuals. Following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the species is provisionally assessed as Endangered (EN C2 b).

Key words: Baise, Guangxi, limestone, new taxon, taxonomy

Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, sp. nov.
 A. Flowering plant cultivated in GCCC; B. Abaxial (above) and adaxial (below) sides of leaf blade; C. Cymes (arrow shows bracts); D. Bracts, dissected; E. Side view of flower; F. Ventral view of flower; G. Dorsal view of flower; H. Front view of flower; I. Sepals, dissected; J. Pistil and disc; K. Stigma; L. Disc; M. Opened corolla showing stamens and staminodes; N. Stamens.

(All photographed by Chi Xiong).

Primulina acutiloba C.Xiong, J.X.Fu & F.Wen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Within Primulina, Pri. acutiloba is readily distinguished by its triangular corolla lobes with prominent stripes. In overall corolla shape, coloration, and the presence of purple stripes extending from the throat to the lobes, it resembles Pri. pingguoensis and Pri. pseudoeburnea (Fig. 3). However, it differs from both species in having peduncle 3–8 cm long (vs. 8–16.5 cm in Pri. pingguoensis and 10–19 cm in Pri. pseudoeburnea), elliptic bracts (vs. linear or linear-lanceolate in Pri. pingguoensis and lanceolate in Pri. pseudoeburnea), corolla 25–28 mm long (vs. ca. 16–20 mm in Pri. pingguoensis and ca. 30 mm in Pri. pseudoeburnea), and pistil 21–24 mm long (vs. ca. 11–15 mm in Pri. pingguoensis and ca. 20 mm in Pri. pseudoeburnea).

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘acutiloba’ is derived from the Latin acutus (meaning ‘acute’) and lobus (meaning ‘lobe’), referring to the characteristically acute apices of the corolla lobes.

Vernacular name. jiān bàn bào chūn jǔ tái (Chinese pronunciation); 

尖瓣报春苣苔 (Chinese name).

 Chi Xiong, Jia-Xin Fu, Qi Qin, Bo Pan, Hong Liu and Fang Wen. 2026. Primulina acutiloba (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Northwest Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 272: 11-20.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.178656 [18 Mar. 2026] 

[Phycology • 2026] Lobophora lewmanomontiae, L. ogawae, ... • A Survey along the East Coast of Thailand reveals High Diversity in the Genus Lobophora (Dictyotales: Phaeophyceae): with the Description of Four New Species

 

Lobophora lewmanomontiae A. M. Klomjit, J. Praiboon & N. Muangmai sp. nov.
 Lobophora ogawae A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 
Lobophora thiemmedhii A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 
Lobophora velasquezii A. M. Klomjit, S. G. A. Draisma & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 

in Klomjit, Draisma, Praiboon, Jurejan, Sutti, Sun, Vieira et Muangmai, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.4490/algae.2026.41.2.2  

   facebook.com/FisheriesKaset

 ABSTRACT

Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae) is an ecologically important seaweed genus in tropical and subtropical marine ecosystems. This alga exhibits cryptic diversity and morphological plasticity, which require taxonomic delineations that primarily depend on DNA analyses, complemented by morphological and ecological data. Species diversity and distribution within Southeast Asia remain understudied compared to well-documented regions such as the Caribbean and the western Pacific. This study provides a comprehensive assessment of the genus Lobophora along the east coast of Thailand, integrating DNA-based surveys with morphological analyses. Extensive sampling across the Gulf of Thailand revealed 14 well-supported monophyletic clades of Lobophora. Among these, we described four new species (L. lewmanomontiae sp. nov., L. ogawae sp. nov., L. thiemmedhii sp. nov., and L. velasquezii sp. nov.) and reported three new national records (L. abscondita, L. henae, and L. quangtriensis), thereby bringing the Thai total to 21 species. When combined with previous records, 30 species have now been recorded from Southeast Asia, with 12 of which are endemic to the region. This study also emphasizes the importance of extensive sampling across broader areas, which enhances our understanding of biogeographic distributions and their implications for coastal ecosystem management.

Key words: DNA barcoding; Gulf of Thailand; macroalgae; Phaeophyceae; phylogeny; species diversity; taxonomy

In situ photographs of four new Lobophora species from east coast of Thailand.
(A) Lobophora lewmanomontiae sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2021-0314). (B) Lobophora ogawae sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2021-0310).
(C) Lobophora thiemmedhii sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2022-02470). (D) Lobophora velasquezii sp. nov. (THNHM-P-2022-0237).

Scale bars represent: A, 3 cm; B, 1 cm; C & D, 2 cm.

Lobophora lewmanomontiae A. M. Klomjit, J. Praiboon & N. Muangmai sp. nov. 

Lobophora ogawae A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Lobophora thiemmedhii A. M. Klomjit, C. W. Vieira & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Lobophora velasquezii A. M. Klomjit, S. G. A. Draisma & N. Muangmai sp. nov.

Ex situ photographs, transversal (Top) and longitudinal (Bottom) section on holotype specimens.
(A–C) Lobophora lewmanomontiae sp. nov.
(D–F) Lobophora ogawae sp. nov.
(G–I) Lobophora thiemmedhii sp. nov.
(J–L) Lobophora velasquezii sp. nov.

Scale bars represent: A, 2 cm; D & J, 0.5 cm; G, 1 cm.

Distribution pattern of Lobophora species along the east coast of Thailand. The black lines on the map represent the geographic borders of Thai province. The marine territories of the provinces where Lobophora species were identified, are highlighted in colors other than blue. The black dots indicated specific locations where Lobophora samples were collected. The numbers in parentheses next to the species names indicate the number of samples identified in each province. The table on the right lists the Lobophora species found in each province, with circles indicating species presence. Provinces ranked left to right by geographic location starting from east to west and then north to south.

Anirut Klomjit, Stefano G. A. Draisma, Jantana Praiboon, Narapat Jurejan, Suttikarn Sutti, Zhongmin Sun, Christophe Vieira and Narongrit Muangmai. 2026. A Survey along the East Coast of Thailand reveals High Diversity in the Genus Lobophora (Dictyotales, Phaeophyceae): with the Description of Four New Species. Algae. 41(1); 77-94. DOI: doi.org/10.4490/algae.2026.41.2.2 [March 15, 2026] 

  facebook.com/FisheriesKaset/posts/1535757728557328

[Botany • 2026] Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines

 

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman, 

in Naive, Alaman, Villanueva, Baul et Ancheta, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 

  x.com/begoniARCIIae

Abstract

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a center of plant endemism shaped by its complex geology, varied topography, and high habitat heterogeneity. Continued botanical explorations in the region have led to the discovery of Begonia occidentalis, which is herein described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. copelandii in its persistent stipules and capsule with strongly unequal wings, but can be readily distinguished by its arachnoid petiole, ovate leaf lamina with slightly overlapping cordate base and acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin with densely conspicuous maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. A comprehensive taxonomic account is presented, including detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and a discussion on its taxonomic affinities. Furthermore, we lectotypify the name B. copelandii in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Madrid Code).

Biodiversity, Cucurbitales, endemic, typification, Zamboanga peninsula, Eudicots

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman

Mark Arcebal K. NAIVE, Bobby B. ALAMAN, Grace V. VILLANUEVA, Melbert James G. BAUL and Donnafe J. ANCHETA. 2026. Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New Species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii.  Phytotaxa. 749(1); 95-102. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 [2026-03-25]

  x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/2036658662215675993

[Botany • 2026] Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen, 

in V. C. Nguyen, Tran, Truong, Averyanov, T. H. Nguyen, Phan-Thi et Tram, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025

 

Abstract

A new species, Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae subgen. Sauropus), is described and illustrated from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar to B. beillei, B. bonii, and B. thorelii, but differs in having oblong-elliptic leaves, sepals marked with reddish striations, an androphore exceeding 1 mm in length, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas. A detailed morphological comparison with related species is provided. A preliminary conservation assessment categorizes it as ‘Data Deficient' (DD) based on IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: Breynia, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, taxonomy

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) A plant with inflorescences and infructescences, (B) stipules, (C) leaf from different views: adaxial (upper), abaxial (lower), (D) staminate flower from different views, (E) pistillate flower from different views, (F) inflorescences and infructescences, (G) fruit, (H) open fruit and seeds.

Drawing from type specimens by Thanh Nha Phan-Thi.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Flowering plant in its habitat, (B) inflorescence, (C–D) a staminate flower, (E) flowers from different views; a pistillate flower (left) and a staminate flower (right), (F) fruit with erect stigmas.

All photos from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen
(A) Leaves and branches, (B) inflorescences, (C) stipules, (D) portion of inflorescence, (E) staminate flower from different views: (1–4) adaxial surface, (5) abaxial surface, (F) pistillate flower from different views, (G) longitudinal section through the pistil and pedicel.

All from holotype specimen AL2456 by Van Canh Nguyen, correction and design by Ba Vuong Truong.

Breynia phuongiana N.K.T. Tram, Vuong, Aver. & V.C. Nguyen sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: The species is characterized by a combination of the following features: cauliflorous inflorescences and infructescences arising near the ground, sepals with reddish striations, an androphore more than 1 mm long, and distinctly hexagonal, starfish-shaped fruits with erect and persistent stigmas.

Etymology: The species name honours Ms. Ha Thi Phuong (Hà Thị Phương), who first discovered the species.

 

Van Canh Nguyen, Thi Thuy Nhan Tran, Ba Vuong Truong, Leonid V. Averyanov, Thi Hoa Nguyen, Thanh Nha Phan-Thi and Nguyen-Khanh-Trinh Tram. 2026. Breynia phuongiana (Phyllanthaceae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05025 [21 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Homalomena lingua-felis (Araceae: Philodendreae) • A New densely-haired aroid Species of Homalomena from North Sumatra, Indonesia

 

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, 

in Muzzazinah, Damayanti, Fadhil, Raynalta, Husaini, Rivai, Setiawan, Irsyam, Rosleine, Pratami, Hariri et Ariati, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.172410

Abstract

Homalomena lingua-felis is newly described from Tapanuli (North Sumatra Province, Indonesia). This species resembles H. pexa from which can be easily distinguished by its shorter petiole (2.0–4.5 cm vs. 7.0–12 cm), papillate petiole (vs. densely white-tomentose), elliptic or cordate to ovate leaf shape (vs. oblong- to ovate-cordiform), papillate abaxial leaf surface (vs. sparsely hairy), papillate veins (vs. tomentose), papillate peduncle and spathe (vs. tomentose), pendulous peduncle (vs. semi-erect to declinate), and conical staminate flower zone (vs. ellipsoid). This novelty represents a continuation of discoveries on hairy Homalomena in Sumatra.

Key words: Araceae, Chamaecladon, Indonesia, Malesia, Philodendreae

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Adaxial surface of leaf showing dense hairs; C. Bulbous hair in adaxial leaf surface (59.4×); D. Papillose abaxial leaf surface (59.4×); E. Pendulous synflorescence; F. Bloom at late staminate anthesis with half and full spathe artificially removed; G. Bloom at late pistillate anthesis with half spathe artificially removed (20.7×).

Photos by Erick Raynalta (A, B, E) and Muhammad Rifqi Hariri (C, D, F, G).

Homalomena lingua-felis A.S.D.Irsyam, Raynalta & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Homalomena lingua-felis is similar to H. pexa but differs by having shorter petiole (2.0–4.5 cm vs. 7.0–12 cm), papillate petiole (vs. densely white-tomentose), elliptic or cordate to ovate leaf shape (vs. oblong- to ovate-cordiform), papillate abaxial leaf surface (vs. sparsely hairy), papillate veins (vs. tomentose), papillate peduncle and spathe (vs. tomentose), pendulous peduncle (vs. semi-erect to declinate), and conical staminate flower zone (vs. ellipsoid).

Etymology. The specific epithet lingua-felis is derived from the Latin lingua (tongue) and feles (cat), in reference to the characteristic texture of the leaf surface, which bears a resemblance to the rough surface of a feline tongue.

 Muzzazinah, Inggar Damayanti, Muhammad Hisyam Fadhil, Erick Raynalta, Iin Pertiwi Amin Husaini, Reza Ramdan Rivai, Ade Agus Setiawan, Arifin Surya Dwipa Irsyam, Dian Rosleine, Mentari Putri Pratami, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri and Siti Roosita Ariati. 2026. A New densely-haired aroid Species of Homalomena (Araceae) from North Sumatra, Indonesia. PhytoKeys. 271: 161-172. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.172410 [02 Mar 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus teraiensis • Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Nepal

 Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis

Gautam, Bhattarai, Neupane, Pokheral, Thackeray, Khandekar, Cyriac & Agarwal, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

Abstract

A new species of ground-dwelling gecko of the genus Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) is described from the low elevation Terai-Duar region of southeastern Nepal using molecular and morphological data. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. is the first new species of the C. nebulosus species complex, the remaining members of which are distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats and Satpuras; a lectoype for C. nebulosus is also designated. The new species is the first Geckoella described from outside peninsular India and distributed north of the Indo-Gangetic Plains. Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. forms the deeply divergent sister taxon to Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex with 15.7–18.1% uncorrected mitochondrial sequence divergence from them, and 21.0–28.5% from other Geckoella. The new species is also recognised in tree-based delimitation methods and can be morphologically distinguished from other Cyrtodactylus and Geckoella species by a small body size (snout to vent length, SVL up to at least 45.5 mm), length of original tail < SVL, 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles, 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody; dorsal colour pattern of four or five paired spots between neck and hindlimb insertions alternating with two or three much smaller paired spots. The divergence between Cyrtodactylus teraiensis sp. nov. and Indian members of the C. nebulosus complex is estimated to have occurred in the Middle Miocene, and it may be that tropical forest expansion during the Mid-Miocene Climatic Optimum allowed dispersal across the Indo-Gangetic Plains.

Key words: Endemic species, Indian subcontinent, integrative taxonomy, mitochondrial DNA, taxonomy

Photo of: A. Holotype of Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. in life;
B. Habitat from where the new species was collected. Photographs by BG.

Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) teraiensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A small-sized Cyrtodactylus, snout to vent length up to 45.5 mm. Dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous; smooth granular scales intermixed with more or less regularly arranged rows of enlarged, feebly keeled, blunt to weakly conical tubercles; ventrolateral fold absent on lower flank; 16–18 rows of dorsal tubercles at midbody, 29–31 tubercles in paravertebral rows; ventral scales subequal from chest to vent, smooth, subcircular, and subimbricate with rounded end; 30–32 ventral scales across belly at midbody, 50–54 longitudinal scales between axilla to groin, ....

 Bivek Gautam, Santosh Bhattarai, Bishal Prasad Neupane, Chiranjibi Prasad Pokheral, Tejas Thackeray, Akshay Khandekar, Vivek Phillip Cyriac, Ishan Agarwal. 2026. Middle Miocene Biogeographic Connectivity between the Eastern Ghats and Nepal revealed by A New Species of the Cyrtodactylus (Geckoella) nebulosus complex (Reptilia, Squamata) from Nepal. ZooKeys. 1275: 15-42.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.178507

[Invertebrate • 2026] Helobdella viridoclypus • A New free-living Leech Species (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae) from Chiang Mai, Thailand

 

 Helobdella viridoclypus

 K, Trivalairat, P. Trivalairat, Raquib & Purivirojkul, 2026

Emerald-charm leech | ปลิงสร้อยมรกต || 

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74

 Abstract

 A new species of glossiphoniid leech, Helobdella viridoclypus, is described from the northern region of Thailand, representing the first record of the genus Helobdella from the country and Southeast Asia. Its characteristics are similar to those of the type species, H. stagnalis, but can be distinguished by its transparent rice-shaped and triannulated body, cephalisation, a single pair of dark eyes, a smooth dorsal surface without papillae, rich darkgreen pigmentation on the dorsum, six pairs of crop caeca with less developed first pair and unbranched second to sixth pairs (posterior caeca), male and female gonopore separated by a single annulus, and a triangular nuchal scute pointed backwards with yellowish-green colouring around the mid-dorsal region. The phylogenetic relationships of H. viridoclypus, new species, are clarified, showing that it is monophyletic within the stagnalis species-complex clade which includes H. adiastola, H. octatestisaca, H. modesta, and the type species H. stagnalis. The new species is a free-living leech that specifically preys on invertebrates and not on humans. 

Key words. Annelida, Glossiphoniidae, Haementeriinae, jawless leech, freshwater, Huai Tueng Thao Reservoir

Order Rhynchobdellida Blanchard, 1894 

Suborder Glossiphoniiformes Tessler & de Carle, 2018 in Tessler et al., 2018 

Family Glossiphoniidae Vaillant, 1890 

Subfamily Haementeriinae Autrum, 1939 

Genus Helobdella Blanchard, 1896

Diagnosis. Small, two eyes, transparent papillae on segment, nuchal gland or scute on dorsum on VIIIa1/a2, gonopores separated by one annulus, compact salivary glands, crop with less developed first pair and unbranched second to sixth pairs of caeca, liquidosomatophagous (Blanchard, 1896; Sawyer, 1986).

 Helobdella viridoclypus, new species, live holotype (ZRC.ANN.1623).
 A, dorsal view; B, ventral view.

Helobdella viridoclypus, new species

Diagnosis. Rice-shaped, transparent body; cephalisation; a pair of large, distinctly separated, dark eyes on somite III; anterior sucker twice as large as prostomium without pits inside; central mouth in anterior sucker; triangular nuchal scute pointed backward with yellowish-green colouring around mid-dorsal region (VIIa1–a3, annuli 11–13); smooth surface without dorsal papillae; rich dark-green pigmentation on dorsum, particularly around crop caeca; lesser or almost absent pigmentation along crop; one male gonopore on XIIa1/XIIa2 (annuli 26/27); one female gonopore on XIIa2/ a3 (annuli 27/28); six pairs of crop caeca with unbranched posterior caeca; maximum body width wider than anterior and posterior suckers by four and two times, respectively.

 

Etymology. The species epithet refers to the description of the nuchal scute on the neck region, which resembles a shield and is a yellowish green colour. 

The following common names are suggested: “Emerald-charm leech” (English), “Pling soi mor ra kot” (ปลิงสร้อยมรกต) (Thai), and “Der Smaragdt-charm Plattegel” (German).

 Krittiya TRIVALAIRAT, Poramad TRIVALAIRAT, Tashfia RAQUIB and Watchariya PURIVIROJKUL. 2026. Helobdella viridoclypus (Hirudinea: Rhynchobdellida: Glossiphoniidae), A New free-living Leech Species from Chiang Mai, Thailand. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 124–141. [23 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae) • A New Species from Limestone Karst, Khammouane Province, central Laos and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos

 

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane,

in Sengthong, Tagane, Souladeth, Dang, Yamamoto, Souvannakhoummane, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Tanaka et Pham, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

facebook.com/PhetlasySouladeth

 

Abstract

A new species, Firmiana laotica (Malvaceae), and five new records, Justicia oreophila (Acanthaceae), Aganosma wallichii (Apocynaceae), Colebrookea oppositifolia (Lamiaceae), Myristica yunnanensis (Myristicaceae), and Brachytome hainanensis (Rubiaceae) are reported for the flora of Laos. Voucher specimens, photographs, and ecological information in Laos are provided for each species.

Keywords: Central Laos, Firmiana laotica, flowering plants, Nam Kading NPA, Phou Hin Poun NP

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane.
A, habitat. B & C, habit. D, leafy twig. E, lower leaf surface. F, inflorescence. G, staminate flower. H & I, pistillate flowers. J, young fruits. All photos by Shuichiro Tagane.

Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane, sp. nov. 

ປໍຜາລາວ

  Firmiana laotica is similar to F. fulgens (Wall. ex Mast.) K.Schum., but distinguished by leaf lobe apex (long-acuminate to caudate in F. laotica vs. acute to obtuse F. fulgens), lower leaf surface color (glaucous vs. not glaucous), depth of calyx lobes (lobed (1/3−)1/2 of calyx length vs. lobed 1/3–1/4 of calyx length), and number of stamens (15 in 5 groups of 3 vs. 20 or 25 in 5 groups of 4 or 5).

 

 Anousone Sengthong, Shuichiro Tagane, Phetlasy Souladeth, Van-Son Dang, Takenori Yamamoto, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Nobuyuki Tanaka and Quoc Trong Pham. 2026. A New Species and Five New Records for the Flora of Laos. Acta Phytotaxonomica et Geobotanica. 77(1); 23-34. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202523 

 

ຂໍແນະນຳພືດຊະນິດໃໝ່ຂອງໂລກ ຈາກນິເວດພູຫິນປູນ (ບ້ານກອງລໍ ເຂດປ່າປ້ອງກັນພູໄຮ ແລະ The Rock at Phuphamarn ເມືອງຄູນຄຳ ແຂວງຄຳມ່ວນ)

ມີຊື່ວິທະຍາສາດ Firmiana laotica Sengthong, Soulad. & Tagane

ແລະ ໄດ້ໃຫ້ຊື່ລາວວ່າ ປໍຜາລາວ

  facebook.com/PhetlasySouladeth/posts/26072250059069501