[Botany • 2026] Parakaempferia alba (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong & P.Bharali,

in Mibang, Hajong, Koch et Bharali. 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030

Abstract

Parakaempferia alba, a new species of Zingiberaceae from East Siang district of Arunachal Pradesh, India is herein described. A detailed taxonomic description, diagnosis, color photoplate, distribution map, notes on habitat and ecology, conservation status, and a table of comparisons with the closely related species Parakaempferai synantha Rao & Verma are provided. This new species differs, inter alia, from P. synantha by its leaf characters, number of spikes, length of peduncle, number of bracts as well as their shape and size, bracteole shape and size, staminode shape and color, labellum shape and color of apical margin, anther size and color, filament size, style size, ovary shape, and by presence of two linear shaped glands attached to the ovary.

Keywords: Eastern Himalaya, new taxon, Parakaempferia, Siang Valley

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. habit to the right.
To the left, the red dot indicate the type location of Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. in Miglung area of East Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh, India. Black dots indicate the distribution of P. synantha in type location (North Lakhimpur, Assam) as well as in Murlen National Park, Champhai, Mizoram (Kumaret al. 2013).

Parakaempferia alba sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) base of stem with immature inflorescence, (C) inflorescence, (D) flower, (E) side view of a flower with bract (bt), bracteole (bl) and calyx (cx), (F) petal (md- medial, lt- lateral), (G) labellum with stamen (st), (H) staminode, (I) pistil with 2 glands (gn).

Parakaempferia alba Tatum, D.Koch, B.Hajong, P.Bharali sp. nov. 

Tatum Mibang, Bipankar Hajong, Devpratim Koch and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Parakaempferia alba sp. nov. (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Arunachal Pradesh, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05030 [14 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae) • A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia

Peperomia kauaiana  K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, 

in Wood, Wagner, et Fawcett, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

 

Abstract

A new species of Peperomia with alternate leaves from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands, is described and illustrated, with notes on its conservation status, distribution and ecology. We present a dichotomous key to all five Hawaiian Peperomia species with alternate leaves and include notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia species, namely P. degeneri and P. subpetiolata. Peperomia kauaiana sp. nov. differs morphologically from its Hawaiian congeners by its unique combination of diminutive leaves 5–14(–18) mm long, 4–11(–14) mm wide, palmately 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular with margins revolute, petioles 2–5 mm long and spikes 11–17(–22) mm long. Plants have been documented in three distinct windward Kaua‘i locations to date, including the southern ridges of Wahiawa, the central ridges of Wai‘ahi and the north-eastern ridges of the Makaleha Mountains. Peperomia kauaiana represents a newly-described wet forest species endemic to the island of Kaua‘i and is currently in need of conservation. Its discovery raises the total number of endemic Hawaiian Peperomia species to 24 and single-island endemic Peperomia on Kaua‘i to three.

Key words: ‘ala‘ala wai nui, endangered species, Hawaiian flora, pepper family, plant extinction prevention, single-island endemism, subgenus Micropiper

A–C. Peperomia kauaiana, fertile plants in situ, decumbent to sub-erect habit with terminal spikes, terrestrial in moss; D. View from Kawaikini looking south along the windward ridgeline of eastern Kaua‘i showing buttressed ridges descending to the east (left), which are prime habitat for Peperomia kauaiana.

Field photos: A, B Wai‘ahi, 4 Apr 2019, Wood et al. 18149 C Wai‘ahi, 22 Oct 2020, Wood et al. 18580 D photo taken 28 Jan 2022.

 

 Peperomia kauaiana K.R.Wood & W.L.Wagner, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Peperomia kauaiana is morphologically most similar to P. degeneri Yunck. from which it differs by the following combination of characteristics: stem internodes 3–5 mm long (vs. 10–15 mm long), leaves 5- to 7-nerved, ovate to ovate-orbicular, 0.5–1.4(–1.8) cm long, margins revolute (vs. leaves 3-nerved, elliptic to oblong-elliptic, 1.5–2(–3.5) cm long, margins flat), petioles 0.2–0.5 cm long (vs. petioles 0.8–1.2 cm long) and spikes 1.1–1.7(–2.2) cm long (vs. spikes 2.5–4.8 cm long).

Etymology. The epithet refers to the island of Kaua‘i, oldest and most floristically rich of all the high Hawaiian Islands and the only known location for Peperomia kauaiana.

Vernacular name. ‘Ala‘ala wai nui is the Hawaiian name for related species. Hawaiians used the ash of their burned leaves and stems as a grey-green dye in kapa making (Krauss 2001).

Kenneth R. Wood, Warren L. Wagner, Susan Fawcett. 2026. Peperomia kauaiana (Piperaceae), A New alternate-leaved Species from Kaua‘i, Hawaiian Islands and Notes on two possibly extinct Hawaiian Peperomia. PhytoKeys. 269: 113-129. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.173971

[Botany • 2026] Agapetes lichengii (Ericaceae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Agapetes lichengii  Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, 

in Tong, Ye, Ni, Wang et Zheng. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177341 

Abstract

A new species of Ericaceae, Agapetes lichengii, from Xizang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. The new species is morphologically most similar to A. pentastigma, but differs by having leaf blade with an obtuse or slightly auriculate leaf base, corolla with a constricted basal part and V-shaped stripes, spurless anthers and stigma without obvious gap between crenae. Detailed description, colour plates, and taxonomic notes on the new species are provided.

Key words: Agapetes, Mêdog, morphology, stigma ornamentation, taxonomy

Agapetes lichengii Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, 
A. Habit, the arrow shows a plant of this species epiphytic on a big tree trunk; B. Infructescence; C. Flowering branch and leaf branch; D. Leaves; E. Lateral view of flowers, showing the V-shaped transverse bands on corolla tube; F. Front view of flowers.

Photos (A, B) by Cheng Li, (C–F) by Y.H. Tong. 

(A. Unvouchered; B. based on J.B. Ni et al. TYH-2813; C–F. based on B.M. Wang s.n.).

Agapetes lichengii.
A. Inflorescence; B. Ovary, transection view; C. Bract and bracteoles; D. Calyx lobes, adaxial view; E. Pedicel; F. Corolla; G. Style and androecium; H. Style; I. Stamens, adaxial (left), lateral (middle) and abaxial (right) view; J. Lower part of stamens, showing pubescent filaments and echinate thecae, adaxial (left), lateral (middle) and abaxial (right) view; K. Front view of flower, showing the 5-crenated capitate stigma and corolla lobes; L. Front view of young fruits, showing the rounded ring of 10 distinct filament scars.

Scale bars: 3 cm (A, E, F, G, H, I); 5 mm (B, D, J, L); 2 mm (C); 1 cm (K).

 Agapetes lichengii Y.H.Tong & B.M.Wang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Agapetes lichengii is morphologically similar to A. pentastigma in having pseudo-whorled leaves, corymbose inflorescences, greenish yellow corolla with crimson transverse bands and capitate stigmas, but can be distinguished from it by the elliptic to oblanceolate (vs. oblong-lanceolate) leaf blades with an obtuse or slightly auriculate (vs. attenuate) base, corolla with a constricted(vs. not constricted) basal part, V-shaped (vs. ladder-like) stripes and triangular and spreading or slightly reflexed (vs. triangular-lanceolate and reflexed) lobes, anthers without dorsal spurs (vs. with two small dorsal spurs), stigma without gap between crenae (vs. with obvious gap between crenae), and filament scars forming a rounded ring (vs. a pentagonal ring) on fruit top (Fig. 3; Table 1).

Etymology. The species is named in honor of Mr. Li Cheng, who devoted lots of time and energy to the biodiversity conservation of Mêdog County, and is also one of the discoverers of this new species. The Chinese name is given as 李成树萝卜 (pinyin: lĬ chéng shù luó bo).

Yi-Hua Tong, Xue-He Ye, Jing-Bo Ni, Bing-Mou Wang and Xi-Rong Zheng. 2026. Agapetes lichengii (Ericaceae), A New Species from Xizang, China. PhytoKeys. 269: 183-191.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.269.177341 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Aepysomanthias & Poroanthias gen. nov., Pelontrus, Zalanthias, ... • A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy

Plectranthias, Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, Zalanthias, 
 Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang & Chen gen. nov. 

in Tang et Chen, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 

  facebook.com/TVictorCN

 

Abstract

Anthiadidae, a family of shallow and deep-water reef-associated fishes, include about 250 species distributed widely from tropical to temperate regions, with the majority found in the tropical Indo-West Pacific (IWP). Despite their broad distribution, the phylogeny and taxonomy of this family remain unresolved, particularly at the generic level, due to challenges in sampling from deep-water zones. Plectranthias, the most species-rich genus, has been suspected of non-monophyly since its last revision over 40 years ago. In this study, we explore the phylogenetic relationships of anthiadids using a multigene dataset (one mitochondrial and four nuclear genes) from 103 specimens across 19 genera, with a focus on IWP Plectranthias. Our results confirm the polyphyly of Plectranthias, revealing seven distinct clades. Based on this new phylogenetic framework and morphological re-examinations, we propose a taxonomic revision, including the resurrection of the genera Pelontrus, Sayonara, Xenanthias, and Zalanthias, and the establishment of Aepysomanthias and Poroanthias Tang and Chen gen. nov. The revised taxonomy restricts Plectranthias to 20 currently recognized species.

 

systematics, taxonomic revision, anthias, Indo-West Pacific, Tropical Deep-Sea Benthos, osteology, diagnostic characters, Serranidae, new genus

 

Chi-Ngai Tang and Wei-Jen Chen. 2025. A 40-year Taxonomic Enigma: Multigene Phylogeny Resolves the Polyphyly of Plectranthias (Perciformes: Anthiadidae) and supports A Revised Taxonomy. Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society. 205(3); zlaf148. DOI: doi.org/10.1093/zoolinnean/zlaf148 [11 November 2025]  

 facebook.com/TVictorCN/posts/25008703768796255

[Botany • 2019] Nepenthes erucoides (Nepenthaceae) • An ultramaficolous micro-endemic from Dinagat Islands Province, northern Mindanao, Philippines

 

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio, 

  

in Robinson, Zamudio et Caballero, 2019.  

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.423.1.3 

academia.edu/51914542

Abstract

A new species of Nepenthes—Nepenthes erucoides—is described and illustrated from a single ultramafic peak in the Dinagat Islands Province of northeastern Mindanao. It is a distinctive component of a relatively low-elevation, highly biodiverse montane elfin forest that has evolved in association with a particularly thin and extremely hostile substrate. Plant habit, and leaf, inflorescence, indumentum and peristome-column morphology appear superficially similar to those of the ultramaficolous montane species of Palawan, implicating an environmental basis for a syndrome of shared characteristics.

Keywords: Philippines, Malesia, new species, non-core Caryophyllales, taxonomy, ultramafic, Eudicots

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio.
A) the indumentum of juvenile stem and leaf parts is abruptly caducous. B) the largely persistent indumentum of the tendril. C) the extremely dense indumentum of a senescent male inflorescence; note the large bracts on the rachis and partial peduncles. D) sequential anthesis and development of tepal colouration in the male inflorescence. E) detail of male flowers at anthesis. F) a female rosette in fruit. G) transverse section of fruit with seeds; note the relatively short, broad form of the seeds.
 H) the natural hybrid Nepenthes erucoides × mindanaoensis.
I) the elfin ‘forest’ at the summit of Mt. Redondo, formed in response to the inorganic, granular, ultramafic substrate and associated conditions.

Photograph A by P. Pelser; B–H by A. Robinson.

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio.
 A) mature rosette emergent from elfin vegetation. B) lower pitcher. C) upper pitcher. D) the limited waxy zone. E) transverse sections of (left) lower and (right) upper pitchers showing the almost entirely glandular interior. F) detail of the superficially caterpillarlike (erucoid) developing leaf emergent from the petiolar-laminar groove of the preceding leaf. G) a recently unfurled leaf; the dense adaxial indumentum has already begun to be shed towards the leaf base.

Photographs A, C by P. Pelser; B, D–G by A. Robinson.

Taxonomy

 Nepenthes erucoides A.S.Rob. & S.G.Zamudio, sp. nov. 

Etymology:— The specific epithet erucoides is derived from the Latin eruca (caterpillar) and the Greek suffix – oides (resembling), in reference to the densely hairy developing leaves which, when still appressed within the petiolarlaminar groove of the preceding leaf, resemble the exuberantly hairy caterpillars of certain erebid macromoths from the subfamily Arctiinae, such as those of the genus Arctia Schrank (1802: 152) [e.g. Arctia opulenta Edwards (1881: 38)].

 

  

 

Alastair S. Robinson, Sarah Grace Zamudio and Rolly Balagon Caballero. 2019. Nepenthes erucoides (Nepenthaceae), an ultramaficolous micro-endemic from Dinagat Islands Province, northern Mindanao, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 423(1); 21–32. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.423.1.3

  academia.edu/51914542/Nepenthes_erucoides_an_ultramaficolous_micro_endemic_from_northern_Mindanao_Philippines

 

  

[Botany • 2024] Megastigma acarrilloi (Rutaceae) • A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico, with the northernmost distribution of the genus

Megastigma acarrilloi Pío-León,

in Pío-León, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2406 

Abstract

Background and Aims: The genus Megastigma has six described species of shrubs distributed from Colima, Mexico, to Nicaragua. Through a routine review of the iNaturalistMX platform in 2023, a record of an individual of the Megastigma genus was observed, although in a very disjunct locality with respect to known species. The collection and subsequent review of the specimens allowed us to determine that it was a new species for science.

Methods: Botanical explorations and collections were carried out during 2023 and 2024 in the Sierra de Barobampo, municipality of Ahome, Sinaloa, Mexico. The identity of the species was determined by the review of specialized literature. A map with the distribution of each species of the genus was elaborated using the available data in digital repositories and specimens in the MEXU herbarium. The conservation status of the new species was evaluated and proposed according to the IUCN criteria. An identification key is provided for all species of the genus Megastigma.

Results: Megastigma acarrilloi is endemic to northern Sinaloa, Mexico, and has the northernmost distribution of the genus. The species with the closest morphological affinity is M. morenoi, which is endemic to Colima, from which M. acarrilloi differs because it is glabrous and has fewer leaflets per leaf. During the explorations, Lepidopteran larvae of the genus Papilio were observed feeding on its leaves. It is recommended to include M. acarrilloi as a Vulnerable species (VU) on the IUCN Red List.

Conclusions: With the new species, the genus Megastigma is now integrated by seven species, all present in Mexico, and of which six are endemic to the country. Megastigma acarrilloi also represents the first record of the genus for Sinaloa and north of the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt.

Keywords: Barobampo mountains, endemism, iNaturalist, iNaturalistMX, Megastigma morenoi, Megastigma skinnerii

Megastigma acarrilloi Pío-León, sp. nov.

Juan Fernando Pío-León. 2024. Megastigma acarrilloi (Rutaceae), A New Species from Sinaloa, Mexico, with the northernmost distribution of the genus.  Acta Botanica Mexicana. 131; DOI: doi.org/10.21829/abm131.2024.2406 

[Botany • 2025] Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae: Puyoideae) • A New Species from the Peruvian Andes

 

 Puya vallis-colcaensis  Treviño & Gouda,

in Treviño-Zevallos, Gouda, Quipuscoa et Bravo, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.8  

Researchgate.net/publication/388487988

Abstract

A new Puya species, Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae, Puyopsis), that inhabits the high Andean region of Arequipa in southern Peru, is described and illustrated. This species has greenish-black petals, a compound inflorescence with branches measuring 11–15 cm long, floral bracts that turn dark when dry, and sepals with dense stellate trichomes, carinate toward the apex. This species was locally mistaken for the similar P. weberbaueri, but a comparative and detailed analysis of its morphology reveals that it should be considered a new taxon.

 

Puyopsis, Colca canyon, mountain range, endemism, valley, Monocots

 Puya vallis-colcaensis.
A. Habit; B. Branch of inflorescence and primary bract; C. petal; D. Sepals, on the left abaxial and adaxial view on the right; E. Flower and floral bract; F. Flower base and reproductive organs; G. Transverse section of the ovary; H. Fruit after dehiscence; I. View distal part of the peduncle; J. View of basal part of the peduncle.

Photos by Italo Treviño.

 Puya vallis-colcaensis.
 A. Habitat in Colca Canyon, Arequipa, B. Plant in habitat with a Condor in the background, circling around, C. Hummingbird visiting the flowers.

Photos by Italo Treviño (A, C), J.M. Wu (B).

Puya vallis-colcaensis Treviño & Gouda, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet refers to the Colca Canyon, one of the deepest canyons in the world. In this placethis species reaches large numbers and is well distributed, being one of the characteristic species of this territory. 

Italo F. TREVIÑO-ZEVALLOS, Eric J. GOUDA, Victor QUIPUSCOA and Cinthia BRAVO. 2025. Puya vallis-colcaensis (Bromeliaceae) A New Species from the Peruvian Andes.  Phytotaxa. 683(1); 72-78. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.683.1.8 [2025-01-29]

 Researchgate.net/publication/388487988_Puya_vallis-colcaensis_a_new_species_from_the_Peruvian_Andes

 

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma fibrifera (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Vietnam

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Tuan, Sy, Taesuk, Nguyen, Phimpha et Boonma, 2026.  

Taiwania. 71(1);  

Nghệ Sợi Trắng  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

Abstract

Knowledge of the diversity of Curcuma species in mainland Southeast Asia remains incomplete, and Vietnam is no exception. To address this gap, we conducted extensive field surveys throughout the country to document native taxa and clarify previously uncertain records. As a result of these efforts, we described and illustrated a new species, Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, Saensouk & P.Saensouk. In addition, we confirm the presence of three further species, C. comosa Roxb., C. petiolata Roxb., and C. phrayawan Boonma & Saensouk, in Vietnam for the first time, and we correct the prior misidentifications. To complement the taxonomic findings, we applied species distribution modeling to evaluate both current and future suitable habitats for these taxa under low- and high-emission climate scenarios. The inclusion of these species raises the total number of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma in Vietnam to 16, though actual diversity may still be underestimated. Full taxonomic accounts are provided for the new species and newly verified records, covering morphological descriptions, distribution, habitat preferences, phenology, taxonomic affinities, traditional uses, and conservation status. This study contributes a more comprehensive account of Curcuma diversity in Vietnam, supports conservation planning, and identifies priorities for further taxonomic and ecological investigations.

Keyword: Conservation, Curcuma comosa, Curcuma fibrifera, Curcuma petiolate, Curcuma phrayawan, Indochina, Zingibereae

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
 A. Front view of flower. B. Side view of anther with floral tube. C. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. D. Dorsal corolla lobe E. Lateral corolla lobes. F. Lateral staminodes. G. Labellum. H. Dissected calyx. I. Side view of flower. J. Fertile bract. K. Habit. L. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk.
A. Dissection of branches rhizome, and fibrous threads visible when broken apart of branches rhizome. B. Habits. C. Semi-top view of inflorescences. D. Side view of inflorescence with flowers. E. Dorsal corolla lobe. F. Lateral corolla lobes. G. Cincinnus with flower and young buds. H. Side view of flower. I. Lateral staminodes. J. Labellum. K. Side view of anther with floral tube. L. Front view of anther with dissected floral tube to show the epigynous glands. M. Front view of flower.

Photos by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma fibrifera Boonma, D.D.Nguyen, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Curcuma fibrifera is similar to C. wanenlueanga Saensouk, Thomudtha & Boonma (Saensouk et al., 2021c, 2025b) in having terminal inflorescences, coma bracts, epigynous glands, spurred anthers, and flowers of the gullet type, but differs in having rhizomes ovoid to subglobose, 3–4 × 3–4 cm, ivory to cream (vs. ovoid, 5–9 × 3–5 cm, yellow); branches rhizome internal ivory with cream core, fibrous threads visible when broken (vs. yellow with darker yellow core, no fibrous threads when broken); leafy shoot 60–85 cm tall (vs. 100–150 cm); leaf sheaths 15–32 cm long (vs. 10–60 cm); petiole 5–13 cm long, green (vs. 15– 35 cm long, green with reddish tinge); lamina lanceolate to elliptic, 28–45 × 8–14 cm, base cuneate to rounded, midrib green (vs. narrowly lanceolate, 50–70 × 15–18 cm, base attenuate, midrib reddish-purple, fading with age); peduncle 20–24 cm long (vs. 30–40 cm); lateral staminodes asymmetrical ovate, apex obtuse to acute, 1.4–1.6 × 1.0 cm (vs. irregularly obovate, apex rounded, 1.3–1.4 × 0.7–0.8 cm); filament 3.2–3.5 mm long (vs. ca. 4 mm); anther spurs narrowly conical, ca. 1.5 mm, curved inward (vs. ca. 4 mm, pointing downward); and ovary oblate, 3–4 × 2 mm (vs. subglobose, ca. 3 × 3 mm).

Etymology: The specific epithet “fibrifera” is derived from the Latin words fibra meaning “fiber” and fero, ferre meaning “to bear, to produce, to carry.” Thus, fibrifera means “bearing fibers” or “producing fibers,” in reference to the characteristic fibrous threads that appear when the branches rhizome is broken, resembling the breaking of the petioles of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Nguyen Hoang Tuan, Vo Van Sy, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Danh Duc Nguyen, Suriya Phimpha and Thawatphong Boonma. 2026. A New Species and three new records of Curcuma subgenus Curcuma (Zingiberaceae) for Vietnam with notes on their traditional utilization and conservation status.  Taiwania. 71(1); 83-100 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.83 [2026 January 12]

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2149 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Acentrogobius nigromaculatus • A New Species of Acentrogobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with a revised diagnosis for Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927)

Acentrogobius nigromaculatus

 Koreeda & Motomura, 2025

 

「イッテンホホグロスジハゼ」DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01044-9

facebook.com: Reo Koreeda

Abstract

The new gobiid species Acentrogobius nigromaculatus sp. nov., distributed in tropical and subtropical areas of the Indo-West Pacific region from Rodrigues Island (Mascarene Islands) to Japan, and previously misidentified as Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927), is described, together with a revised diagnosis of A. suluensis. The new species is distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characteristics: dorsal-fin rays VI-I, 9 (rarely 10); anal-fin rays I, 9 (rarely 10); pectoral-fin rays 15–17; longitudinal scale series 26–32 (modally 29); transverse scales 9–12 (modally 10); pre-dorsal scales absent; first to fourth spines of first dorsal fin each with a filamentous tip (usually fourth spine longest; second and third spines of similar length; first spine shortest); head and nape naked; body mostly covered with ctenoid scales; cycloid or weakly ctenoid scales on thorax and just above pectoral-fin base; two brown stripes from just behind pectoral-fin base to caudal-fin base; five dark brown lateral blotches (rarely 6) on body, between lateral stripes; blue spots (sometimes indistinct) between and just above lateral stripes when fresh, but indistinct or absent on lateral blotches; black blotch on opercle; paired black spots on chin; single black spot on spine tip of second dorsal fin; longitudinal yellow (sometimes reddish-yellow) stripe on upper margin of caudal fin, just above longitudinal bluish stripe. The new species is similar to A. suluensis and Acentrogobius violarisi Allen 2015 in having a ladder-like lateral pattern on the body and a black blotch on the opercle but differs in having a naked pre-dorsal area, paired black blotches on the chin, a distinct black spot in the spine tip of the second dorsal fin, and yellow and blue stripes on the upper margin of the caudal fin, and lacking transverse red stripes and vertical black blotches laterally on the body.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Morphology, Yongeichthys, COI mt DNA

Acentrogobius nigromaculatus sp. nov. 

(New English name: Spotted Ladder Goby; 

new standard Japanese name: Itten-hohoguro-suji-haze)

Etymology. The specific name “nigromaculatus” and part of the Japanese name “Itten” refer to the single black spot on the spine tip of the second dorsal fin.

Reo Koreeda and Hiroyuki Motomura. 2025. A New Species of Acentrogobius (Perciformes: Gobiidae) from the Indo-West Pacific, with a revised diagnosis for Acentrogobius suluensis (Herre 1927).   Ichthyological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s10228-025-01044-9 [21 November 2025]

 facebook.com/100008955613897/posts/3758840624424421

【博物館・連合農学研究科】点があります。イッテンホホグロスジハゼ

https://www.kagoshima-u.ac.jp/topics/2025/12/post-2391.html

[Paleontology • 2026] Xenovenator espinosai • A Thick-Skulled Troodontid Theropod (Maniraptora: Troodontidae) from the Late Cretaceous of Mexico

 

Xenovenator espinosai 

Rivera-Sylva, Aguillón-Martinez, Flores-Ventura, Sánchez-Uribe, Guzman-Gutierrez & Longrich, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18010038

Abstract

Dinosaurs repeatedly evolved adaptations for sexual selection over their 150-million year history, including adaptations for display and intraspecific combat. Adaptations for intraspecific combat have not previously been described in non-avian maniraptorans. We report a troodontid from the Campanian Cerro del Pueblo Formation of Coahuila, Mexico, showing a thickened and domed skull roof. The cranium is domed and bones are extremely thick, a morphology convergent on that of Pachycephalosauridae. Referred specimens show less thickening or doming, suggesting ontogenetic changes or perhaps sexual dimorphism. The holotype shows fusion of the frontal midline suture and tightly interdigitating sutures between skull bones, and a rugose skull roof. The specializations seen here suggest adaptation for intraspecific combat, specifically head-butting as hypothesized for pachycephalosaurids and pachyrhinosaurin ceratopsids. Repeated evolution of elaborate weapons and display features in the Cretaceous suggests that sexual selection became increasingly important in dinosaur evolution during the Cretaceous.

Keywords: Dinosauria; Theropoda; Maniraptora; Troodontidae; Cretaceous; Campanian; Laramidia; sexual selection; intraspecific combat

Saurischia Seeley, 1888 

Theropoda Marsh, 1881  

Avetheropoda Paul, 1988  

Coelurosauria Von Huene 1914  

Maniraptora Gauthier 1986  

Deinonychosauria Colbert and Russell, 1969 

Troodontidae Gilmore, 1924  

Troodontinae van der Reest and Currie, 2017 

Troodontini n. tax.

Xenovenator gen. nov.

Diagnosis. Troodontid characterized by thick frontals, anterior displacement of frontal postorbital processes relative to the parietal suture, broad and transversely arched interfrontal ridge, broad frontal-lacrimal suture.

Etymology. Greek xenos, ‘strange’ + Latin venator, ‘hunter’.

Xenovenator espinosai sp. nov. 

Holotype. CPC 2973, braincase including frontals, parietals, orbitosphenoids, laterosphenoids, exoccipitals, prootics, basisphenoid, basioccipital (Figure 4, Figure 5, Figure 6, Figure 7 and Figure 8).

 

Etymology. The species name honors Luis Espinosa, a pioneer in the study of Mexican dinosaurs and mentor to many generations of paleontologists.

Diagnosis. Xenovenator characterized by the following characters (* = autapomorphy): frontals extensively fused; frontals, parietals, and other cranial bones with strongly interdigitating sutures *; strong doming of frontals *; frontals and parietals massive (up to 12 mm thick) *, thickening well-developed anteriorly and less well-developed in the center of the frontal *; dorsal surface of frontals and parietals rugose and striated *, nasal processes broad between lacrimals *, orbital fossae widely separated ventrally *, frontal with notch and shelf to receive posterior end of lacrimal, parietal forms narrow process inserting between frontals *; triangular parietal table *, anteroventral expansion of the orbitosphenoids and laterosphenoids to enclose braincase ventrally *.

Horizon and Locality. Cerro Del Pueblo Formation, uppermost/latest Campanian (Figure 3), Coahuila, Mexico. CPC 2973 and CPC 3112 are from the La Parrita locality, 54 km west of Saltillo; municipality of General Cepeda, Coahuila, Mexico. CPC 3112 is from the Ejido Trincheras locality, 109 km west of Saltillo, municipality of Parras de la Fuente, Coahuila, Mexico (Figure 2).

 Hector E. Rivera-Sylva, Martha C. Aguillón-Martinez, Jose Flores-Ventura, Ivan E. Sánchez-Uribe, Jose Ruben Guzman-Gutierrez and Nicholas R. Longrich. 2026. A Thick-Skulled Troodontid Theropod from the Late Cretaceous of Mexico. Diversity. 18(1), 38. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d18010038 [9 January 2026]

 

[Botany • 2024] Lysionotus cangyuanensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Lysionotus cangyuanensis C. Liu, W.G. Wang & H.C. Xi, 

in Xi, Wang, Ma, Shi, Shen et Liu, 2024. 

沧源吊石苣苔 ||   taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2021 

Abstract 

Lysionotus cangyuanensis, a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. This new species morphologically resembles L. sulphureoides and L. coccinus, but can be distinguished by its leaf blade size, bracts shape, corolla size and throat markings, and anthers shape. Detailed description is provided. 

Keyword: Cangyuan County, China, Lysionotus coccinus, Lysionotus sulphureoides, new taxon, taxonomy, Yunnan

Habitat and morphology of Lysionotus cangyuanensis.
A. Habitat; B. Flowering plant; C. Leaf surface, adaxial and abaxial; D–F. Different views of flower; G. Infructescence, showing immature capsules; H–J. Dissected corolla, showing stamens and throat characters; K. Pistil, disc and calyx.

(Photos. A, C, F, by W.G. Wang; B, D–E, G–K, by C. Liu)

 Lysionotus cangyuanensis C. Liu, W.G. Wang & H.C. Xi, sp. nov. 

沧源吊石苣苔

Diagnosis: The new species differs from the most similar species Lysionotus sulphureoides in leaf blade up to 13 cm long, lateral veins 4–7 pairs, bracts elliptical to oblong, corolla 3.5–4 cm long, with 15 purple longitudinal lines in throat and 1 purple patch at each junction of the upper and lower lips, and anthers cordate.

Etymology: The specific epithet “cangyuan” refers to the type locality in Cangyuan County, Yunnan Province, China. 

Chinese name is proposed here as “沧源吊石苣苔” (沧源-refer to Cangyuan, 吊石苣苔-refer to Lysionotus).

Hou-Cheng Xi, Wen-Guang Wang, Xing-Da Ma, Ji-Pu Shi, Jian-Yong Shen and Cheng Liu. 2024. Lysionotus cangyuanensis, A New Species of Lysionotus (Gesneriaceae) from Yunnan, China. Taiwania. 69(4); 445-448. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.445 [01 October 2024] taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2021

[Botany • 2026] Begonia ilinensis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • New Begonia Species from Ilin Island, Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines and insights to the coastal species of Begonia sect. Baryandra

Begonia ilinensis Bucay, Tandang & M.A.Reyes, 

in Bucay, Tandang, Reyes, Mundo et Chung, 2026. 

Taiwania. 71(1); 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2143 

Abstract

Begonia ilinensis is a newly described species of Begonia sect. Baryandra, first found in the coastal areas of Ilin Island, off the southwestern coasts of Mindoro Island in the Philippines. The species resides in exposed to semi-exposed limestone areas on the coast. The species is notable for its dormancy during the dry months, where it is limited to its minute rhizomes. It only starts growing its foliage and flowers during the wet season of June to November. Morphologically, the species is relatively small compared to most Baryandra species in the Philippines, but resembles Begonia luzonensis, a resident of nearby Luzon Island, mainly by its leaf margins. However, the species is much smaller compared to B. luzonensis specifically in terms of lamina, inflorescences, and capsules, and it lacks the characteristic rusty villous indumentum of B. luzonensis on its leaves, peduncles, and petioles. We also documented and mapped other Begonia sect. Baryandra that we have found thriving on the same habitat as B. ilinensis on other portions of the Philippines to shed further insights on the ecology of these coastal Begonias based on their habitat preferences.

Keyword: archipelago, Begonia ilinensis, Begonia luzonensis, biogeography, karst ecosystems, species radiation

Begonia ilinensis Bucay, Tandang & M.A.Reyes.
A. Habitat showing limestone formations near the coast; B. Habit; C. Individual state recovering from dormancy stage, showing young leaves; D. petioles; E. stipules; F. Young leaves; G-H. leaves abaxial and adaxial side; I. Inflorescences; J. Male flowers and some young female flowers; K. Ovary; L. Female flower.

Begonia ilinensis Bucay, Tandang & M.A.Reyes.
A. Habit; B. Pistillate flower showing the ovary; C. Pistillate flower showing the stigmas; D. Ovary lateral view; E. Staminate flower; F. Staminate flower with the ventral view of androecium; G. Fresh capsules ventral view and cross-section; and H. stipules.

Begonia ilinensis Bucay, Tandang & M.A.Reyes, sp. nov. 

§ Baryandra 

Diagnosis: The plant is observed to be most similar to B. luzonensis, particularly on leaf margins; both species of which may exhibit dentate leaves. However, B. luzonensis foliage is glabrous on both sides (vs. densely villous). Its peduncles are also glabrous (vs. longer villous), and the petioles are glabrescent (vs. sparsely villous). B. ilinensis is also significantly smaller than the more robust B. luzonensis and to most Begonia sect. Baryandra species. To scale, the range of lamina dimension of B. ilinensis is only at 4–6 × 2–5 cm (vs. 12–16 × 7–10 cm in B. luzonensis) and its capsules are very minute with lengths of 1.1–1.2 cm (vs. 2–2.5 cm). B. ilinensis also has more obtuse base on abaxial wing on the ovaries compared to a more truncated and extended abaxial wing of B. luzonensis.

Mark Angelo C. Bucay, Danilo N. Tandang, Mikko Angelo G. Reyes, Neil Anthony A. Del Mundo, Kuo-Fang Chung. 2026. New Begonia Species from Ilin Island, Occidental Mindoro Province, Philippines and insights to the coastal species of Begonia sect. Baryandra.  Taiwania. 71(1); 42-48 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.42 [2026 January 06] https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2143