[Botany • 2026] Asplenium paucipinnatum (Aspleniaceae) • A New fern Species from southern Thailand, based on morphological and molecular data

Asplenium paucipinnatum  K.W.Xu, Li Bing Zhang & Pollawatn, 

in Xu, Pollawatn, L. Zhang, Zhou et L.-B. Zhang, 2026.   

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.173645

Abstract

Asplenium paucipinnatum, a new fern species from Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand, is described. Morphologically, it closely resembles A. micantifrons in having short-creeping and radial rhizome steles, 1-pinnate laminae, deeply incised pinnae on the basiscopic margin, and sori arranged in two rows close to the costae. However, A. paucipinnatum is readily distinguished by having fewer lateral pinnae (< 14 pairs), obliquely rhombic pinnae with acute apices and obtuse marginal teeth, contrasting the more numerous pinnae (> 15 pairs), lanceolate pinnae with acuminate apices, and acute teeth in A. micantifrons. Phylogenetic analyses based on multiple plastid DNA regions (atpB, rbcL, rps4, rps4-trnS, trnL, and trnL-F) support A. paucipinnatum as a distinct lineage, forming a sister relationship with a clade containing A. lepturus and A. contiguum. The combination of morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of this new taxon. Ecological notes, geographic distribution, and a comparison with related species are also provided.

Key words: Asplenium aethiopicum clade, fern phylogeny, Southeast Asian fern flora, taxonomy

Asplenium paucipinnatum. A. Habit; B. Abaxial view of lamina; C. Abaxial view of pinnae showing the venation on the pinnae; D. Showing the lamina apices deeply pinnatifid and becoming gradually decrescent upwards; E. Adaxial view of Pinnae at middle portion of the laminae; F. Short-creeping rhizome; G. Rhizome scales.

(Voucher specimen: Li Bing Zhang, Liang Zhang, R. Pollawatn & X. M. Zhou 10976).

Asplenium paucipinnatum K.W.Xu, Li Bing Zhang & Pollawatn, sp. nov.

 

Description. Asplenium paucipinnatum resembles A. micantifrons (Tuyama) Tuyama ex H.Ohba by its short creeping and radial rhizomes, 1-pinnate laminae, pinnae deeply incised at basiscopic side of margin, and sori borne in 2 rows closely set along to the costa, but the former has lateral pinnae fewer than 14 pairs, pinnae oblique rhombic, pinna apex acute, and marginal teeth obtuse. In contrast, A. micantifrons has lateral pinnae more than 15 pairs, pinnae lanceolate, pinna apex acuminate, and marginal teeth acute.

Ke-Wang Xu, Rossarin Pollawatn, Liang Zhang, Xin-Mao Zhou and Li-Bing Zhang. 2026. Asplenium paucipinnatum (Aspleniaceae), A New fern Species from southern Thailand, based on morphological and molecular data. PhytoKeys. 272: 159-167. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.173645 [02 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Scottmoria umbonata (Lecythidaceae) • A New Species from Panama’s Caribbean Rainforests

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., 

in Batista-Guerra, Campos-Pineda et Carrión, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1

 

Abstract

A new species, Scottmoria umbonata, from wet Caribbean forests on the slopes of Sierra Llorona, Province of Colón, Panama, is described and illustrated. We provide a comprehensive description of the new taxon, discuss its affinities with similar species, and include line drawings, field photographs, a distribution map, and a preliminary conservation status assessment.

Bertholletia clade, Endemism, Scottmoria complex, Sierra Llorona, Taxonomy, Eudicots

Plate comparing Scottmoria umbonata (A–E) and Scottmoria woodsoniana (F–J).
Scottmoria umbonata: A. Laminated grey bark. B. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially. C. Inflorescence. D. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. E. Lateral view of mature fruit.
S. woodsoniana: F. Smooth reddish-brown bark. G. Abaxial leaf blade, showing 1–2 intersecondary veins strongly impressed adaxially. H. Inflorescence. I. Close up of bud, showing calyx lobes and pedicel-hypantium zone. J. Lateral view of mature fruit.

(A, E, J. Batista et al. 2174; B–D, Galdames et al. 6359; F, I, H, J. Batista 1449; G, J. Batista 1455; J, J. Batista 1659). Photos by Juvenal Batista and Carmen Galdames.

Scottmoria umbonata.
A. Apical and lateral views of flowers. B. Androecial hood in cross section showing yellow staminodes and nectaries. C. Androecial hood in cross section showing pink staminodes and yellow nectaries. D. Clustered or agglomerated inflorescences. E. Agglomerated inflorescences showing buds, robust rachis and lateral view of flowers. F. Rachis of inflorescences in groups of 5–6 per node.

(A, B, D–F, J. Batista et al. 2174; C, J. Batista et al. 2173). 

Photos by Juvenal Batista.

Scottmoria umbonata S.A.Mori ex J.E.Bat., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis:—Scottmoria umbonata and Scottmoria woodsoniana (Dwyer) (1965:362) Cornejo (2025: 489) are morphologically closely related species due to their similar flower color and depressed-globose fruits, but S. umbonata differs by presenting leaf blades with secondary veins slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed in S. woodsoniana); 1–2 intersecondary veins not impressed to slightly impressed adaxially (vs. strongly impressed); leaf blade base cuneate, acute to slightly attenuate (vs. obtuse to rounded or truncate); inflorescences 2–5 per node, clustered, sometimes 1 per node (vs. solitary or 1 per node); rachis 0.5–3 (–7) cm long, thick and robust (vs. 2–8.5 cm, thin and slender); hypanthium verrucose with crowded lenticels (vs. smooth with scattered lenticels); sepals widely ovate (vs. ovate to oblong); flowers with style finely grooved (vs. smooth); style obconical (vs. columnar); stigma long-apiculate (vs. rounded to short-apiculate); mature fruits 6–7 × 3.5–8 cm (vs. up to 2.5 × 6 cm); supra-calycine zone 1.5–2.5 cm long (vs. 1–1.5 cm); the operculum with well-developed umbo from immature fruit to maturity (vs. convex operculum to poorly-developed); seeds 2–13 per mature fruit (vs. 5–6), with a flattened funicle (vs. thickened).

Etymology:—The epithet “umbonata” means having a highly developed umbo or raised central protuberance that persists from immature to mature fruit. 

Vernacular name:—The people of the Santa Rita and Sierra Llorona communities call this species “Coquito de potrero”. Its vernacular name refers to its peculiar pyxidium and the fact that it is one of the few trees that survives in pastures (“potreros”) that were once primary forests its hard wood, short height, and seeds that are edible for cattle are among the reasons why it is not cut down in the area.

Juvenal E. BATISTA-GUERRA, Ernesto CAMPOS-PINEDA and Juan F. CARRIÓN. 2026. Scottmoria umbonata sp. nov. (Lecythidaceae) from Panama’s Caribbean rainforests.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 147-156. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.1 [2026-04-07]

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron yombuwurii (Ericaceae, subgen. Vireya) • A New orange-flowered Species from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia

  

Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli,  

in Hutabarat, Zulfadli, Bandjolu, Basrul, Hariri, Senatama et Larekeng, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2170  

Abstract

A new species of Rhododendron subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Rhododendron yombuwurii, is described. The species is known from material originating from the Tokorondo Range, northwest of Lake Poso, and is currently cultivated at a lower elevation near Saluopa Waterfall, where it grows epiphytically and produces small, bright orange flowers. We provide a detailed morphological description, comparative microscopic observations, notes on distribution, habitat and ecology, and a preliminary conservation assessment. Phylogenetic analyses based on the nuclear ribosomal ITS region support the placement of the species within subgenus Vireya and its distinction from morphologically similar taxa.

Keyword: Flora, Malesia, Mountain flora, Poso, Rhododendron celebicum, Schistanthe, Tokorondo, Wallacea

A. Rhododendron yombuwurii thriving and flowering as an epiphyte beneath the canopy of a small tree in Tentena, Central Sulawesi; B. The fresh material of the type specimen PWH1635; C. Flower bud of R. yombuwurii.

(Photographed by P.W.K. Hutabarat)

Morphology of Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli, sp. nov.
 A. flowering stem; B. Semi–erect inflorescence; C. Flower bud; D. Glabrescent adaxial leaf; E. Scaly petiole; F. Scaly abaxial leaf; G. Scales on abaxial leaf; H. Narrow funnel–shaped corolla; I. Corolla lobes and stamen position; J. Corolla (inside); K. Androecium and gynoecium; L. Stamen; M. Gynoecium; N. Immature fruit; O. Laxly scaly ovary

 (Photographed by Zulfadli)

Rhododendron yombuwurii Hutabarat, Bandjolu & Zulfadli, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Rhododendron yombuwurii is most closely allied to R. celebicum (Blume) DC. (de Candolle, 1839), and shows affinity to R. impressopunctatum J.J.Sm. (Smith, 1932), and R. vidalii subsp. brachystemon Argent (Argent, 2003). It differs from R. celebicum by its raised midrib and lateral veins (vs. slightly impressed), semi-erect to horizontal inflorescences (vs. pendulous), glabrous calyx externally (vs. densely scaly), and much smaller orange corolla, 17–22 × 12–16 mm (vs. 35–46 × 20–25 mm, pink to red). From R. impressopunctatum it differs in having smaller leaves, fewer-flowered inflorescences, smaller orange corollas, and filaments clustered at the corolla mouth rather than exserted. The species further differs from R. vidalii subsp. brachystemon by its scaly young twigs becoming glabrescent, longer leaves with raised veins, glabrous calyx externally, smaller orange corolla, and a sparsely scaly to nearly glabrescent ovary. Additional distinguishing characters are summarized in Table 1. ...

A. Type locality of Rhododendron yombuwurii in the Tokorondo Range, Poso Regency, Central Sulawesi. The red dot marks Saluopa Waterfall, where the type specimen was collected as a cultivated plant, while the yellow circle indicates Petirorano, the presumed original source of the species.
B. Saluopa Waterfall, a lower montane site at 560 m elevation, characterized by a cool and humid climate.

Prima Wahyu Kusuma Hutabarat, Zulfadli, Kurniawan Palindondaya Bandjolu, Basrul, Muhammad Rifqi Hariri, Andhika Senatama and Siti Halimah Larekeng. 2026. Rhododendron yombuwurii (Ericaceae), A New orange-flowered Species of subgenus Vireya from Central Sulawesi, Indonesia.  Taiwania. 71(2); 277-283 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.277 [2026 March 28] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2170  

[Botany • 2026] Lobelia janardhananii (Lobeliaceae) • A New Species from the Western Ghats of India

 

Lobelia janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil, 

in Sunil, Prabhukumar, Sivadas, Sanilkumar et Robi, 2026.

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2165 

Abstract

A new species of Lobelia, L. janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil is described from Kerala, India. It resembles Lobelia heyneana Schult. in herbaceous habit and axillary solitary flowers but differs from the latter by leaf shape, texture, flower length, compressed or ancipitous pedicel, characters of calyx lobe, the colour of corolla tube and lobe, size and colour of stamens, stylar length and seeds. A detailed description and photographs are provided for the identification of the species.

Keyword: Agasthyamala Biosphere Reserve, Kerala, Lobelia heyneana, Lobelia janardhananii, perennial, taxonomy

Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov.
 A–C. Flowering shoot, D. C.S. of stem, E. Leaf adaxial side, F. Leaf abaxial side.

Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov.
A. Flower, B. Pedicel with bracteoles, C. Calyx, D. Calyx lobe, E. Corolla split open, F. Staminal column with anthers, G. Anthers, H. Style and stigma, H1. Stigma closeup view, I. Immature capsule, J. Seeds.

Lobelia janardhananii K.M.P.Kumar & Sunil, sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Lobelia janardhananii sp. nov. is morphologically similar to L. heyneana, but differs in the rhomboid, elliptic or ovate leaves, 1.5–4 × 0.4–2 cm, attenuate base (vs. elliptic to sub-orbicular, 0.6–0.8 × 0.4– 0.8 cm; base truncate and decurrent); flowers 14–17 mm long (vs. 8.7–9.2 mm long); pedicel compressed or ancipitous, bibracteolate near middle (vs. trigonous, bracteoles absent); sepals toothed, hirsute abaxially (vs. entire, glabrous on both sides); corolla tube blue (vs. tube white); upper lip 3–4 mm long, whitish-blue; lower lip bright blue (vs. upper lip white; lower lip pale violet); filament of stamens 4.5–5 mm long, purplish (vs. 1.3–1.4 mm long, light green).  

Etymology: The specific epithet is to honour the contributions of Sri. N.K. Janardhanan, Gardner, Herb Garden, Arya Vaidya Sala, Kottakkal, for his 45 years of dedicated service towards the conservation of threatened plants, especially medicinal plants. 

Chandrasseril Narayanan Sunil, Konickal Mambetta Prabhukumar, Deepu Sivadas, Malayil Gopalan Sanilkumar and Aloor Jose Robi. 2026. A New Species of Lobelia (Lobeliaceae) from the Western Ghats of India. Taiwania. 71(2); 243-246 DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.243 [2026 March 21] 

https://taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2165

 

[Ichthyology • 2021] Lethrinus mitchelli • A New Species of Emperor Fish (Acanthuriformes: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea

Lethrinus mitchelli

Allen, Victor & Erdmann, 2021

DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

Abstract 

A new species of emperor fish, Lethrinus mitchelli, is described on the basis of three specimens, 109.4–111.3 mm SL, collected from 20 m at the East Cape region of Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. It is similar to the sympatric relatives L. semicinctus and L. rubrioperculatus, but differs in color pattern and has a narrower cheek (cheek height 3.2–3.6 in head length vs. 2.4–2.9). Other diagnostic features include head length (2.7 in SL) greater than body depth (3.0–3.1 in SL); the snout excluding the lip 1.3–1.4 in cheek height; the snout profile nearly straight, without a prominent hump, and about 55° to the upper jaw; conical lateral jaw teeth; the interorbital area nearly flat or convex; the fourth dorsal-fin spine longest; lateral-line scales 47; transverse scale rows below and above the lateral line 15 and 4.5 rows; and a fully-scaled area adjacent to the prominent bony spine at the posteriormost margin of the opercle (excluding fleshy flap). The new species has a distinctive color pattern: brown dorsally, whitish ventrally, with a broad, brown, posteriorly tapering band on the midlateral body, partially split anteriorly by a relatively broad, ascending diagonal white band. Lethrinus mitchelli is 6.11% sequence divergent (pairwise) in the mtDNA COI marker from its nearest relative, L. semicinctus, also from the East Indies. A table of COI divergences among mtDNA lineages assigned to 27 of the 28 known species of Lethrinus shows a set of distinctly different lineages, from 3.32% to 20.85% divergent from each other (minimum interspecific distances). 

Key words: taxonomy, ichthyology, phylogenetics, coral reef fishes, Indo-Pacific, DNA barcodes, mtDNA COI 

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea
 preserved holotype, 110.1 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen.

Lethrinus mitchelli n. sp.
[upper] about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Prov., Papua New Guinea; 
[lower] blotchy pattern on rubble bottom, about 200 mm SL, East Cape Region, Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea.

photos: G.R. Allen

 Allen, G.R., Victor, B.C. and Erdmann, M.V. 2021. Lethrinus mitchelli, A New Species of Emperor Fish (Teleostei: Lethrinidae) from Milne Bay Province, Papua New Guinea. Journal of the Ocean Science Foundation. 38, 66–77. DOI: doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.5172763 

[Botany • 2021] Dionysia jamzadiae (Primulaceae) • A New Species from the Fars Province of Iran

Dionysia jamzadiae Lidén, M.Irvine, Alvén & Mehregan, 

in Lidén, Irvine, Alvén et Mehregan, 2021. 

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/EJB.2021.396

ABSTRACT

Dionysia jamzadiae Lidén, M.Irvine, Alvén & Mehregan, from the east Zagros Mountains, Fars, Iran, is described as new to science. It belongs in section Dionysiopsis and is similar to D. oreodoxa Bornm. but differs in, for example, its sparsely glandular hairy or almost glabrous corolla with emarginated lobes (densely non-glandular pubescent with entire lobes in D. oreodoxa). Dionysia jamzadiae is known from two places and is quite abundant at the type locality.

Keywords: New species, Fars, Iran, Dionysia

Dionysia jamzadiae Lidén, M.Irvine, Alvén & Mehregan, sp. nov.
Brevistylous (A) and longistylous (B) plants in the type locality.

 Photograph: M. Lidén.

 

Dionysia jamzadiae Lidén, M.Irvine, Alvén & Mehregan, sp. nov.

Differs from Dionysia oreodoxa Bornm., to which it is most similar, in its sparsely glandular hairy or almost glabrous corolla with emarginate lobes (versus densely non-glandular pubescent with entire lobes).

 

 

M. Lidén, M. Irvine, A. Alvén and I. Mehregan. 2021. Dionysia jamzadiae (Primulaceae), A New Species from the Fars Province of Iran. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 78; DOI: doi.org/10.24823/EJB.2021.396 [2021-12-02]

Researchgate.net/publication/356756037_DIONYSIA_JAMZADIAE_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_THE_FARS_PROVINCE_OF_IRAN

[Invertebrate • 2025] Alloscopus sago & A. jantapasoae • Two New Species of the Genus Alloscopus Börner, 1906 (Collembola: Orchesellidae: Heteromurinae) from southern Thailand

Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov.  
   A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov.

in Jantarit, Manee, Nilsai, Mitpuangchon et Pimsai, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.148100 

Abstract 

Two new species of Alloscopus Börner (Orchesellidae: Heteromurinae) are discovered and described from southern Thailand. The first species, Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov. was found in a sago palm forest (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.), a true sago palm species native to Southeast Asia and typically located in lowland freshwater swamps in Phatthalung Province. The second species, A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov. was sampled from a dark zone within a cave environment in Trang Province. Both species are characterized by the absence of eyes and mucronal spines, the presence of a PAO, two rows of smooth chaetae on the manubrium, and dental spines. However, they differ in several morphological features, including the number of macrochaetae on the ‘A’ series of the head, Th. II and Abd. IV; labial basis chaetotaxy; the presence of smooth chaetae on tibiotarsi; the number of chaetae on both the anterior and posterior ventral tube; and the number of the inter-teeth on the claw. The discovery of these two new species increases the total number of Alloscopus species recorded in Thailand to six species with a total of 17 recognized species globally. An updated key to the world species of Alloscopus is also provided.   

Key words: Cave, chaetotaxy, Entomobryoidea, sago palm, taxonomy

Alloscopus sago Jantarit & Manee, sp. nov.   

 A. jantapasoae Jantarit, Nilsai & Manee, sp. nov.

 Sopark Jantarit, Nongnapat Manee, Areeruk Nilsai, Natrada Mitpuangchon and Awatsaya Pimsai. 2025. Two New Species of the Genus Alloscopus Börner, 1906 (Collembola, Orchesellidae, Heteromurinae) from southern Thailand. ZooKeys. 1245: 357-381. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1245.148100 

 

 

[Arachnida • 2026] Urophonius andinus • First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Scorpiones: Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus

Urophonius andinus 

Ojanguren-Affilastro, Santibáñez-López, Alfaro, Ramírez, Iuri, Mattoni & Pizarro-Araya, 2026. 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032

Abstract 

This study presents the first total evidence dated phylogenetic analysis of the scorpion genus Urophonius, integrating 115 morphological characters and five molecular markers (28S, 18S, H3, 16S, COI). Our comprehensive phylogenetic framework provides novel insights into the genus' diversification timeline and evolutionary processes. Additionally, we described Urophonius andinus n. sp. from the central Chilean Andes, a high-altitude species found at 2400 m.s.a.l., representing the highest elevational record for the genus. This new species is placed within the granulatus species group, characterized by a spring–summer activity period.

Keywords: Andes, new species, highland, Scorpiones, total evidence dated phylogeny, Urophonius, winter activity

Urophonius andinus n. sp. 

Andrés A. Ojanguren-Affilastro, Carlos Eduardo Santibáñez-López, Fermín M. Alfaro, Martín J. Ramírez, Hernán A. Iuri, Camilo I. Mattoni and Jaime Pizarro-Araya. 2026. First total evidence dated Phylogeny of the Scorpion Genus Urophonius (Bothriuridae), with New Insights into the Transition to Winter Activity, and the Description of the First highland Andean Species of the Genus. Systematic Entomology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/syen.70032 [17 March 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Koenigia bingchachaensis (Polygonaceae) • A remarkable New Species from the Alpine Subnival of Bingchacha, Zayü, Xizang, China

Koenigia bingchachaensis  Bo Xu & H. Sun, 

in Xu, Sun et Luo. 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73290 

ABSTRACT

A new species, Koenigia bingchachaensis Bo Xu & H. Sun (Polygonaceae), is described and illustrated based on material from the alpine subnival of Zayü County, Xizang, China. The species is characterized by a perennial tufted habit, extensively developed braided-fissured rhizomes, numerous simple spreading stems, prominently petiolate (1.5–4.0 cm) and arched leaves, and paniculate inflorescences borne both terminal and axillary with a short, twisted rachis. Morphologically, it is closely allied to K. tortuosa and K. hookeri, but can be readily distinguished from both by a stable combination of vegetative and reproductive characters. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on complete plastome and nuclear ribosomal ITS sequences strongly support K. bingchachaensis as a distinct species, resolving it as a well-supported sister lineage to the clade comprising K. hookeri and K. tortuosa. The integrative taxonomic approach, combining detailed morphology with molecular data, unequivocally confirms the specific status of K. bingchachaensis. The discovery expands the known diversity of Koenigia and highlights the potential for uncovering unique plant lineages in the extreme alpine environments of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

Koenigia bingchachaensis: (A) sampling location; (B) plant habit; (C) type specimen; (D) plant showing underground roots; (E) the scanning electron micrographs of pollen grains and achenes; and (F) dissected structures of roots, inflorescence, perianth, ovary, and seeds.

Koenigia bingchachaensis Bo Xu & H. Sun sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: Within the genus Koenigia, K. bingchachaensis is morphologically distinctive and highly diagnostic. Although it shares the characteristic of terminal paniculate with K. tortuosa and K. hookeri, the new species can be clearly differentiated by the following combination of features: its unique tufted growth habit; elongated and braided-fissured rhizomes that may fragment; simple and spreading stems; and leaves with prominent petioles (1.5–4.0 cm long) that are arched and enclose the plant. Addtionally, its paniculate inflorescences occur both terminal and axillary, with a short, twisted rachis often concealed within the leaf cluster. Taken together, these morphological characteristics support its distinction from all other known species in the genus Koenigia.

  Etymology: The specific epithet “bingchachaensis” refers to the renowned Bingchacha Highway (part of National Highway G219), also known as the new Yunnan-Xizang corridor, which traverses a remote and rugged region of the Himalayas. The type specimen was collected along this very road. The construction of this highway has been pivotal in providing access to this previously inaccessible and botanically underexplored area, leading directly to the discovery of this new species. The name thus commemorates the highway's role as a unique link between human engineering and scientific discovery, a conduit that unveiled a hidden natural treasure.

 

Bo Xu, Hang Sun, Dong Luo. 2026. Koenigia bingchachaensis (Polygonaceae), a remarkable New Species from the Alpine Subnival of Bingchacha, Zayü, Xizang, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73290 [28 March 2026]

 

Koenigia bingchachaensis Bo Xu & H. Sun (Polygonaceae), a remarkable new species from the alpine subnival of Zayü County, Xizang, China, is described and illustrated. The integrative evidence from morphology and phylogenetics confirms the status of K. bingchachaensis as a new species, which also highlights the ongoing discovery of unique biodiversity in poorly explored alpine regions of the Qinghai–Tibet Plateau.

[Herpetology • 2026] Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from India

 

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985

in Sengupta, Boruah, Jithin, Hussain, Purkayastha, Dutta et Das, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

Abstract 

The present study evaluates the taxonomic status of “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto using morphology, molecular and acoustic tools. Our phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, morphological examination of type collections, and freshly collected topotypes, along with bioacoustics information, suggest that “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto is a valid species. We provide the redescription for the species, describe the tadpole morphology and discuss the extended geographical distribution.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Northeast India, phylogeny, redescription, synonym

Topotypes of Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in live condition.
(A-C) WII-ADA1312, (A) lateral view, (B) dorsal v i e w, (C) front view;
(D-F) WII-ADA1319, (D) dorsolateral view, (E) ventral view with granular belly skin in the inset, (F) lateral view showing groin and flank;
(G & H) WII-ADA1359, (G) lateral view, (H) ventral view; (I) dorsal view of WII-ADA3104.

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in natural habitat.
(A-D) uncollected males from Namdapha Tiger Reserve; (E, F) uncollected males from Kamlang Tiger Reserve; (G) uncollected male from Tinkupani, Assam; (H) dorsal colour change under stress condition of the individual depicted in (E).

  Saibal Sengupta, Bitupan Boruah, Vijayan Jithin, Bakhtiar Hussain, Jayaditya Purkayastha and Sourav Dutta, Abhijit Das. 2026. Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar and Sanyal, 1985 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from India. Rec. zool. Surv. India. 126(1); 51-74. DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

 facebook.com/wiidehradunindia/posts/890337613787066

[Herpetology • 2026] Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni • A New Species of Goniurosaurus (Gekkota: Eublepharidae) from Guangxi, China

Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni Chen & Chen, 

in H.-L. Chen, Yu, Y.-B. Li, Y.-H. Li et Z.-N. Chen. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.177343

 

Abstract

In recent years, with advances in field surveys and molecular biology research, many new species of Goniurosaurus have been discovered, enhancing our understanding of their diversity and distribution. In this study, we present an integrated analysis of morphological evidence and mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data to describe a new species from Guilin, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China: Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni sp. nov. This species can be distinguished morphologically from its congeners by a specific combination of characteristics: (1) 23 precloacal pores in males; (2) a grayish-white dorsal ground color on the head, body, and limbs covered with dense, irregular black blotches; (3) seven nasal scales surrounding the nostril; and (4) 101–108 midbody scale rows. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that this species forms a monophyletic lineage sister to G. araneus within the G. luii group, as supported by mitochondrial cyt b and 16S rRNA and nuclear C-mos gene sequences. Uncorrected pairwise genetic distances based on mitochondrial cyt b sequences range from 8.7% to 22.0% compared with those of all previously known species.

Key Words: Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, morphology, taxonomy

Photograph of Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni sp. nov. from Guangxi, China in live.
A. Adult male (Holotype, GXNU2025101603); B. Adult female (Paratype, GXNU2025090812);
C. Adult female (Paratype, GXNU2025101601); D. Adult female (Paratype, GXNU2025101602).

 (Photos by Zening Chen and Hanzhang Cai).

Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni Chen & Chen, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Goniurosaurus wuzhengjuni sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners through a distinct combination of morphological characteristics: (1) SVL 92.3–109.3 mm; (2) 0–1 internasals; (3) 2 gular scales bordering the internasals; (4) 8–9 gular scales bordering the postmentals; (5) 26–27 paravertebral tubercles between limb insertions; (6) 23 precloacal pores in males; (7) 7 nasal scales surrounding the nostril; (8) 9–10 sublabials; (9) 47–54 eyelid fringe scales or ciliaria; (10) 11–12 granular scales surrounding dorsal tubercles; (11) 21–22 dorsal tubercle rows at midbody and (12) 101–108 midbody scale rows; (13) 2 postcloacal tubercle present on each side; (14) a light yellow dorsal ground coloration on the head, body, and limbs covered with dense, irregular black blotches.

Hui-Ling Chen, Jia-Yi Yu, You-Bang Li, Yu-Hui Li, Ze-Ning Chen. 2026. A New Species of Goniurosaurus (Sauria, Gekkota, Eublepharidae) from Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 611-620. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.177343 [07 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China

Peliosanthes dawulingensis  

in Ding, Xie, Le, Xiong, Fan, Sun et Feng, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761

Abstract

This study announces the discovery of a new plant species, Peliosanthes dawulingensis, from the Dawuling Provincial Nature Reserve in Guangdong, China. It resembles P. cupuliformis in its annular corona with a broad, flat top but differs by its longer inflorescence, pedicellate and pendulous flowers, distinct cylindrical style, and half‑inferior ovary. It was found growing in well-drained soils on a sparsely wooded slope within a river valley. Its highly restricted range and small population size lead us to assess its conservation status as Critically Endangered.

Convallariaceae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Monocots, Yunkai Mountain

XIN DING, ZHI-YI XIE, ZUO-YU LI, QIN-DAI XIONG, QIANG FAN, YAN-JUN SUN and HUI-ZHE FENG. 2026. Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China. Phytotaxa. 747(3); 289-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 [2026-03-18]

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761_Peliosanthes_dawulingensis_a_new_species_from_Guangdong_Southern_China

[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]