[Crustacea • 2026] Lemurophusa empusa & Balssiathelphusa inopinata • Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Decapoda: Brachyura: Gecarcinucidae)

Lemurophusa empusa

Ng & Guinot, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 

 Abstract 

The systematics of the gecarcinucid genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 is revised. Balssiathelphusa has an atypical distribution pattern for a freshwater crab genus, with the four known species recorded from Sumatra, Borneo and Natuna Islands in the South China Sea. The type species, Para-Perithelphusa sucki Balss, 1937 [sic, see infra], is redescribed and figured, and the genus is redefined to include B. sucki, B. cursor Ng, 1986, from East Kalimantan in Indonesian Borneo, and a new species, B. inopinata n. sp., also from East Kalimantan. The type locality of B. sucki was reported as southeastern Sumatra, but the available evidence suggests the holotype was actually collected from South Kalimantan in Borneo. Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, from Natuna Island, is transferred to a new monotypic genus, Natunusa n. gen., while B. phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, collected from a cave in East Kalimantan, is referred to a separate genus, Lemurophusa n. gen. A new species, L. empusa n. gen., n. sp., is also described from another karst system in East Kalimantan, whereas a juvenile female from a nearby cave in East Kalimantan is treated as Lemurophusa sp. Particular attention was paid to the thoracic sternum and its sutures, to the median bridges between the sternites, as well to the median line, characters often overlooked but that are particularly useful in this group of small gecarcinucid crabs.

KEYWORDS: Borneo, Sumatra, Natuna Islands, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, freshwater crab, cave crab, new genera, new species 

 

Superfamily Gecarcinucoidea Rathbun, 1904

Family Gecarcinucidae Rathbun, 1904

Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969

Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969: 364; 1970: 98. — Ng 1986a: 207.

Included species. — Balssiathelphusa sucki (Balss, 1937), B. cursor Ng, 1986; B. inopinata n. sp.

Balssiathelphusa inopinata n. sp.

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin “inopinatus” for “unexpected” as it had been previously believed that Nobili's (1903) record was Balssiathelphusa cursor and not a new species.

Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb., ♂ 12.9 × 11.3 mm (ZRC 2021.0831), Natuna Island:
A, overall dorsal habitus; B, dorsal view of carapace; C, frontal view of cephalothorax; D, frontal median triangle, antennules, antennae and epistome; E, buccal cavity, anterior thoracic sternum, telson and pleonal somites 5 and 6; F, posterior thoracic sternum and pleonal somites 1-4; G, sternopleonal cavity.

Genus Natunusa n. gen.

 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa natunaensis Bott, 1970, 

by original designation and monotypy.

Diagnosis. — Carapace quadrate, just wider than long; carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae rugose, low but visible, not cristate; postorbital cristae low, rugose, discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista straight; external orbital tooth with outer margin 3.0-4.0 times length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by small notch; rest of anterolateral margins gently convex; posterolateral ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the name of the type locality, Natuna Island, in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. The gender of the name is feminine.

Included species. — Natunusa natunaensis (Bott, 1970) n. comb.

Lemurophusa empusa n. gen., n. sp.:
 A, C, holotype, ♀ 24.2 × 18.5 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan;
B, D, paratype ♀ 22.2 × 17.2 mm (MZB Cru), Kalimantan.
A, B, overall dorsal habitus; C, D, dorsal view of carapace.

Genus Lemurophusa n. gen. 

Type species. — Balssiathelphusa phasma Ng & Guinot, 2014, 

by present designation.

Included species. — Lemurophusa phasma (Ng & Guinot, 2014) n. comb.; Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Diagnosis. — Carapace transversely ovate, wider than long, carapace not high, height to width ratio 0.4; epigastric cristae low, rugose but visible; postorbital cristae low, rugose, just discernible, not cristate; frontal margin divided into two low lobes; frontal median triangle distinct, with dorsal crista medially bent, fused with lateral cristae; external orbital tooth distinct, with outer margin about twice length of inner margin; epibranchial tooth small, low, separated from margin by notch; rest of anterolateral margins ...

Etymology. — The name is derived from the Latin word “lēmurēs” for “spirits of the dead”; in arbitrary combination with -phusa, a common suffix for gecarcinucid genera. This alludes to the cave habitat of the species. The gender of the name is feminine.

Lemurophusa empusa n. sp.

Etymology. — The species is named after Empusa, a demigoddess of Greek mythology. The name is used as a noun in apposition.

Peter K. L. Ng and Danièle Guinot. 2026. Revision of the Southeast Asian freshwater crab Genus Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae). Zoosystema. 48 (18); 557-587. DOI: doi.org/10.5252/zoosystema2026v48a18 (13 July 2026)

Révision du genre de crabes d'eau douce d'Asie du Sud-Est Balssiathelphusa Bott, 1969 (Crustacea, Decapoda, Brachyura, Gecarcinucidae).

Bornéo, Sumatra, îles Natuna, Kalimantan, Gecarcinucoidea, crabe d'eau douce, crabe cavernicole, genres nouveaux, espèces nouvelles

[Botany • 2026] Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang,  

in Zhang, Fang, Y.-F. Hu, Y. Hu, Gu, Wu et Shao, 2026. 

Primula (China.  . 278: 247-258.

平武报春  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611

Abstract

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov., a new species of Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China, is described. It resembles P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled inflorescences but differs by its multi-branched stems, more densely short-pubescent surfaces, thicker chartaceous leaves, narrower leaf blades, and indistinct translucent nectar guides. A taxonomic key covering all nine known species of Primula sect. Auganthus is compiled herein to support field morphological discrimination. A chloroplast genome-based phylogeny shows that P. pingwuensis is sister to P. rongrong, and this clade is sister to P. fujiangensis. Incongruence between morphology and molecular phylogeny is observed within the section. Leaf-lobing patterns have undergone multiple independent evolutionary transitions during adaptive radiation in karst habitats, indicating that a few morphological traits cannot be used to reliably infer interspecific relationships. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) following IUCN criteria, owing to the lack of long-term observations of its threat status and population dynamics. This study provides new data for the taxonomy and evolution of Primula sect. Auganthus.

Key words: Phylogeny, Primula, sect. Auganthus, Sichuan, taxonomy

Primula pingwuensis sp. nov.
A, B. Habitat; C. Flowering plant in the wild;
Da. Flowering plant; Db. Root; Dc. Adaxial surface; Dd. Abaxial surface; De. Front view of pin flower; Df. Front view of thrum flower; Dg. Longitudinal section of thrum flower; Dh. Longitudinal section of pin flower; Di. Bract; Dj. Young fruits; Dk. Young fruit, showing ovary.

Primula pingwuensis Y.Hu, J.L.Gu & S.Y.Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Primula pingwuensis is morphologically similar to P. sinensis in having palmately lobed leaves and multi-whorled scapes but differs by its multi-branched stems, densely pubescent indumentum, thickly chartaceous leaves (vs. submembranous in P. sinensis), narrower blades (3–6 cm wide), 2–3 flower whorls, and indistinct translucent ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from Pingwu County, Mianyang City, Sichuan Province, the type locality of the new species, which is also an important habitat of the giant panda.

Chinese name. Píng Wŭ Bào Chūn (平武报春).

 Si-Yu Zhang, Ming Fang, Ying-Feng Hu, Yang Hu, Jiu-Lin Gu, Zhi-Kun Wu and Jian-Wen Shao. 2026. Primula pingwuensis (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Auganthus from Sichuan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 247-258. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.204611 [25 Aug 2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Agrocybe himalayensis (Strophariaceae) • A New Species from Indian Himalaya

 

Agrocybe himalayensis Choudhary, Uniyal & Y.P.Sharma,

in Choudhary, Sharma et Uniyal, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3599

Abstract

A new species, Agrocybe himalayensis (Strophariaceae), from Uttarakhand Himalaya, India, is described based on macro- and micro-morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. This species is characterised by its pale-orange to yellow-brown pileus with distinct umbo, wavy cream margin, crowded pale-salmon to fleshy brown lamellae (often anastomosing), and ellipsoid basidiospores 8.7–11.4 × 6.6–7.8 μm. A phylogenetic tree, line drawings and photographs are provided, as is a table of morphological characters of the new and closely related species. 

Keywords: nrITS, Phylogeny, Strophariaceae, Uttarakhand

Macro- and micromorphological images of Agrocybe himalayensis Choudhary, Uniyal & Y.P.Sharma, sp. nov.
A and B, Fresh basidiomata in the field and basecamp; C, basidiospores; D, basidia; E–G, pleurocystidia; H, cheilocystidia; I, pileocystidia.

Scale bars: A, 10 mm; C–I, 10 μm. All images of the holotype, S. Choudhary, P. Uniyal & Y.P. Sharma 2139, taken by Priyanka Uniyal and Shikha Choudhary.

Agrocybe himalayensis Choudhary, Uniyal & Y.P.Sharma, sp. nov.

Agrocybe himalayensis differs from its closely allied species A.putaminum by its large basidiomata (80mm vs 60mm in A.putaminum), velvety to smooth pale-orange to yellow-brown pileus (vs glabrous, wrinkled, yellow brown), distinct umbo (vs slight umbo), margin not clearly demarcated, wavy, cream (vs inflexed to deflexed – sometimes wrinkled and reflexed, and light brown). It also differs in its crowded, pale-salmon to fleshy brown lamellae often anastomosing (vs well spaced, pale yellow decurrent and toothed), stipe without any velar remnants (vs strongly fibrillose to dark-brown granulose-flocculose), presence of large basidiospores 8.7–11.4 × 6.6–7.8 μm (vs 11.7–13.8 × 7.5–8.5 μm) and with pleurocystidia 26–45.5 × 11.4–18 μm (vs 38.9–56.9 × 13–27 μm) and cheilocystidia 24.5–32.6 × 7.9–14.3 μm (vs 44–63 × 11–14 μm).

S. Choudhary, Y. P. Sharma, P. Uniyal. 2026. AGROCYBE HIMALAYENSIS (STROPHARIACEAE), A NEW SPECIES from INDIAN HIMALAYA. EDINBURGH JOURNAL OF BOTANY. 83, 3599. DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.3599 [2026-08-25]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis langbianus • A New Species of the Ovophis tonkinensis species complex (Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam

Ovophis langbianus

Poyarkov, Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Pawangkhanant, Pham, Suwannapoom, David, Vogel & Nguyen, 2206

 

Langbian Mountain Pitviper | Rắn lục núi Langbian || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e206094

Abstract

A new species of the genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam, based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters and by significant genetic divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. Phylogenetic analyses recover the new species as the sister lineage of O. tonkinensis (Bourret), from which it differs in body proportions, head morphology, color pattern, and several meristic characters. Multivariate analyses of morphological variation further support the distinctiveness of the new species, with specimens of Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. and O. tonkinensis forming two well-separated groups in morphospace and exhibiting significant differences in centroid positions. The new species is currently known only from montane evergreen forests of the Langbian Plateau at elevations of approximately 800–2,230 m asl. The recognition of Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. further emphasizes the taxonomic complexity of the O. tonkinensis species group and, together with previous molecular evidence for a distinct Cao Bang (Vietnam)-Guangxi (China) lineage, highlights the need for a comprehensive reassessment of species boundaries within the complex.

Key Words: Biogeography, molecular phylogeny, morphology, mtDNA, Ovophis langbianus sp. nov., southern Annamite Mountains, systematics

Ovophis langbianus sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) TaL/TL ratio 0.14–0.18 in males and 0.12–0.14 in females; (2) internasals usually in contact, rarely separated by one small scale; (3) second supralabial bordering loreal pit; (4) dorsal scale rows 25 (21, 23, 27)–21 (23, 25)–19 (15, 17); (5) ventrals 129–138; (6) dorsal scales strongly keeled; (7) subcaudals 36–44, all single; (8) fourth supralabial larger than third; (9) dorsal surface of head uniformly ...

Ovophis langbianus sp. nov. in life from Langbian Plateau, Vietnam — Lam Dong Province: Bidoup-Nui Ba NP: A. VRTC NAP-18223, adult male, holotype; Di Linh Commune: B. Dorsal view of ZMMU Re-18511, adult male, paratype; C. Head in lateral view of the ZMMU Re-18511; D. ZMMU Re-18512, adult male, paratype; E. Head in lateral view of the ZMMU Re-18512; F, G. Two adult individuals, sex undetermined. Dak Lak Province: — Chu Yang Sin NP: H. ZMMU Re-14068, adult male, paratype; I. Head in dorsal view of the ZMMU Re-14068.

Photographs by A.M. Bragin (A), N.A. Poyarkov (B, C, H, I), P. Pawangkhanant (D, E), and H.N.X. Nguyen (F, G).

Etymology. The specific epithet “langbianus” is a masculine Latin adjective derived from the name of the Langbian Plateau, the broader geographic region containing the type locality and the currently known distribution of the new species. The name highlights the biogeographic isolation of the Langbian Plateau, an important center of montane endemism in Indochina. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: “Langbian Mountain Pitviper” (in English), “Rắn lục núi Langbian” (in Vietnamese), “Лангбианский горный щитомордник” (Langbianskiy gornyi schitomordnik, in Russian), and “Ovophis de Langbian” (in French).

 Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Hieu Minh Pham, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen. 2206. A New Species of the Ovophis tonkinensis species complex (Serpentes, Viperidae) from the Langbian Plateau, southern Vietnam. Herpetozoa. 39: 325-342. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e206094 [25-08-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Rhododendron trichopetalum & R. yalaense (Ericaceae) • Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron in Thailand

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
 

 in Tubtamat, Watthana, Hodkinson et Suwanphakdee, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Abstract

Two new species, Rhododendron trichopetalum and R. yalaense, from Peninsular Thailand, are described and illustrated. Three new records of R. jasminiflorum, R. klossii and R. robinsonii are newly reported for Thailand, and R. klossii is herein reinstated. Lectotypifications were designated where required and an updated key to species, modified from the Flora of Thailand, is provided.

Keywords: anatomical features, Ericaceae, plant taxonomy, pollen morphology, Flora of Thailand

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph.
A. flowering branch; B. flowers; C. hairs on corolla tube; D. basal filament with hairs; E. anther; F. ovary; G. stigma; H. capsule.

Photographed by C. Suwanphakdee and M. Tubtamat.

Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Rhododendron javanicum subsp. teysmannii (Miq.) Argent, however, R. trichopetalum lacks hairs on lower leaf surfaces (vs sparsely hairy or glandular-verruculose in R. javanicum subsp. teysmannii), with the corolla tube being sparsely hairy outside (vs glabrous), and the larger capsule 2.3–2.5 cm long (vs 3.7–8 cm long).

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph.
A. habit; B. scales on lower leaf surface; C. inflorescence; D. ovary; E. stigma; F. capsule.

Photographed by M. Tubtamat and C. Suwanphakdee.

Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph., sp. nov.

This new species is similar to Rhododendron rarilepidotum J.J.Sm., endemic to Indonesia, but differs by having petioles without grooves (vs with grooves in R. rarilepidotum), corolla 3.1–3.6 cm long (vs 2–2.5 cm long), pale orange with 2.1–3.0 cm long filaments (vs purplish, dark red or white, 0.9–1.0 cm long), yellow anthers (vs purplish) and cylindrical capsule (vs fusiform capsule).

Maneenuch Tubtamat, Santi Watthana, Trevor R. Hodkinson and Chalermpol Suwanphakdee. 2026. Two New Species, Three New Records and Taxonomic Notes of Rhododendron (Ericaceae) in Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 92–116. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.10 [2026-08-10] 

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กุหลาบฮาลา และ กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์: กุหลาบพันปีชนิดใหม่ของโลก

facebook.com/BotanyKU/posts/1514419747153693 

👩🏻‍💼น.ส. มณีนุช ทับทะมาตย์ นิสิตปริญญาโท ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์ ค้นพบกุหลาบพันปี  ชนิดใหม่ของโลก 2 ชนิด 

🔬การค้นพบนี้เป็นผลงานวิจัยในระดับปริญญาโท ภายใต้การดูแลของ รศ. ดร. เฉลิมพล สุวรรณภักดี ภาควิชาพฤกษศาสตร์ คณะวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเกษตรศาสตร์, รศ. ดร. สันติ  วัฒฐานะ สาขาวิชาชีววิทยา สำนักวิชาวิทยาศาสตร์ มหาวิทยาลัยเทคโนโลยีสุรนารี และ Prof. Dr. Trevor R. Hodkinson จากทรินิตี้คอลเลจ มหาวิทยาลัยแห่งกรุงดับลิน ประเทศไอร์แลนด์ ซึ่งตีพิมพ์เผยแพร่ในวารสาร 🌱Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany) 🌱 ซึ่งกุหลาบพันปีทั้ง 2 ชนิด ประกอบด้วย

1. Rhododendron trichopetalum Tubtamat & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบฮาลา พบที่จังหวัดนราธิวาส  ดอกมีสีเหลืองเข้ม กลีบดอกเป็นเอกลักษณ์ และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัยในป่าดิบชื้น ความโดดเด่นของลักษณะดอกและการปรับตัวต่อสภาพแวดล้อม ทำให้มีศักยภาพในการใช้เป็นแหล่งพันธุกรรมสำหรับการปรับปรุงพันธุ์ไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต

2. Rhododendron yalaense Tubtamat, Watthana & Suwanph. ชื่อไทย กุหลาบเพลิงภักดิ์ พบที่จังหวัดยะลา ดอกมีสีส้มเข้ม ออกเป็นช่อค่อนข้างแน่น และเจริญเติบโตแบบพืชอิงอาศัย ด้วยลักษณะดอกที่โดดเด่นและสีสันสวยงาม จึงมีศักยภาพในการพัฒนาเป็นไม้ดอกประดับในอนาคต ควบคู่กับการอนุรักษ์ทรัพยากรพันธุกรรมของพืชพื้นถิ่นไทย

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis medogensis • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Xizang, China

 Ovophis medogensis 

 Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Giri & Wang, 2026

墨脱烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067

Abstract

In 1981, Hoge & Romano-Hoge (1981) erected the genus Ovophis, one of the most widely distributed snake groups in Asia. Its distribution ranges westward from eastern Asia to Nepal, encompassing the entire East Asia and the Indochinese Peninsula. During recent herpetological surveys conducted near Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, a previously undescribed snake species was discovered. Based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence, this species is herein described as a new taxon: Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. This new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: possesses off-white spots on the ventral surface; lacks irregular markings on the dorsal surface of the head; body short and stout, with a brown dorsal ground color bearing 19-20 irregular black butterfly-shaped blotches; presence of a brownish-orange postorbital stripe; vertically elliptical pupil, brownish-black in color; dorsal surface of the tail with white dots extending to the tail tip; infralabials: 11 (12)/11 (10); the first and second pairs of infralabials in contact with chin shields; supralabials: mostly 8, occasionally 9; ventrals: 132-138; subcaudals: 39-49, mostly paired; dorsal scale rows 23-23-19; Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species forms a well-supported distinct lineage, with a Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) of 1.00 and an ultrafast bootstrap (UFB) value of 100. Analyses of uncorrected pairwise genetic distances based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene showed that the genetic distances between the new species and other known species of the genus Ovophis range from 0.055 (vs. Ovophis monticola) to 0.135 (vs. Ovophis tonkinensis). The discovery of this new species further enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the eastern Himalayas and provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the genus.

Keywords: Medog, Cryptic diversity, Ovophis medogensis sp. nov., pit-viper, Eastern Himalayas

Photographs of individuals of  Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. (CIB 122660) in life.
Full view (A), dorsal view of head (B), left lateral view of head (C), and right lateral view of head (D).

Photographed by Shengchao SHI. 

The holotype (Adult male, specimen No. CIB 122661) of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in preservation.
Dorsal view of the body (A); ventral view of the body (B); dorsal view of the head (C); ventral view of the head (D); dorsal view of the midbody (E); right lateral view of the head (F); left lateral view of the head (G); ventral view of the midbody (H); lateral view of the midbody (I); dorsal view of the tail (J).

Photographed by Dihao WU.

Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Rohit and Wang  

Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Ovophis characterized by the following combination of characters: tail length to total length (TaL/TL) ratio 0.179–0.181 (N=4); internasal scales undivided or separated by 1 scale; second supralabial bordering the loreal pit; dorsal scale rows (DSR) 23(25)–23–19 (N=4); ventrals scales (VEN) 132–138 (N=4), bearing strong keels along the dorsal region; subcaudals scales (SC) 39–49 (N=4), mostly paired with occasional single undivided scales; third supralabial distinctly larger than the fourth (N=4); dorsal surface of the head lacking distinct markings; postocular region to neck with orange-red coloration; neck marked by two approximately parallel stripes; dorsal body brownish-yellow with irregular black, butterfly-shaped blotches; and dorsal surface of the tail or named with a continuous series of white spots.

Comparison of live morphologies of genus Ovophis from the Eastern Himalayan Region. Includes the following specimens: (A1–A3) O . monticola, (B1–B3) O. medogensis sp. nov., and (C1–C3) O. zayuensis.
O . monticola: A1 is one adult individual from Chhaimale, Nepal; A2 is one adult male individual from Majua, West Bengal, India; A3 is one adult male individual from Mangan, Sikkim, India;
O. medogensis sp. nov.: B1 is one juvenile individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B2 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China;
O. zayuensis: C1 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; C2 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China; and C3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China.

Photographic credits: (A1) photographed by Rohit GIRI; (A2, A3) photographed by Prajjwal RAY. (A2, A3) cited from the iNaturalist.org occurrence dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/ab3s5x) via GBIF.org, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), with record numbers: A2 No. 248018996 and A3 No. 423862755. (B1, B2, C2, C3) photographed by Shengchao SHI, (B3) photographed by Zhonghao LUO, and (C1) photographed by Dihao WU.

Type locality habitat of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in Beibeng Township, Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.
A: Microhabitat; B: Overall habitat.

Photographed by Linghong LIAO. 

Etymology: The specific epithet medogensis refers to Medog County, the type locality of this species, and is chosen in recognition of the region’s exceptional herpetological diversity, which has facilitated the discovery of this new taxon. The proposed Chinese common name is “墨脱烙铁头蛇” (Mòtuō Làotiětóu Shé), directly derived from the type locality. The English common name is proposed as “Medog Pitviper”.

Linghong LIAO, Shengchao Shi, Zhonghao Luo, Yun Huang, Yiheng Lin, Rohit Giri and Bin Wang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Xizang, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067 [May 9, 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae) • A New Species from Thailand

 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote,

in Choopan et Grote, 2026.

เข็มฉัตร  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12

Abstract

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), a new species known only from Thailand, is here described and illustrated. It is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous and by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm long. Comparison of morphological characteristics are provided.

Keywords: conservation status, flora, morphology, taxonomy 

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A. habit; B. flower; C. pistil and stamens; D. fruits; E. seeds.

(Drawn by Sunitsorn Pimpasalee).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote:
A.-C. flowers; D. puberulous calyx and glabrous pistil; E. dried fruit and seeds; F. seeds; G. lower surface of leaf; H. & J. inflorescences; I. infructescence.

 (Photographed by Thiamhathai Choopan).

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum Choopan & Grote, sp. nov.  

Pseuderanthemum multiflorum is distinguished from P. graciliflorum by the inner corolla tube and pistil being glabrous instead of puberulous, by calyx lobes 4.5–6 mm long instead of 3–4 mm, and by capsule 3–3.5 cm long instead of 2–2.5 cm.

Thiamhathai Choopan and Paul Grote. 2026. Pseuderanthemum multiflorum (Acanthaceae), A New Species from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 122-127. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.12 [17 August 2026]
เข็มฉัตร พืชชนิดใหม่ของโลก จากเขาสอยดาว จ.จันทบุรี

[Botany • 2026] Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. hongsonensis, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, ... • Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand

กระดิ่งดอยตุง Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult; 

ข้าวก่ำภูวัว D. phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee; 

ม่วงสามหมอก D. hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, 

in Nangngam, Middleton, Suksathan et Suddee. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13

Abstract

Ten new species of the genus Didymocarpus are described from Thailand: Didymocarpus alboroseus, D. flaviflorus, D. hongsonensis, D. kiewbangii, D. kwanjaiae, D. mekongensis, D. niveus, D. phuwuaensis, D. suchartii and D. vilaiwaniae. Full descriptions, distributions, ecology and colour plates are provided for all taxa. These additional new species increase the total number of Didymocarpus in Thailand to thirty-five species, and therefore, a key to the species of Didymocarpus in Thailand is also provided in this paper.

Keywords: Flora of Thailand, taxonomy, Didymocarpinae, Trichosporeae

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult:
A. habit showing leaves and dichasial cyme inflorescence; B. corolla shape; C. flower in bud and immature capsule.

Photographs: All by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus alboroseus Nangngam & de Bult, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Krading doi tung (กระดิ่งดอยตุง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the corolla colour with the white tube and lobes reddish brown to orange brownish inside.

Didymocarpus flaviflorus Nangngam, Suksathan & Rujich., sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus citrinus Ridl. in the corolla colour but they differ in corolla size (c. 3.5 cm long in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, 2–2.7 cm long in D. citrinus), calyx shape (tubular in Didymocarpus flaviflorus, lobes free in D. citrinus), and in leaf shape and margin (elliptic-oblong and denticulate in D. flaviflorus, ovate to ovate-lanceolate and serrate in D. citrinus).

Vernacular.— Krading lueang wiangchai (กระดิ่งเหลืองเวียงชัย) (Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the bright yellow corolla.

Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan:
A. habit and habitat; B. corolla front view and young fruits; C. corolla shape side view; D. opened flower showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; E. stamens showing anthers coherent.

Photographs: All by Kittiyut Punchay.

 Didymocarpus hongsonensis Nangngam, Punchay & Suksathan, sp. nov.

Vernacular.— Muang sam mok (ม่วงสามหมอก)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Mae Hong Son Province, the type locality.

Didymocarpus kiewbangii Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus insulsus Craib in general appearance and in having 5 free calyx lobes but differs in the leaf arrangement and a longer corolla (leaves opposite and corolla c. 3 cm long in D. kiewbangii, ternate and c. 2.5 cm long in D. insulsus).

Vernacular.— Muang si kieobang (ม่วงศรีเขียวบาง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Wittawat Kiewbang, a former BKF staff member who has accompanied botanists to various parts of the country and contributed valuable photographs and specimens.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee:
A. Habit and habitat; B. flower showing calyx and corolla shape; C. opened corolla showing stamens, staminodes and pistil; D. flower bud.

Photographs: All by Kwanjai Khammmongkol.

Didymocarpus kwanjaiae Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus middletonii Souvann., Soulad. & Tagane from Laos in the red corolla colour but differs in the calyx tube campanulate and glabrous (tube campanulate and glabrous in D. kwanjaiae, tube urceolate and with multicellular eglandular hairs in D. middletonii).

Vernacular.— Krading Daeng Phaseeda (กระดิ่งแดงผาสีดา)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Dr Kwanjai Khammongkol, the former chief assistant of Phu Langka National Park and the collector of the known specimens.

Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee, sp. nov.

 This species is similar to Didymocarpus biserratus Barnett in having a united and glabrous calyx tube and a funnelform and glabrous corolla but differs in having a symmetrical tubular white-cream and greenish-whitish calyx tube and a white corolla (asymmetrical green-maroon to purple campanulate calyx tube and dark violet corolla in D. biserratus). It is also similar to D. niveus in the white corolla but differs in the symmetrical calyx (asymmetrical in D. niveus) and corolla size (c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis, c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus).

Vernacular. — Krading Khao Lam Kong (กระดิ่งขาวลําโขง)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the Mekong Basin, the type locality.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee:
 A. corolla front view; B. inflorescence, cyme 3–5-flowered; C. ovary and stigma. D. stamens showing anthers coherent and 2 longer staminodes.

Photographs: A–B by Pranee Nangngam; C by Thanakorn Wongsa.

Didymocarpus niveus Nangngam, Vidthay., Wongsa & Suddee, sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus mekongensis Nangngam & Suddee in its white funnelform corolla but differs in having a longer calyx tube and corolla (calyx tube 8–10 mm long and corolla c. 3.5 cm long in D. niveus vs calyx tube c. 5 mm long and corolla c. 2.5 cm long in D. mekongensis).

Vernacular.— Krading Khao Khun Phawo (กระดิ่งขาวขุนพะวอ)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to the snow-white colour of the corolla.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee:
 A. habit; B. capsules; C. inflorescence and front view of corolla; D. side view of corolla.

Photographs: All by Wittawat Kiewbang.

Didymocarpus phuwuaensis Nangngam, D.J.Middleton & Suddee, sp. nov.

  This species is similar to Didymocarpus formosus Nangngam & D.J.Middleton in the large paired bracts and funnelform corolla but differs in having bracts not embracing the calyx in bud, a ubular calyx tube, and a dark purple corolla (bracts embracing calyx in bud, campanulate calyx tube, and dark red maroon corolla in D. formosus).

Vernacular.— Khao kam phu wua (ข้าวกําภูวัว)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet refers to Phu Wua Wildlife Sanctuary, the type locality.

Didymocarpus suchartii Nangngam, Makerd & Suddee, sp.nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus megaphyllus Barnett in the corolla covered with multi-cellular glandular hairs but differs in having calyx lobes free, ovary with multicellular glandular hairs, corolla dark purple (calyx formed into a campanulate tube at base, ovary glabrous, corolla crimson-red in D. megaphyllus). Also similar to D. hongsonensisin having a dark purple funnelform corolla but differs in having calyx lobes free (formed into a tube at base in D. hongsonensis).

Vernacular.— Muang chan hom huan (ม่วงจันทร์หอมหวล)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Mr Suchart Chanhomhual, who has contributed a lot to protecting plant diversity in Umphang District, and for his photographs and the type collection.

Didymocarpus vilaiwaniae Nangngam, Moungmaith. & Chamch., sp. nov.

This species is similar to Didymocarpus glandulosus (W.W.Smith) W.T.Wang var. minor (W.T.Wang) W.T.Wang from South China in general appearance and in having free calyx lobes and a salverform corolla but differs in leaf characters (leaves congested at the top of stem and silvery on upper surface in D. vilaiwaniae, scattered along stem and not silvery on upper surface in D. glandulosus var. minor).

Vernacular.— Muang Si Anusarn (ม่วงศรีอนุสาร)(Proposed here).

Etymology.— The specific epithet is given in honour of Associate Prof. Dr Vilaiwan Anusarnsunthorn, the founder of CMUB herbarium.

Pranee Nangngam, David J. Middleton, Piyakaset Suksathan and Somran Suddee. 2026. Ten New Species of Didymocarpus (Gesneriaceae: Didymocarpoideae) from Thailand. Thai Forest Bulletin (Botany). 54(2); 128-149. DOI: doi.org/10.20531/tfb.2026.54.2.13 [2026-08-19]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam

 

Sonerila namii  C. H. Nguyen, Aver. & C. W. Lin, 

in Nguyen, Averyanov et Lin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

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Abstract

A new species, Sonerila namii, is described from Gia Lai Province in the Central Highlands of Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. repens but differs in having a stem covered with golden-brown to maroon hispid or hispid-hirsute hairs (vs. white woolly), a leaf blade bearing white hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute hairs on both surfaces (vs. pubescent with simple hairs), about 6 pairs of secondary veins (vs. 2 or 3 pairs), a hypanthium with white hispid or gland-tipped hispid hairs and minute glandular trichomes (vs. woolly simple hairs), and petals up to 2.3 cm long (vs. up to 1.2 cm). According to the IUCN criteria, it may tentatively be assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Keywords: endemism, flora of Vietnam, Melastomataceae tribe Sonerileae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy

Sonerila namii:
 A – habit; B, B’ – portions of leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces; C, D, E – indumentum of reproductive structures: C – villous-hirsute or gland-tipped hirsute indumentum on leaf, D – minutely glandular trichomes on vegetative parts, E – gland-tipped hispid on hypanthium and abaxially of petals; F, F’ – flower, frontal and side views; G, G’ – stamens, frontal and side views; H – hypanthium; I – longitudinal section of ovary.

Drawing by Che Wei Lin from the holotype NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii:
A – habit and habitat; B – habit; C – flowering branch; D – leaves; E – portions of leaf, adaxial surface; F – same, abaxial surface; G – hypanthium, petals, stamens, and styles; H – longitudinal section of ovary; I – longitudinal section of immature fruit; J – cross section of immature fruit.

Photos A by Tinh Van Lam; photos B – J by Cuong Huu Nguyen of plants used for the preparation of type herbarium specimen NHC-20251015010.

Sonerila namii C. H. Nguyen, Aver. et C. W. Lin, sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet honors a postgraduate student from Vietnam National Forestry University, Duong Van Nam, who collected and provided specimens of this new species. 

 

Cuong H. Nguyen, Leonid V. Averyanov and Che W. Lin. 2026. Sonerila namii (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Central Highlands, Vietnam. Turczaninowia. 29(2); 110–115. 

DOI: doi.org/10.14258/turczaninowia.29.2.11 

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