[Ichthyology • 2026] Prognathodes thanatos • A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology

 Prognathodes thanatos

 Tea, Blum, Rocha, Parkinson & Stanley, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038  

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

 Abstract 

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, is described on the basis of the holotype from Mozambique, Africa. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of live coloration details and morphological characters: head and body silvery white with three broad, dark brown bands; pelvic fin including spine black; dorsal-fin rays XIII,19; anal-fin rays III,15; lateral line short and incomplete with 26–29 pored scales; gill rakers 4 + 12–13 = 16–17; snout length 12.6% SL; and angle of preopercle finely serrate. The new species appears to be most closely related to Prognathodes guyotensis, a poorly known, deepwater species of butterflyfish known from very few specimens. The assignment of both species to the genus Prognathodes is accompanied by a critical reassessment and discussion of the currently inadequate definition of the genus.

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, SAIAB 80277, holotype, 100.3 mm SL, off Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Africa in (A) fresh and (B) preserved coloration.
Photographs by (A) P. Heemstra, South African Institute of Aquatic Biology, copyright 2025, used with permission, and (B) C. Phan, Australian Museum Research Institute, copyright 2025.  x.com/IchsAndHerps

Underwater photographs of Prognathodes thanatos, new species, taken using remotely operated submersibles.
(A–B) 200 m, Comoro Islands; (C) depth unknown, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; (D) depth unknown, likely >100 m, Leadsman Canyon, Sodwana Bay, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Yi-Kai Tea, Stanley D. Blum, Luiz A. Rocha, Kerryn Parkinson and Edward L. Stanley. 2026. A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3); 474-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038 (15 September 2026)  

 x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/2103540682904199366

 www.instagram.com/p/DdZv3B9E20t

[Botany • 2026] Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs (Malvaceae: Adansonia) reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species

 Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar.  

in Karimi, Grover, Wendel et Baum, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

Abstract

Baobab trees (Adansonia) are iconic members of Madagascar's biota that serve as emblems for the island's unique biodiversity. Despite this recognition, many questions remain regarding evolutionary relationships and species limits within the genus. We used custom-designed targeted sequence capture data to obtain phased allelic sequences for hundreds of nuclear loci and plastomes. Using broad geographic sampling, representing all species in the genus, and including a few possible hybrid individuals, we reconstructed the population history of Malagasy baobabs using network inference methods to detect reticulation. We obtained a species tree that is well supported, but with clear cases of reticulation, most notably admixture between Adansonia rubrostipa and A. madagascariensis in northwestern Madagascar, and instances of introgression involving the widespread species, A. za. Analysis of exclusivity factors suggests elevating one variety of A. za to the species rank, and also raises the possibility, pending additional sampling, of splitting A. rubrostipa into two species. We discuss the implications of gene flow on species delimitation and diversification in the context of conservation efforts for these iconic and threatened trees. Given our results, we formally resurrect the species A. bozy from A. za var. bozy, thus raising the number of endemic Malagasy baobab species from six to seven.

Keywords: conservation, exclusivity factors, hybridization, introgression, phylogenetic networks, species delimitation

A, Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar. Samples analysed are indicated on the map by coloured points. Stars indicate sampled individuals of possible hybrid origin based on morphological traits that are intermediate between two currently recognized species;
B, Images of trees, flowers, and fruit for the six species of baobab endemic to Madagascar;
C, Photo of a flower of the possible A. za × A. perrieri individual; D, Photo of the putative A. rubrostipa × A. madagascariensis individual. 

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

  

Nisa Karimi, Corrinne E. Grover, Jonathan F. Wendel and David A. Baum. 2026. Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176 [12 July 2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Olotimcolobus narokensis & Lemucolobus orkimusei • A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya

 

Olotimcolobus narokensis

Arenson, Gilbert, Yang, Ambrose, Kinyanjui, Manthi, DiMaggio & Hammond, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 

ABSTRACT

Objectives: The late Miocene Lemudong'o Formation in southwestern Kenya (6.2–6.0 Ma) samples an important period in Africa when early representatives of modern catarrhine clades (Hominidae and Cercopithecidae) appear. Fossils collected from this formation before 2007 include three species of colobine monkey. However, several new fossils have been recovered, including a partial cranium, calling for a reassessment of Lemudong'o Formation cercopithecid taxonomy.

Materials and Methods: This study describes 79 new cercopithecid specimens from collection years 2007–2016 and 2019–2024. These specimens, together with previously published material from the Lemudong'o Formation, are compared to fossil cercopithecids from other contemporaneous sites in Africa as well as a sample of extant cercopithecids.

Results: New material supports the presence of the three previously identified colobine taxa and identifies a novel fourth colobine species. The novel colobine species is described as Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov., and the previously recognized small indeterminate colobine is here named Lemucolobus orkimusei gen. et sp. nov. Existing hypodigms are refined in light of this new taxonomy. A papionin is also identified from this formation for the first time, adding to the scant late Miocene cercopithecine record.

Discussion: The Lemudong'o Formation is remarkable for its high cercopithecid diversity in the Late Miocene. The predominance of colobines here and at other contemporaneous sites (e.g., Lukeino, Lothagam, Nakali, Toros Menalla) suggests that colobines were more diverse than cercopithecines through the early part of their radiation. Possible ecological factors are discussed in the context of early cercopithecid diversity and evolution.

 Olotimcolobus narokensis gen. et sp. nov.

 

Julia L. Arenson, Christopher C. Gilbert, Deming Yang, Stanley H. Ambrose, Rahab N. Kinyanjui, Fredrick K. Manthi, Erin N. DiMaggio and Ashley S. Hammond. 2026. A Systematic Revision of the Late Miocene Cercopithecid Monkeys From the Lemudong'o Formation, Kenya. American Journal of Biological Anthropology. 190(3); e70317. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ajpa.70317 [27 July 2026]

Descobreixen dos nous gèneres de primats de fa 6 milions d’anys en un jaciment fòssil de Kenya

https://www.icp.cat/index.php/ca/sala-de-premsa-4/noticies-icp/item/3708-descobreixen-dos-nous-generes-de-primats-de-fa-6-milions-d-anys-en-un-jaciment-fossil-de-kenya

[Paleontology • 2026] Cranial Anatomy of the Middle Eocene Egyptian crocodylian Herugavialis cairensis provides Nnew Insights into gavialoid diversity in the Mediterranean Region

 

Life reconstruction of Herugavialis cairensis depicted with The Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza in the background. 

Herugavialis gen. nov.
Herugavialis cairensis n. comb. (Müller, 1927)

in Burke, Spiekman, Salem, Saber, Sallam et Mannion, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261173

Artwork by Karim Zanaty.

Abstract

Gavialoidea is presently composed of only two extant crocodylian species, the Indian gharial Gavialis gangeticus, and the false gharial Tomistoma schlegelii, both from southeast Asia. However, Gavialoidea displays a rich and near-cosmopolitan diversity in the fossil record, with over 40 species currently recognized. Several of these gavialoids are recovered from Cenozoic deposits in the Mediterranean region, with many assigned historically to the genus Tomistoma. However, recent phylogenetic analyses do not typically recover these species as closely related to the false gharial, with several fossil species in need of taxonomic revision. Here, we present a detailed re-evaluation of one of these species, Tomistoma cairense from the Middle Eocene Mokattam Formation of Egypt, based on the holotype skull and several referred specimens. Supplemented by endocranial anatomy revealed via computed tomography (CT), we identify numerous anatomical differences with T. schlegelii and other gavialoids, including the approximately contemporaneous Egyptian species, Eogavialis africanum and Paratomistoma courti. These differences are reinforced through phylogenetic analysis under maximum parsimony, in which T. cairense is recovered as a gavialoid that does not cluster with T. schlegelii or Mediterranean taxa. We erect a new genus name for T. cairense, with the resultant new combination of Herugavialis cairensis diagnosed by several characteristics, including telescoped orbits. An apparent decline in Mediterranean gavialoid diversity during the Late Eocene–Oligocene is potentially driven by a reduction in habitat, as a result of global cooling and declining eustatic sea level. Warming in the Miocene might have facilitated a subsequent rebound in gavialoid diversity, prior to the extirpation of crocodylians in the Mediterranean region in the Late Miocene, which might have been caused by the Messinian Salinity Crisis. The taxonomic revision of additional Mediterranean gavialoid species should facilitate greater insight into their evolutionary history and demise.

Keywords: Gavialoidea, Mediterranean, Crocodylia, Tomistoma, neuroanatomy, phylogeny

Eusuchia Huxley, 1875

Crocodylia Gmelin, 1788

Gavialoidea Hay, 1930

Herugavialis gen. nov.,

 

Herugavialis cairensis n. comb. Müller, 1927 

Tomistoma cairense (Müller, 1927).

Etymology: Heru, after the Egyptian god (also known as Horus), is often associated with, and possibly the inspiration for, the Great Sphinx of Giza. The latter was sculpted from the Mokattam Formation, from which the type specimen of H. cairensis was recovered, with both sharing the absence of the anterior tip of their nose/snout. The genus suffix, -gavialis, reflects the relationship of H. cairensis to Gavialis gangeticus within Gavialoidea. Accordingly, the original species epithet, cairense, is modified to cairensis to agree with the masculine gender of Herugavialis.

  

Locality and horizon: The holotype and referred specimens were collected from Gebel Mokattam, east of Cairo, in northeastern Egypt. They were recovered from the Mokattam Formation, which is a nummulitic marine limestone dated to the Lutetian, Middle Eocene.

 Diagnosis: Within Gavialoidea, H. cairensis is characterized by a unique combination of characters: (i) lacrimal with an anteroposterior length more than twice that of the prefrontal; (ii) telescoped orbit formed by raised margins of the lacrimal, prefrontal and frontal; (iii) a squamosal wherein the dorsal and ventral margins do not diverge anteriorly; (iv) the distance between the distal tip of the paraoccipital process and the distal end of the quadrate condyle is greater than the maximum mediolateral width of the latter; and (v) a blunt dural peak on the encephalic endocast.

Life reconstruction of Herugavialis cairensis in left lateral view. Herugavialis is depicted with The Great Sphinx and pyramids of Giza in the background.

 Artwork by Karim Zanaty.

 

 Conclusions: 

The redescription of the holotype and referred specimens of the Middle Eocene crocodylian species ‘Tomistoma’ cairense demonstrates numerous morphological differences from extant T. schlegelii. Coupled with the recognition of several autapomorphies, as well as its phylogenetic separation from T. schlegelii, we erect the new genus, Herugavialis cairensis. Herugavialis can be differentiated from approximately contemporaneous Egyptian gavialoids by numerous anatomical features, exemplifying the diversity of gavialoids in the Mediterranean region during this period. Global cooling and a drop in eustatic sea level during the Late Eocene–Oligocene potentially limited suitable habitat for gavialoids in the Mediterranean region, with subsequent increases in eustatic sea level and temperature potentially facilitating the return to high gavialoid diversity observed in the Miocene. The taxonomic classification of some of these European species awaits re-evaluation, which will facilitate greater insight into the evolutionary history of the Mediterranean gavialoids.

Paul M. J. Burke; Stephan N. F. Spiekman; Belal S. Salem; Sara Saber; Hesham M. Sallam and Philip D. Mannion. 2026. Cranial Anatomy of the Middle Eocene Egyptian crocodylian Herugavialis cairensis provides Nnew Insights into gavialoid diversity in the Mediterranean Region. R. Soc. Open Sci 13 (10): 261173. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rsos.261173 [07 Oct 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Geckolepis bekira, G. spania & G. modesta • Reverse Taxonomy of Fish-scale Geckos (Gekkonidae: Geckolepis) using shotgun sequencing for museomics-based assignment of Historical Names to Genetic Lineages

 

 species and subspecies of Geckolepis
(C) Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.; (B) G. spania sp. nov.

Vences, Glaw, Köhler, Miralles, Preez, Preick, Rakotoarison, Scherz, Hofreiter and Petzold, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.21.2.1

Abstract

Fish-scale geckos (Geckolepis), endemic to Madagascar and the Comoro Islands, are nocturnal, arboreal lizards with large, imbricate scales that can be shed and regenerated in their entirety, most likely as an antipredator mechanism. Their species-level taxonomy has remained partly unresolved because morphology alone has proven insufficient to reliably assign genetic lineages to scientific names. Here, we use a museomics approach to extract and shotgun-sequence DNA from twelve liquid-preserved historical and mostly name-bearing type specimens of six historical nomina in the genus, and assemble sequences of the mitochondrial genes for 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and nd4 for ten of these specimens. Despite relatively low coverage, the assembled sequences robustly placed all these type specimens in a phylogenetic tree with 113 ingroup samples collected across Madagascar. Our results demonstrate the efficiency of this approach to recover mitochondrial evidence for taxonomic purposes, but also show its failure to recover reads matching single-copy nuclear genes. We discuss the promise of a renewed focus on nuclear ribosomal genes as complementary nuclear-encoded DNA barcodes for vertebrates, as we found 18S rRNA sequences to be well-represented among the reads of the historical specimens studied here. Based on evidence from the mitochondrial tree, two nuclear-encoded genes (C-MOS, RAG-1), and morphology, we resurrect G. typica var. modesta Methuen & Hewitt, 1913 as a full species, G. modesta, from north-western Madagascar, confirm the current use of the name G. maculata Peters, 1880 for specimens from northern and eastern Madagascar, of G. polylepis Boettger, 1893 for specimens from western and north-western Madagascar, and of G. typica Grandidier, 1867 for specimens from southern and south-western Madagascar. We also recognize G. typica var. anomala Mocquard, 1902 as a subspecies, G. typica anomala, and confirm G. petiti Angel, 1942 to be a synonym of this subspecies. We also describe two new species, G. bekira sp. nov. and G. spania sp. nov. from northern Madagascar. The new classification provides a robust baseline to identify the remaining taxonomic issues in the genus and tackle them, preferably using genomic approaches which are also promising to better understand the molecular mechanisms of scarless wound healing and skin regeneration in these geckos.

Squamata, Gekkonidae, Geckolepis spania sp. nov., Geckolepis bekira sp. nov., Madagascar, museomics, archival DNA, Pisces

Representative photos in life of all species and subspecies of Geckolepis according to the classification proposed herein. All specimens except G. modesta and G. maculata from Manombo correspond to genotyped individuals. Not to scale.

Photos of the preserved holotypes of the two new species described herein,
Geckolepis spania sp. nov. and Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.
 For each species, lateral, dorsal and ventral views of head, and dorsal view of entire specimen are shown.

Photos in life of the holotypes of the two new species described herein.
(A, B) Geckolepis spania sp. nov., holotype, probably a subadult, ZSM 2124/2007 (FGZC 1140) from Ankarana.
(C, D) Geckolepis bekira sp. nov., the adult male holotype ZSM 1523/2008 (FGZC 1971) from Montagne des Français.

Geckolepis bekira sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Assigned to the genus Geckolepis based on molecular phylogenetic relationships and body covered with large, imbricated scales. Based on morphological data of Lemme et al. (2013), characterized by snout–vent length <54 mm, 25–28 scales around midbody, 33–43 ventral scale rows, condition A or B of mental scale, eight supralabials, and usually a dark stripe from eye to ear opening. The new species differs from G. humbloti, G. maculata, G. megalepis and G. modesta by a smaller body size (SVL in these species reaching up to 65–75 mm), from G. megalepis and G. modesta furthermore by more scales around midbody (25–28 vs. 17–25), and from G. megalepis also by more ventral scale rows (33–43 vs. 27–32); from G. typica by a different condition of mental scale (A or B vs. D); from G. polylepis by having fewer ventral scale rows (33–43 vs. 48–55) and more scales around midbody (25–28 vs. 35–38). The new species can be differentiated from all other species and lineages in the genus complex by numerous diagnostic nucleotide positions in the mitochondrial genome. MolD identified for the nd4 fragment a robust diagnostic nucleotide combination of an “A” at site 904, a “C” at site 975, and a “T” at site 1002 (positions relative to the full nd4 gene of Geckolepis).

Etymology. The species name is derived from the Malagasy words be (= big) and kira (= scale), referring to the large imbricated scales that distinguish this and other species of Geckolepis from other Malagasy geckos. The species epithet is an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

Geckolepis spania sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Assigned to the genus Geckolepis based on molecular phylogenetic relationships and body covered with large, imbricated scales. Characterized by small body size (but holotype is probably not adult), 26 scales around midbody, 34 ventral scale rows, condition A of mental scale, 7–8 supralabials, and presence of a dark stripe from eye to ear opening. The new species differs from G. modesta and G. megalepis by more scales around midbody (26 vs. 17–25), and from G. megalepis also by more ventral scale rows (34 vs. 27–32); from G. maculata (A+B) by more scales around midbody (26 vs. 22–25); from G. maculata (C) by fewer ventral scale rows (34 vs. 36–42); from G. humbloti by a larger number of supralabials compared to most specimens of that species (7–8 vs. 5–7); from G. typica by a different condition of mental scale (A vs. D); from G. polylepis by having fewer ventral scale rows (34 vs. 48–55) and fewer scales around midbody (26 vs. 35–38); reliable morphological differentiation from G. bekira is not possible at present. The new species can be differentiated from all other species and lineages in the genus complex by numerous diagnostic nucleotide positions in the mitochondrial genome. MolD identified for the nd4 fragment a robust diagnostic nucleotide combination of an “A” at site 876, and a “C” at site 943 (positions relative to the full nd4 gene of Geckolepis).

Etymology. The species name is a latinized adjective derived from Greek σπάνιος (spánios = rare), used in the feminine gender in agreement with the genus name. It refers to the rare occurrence of this species, which is known from a single collected specimen, despite numerous herpetological explorations of its type locality, Ankarana National Park. 

  

Miguel VENCES, Frank GLAW, Jörn KÖHLER, Aurélien MIRALLES, Louis Du PREEZ, Michaela PREICK, Andolalao RAKOTOARISON, Mark D. SCHERZ, Michael HOFREITER and Alice PETZOLD. 2026. Reverse Taxonomy of Fish-scale Geckos (Geckolepis) using shotgun sequencing for museomics-based assignment of Historical Names to Genetic Lineages. Megataxa. 21(2); 207-232. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/megataxa.21.2.1 [2026-09-22]

[Entomology • 2024] Pterotiltus ngoylaensis, P. campoensis, Parapterotiltus bamboutos & Parapterotiltus minimoides • New Species of Pterotiltus from Cameroon, and A New Genus, Parapterotiltus (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oxyinae)

 

[A-D] Parapterotiltus bamboutos sp. nov. and
[E, F] Parapt. minimoides sp. nov.  

Ngoute & Rowell, 2024 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jor.33.96043  

Abstract

The genus Pterotiltus Karsch, 1893 currently includes 12 described species from the equatorial forests of West and Central Africa. Here, we describe two new species from lowland forests of Southern Cameroon: Pterotiltus ngoylaensis sp. nov., and Pterotiltus campoensis sp. nov. We further describe two new species and the previously undescribed female of Pterotiltus minimus Ramme, 1929 from the highland areas of West Cameroon. These highland species share a suite of characters that distinguish them from Pterotiltus; these characters include structures of both the male and female reproductive systems, tegmina not completely regressed, and generally smaller size. To accommodate these differences between the species, we erect the new genus Parapterotiltus gen. nov. with P. minimus as the type species and include in it Parapterotiltus minimoides sp. nov. and Parapterotiltus bamboutos sp. nov.

Keywords: Caelifera, Cameroon, grasshoppers, taxonomy, tropical forest

Parapterotiltus bamboutos sp. nov. and Parapterotiltus minimoides sp. nov. habitus.
A, B. P. bamboutos male; C, D. P. bamboutos female, showing both brown and green color forms;
E, F. P. minimoides male; G, H. P. minimoides female.

Order ORTHOPTERA Olivier, 1789

Superfamily ACRIDOIDEA MacLeay, 1821

Family ACRIDIDAE MacLeay, 1821

Subfamily OXYINAE Brunner von Wattenwyl, 1893

Genus Parapterotiltus gen. nov.

Type species.— Pterotiltus minimus Ramme, 1929.

Etymology.— Greek Para, near, close to; Pterotiltus, a genus of oxyine grasshopper, erected by Karsch, 1893.

Diagnosis.— Differs from Pterotiltus Karsch, 1893 only in the following particulars (Table 3): Size generally smaller; males average 12–14 mm in length, females 16–22 mm. Cuticle of fastigium and vertex in head and of thoracic and proximal abdominal tergites, coarsely punctate. Tegmina present but micropterous, barely exceeding the mesothoracic segment, rounded and sometimes brightly ...

 

Charly Oumarou Ngoute and C.H.F. Rowell. 2024. New Species of Pterotiltus from Cameroon, and A New Genus, Parapterotiltus (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oxyinae). Journal of Orthoptera Research. 33(1): 127-146. DOI: 10.3897/jor.33.96043  

[Entomology • 2025] Digentia viridissima • Review of the African Genus Digentia Stål, 1878 (Orthoptera: Acrididae: Oxyinae)

 

 Digentia viridissima

 Ngoute & Rowell, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jor.34.126949

Abstract  

The genus Digentia Stål, 1878 currently has four described species from the tropical forest areas of West Central Africa. Here, we describe a new species, Digentia viridissima sp. nov., and its natural habitat in the swamps of the humid forests of southern Cameroon. Additionally, we include a description of Digentia punctatissima (Stål, 1875) and redescriptions of Digentia rufogeniculata (Bolívar, 1911), Digentia fasciata Ramme 1929, and Digentia karnyi Ramme 1929. We also provide a key to identify the species of the genus.

Keywords: Caelifera, grasshopper, taxonomy, new species, tropical forest

Habitus of Digentia viridissima sp. nov.
A. Male, lateral view (photo from Ngoyla, Division of Haut-Nyong, Cameroon, 29. 04. 2019, (ONC); B. Male, dorsal view (photo from Ngoyla, Division of Haut-Nyong, Cameroon, 29. 04. 2019, (ONC); C. Female, latero-dorsal view. Photo from Ngutadjap, Division of Vallée-du-Ntem, Cameroon, 07. 04. 2023, (ONC).

 Digentia viridissima sp. nov.

Type locality.— CAMEROON, Division of Vallée du Ntem, Ngutadjap.

Etymology.— From Latin, viridissima, which means “greenest.” Refers to the external habitus of the species, which is the greenest in the genus.

 

Charly Oumarou Ngoute, C. H. F. Rowell. 2025. Review of the African Genus Digentia Stål, 1878 (Orthoptera, Acrididae, Oxyinae). Journal of Orthoptera Research. 34(1): 11-30. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/jor.34.126949

 

[Entomology • 2026] Paragomphus matroka • A New Hooktail Species (Odonata: Gomphidae) from the Rainforests of eastern Madagascar

 

Paragomphus matroka

Bedjanič, Bernard, Daraż & Yu, 2026  

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.2.4

Abstract  

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. (holotype ♂: Madagascar, Taolagnaro District, Iaboakoho, Réserve de Ressources Naturelles de la Forêt Naturelle de Tsitongambarika, Ampasy; Lat. -24.57840°, Lon. 47.14493°; 4.xii.2024; to be deposited in RMNH, Leiden), is described as new to science. The new endemic species is known only from the holotype, the paratype deposited in the MNHN, Paris, and an additional specimen deposited in NHRS, Stockholm. It has been recorded from three localities in the eastern part of the island, scattered over a distance of 1,033 km, within the Madagascar Humid Forests ecoregion. Despite the pronounced variation in the colour pattern, the three known specimens are interpreted as conspecific based on concordant diagnostic morphological characters, particularly the nearly identical structure of the secondary genitalia and cerci. The new species is related to P. fritillarius (Selys, 1892) and P. sofiae Bernard & Daraż, 2026. From these two more brightly coloured, spotted Hooktail species, P. matroka sp. nov. differs in its considerably darker colouration, a reduced pattern of smaller light markings on the synthorax, and clearly different secondary genitalia. The discovery of a new species underlines the need for additional intensive odonatological studies in Madagascar. Improving knowledge of species distributions, taxonomy, phenology and ecological requirements is crucial, especially in the context of threat assessments and conservation of endemic odonate fauna. 

Odonata, dragonflies, Anisoptera, endemic, new species, Paragomphus fritillarius, taxonomy, biogeography, Malagasy Region 

 

Male of Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. (holotype, type locality); 
(a) habitus in lateral view; (b) synthorax in lateral view; (c) secondary genitalia and part of proximal portion of hind wing with anal triangle and tornus; (d) head in dorsofrontal view; (e) penis in lateral view, subsequently expanded; (f) caudal appendages in lateral view; (g) S7–10 and caudal appendages in ventral view; (h) S7–10 and caudal appendages in dorsal view.

Photographs by Kuang-Ping Yu & Matjaž Bedjanič. 

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov., male (paratype, MNHN Paris; Moramanga District, central-eastern Madagascar).
 (a) habitus in dorsal view and labels; (b) head, thorax and anterior part of abdomen (S1–4) in lateral view; (c), (d), and (e) S10 and caudal appendages in dorsal, lateral and ventral view, respectively; (f) secondary genitalia in lateral view, with penis partly exposed; (g) secondary genitalia in ventral view; (h) secondary genitalia in lateroventral view to show hook of the posterior hamule hidden behind its outline. 

Photographs by Bogusław Daraż.

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov., male holotype, colouration in life:
 (a) dorsolateral view; (b) frontolateral view (Right tributary of the ampasy River 700 m NW of ampasy Research Station, tsitongambarika, anosy Region, southeastern Madagascar; 4.xii.2024).

Photographs by Matjaž Bedjanič. 

Paragomphus matroka sp. nov. 

Common name (en): Dark Hooktail  

 Nom commun (fr): Paragomphe sombre

Differential diagnosis. Paragomphus matroka is a large, dark endemic representative of the genus, belonging to a group of two additional endemic Madagascan species with a “spotted” thorax—P. fritillarius and P. sofiae—which closely resemble each other and are characterized by brighter, predominantly yellow-and-black colouration.

The new species remotely resembles P. fritillarius in the pattern of yellow spots on the synthorax and abdomen, the reddish-brown terminal abdominal segments, and the general shape of the cerci. However, it is readily distinguished by its overall darker colouration and the unique morphology of the hamules. the most significant colouration differences occur on the face, which is predominantly brown in P. matroka, versus interspersed yellow and black in P. fritillarius, and on the dark brown synthorax sides, where the yellow spots within the mesepimeral and metepimeral stripes are distinctly ...

Etymology. the species epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition. it is derived from the Malagasy word “matroka”, meaning “dark-coloured” and it refers to the relatively dark colouration of the new species in comparison to its congeners.

Matjaž BEDJANIČ, Rafał BERNARD, Bogusław DARAŻ and Kuang-Ping YU. 2026. Paragomphus matroka sp. nov.—A New Hooktail Species from the Rainforests of eastern Madagascar (Odonata: Gomphidae).  Zootaxa. 5821(2); 219-235. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.2.4 [2026-05-29]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Neolamprologus labrosus • A New Species of the Genus Neolamprologus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika

Neolamprologus labrosus

Takahashi, Snoeks & Satoh, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70640  

  x.com/Discusshuki

Abstract

Lake Tanganyika harbours an exceptionally diverse fauna of cichlids that has arisen through explosive adaptive radiation. During a recent survey at Kasenga and Kombe, Zambia, we discovered an undescribed species of the genus Neolamprologus. The new species is readily distinguished from its congeners by its uniquely developed upper lip, which protrudes conspicuously beyond the lower lip, along with several additional morphological characters. Phylogenetic analysis of the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene showed that specimens of the new species were not recovered as monophyletic; instead, they formed a clade together with Neolamprologus mustax. Nevertheless, the new species is morphologically clearly distinct from N. mustax despite their sympatric occurrence. This discovery highlights the still underestimated diversity of cichlids in Lake Tanganyika and underscores the importance of documenting its fauna in the face of increasing anthropogenic pressures on the lake's ecosystem.

 Keywords: freshwater, biodiversity, mitochondrial ND2, morphology, phylogeny

Neolamprologus labrosus

Tetsumi Takahashi, Jos Snoeks and Shun Satoh. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Neolamprologus (Cichliformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika. Journal of Fish Biology. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/jfb.70640 [15 September 2026]

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[Paleontology • 2026] Craniomandibular osteology of Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda sp. nov. (Therapsida: Anomodontia) from the Manda Beds of Tanzania and new support for a younger age for the alleged oldest dinosaurs

 

Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda

George, Escobar, Moody, Saanane, Day & Larkin, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2692542

Life reconstruction by Gabriel Ugueto

 

ABSTRACT 

Fossils from the Manda Beds of Tanzania have greatly informed on the diversity and evolution of Triassic tetrapods, including on what might be the oldest dinosaurs. Here, a new dicynodont taxon from the Manda Beds is described. It lacks key anatomical traits of known dicynodonts from the Manda Beds, as well as the Sino-African genus Shansiodon to which some of this material was previously referred. The new taxon is referred to the otherwise South American Dinodontosaurus based on the diagnostic presence of frontals with “tab-like” anterior processes and a combination of other traits seen in the genus. This Tanzanian material possesses a predominantly bulbous posterior/median palatal ridge of the premaxilla and a midline groove along the temporal bar, among other traits that are absent in the South American Dinodontosaurus material, indicating it represents a distinct species, here named Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda sp. nov. Phylogenetic analyses conducted with Bayesian estimation and parsimony support the inclusion of this species in Dinodontosaurus. The unique palate of D. isiyavamanda is hypothesized to be related to resource partitioning, representing different adaptations for food processing than coeval dicynodonts. The presence of Dinodontosaurus suggests the mid-to-upper Lifua Member of the Manda Beds is equivalent to the Dinodontosaurus Assemblage Zone of Brazil and the Chañares Formation of Argentina. Consequently, the mid-to-upper Lifua Member, which includes what are possibly the oldest records of dinosaurs globally, can be confidently interpreted as late Ladinian to Carnian in age, supporting recent research questioning its equivalency with the Cynognathus Assemblage Zone of South Africa.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

SYNAPSIDA Osborn, 1903

THERAPSIDA Broom, 1905

ANOMODONTIA Owen, 1860

DICYNODONTIA Owen, 1859

DICYNODONTOIDEA Olson, 1944

KANNEMEYERIIFORMES Maisch, 2001

DINODONTOSAURUS Romer, 1943

Diodontosaurus Tupí-Caldas, 1936 [nomen suppressum].

Chanaria Cox, 1968.

Type Species––Dinodontosaurus oliveirai Romer, 1943 (=Dicynodon tener Huene, 1935).

Diagnosis––Medium- to large-sized kannemeyeriiform (maximum skull length ca. 40 cm) with the following unique combination of character states: frontals with a “tab-like” median anterior process; postorbital bone with elongate, curved suborbital process; elongate caniniform process sharply offset from zygomatic arch; and hypertrophied tusks present in large individuals (taken from Kammerer & Ordoñez, 2021).

DINODONTOSAURUS ISIYAVAMANDA sp. nov.

Ruhuhuungualasaurus croucheri Larkin, 1994, p. 2.

Shansiodon sp. Surkov and Benton, 2004, p. 627.

Shansiodon sp. Surkov and Benton, 2008, p. 1126.

Diagnosis––Can be distinguished from both Dinodontosaurus brevirostris and Dinodontosaurus tener by a premaxillary posterior/median palatal ridge that expands anteriorly into a wide, bulbous morphology (does not retain the ridge-like morphology throughout its length), and extends further anteriorly than the point of eruption of the tusks; a midline groove extending along the temporal bar from immediately posterior to the pineal foramen to the posterior end of the postparietal; and mandibular rami that diverge more laterally. Can be further distinguished from Dinodontosaurus brevirostris by the lack of a ridge along the anterior surface of the mandibular symphysis. Can be further distinguished from Dinodontosaurus tener by a wider interorbital region and snout, and a pineal foramen that is not completely anterior to the intertemporal bar (i.e., pineal foramen is at the same anteroposterior level as the anterior portion of the bar).

Etymology––From the Manda words ‘isi ya vamanda’ that translate to ‘country of the Wamanda.’ In reference to the Wamanda people, many of whom were crucial to the discovery of the holotype, but whose individual names were not documented and never credited.

two bulky Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda walking through dense vegetation 

Life reconstruction by Gabriel Ugueto

Hady George, Juan A. Escobar, Edmund R.R. Moody, Charles B. Saanane, Michael O. Day and Nigel R. Larkin. 2026. Craniomandibular osteology of Dinodontosaurus isiyavamanda sp. nov. (Therapsida: Anomodontia) from the Manda Beds of Tanzania and new support for a younger age for the alleged oldest dinosaurs. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2692542. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2692542 [15 Sep 2026]

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Dasypeltis albigularis • A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Colubridae: Colubrinae: Boigini)

Dasypeltis albigularis Tiutenko, Heller & Bates, 2026

[A] Dasypeltis atra Sternfeld, 1912 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 

Abstract

Based on morphology, biogeography, biology, and the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, a new species of Dasypeltis is described from Harenna Forest in the southern Somalian plateau in Ethiopia. It is a medium-sized member of the genus (females up to 92 cm total length, males up to 58 cm), usually uniformly black dorsally but occasionally light brown with a dense and somewhat irregular pattern of narrow brown saddles and vertically elongate lateral markings, sometimes forming bands across the back, and small white spots and streaks, or reddish-brown with indistinct darker dorsal and lateral markings. Interstitial skin is light grey, appearing bluish in adults. Infralabials, chin shields, gulars, and 20–62 anterior ventral plates (medially) are mostly white, the other plates being ash-grey or black in colour. Scales in the first row of dorsals on either side of the body are smooth or almost smooth; those of the second row are weakly keeled; other dorsal scales are moderately keeled with two apical pits each. Pairwise genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener, D. atra, is similar to or greater than the distances between some long-recognised species in the genus. The new species is also geographically and ecologically isolated from closely related congeners.

Key Words: Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov., Dasypeltis atra, Dasypeltis fasciata, Dasypeltis gansi, egg-eater, Harenna Forest, Horn of Africa, Serpentes, Somalia, taxonomy

A. Dasypeltis atra from Chuka, Kenya (ZSM 328/2023);
B. Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia (ZSM 94/2019).

A patterned specimen (HFE2025-023) of Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia.

Male Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. (HFE2025-002) from Manyate village, Harenna Forest, Ethiopia. Note the bluish interstitial skin.

Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Dasypeltis (females approximately 90 cm in total length, males less than 60 cm). Dorsally usually uniformly dark-grey or blackish, seldom reddish-brown with faint dark streaks; or light yellow-brown with a dense and irregular pattern of small brown saddles and narrow brown bars on the flanks, and numerous small white markings. Interstitial skin light grey, sometimes bluish, especially in adults. Anterior infralabials, gulars, chin shields and 20–62 anterior ventral plates mostly white, other ventrals gradually transition to ash-grey. Dorsal scales arranged around midbody in 20–23 rows. Scales of the first row of dorsals on either side of the body very weakly keeld or smooth and much larger than other dorsal scales. Scales of the second row on either side of body weakly keeled. Other dorsal scales each with a moderate median keel and a pair of apical pits distally. Head with fine white spots and speckles. Supralabials 7, 3rd and 4th bordering orbit. Postocular single. Frontal shield pitted in only one row around edges. Inter-prefrontal sulcus moderately marked, not deep. Prefrontal scales longer and larger overall than internasals. Rostral shield visible from above head.

Etymology. The specific Latin epithet ‘albigularis’ means ‘white-throated’ and refers to the pale ventral colouration on the lower parts of the head and anterior parts of the body of the new species.

Arthur Tiutenko, Tim L. Heller and Michael F. Bates. 2026. A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Squamata, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Boigini). Herpetozoa. 39: 343-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 [27 Aug 2026]

[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]