[Botany • 2026] Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Assam, Northeast India

Osbeckia zubeengargiana Barnali Das & N. Nath,

in Das, Pulpra et Nath, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 

 facebook.com: Barnali DAS

 

Abstract

A new species of Osbeckia, O. zubeengargiana, from the family Melastomatacaeae, is described based on collections made from Assam, India. The new species is related to O. rostrata because of its tetramerous flowers, but can be distinguished by its habit, foliar morphology, bract shape and size, morphology of the intersepalar emergences, ciliated style base, and seed size. Detailed taxonomic descriptions, photographs showing diagnostic features, and comparison with the related species are provided here.

Assam, India, Melastomataceae, new species, Osbeckia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Barnali DAS, Prashob PULPRA and Namita NATH. 2026. Osbeckia zubeengargiana (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Assam, Northeast India.  Phytotaxa. 747(1); 1-7. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.1.1 [2026-03-13]

 facebook.com/BarnaliDAS1466126/posts/4383160901962339

  

[Paleontology • 2026] Crocodylus lucivenator • Lucy’s peril: A Pliocene crocodile from the Hadar Formation, north-eastern Ethiopia

  

Crocodylus lucivenator

 Brochu, Drumheller, Campisano, Tekle, Getachew, Head, Platt & Leaphart, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2614954 

Artwork by Tyler Stone

Abstract

We herein describe a new crocodile, Crocodylus lucivenator sp. nov., from palaeoanthropological sites in the Pliocene Hadar Formation in north-eastern Ethiopia. It shares derived features and plesiomorphic states with two Pleistocene species of Crocodylus from East Africa. Conversely, C. lucivenator bears a midline boss on the dorsal surface of the rostrum similar to those of modern Neotropical crocodiles and late Miocene crocodiles from Libya and Kenya. A boss is also present on Pliocene specimens from Kanapoi in Kenya previously referred to C. thorbjarnarsoni. Some C. lucivenator also have a more substantial prenarial rostrum than other Palaeoafrican Crocodylus, though not to the same extent as in extant Crocodylus, and its expression is variable. Phylogenetic analysis supports a close relationship between C. lucivenator, Kanapoi Crocodylus, C. anthropophagus, C. thorbjarnarsoni, and fossils from the Turkana Basin previously misreferred to C. checchiai. A close relationship with Neoafrican Crocodylus is rejected, reinforcing a comparatively recent arrival for Neoafrican Crocodylus in East Africa. Crocodylus lucivenator and the Kanapoi form are very similar, but an exclusive relationship is not unambiguously supported in our analysis. The phylogenetic placement of the Palaeoafrican clade depends on how one regards the prenarial rostrum, and positions outside crown Crocodylus or close to the Neotropical clade can be equally optimal. One mandible preserves pathological structures consistent with injuries sustained during intraspecific combat. Crocodylus lucivenator appears to have been the only crocodylian in the Hadar Formation, while coeval deposits in the Turkana Basin preserve as many as four species. The reason for this disparity is unclear.

 

Keywords: Crocodylus lucivenator, Hadar Formation, Pliocene, prenarial rostrum, cladistic assessment, Turkana Basin

Crocodylus lucivenator sp. nov.

Etymology. luci-, Latin for light, but here used with reference to A.L. 288-1 (Lucy), the iconic Australopithecus afarensis skeleton from Hadar; -venator, Latin, hunter. There is no evidence A.L. 288-1 was ever attacked by a crocodile, but her species (and most likely Lucy herself) would doubtless have been pursued as prey by this species.

Christopher A. Brochu, Stephanie K. Drumheller, Christopher Campisano, Getahun Tekle, Tomas Getachew, Jason J. Head, Nathan C. Platt & Daniel Leaphart. 2026. Lucy’s peril: A Pliocene crocodile from the Hadar Formation, north-eastern Ethiopia. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(1); 2614954. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2614954 [11 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from central Vietnam

 

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin & Aver., 

 in Nguyen, Lin, Averyanov, Ban, Giang et Bui. 2026.  

turczaninowia.asu.ru 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

Abstract

We describe and illustrate a new species, Raphiocarpus hapii, recently discovered in central Vietnam. It resembles R. sinovietnamicus but differs in dwarf habit, 20–30 (rarely 50) cm tall, spreading hirsute stems and leaves, shorter corolla, 1.5–1.8 cm long, with a tubular corolla tube, which is pale greyish-pink to dusky greyish-purple, tinged with maroon externally, and white with maroon to crimson internally, having scattered pilose hairs on the lower corolla mouth, and in shorter capsule, 1.8–2.5 cm. According to the IUCN criteria (2024), the new species may tentatively be assessed as Data Deficient (DD).

Keywords: biodiversity, Central Highlands, Flora of Vietnam, plant diversity, plant endemism, plant taxonomy

Raphiocarpus hapii K. S. Nguyen, C. W. Lin et Aver., sp. nov.  

Diagnosis. The new species differs from the morphologically closest Raphiocarpus sinovietnamicus by the combination of the following morphological characters: stem seldom exceeding 30 cm in height; stems and leaves hispid-hirsute; leaves have 7 pairs of lateral veins; inflorescence bears 2–7 flowers; corolla tubular, 1.5–1.8 cm long with pilose indumentum on the lower part of the mouth; and capsule 1.8–2.5 cm long.

 

Khang S. Nguyen, Che W. Lin, Leonid V. Averyanov, Ninh K. Ban, Vu H. Giang, Van T. Bui. 2026. Raphiocarpus hapii (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from central Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(1); 50–56. DOI: 10.14258/turczaninowia.29.1.8 [2026-03-12]

 https://turczaninowia.asu.ru/article/view/19014

 facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10232223151865057

 

[Entomology • 2026] Calicnemia arunachala, Ca. naga, Ca. mimumkoa, Coeliccia magna, ... • Six New Species of Calicnemia Strand, 1926 and One New Species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) from northeastern India

 Calicnemia arunachala  &  C. mimumkoa 

Sawant, Joshi & Kunte, 

in Sawant, Joshi, Pawar, Khan, Nawge et Kunte, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.4.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/401210423  

 facebook.com/DattaprasadSAWANT1

 

Abstract

We erect six new species of the genus Calicnemia Strand, 1926, namely, Ca. ardena sp. nov., Ca. arunachala sp. nov., Ca. flavovittata sp. nov., Ca. mimumkoa sp. nov., Ca. naga sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov.; and one new species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890, Co. magna sp. nov., from northeastern India. The new Calicnemia spp. are distinguished based on the structure of the genital ligula, colouration patterns of the thorax and abdomen, and the shape of caudal appendages. Based on the morphology of the genital ligula, we propose a third species group within Calicnemia, in addition to the two previously recognised species groups. This new species group accommodates Ca. ardena sp. nov. and Ca. rubromacula sp. nov., which possess short, bifurcated genital filaments that do not align with the diagnostic characteristics of the existing species groups. Additionally, Ca. erythromelas (Selys, 1891) previously reported from India is shown to be misidentified, and the Indian material is identified as Ca. naga sp. nov. Updated identification keys for all known Calicnemia males are provided, along with detailed illustrations of diagnostic features. Coeliccia magna sp. nov., erected from Arunachal Pradesh, is distinguished from congeners by its larger body size, complete blue antehumeral stripes, and distinct male and female morphological features. We further provide lateral thoracic illustrations of Coeliccia spp.

Odonata, Arunachal Pradesh, identification key, new species descriptions, Siang, taxonomy

 Calicnemia ardena sp. nov., Ca. arunachala sp. nov., 

Ca. flavovittata sp. nov., Ca. mimumkoa sp. nov., 

Ca. naga sp. nov., Ca. rubromacula sp. nov. 

Coeliccia magna sp. nov. 

Dattaprasad SAWANT, SHANTANU JOSHI, UJWALA PAWAR, FAHIM KHAN, VIRAJ NAWGE and KRUSHNAMEGH KUNTE. 2026. Six New Species of Calicnemia Strand, 1926 and One New Species of Coeliccia Kirby, 1890 (Odonata: Zygoptera: Platycnemididae) from northeastern India.  Zootaxa. 5760(4); 401-449. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.4.1 [2026-02-25]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401210423_Six_new_species_of_Calicnemia_et_Coeliccia_from_northeastern_India

  facebook.com/DattaprasadSAWANT1/posts/25960702353552123

[Botany • 2026] Solenopsis sphaciotica (Campanulaceae: Lobelioideae) • A New Species from Crete

Solenopsis sphaciotica Cambria, Giusso, Miniss. & Brullo,

in Cambria, Giusso Del Galdo, Minissale, Siracusa et Brullo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.175650

Abstract

A new species of Solenopsis (Campanulaceae), S. sphaciotica, is described and illustrated from Crete, Greece. Morphologically, it shows close affinities with S. gutermannii by having a small size, annual habit and rosulate leaves. Although it was previously confused with S. minuta due to similarities in habit and some flower traits, several relevant morphological features clearly distinguish it from the latter. Furthermore, while it shares the annual life form, rosulate leaves and corolla shape with S. antiphonitis, it is also well differentiated from that species. This study provides a comprehensive examination of the species’ morphology, seed coat and pollen micro-sculpturing, ecology, distribution, conservation status and taxonomic relationships.

Key words: Lobelioideae, Mediterranean region, morphology, pollen, seed testa, Solenopsis, taxonomy

Phenological features of Solenopsis sphaciotica.
A. Natural habitat (Crete); B, C. Habit; D. Flower (frontal view).

 Photos by S. Cambria.

Solenopsis sphaciotica Cambria, Giusso, Miniss. & Brullo, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. The new species is similar to Solenopsis minuta in having rosulate leaves, bracteole indumentum and corolla colour; however, it differs in having a much reduced annual habit with smaller morphological characters throughout, a more reduced leaf rosette, leaves without margin glands, smaller bracteoles, shorter calyx (1.1–2 mm long), paler and much smaller corolla (4–5 mm), up to 0.12 mm long papillae, occurring only at the base of the lower lip, shorter anther tube, staminal filament and style and smaller capsule and seeds.

Etymology. The specific epithet, sphaciotica, refers to Hora Sfakion, the locality where the new species grows.

 Salvatore Cambria, Gianpietro Giusso Del Galdo, Pietro Minissale, Giuseppe Siracusa and Salvatore Brullo. 2026. Solenopsis sphaciotica (Campanulaceae) A New Species from Crete. PhytoKeys. 271: 259-272.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.271.175650 [12 Mar 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Andes luchunensis, A. scalpratus, ... • Four New Species of the Planthopper Genus Andes (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cixiidae) from China, with an updated key to species

 

Andes luchunensis Lv, Zhi & Chen,  

in Lv, Zhi, Yang, Long, Chang, Zhang et Chen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.173015

 

Abstract

Four new species of the genus Andes Stål, 1866 (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Fulgoromorpha, Cixiidae, Cixiinae, Andini) are described from China: A. cuneatus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., A. luchunensis Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., A. scalpratus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. from Yunnan Province, and A. orbiculatus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. from Fujian Province. Detailed morphological descriptions, illustrations including female terminalia, and diagnostic comparisons are provided for all new species, with a particular emphasis on the male genital structures that distinguish them from congeners. An updated identification key to all known Chinese species of Andes is also presented.

Key Words: Cixiids, Delphacoidea, identification key, Oriental region, planthoppers, taxonomy

Andes luchunensis Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., male.
A. Habitus, dorsal view; B. Habitus, lateral view; C. Head and thorax, dorsal view; D. Frons, ventral view; E. Forewing; F. Genitalia, lateral view; G. Pygofer and gonostyli, ventral view; H. Anal segment, dorsal view; I. Gonostyli, lateral view; J. Aedeagus, right side; K. Aedeagus, left side; L. Aedeagus, dorsal view; M. Aedeagus, ventral view. Scale bars: 0.5 mm (A–M).

 Andes cuneatus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., 

A. luchunensis Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov., 

A. scalpratus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov.

 A. orbiculatus Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. 

Adult of Andes luchunensis Lv, Zhi & Chen, sp. nov. resting on the leaf of fern. 4 August 2023, Huanglianshan National Nature Reserve, Lüchun County, Yunnan Province, photographed by Feng-E Li.

Sha-Sha Lv, Yan Zhi, Lin Yang, Jian-Kun Long, Zhi-Min Chang, Yu-Bo Zhang and Xiang-Sheng Chen. 2026. Four New Species of the Planthopper Genus Andes (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cixiidae) from China, with an updated key to species. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 73(1): 15-29. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.173015 [03 Feb 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hyphessobrycon pastanai • A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae: Hyphessobryconinae) of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage from the lower Aripuanã Basin, Brazil, with comments about the lineage

Hyphessobrycon pastanai

 Faria, Ohara, Monteiro & Oliveira, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70379 

  Researchgate.net/publication/401289168

 

Abstract

A new species of Hyphessobrycon is described from a tributary of Rio Jatuarana, lower Rio Aripuanã basin, Rio Madeira basin, Apuí, Amazonas. The new species is part of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage, with the typical midlateral narrow black stripe immediately followed dorsally by an iridescent stripe. Its phylogenetic position is corroborated by the DNA barcoding methodology, which also indicates the new species as closely related to Hyphessobrycon ericae and Hyphessobrycon ribeiroi, with both possessing very distinct colour patterns. The new species can be distinguished from all species of Hyphessobrycon by the association of a well-defined and horizontally elongated humeral blotch with a ventral diffuse expansion, a conspicuous caudal peduncle blotch restricted to the ventral half of the caudal peduncle and proximal half of mid rays of caudal fin, the presence of a red midlateral stripe dorsal to the iridescent stripe and lateral-line scale counts.

Keywords: biodiversity, Hyphessobrycon ericae, Hyphessobrycon ribeiroi, Ichthyology, Rio Amazonas

Hyphessobrycon pastanai n. sp. Living specimens.
Brazil, Amazonas, Apuí, stream tributary of Rio Jatuarana, Rio Aripuanã basin, Rio Madeira basin.
(a) MZUSP 117609, unsexed; (b) LBP 32949, female. 

Hyphessobrycon pastanai n. sp. 

Etymology: The specific epithet is a homage to Dr. Murilo Nogueira de Lima Pastana, dear friend, ichthyologist and curator in the Museu de Zoologia da Universidade Estadual de São Paulo, as a recognition of its important contributions to the knowledge of fishes from the Apuí region. A genitive noun.

Hyphessobrycon heterorhabdus and Hyphessobrycon agulha species groups representatives.
(a) Hy. heterorhabdus, ZUEC 17135, female, Brazil, Belém region, picture of Douglas A. Bastos.
(b) Hy. agulha, LBP 33136, female, Brazil, Rio Mamuru basin.

Tiago C. Faria, Willian M. Ohara, Iann Leonardo Pinheiro Monteiro and Claudio Oliveira. 2026. A New Hyphessobrycon (Characiformes: Acestrorhamphidae) of the Hyphessobrycon agulha lineage of Hyphessobryconinae from the lower Aripuanã Basin, Brazil, with comments about the lineage. Journal of Fish Biology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70379 (26 February 2026)  

  Researchgate.net/publication/401289168_A_new_Hyphessobrycon_from_the_lower_Aripuana_basin_Brazil

[Botany • 2026] Primula himalayana (Primulaceae) • A New Species from eastern Himalaya, India

 

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali, 

in Hajong, Singh et Bharali, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05052

 

Abstract

Primula himalayana sp. nov., a new species of Primulaceae, is described and illustrated from Tawang, Lutrem, 4238 m a.s.l., Arunachal Pradesh, India. It grows under Juniperus and Berberis scrub forest in an alpine meadow. The new species belong in Primula section Cordifoliae and is resembling P. gambeliana, but differs from the latter by the lamina puberulent with a white protuberance on the tips of the teeth, petiole 2‒3 times longer than lamina and white puberulent, scape long with many flowers, flowers yellow with orange-yellow center and along corolla tube, corolla lobes elliptic, anther basifixed, and ovary cylindrical without any teeth.

Keywords: Arunachal Pradesh, new taxon, Primrose, Primula sect Coridfoliae, Tawang, taxonomy

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.
 (A) Habit, (B) leaf, (C) side view of an umbel, (D) face view of an umbel, (Ei) bract, (Eii) sepals, (F) side view of a dissected ‘pin'-eyed morphs flower, (G) side view of a dissected ‘thrum'-eyed morphs flower, (H) face view of a dissected ‘pin'-eyed morphs flower, (I) face view of a dissected ‘thrum'-eyed morphs flower, (J) white puberulent on the corolla margin, (K) stamen, (L) carpel (left ‘thrum'-eyed morphs, right ‘pin'-eyed morphs).

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.
 (A–B) Habit, (C) face view of an umbel, (D) leaf;
Primula gambeliana G.Watt (E) Habit, (F) face view of an umbel, (G) leaf.

Primula himalayana B. Hajong, Harsh Singh & P. Bharali sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: A new species resembling P. gambelina due the appearance of leaves and flowers, but differing in lamina puberulent with a white protuberance on the tip of each teeth (versus glabrous and without any protuberances), petiole 2‒3 times longer than lamina and white-puberulent (versus 3‒5 times longer than lamina, glabrous), scape 15‒35 cm long with 4‒17 flowers in the umbel (versus 6‒15 cm long with 2‒8 flowers), flowers yellow with an orange-yellow center and ca 1.5‒1.9 cm long corolla tube (versus bright reddish-pink or purple-pink to violet-purple with yellow center, ca 1.2 cm long), corolla lobes elliptic (versus obcordate or broadly obovate), anthers basifixed (versus dorsi-basifixed), ovary quadrate–globose without any teeth (versus globose–cylindric with 5 or more apical teeth).

Etymology: The species epithet ‘himalayana' is derived from the Great Himalaya Mountains – a biodiversity hotspot and widely considered as the geographical origin as well as the centre of diversity and distribution of Primula.

Bipankar Hajong, Harsh Singh and Pankaj Bharali. 2026. Primula himalayana sp. nov., A New Species from eastern Himalaya, India. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05052 [11 March 2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Afronycteris rautenbachi • A New Species of African Pipistrelle-like Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Afronycteris)

Afronycteris rautenbachi

Kearney, de Vries & Markotter, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.1

Abstract 

The taxonomy of the small, sub-Saharan, insectivorous bat, Afronycteris helios (Heller, 1912), has been unresolved for decades. The name A. cf. helios was introduced in the literature to recognise bats found in east and southern Africa that were like A. helios but had glands on the uropatagium. Cranio-dental morphology, bacular morphology, and molecular genetics (albeit the latter two being without representation of A. helios), provided evidence to formally describe “A. cf. helios”, which is currently known from Kenya, Mozambique, and South Africa. Bayesian analyses based on cytochrome oxidase b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and 12S rRNA confirm that it belongs to the genus Afronycteris with A. nanus (Peter, 1852) and A. helios. These analyses also revealed genetic, bacular, and cranio-dental morphological differences within A. nanus, which are described here. Pending a more thorough geographic analysis, including all existing synonyms, A. cf. nanus has been introduced to refer to bats that were smaller than A. nanus. Although co-occurring in north-eastern parts of South Africa, A. cf. nanus has a more westerly distribution extending to west Africa, relative to the more easterly distribution of A. nanus. Afronycteris sp. nov. showed at least a 6.9%, 3.4% and 2.9% nucleotide difference to its nearest relative based on cytochrome oxidase b, cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1, and 12S rRNA respectively. It is cranio-dentally smaller than A. helios, slightly smaller than A. nanus, and larger than A. cf. nanus, with a distinct baculum, and a unique pair of glands on the uropatagium.

Mammalia, molecular genetics, taxonomy, morphology, Afronycteris nanus, Afronycteris helios, Kruger National Park

Lateral head and shoulder view of Afronycteris rautenbachi in the hand, of the holotype TM 48535 (left), and TM 48537 (right), both from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park.

Images of ears (above) and tragi (below) of  Afronycteris rautenbachi, TM 48537 (left) and A. cf. nanus TM 48572 (right), both from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park.

Dorsal ventral and lateral views of the cranium and a lateral view of the mandible of the holotype, TM 48535, of Afronycteris rautenbachi from South Africa, Limpopo province, Kruger National Park, Makuleka Contract Park. All images were scaled to the same size. Scale bar = 3 mm.

Afronycteris rautenbachi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Afronycteris rautenbachi is a small Vespertilionidae and among the smallest of the Vespertilionini, being most similar in size and appearance to A. nanus, A. cf. nanus and A. helios. Afronycteris rautenbachi has a pair of glands on the uropatagium on either side of the tail, near the body (Figure 7).

Etymology. This species is named in honour of Igantius (“Naas”) L. Rautenbach (1942–2024) who was head of the mammal section at Ditsong National Museum of Natural History (formerly Transvaal Museum) from 1968 to 1991, and then the director of the museum from 1991 to 1999. He conducted extensive field research on southern African mammals, including the northern part of the Kruger National Park, which considerably increased the size of the museum collection. Over the years he managed various research collaborations that started with field collection and resulted in numerous publications. The proposed English common name is Kruger tail-gland bat.

Teresa KEARNEY, Marinda DE VRIES and Wanda MARKOTTER. 2026. Description of A New Species of African Pipistrelle-like Bat (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae: Afronycteris). Zootaxa. 5768(1); 1-28. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.1 [2026-03-09]

[Botany • 2026] Sadiria kachinensis (Primulaceae: Myrsinoideae) • A New Species from Myanmar

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka,

in Utteridge, Armstrong, Yoneda et Tanaka. 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1

 

Abstract

Sadiria kachinensis from Kachin State, Myanmar is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is morphologically similar to S. boweri and S. solanifolia but differs in several characters especially the smaller leaves on the vegetative shoots and the flowering branches, larger inflorescences and petals, and smaller sepals. In addition, this new species is compared to S. eugeniifolia var. burmanica, the only other member of Sadiria in Myanmar.

 Burma, Ericales, Indo-China, South-East Asia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
 A habit; B detail of leaf margin; C inflorescences; D flower; E single calyx lobe; F detail of overlapping corolla lobes; G flower opened to show stamens opposite the corolla lobes; H ovary and style (flower with corolla removed); I stamen abaxial view; J stamen adaxial view; K ovary; L fruit with persistent style.

Drawn from Armstrong et al. 4307 (TNS). Scale bars: A = 3 cm, C, D, G, H, L = 5 mm, E & F = 1 mm, I, J & K = 3 mm. Illustration by Kaoru Yoneda.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
A. habit; B. plagiotropic (flowering) branch with inflorescences and flowers pre-anthesis; C. plagiotropic branch with fruits; D. inflorescence/flower detail, note exserted styles in the flowers on the right hand side; E. fruit detail, note persistent style (dry and black).

 Photographed by Kate Armstrong.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov. 

 Recognised in the genus Sadiria by the leaves (ortho- and plagiotropic) drying greenish and the shorter plagiotropic reproductive branches, and unique amongst those species in the combination of the following characters: 3–4 leaves in pseudowhorls along the erect (orthotropic) stems, these orthotropic leaves, elliptic and 9.5–13 × 3.5–4.5 cm; the lateral plagiotropic (reproductive) flower-bearing branches (4–)6.5–11 cm long, with 3(–5) leaves along the length of the branch; orthotropic and reproductive shoots leaves drying green; pendulous inflorescences sessile or with a very short rachis to 2 mm long; the corolla fused for approximately three-quarters of its length; stamens with anthers 2 mm long; and the style conspicuously exserted at anthesis and extending ca. 3 mm beyond the apex of the corolla lobes.

Timothy UTTERIDGE, Kate E. ARMSTRONG, Kaoru YONEDA and Nobuyuki TANAKA. 2026. Sadiria kachinensis (Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae), A New Species from Myanmar.  Phytotaxa. 744(3); 205-211. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1 [2026-03-10]

[Botany • 2026] Nymphanthus vietnamensis (Phyllanthaceae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam

 

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane, 

in Vu, T. A. Le, Nong, Dinh, V. H. Le, Yamamoto et Tagane, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 

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Abstract

A new species of Nymphanthus, N. vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane is described from Quang Tri Province and Thua Thien Hue Province (currently Hue City), central Vietnam. It is similar to N. namkadingensis but distinguished by its branchlet with 14–30(–40) leaves (vs. 50–60 in N. namkadingensis), leaf blades with 3–6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 8–12 pairs), pistillate pedicel of 8–9 mm long (vs. 10–16 mm long), disc of pistillate flowers with 4–6 free rectangular segments (vs. connate and annular), and subglobose capsules (vs. ellipsoid). A detailed description, photographs, and information on the distribution and ecology, vernacular name, phenology, and preliminary conservation status are provided for the species.

Flora of Vietnam, Dakrong, Phong Dien, Phyllantheae, taxonomy, Eudicots

Nymphanthus vietnamensis T.A.Le, Tak.Yamam. & Tagane sp. nov. 

TIEN CHINH VU, TUAN ANH LE, VAN DUY NONG, DIEN DINH, VAN HUONG LE, TAKENORI YAMAMOTO, SHUICHIRO TAGANE. 2026. Nymphanthus vietnamensis, A New Species of Phyllanthaceae from Central Vietnam.  Phytotaxa. 742(3); 237-242. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.3.6 [2026-02-24]

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[Invertebrate • 2026] Quapawjapyx osage & Holjapyx nimiipuu • New Cave japygids (Diplura: Japygidae) from North America

Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.

Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov.,

in Sendra, Jiménez-Valverde, Selfa et Cupello, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3217 

Abstract

We studied a significant collection of Japygidae (Diplura) deposited in the Texas A&M University Insect Collection, sampled from several caves in North America, mostly in the early 21st century by a group of American speleologists. Among this biological material, a new genus and species, Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov., is described from four caves in Arkansas, and a new species, Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov., from five caves in Idaho; both are named in honor of native American tribes. Quapawjapyx osage can be distinguished from Indjapyx, Paurojapyx, and Parindjapyx – which share symmetrical cerci – by the combination of the shape and disposition of the glandular and sensory setae on the first urosternite, together with differences in cercal ornamentation. Holjapyx nimiipuu is characterized by the presence of two conspicuously large predental denticles on the right cercus. Both new taxa of cavernicolous japygids show slight cave-adaptation features, such as large body size, slight elongated appendages, and a small increase in the placoid sensilla of last antennomere. These two new taxa double the number of known cave-adapted japygids in North America, a seemingly low figure that is nonetheless comparable to other karst regions worldwide.

Keywords: Japygoidea, cave-adapted fauna, Nearctic region, taxonomy

Class Diplura Börner, 1904

Superfamily Japygoidea Ewing, 1942

Family Japygidae Haliday, 1864

Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.
A. Paratype, ♂ (TAMU-ENTO X1831026). B, D–E. Paratype, ♂ (TAMU-ENTO X1832015). C. Holotype, ♀ (TAMU-ENTO X1831147).
A. Habitus. B. Last antennomere; placoid sensilla remarked by spotted line. C. Lacinia with interior laminae and mandible. D. Dorsal portion on third antennomere with pores. E. Metathoracic claws.

Genus Quapawjapyx Sendra gen. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is in honor of the Quapaw Nation of Native Americans, who thrived along the lowlands of the Arkansas river five hundred years ago. Today, they live alongside much later European settlersfrom other nations.

Quapawjapyx osage Sendra gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is in honor of the Osage Nation of Native Americans, who now reside in Osage County, Oklahoma. They arrived and thrived a few hundred years ago in the northern mountains of Arkansas.

Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov., holotype,  ♀ (TAMU-ENTO X1831140).
A. Habitus. B. Last antennomere. C. Distal portion of urite X including cerci. D. Left cercus. E. Right cercus; placoidsensilla remarked by dash line.

 Holjapyx nimiipuu Sendra sp. nov.

Etymology: ‘Nimiipuu’ (‘we, the people’) is the name by which the Nez Perce Native American tribe refers to themselves. They have thrived in  the Pacific Northwest of North-America for  more than ten   thousand years and today live primarily on their tribal reservation in Idaho. We dedicate this new species to the Nimiipuu people and to their enduring struggle for survival.

Alberto Sendra, Alberto Jiménez-Valverde, Jesús Selfa and Mario Cupello. 2026. New Cave japygids (Diplura: Japygidae) from North America. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1043(1); 166–198. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1043.3217 

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Takydromus ultapaniensis • A New Species of Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from northeast India

 

Takydromus ultapaniensis

Chettri, Mothey, Ghatani, Deepak & Rai, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.2.2 

 Researchgate.net/publication/401476446

Abstract

The diversity of lizards in the northeast Indian biodiversity hotspot is underestimated, as evidenced by many new species recorded in recent years. Here, we describe a new species of Takydromus from Ultapani, Kokrajhar District, Assam, India. This newly identified species is distinguished from its relatives in its distinctive morphological features and significant genetic variation in the mitochondrial 12S rRNA and COI genes. We have also added the missing molecular data for T. sikkimensis and T. khasiensis. In the light of these new data, we discuss the phylogenetic relationships of Takydromus species from the Indian subcontinent with their congeners.

Reptilia, Asian grass lizard, genetic divergence, phylogeny, range expansion, Takydromus, Ultapani

Takydromus ultapaniensis sp. nov. 

BASUNDHARA CHETTRI, RABINA MOTHEY, SUDEEP GHATANI, V. DEEPAK and ANANTA RAI. 2026. A New Species of Takydromus (Squamata: Lacertidae) from northeast India.  Zootaxa. 5763(2); 205-224. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5763.2.2 [2026-03-03] 

Researchgate.net/publication/401476446_A_new_species_of_Takydromus_from_northeast_India