[Herpetology • 2026] Feihyla wenshanensis & F. zhaotongensis • Two New Species of the Genus Feihyla (Anura: Rhacophoridae) previously confused with F. fuhua from Yunnan, China

 

Feihyla wenshanensis
Feihyla zhaotongensis

Liu, Bu, Feng, Zhang, Yang, Ma, Z. Chen, S. Chen, He, Zhong & Rao, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.94.16 

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Feihyla from Yunnan Province, China, are described based on morphological and molecular evidence. The two new species closely resemble F. fuhua and F. palpebralis, but they can be distinguished from the latter two species and from each other by a combination of morphometric characteristics and coloration: head length being greater than head width, interorbital distance being smaller than eye diameter, and toes being approximately one fourth webbed in the two new species, nostril being closer to eye than to snout tip, internasal distance being greater than interorbital distance, tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, and a pair of dark inverted bracket shaped pattern presenting on dorsum in the first new species from Wenshan Prefecture, and nostril closer to snout tip than to eye, internasal distance being smaller than interorbital distance, tibiotarsal articulation reaching center of eye, and a dark X-shaped pattern presenting on dorsum in the second new species from Zhaotong City. In the phylogenetic analysis, the two new species formed two distinct clades closely related to F. fuhua and F. palpebralis, and the genetic distances among them and F. fuhua and F. palpebralis ranged from 3.7% to 12.5% in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Key words: 16S rRNA, morphology,  phylogeny,  taxonomy, Wenshan,  Zhaotong.

The holotype of Feihyla wenshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 (A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C)left view; (D) right view.

Feihyla wenshanensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Body size small, SVL 26.1–29.0 mm in adult males; head length greater than head width; nostril slightly closer to eye than to snout tip; internasal distance greater than interorbital distance; pineal  ocellus  absent;  tympanum  indistinct;  vomerine  teeth  absent;  webbing  between  fingers  absent;  tibiotarsal   articulation   reaching   anterior   corner   of   eye   when   hindlimbs   pressed   forward;   toes   approximately one fourth webbed; inner metatarsal tubercle small, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; a pair of dark inverted bracket shaped pattern on dorsum; dorsal skin relatively smooth with many tiny tubercles, ventral skin of head smooth, surface of abdomen with flat granules.

An amplected pair of Feihyla wenshanensis sp.nov. (not collected) at the time of oviposition (A) and the eggs infected by fungi (B).

The holotype of Feihyla zhaotongensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C) left view; (D) right view.

Feihyla zhaotongensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Body size small, SVL 32.0–33.5 mm in adult males; head length greater than head width; nostril slightly closer to snout tip than to eye; internasal distance slightly smaller than interorbital distance; pineal ocellus present; tympanum indistinct; vomerine teeth absent; webbing between fingers absent;   tibiotarsal   articulation   reaching   center   of   eye   when   hindlimbs   pressed   forward;   toes   approximately one fourth webbed; inner metatarsal tubercle small, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; a dark X-shaped pattern on dorsum; dorsal skin relatively smooth with many tiny tubercles, ventral skin of head with dense tiny tubercles, surface of abdomen with small protruding granules.

 

Shuo Liu, Chao Bu, Yanfei Feng, Zhongbin Zhang, Sheng'ou Yang, Zhengyan Ma, Zhengquan Chen, Shaohui Chen, Kaihui He, Wenrui Zhong and Dingqi Rao. 2026. Two New Species of the Genus Feihyla (Anura: Rhacophoridae) previously confused with F. fuhua Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2010 from Yunnan, China. Ecologica Montenegrina. 94; 228-242. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.94.16 

[Herpetology • 2026] Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri • A New karst-dwelling Gecko Species (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Son La Province, Vietnam

 

 Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri

Pham, Nguyen, Pham, Ngo & Le, 2026

Thạch sùng dẹp ziegler  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.174678 

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular analyses, a new species of Hemiphyllodactylus is described from Son La Province, northern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. differs from its sister taxon, a paraphyletic H. yunnanensis, and other members of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus by at least 14% in terms of genetic divergence based on a fragment of the ND2 mitochondrial gene and a combination of the following morphological characters: SVL of adult males 38.7–41.9 mm and adult females 47.0–49.3 mm; dorsal scale rows 21–27; ventral scale rows 12–16; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formula 3444 (forefoot) and 4555/4 (hindfoot); femoral pores absent; precloacal pores 21–23 in males, absent in females; cloacal spur single, present in both sexes; dorsal trunk pattern yellowish grey; body with a discontinuous light dorsolateral stripe. Our discovery increases the number of species within the genus to 73.

Key words: Copia Nature Reserve, morphology, ND2 mitochondrial gene, northern Vietnam, taxonomy

The male holotype of Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. (HUS.2025.06) in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view.

Photos: Anh Van Pham.

Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. A bisexual taxon; SVL of adult males 38.7–41.9 mm, adult females 47.0–49.3 mm; dorsal scale rows 21–27; ventral scale rows 12–16; chin scales bordering mental and first infralabial distinctly enlarged; digital lamellae formula 3444 (forefoot) and 4555/4 (hindfoot);femoral and precloacal pores 21–23 in males, absent in females; cloacal spur single, present in both sexes; dorsal trunk pattern yellowish grey; body with a discontinuous light dorsolateral stripe.

 Anh Van Pham, Truong Quang Nguyen, Cuong The Pham, Hanh Thi Ngo and Minh Duc Le. 2026. Hemiphyllodactylus ziegleri sp. nov. (Squamata, Gekkonidae), A New karst-dwelling Gecko Species from Son La Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1268: 75-94. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.174678 [04 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Begonia matillanoae (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Palawan Island, Philippines

  

Begonia matillanoae Y.P.Ang & Langbao,  

in Ang, Marcos-Langbao, Camangeg, Jose, Diego et Tamayo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2102

Abstract

A new species, Begonia matillanoae, is here described and illustrated from Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Palawan Island, Philippines. It closely resembles Begonia cabanillasii but is distinct in having an ovate leaf with irregularly lobed margin, an acute leaf apex, and a 5-tepalled pistillate flower with the larger wing flat to shallowly cucullate. Begonia matillanoae is the latest addition to the Palawan begonias bearing a conspicuously 5-winged ovary. Based on IUCN guidelines, we here propose a  Critically Endangered (CR) conservation designation for this species. A revised key to Palawan Begonia sect. Baryandra bearing five or six conspicuous ovary wings is also provided.

Keywords: Granite, Protected area, Sunda, Taxonomy, Threatened species

Begonia matillanoae Y.P.Ang & Langbao, sp. nov.
 A, Habitat and habit; B, rhizome, showing details of stipules and base of petioles; C, petiole and leaf base attachment; D, bracts and unopened flowers; E and F, leaf adaxial and abaxial surface, respectively; G, inflorescence; H and I, staminate flower (face and side views, respectively); J and K, pistillate flower (face and side views, respectively); L, immature ovary; M, ovary (cross sections).

All photographs from ACAP57, taken by Y. P. Ang.

 Begonia matillanoae Y.P.Ang & Langbao, sp. nov.

Begonia matillanoae resembles B. cabanillasii in having white-pilose indumentum on its petioles, leaves and peduncles, a 4-tepalled staminate flower, and a conspicuously 5-winged ovary. However, it differs in having an ovate leaf shape (vs suborbicular) with shallow acutely lobed margin (vs crenate), an acute leaf apex (vs acute, obtuse or rounded), and a 5-tepalled (vs 4-tepalled) pistillate flower with largest wing flat to shallowly cucullate (vs distinctly cucullate). 

Y. P. Ang, A. B. Marcos-Langbao, L. M. Camangeg, E. D. Jose, J. M. L. Diego and M. N. Tamayo. 2026. Begonia matillanoae (BEGONIACEAE), A New Species from Malampaya Sound Protected Landscape and Seascape, Palawan Island, Philippines. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2102 [2026-02-03] 

[Entomology • 2025] Gametis polita • Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan

 

Gametis polita  

Seshima & Yoshida, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5

 

Abstract 

A new species of the flower chafer genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842, Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov., is described from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island in the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan, which was formerly misidentified as Gametis forticula (Janson, 1881). This is the first new species of the subfamily Cetoniinae sensu stricto described from Japan in approximately half a century. Using molecular and morphological evidence, we conclude that the genus Gametis comprises three species in Japan: G. forticula (Janson, 1881), G. polita sp. nov., and G. ishigakiana (Nomura, 1959), which was formerly treated as a subspecies of G. forticula. In addition, G. forticula miyakoana (Nomura, 1959) and G. forticula yonakuniana (Nomura, 1959) are transferred to subspecific status under G. ishigakiana.

Coleoptera, Cetoniini, cryptic species, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy, the Ryukyus

Gametis polita sp. nov.: 
1–7, male (holotype); 1–2, habitus, dorsal (1), and ventral views (2); 3, mesosternal process, ventral view; 4, pygidium, dorsal view; 5, parameres, lateral view; 6, parameres, dorsal view; 7, right protibia, anterior view. 8–11, female (paratype); 8–9, habitus, dorsal (8) and ventral views (9); 10, right protibia, anterior view; 11, color variation, dorsal view.

 Scale bars = 5 mm (1–2, 8–9, 11); 1 mm (4–7, 10); 0.5 mm (3).

Live specimens of Gametis, dorso-lateral view.
28–29, Gametis polita sp. nov., 28, habitus, 29, punctures on elytra;
30–31, Gametis forticula, 30, habitus, 31, punctures on elytra;
32–33, Gametis ishigakiana ishigakiana, 32, habitus, 33, punctures on elytra;
34–35, Gametis ishigakiana yonakuniana, 34, habitus, 35, punctures on elytra.

Habitat of Gametis polita sp. nov., Tarama-jima Island (type locality). Photo by Fubito Aizawa.

Gametis polita Seshima & Yoshida, sp. nov.

[Japanese name: Hisui-koao-hanamuguri]

YÛHI SESHIMA and TAKAHIRO YOSHIDA. 2025. Taxonomic Study of the Flower Chafer Genus Gametis Burmeister, 1842 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in Japan, with A Description of A New Species from Tarama-jima Island and Minna-jima Island, the Miyako Islands, southwestern Japan. Zootaxa. 5706(1); 79-92. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5706.1.5 [2025-10-09]

[Botany • 2022] Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae) • A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar

 

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh,  

     

in Shiga, Kato, Suzuki, ... et Itoh, 2022.   

   DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

Abstract

A new species of Sagittaria (Alismataceae), S. siamaginashi, characterized by a cylindrical branch with numerous tubercles in each leaf axil, is described from Thailand and Myanmar. The scapes and inflores- cences were not seen in nature, but gibberellin-treated individuals flowered under cultivation. In floral morphology, S. siamaginashi is similar to the Chinese endemic, S. lichuanensis. A phylogenetic study based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast rpl16 intron, psbA–trnH spacer and trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer regions showed that S. siamaginashi and S. lichuanensis were sister taxa. A key to the taxa of Sagittaria in E and SE Asia is also provided.

Keywords: psbA–trnH spacer, rpl16 intron, Sagittaria aginashi, Sagittaria lichuanensis, Sagittaria potamogetifolia, Sagittaria tengtsungensis, trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer

Holotype of Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov. (A. Tanutong 238-D)
 a, Magnified view of cylindrical branches (black arrows) with tubercles (white arrows) is also shown (b).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.
Habit (a, Khun Wang, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, August 12, 2004), flowering plant (b), branching inflorescence (c), staminate flower (d), pistillate flower (e), leaf (f), lateral leaf lobe apex (g), cross section of petiole in middle (h), sheath and tubercles (i), cylindrical branch with tubercles [dorsal (j) and ventral (k)], cylindrical branches with tubercles removed (l), and mature tubercles (m). Images in b–m are photographs of plants in cultivation. Inflorescences (b–e) were produced after plants were treated with gibberellin (see main text for details).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.

Haec species nova Sagittariae lichuanensi et S. aginashi proxime affinis est; sed ab ea axe axillari bulbifero sylindraceo et bulbillis pleiomeris (15–50) differ.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the former name of Thailand, Siam and the related Sagittaria aginashi. Dr. Jiro Harada, who originally found the species in 1986 (Harada et al. 1987), referred to the species as ‘Siam aginashi (Sagittaria sp.)’ in his publications (e.g. Harada et al. 2001, 2002, Niitsu et al. 2003, 2004a, 2004b, Suzuki et al. 2005). 

Thail name. Nor doa (Chiang Mai Province), Phak Gam (Northeast Thailand). 

Distribution and habitat. Thailand and Myanmar (Fig. 1). In ponds, marshes, riversides and paddy fields.

Takashi Shiga, Syou Kato, Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Kazumasa Tsubota, Siriporn Zungsontiporn, Tanchanok Jongrukthai, Ansaya Promma, Akekarat Tanutong, Mu Mu Aung, Norio Tanaka, Qixiang Lu and Kazuyuki Itoh. 2022. Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae): A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 73(1); 35-47. DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

  facebook.com/AquaticPlantsLab/posts/2899760326961969

[Botany • 2026] Primula daguanensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

Primula daguanensis W.B.Ju, B.Xu & J.Ru,

in Ru, Cheng, Xu, Guo et Ju, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.171019  

 

Abstract

Primula daguanensis W.B.Ju, B.Xu & J.Ru is described and illustrated as a new species from Daguan County, Yunnan Province, China. It is assigned to the Primula sect. Petiolares subsect. Davidii based on its conspicuous bud scales, which are membranous and persistent at anthesis, and its coriaceous, efarinose leaves. Molecular phylogenetic analysis based on the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS) shows it to be closely related to P. tridentifera of subsect. Petiolares, and morphological comparisons support its recognition as a distinct new species. It resembles P. epilosa, P. tridentifera, and P. bergenioides but can be distinguished by the following characters: petiole 1.0–4.5 cm long; leaves efarinose and obovate to oblanceolate, with undulate-dentate margins; abaxial reticulate veins inconspicuous, lateral veins 5–7 pairs; calyx parted to one-third, with broadly triangular lobes; and corolla lobes truncate at the apex, dentate, and bearing an annulus. P. daguanensis is currently known only from the collection locality, and its conservation status is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: New species, phylogeny, Primula daguanensis, taxonomy

Primula daguanensis sp. nov. 
A. Plant. B. Scales. C. Leaves. D. Bract. E. Top view of the flower. F. Pin flowers (left) and thrum flower (right). G. Calyx of thrum flower. Drawn by Dr. Zhen-long Liang.

Primula daguanensis sp. nov. 
A. Plant. B. Rhizome. C, D. Scales. E. Leaves. F. Abaxial leaf surface showing glandular hairs on the midrib. G. Bract. H. Pin flowers. I. Thrum flower.

Photographed by W.B.Ju.

Primula daguanensis W.B.Ju, B.Xu & J.Ru, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Primula daguanensis is morphologically similar to P. epilosa, P. tridentifera, and P. bergenioides in having a stout rhizome, membranous bud scales persistent at thesis, and a similar leaf outline (Fig. 3), but differs by a combination of characters: leaves efarinose, with undulate-dentate margins; adaxial surface smooth; abaxial reticulate veins inconspicuous; lateral veins 5–7 pairs; petiole 1.0–4.5 cm long; calyx parted to one-third of its length, with broadly triangular lobes; corolla bears an annulus, with lobes truncate at apex and dentate.

Habitat of Primula daguanensis sp. nov. (A–D).

Photographed by W.B.Ju.

Jian Ru, Xin-Yu Cheng, Bo Xu, Lian-Jin Guo and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula daguanensis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 270: 223-233. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.171019 [03 Feb 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Allium jammuense (Amaryllidaceae: Allieae) • A New Species from Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, India

 

Allium jammuense  

in Singh, U. Sharma, Thakur, Kumar et N. Sharma, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70033 

Abstract

Allium jammuense, a new species from the Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, India, is described here as a member of Allium subgenus Cepa section Cepa. The species is discovered based on a combination of morphological characteristics and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analysis based on nuclear ribosomal Internal Transcribed Spacer (nrITS) sequences supports that A. jammuense is closely related to A. farctum and A. roylei, forming a distinct clade. A detailed morphological description, identification key, comparative table, IUCN status, and photographic plate are provided to support its taxonomic placement.

Keywords: Allium jammuense, Herbarium of the University of Jammu (HBJU), Jammu, nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (nrITS), subgenus Cepa, temperate flora

Allium jammuense

Sunit Singh, Udhay Sharma, Sajan Thakur, Anant Kumar and Namrata Sharma. 2026. Allium jammuense (Amaryllidaceae: Allieae) a New Species From Subgen. Cepa (Mill.) Prokh. From Trikuta Hills of Jammu and Kashmir, India. New Zealand Journal of Botany. 64(1); DOI: doi.org/10.1002/nzb2.70033 [31 January 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Hechtia mixtecana (Bromeliaceae: Hechtioideae) • A New Species from Oaxaca, Mexico

Hechtia mixtecana  Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr.,  

in Hernández-Cárdenas, Espejo- Serna, López- Ferrari, Lara- Godínez et Siekkinen, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 

Abstract

Botanical explorations carried out in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, led to the discovery of a new Bromeliaceae: Hechtia mixtecana,which is here described and illustrated. The new taxon is compared with the morphologically similar Hechtia fragilis, Hechtia lyman-smithii, and Hechtia minuta. Hechtia mixtecana differs from these taxa by the orientation of the leaves (ascending to divaricate), by the architecture of the staminate (twice branched) and pistillate inflorescences (once to twice branched), and by the length of the primary branches of the pistillate inflorescence (15–28 cm). A complete morphological description, images, and a geographic distribution map of the new species are included, as well as a list of examined specimens.

Keywords: Balsas Basin Province, endemism, Monocots, Poales, Sierra Madre del Sur Province

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate and pistillate plants in bloom, (b) staminate primary branch, (c) staminate flower, (c1) floral bract, (c2) sepals, (c3) petals, (c4) stamens, (d) pistillate primary branch, (e) pistillate flower, (e1), floral bract, (e2) sepals, (e3) petals, (e4) pistil, (f) fruit, (g) seed. Illustration drawings a, b, c, d, e, f, g by M. T. Jiménez Segura; photographs c1–c4, e1–e4 by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov.
(a) Staminate flowers, (b) pistillate flowers. Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (a–b) Rosettes at the type locality.

Photographs by R. Hernández-Cárdenas.

Hechtia mixtecana Hern.-Cárdenas, Espejo & López-Ferr. sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Hechtia mixtecana is similar to H. fragilis but differs in the inflorescence of the staminate plants (twice branched versus once branched), in the presence of indument on its peduncle and floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote), in the shape (elliptic versus broadly ovate to oblong) of the petals of the staminate flowers; in the length of the primary branches of the pistillate plants (15–28 versus 1–6 cm), and in the presence of indument on its floral bracts (glabrous versus lepidote).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to and honours the Mixtec culture from Mexico. One of the regions occupied by the Mixtec ethnic group is located in northwestern Oaxaca, the area in which the type locality of the new species is found.

Rodrigo Alejandro Hernández- Cárdenas, Adolfo Espejo- Serna, Ana Rosa López- Ferrari, Sofía Ana Lucrecia Lara- Godínez and Andrew Siekkinen. 2026. Hechtia mixtecana sp. nov. (Hechtioideae; Bromeliaceae), from Oaxaca, Mexico. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05137 [02 February 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Lysimachia yulongensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Lysimachia sect. Pumilae from Yunnan, China

 

Lysimachia yulongensis  Z.K.Wu & Ming Y.Sheng,

in Sheng, Yang, Shuai, Chen, Yin et Wu, 2026.

玉龙珍珠菜  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.177773 

Abstract

Lysimachia yulongensis Z.K.Wu & Ming Y.Sheng, a new species of Primulaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence places L. yulongensis within Lysimachia sect. Pumilae, which is distinguished by dwarf plants with prostrate or nearly erect habits, few flowers clustered at the stem apex or solitary in the leaf axils near the apex, lanceolate sepals, elliptical and dorsifixed anthers and styles approximately as long as the stamens. The new species is characterised by a strongly stoloniferous growth habit, with creeping stems serving a vegetative function as stolon and terminating in leaf rosettes during fruiting; leaves that are narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate or spatulate; and flowers solitary in the leaf axils along obliquely ascending stems. Information on the distribution, phenology and conservation status of the new species is also provided.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, nomenclature, taxonomy, yu long zhen zhu cai, Yunnan

Lysimachia yulongensis sp. nov.
 A, B. Habitat; C, D. Habit during flowering; E. Habit during fruiting with stolons; F. Leaves, the left three: lower surface, the right three: upper surface; G. Flower with calyx; H. Dissected corolla showing anthers and stigmas; I. Young fruits. Photographed by Zhikun Wu.

Lysimachia yulongensis Z.K.Wu & Ming Y.Sheng, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species exhibits a floral morphology similar to that of Lysimachia prolifera and L. pumila, characterised by dwarf plants with creeping or nearly erect habits, few flowers clustered at the stem apex or solitary in leaf axils, lanceolate sepals, elliptical and dorsifixed anthers. However, it can be distinguished from these two species by several morphological features: a strongly stoloniferous growth habit, with creeping stems serving a vegetative function as stolon and terminating in a leaf rosette during fruiting; narrowly elliptic to oblanceolate or spatulate leaves; and flowers solitary in leaf axils along obliquely ascending stems.

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species is taken from the Chinese Pinyin ”Yulong”, the name of the mountain in north-western Yunnan, China, where the type specimen was collected (Map 1).

Ming-yun Sheng, Wu-hai Yang, Tian Shuai, Yu-fan Chen, Li-juan Yin, Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Lysimachia yulongensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Lysimachia sect. Pumilae from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys 270: 155-164. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.270.177773 

[Botany • 2025] Keetia magassoubiana (Rubiaceae: Vanguerieae) • A threatened evergreen forest Climber and an updated key to Keetia in West Africa

Keetia magassoubiana Cheek, 

 

in Cheek, Yasuda, Jongkind et Bowden-Pickstock, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10234-z

Summary

Keetia magassoubiana Cheek, an evergreen rainforest climber, is described and illustrated from the Republic of Guinea, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Ivory Coast. Previously indicated as being close to, but different from, K. tenuiflora (Hiern) Bridson, it differs in the glossy, black, glabrous, epidermis of the distal stem internodes; the first internode rarely with very sparse, red adpressed hairs (vs epidermis pale white-brown, with dense, pale yellow, spreading hairs); abaxial leaf surfaces with domed domatia with a central aperture (vs domatia absent or obscure); secondary stem leaf bases acute (vs obtuse to truncate); bracts forming a laciniate sheath on the distal peduncle (vs two opposite triangular bracts) and the pyrene surface honeycombed with pits (vs entire). The species was earlier included within Canthium multiflorum (Schum. & Thonn.) Hiern, now K. multiflora (Schum. & Thonn.) Bridson, in the Flora of West Tropical Africa, second edition. An updated key is presented to the 16 species of the genus from West Africa. Keetia magassoubiana is provisionally assessed using the IUCN standard as Endangered [EN B1ab(iii)] due to only five of the recorded 14 locations having extant forest habitat, and because of ongoing threats of habitat clearance, mainly for agriculture but also for mining.

Key Words: Conservation, extinction, liana

Keetia magassoubiana Cheek sp. nov.

Recognition. Keetia magassoubiana Cheek sp. nov. is close to but differs from K. tenuiflora in the glossy, black, glabrous epidermis of the distal stem internodes, rarely with very sparse red hairs (vs epidermis pale white-brown, densely pale yellow hairy in K. tenuiflora), abaxial leaf surface with domatia domed, with a central aperture (vs domatia absent or obscure), the secondary stem leaf bases acute (vs obtuse to truncate), the bracts forming a laciniate sheath on the distal peduncle (vs two opposite triangular bracts) and the pyrene surface honeycombed with pits (vs smooth).

Etymology. Named for Dr Sekou Magassouba, Director-General of the National Herbarium of Guinea (HNG) in the University of Gamal Abdel Nasser – Conakry, Republic of Guinea. Under his careful, tireless and diligent administration, HNG has increased greatly in its capacity to devise and manage projects, attract grants, to train students, including now at doctorate level for the first time and to develop publication of research and publicise the conservation of the threatened plant species and habitats of his country.

Martin Cheek, Shigeo Yasuda, Carel C. H. Jongkind and Joel Bowden-Pickstock. 2025. Keetia magassoubiana sp. nov. (Rubiaceae - Vanguerieae), a threatened evergreen forest climber and an updated key to Keetia in West Africa. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-024-10234-z

[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius malnatei • Taxonomic Reassessment of Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata: Natricidae), with the Description of A New Species from China

 

 Hebius malnatei  Li, Nguyen, Huang, Poyarkov, David, Li & Ren, 

 in M.-L. Li, Nguyen, Huang, Idiiatullina, Le, Poyarkov, David, Han, Wu, J.-T. Li et Ren, 2026.

云贵腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.176342 

Abstract

Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) has been reported from both northern Vietnam and southern China. Previous studies revealed deep genetic divergence between the Chinese and Vietnamese populations; however, no comprehensive taxonomic revision has examined the phylogenetic relationships and taxonomic status of these divergent lineages. Here, we present an integrative taxonomic reassessment of the H. atemporalis complex, combining detailed morphological comparisons and molecular data. As a result, we identify and describe a distinct new species, Hebius malnatei sp. nov., endemic to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau, China. The new species can be distinguished from H. atemporalis sensu stricto by its larger adult body size, shorter relative tail length, higher numbers of ventrals and subcaudals, and distinctive coloration characterized by the absence of a nuchal collar. Phylogenetic analyses based on cytochrome b sequences consistently recover Hebius malnatei sp. nov. as the sister taxon of H. atemporalis s. str., with uncorrected p-distances of 8.0–9.8%. According to the IUCN Red List criteria, we recommend assigning Hebius malnatei sp. nov. to the category Least Concern (LC). This study highlights the need for taxonomic revision of widely distributed Hebius species and underscores the role of the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau uplift in promoting species diversification.

Key Words: Cryptic diversity, cytochrome b, morphology, taxonomy, Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau

Photographs in life of Hebius malnatei sp. nov. from China:
CIB 122551, Pugu, Panzhou, Liupanshui, Guizhou (A); CIB 122558, Heilongtan Park, Kunming, Yunnan (B, C); Mengzi, Yunnan (D); Pugu, Panzhou, Liupanshui, Guizhou (E).

Photographs by J.J. Huang (A) and M. L. Li (B–E).

Hebius malnatei Li, Nguyen, Huang, Poyarkov, David, Li & Ren, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Hebius malnatei sp. nov. is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) small body size, maximum snout-vent length 416 mm; (2) head small, narrow, and moderately distinct from neck; (3) maxillary teeth 26–29, gradually enlarged posteriorly; (4) supralabials 6 (rarely 5), with the 3rd and 4th entering the orbit; (5) temporal scale absent or represented by a small narrow scale; (6) infralabials 7 (rarely 6); (7) dorsal scale rows 17-17-17, weakly keeled except for the outermost 1–6 rows; (8) ventrals 146–156 with two preventrals; (9) subcaudals 60–70, paired; (10) ventral surface of head white, scattered with black spots or streaks; (11) sutures of infralabials strongly edged in black; (12) a white to orangish nuchal collar absent; (13) dorsal ground color gradually changing from brown to dark olive, usually with a series of discontinuous light spots along the lateral side, forming an inconspicuous stripe; (14) tail relatively short (TaL/SVL ratio 0.22–0.27).

Etymology. The specific epithet malnatei is a patronym in genitive declension honoring Edmond V. Malnate (1916–2003), an American herpetologist who made significant contributions to the taxonomy and systematics of Asian colubrid snakes, especially within Natricidae, and who first revised the taxonomic placement of Hebius atemporalis. 

We recommend the following common names for this species: English: “Malnate’s Keelback”, Chinese (中文): “云贵腹链蛇” (Yún Guì Fù Liàn Shé) for its restricted distribution to Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau. Vietnamese: “Rắn sãi Man-lát”, French: “Couleuvre aquatique de Malnate”, Russian (Русский): “Лесной уж Мэлнейта” (Lesnoy Uzh Melneyta).

Distribution. Hebius malnatei sp. nov. is likely endemic to China, with its known range restricted to the Yunnan-Guizhou Plateau at elevations of 1,750–1,950 m a.s.l. (Fig. 5).

 Mao-Liang Li, Tan Van Nguyen, Jun-Jie Huang, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Son Xuan Le, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Patrick David, Bu-Ying Han, Wei Wu, Jia-Tang Li and Jin-Long Ren. 2026. Taxonomic Reassessment of Hebius atemporalis (Bourret, 1934) (Squamata, Natricidae), with the Description of A New Species from China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 235-251.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.176342 

[Paleontology • 2026] Sauropia macrorhinus • The Smallest Tetrapod from the Middle Triassic of South America: A New procolophonoid parareptile from the Ladinian of Southern Brazil

 

Sauropia macrorhinus

Müller, Roberto-da-Silva, Aurélio & Kerber, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35114-3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/400168701

Artwork by Caetano Soares.

 

Abstract

The Middle Triassic fossil record of South American parareptiles is scarce, with only a few procolophonoid specimens known. Here, we describe Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov., a procolophonoid from the Ladinian (Pinheiros-Chiniquá Sequence of the Santa Maria Supersequence) of southern Brazil. The holotype, a nearly complete skull measuring only 9.5 mm in length, represents the smallest tetrapod known from these deposits. Its unique combination of features includes a proportionally large external naris, slender dorsal ramus of the maxilla, broad interorbital space, and three premaxillary teeth. Phylogenetic analyses consistently recover Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. as an early-diverging procolophonid, although its phylogenetic placement is complicated by its putatively immature ontogenetic stage. Its morphology provides valuable insight into early developmental stages of parareptiles and contributes to the understanding of Middle Triassic terrestrial ecosystems. Based on size and dentition, the new taxon was likely insectivorous or fed on other small invertebrates, possibly being predated upon by small carnivorous organisms. This discovery expands the taxonomic and ecological diversity known for Middle Triassic faunas of South America and enhances our understanding of the structure and complexity of terrestrial food webs in Middle Triassic ecosystems, preceding the Carnian Pluvial Episode and the rise of dinosaurs.

Results of the phylogenetic analysis and ordinary linear regressions. (a) Time-calibrated reduced global strict consensus tree depicting the phylogenetic position of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. Values on the branches represent absolute (left) and GC (right) frequencies from symmetric resampling with no-zero weighting. The temporal bars for each OTU represent the maximum and minimum ages of each geological unit. Geological Time Scale was generated with GIMP version 2.8 (https://www.gimp.org/). Artistic representation of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. by Caetano Soares. (b) Scatter plots of log-transformed measurements of the skull length and the orbitotemporal length of selected procolophonoids (n = 31). Linear regression line is shown in black, with the 0.95 confidence interval indicated by red dotted lines.

Systematic paleontology

Parareptilia Oslo, 1947

Procolophonoidea Romer, 1956

cf. Procolophonidae Seeley, 1888

Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype CAPPA/UFSM 0510, an almost complete skull with mandible in occlusion.

Diagnosis: Sauropia macrorhinus differs from all other known procolophonoids with comparable material in (*local autapomorphies): Skull nearly as wide as it is long; proportionally large external naris (taller than the orbitotemporal fenestra)*; broad interorbital space in dorsal view; posterior margin of the orbitotemporal fenestra almost reaching the posterior end of the skull; premaxillae bearing three teeth; slender dorsal ramus of the maxilla*; absence of a temporal fenestra bordered anteriorly by the postorbital; U-shaped mandible in ventral view; and anterior maxillary teeth with a circular cross-section (not labiolingually expanded) and lacking a basal constriction.

Etymology: The genus name combines the Greek word “sauros” (= lizard) and the Portuguese word “piá” (= young boy), a regional term from southern Brazil rooted in Gaúcho culture, particularly in the state of Rio Grande do Sul, where it is commonly used to refer to a child. The name alludes to the small size and putative early ontogenetic stage of the holotype. The specific epithet combines the Greek words “makros” (= large) and “rhinos” (= nose or snout), in reference to the proportionally enlarged external naris of the holotype.

Artistic representation of Sauropia macrorhinus gen. et sp. nov. 

Artwork by Caetano Soares.

 

Rodrigo T. Müller, Lúcio Roberto-da-Silva, Pedro Lucas Porcela Aurélio and Leonardo Kerber. 2026. The Smallest Tetrapod from the Middle Triassic of South America: A New procolophonoid parareptile from the Ladinian of Southern Brazil. Scientific Reports. 16: 866. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-35114-3 [28 January 2026]

 Researchgate.net/publication/400168701_a_new_procolophonoid_parareptile_from_the_Ladinian_of_Southern_Brazil