[Mammalogy • 2026] Glauconycteris baka & G. lobeke • An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest

A. Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Djombi village, LNP;
B. G. beatrix, ♂, Pont cassé platform, LNP; 
 C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Mambele village, LNP. 

Gomeh-Djame, Bates, Juste, Suarez-Rubio, Torrent, García-Mudarra, Ayangma, Yettore, Bilong & Bakwo-Fils, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038

Not to scale.

Abstract 

The genus Glauconycteris (Vespertilionidae) comprises small, forest-dependent bats distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its distinctive morphology, the genus remains poorly represented in collections and its taxonomy unresolved. During recent field surveys in southeastern Cameroon, ten Glauconycteris specimens were collected from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest, eight from Lobéké National Park (LNP) and two from the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR). Morphometric and molecular analyses assigned these specimens to eight species, including representatives of three species groups (poensis, beatrix, and humeralis). One species, G. superba, is recorded for the first time from Cameroon and two are described herein as new to science, Glauconycteris baka sp. nov. and Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. These findings increase the total number of recognised Glauconycteris species to 15 and confirm that G. beatrix, as previously understood, represents a species complex, revealing further cryptic diversity within the genus. By combining taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, our results indicate that most members of the genus tolerate moderate habitat degradation and that all 11 species recorded from Cameroon occur within or adjacent to at least one protected area. This study provides the first integrated taxonomic assessment of Glauconycteris in Cameroon, refines species distributions, and contributes additional ecological data for three species (G. gleni, G. egeria, and G. curryae) currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Our findings underscore the importance of continued sampling in the Guineo-Congolian region to better inform the conservation of Africa’s forest-dependent bats.

Key words: Conservation status, cryptic diversity, forest dependent bats, Guineo-Congolian region, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Three small, morphologically similar species of Glauconycteris from Cameroon with dark pelage and wings, a pale shoulder spot and no lateral stripe shown at an enlarged scale to highlight diagnostic external characters. Ventral/lateral views above, dorsal view below.
A. G. lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.11.19.151, Djombi village, LNP; B. G. beatrix, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.182, Pont cassé platform, LNP; C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.07.18.18, Mambele village, LNP.  Not to scale.

Additional species of Glauconycteris recorded in Cameroon, illustrating broader variation in size and pelage across the genus. Species order follows Table 1.
A. Glauconycteris superba, ♂, Mes 26, Mba’a village, DBR; B. G. gleni, ♂, (subadult), AD.2024.22.05.222, Yenga fishing site, LNP; C. G. variegata, ♂, AD.2024.Z73, Zega village, LNP;
D. G. argentata, ♂, Mbouroukou école publique, Mount Manengouba National Park; E. G. curryae, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.181, Pont cassé platform, LNP. The focal, closely related species are illustrated at larger scale in Fig. 3. Not to scale.

 

Glauconycteris baka sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the Baka people, who live in and around LNP, and who have a close relationship with the forest and its wildlife. The name was discussed with members of the local community, including through park rangers, and was positively received, with community members expressing pride in the association. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon Baka’ and the proposed English name is ‘Baka butterfly bat’.

Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after Lobéké National Park, where the individuals were captured. We wish to draw attention to the important role the park can play in protecting a highly diverse fauna of Congolian forest bats, including new and rare species. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon de Lobéké’ and the proposed English name is ‘Lobéké butterfly bat’.

 Aicha Gomeh-Djame, Paul J. J. Bates, Javier Juste, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Laura Torrent, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Eugenie Agodigo Ayangma, Félécité Yettore, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong and Eric-Moise Bakwo-Fils. 2026. An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest. ZooKeys. 1282: 161-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038 [15 Jun 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hippocampus amandavincentae • A New Species of Spiny Seahorse (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) from Indian Ocean, with Redescription of H. histrix and H. jayakari

 

Hippocampus amandavincentae  

Shalu, Short, Raghavan, Ramvilas & Ranjeet, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.4  

 facebook.com/RajeevRAGHAVAN98

 

Abstract

The thorny seahorse, Hippocampus histrix Kaup, 1856, has long been treated as a single, widely distributed species ranging from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. Morphological and molecular evidence now demonstrate that this broad concept encompasses at least three diagnosable species. Examination of Indian Ocean specimens combined with mitochondrial COI sequence analysis reveals a new lineage herein described as Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov., based on material from southeastern India and corroborated by published sequences from Madagascar, Mozambique, the Seychelles, and the northern Red Sea. The new species is diagnosed by a shorter snout, five coronet spines, and spines present on all principal trunk and tail ridges. A published COI sequence from the northern Red Sea places H. amandavincentae in apparent sympatry with Hippocampus jayakari Boulenger, 1900, in that region, indicating that the distributional boundary between these two species requires targeted field investigation. Hippocampus histrix sensu stricto is redescribed and its distribution restricted to the Pacific Ocean, including Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, based on direct examination of type material. Hippocampus jayakari, described from the Gulf of Oman, is confirmed as a distinct species of the northwestern Indian Ocean, readily distinguished by four cleithral spines with the ventral-most bifurcate, a shorter and deeper snout, and spines confined to alternating tail rings. Together, these three species represent geographically coherent lineages whose delineation resolves over a century of misidentification in museum collections and online databases, stabilises the application of long-used names, and provides a practical framework for regional conservation assessment and future systematic research on spiny seahorses across the Indo-Pacific.

Pisces, barcoding, India, species complex, taxonomy, thorny seahorse

Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov.

Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov.

Kannan SHALU, Graham SHORT, Rajeev RAGHAVAN, Ghosh RAMVILAS and Kutty RANJEET. 2026. A New Species of Spiny Seahorse, Hippocampus amandavincentae, with Redescription of H. histrix and H. jayakari (Teleostei: Syngnathidae).  Zootaxa. 5862(2); 271-292. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.4 [2026-08-05] 

  facebook.com/RajeevRAGHAVAN98/posts/10162487911550938

[Mammalogy • 2026] Colobus congoensis • Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo

Colobus congoensis  

  J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis et Detwiler, 2026 

 

Likweli  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857

 

Abstract

We describe and name a new species of African monkey, Colobus congoensis sp. nov. (Primates, Cercopithecidae), from the interfluve region of the Lomami and Congo (Lualaba) Rivers in east-central Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Colobus congoensis is a rare and cryptic monkey, poorly known even by local communities bordering its range, some of whom use the vernacular name Likweli for the species. Between 2018 and 2022, 114 field observations were made over an estimated range of 1,700 km2. Colobus congoensis is largely restricted to high, closed canopy forest on deep clay pediments and islands of terra firme forest, where it co-occurs with two other colobine species (Piliocolobus parmentieri and Colobus angolensis). Colobus congoensis was most frequently observed in small groups (mean = 6.2 individuals), often in mixed-species associations. Mitochondrial and morphological data confirm the attribution of C. congoensis to the genus Colobus and reveal that it is the sister to Colobus satanas, from which it is geographically separated by more than 1,200 km. Comparative analysis of C. congoensis vocalizations also reveals structural similarities with C. satanas to the exclusion of other Colobus species. Among other features, C. congoensis is distinguished from C. satanas and other Colobus species by its small size, a striking orange cream patch surrounding the mouth, philtrum, and portions of the inferior nasal alae on an otherwise black face, and a white perianal patch that is covered with fine white hairs in males and is glabrous in females. We propose a preliminary IUCN Red List classification of Endangered (EN) for C. congoensis based on its small range area and population size, coupled with the projected impact of increased hunting pressure and habitat conversion. Protection of Lomami National Park, within which most of the C. congoensis range occurs, and engagement of local communities in not hunting the species are the most important actions needed to ensure the conservation of C. congoensis.

An illustration of Colobus congoensis, whose common name is the local vernacular name, “likweli.”

Illustration: Kimio Honda

Systematics 

Family Cercopithecidae Gray, 1821

Subfamily Colobinae Blyth, 1863

Subtribe Colobina Blyth, 1863

Genus Colobus Illiger, 1811

Colobus congoensis and C. satanas in life.
(A & B) Colobus congoensis, Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo.
(C & D) C. satanas, Lope National Park, Gabon.

Photo credits:(A) Daniel Rosengren, (B) Bravo Bofenda, (C) Martin Royele/Royele Safaris, (D) Barna Takats. Photos used with permission.

Colobus congoensis J. Hart, Amboko, Arenson, Horton, Coates, Kapale, Koko, T. Hart, Gilbert, Sargis, and Detwiler, sp. nov.  

 

Etymology: The nominal congoensis refers to the species range limited to the Democratic Republic of Congo. Likweli, the vernacular name given to the species by communities bordering its range, is the recommended common name.

Diagnosis and Description: A small, long-tailed Colobus monkey that exhibits little sexual dimorphism in overall pelage coloration. The pelage of the limbs and torso is black. Hair length is longest on the upper shoulders and back (Color 89 in [54]), producing a sheen in some lighting and a cape-like pelt in some individuals. Body hairs are relatively short (~9–12.5 cm long in the male; ~ 6–8 cm long in females at mid-dorsum). The tail is largely black. Older individuals may show gray hairs (Glaucous Colors 79–80 in [54]) along the caudal dorsum and the tail, as seen in YPM MAM 17308, which also exhibits heavily worn dentition in the associated cranium, indicating an advanced age for this individual (Text A and Fig B in S4 File). The single male examined had a small, black terminal tail tuft in the fresh specimen, not seen on the two females. The head in both sexes is framed by long black hairs (~4–6 cm) on the forehead and sides of the face. The dark glabrous face is marked in both males and females by ...

  

John A. Hart, Junior D. Amboko, Julia L. Arenson, Emma R. Horton, Kathryn F. Coates, Jean-Pierre I. Kapale, Mardoché B. Koko, Terese B. Hart, Christopher C. Gilbert, Eric J. Sargis and Kate M. Detwiler. 2026. Likweli: A remarkable New Species of Colobus Monkey from the Lomami National Park, Democratic Republic of Congo. PLoS One. 21(7): e0349857. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0349857 [July 15, 2026]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] The Oldest Shark Face—Anatomy of the Devonian elasmobranch Phoebodus

Phoebodus saidselachus Frey, Coates, Ginter, Hairapetian, Rücklin, Jerjen & Klug, 2019

in Klug, Greif, Pohle, Ginter, Coates, Haouz, Lagnaoui, Pople et Frey, 2026. 

www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012902025.html 

Phoebodus was recognized as the earliest elasmobranch known from articulated remains, a group which constitutes most modern cartilaginous fish comprising sharks, skates and rays. Its elongate body, the presence of two dorsal fins with fin spines, and the elongate head had already been described. Based on spectacularly well-preserved fossils, we add new anatomical information on its exact body proportions, the paired and caudal fins, the dermal denticles, the skull morphology, the endocast, and the gill skeleton. These new skeletons from the Famennian (Upper Devonian) of Morocco (c. 367 Ma) permit a much-improved reconstruction of the anatomy of Phoebodus. The new materials comprise the oldest elasmobranch specimens preserving the complete head in three dimensions. Additionally, the new materials yield information about growth and diet and thus position in the trophic network. Despite the newly coded characters, the phylogenetic position of the genus Phoebodus with the oldest teeth dating to the early Givetian remains that of the oldest stem-elasmobranch in the Bayesian analyses.

Key words: Chondrichthyes, Elasmobranchii, Famennian, ontogeny, exceptional preservation, Fossillagerstätten

Phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. A. PIMUZ A/I 5751, prep. T. Imhof, largest individual, nearly complete. B. PIMUZ A/I 5752, prep. T. Imhof, second largest individual, only caudal region missing; for details of the skull see Fig. 2. C. PIMUZ A/I 5753, prep. M. Greif, anterior half, excellent integument, fins and brachial region. D. PIMUZ A/I 5754, prep. R. Roth, two superimposed chondrichthyans; the skull in the middle is Maghriboselache mohamezanei with further remains; the straight, complete skeleton belongs to Phoebodus; the latter preserves the caudal fin. E. PIMUZ A/I 4712, holotype, smallest skeleton, nearly complete, modified after Frey et al. (2019a).

Skeletal reconstruction of the phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. A. PIMUZ A/I 5754, caudalis. B, C. PIMUZ A/I 4712, posterior and anterior dorsal fins. D. PIMUZ A/I 5752, anterior dorsal fin. E. PIMUZ A/I 5751, caudalis. F, G. PIMUZ A/I 5753, pectoral fin and branchial basket. H. PIMUZ A/I 5752, head. The photos are not to scale. The scale refers only to the drawing.

Systematic palaeontology 

Chondrichthyes Huxley, 1880 

Elasmobranchii Bonaparte, 1838 

Phoebodontiformes Ginter et al., 2010 

Genus Phoebodus St. John & Worthen, 1875

Reconstructions of an adult female and juvenile male of the phoebodontiform elasmobranch Phoebodus saidselachus Frey et al., 2019a, middle Famennian, Upper Devonian, southern Maïder, Anti-Atlas, Morocco. We incorporated the new anatomical details particularly in the proportions and the fin shapes. The juvenile is reconstructed after the holotype.

  

Christian Klug, Merle Greif, Alexander Pohle, Michał Ginter, Michael I. Coates, Wahiba Bel Haouz, Abdelouahed Lagnaoui, Jonathan Pople, and Linda Frey. 2026. The Oldest Shark Face—Anatomy of the Devonian elasmobranch Phoebodus. Acta Palaeontologica Polonica. 71 (2), 2026: 399-430 DOI:10.4202/app.01290.2025  https://www.app.pan.pl/article/item/app012902025.html

Linda Frey, Michael Coates, Michał Ginter, Vachik Hairapetian, Martin Rücklin, Iwan Jerjen, Christian Klug. 2019. The early elasmobranch Phoebodus: phylogenetic relationships, ecomorphology and a new time-scale for shark evolution. Proc Biol Sci. 286 (1912): 20191336. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2019.1336

[Botany • 2026] Buchnera hirsutorepens • A New Species of prostrate Orobanchaceae from Zambia and DR Congo, along with a revised description of Buchnera prorepens

Buchnera hirsutorepens  J.K.Gibson & I.Darbysh., 

 Buchnera prorepens Engl. & Gilg, 

in Gibson, Sichamba et Darbyshire, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10349-x

Summary

A new species of Buchnera L. is described, Buchnera hirsutorepens, from south-eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, and central and eastern Zambia. Buchnera hirsutorepens is split from Buchnera prorepens Engl. & Gilg, which is also redescribed here, its range now encompassing Angola and Western Zambia. These two species are unique in the genus Buchnera in their prostrate habit and axillary flowers. They can be separated from each other by differences in indumentum of the inflorescence and leaves, bract shape, pedicel length and relative length of the corolla tube to the calyx. A distribution map of georeferenced specimen localities of the two species is provided, along with information on their habitat and ecology, and an evaluation of their conservation status based on IUCN guidelines and criteria.

Key Words: Africa, Red List assessment, Savanna, taxonomy, vicariance 

Buchnera hirsutorepens.
A habit (as on sheet); B stem indumentum; C leaf, adaxial surface, with indication of indumentum; D leaf indumentum; E flower, with bract and bracteole; F trichome, from corolla tube entrance; G petal margin; H calyx tube; J ovary, style and stigma; K corolla tube.

 A – D from D. B. Fanshawe F.1963 (holotype K), E – K from E. Robinson 2580 (K). 

drawn by Andrew Brown.

A Buchnera prorepens, Dec. 2023 in the Western Province, Zambia.
B Buchnera hirsutorepens, Feb. 2022 in Shiwa-Ngandu District, Zambia.

photos: Nicholas Wightman.

Buchnera hirsutorepens J.K.Gibson & I.Darbysh. sp. nov. 

 

John K. Gibson, Mpande Sichamba and Iain Darbyshire. 2026. Buchnera hirsutorepens, A New Species of prostrate Orobanchaceae from Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo, along with a revised description of Buchnera prorepens.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10349-x [13 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Platylepis avaratraensis (Orchidaceae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar and its taxonomic position in Goodyerinae

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., 

in Hermans, Ranirison, Havinga, Iharivolana et Nusbaumer, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a1

 Abstract  

Taxonomy and molecular research in the genera of the subtribe Goodyerinae (Orchidaceae) from Madagascar and adjacent islands of the western Indian Ocean are discussed. The characteristics of Goodyera R.Br. and Platylepis A.Rich. are compared, their history is presented, and the respective species currently accepted for the region are detailed. A new species, Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., is described from the Sava region in northern Madagascar. It is most similar to P. humicola (Schltr.) Schltr. but differs by the wider leaves, shorter floral bracts, flower colour, narrower sepals and a lip with distinct calli. The distribution and ecology of the new species are discussed and its conservation status is provisionally assessed as “Endangered” following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

KEYWORDS: conservation, Goodyera, Goodyerinae, Madagascar, new species, ORCHIDACEAE, Platylepis, taxonomy

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb.
A: plant in its habitat; B: inflorescence with buds, flowers and young fruits; C: flower, front view with an insect (potential pollinator of the species); D: leaves; E: flowers, ovary and bracts from side view; F: fruits

 [A–D: Nusbaumer et al. 5055; E: Iharivolana & Havinga 47; F: Donati et al. 61] 

[Photos: A–D: L. Nusbaumer; E: A. Havinga; F: Iharivolana]

Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Platylepis avaratraensis is distinct from all other Madagascar species of the genus, and especially from P. humicola, by its long erect stem, narrowly elliptic to sub-ovate leaves (l/w ratio: 2.5–3/1), long inflorescence with a laxly flowered rachis in the apical third, floral bracts about as long as the pedicellate ovary, the rachis stem, ovary and exterior of the sepals and petals densely hirsute to villose with fine white hairs, the pale flowers with an orange-pink base to the lip, the obscurely 3-lobed lip with strongly involute margins, but without a spur, scattered thorn-like calli along the base, the curving epichile, ending in a fleshy, strongly recurved bilobed appendage, and the distinctly bifid rostellum.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to the North (Avaratra in Malagasy) indicating its distribution in the northern part of Madagascar.

Johan Hermans, Patrick Ranirison, Alessandra Havinga, Iharivolana, Louis Nusbaumer. 2026. Platylepis avaratraensis (Orchidaceae), A New Species from northern Madagascar and its taxonomic position in Goodyerinae. Candollea. 81(1); 1-6. DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a1 (17 June 2026)   

Les recherches taxonomiques et moléculaires sur les genres de la sous-tribu Goodyerinae de Madagascar et des îles adjacentes de l'océan Indien occidental sont discutées. Les caractéristiques de Goodyera R.Br. et Platylepis A.Rich. sont comparées, et leur histoire est présentée. Les espèces actuellement acceptées par les auteurs pour la région sont détaillées. Une nouvelle espèce d'orchidée, Platylepis avaratraensis Hermans & Nusb., est décrite dans la région de Sava, au nord de Madagascar. Elle est illustrée et comparée à d'autres espèces du genre. Elle est la plus proche de P. humicola (Schltr.) Schltr., mais se distingue par ses feuilles plus larges, ses bractées florales plus courtes, la couleur de ses fleurs, des sépales plus étroits et un labelle avec des callosités distinctes. La distribution et l'écologie de la nouvelle espèce sont discutées et son statut de conservation préliminaire est évalué comme «En danger» suivant les Catégories et Critères de la Liste rouge de l'UICN.

[Botany • 2025] Dombeya scorpioides (sect. Xeropetalum; Malvaceae) • A New Species from southeastern Madagascar

 

 Dombeya scorpioides Jourdain Fievet & Applequist, 
 

in Jourdain Fievet, Le Prchon, Dubuisson et Applequist, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.3.2

Illustration by Ludivine Lougou. 

Abstract

Dombeya scorpioides, a new endemic species of Dombeya (Malvaceae) from southeastern Madagascar, is described. Morphological analysis places this species within Dombeya section Xeropetalum as defined by Arènes. The species is distinguished by its unique biparous cyme, unusually elongated with mostly scorpioid terminal units. It is further differentiated from other species with similar narrow leaves by its hispid ovary with well-developed stellate hairs. Due to its restricted geographic distribution and past and future threats to its habitat, this species should be classified as Endangered according to IUCN Red List Criteria.

conservation status, endemism, scorpioid cyme, Eudicots

Morphological features of Dombeya scorpioides.
 A. Habit. B, C. Flower. D. Flower bud. e. Gynoecium. F. Part of theandroecium. g. Petal. H. Sepal, adaxial face. I. Sepal, abaxial face, with zoom on the hairs on the left.

Drawn from Rabevohitra et al.4121bis (P). Illustration by Ludivine Lougou, January 2025.

Dombeya scorpioides Jourdain Fievet & Applequist, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis:—Dombeya scorpioides Jourdain Fievet & Applequist differs from D. oblongipetala Arènes (1958: 438) in its longerinflorescences with often scorpioid branches, broader petals, a stellate-hispid ovary, and a longer style.

Lucile JOURDAIN FIEVET, Timothee LE PECHON, Jean-Yves DUBUISSON and Wendy APPLEQUIST. 2025. Dombeya scorpioides (Malvaceae: Dombeyoideae), A New Species from southeastern Madagascar.  Phytotaxa. 704(3); 232-238. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.3.2 [2025-06-10]

[Botany • 2025] Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from northern Madagascar

 

Gravesia gautieri Almeda & R.B.Pacifico, 

in Almeda et Pacifico, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 

  Researchgate.net/publication/396286653

Abstract

Gravesia gautieri, a new species from northern Madagascar, is described, illustrated, mapped, and compared with presumed relatives based on morphological characters. It is readily diagnosed by its sparingly branched suffrutescent habit, 3-nerved leaf blades that are coarsely and remotely serrate at least distally with a sparse cover of minute brown granular hairs and ± appressed smooth hairs abaxially, long-pedunculate umbellate inflorescences, ± terete and ecostate hypanthia, obsolete calyx lobes with callose-thickened teeth borne on and barely exceeding the calyx tube in length, and dorso-basal subulate staminal appendages that are deflexed to variously coiled.

Andrafiamena-Andavakoera, Madagascar, new species, paleotropics, Sonerileae, Eudicots

 

 Photos of living plants of Gravesia gautieri.
A. Habit. B. Flower close-up.

FRANK ALMEDA and RICARDO PACIFICO. 2025. Gravesia gautieri (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae), A New Species from northern Madagascar.  Phytotaxa. 721(3); 288-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.721.3.8 [2025-10-08] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/396286653_Gravesia_gautieri_a_new_species_from_northern_Madagascar

[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]

[Botany • 2026] Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) • A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania

Afzelia corallina  A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi, 

in Bianchi, Baldesi, Calzoni, Delledonne, Focaia, Luke, Khamis, Tomasi et Orsenigo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903

Abstract

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi (Fabaceae: Detarioideae) is described from the coral rag forests of the Tondooni Peninsula in the Ngezi–Vumawimbi Forest Reserve on Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. Morphologically distinct from all known members of the genus, this large, emergent tree shows the closest affinities to Afzelia quanzensis but differs in several vegetative and floral characters, including its falcate leaflets, highly branched terminal inflorescences, petal colour, the colour of stamens, and the number of extra staminodes. The species is currently known only from a restricted coastal limestone habitat, indicating a micro-endemic distribution. An updated diagnostic key to East African Afzelia species is provided. This discovery highlights the botanical uniqueness and conservation importance of Pemba’s remaining forest ecosystems.

Key words: Afzelieae, Detarioideae, new species, Ngezi, taxonomy, Vumawimbi

Afzelia corallina. a. Flower close-up showing two rudimentary subulate petals; b. Single flower; c. Inflorescence. Pictures by: Andrea Bianchi.

Afzelia corallina A.Bianchi, S.Orsenigo & Baldesi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species is similar to Afzelia quanzensis but can be distinguished by paniculate inflorescence (vs. racemose or one-forked inflorescence), number of flowers per inflorescence (up to 150 vs. 4–12), colour of the large petal (white and red, with a white median stripe vs. entirely green outside and red inside, occasionally mottled with white or greenish-white), the shape of small petals (subulate vs. clavate), the colour of stamen and staminodes that are crimson red in A. corallina and green, often with a red base, in A. quanzensis. Moreover, A. corallina shows a bigger style (40–50 mm vs 25 mm) and ovary (7 × 2.2–2.7 vs. 3.5 × 1.5 mm) compared to A. quanzensis. Finally, pods are thinly woody and 1–4 seeded (vs. thickly woody and 5–13 seeded in A. quanzensis), and seeds have much smaller aril (4–5 vs. 8–13 mm long) (Table 1).

 

Etymology. The epithet corallina (from the Latin ‘corallium’, coral) refers to this species’ habit of growing on coral rag, a rubbly limestone composed of ancient coral reef material. Furthermore, the colourful and dense inflorescence may resemble a coral head, as does the red marking on the large petal.

 Andrea Bianchi, Giacomo Baldesi, Daniela Calzoni, Massimo Delledonne, Riccardo Focaia, Quentin Luke, Khamis A. Khamis, Laura Tomasi and Simone Orsenigo. 2026. Afzelia corallina (Fabaceae), A New micro-endemic Tree from Pemba Island, Zanzibar, Tanzania. PhytoKeys. 273: 55-69. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.273.186903 [9 Apr 2026]

  

[Arachnida • 2026] Androctonus tinzaouatinensis • A New scorpion Species (Scorpiones: Buthidae) from In Guezzam Province, Algeria

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis 

Yağmur, Benali, Derradj & Bikada, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 

facebook.com: Lotfi Derradj

 ABSTRACT

A new scorpion species, Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. is described and illustrated from the hyperarid Saharan regions of the Tin Zaouatine District, In Guezzam Province and Timiaouine District, Bordj Badji Mokhtar Province, southern Algeria. This new species represents the first record of the genus Androctonus from the Timiaouine and Tin Zaouatine areas. It is compared with congeners from Algeria and Niger, notably A. ajjer Ythier, Sadine, Alioua & Lourenço, A. amoreuxi (Audouin), and A. eburneus (Pallary).

 

KEYWORDS: Morphology, taxonomy, Tin Zaouatine, Sahara, endemic

Androctonus tinzaouatinensis sp. n. 

 

Ersen Aydın Yağmur, Noureddine Benali, Lotfi Derradj and Manna Bikada. 2026. Androctonus tinzaouatinensis A New scorpion Species from In Guezzam Province, Algeria (Scorpiones: Buthidae). Journal of Natural History. 60(17-20); 1033-1047. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2642870 [21 Apr 2026]

  facebook.com/loufigg/posts/26922273914042828