[Herpetology • 2026] Arcovomer moqueca & A. ubatuba • Unveiling Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Arcovomer (Anura: Microhylidae): Description of Two New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

(C–F) Arcovomer moqueca sp. n. from Aracruz (type locality), state of Espírito Santo;
(G–H) A. ubatuba sp. n. from Ubatuba (type locality), state of São Paulo 

Andrade, Lyra, & Toledo, 2026  

SALAMANDRA. 62(2); 

Note the differences in color patterns among individuals, with the dorsum and limbs ranging from light grey to dark brown.

Abstract

 The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots, harbouring high levels of species richness and endemism, including more than 700 amphibian species. Although considerable progress has been made in describing this diversity, new species continue to be formally recognized each year, and many lineages remain poorly studied. Here, we use an integrative approach combining molecular, morphometric, and bioacoustic data to reassess species diversity within the frog genus Arcovomer (Anura, Microhylidae), long regarded as monotypic. Our results reveal the presence of three deeply divergent lineages within the genus Arcovomer. One corresponds to A. passarellii, the type species from the state of Rio de Janeiro, while the other two represent distinct lineages from the states of Espírito Santo and São Paulo, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers recovered Arcovomer as a strongly supported clade, and morphometric and acoustic evidence combined with molecular data support the distinctiveness of these lineages, leading to the description of two new species. These species are geographically structured across distinct ecoregions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, highlighting the conservation relevance of recognizing independently evolving, range-restricted taxa. By revealing previously overlooked diversity within this genus, this study highlights the importance of integrative taxonomy, long-term specimen curation, and sound archives for documenting and conserving biodiversity within one of the world’s most threatened biomes. 

Key words. Amphibia, genetic divergence, bioacoustics, endemism, integrative taxonomy, biological collections.

Variation in coloration in life among three species of Arcovomer:
 A. passarellii (ZUEC-AMP 26936) from Rio das Ostras, state of Rio de Janeiro (A–B);
A. moqueca sp. n. from Aracruz (type locality), state of Espírito Santo (C–F);
A. ubatuba sp. n. from Ubatuba (type locality), state of São Paulo (G–H).

Note the differences in color patterns among individuals, with the dorsum and limbs ranging from light grey to dark brown.

Arcovomer moqueca sp. n.

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Arcovomer based on phylogenetic evidence and the presence of an arched vomer, a diagnostic osteologic synapomorphy of the genus sensu Carvalho (1954). This species is phenotypically cryptic in relation to A. passarellii.

Etymology: The specific name is a noun in apposition, derived from the African Bantu language, Kimbundu,  'mu’keka', meaning fish stew, or from the indigenous Tupi, 'pokeka' and 'moquem', meaning wrapped and grilled respectively. The word 'moqueca' subsequently emerged from the Portuguese. It is a Brazilian seafood stew, traditional from the state of Espírito Santo, and declared as a cultural asset, intangible heritage, of the state (Brazil 2015, Law No. 10.463). It honors the state of Espírito Santo, celebrating its traditions, peoples, cultural diversity, and rich culinary heritage. 

Arcovomer ubatuba sp. n. 

Diagnosis: Placed in the genus Arcovomer based on phylogenetic position. Externally cryptic relative to A. passarellii and A. moqueca sp. n., A. ubatuba sp. n. is reliably differentiated only through an integrative approach combining morphology, bioacoustics, and genetics.

Etymology: The specific epithet 'ubatuba' honours the municipality of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil, where this species was first collected and which is its type locality. The name is derived from the indigenous Tupi language, 'uba' meaning “place” and 'tuba' meaning “canoes”, referring to the traditional gathering point of canoes during the Tamoio Confederation. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition. This name relates to the species type locality and evokes the cultural and historical heritage of the people from Atlantic Forest coastal region. 

Felipe Silva de Andrade, Mariana L. Lyra, Délio Baêta & Luís Felipe Toledo. 2026. Unveiling Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Arcovomer (Anura: Microhylidae): description of Two New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. SALAMANDRA. 62(2); 77–96. [2026-05-15]

[Botany • 2026] Oreocharis nanlingensis (Gesneriaceae) • Integrating Morphological and Molecular Evidence Reveals a New Species and Two Synonyms in Oreocharis

 

Oreocharis nanlingensis  X.Z. Shi & Li H. Yang,

in Shi, Sun, Fu et Yang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73380

ABSTRACT

The genus Oreocharis is a species-rich group within the family Gesneriaceae and represents an excellent model system for evolutionary studies. However, taxonomic understanding of this genus remains insufficient, resulting in several unresolved issues. In this study, we focus on two species groups within Oreocharis—the O. argyreia group and the O. auricula group—each of which presents distinct taxonomic challenges. To address these, we conducted detailed morphological comparisons and statistical analyses, along with phylogenetic analyses based on dense population-level sampling. Our results support abolishing the variety O. argyreia var. angustifolia within O. argyreia but establishing a new species of O. nanlingensis to accommodate specimens of this variety collected from the broader Nanling mountains region. In addition, our findings suggest that O. auricula var. denticulata should be treated as a synonym of O. magnidens. We provide final taxonomic treatments, amended descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map for the relevant taxa.

Oreocharis nanlingensis sp. nov. 

(A) Habit. (B) Flowers in top view. (C) Flowers in side view. (D) Flowers in front view. (E) Opened flower showing stamens, staminodes, and corolla inside. (F) Not yet dehiscing anthers. (G) Calyx. (H) Pistil. (I) Dehiscing fruit. 

 All Photos were taken from its holotype locality.

Oreocharis nanlingensis X.Z. Shi & Li H. Yang, sp. nov.   

 

Diagnosis Oreocharis nanlingensis is similar to O. crispata, but can be distinguished from the latter by its smooth leaf blade with entire margin (vs. rugose leaf blade with crispate and irregularly dentate margin), longer corolla tube (1.6–1.7 cm vs. ca 1.3 cm), and pistil (1.5–1.6 cm vs. ca 1.1 cm), and bilobed stigma (vs. disc-shaped).

 

Xi-Zuo Shi, Zhi-Xia Sun, Jia-Xin Fu and Li-Hua Yang. 2026. Integrating Morphological and Molecular Evidence Reveals a New Species and Two Synonyms in Oreocharis (Gesneriaceae). Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73380 [06 April 2026] 

 

Using both population-level phylogenetic analysis and morphological statistics, this study resolved several taxonomic problems within the genus Oreocharis. Our results support abolishing the variety O. argyreia var. angustifolia, establishing a new species O. nanlingensis, and treating O. auricula var. denticulata as a synonym of O. magnidens.

[Cnidaria • 2026] Chironex blakangmati • Chironex box jellyfishes (Cubozoa: Chirodropida) in Singapore: New Species, and Range Extension of C. indrasaksajiae

Chironex blakangmati

Iesa, Ames, Yap & Huang, 2026 

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74

Abstract

 Two venomous box jellyfish species of the genus Chironex Southcott, 1956 (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) were collected from Singapore’s coastal waters: Chironex indrasaksajiae Sucharitakul, 2017 and a novel species described herein as Chironex blakangmati, new species. Chironex indrasaksajiae was collected from both the Johor and Singapore Straits around mainland Singapore. Chironex blakangmati, new species, was collected from Sentosa Island along the Singapore Strait and is the fourth species described in the genus. While C. blakangmati’s volcano-shaped pedalial canal and tentacle number are similar to C. yamaguchii Lewis & Bentlage, 2009, its elongated, sharp-tipped velarial canals and DNA sequences distinguish it from other Chironex species. Comparisons of Chironex blakangmati, new species, with C. yamaguchii and C. fleckeri reveal novel morphological differences at the terminal end of the perradial lappet along the velarium edge, where C. blakangmati, new species, lacks velarial canals extending from the perradial lappet terminus. Juvenile Chironex yamaguchii specimens were examined and ontogenetic variations of velarial canals are herein reported. Preliminary cnidome analysis reveals eight types of nematocysts observed in C. blakangmati, new species, five types in C. indrasaksajiae, and five types in C. yamaguchii. Molecular phylogenetic reconstruction places C. blakangmati, new species, in a clade distinct from its congeners, as sister group to C. yamaguchii based on 16S rRNA gene analysis but diverging earlier than the clade comprising C. yamaguchii and C. indrasaksajiae based on cytochrome c oxidase subunit I gene analysis for which sequence data are comparatively limited. Understanding the biodiversity and seasonality of venomous cubomedusae will help mitigate the risk they pose to human health and safety during maritime activities. 

Key words. 16S rRNA, COI barcoding, marine biodiversity, phylogenetic analysis, Southeast Asia, venomous

Chironex blakangmati, new species, from Singapore.
A, live individual (paratype, ZRC.CNI.1462), lateral perradius view; B, live individual (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014), lateral perradius view; C, cockscomb gastric saccule (sac); D, gastric cirri (gc); E, rhopalial niche front view; F, rhopalial niche side view (paratype, ZRC.CNI.1462); G, rhopalial niche side view (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014); H, tentacle contracted with alternating brown dark bands; I, tentacle stretched; J, preserved tentacle with hollow cross section (arrow); K, pedalium with volcano pedalial canal bend (pcb) marked by arrow; L, U-shaped alternating tentacle pattern with gap marked by an arrow; M, adradial positions (ad) marked by arrows, and rhopalial niche at perradial position (per); N, gastric saccules (sac) surrounding cruciform manubrium (man); O, velarium at perradial position with frenulum (fre) arrowed, lappet terminating in simple triangular tip; P, velarium with candelabrum velarial canal pattern (holotype, ZRC.CNI.3014). rh = rhopalium, rhO = rhopalial ostium, co = convex boundary.

Chironex blakangmati, new species 

Diagnosis. Chironex with conical to cuboidal bell. Seven tentacles per pedalium, branching U-shaped alternating. Pedalial canal bend volcano shaped. Tips of velarial canals sharp towards velarial margin (Fig. 11D), with simple triangular tip at edge of velarium in perradial position (Fig. 3O & Fig. 12). Absence of velarial canals at perradial position where frenulum tapers off (Fig. 12D). 

Etymology. This species is named using Bahasa Melayu, the Austronesian language spoken in the region and the national language of Singapore, for Sentosa Island from which the animal was collected. Sentosa Island was historically referred to as “Pulau Blakang Mati”, meaning “Island of Death Behind” and, as such, “blakangmati” in denoting the geographic location is a noun in apposition. 

Iffah Iesa, Cheryl Lewis Ames, Nicholas Wei Liang Yap and Danwei Huang. 2026. Chironex box jellyfishes (Cnidaria: Cubozoa: Chirodropida) in Singapore: Chironex blakangmati, new species, and range extension of C. indrasaksajiae. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 383–402. DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2026-0026 [15 May 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Oreonectes weii • A New endemic Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification

Oreonectes weii

Luo, Ling, Cao, Zhou & Huang, 2026

 

魏氏岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 

Abstract

A new species Oreonectes weii sp. nov., is described that was collected from Shanggao County, Jiangxi Province, China, located at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Delta. This naming honors the globally distinguished conservation biologist Fu-Wen Wei for his exceptional and pioneering contributions to biodiversity conservation and research. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of meristic and morphological characters, including fin-ray counts, body coloration, eye normal, number of lateral-line pores, and gill-raker counts. Genetically, it forms a distinct lineage in the mitochondrial Cyt b-based phylogeny and exhibits a genetic distance of 6.3% from its sister species, O. polystigmus. We further estimated divergence time within the genus Oreonectes, which indicates an origin in the Late Oligocene (~27.06 Ma) and a most recent common ancestor at ~13.91 Ma. Our biogeographic analyses suggest that the Guijiang-Hejiang River Basin likely served as a source area for the genus’ dispersal into adjacent basins, and that the new species probably originated from a dispersal event of its ancestral population from the Pearl River Basin to the Yangtze River Basin during the Late Miocene (~6.78 Ma). Lineage-divergence dynamics indicate that cladogenesis began around 28 Ma, accelerated markedly at ~18 Ma, peaked at ~6 Ma, and subsequently showed a gradual decline. The current diversity pattern of Oreonectes may have been shaped primarily by dispersal mediated by enhanced precipitation under the East Asian monsoon climate, with subsequent erosion-induced geographical isolation likely promoting speciation and diversification within the genus.

Key Words: Biogeography, cryptic species, morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny, Yangtze River

Ecological photographs and habitats.
A, B. Oreonectes weii sp. nov.; C. O. guidongensis; D. O. polystigmus;
E. Outside the cave; F. Inside the cave.

Oreonectes weii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Oreonectes weii sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) coloration pattern present and irregular black spots scattered on the lateral body surface and caudal fin; (2) eyes normal; (3) well-developed posterior chamber of air-bladder; (4) cephalic lateral-line system with 4 + 10 infraorbital canal pores and six preoperculo-mandibular canal pores; (5) 9–10 branched pectoral-fin rays, length 16.0–24.3% SL; (6) tip of pelvic fin not reaching the anus; (7) caudal fin truncated, with 14 branched caudal-fin rays; (8) 10 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch; (9) tip of maxillary barbel not reaching the posterior margin of the operculum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “weii” is a genitive noun derived from the surname of Academician Fu-Wen Wei (魏辅文), an eminent conservation biologist. The name is given in honor of his outstanding contributions to the study and conservation of biodiversity in China. We suggest the English common name for this species is the “Wei’s Mountain Loach”, and its Chinese name is “Wèi Shì Lǐng Qiū” (魏氏岭鳅).

 Tao Luo, Wen-Qing Ling, Hai-Lin Cao, Jiang Zhou and Guang-Ping Huang. 2026. A New endemic Species Oreonectes weii sp. nov. (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 751-765. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 [14 May 2026]

[Diplopoda • 2026] Alafanahydesmus lavasoa • Description before Extinction: A New Genus and Ninth Species of indigenous Polydesmida (Dalodesmidae) from Madagascar

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa  

Golles, Yoo & Wesener, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.4 

Abstract

Madagascar’s microendemism is not restricted to large rainforests, but also still exists in small, isolated fragments of natural vegetation. One such fragment is the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo protected area in southeastern Madagascar, where less than 92 ha of humid forest continue to face deforestation, but to which several species are endemic and critically endangered, including three species of millipedes. Here, we describe Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae), a locally endemic Polydesmida only found in the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo area. With our here described addition, Polydesmida remain rare on Madagascar, with only four genera and nine known species, all belonging to the family Dalodesmidae. Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. shares its small size (10–25 mm) and light/brown colouration with Dalodesmus Cook, 1896, Eutubercularium Brölemann, 1916, and Phymatodesmus de Saussure & Zehntner, 1897, but differs conspicuously in somatic (paraterga projecting weakly before tergite 6, elongated shape of metatergal tubercles, paraprocts (pa) with dorsal setose knobs) and sexual characters (stoutly fused femorites and a unique five-branched gonopod with a retrorse branch). Here, we describe Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov. integratively, providing the first molecular data for Malagasy Dalodesmidae—via partial cytochrome c oxidase I (COI) sequences (GenBank PX922879–PX922581) and pioneer the first microcomputed tomography (μCT) images for a member of the family, alongside with multilayer photographs and scanning electron microscopy images.

Myriapoda, biodiversity, cytochrome c oxidase I gene, Lavasoa, µCT, microendemism

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., Living specimens, at type locality Lavasoa. Photos taken by Moritz Einhaus in 2025.
A. Adult female walking, dorsolateral view. B. Anterior half of body and head, lateral view. C. Midbody segments and legs, close anterodorsal view. D. Rolled-up female showing egg-care behaviour, lateral view. Not to scale.

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., holotype male (ZFMK MYR14588), focus-stacked images.
A. Head and first segments, dorsal view. B. Telson, lateral view. C. Telson, ventral view. D. Mid-body, dorsal view. E. Posterior half of body, dorsal view. F. Gonopods, ventral view. G. Gonopods, ventrolateral view. H. Gonopods, lateral view. Not to scale.

Abbreviations: Co = collum; db = dichotomous branch; ep = epiproct; h = head; hy = hypoproct; o = ozopore; pa = paraproct; pb = paramedian branch; rb = retrorse branch; sl = subsecuriform solenomere; T = tergite.

 Genus Alafanahydesmus new genus 

Type species: Alafanahydesmus lavasoa sp. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Malagasy words ala (forest) and fanahy (soul, spirit, inner essence), combined with the suffix -desmus, commonly used for Polydesmida. The name is treated as masculine.

Distribution: Currently only known from south-eastern Madagascar, the isolated rainforest of the Lavasoa-Ambatotsirongorongo area (Fig. 1).

Alafanahydesmus lavasoa gen. nov., sp. nov., Micro-CT scans, paratype male, (ZFMK MYR14544).
A. Lateral view. B. Anterior body half, showing detailed tergite pattern, dorsal view. C. Segments T9–T12 with stigma openings, ozopores, and  lateral  tergite  projections,  lateral  view. D.  Isolated  second  thoracic  segment  bearing  reduced  second  leg  pair. E.  Close-up  of  sternite  with  posterior  sternite  processes,  ventral  view. F. Telson  and  associated  structures,  ventral  view.  Not  to  scale.

Abbreviations: Co = collum; cx = coxa; ep = epiproct; fe = femur; h = head; hy = hypoproct; o = ozopore; pa = paraproct; pf = prefemur; po = postfemur; sti = stigma opening; s = setae; stp = sterite process; str = sternite; T = tergite; ta = tarsus; ti = tibia.

TIZIANO GOLLES, JEHOON YOO and THOMAS WESENER. 2026. Description before Extinction: A New Genus and Ninth Species of indigenous Polydesmida from Madagascar (Polydesmida: Dalodesmidae).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 109-124. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.4  [2026-05-08]

[Entomology • 2026] Pseudodelta melas • A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini) from Uganda

Pseudodelta melas

Bartsch & Sáfián, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9 

Abstract

In this study a new genus of Sesiini, Pseudodelta gen. nov., and its type species Pseudodelta melas sp. nov., are described from the Ziika (Zika) Forest, Uganda. This highly mimetic species bears a striking resemblance to Delta emarginatum (Linnaeus, 1758), the black mud wasp widespread in Africa, which is probably its model.

Lepidoptera, Cossoidea, new species, Afrotropical region, taxonomy

Pseudodelta melas holotype, male (1) upperside, (2) underside.

Pseudodelta melas holotype, genitalia structure.

Pseudodelta gen. nov. 

Etymology. The name refers to ancient Greek ψευδο [pseudo] = false, pretended, not real, and the genus Delta Fabricius, 1804 (Vespidae); gender is neuter.

Pseudodelta melas sp. nov. 

Etymology. Ancient Greek μέλας [mélas] = black, dark.

DANIEL BARTSCH and SZABOLCS SÁFIÁN. 2026. A New Wasp-mimicking Clearwing Moth from Uganda (Lepidoptera: Sesiidae: Sesiini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 184-188. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.9  [2026-05-08]

[Entomology • 2026] Chinaica myrica & C. viraktamathi • A New Genus of idiocerine Leafhoppers (Hemiptera: Auchenorrhyncha: Cicadellidae) from China on Waxberry, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Chinaica Zhang, gen. nov. 
Chinaica myrica Zhang, sp. nov. & C. viraktamathi Zhang, sp. nov.

in Zhang, Fu et Webb, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.188389

Abstract

A new genus of idiocerine leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae) from China, Chinaica Zhang, gen. nov., is described, with two new species: Chinaica myrica Zhang, sp. nov., (the type species) and Chinaica viraktamathi Zhang, sp. nov. Specimens were collected from waxberry, Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold & Zucc. (Myricaceae). The new genus is distinguished by its external morphology and male genital structures and is compared to similar genera.

Key Words: Amritodus, Auchenorrhyncha, Leafhoppers, morphology, new taxa, Paramritodus, taxonomy

Species of Chinaica Zhang, gen. nov., dorsal habitus and face.
 a–f. Chinaica myrica Zhang, sp. nov.; g–l. Chinaica viraktamathi Zhang, sp. nov.;
a–c, g–i. Male; d–f, j–l. Female.

Chinaica viraktamathi Zhang, gen. nov. et sp. nov.
a. Myrica rubra (Lour.) Siebold & Zucc. (Myricaceae), the host plant of Chinaica myrica & C. viraktamathi;  
b. A male adult in its natural habitat (male); c. A nymph of the same species.

 Bin Zhang, Ziyu Fu and Michael D. Webb. 2026. A New Genus of idiocerine Leafhoppers (Hemiptera, Auchenorrhyncha, Cicadellidae) from China on Waxberry, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Deutsche Entomologische Zeitschrift. 73(1): 105-113. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/dez.73.188389 [8 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae) • A New Fern Species From Guangdong, China

Leptochilus yangjiangensis F. G. Wang, Y. Huang & H. J. Zhou,

in Zhou, T. Wang, Huang, Fang, Zhang, G.-D. Chen, H.-F. Chen et F.-G. Wang, 2026. 

阳江线蕨  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73621

ABSTRACT

A new fern species, Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae), was discovered during field surveys in Ziluo Mountain, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. This study provides a detailed morphological description and illustrations of the new species. Morphologically, this species resembles Leptochilus pedunculatus and L. ovatus in plant height, petiole morphology, and soral morphology, but differs from them in its coriaceous laminae and lanceolate fertile fronds. To confirm its taxonomic status, phylogenetic analyses based on three plastid genome regions (rbcL, trnL-F, and rps4+rps4-trnS) indicated that the new species forms a distinct and well-supported monophyletic clade and is sister to L. dolichophyllus. Furthermore, the complete plastid genome of this new species is reported for the first time. Preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN guidelines, this new species enriches the diversity of Leptochilus.

Keywords: Leptochilus, morphology, new species, phylogenetic analysis, plastid genome

Habitat and morphology of Leptochilus yangjiangensis.
(A) Habitat. (B) Whole plant. (C) Habit. (D) Close-up of fronds with sori. (E) Scale structure under a biological microscope. (F) Spore morphology under a scanning electron microscope.

Photographs by Guo-Di Chen (A–D).

Leptochilus yangjiangensis F. G. Wang, Y. Huang & H. J. Zhou, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Leptochilus yangjiangensis is similar to both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus, but can be distinguished by the following diagnostic characters (Table 2): (1) lamina coriaceous (vs. herbaceous in both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus); (2) fertile fronds lanceolate (vs. ovate-lanceolate in both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus); (3) life form lithophytic (vs. lithophytic in L. pedunculatus and hemiepiphytic in L. ovatus). Additionally, it can be distinguished from its sister species L. dolichophyllus by the smaller plant size (fertile fronds 26.0–43.0 cm long vs. 43.0–60.0 cm long in L. dolichophyllus) and distinct life form (lithophytic vs. hemiepiphytic in L. dolichophyllus).

Hua-Jing Zhou, Ting Wang, Yi Huang, Yu-Han Fang, Bin Zhang, Guo-Di Chen, Hong-Feng Chen and Fa-Guo Wang. 2026. Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae), a New Fern Species From Guangdong, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73621 [14 May 2026]

 

[Arachnida • 2026] Kambiwa itacarambi, K. maracas, Sertana capivara, S. sagarana, ... • Ninetine Spiders in Brazilian Caatinga and Cerrado: Revision of Kambiwa and Description of Sertana gen. nov. (Araneae: Pholcidae), with analyses of predicted range shifts due to climate change

A–B. Kambiwa itacarambi Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NW of Itacarambi.
E–F. K. coribe Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from E of São Felix do Coribe.
G–H. K. maracas Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from S of Contendas do Sincorá.
K–L. K. mucuge Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ from NE of Mucugê.

in Huber, Meng, Král, Herrera et Carvalho., 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1054.3276 

Abstract

Among daddy long-legs spiders (Pholcidae), Ninetinae is a distinctive subfamily that comprises short-legged, fast-running spiders. Most species are small or tiny, lead reclusive lives, and are largely restricted to semiarid regions, which together has made them poorly collected and poorly known. Here, we build on focused recent collections in the Brazilian Cerrado and Caatinga biomes, two of the World’s richest tropical savanna, xeric shrubland and thorn forest regions. Our focus is on the taxonomy of the genus Kambiwa Huber, 2000 that previously contained only two nominal species, each known from a single locality. Combining morphological and molecular (CO1 barcode) data, we describe six new species in Kambiwa (K. brumado Huber sp. nov.; K. coribe Huber sp. nov.; K. ibo Huber sp. nov.; K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.; K. maracas Huber sp. nov.; K. mucuge Huber sp. nov.), redescribe the type species K. neotropica (Kraus, 1957), and synonymize the monotypic genus Pemona Huber, 2019 with Kambiwa, resulting in the new combination K. sapo (Huber, 2019) comb. nov. In addition, we describe a new genus of superficially Kambiwa-like spiders from the same geographic region: Sertana Huber gen. nov., with five new species (S. bumba Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. capivara Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. igapora Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. lapa Huber gen. et sp. nov.; S. sagarana Huber gen. et sp. nov.). In line with previous efforts to explore the processes underlying the geographical distribution of Ninetinae, we also evaluate the potential effects of future climate change on the environmental niche occupied by three selected species of Kambiwa. Our results corroborate previous findings that demonstrate an altitude-mediated response to climate change. For a highland species, areas of high habitat suitability almost disappear under more severe climate change scenarios. For two species with lowland records, the areas with high habitat suitability increase significantly. Finally, we analyze the male karyotype of K. ibo which consists of 28 chromosomes including a X1X2X3Y system. All chromosomes are biarmed except for the Y chromosome. This contribution concludes a series of publications on the subfamily Ninetinae. We use this opportunity to summarize current knowledge about the subfamily, to discuss open questions and knowledge gaps, and to suggest further research topics focusing on these tiny but exceptional pholcids.

Keywords: CO1 barcodes, climate change, karyotype, niche modeling, taxonomy

Kambiwa Huber, 2000; live specimens from Brazil; all at same scale.
A–B. Kambiwa itacarambi Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NW of Itacarambi. C–D. K. ibo Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from NE of Lagoa Grande. E–F. K. coribe Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from E of São Felix do Coribe.
G–H. K. maracas Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from S of Contendas do Sincorá. I–J. K. brumado Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ with egg sac from W of Marcolino Moura. K–L. K. mucuge Huber sp. nov., ♂♀ from NE of Mucugê.

Kambiwa Huber, 2000 spp., typical habitats; all localities are in Brazil.
A. Bahia, between Ibó and Curaçá; Kambiwa sp. aff. neotropica. B. Bahia, E of São Felix do Coribe; type locality of Kambiwa coribe Huber sp. nov. 
C. Bahia, NE of Brumado; type locality of K. brumado Huber sp. nov. D. Bahia, SW of Maracas; type locality of K. maracas Huber sp. nov.
E. Bahia, NE of Mucugê; type locality of K. mucuge Huber sp. nov. F. Minas Gerais, NW of Itacarambi; type locality of K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.

Kambiwa brumado Huber sp. nov.

 K. coribe Huber sp. nov.

K. ibo Huber sp. nov.

K. itacarambi Huber sp. nov.

 K. maracas Huber sp. nov.

 K. mucuge Huber sp. nov.

K. sapo (Huber, 2019) comb. nov.  

 Sertana Huber gen. nov. 

S. bumba Huber gen. et sp. nov. 

 S. capivara Huber gen. et sp. nov. 

 S. igapora Huber gen. et sp. nov.

S. lapa Huber gen. et sp. nov.

 S. sagarana Huber gen. et sp. nov. 

 

Bernhard A. Huber, Guanliang Meng, Jiří Král, Ivalú M. Ávila Herrera, Leonardo S. Carvalho. 2026. Ninetine Spiders in Brazilian Caatinga and Cerrado: Revision of Kambiwa and Description of Sertana gen. nov. (Araneae, Pholcidae), with analyses of predicted range shifts due to climate change. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1054(1), 1–126. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1054.3276 [2026-05-14]

[Paleontology • 2026] Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis • The First Sauropod Dinosaur (Titanosauriformes: Euhelopodidae) from the Lower Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation of Thailand enriches the Diversity of somphospondylan titanosauriforms in Southeast Asia

Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis 

Sethapanichsakul, Khansubha, Manitkoon, Hanta, Mannion & Upchurch, 2026

นาคาไททัน ชัยภูมิเอนซิส  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47482-x 

Artwork by facebook.com/DinoThaiThai

 facebook.com: Perth Thitiwoot

Abstract

Sauropod dinosaur remains comprise the majority of the Mesozoic vertebrate fossil record in Thailand. However, they are rare and fragmentary in the Aptian–Albian (Lower Cretaceous) Khok Kruat Formation, the stratigraphically youngest fossil-bearing Mesozoic Thai stratigraphic unit. Based on a partial postcranial skeleton, we present the first diagnostic sauropod specimen from this formation, which represents a new somphospondylan titanosauriform, Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis n. gen. n. sp. Nagatitan is diagnosed by two autapomorphies and a unique character combination, including the presence of two distinct hyposphene-hypantrum morphologies within the middle–posterior dorsal vertebrae. Phylogenetic analyses under maximum parsimony, using a data matrix containing 153 taxa and 570 characters, produce well-resolved topologies that place Nagatitan within the somphospondylan clade Euhelopodidae. Nagatitan does not form an endemic subclade with the approximately contemporaneous Southeast Asian euhelopodids Phuwiangosaurus and Tangvayosaurus, with a suite of anatomical features distinguishing these taxa. We estimate a body mass of 25–28 tonnes for Nagatitan, and suggest it was part of a broader middle Cretaceous body size increase in Asian titanosauriforms, facilitated by rising temperatures and expanded suitable habitat. The discovery of Nagatitan expands the known diversity of Southeast Asian sauropods and improves our understanding of titanosauriform biogeography within the region.

Schematic representation of the skeleton of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis gen. et. sp. nov. Preserved bones are highlighted. Scale bar equals 1 m.

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Saurischia Seeley, 1887

Sauropoda Marsh, 1878

Titanosauriformes Salgado, Coria & Calvo, 1997

Somphospondyli Wilson & Sereno, 1998

Euhelopodidae Romer, 1956 (sensu D’Emic, 2012)

Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis gen. et sp. nov.

นาคาไททัน ชัยภูมิเอนซิส

Holotype: SM2025-1-546 to SM2025-1-556—four dorsal vertebrae, five dorsal ribs, four sacral vertebrae, five sacral ribs, right humerus, right ilium, left and right pubis, mostly complete right femur.

Diagnosis: Nagatitan can be diagnosed by a unique combination of characters (autapomorphies denoted with an asterisk): (1) paired postzygapophyseal centrodiapophyseal fossa present on posterior dorsal neural arches; (2*) hyposphene of middle dorsal vertebrae exhibits a triangular morphology, becoming a vertical ridge in posterior dorsal vertebrae; (3) parapophysis positioned dorsal to the prezygapophysis on posterior dorsal neural arches; (4) spinopostzygapophyseal laminae of middle and posterior dorsal neural spines divided into lateral and medial branches throughout their length; (5) bifurcated middle dorsal neural spines; (6*) triangular anterior aliform processes present on posterior dorsal neural spines; (7) prominent bulge on posterolateral margin of humerus, approximately level with the deltopectoral crest, that interrupts the lateral humeral margin in anterior view; (8) rounded proximolateral corner of humerus; (9) humeral shaft exhibits a high eccentricity value (> 2.5); (10) distal end of the pubis transversely expanded along the lateral surface relative to the shaft; and (11) proximal third of femur with anteroposteriorly narrowed lateral margin forming a flange-like trochanteric shelf and a medially bounding vertical ridge along the posterior surface.

Locality and Horizon: Ban Pha Nang Sua, Nong Bua Rawe District, Chaiyaphum Province, Thailand; Khok Kruat Formation, Aptian–Albian, upper Lower Cretaceous. 

Etymology: The generic name is derived from Naga, referring to the mythological serpent-like creature found in various Asian cultures, especially in northeastern Thailand, often associated with water and Buddhism, and titan, a giant in Greek mythology. The specific epithet is derived from the province of Chaiyaphum, Thailand.

3D skeletal reconstruction by Matus Charoenjit

Stylized life reconstruction of Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis gen. et. sp. nov. within the arid floodplains of late Early Cretaceous Aptian–Albian Thailand  

Artistic reconstruction by Patchanop Boonsai (Draconos Takeji) 

Non-sauropod faunal remains discovered in the Ban Pha Nang Sua locality:
(a) Allosauroid tooth (SDM2025-1-562) in labial view, (b) spinosaurid tooth (SDM2025-1-561) in labial view, (c) crocodyliform tooth (specimen lost during the excavation) in lingual view, (d) Heteroptychodus steinmanni tooth (SDM2025-1-563) in apical view, and (e) mold of cf. Yunnanoconcha sp. (SDM2025-1-560) in external view. (f) Stylized illustration displaying the vertebrate fauna assemblage known from the Khok Kruat Formation modified from Manitkoon et al. 2023. Shaded black silhouette indicate tentative taxa. Nagatitan chaiyaphumensis gen. et sp. nov. shaded in blue. Scale bars equal 10 mm.

  

 

Thitiwoot Sethapanichsakul, Sasa-On Khansubha, Sita Manitkoon, Rattanaphorn Hanta, Philip D. Mannion and Paul Upchurch. 2026. The First Sauropod Dinosaur from the Lower Cretaceous Khok Kruat Formation of Thailand enriches the Diversity of somphospondylan titanosauriforms in Southeast Asia. Scientific Reports. 16; 12467. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-47482-x [14 May 2026]

 facebook.com/perth.thitiwoot/posts/3901053680026079

[Botany • 2026] Gaultheria rostrata (Ericaceae) • A New Species endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo,  

in Tamayo, Lagunday, Amoroso, Tandang, Fritsch et Medecilo-Guiang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2104 

Abstract

Gaultheria rostrata, a new species of wintergreen endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. It resembles Gaultheria bartolomei, endemic to Luzon Island, but differs by having a terrestrial habit, shorter petioles, longer pedicels, white or pale-pink corollas, coiled corolla lobes, longer anther tubules, and a longer style. The flowers of Gaultheria rostrata are unique among Asian species of Gaultheria on account of their coiled corolla lobes exposing the anthers and style at anthesis. This discovery raises the number of Gaultheria species in the Philippines to 16.

Keywords: Biodiversity, endemic, Gaultheria sect. Diplycosia, Southern Philippines, Taxonomy

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo, sp. nov.
A, Habit in situ; B, leafy branchlets; C, leaf, abaxial surface; D, leaf, adaxial surface; E and F, flowering branchlets; G, flower bud; H, I and J, upper pedicel, bracteoles and flower; K, stamens, ventral view.

Photographs: A–E and H, M. M. Medecilo-Guiang from M.M.M.-G. 1030; F, G, I and J, D.N. Tandang; K, M. N. Tamayo from M.M.M.-G. 1030.

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo, sp. nov.

This species resembles the Philippine endemic Gaultheria bartolomei (Ferreras & Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch but differs by having a terrestrial habit (vs epiphytic), shorter petioles (4–4.5 mm vs 5–7 mm), longer pedicels (20–35 mm vs 20–25 mm), white or pale-pink corollas (vs deep pink), corolla lobes coiled (vs reflexed), longer anther tubules (4–4.5 mm vs c.1 mm), and a longer style (10–11 mm vs c.8 mm).

Etymology. The specific epithet rostrata alludes to the morphological resemblance of the flowers of the new species to avian beaks or proboscides.

M. N. Tamayo, N. E. Lagunday, V. B. Amoroso, D. N. Tandang, P. W. Fritsch and M. M. Medecilo-Guiang. 2026. GAULTHERIA ROSTRATA (sect. Diplycosia, ERICACEAE), A New Wintergreen Species endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2104 [2026-05-05]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ingerana occidens • A river in between: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Garo and Khasi Hills, with A Redescription of Ingerana borealis (Annandale) from the Abor Hills, India

 Ingerana occidens 

Naveen, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2656411

 

ABSTRACT

I assessed morphological variation between two populations previously treated as Ingerana borealis, occurring allopatrically on either side of a prominent biogeographic barrier, the Brahmaputra River. Significant morphological differences were found between the population from the Garo and Khasi Hills (south of the Brahmaputra River) and the topotypic population of I. borealis from the Abor Hills (north of the river). Therefore, I provide a redescription of I. borealis based on topotypic material and restrict its distribution to regions north of the Brahmaputra. Based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment (446 bp), this lineage is found to be deeply divergent, showing 23.1–24.6% divergence from some sequences labelled and referred to as ‘true’ Ingerana tenasserimensis and 17.9 to 18.3% divergence from the Ingerana sp. occurring in the Khasi and Garo hill ranges south of the Brahmaputra. The Khasi and Garo hill populations also show 21.8 to 23.2% divergence from I. tenasserimensis and multiple morphological differences. Based on these differences between this distinct population and other known Ingerana species, I describe it as a new species here. The sequences of Ingerana species included in this study were not recovered as a monophyletic group in the phylogeny, suggesting that the genus-level taxonomy of this group may require further revision, or that some sequences may be misidentified. However, given the lack of information for some of these sequences, resolving this issue is beyond the scope of the present study; therefore, all taxa examined here are provisionally retained within Ingerana, following previous studies.

 

KEYWORDS: 16S rRNA, allopatry, Amphibia, biogeographic barrier, Brahmaputra River, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma region, occidens, paraphyletic, systematics

 Ingerana borealis in life.
(A) Female topotype (BNHS 6842); (B) male topotype (BNHS 6844).

Ingerana borealis (Annandale)

Diagnosis: A small-sized dicroglossid frog, distinguished by the following combination of characters: snout–vent length (SVL) ranging from 29.4 to 29.9 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 31.0 mm in a single adult female; head wider than long; supratympanic fold weakly developed; tympanum indistinct; thigh length greater than shank length (SHL/TL = 0.94); fingertips rounded to very small discs; dorsal surface prominently wrinkled; flanks wrinkled; ventral surface smooth; toe tips bearing small, rounded discs.

 Ingerana occidens sp. n. in life.
 (A) Male holotype (BNHS 6845); (B) female referred material (PU RSN A27); (C) female paratype (BNHS 6847).

 Habitat of  Ingerana occidens sp. n. 
 (A) Type locality, a stream near Wari Chora, Agalgre, South Garo Hills; B) A stream near Mawlynnong village, East Khasi Hills.

Ingerana occidens Naveen sp. n.

Definition: SVL 21.5–23.05 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 25.02–26.0 mm in females (n = 3); head wider than long; supratympanic fold well developed; tympanum distinct, circular, elevated in the centre to form a protrusion, more than half the diameter of the eye (VTYD/EL = 0.72–0.91) (n = 4); thigh length shorter than shank length; fingertips rounded to very small discs; dorsal surface weakly wrinkled; flanks wrinkled; ventral surface smooth; toe tips bearing small, rounded discs.

Etymology: 

Ingerana borealis was named borealis based on the Latin word for ‘north’. Although Annandale (1912) did not provide an explicit reason, the epithet likely reflects the species’ range being farther north than the known distribution of the South Indian endemic genus Micrixalus Boulenger, 1888, to which it was originally assigned. And this reasoning also applies to Ingerana, as it remains the northernmost known member of the genus based on currently available data.

The new species described herein is named occidens, derived from the Latin term ‘occidens’, meaning ‘west’, in reference to its range occurring west of the ranges of the two other currently recognised congeners. The distribution of this species thus marks the westernmost known extent of the genus’ range. The specific epithet is used as a noun in apposition.

The recommended English common name is western trickle frog.

 Map showing type localities and records from this study of the two Ingerana species from the Eastern Himalayas, separated by the Brahmaputra River.

 

 

R. S. Naveen. 2026. A river in between: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Garo and Khasi Hills, with A Redescription of Ingerana borealis (Annandale) from the Abor Hills, India. Journal of Natural History. 60(17-20); 1105-1125. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2656411 [27 Apr 2026]