[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]

 

[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]

[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

 

[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] 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

[Botany • 2026] Petrocodon dahuaensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from the Limestone Area of Guangxi, China

Petrocodon dahuaensis  M.L.Mo, Chen Feng & Z.C.Lu,

in Mo, Chang, Wu, Zhang, Lu et Feng, 2026.

 大化石山苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.181552

Abstract

Petrocodon dahuaensis, a new species from a limestone area of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is similar to P. asterostriatus but differs in its leaf blade, cordate to subrounded, margin crenate to serrate; bracts, bracteoles, and calyx smaller; corolla purple, base straight to slightly inflated; filaments purple; and style densely glandular-puberulent. Molecular evidence also supports its close relationship with P. asterostriatus. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the provisional conservation status of P. dahuaensis is assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Key words: Morphology, new taxon, Petrocodon asterostriatus, taxonomy

Petrocodon dahuaensis sp. nov. 

A. Habit; B. Flowering plant; C. Cyme and bracts; D. Opened corolla; E. Lateral view of flower; F. Back view of flower; G. Pistils and calyces; H. Frontal view of flower; I. Stamens; J. Adaxial view of leaf blade; K. Abaxial view of leaf blade; L. Capsules.

Petrocodon dahuaensis M.L.Mo, Chen Feng & Z.C.Lu, sp. nov. 

Chinese name. dà huà shí shān jù tái (大化石山苣苔). 

Diagnostic. The new species is similar to Petrocodon asterostriatus F.Wen, Y.G.Wei & W.C.Chou, but differs by its leaf blades cordate to subrounded, margin crenate or serrate (vs. broadly ovate to subcordate, margin entire), bracts 4–9 mm long (vs. 10–25 mm long), bracteoles ca. 2 mm long (vs. 9–18 mm long), calyx 5–7 mm long (vs. 8–16 mm long), corolla purple (vs. pale purplish-maroon), base straight to slightly inflated (vs. near spherical), filaments purple (vs. white), and style densely glandular-puberulent (vs. densely puberulent).

Ming-Lin Mo, Shi-Li Chang, You-Dong Wu, Yi Zhang, Zhao-Cen Lu and Chen Feng. 2026. Petrocodon dahuaensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from the Limestone Area of Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 272: 121-132. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.181552 [31 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sida conduplicata (Malvaceae) • A New Species from Java, Indonesia

 

Sida conduplicata H.Sant. & Felayati,

in Santoso, Putra et Felayati, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0106 

 Abstract  

Sida conduplicata H.Sant. & Felayati (Malvaceae) is described as a new species from East Java, Indonesia. It is similar to S. rhombifolia var. maderensis in having a single awn on the mericarp, but differs from it by a set of diagnostic morphological characters such as habit, leaf apex and surface of the mericarp. We provide an identification key to the species of Sida known from Java.

 

Sida conduplicata. — A: Habit. — B: Flowering twig. — C: Leaf (lower surface on the left, upper on the right). — D: Pedicel with calyx. — E: Flower, front view. — F: Schizocarp. — G: Mericarp.

A, B and F photographed at the type locality on 21 January 2025; C–E and G from the holotype.

Sida conduplicata H.Sant. & Felayati, sp. nova  

Etymology. The specific epithet conduplicata refers to the leaves, which are folded up along the midrib.

Heri Santoso, Ferdiansyah Rizky Putra and Themas Felayati. 2026. Sida conduplicata (Malvaceae), a New Species from Java, Indonesia. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 37-41. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0106  (13 March 2026) 

[Herpetology • 2026] Gekko asahi • A New coastal Rock-dwelling Gekko (Subgenus Japonigekko) (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from western Kyushu, Japan

 

Gekko asahi    

Matsukoji, Cao, Poyarkov, Okamiya, Xu & Yuan, 2026 

 

West Japanese Gecko | ニシヤモリ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186960

Abstract

A remarkable new species of the subgenus Japonigekko from the islands of Gotō Nada and offshore islands of Kagoshima Prefecture, Kyushu, Japan, inhabiting rocky coastal habitats, is described based on morphological characters and molecular evidence. Morphologically, Gekko (Japonigekko) asahi sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by its moderate body size; interorbital scales between anterior corners of eyes 34–44; dorsal tubercles large, strongly elevated, and arranged in 12–16 rows at midbody; 127–158 midbody scale rows; 32–45 ventral scale rows; 158–189 ventral scales between the mental and the cloacal slit; subdigital lamellae 8–11 on finger I, 9–14 on finger IV, 9–12 on toe I, and 10–18 on toe IV; webbing absent; 6–9 precloacal pores in males, and absent in females; one postcloacal tubercle on each side, with the midpoint of the tubercle distinctly concave in some male individuals; and its distinctive dorsal coloration. Phylogenetically, the new species represents a distinct clade within the subgenus Japonigekko, forming a sister group with G. kaiyai from Henan Province of China, and together they cluster with G. hokouensis. It differs from its congeners by uncorrected p-distances of at least 15.1% in ND2 and 7.6% in 16S. Currently, the new species is known only from low-elevation coastal rocky shores and building walls on island of Gotō Nada and Nishisonogi Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture and offshore islands of Kagoshima and Satsuma Peninsula, Kagoshima Prefecture, Japan. The discovery of this new species increases the total number of species in the subgenus Japonigekko to 40, of which seven species are distributed in Japan.

Key Words: Gekko asahi sp. nov., geographical isolation, Gotō Nada, morphology, molecular phylogeny, systematics

Coloration of Gekko asahi sp. nov. in life.
A. Specimen TMR-208, adult female; B. Specimen TMR-96, adult female; C. Specimen SPMN-HP 003816, adult female, paratype; D. Specimen TMR-86, adult male; E. Specimen SPMN-HP 003813, adult male, paratype. Photographs by T. Matsukoji.

Gekko asahi Matsukoji, Cao, Poyarkov, Okamiya, Xu & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Gekko asahi sp. nov. can be diagnosed from other Japonigekko species by the following unique combination of characters: (1) a moderate body size (SVL reaches up to 73.85 mm in males and 73.96 mm in females); (2) 6–9 supralabials and 6–8 infralabials; (3) internasal scales absent; (4) two postmentals; (5) 14–18 preorbitals; (6) 34–44 interorbital scales; (7) 158–189 ventral scales between the mental and the cloacal slit; (8) 127–158 midbody scale rows; (9) 32–45 ventral scale rows; (10) prominent dorsal tubercles present from the posterior head through the neck to the anterior portion of the tail, arranged in 12–16 rows at midbody and numbering 17–23 tubercles along a longitudinal line on the dorsum between the limb insertions; (11) subdigital lamellae 8–11 on finger I, 9–14 on finger IV, 9–12 on toe I, and 10–18 on toe IV; (12) webbing absent; (13) 6–9 precloacal pores in males, absent in females; (14) one postcloacal tubercle on each side, with the midpoint of the tubercle distinctly concave in some male individuals; (15) in life, the dorsum is predominantly yellowish-gray, with 8–9 indistinct pale yellowish-brown rounded patterns, and venter is pale golden-yellow in color.

Etymology. The specific epithet “asahi” is treated as an indeclinable noun in apposition. It is derived from the Japanese word “朝日” (あさひ, asahi), meaning “morning sun” or “rising sun”. The name refers to the slightly faint yellow to light orange-red coloration present on the body and limbs, as well as the bright reddish yellow to pale golden-yellow coloration of the ventral surface of the new species, which resembles the warm hue of the early morning sunlight. 

For the common names, we suggest “West Japanese Gecko” in English, “ニシヤモリ”(Nishi-yamori) in Japanese, “晨曦壁虎” (chén xī bì hǔ) in Chinese, and “Западнояпонский геккон” (Zapadnoyaponskiy gekkon) in Russian.

Habitat and field observations of Gekko asahi sp. nov. 
A. Macrohabitat of the new species in Nakadori Island, Shinkamigoto Town, Nagasaki Prefecture, Japan; B. Microhabitat of the new species. Photographs by M. Tsujita.

Tomoya Matsukoji, Jing Cao, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Hisanori Okamiya, Yuhao Xu and Zhiyong Yuan. 2026. A New coastal Rock-dwelling Gecko of the Subgenus Japonigekko (Squamata, Gekkonidae, Gekko) from western Kyushu, Japan. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 557-574. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186960 [03 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)

[Herpetology • 2026] Odorrana yangi • A New Species of the Genus Odorrana (Anura: Ranidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

 

Odorrana yangi   

Liu, Bu, Feng, Hou, Rao & Li, 2026

杨氏臭蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.186067

Abstract

A new species of the genus Odorrana is described based on specimens collected from Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by a combination of the following characteristics: snout–vent length 43.5–46.9 mm in males, females approximately two times size of males, head length greater than head width, nostril closer to tip of snout than to eye, tibiotarsal articulation reaching tip of snout when hindlimb stretched forward, relative lengths of fingers III > IV > I > II, dorsolateral fold absent, anterior dorsum green with evenly distributed small irregular shaped black blotches and posterior dorsum greyish brown with evenly distributed, large, irregular-shaped, black blotches, external vocal sacs present in adult males. In addition, the new species differs from its congeners by a genetic distance of 3.6%–14.2% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene.

Key words: 16S rRNA, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, Wenshan Prefecture

The holotype (KIZ2025143) of Odorrana yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Left view; D. Right view.

Odorrana yangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size small in males (SVL 43.5–46.9 mm), females approximately two times size of males; head length greater than head width; nostril closer to tip of snout than to eye; tympanum relatively large in males (TD/ED 0.53–0.63); heels overlap when hindlimbs flexed at right angles to axis of body, tibiotarsal articulation reaching tip of snout when hindlimb stretched forward; relative lengths of fingers III > IV > I > II; dorsal surface relatively smooth, skin on dorsum shagreened, with some indistinct flat tubercles; dorsolateral fold absent; anterior dorsum green with evenly distributed, small, irregular-shaped, black blotches, posterior dorsum greyish brown with evenly distributed, large, irregular-shaped, black blotches; ventral surface white without distinct spots or patches; external vocal sacs and nuptial pads present in adult males.

The paratypes of Odorrana yangi sp. nov. in life.
male (KIZ2025144) A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view;
female (KIZ2025123) D. Dorsal view; E. Lateral view; F. Ventral view.

 Shuo Liu, Chao Bu, Yanfei Feng, Mian Hou, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 (Anura, Ranidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1275: 43-61. doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1275.186067 [26 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Amorphophallus khanhhoaensis (Araceae: Aroidea: Thomsonieae) • A New Species from the coastal area of Central Vietnam

 

Amorphophallus khanhhoaensis  

in Tien, Nguyen, Dinh, Le et Hetterscheid, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.1.5 

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Abstract

Amorphophallus khanhhoaensis is described as a new species from central Vietnam. This species is morphologically similar to and therefore compared with A. cicatricifer (eastern Thailand and Myanmar), A. umbrinus (Vietnam), and A. ferruginosus (Laos). An updated key to the Vietnamese species of Amorphophallus is provided.

 Araceae, Carnose spathe, Central Vietnam, Dien Khanh, Khanh Hoa, nomenclature, phylogeny, pollen, taxonomy, Monocots

 

Amorphophallus khanhhoaensis 

TRAN VAN TIEN, VAN DU NGUYEN, QUANG DIEP DINH, CHI TOAN LE and WILBERT HETTERSCHEID. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Amorphophallus (Thomsonieae, Aroidea, Araceae) from the coastal area of Central Vietnam. Phytotaxa. 750(1); 51-57. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.1.5 [2026-03-31]

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[Herpetology • 2026] Oreolalax wumengmontis • A New Species of Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura:, Megophryidae) from Northeast Yunnan, China

Oreolalax wumengmontis 

X. Li, Z. Li, Jiahan, Liu, Y. Zhang, P. Li, W. Zhang, F. Li, Huang, X. Li & Yuan. 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2026.0014 

Abstract

Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological features, a new species of the genus Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura: Megophryidae) is described from Yunnan Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences indicate that the new species forms an independent clade closely related to Oreolalax omeimontis. The genetic distance between these two taxa was 11.25% based on 16S gene, and 17.61% based on COI. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeneric species by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) moderate body size (SVL of male 49.5–53.0 mm, n=2; female 46.6 mm, n=1); (2) tympanums hidden or slightly visible; (3) absence of vocal sac; (4) rudimentary interdigital toe webbing; (5) narrow lateral fringes; (6) tibiotarsal articulation reaching between the eye and nostril when leg stretched; (7) heel only contact when limbs held at right angles to body; (8) femoral glands large and distinct; (9) abdomen with distinct cloudy spots; (10) male dorsum covered in large and small tubercles, and (11) a dark triangular marking between the eyes.

Keywords: new species, taxonomy, Wumeng Mountain, molecular phylogenetic analyses 

The adult male holotype of Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov. (SWU 0005760) in life:
(A) Dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) side view, (D) cloacal area, (E) dorsal and ventral view of left hand, and (F) ventral and dorsal of right foot.

Photos by Xianqi Li.

 

Habitats of Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov. in the Wumeng Mountain National Nature Reserve.
(A) landscape of subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests habitat, (B) breeding habitat,
(C) O. wumengmontis sp. nov. in the wild SWU 0007062, (D) egg clusters adhere to the bottom of the rock.

Photos by Xiaolong Liu (A, C) and Zengxin Li (B, D).

Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov.

 

Xianqi Li, Zengxin Li, Bizula Jiahan, Xiaolong Liu, Yinpeng Zhang, Pengying Li, Wei Zhang, Feiqiao Li, Junkai Huang, Xu Li and Zhiyong Yuan. 2026. A New Species of Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Northeast Yunnan, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2026.0014 [Mar 18, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Nyctibatrachus kali • Hiding in plain sight: A New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Anura: Nyctibatrachidae) from the central Western Ghats, India

Nyctibatrachus kali 

Aravind, Ramesh, Naik, Gururaja & Priti, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20895

Abstract 

Frogs belonging to the genus Nyctibatrachus are endemic to the Western Ghats biodiversity hotspot. They are the second most speciose frogs in the Western Ghats, with 70% of the species having narrow distribution ranges. They are also highly cryptic in nature. In this study, we describe a new species of Nyctibatrachus frog from the central Western Ghats of India. Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. is described from the Kali River basin of North Karnataka. The new species is distinguishable from all 34 currently recognised Nyctibatrachus species by a combination of morphological, acoustic and phylogenetic analyses. Molecular phylogeny based on two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and ND1) reveals that it belongs to the N. sanctipalustris clade. Based on the analysis of 16S rRNA, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >5% with its congeners, and based on the analysis of ND1, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. shows genetic divergence >10% with its congeners. The bioacoustics analyses indicated that the new species differed from their closest congeners based on the dominant frequency of the advertisement calls and the number of notes in each call. For the first time, we observed two distinct advertisement call categories–call notes with low and high dominant frequency in Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. and its congeners. Our study adds to the rich diversity of frogs from the Western Ghats of India.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Biodiversity, Cryptic species, Endemic frogs, Freshwater ecosystem, Night frogs

Habitus of holotype (BNHS 6831) of Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov.
 (A) Live individual of holotype; (B) Slow flowing stream habitat of the holotype with female and a clutch of eggs; (C) Dorsal view; (D) Ventral view; (E): Lateral profile of head and trunk; (F): Ventral view of hand; (G): Ventral view of foot; (H): third finger disc without dorso-terminal groove; (I): fourth toe disc with dorso-terminal groove cover notched distally; (J): Schematic view of webbing in hindlimb (black lines represents toes, curved black lines represents webbing, blue circles represents subarticular tubercle and orange circles represents toe discs.).

 Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Based on molecular phylogenetic analysis, Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. belongs to the N. sanctipalustris clade (Fig. 4) and is a sister lineage to N. dattatreyaensis. Hence, we compared Nyctibatrachus kali sp. nov. (both ♂ and ♀ individuals of type specimens) with all the species belonging to the N. sanctipalustris clade (both ♂ and ♀ individuals of type specimens), i.e., N. dattatreyaensis; N. karnatakaensis; N. kumbara; N. sanctipalustris; N. shiradi, N. tunga and N. vrijeuni.

...

Etymology: We name the species as Kali, the river at which the type locality of the species located. The specific epithet is an invariable noun in apposition.

 

C. K. Aravind, Badiger Ramesh, Chandrakanth Rukkappa Naik, K. V. Gururaja and Hebbar Priti. 2026. Hiding in plain sight: Description of A New Species of Nyctibatrachus (Amphibia, Anura, Nyctibatrachidae) from the central Western Ghats, India. PeerJ. 14:e20895 . DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20895 [2026-03-27]