[Crustacea • 2026] Caridina zhaoi • A New stygobiont atyid Shrimp (Decapoda: Caridea: Atyidae) from a limestone cave in Guizhou Province, China

 

Caridina zhaoi

Jiang, Zhou & Chen, 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.182296

Abstract

A new stygobiont species of freshwater shrimp, Caridina zhaoi sp. nov., from a karst cave in Guiyang, Guizhou Province, southwestern China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically distinct from its epigean congeners by a suite of stygobiotic characters, including the degeneration of eyes and absence of body pigmentation. It can be further distinguished from other known Chinese cavernicolous Caridina species by the combination of a relatively long rostrum with a specific rostral formula, the length of the stylocerite, the proportions of various joints of the first and second pereiopods, and the armature of the dactylus of the third and fifth pereiopods. Molecular analysis based on the mitochondrial COI gene reveals a high genetic divergence (14.70%–23.47%) between the new species and other atyids, supporting its validity as a distinct species. This discovery brings the total number of stygobiont Caridina species in China to 10, highlighting the rich but underestimated subterranean biodiversity of the Guizhou karst region.

Key Words: COI, Crustacea, morphology, stygofauna, subterranean biodiversity, taxonomy

A. The entrance of Xiangshui Cave; B. Live specimen of Caridina zhaoi sp. nov..

Caridina zhaoi sp. nov.

 Xuankong Jiang, Jiajun Zhou and Huiming Chen. 2026. Caridina zhaoi sp. nov., A New stygobiont atyid Shrimp (Decapoda, Caridea, Atyidae) from a limestone cave in Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 601-609. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.182296 [06 Apr 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso • After forty-eight years: An enigmatic New wormlion fly (Diptera: Vermileonidae) from Xizang, China

 

 Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso   

Shan & Wang, 2026 

 仓央嘉措印穴虻  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1276.184675 

 Abstract

The brachyceran family Vermileonidae (wormlion flies) is characterised by larvae that construct pitfall traps for predation. The Oriental genus Vermitigris Wheeler, 1930 previously included four described species distributed in China, India, Indonesia, and Malaysia. In 1978, unidentified larvae of Vermitigris were collected by Fa-Sheng Li from Yadong, Xizang, China, but the adult stage remained unknown. During a 2025 expedition, adult specimens were obtained, enabling their association with the larvae and recognition as a new species. Herein, Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso sp. nov. is described, with accounts of its immature stages and notes on its biology. This discovery increases the number of Vermitigris species recorded from China from one to two, the total number of species in the genus from four to five, and all the extant species in the family from 66 to 67. The biogeographical implications for Vermitigris are also discussed.

Key words: Dinggyê, new species, taxonomy, western China, Yadong

Morphological characters of Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso sp. nov. (I).
 A. Holotype, male, dorsal view; B. Paratype, male, dorsal view; C. Terminal portion of right hind leg of holotype, male, dorsal view; D. Paratype, female, dorsal view; E. Right halter of paratype, male, dorsal view; F. Paratype, male, left-lateral view. Scale bars: 2.0 mm (A, B, D, F); 0.2 mm (C, E).

Habitats and habitus of  Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso sp. nov. 
A. A pavilion shades a larval colony; B. Larval colony in fine-grained soil under a giant rock; C. Larva inhabiting wood debris produced by wood-boring insects under a pavilion; D. Larva inhabiting fine-grained river sands accumulated under a giant rock next to a river; E, F. Male resting on a plant leaf.

Order Diptera Linnaeus, 1758

Suborder Brachycera Zetterstedt, 1842

Family Vermileonidae Williston, 1886

Genus Vermitigris Wheeler, 1930

Vermitigris tsangyanggyatso Shan & Wang, sp. nov.

Chinese vernacular name. 仓央嘉措印穴虻.

Differential diagnosis.

In the larvae of this species, the marginal spines in the proleg are approximately as long as or only slightly shorter than the middle ones (Fig. 6B–D). However, in V. fairchildi, whose adults are unknown, the marginal spines are approximately half as long as the middle ones (Wheeler 1930: fig. 25j).

....

Etymology. The species is dedicated to Tsangyang Gyatso (1683–1706), the 6th Dalai Lama, a Tibetan poet-monk from Xizang, renowned for his romantic verse and unconventional life. Noun in apposition.

Li-Xia Shan and Ji-Shen Wang. 2026. After forty-eight years: An enigmatic New wormlion fly from Xizang, China (Diptera, Vermileonidae). ZooKeys. 1276: 249-262. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1276.184675 [07 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Illicium nymphiiflorum (Schisandraceae) • A New cauliflorous Species from Yunnan, China

 

Illicium nymphiiflorum Q. Lin & Y.M. Shui,  

in Chen, Lin, Li, Zhang et Shui, 2026. Illicium 

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0107

 

 Abstract  

Illicium nymphiiflorum Q. Lin & Y.M. Shui sp. nova (Schisandraceae) is described from China. It especially resembles I. viridiflorum from South Vietnam in being cauliflorous and in having similar greenish-white flowers and single-seriate stamens. It differs, e.g., in leaf shape (obovate vs. elliptic), apex of the innermost petals (acute vs. obtuse), arrangement of stamens (vertical vs. horizontal) and number of follicles (12–14 vs. 4–8). It also resembles I. stapfii, from which it differs in several floral characters. According to IUCN categories and criteria, I. nymphiiflorum is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

General morphology of Illicium nymphiiflorum. 
 A: Trunk and flowers. — B: Close-up of the flowers. — C: Open flower and its visitor, a species of hoverfly. — D: Flowers on a young shoot. — E: Pseudowhorled or subopposite leaves. — F and G: Adaxial leaf surface. — H and I: Abaxial leaf surface.

Prepared by Chong Yang, from the holotype. All except G and I photographed in Maguan County, Yunnan, China, on 17 October 2022.

Reproductive morphology of Illicium nymphiiflorum.
 A: Flowers on the trunk. — B: Buds and lateral view of the flowers. — C: Back view of a flower. — D: Lateral view of a flower. — E: Front view of a flower. — F: Outermost petals. — G: Intermediate and innermost petals. — H: Stamens. — I: Flower and dry fruit.

Prepared by Chong Yang, from the holotype. A–E photographed in Maguan County, Yunnan, China, on 17 October 2022.

Illicium nymphiiflorum Q. Lin & Y.M. Shui, sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet nymphiiflorum refers to the flowers, which resemble those of Nymphaea.

Wen-Hong Chen, Qi Lin, Guo-Yun Li, Jin-Guo Zhang and Yu-Min Shui. 2026. Illicium nymphiiflorum (Schisandraceae), a New Cauliflorous Species from Yunnan, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 43-47. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0107 (13 March 2026)

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens pfutserensis (Balsaminaceae) • A New Species from Nagaland, India

Impatiens pfutserensis  S.Singh, B.Singh & M.Bhuyan,

in S.Singh, B.Singh, Bhuyan et Phukan, 2026. 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2167

Abstract 

A new species of Balsam, Impatiens pfutserensis S.Singh, B.Singh & M.Bhuyan, belonging to Impatiens sect. Racemosae Hook.f. & Thomson, is described herein from the Phek District of Nagaland, India. The species is distinguished by a unique combination of diagnostic characters: unwinged stems lacking swollen nodes, forward-directed marginal leaf teeth, an eight-flowered inflorescence, and pink flowers with white patches. It is further characterized by a long spur and a ridged capsule. While morphologically similar to I. stenantha Hook.f. and I. prainii Hook.f., I. pfutserensis differs from both in several key traits. Inhabiting subtropical montane forest ecosystems, the species is presented here with detailed data on its morphology, distribution, phenology, and conservation status, alongside photographic documentation to facilitate accurate identification.

Keyword: Balsaminaceae, biodiversity hotspot, eastern Himalaya, Impatiens pfutserensis, Indo-Burma, Nagaland, new taxon

Impatiens pfutserensis:
 A. natural habit, B. single leaf, C. different parts of a complete flower, D. inflorescence E. close look of complete flower, F. capsule.

Impatiens pfutserensis S.Singh, B.Singh & M.Bhuyan, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically similar to Impatiens stenantha Hook.f. (Table 1), but can be distinguished with the later by its plant habit (succulent vs. non-succulent), plant height (15–30 cm tall vs. 40–90 cm tall, node (not swollen vs. swollen), stem (not winged vs. winged), lateral veins (4–6 pairs vs. 7–11 pairs), inflorescence (8- flowered vs. 3–4 flowered); flower colour (pink with white patches vs. yellow with dark red spots), longer spur (2.5–2.8 cm vs. 1.7–2.2 cm), capsule (clavate to subfusiform vs. linear). The new species is also resembling I. prainii Hook.f., and varies by its stem (unbranched, hollow, translucentgreen to reddish with adventitious roots vs. branched, solid), leaves (without stipule vs. distinct glandular stipule), inflorescence (8-flowered vs. 2 or 3-flowered), lower sepal (with long curved spur vs. short straight spur), and capsule (clavate vs. linear).

Sumit Singh, Bikarma Singh, Mantu Bhuyan and Tridip Phukan. 2026. A New Species of Impatiens from Nagaland, India. Taiwania. 71(2); 263-267. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.263 [25 March 2026] 

 taiwania.NTU.edu.tw/abstract/2167

[Entomology • 2026] Euthalia zubeengargi • A New Species of Euthalia Hübner, 1819 subgenus Limbusa Moore, [1897] (Lepidoptera: Nymphalidae: Limenitidinae) from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India

 

Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi 

Sadasivan & Upadhaya, 

in Upadhaya et Sadasivan, 2026. 

  http://www.entomon.in

 Researchgate.net/publication/403195003

 

ABSTRACT 

A new species of Euthalia Hübner, 1819 (subgenus Limbusa Moore, [1897]) (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Limenitidinae, Adoliadini) is described from Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. This species, Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, Sadasivan & Upadhaya sp. nov., is assigned to the Patala group of Limbusa based on its wing pattern, venation, and male genital morphology. A detailed description of the male and its genitalia is presented, along with a revised key to the males of Subtype A2 of the Patala group sensu Yokochi (2011). 

KEY WORDS: New taxon, butterfly, duke, Patala group, morphology, Basar, Eastern Himalayas, taxonomic key

Euthalia (Limbusa) zubeengargi, Sadasivan & Upadhaya sp. nov.

 Roshan Upadhaya and Kalesh Sadasivan. 2026. A New Species of Euthalia Hübner, 1819 subgenus Limbusa Moore, [1897] (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Limenitidinae, Adoliadini) from Arunachal Pradesh, Northeast India. ENTOMON. 51(1): 1-10. 

Researchgate.net/publication/403195003_A_new_species_of_Euthalia_from_ArunachalPradesh_NE_India

  http://www.entomon.in/index.php/Entomon/forthcoming

[Cnidaria • 2026] Rhytisma acoronatum, R. calyaceum, R. karibu, ... • Phylogenomics-guided Revision of the Genus Rhytisma Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), with Descriptions of Six New Sspecies

 

(a, b) Rhytisma karibu sp. nov., 

(c, d) R. acoronatum sp. nov. 

(e, f) R. oblongum sp. nov.

 (c) R. inaequale sp. nov., with expanded polyps 

(d) R. calyaceum sp. nov., with partially expanded polyps 

(e) R. sperkolae sp. nov., polyps partly expanded

Samimi-Namin, Benayahu, Durkin, Ekins, Quattrini & McFadden, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS25068 

Photographs by Y. Benayahu, and M. Ekins.

 

The genus Rhytisma Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), formerly comprising four nominal species (R. fulvum, R. fuscum, R. monticulum and R. rubiginosum), is revised using an integrative approach. We combine morphological and phylogenomic data for newly collected and historical specimens. A neotype is designated for R. fulvum and a lectotype for R. fuscum to stabilise the application of these names. Six new species are described from the Indo-Pacific: R. acoronatum sp. nov., R. calyaceum sp. nov., R. oblongum sp. nov., R. inaequale sp. nov., R. karibu sp. nov. and R. sperkolae sp. nov. Species delimitation is supported by discrete combinations of morphological characters – particularly those of the tentacle and polyp sclerites – as well as multi-locus DNA barcoding and phylogenomic analyses of conserved elements (UCE and exon loci). Our findings highlight the diagnostic value of tentacle sclerites and reveal extensive species-level diversity that was previously obscured by insufficient morphological examination. The revised genus currently comprises 10 valid species, many of which display restricted geographic distributions, reflecting patterns of regional endemism in Indo-Pacific octocoral assemblages. These results underscore the importance of integrative taxonomy in uncovering hidden biodiversity.

 

Keywords: biogeography, DNA barcoding, endemism, Indo-Pacific, integrative taxonomy, neotype, soft corals, species delimitation, taxonomic revision, ultraconserved elements

Underwater images of Rhytisma species in their respective type localities.
(a, b) Rhytisma fulvum yellow colour and grey colour morphs, polyps partly expanded
(c) R. inaequale sp. nov., with expanded polyps (d) R. calyaceum sp. nov., with partially expanded polyps
(e) R. sperkolae sp. nov., mat morphology reflects underlying irregular reef substrate, polyps partly expanded. (f) R. monticulum with expanded polyps.

Photographs by (a–c, e) Y. Benayahu, (d, f) M. Ekins.

Underwater images of Rhytisma species in their respective type localities.
(a, b) Rhytisma karibu sp. nov., growing on seagrass blades and reef substrate (c, d) R. acoronatum sp. nov. (e, f) R. oblongum sp. nov. 

Photographs by (a, b, e, f) Y. Benayahu, and (c, d) M. Ekins.

Rhytisma acoronatum sp. nov., R. calyaceum sp. nov., 

R. oblongum sp. nov., R. inaequale sp. nov., 

R. karibu sp. nov. and R. sperkolae sp. nov. 

Kaveh Samimi-Namin, Yehuda Benayahu, Kathleen M. Durkin, Merrick Ekins, Andrea M. Quattrini and Catherine S. McFadden. 2026. Phylogenomics-guided Revision of the Genus Rhytisma Alderslade, 2000 (Octocorallia: Malacalcyonacea: Lemnaliidae), with Descriptions of Six New Sspecies. Invertebr Syst. 40(3); IS25068. DOI: doi.org/10.1071/IS25068   [30 March 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae: Alpinieae) • A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen,  

in Poulsen, Senjaya, Ardiyani et Newman, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 

Abstract

The Indonesian Island of Sulawesi is home to a number of members of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae, with unusual turquoise flowers not found anywhere else. A recent paper reinstating Hellwigia, using molecular evidence, placed these “jade gingers” in this genus. During a joint expedition between the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh and Bogor Botanical Gardens 26 years ago, an interesting jade ginger was collected at Mt. Sojol. This is similar to two other named species from Sulawesi, H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea, in having unusual dimorphic, turquoise-bluish green flowers but differs from both in the much shorter ligule without a demarcation line and is described here as Hellwigia opalina. In preparation for this, all available material of jade gingers from Sulawesi was examined, and all except the collections from Mt. Sojol had a long ligule with a demarcation line similar to H. coeruleoviridis and H. glacicaerulea. It is, however, questionable whether the identification by R.M. Smith of several collections from Lore Lindu National Park, Central Sulawesi, matches the type of H. coeruleoviridis, which was lost in Berlin during the Second World War. Until this species has been recollected at its type locality, here identified as Mt. Tentolomatinan, 300 km away, the identification cannot be easily ascertained. Rhizomes from Mt. Sojol were cultivated in botanic gardens, and plants cultivated at the Royal Botanic Garden flowered several times, which enabled detailed studies and dissection of both flower morphs. This is usually impossible during fieldwork and emphasizes the importance of cultivation of gingers—not just for ex situ conservation but also for research purposes. Detailed photographs taken of the cultivated plants were used to obtain a better morphological understanding and to illustrate Hellwigia opalina in the present paper.

Key words: Alpinia, ex situ conservation, Indonesia, monoecism, Wallacea

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
A. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally female flowers open; B. Leafy shoots, inflorescence with functionally male flowers open; C. Bases of leafy shoots; D. Part of pseudostem with one leaf blade; E. Close-up of ligule, petiole, and leaf base; F. Ligule, viewed from the inside; G. Close-up of midrib beneath.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.  

 Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.
 Functionally female flowers: A. Inflorescence with first flowers; B. Flower; C. Bracteole; D. Calyx; E. Corolla lobes; F. Flower, bracteole removed; G. Inner part of cincinnus with functionally male flowers in bud; H. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; J. Stamen, lateral and ventral view (staminodes); K. Gynoecium, ventral and lateral view. Functionally male flowers: L. Inflorescence; M. Flower; N. Calyx; O. Corolla lobes; P. Flower, bracteole removed; Q. Labellum, ventral and dorsal view; R. Floral tube and stamen, lateral view; S. Floral tube and staminodes; T. Floral tube and epigynous gland; U. Stamen, ventral view.

All photographs of the type (A.D. Poulsen 3255) by A.D. Poulsen.

Hellwigia opalina Ardiyani & A.D.Poulsen, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Similar to Hellwigia glacicaerulea (R.M.Sm.) Senjaya & A.D.Poulsen in having inflorescences of secund cincinni bearing turquoise-blue, dimorphic flowers but differing in its shorter ligule (2–3.5 mm, coriaceous vs. 20–30 mm, marcescent), shorter petiole (7–12 mm vs. 20–30 mm), leaf blades being densely tomentose beneath (vs. shortly tomentose), and tomentose inflorescence rhachis (vs. shortly tomentose).

Etymology. The epithet means ‘opal-colored’ from Greek, opallios, an opal.

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Seni Kurnia Senjaya, Marlina Ardiyani and Mark Fleming Newman. 2026. Hellwigia opalina (Zingiberaceae) – A New Species of the enigmatic Jade Gingers of Sulawesi. PhytoKeys. 272: 169-180. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.171221 [03 Apr 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Phyllopezus sapiranga • Uncovering Neotropical Rock Geckos’ Diversity: Multiple Data Sources on an Integrated Taxonomic Approach reveal A New Species of Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest

 

 Phyllopezus sapiranga

Dubeux, Vieira Dubeux, Neves, Werneck, Rodrigues, Mott & Nunes, 2025

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011  

  facebook.com/LHerpUFPE

 

Abstract

Using an integrated taxonomic approach based on a robust data set including external morphology, cranial anatomy, hemipenial morphology, scale microstructure, and molecular data, we describe a new species of gecko of the genus Phyllopezus from mountains in the northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. The species is currently known to occur in Serra da Jiboia, municipality of Elísio Medrado, Bahia state, and Serra de Itabaiana, municipality of Areia Branca, Sergipe state. The new species is genetically related and more morphologically similar to Phyllopezus diamantino and Phyllopezus selmae, sharing all diagnostic characteristics for both these species, but distinguished from their congeners by meristic and morphometric characters. The new species is the first Phyllodactylidae to have its hemipenial morphology described and together with the cranial anatomy and the description of the microstructures of the dorsal scales provided here, it encourages the use of new approaches for the description of the cryptic species present in this species complex.

 

Keywords: Cryptic diversity, Integrative taxonomy, Morphological data, Molecular phylogeny, Hemipenial morphology, Cranial anatomy, Scale microstructure

  Coloration in life of Phyllopezus sapiranga sp. nov.
(A–E) Holotype [male, CHUFPE-R 1962],
(F) Male paratype [CHUFPE-R 1960]; (G) Juvenile paratype [CHUFPE-R 1972].

Phyllopezus sapiranga sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a homage to Marco Antônio de Freitas (also known as Marco "Sapiranga"), a herpetologist whose tireless efforts in research, management and fiscalization of several protected areas in the state of Bahia, has helped and helps contribute to the knowledge and conservation of Brazilian herpetofauna.

 

Marcos J.M. Dubeux, Gisele M.N. Vieira Dubeux, Jessika M.M. Neves, Fernanda P. Werneck, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Tamí Mott and Pedro M.S. Nunes. 2025. Uncovering Neotropical Rock Geckos’ Diversity: Multiple Data Sources on an Integrated Taxonomic Approach reveal A New Species of Phyllopezus Peters, 1878 (Squamata: Phyllodactylidae) from northeastern Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Zoologischer Anzeiger. 319; 173-195. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.jcz.2025.09.011 [November 2025] 

 facebook.com/LHerpUFPE/posts/1439838298142280

  .facebook.com/MarcoAntoniodeFreitas5/posts/10213891271951308

[Herpetology • 2026] Gegeneophis bavali • A New Species of Gegeneophis Peters, 1879 (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) from the Western Ghats of northern Kerala, India

 

Gegeneophis bavali 

Kotharambath, Vengot & Gower, 2026 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.3.9

 

Abstract

A new species of grandisoniid caecilian amphibian, Gegeneophis bavali sp. nov., is described based on two specimens from northern Kerala state in the southern part of the Western Ghats region of peninsular India. This species is distinguished from all other Gegeneophis by the combination of lacking an unsegmented terminal shield, having secondary annular grooves, and having more than 132 primary annuli. A new key to the identification of the species of the genus is presented.

Amphibia, caecilians, Herpetology, identification key, morphology, taxonomy

 

Gegeneophis bavali sp. nov.

Ramachandran KOTHARAMBATH, Ranjith VENGOT and David J. GOWER. 2026. A New Species of Gegeneophis Peters, 1879 (Amphibia: Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) from the Western Ghats of northern Kerala, India. Zootaxa. 5782(3); 571-580.  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.3.9 [2026-03-25]

 

[Botany • 2026] Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) • A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar, 

in Sindhu, Jose, Alen, Anilkumar et Suresh, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812 

Abstract

A new species of Phyllocephalum is described and illustrated from Palakkad district of Kerala, India. The new species shows similarity to P. rangacharii but differs with respect to key floral traits, viz. ovoid shape of the capitula, involucral bracts in 3 series, inflated receptacle and ovoid 6-ribbed ovary with 5–6 densely barbellate pappus setae. Colour photographs, SEM images of pollen and florets along with a distribution map are provided.

Keywords: Achene, florets, involucre bracts, Nelliyampathy, Ponmudi

Phyllocephalum keralense sp. nov. 
 (A) Habit, (B) and (C) flower, (D) outer phyllaria, (E) middle phyllaria, (F) inner phyllaria, (G) floret, (H) floret open, (I), (J) & (K) corolla lobes, (L) base of ovary with pappus, (M) gynoecium, (N) achene.

Phyllocephalum keralense Arya Sindhu, Suresh, Sojan, Alen & V S A Kumar sp. nov. 

Arya Sindhu, Sojan Jose, Alex Philip Alen, Venugopalan Nair Saradamma Anilkumar and Veerankutty Suresh. 2026. Phyllocephalum keralense (Asteraceae) A New Species from southern Western Ghats of Kerala, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.04812  [03 April 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Prognathodon cipactli • A New Species of Prognathodon (Squamata: Mosasauridae) from the Early Maastrichtian of Nuevo León, Mexico

 

Prognathodon cipactli 

Rivera-Sylva, Sánchez-Uribe, Guzmán-Gutierrez, Rodríguez, Rangel-Morelos, & Longrich, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1127/njgpa/1303

Abstract

Mosasaurs staged a major radiation at the end of the Cretaceous period before perishing at the Cretaceous-Paleogene boundary. Although mosasaurs are well-known from the Late Cretaceous of North America, relatively little is known about the mosasaurids of Mexico. In 2001 the largely complete skull of a mosasaurid was collected from outcrops of the Early Maastrichtian Mendez Formation at Rancho Las Barretas, 10 kilometers northeast of Linares. Although much of the skeleton was reported to have been present, only the skull was collected and the quarry has not been relocated. The specimen was described and figured in 2007 by Buchy et al. (2007) and reported as an indeterminate mosasaurid. Although the specimen has suffered some erosion after exposure in the desert, it includes most of the skull. We redescribe this specimen and show that it represents a derived species of Prognathodon, P. cipactli sp. nov. The specimen shows specializations for an apex predator niche, including a a short rostrum with robust jaws and teeth, suggesting that specialization for taking large prey preceded the evolution of large size in prognathodontins. The specimen enhances our understanding of the fossil record and paleoecology of the Western Interior Seaway during the Late Cretaceous, showing how prognathodontins successfully exploited the top predator niche globally in the Maastrichtian.  

Keywords: Mosasauridae • Prognathodon • Maastrichtian • Mexico • Mendez Formation

Prognathodon cipactli sp. nov. 

 

Rivera-Sylva, Héctor E.; Sánchez-Uribe, Iván E.; Guzmán-Gutierrez, José Rubén; Rodríguez, Rosalba Lizbeth Nava; Rangel-Morelos, Adolfo A. and Longrich, Nicholas. 2026. A New Species of Prognathodon (Squamata: Mosasauridae) from the Early Maastrichtian of Nuevo León, Mexico. Neues Jahrbuch für Geologie und Paläontologie - Abhandlungen. DOI: doi.org/10.1127/njgpa/1303 [Mar 9, 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Ancyroleon, Melanobaliga, Orientaleon gen. n., ... • UCE Phylogenomics improves the Classification of the cosmopolitan Pit-building Antlion tribe Myrmeleontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmeleontinae)

 

Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., 
Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., 
Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., ...

in Zheng, Badano, Machado, Tu, U. Aspöck, H. Aspöck, Nel, Winterton et Liu, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70040

Abstract

Myrmeleontini is a widespread antlion tribe within the lacewing family Myrmeleontidae, well known for its larvae building cone-shaped pits in sandy soil to trap prey. The monophyly of the tribe is well supported, but the monophyly of many genera within the tribe as well as the definition of the genus Myrmeleon Linnaeus has long been questioned. Here, we present a phylogenomic analysis of Myrmeleontini with emphasis on the Eurasian fauna, using ultraconserved elements (UCE) data. Our results recovered Myrmeleon as a diverse grade, with Baliga Navás, Callistoleon Banks, Euroleon Esben-Petersen, Hagenomyia Banks and Megistoleon Navás deeply nested within it. Based on our sampling of type species of many genera (including those synonymized with Myrmeleon) and detailed morphological comparisons, we provide a new phylogeny-based classification of Myrmeleontini. Accordingly, Myrmeleon s. str. only refers to the formerly recognized M. formicarius group from Palaearctic region. The status of 12 genera that were previously considered as junior synonyms of Myrmeleon is restored (i.e., Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., Bordus Navás stat. rev., Callistoleon Banks stat. rev., Cocius Navás stat. rev., Enza Navás stat. rev., Macroleon Banks stat. rev., Moreyus Navás stat. rev., Morter Navás stat. rev., Neleon Navás stat. rev., Neseurus Navás stat. rev., Myrmeleodes Navás stat. rev. and Tafanerus Navás stat rev.), while Neohornius stat. rev., previously treated as a subgenus of Myrmeleon, is herein elevated to genus. Additionally, based on comprehensive sampling from the Oriental region, five new genera from this region are described, that is, Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n. and Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n.

Keywords: biogeography, classification, lacewing, phylogeny, systematics

Banyaleon Zheng & Liu nom. n., 

Bordus Navás stat. rev., 

Callistoleon Banks stat. rev., 

Cocius Navás stat. rev., 

Enza Navás stat. rev., 

Macroleon Banks stat. rev., 

Moreyus Navás stat. rev., 

Morter Navás stat. rev., 

Neleon Navás stat. rev., 

Neseurus Navás stat. rev., 

Myrmeleodes Navás stat. rev. 

Tafanerus Navás stat rev.

Neohornius stat. rev.

 five new genera:

 Ancyroleon Zheng & Liu gen. n., 

Baligaptes Zheng & Liu gen. n. 

Melanobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n., 

Orientaleon Zheng & Liu gen. n. 

Sinobaliga Zheng & Liu gen. n.

 

Yuchen Zheng, Davide Badano, Renato Jose Pires Machado, Yuezheng Tu, Ulrike Aspöck, Horst Aspöck, André Nel, Shaun W. Winterton and Xingyue Liu. 2026. UCE Phylogenomics improves the Classification of the cosmopolitan Pit-building Antlion tribe Myrmeleontini (Neuroptera: Myrmeleontidae: Myrmeleontinae). Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70040 [27 March 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella vuquangensis • A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam

 

Scincella vuquangensis 

Pham, A. M. H. Nguyen, Le, T. Q. Nguyen, H. V. Nguyen, Hoang, V. T. H. Nguyen, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5787.1.7

facebook.com: PHAM Anh

 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 is described from Vietnam based on morphological differences and molecular divergence. Scincella vuquangensis sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by body size; number of primary temporals; the presence of external ear opening and the absence of lobules on anterior margin; head scalation (loreals, supralabials, infralabials, nuchals); number of midbody scale rows; number of smooth scales across the back; number and size of paravertebral; number of ventral scale rows; number of lamellae beneath finger IV and toe IV; length of toe finger; and color pattern. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is recovered as a sister taxon to S. rufocaudata. The new species is separated from S. rufocaudata by 9.37–9.64% in pairwise genetic distance, based on a fragment of the mitochondrial COI gene.

Reptilia, Scincella vuquangensis sp. nov., CoI, molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy 

Scincella vuquangensis sp. nov.

Anh Van PHAM, Anh Minh Hoang NGUYEN, Minh Duc LE, Truong Quang NGUYEN, Hung Viet NGUYEN, Ngoc Van HOANG and  Van Thi Hong NGUYEN. 2026. A New skink of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Ha Tinh Province, Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5787(1); 143-169. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5787.1.7 [2026-04-02]

  facebook.com/PHAMAnhdhsphn/posts/4534368263375439

 

[Paleontology • 2026] Polonolimulus zaleziankensis • A New Triassic austrolimulid from Poland presents insight into xiphosurid Evolution and Palaeobiogeography at the Dawn of the Mesozoic

 

Polonolimulus zaleziankensis 

Audycki​, Bicknell, Niedźwiedzki & De Baets, 2026 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20950 

Reconstruction by Jonatan Audycki

Abstract 

Xiphosurids are aquatic chelicerates widely viewed as examples of so-called ‘living fossils’ due to their apparent morphological conservatism and limited diversity since at least the Jurassic. However, earlier representatives were much more diverse and morphologically disparate. Particularly striking are hypertrophied genal spines and reduced thoracetrons of the Triassic austrolimulids, possibly related to their colonization of brackish or freshwater habitats. Here we describe Polonolimulus zaleziankensis gen. et sp. nov., a new austrolimulid genus from the Early Triassic of Holy Cross Mountains, Poland. Geometric morphometric analysis positions the new find among the morphologically most ‘extreme’ austrolimulids, extending the geographic range of those forms to Central Europe. A palaeobiogeographic reconstruction of Triassic xiphosurids reveals their surprisingly wide distribution already in Early Triassic, suggesting either an earlier dispersal in the Late Permian or a rapid diversification in the earliest Triassic. The reconstruction of most austrolimulid occurrences within or proximal to the shallow marine areas casts doubts on the hypothesis they inhabited fully freshwater palaeonvironments, which should be reinvestigated in the future. The new material further adds to the growing understanding of xiphosurid diversity and evolution in the early Mesozoic.

 

Keywords: Limulus, Horseshoe crab, Arthropoda, Buntsandstein, Holy Cross Mountains

Polonolimulus zaleziankensis gen. et sp. nov. 
The rock slab bearing Muz. PGI 1808.II.10 and another xiphosurid fossil.
(A) The upper surface of the rock slab with Muz. PGI 1808.II.10 preserved as a concave natural mould. (B) The lower surface of the rock slab with the uncertain convex horseshoe crab-shaped structure, considered a possible trace fossil (see ‘Remarks’ for further discussion).
(C) Close-up of Muz. PGI 1808.II.10 (D) Close-up of the convex structure on the lower surface coated with ammonium chloride sublimate. Scale bars: (A, B) 50 mm, (C, D) 20 mm. Photo credit: Jonatan Audycki.

Polonolimulus zaleziankensis gen. et sp. nov.

Idealized reconstruction of Polonolimulus zaleziankensis gen. et sp. nov.

Reconstruction by Jonatan Audycki.

Palaeobiogeography of Triassic horseshoe crabs. Palaeogeography of the world is reconstructed at 245 Ma (Anisian, Middle Triassic) and displayed using Mollweide projection, with a close-up of the Central European Basin System. The extents of shallow seas (light blue), landmasses (pale yellow) and mountain ranges (orange) are reconstructed based on Cao et al. (2017). Symbols represent Triassic localities that have yielded horseshoe crab fossils, their ages, and taxonomic assignment. The palaecoordinates of the xiphosurid localities are also reconstructed at 245 Ma for consistency. Simplified reconstructions of austrolimulids are displayed for context and comparison: 1–Polonolimulus zaleziankensis from the Lower Triassic (uppermost Induan/lowermost Olenekian) Zalezianka-Gózd locality, Poland; 2–Psammolimulus gottingensis from the Lower Triassic (Olenekian) Solling Formation, Germany; 3–Batracholimulus fuchsbergensis from the Upper Triassic (Norian/Rhaetian boundary) Exter Formation, Germany; 4–Attenborolimulus superspinosus from the Lower Triassic (upper Olenekian) Petropavlovka Formation, Russia; 5–Vaderlimulus tricki from the Lower Triassic (lower Spathian, Olenekian) Thaynes Group, USA; 6–Austrolimulus fletcheri from the Middle Triassic (lower Anisian) Beacon Hill Quarry, Hawkesbury Sandstone, Australia; 7–Dubbolimulus peetae from the Middle Triassic (lower Anisian) Ballimore Formation, Australia; 8–Tasmaniolimulus patersoni from the Lower Triassic (lower Induan) Jackey Shale, Tasmania (Australia). Since the investigated xiphosurid localities differ stratigraphically, their geographical position relative to continental boundaries and shallow seashores are approximated. The display window on the map showing close-up boundaries is not square due to employed map projection.

 

Jonatan Audycki​, Russell D.C. Bicknell, Grzegorz Niedźwiedzki, Kenneth De Baets. 2026.  2026. A New Triassic austrolimulid from Poland presents insight into xiphosurid Evolution and Palaeobiogeography at the Dawn of the Mesozoic. PeerJ. 14:e20950. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20950 [2026-03-25]

 x.com/IBE_Warszawa/status/2036854712750780757