[Botany • 2025] Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae) • A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya

 

Zeuxine drukyulensis P.Gyeltshen, Rabgay & Kumar,

in Gyeltshen, Rabgay, Tobgay et Kumar, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 

facebook.com: Phub GYELTSHEN

 

Abstract

An interesting new species of jewel orchid, Zeuxine drukyulensis is described and illustrated from warm broadleaved forests in western Bhutan. It is closely allied to Zeuxine nervosa and Zeuxine rolfeana, however, differs in various morphological characters, primarily the structure, size and colour of the flower. The new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) as per the IUCN Red List guidelines.

Conservation, Data Deficient, Drukyul, Orchidoideae, Rimchu, taxonomy, Monocots

Phub GYELTSHEN, Kinley RABGAY, Kezang TOBGAY and Pankaj KUMAR. 2025. Zeuxine drukyulensis (Orchidaceae), A New jewel orchid from Bhutan Himalaya.  Phytotaxa. 690(1); 123-129. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.1.11 [2025-02-26]

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[Arachnida • 2025] Zoica medogensis, Z. thailandica, ... • Four Species of Zoica Simon, 1898 (Araneae: Lycosidae) from Asia

A, B. Zoica medogensis sp. nov.;
C, D. Zoica thailandica sp. nov.

Lu, Marusik, Zhang & Wang, 2025;

E, F. Zoica oculata Buchar, 1997 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1249.152933

(Photographed by Qian-Le Lu & Lu-Yu Wang).

Abstract

Three new species of the wolf spider genus Zoica Simon, 1898 are described from eastern and southeastern parts of Asia: Zoica dulong Lu, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. (Yunnan, ♂♀) and Z. medogensis Lu, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. (Xizang, ♂♀) from China and Z. thailandica Lu, Zhang & Wang, sp. nov. (Ratchaburi, ♂♀) from Thailand. The male of Z. oculata Buchar, 1997 (Xizang) is described here for the first time, and the first record of the species from China is reported. Descriptions and photographs of all the species are provided. 

Key words: Bhutan, China, new record, taxonomy, Thailand, webs, wolf spider, Zoicinae

 

Photos of living Zoica spp.
A, B. Zoica medogensis sp. nov.; C, D. Zoica thailandica sp. nov.; E, F. Zoica oculata Buchar, 1997 (female, A, B, E, F. Photographed by Qian-Le Lu; C, D. Photographed by Lu-Yu Wang).

Jin-Zhen Lu, Yuri M. Marusik, Zhi-Sheng Zhang and Lu-Yu Wang. 2025. Four Species of Zoica Simon, 1898 from Asia (Araneae, Lycosidae). ZooKeys. 1249: 371-385. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1249.152933

[Herpetology • 2022] A Review of Torrent frogs (Amolops: Ranidae) from Bhutan, the Description of A New Species, and Reassessment of the Taxonomic Validity of some A. viridimaculatus Group Species aided by Archival DNA Sequences of Century-old Type Specimens

Amolops wangyali 

Mahony, Nidup, Streicher, Teeling & Kamei, 2022

DOI: 10.33256/32.3.142175  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361720626 

Abstract

 Seven species of the Asian torrent frogs (genus Amolops) have previously been reported from the eastern Himalayan country of Bhutan. Species identifications from the region have been largely based on photographed animals with few voucher specimens available and no molecular sampling. Understanding the taxonomic status of Bhutan’s torrent frogs has also been hampered by the poorly understood distributional limits of species from surrounding regions. Herein we utilised molecular phylogenetic and morphological data for vouchered specimens from Bhutan and provide a complete literature review of all Amolops populations reported from the country. Phylogenetic relationships were estimated by combining available sequence data (from GenBank) with newly generated sequences from recently collected Bhutanese Amolops populations. We also obtained archival DNA sequences from the type specimens of Amolops formosus, A. himalayanus, and A. kaulbacki, collected between 82 and 151 years ago. Our comparative analyses revealed a large, new (to science) species of the Amolops viridimaculatus group from eastern Bhutan. Morphological examinations of related taxa revealed that A. senchalensis from India is not a synonym of A. marmoratus. Molecular phylogenetic results supplemented by morphological data unambiguously demonstrate i) that A. himalayanus is present in eastern Nepal, ii) the presence of a previously undocumented population of A. nepalicus in eastern Nepal, iii) a 200 km range extention for A. kaulbacki into Yunnan, China, iv) that A. gyirongensis should be considered a junior subjective synonym of A. formosus, and v) that A. splendissimus from Vietnam should be considered a junior subjective synonym of A. viridimaculatus. Based on our results, we expand the Amolops viridimaculatus group to include nine species, including A. formosus, A. himalayanus, A. kaulbacki, and the new species described herein. We provisionally include a further three species in the viridimaculatus group based on morphology, A. longimanus, A. nidorbellus, and A. senchalensis. Combining our data with the literature review allowed us to identify several unidentified Amolops species from recent phylogenetic studies and remove nine frog species (including Hyla, Sylvirana, and seven Amolops species) from Bhutan’s amphibian checklist. We recognise four species of Amolops in Bhutan, three of which cannot be confidently identified to the species level based on currently available data.

Keywords: Anura, taxonomy, Himalayas, conservation, vouchered-specimens

Amolops wangyali sp. nov. adult male holotype (SCZM 2019.07.18.1)
 in life (A & B: images taken ex-situ)
and immediately after euthanisation, prior to fixation (C–G):
A. dorsolateral view; B. lateral view of head, red arrow shows the shoulder gland; C. dorsolateral view; D. ventral view; E.posterior view of thighs; F. palmar view of left hand; G. plantar view of left foot.

Scale bars represent 10 mm.

  Amolops wangyali sp. nov.  
adult male holotype (SCZM 2019.07.18.1) in life (images taken ex-situ)
 adult female paratype (SCZM 2019.07.18.2) in life (A & B) 

Amolops wangyali sp. nov.
 juveniles in life (A–D) showing ontogenetic variation in colouration and markings: A & B. dorsolateral and profile views of a nearly metamorphosed juvenile (SCZM 2019.07.18.3), from the type locality, images taken ex-situ; C. dorsolateral view of larger juvenile (SCZM 2019.07.20.1), from Rongthong (27.2808, 91.53937, ca. 1,520 m a.s.l.), Trashigang District, Bhutan, image taken ex-situ; D. dorsal view of uncollected halfgrown juvenile, from Jere Chhu/Stream, Khaling Town, Bhutan, image taken in-situ;
E. habitat at the type locality, Bodidrang Chhu/ Stream, taken from the Singye Thegchog Bridge two days after the collection of the holotype (20 July 2019);
F. adult female paratype (SCZM 2019.08.02.1) from Bodidrang Chhu/Stream, image taken immediately after euthanisation, prior to fixation. Scale bar represents 10 mm.

Amolops wangyali sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a patronym, named in recognition of Mr. Jigme Tshelthrim Wangyal, a Forest Officer with the Department of Forest and Park Services, Ministry of Agriculture and Forests, Government of Bhutan. Jigme is an accomplished Bhutanese herpetologist and has published many papers on the subject (Wangyal, 2011, 2013, 2014; Wangyal & Gurung, 2012, 2017; Wangyal & Das, 2014; Wangyal et al., 2020). Jigme’s extensive network of Forest Officers, researchers and wildlife enthusiasts have supplemented his extensive personal observations in several of his publications, and as a consequence, many of the species currently on Bhutan’s amphibian and reptile checklist were first documented in the country through his efforts. He continues to support and inspire interest in amphibian and reptile research through seminars and field training workshops and is a vocal proponent for improving standards of herpetological research in Bhutan. Suggested common name Wangyal’s torrent frog.

CONCLUSIONS:

In summary, we identified four species of Amolops from Bhutan: (1) Amolops sp. 1. (viridimaculatus group: from Tshewang & Letro, 2018), (2) A. cf. gerbillus (marmoratus group), (3) A. cf. putaoensis (monticola group), and (4) A. wangyali sp. nov. (viridimaculatus group). Outside of the new species described herein, we were unable to determine species identities for these taxa given the available data. Until such time as vouchered specimens are clearly identified from the country by means of a detailed morphological comparison of vouchered specimens with relevant taxonomic literature, and/or with the aid of DNA sequence data, the following nine species must be formally removed from the amphibian checklist of Bhutan: (1) Amolops formosus, (2) A. gerbillus, (3) A. himalayanus (including A. aff. himalayanus), (4) A. mantzorum, (5) A. marmoratus, (6) A. monticola, (7) A. wenshanensis, (8) Sylvirana cf. guentheri, (9) Hyla annectans (including Hyla cf. annectans). Unintentional misidentifications in the literature can result in significantly overestimated/ erroneous geographic distributions for species, a situation which undermines conservation efforts. Inaccuracies in such assessments could even result in the redirection of conservation resources (funds and efforts) away from vulnerable range restricted species that require urgent attention. For these reasons, we encourage authors not to assign species names to taxa in publications if there is any uncertainty regarding the identification of the species. Many populations of amphibians reported from Bhutan (and elsewhere in Asia) are provided non-specific locality details (e.g. lack GPS coordinates, elevation details), are not represented in museum/university collections by vouchered specimens, and are often published without photographic evidence. Locally abundant species can often be dismissed as “common”, or of little scientific interest, and subsequently ignored by researchers; however, studies on Himalayan amphibians have demonstrated that “common” or widespread species occasionally represent complexes of morphologically similar species (e.g. Dubois, 1975; Kamei et al., 2009; Dever et al., 2012; Khatiwada et al., 2017; Mahony et al., 2013, 2018, 2020), so careful attention to document every species should be made when possible. Our review of Amolops reports in literature demonstrate that some taxonomic information can be obtained from good quality images of uncollected animals, but inevitably an accurate species inventory for Bhutan’s amphibian fauna will not be possible without permanently maintained reference collections of vouchered specimens. Range restricted species may be only one drought, forest fire or hydroelectric dam away from extinction, thus the urgency to catalogue the Himalayan biodiversity has never been more urgent.

   

 Stephen Mahony, Tshering Nidup, Jeffrey W. Streicher, Emma C. Teeling and Rachunliu G. Kamei. 2022. A Review of Torrent frogs (Amolops: Ranidae) from Bhutan, the Description of A New Species, and Reassessment of the Taxonomic Validity of some A. viridimaculatus Group Species aided by Archival DNA Sequences of Century-old Type Specimens. The Herpetological Journal. 32(3); 142-175. DOI: 10.33256/32.3.142175  

  Researchgate.net/publication/361720626_A_review_of_Amolops_from_Bhutan

[Botany • 2021] Dolichos kongkandae (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) • A New Species from Asia and Lectotypification of D. fragrans

Dolichos kongkandae R. Meeboonya, Ngerns. & Balslev 

in Meeboonya, Ngernsaengsaruay & Balslev, 2021. 

ถั่วดอยดอกม่วงก่องกานดา  ||  DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.175.57759

Abstract

Dolichos kongkandae is described as a new species from Asia and includes a line drawing, photographs and information on its distribution and ecology. The morphological differences between D. kongkandae and the morphologically similar D. tenuicaulis are highlighted and clarified. Additionally, a lectotype for D. fragrans is designated.

Keywords: Fabaceae, lectotype, new species discovery, Phaseoleae, Phaseolinae, taxonomy

Figure 2. Dolichos kongkandae R. Meeboonya, Ngerns. & Balslev
A habit B leaf C inflorescence with flower buds D inflorescence with young and mature flowers E inflorescence with a mature flower and a young fruit F infructescence with a mature fruit. Photographs from R. Meeboonya & P. Yodboplub 406 (BKF).

Figure 1. Dolichos kongkandae R. Meeboonya, Ngerns. & Balslev
A stem with leaves, inflorescence and infructescences B calyx C inflorescence with a flower D standard petal E wing petals F keel petals G bracts of fascicle H bracteoles I pistil J stamens K seed.

Drawn from R. Meeboonya & P. Yodboplub 406 (BKF) by Rumrada Meeboonya. 

Dolichos kongkandae Meeboonya, Ngerns. & Balslev, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Dolichos kongkandae is most similar to D. tenuicaulis, but differs in having a densely-pubescent stem (versus slightly pubescent), ovate or broadly elliptic stipules (versus lanceolate, elliptic or subtriangular), a longer axis of inflorescence, 1–3 cm long (versus 0.3–0.5 cm long), the corolla dark purple turning blackish-purple when dried (versus purplish-pink or pale pink turning pale yellow when dried), a larger standard, ca. 12 × ca. 14 mm (versus 8–9 × 8.5–9 mm), wing petals, ca. 16 × ca. 8 mm (versus 10–11 × 3–4 mm), keel petals 11–12 × 3–4 mm (versus 9–10 × 2–2.5 mm) and a hirsute fruit stalk (versus slightly puberulous).

Distribution: Bhutan, India, Myanmar, China, Laos, Thailand.

Ecology: Open areas in montane rain forests, mixed deciduous forests, limestone ridges, 550–2150 m alt.

Vernacular name: Thua doi dok muang kongkanda (ถั่วดอยดอกม่วงก่องกานดา), the name is here given by the authors. This vernacular name references legumes (thua), the hills or mountain regions of its origin (doi), purple corolla (dok muang), and our mentor (Dr. Kongkanda Chayamarit).

Conservation status: Dolichos kongkandae is widely distributed in its habitats. However, these areas are disturbed by the human activities. It is therefore considered as Near Threatened (NT), following the IUCN Red List Criteria and Categories version 14 (IUCN 2019).

Etymology: The specific epithet is named in honour of Dr. Kongkanda Chayamarit, the expert botanist of the Forest Herbarium and the Flora of Thailand Project. She was the former supervisor of Associate Professor Dr. Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay in his master’s and doctoral degrees and the thesis co-advisor of Dr. Rumrada Meeboonya in her master’s and doctoral degrees. She has always encouraged and supported us.

 Rumrada Meeboonya, Chatchai Ngernsaengsaruay and Henrik Balslev. 2021. Dolichos kongkandae sp. nov. and lectotypification of D. fragrans (Leguminosae, Papilionoideae) from Asia. PhytoKeys. 175: 55-65. DOI: 10.3897/phytokeys.175.57759

    

[Entomology • 2021] New Record of Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman & Orr, 2017 (Zygoptera: Synlestidae) from India, with First Description of Female and Larva

Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman & Orr, 2017

in Payra, Dawn, Subramanian, et al., 2021. 

  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.2.4

 

Abstract

Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman & Orr, 2017 is recorded for the first time from India, extending the known geographic range of the species. This report is based on the collection of 5 individuals (4 males, 1 female) from Jang waterfall, Tawang, Arunachal Pradesh and 2 males from Neora Valley National Park, Kalimpong district, West Bengal. The female of M. gyalsey is described for the first time with notes on the variation in the male. A probable larva of the species is also described and illustrated.

Keywords: Odonata, Range extension, damselfly, Synlestidae, larva

Arajush Payra, Prosenjit Dawn, K. A. Subramanian, C. K. Deepak, Kailash Chandra and Basudev Tripathy. 2021. New Record of Megalestes gyalsey Gyeltshen, Kalkman & Orr, 2017 (Zygoptera: Synlestidae) from India, with First Description of Female and Larva. Zootaxa. 4938(2); 233–242. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4938.2.4

[Botany • 2020] Bulbophyllum trongsaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae) • A New Species from Bhutan

Bulbophyllum trongsaense 

in Gyeltshen, Gurung & Kumar, 2020.

 DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.436.1.9 

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Abstract

Bulbophyllum trongsaense is described as a new species from Trongsa district of Bhutan. Detailed morphological description, distribution, phenology, ecology and colour photographs are provided along with comparison with B. amplifolium to which it shows closest affinity.

Keywords: Bulbophyllum amplifolium, B. nodosum, Endangered, Monocots

Phub Gyeltshen, Dhan Bahadur Gurung and Pankaj Kumar. 2020. Bulbophyllum trongsaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Dendrobieae), A New Species from Bhutan. Phytotaxa. 436(1); 85–91. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.436.1.9

Bhutan discovers new orchid species  moaf.gov.bt/bhutan-discovers-new-orchid-species/

kuenselonline.com/new-orchid-species-found/

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[Botany • 2019] Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. spicerianum & P. venustum • Distribution and Habitats of Paphiopedilum Pfitzer (Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae) known to Occur in Bhutan

 Paphiopedilum fairrieanum and P. venustum growing side by side, Ngangla, Zhemgang.

in Gurung, Gyeltshen, Tobgay, et al., 2019.

  DOI: 10.11609/jott.3431.11.9.14101-14111 

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ABSTRACT

Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. spicerianum, and P. venustum (Orchidaceae: Cypripedioideae) are reported to occur in Bhutan, of which the former is known to be Critically Endangered and the latter two are Endangered.  Based on numerous field trips conducted over the last decade, populations of P. fairrieanum and P. venustum were located in Bhutan.  No individual of P. spicerianum, however, was found despite many search attempts.  Its occurrence in Bhutan may have been originally erroneous.  Based on the accessibility of the habitats, six 10m × 10m quadrats were defined to enumerate the plant species found in the Paphiopedilum habitats.  Vegetation analyses and cluster dendrograms of the plant species composition indicated the presence of three forest types with distinct species compositions.  Paphiopedilum fairrieanum was found growing mainly as a lithophyte on seasonally dry limestone cliffs or on limestone outcrops with a comparatively open forest canopy.  These populations were mostly located on southwest- or northwest-facing slopes with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.8.  Paphiopedilum venustum, in contrast, was a ground-dwelling species restricted to relatively dense forests with soil pH ranging from 7.1 to 7.5.

Keywords: Cluster dendrogram, eastern Himalaya, orchid, Paphiopedilum fairrieanum, P. spicerianum, P. venustum, vegetation analysis

Paphiopedilum fairrieanum and P. venustum growing side by side, Ngangla, Zhemgang.

photo: Nima Gyeltshen

Dhan Bahadur Gurung, Nima Gyeltshen, Kezang Tobgay, Stig Dalström, Jangchu Wangdi, Bhakta Bahadur Ghalley, Lekey Chaida, Phuntsho, Ngawang Gyeltshen, Kelzang Dawa, Tandin Wangchuk, Rebecca Pradhan, Thomas Hoijer and Choki Gyeltshen. 2019. Distribution and Habitats of Paphiopedilum Pfitzer (Orchidaceae) known to Occur in Bhutan. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 11(9); 14101-14111. DOI: 10.11609/jott.3431.11.9.14101-14111

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[Botany • 2019] Chiloschista gelephuense (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) • A New spotted Chiloschista from Bhutan

Chiloschista gelephuense Ch.Gyeltshen & Dalström

in Gyeltshen, Dalström, Gyeltshen & Tobgay, 2019.

DOI: 10.15517/lank.v19i1.37030 

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Abstract

 A new species of Chiloschista from a restricted area in Bhutan is described and illustrated. It is compared with C. parishii from Myanmar and Thailand, which has similarly colored flowers and from which it differs by the larger flowers, 15–18 mm versus 8–10 mm, and the lack of a glandular and pubescent, erect and curved callus lobe inside the lip, which is generally seen in other similarly colored species of this genus.

Key Words: Aeridinae, Bhutan, Himalaya, new Chiloschista, Orchidaceae, Vandeae

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Figure 3. Chiloschista gelephuense flowered in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Serbithang, in May of 2015.

Chiloschista gelephuense Ch.Gyeltshen & Dalström, sp. nov.

 TYPE: Bhutan. Gelephu: North of Gelephu Tshachu hot springs ..., alt. ca. 300 m, epiphytic in shade on smaller trees, collected on 12 May, 2014, and flowered in cultivation at the Royal Botanic Garden, Serbithang, 12 May, 2015, S. Dalström 4212 & Ch. Gyeltshen (holotype: THIM) (Fig. 3–4).

 Diagnosis: Chiloschista gelephuense is superficially similar to C. parishi in the yellowish flowers with brown spots on the sepals and petals, but differs by the larger flower, 15–18 mm across versus 8–10 mm across for the latter species. Chiloschista gelephuense also differs from other similarly colored species in the genus by the lack of a glandular pubescent, erect and curved callus lobe inside the lip.

Etymology: Named in reference to the sub-district (Dungkhag) of Gelephu, currently the only area where this species has been found.

Choki Gyeltshen, Stig Dalström, Nima Gyeltshen and Kezang Tobgay. 2019. A New spotted Chiloschista (Orchidaceae: Aeridinae) from Bhutan. LANKESTERIANA. 19(1); 23-29. DOI: 10.15517/lank.v19i1.37030  

lankesteriana.org/LankesterianaJournal/19(1)/05.%20Gyeltshen%20et%20al.%202019.pdf

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[Mollusca • 2017] Erhaia wangchuki • Erhaia Davis & Kuo (Gastropoda, Rissooidea, Amnicolidae) also in Bhutan

Erhaia wangchuki

Gittenberger, Sherub & Stelbrink, 2017

 DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.679.13326 

Abstract

The occurrence of at least one species of Erhaia in Bhutan, viz. Erhaia wangchuki sp. n., is confirmed by DNA sequencing. A second unnamed species from Bhutan, that might be congeneric, is known from only a single shell. According to the molecular analysis, E. wangchuki is most closely related to a still undescribed Erhaia species from China. These two species together with E. jianouensis and Akiyoshia kobayashii, both also from China, form a well supported clade. Awaiting additional molecular data, the apparent inconsistency regarding Erhaia versus Akiyoshia is not dealt with here. The extant true sister species of E. wangchuki could be among the four SE Himalayan species from Bhutan and Nepal that are classified with Erhaia on the basis of conchological data only.

Keywords: Erhaia, Akiyoshia, 16S, taxonomy, distribution, Nepal, Bhutan

Figure 1. Erhaia wangchuki sp. n., sequenced paratype; scale bar 0.5 mm (photographs by B.S.); Bhutan, district Wangdue Phodrang, Gangchhu, 2883 m alt.; 27°26'N, 90°11'E; Jigme Wangchuk leg. 21.iii.2015.

Figure 1. Erhaia wangchuki sp. n., sequenced paratype; scale bar 0.5 mm (photographs by B.S.); Bhutan, district Wangdue Phodrang, Gangchhu, 2883 m alt.; 27°26'N, 90°11'E; Jigme Wangchuk leg. 21.iii.2015.
 Figures 5–7. The Gangzetem brooklet (5), with the watertank at the source (6), and the site where the brooklet crosses the road (7). Photographs by Damber Bdr Chhetri.

Systematics

Superfamilia Rissooidea Gray, 1847

Family Amnicolidae Tryon, 1863

Genus Erhaia Davis & Kuo, 1985

Type species: Erhaia daliensis Davis & Kuo,

in Davis, Kuo, Hoagland, Chen, Yang and Chen, 1985.

Erhaia wangchuki sp. n.

Etymology: wangchuki, after Jigme Wangchuk, who discovered these minute snails.

....

 Edmund Gittenberger, Sherub Sherub and Björn Stelbrink. 2017. Erhaia Davis & Kuo (Gastropoda, Rissooidea, Amnicolidae) also in Bhutan. ZooKeys. 679: 21-28.  DOI:  10.3897/zookeys.679.13326

[Botany • 2017] Spathoglottis jetsuniae • A New and Striking Spathoglottis (Orchidaceae: Collabiinae), honoring Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan

Spathoglottis jetsuniae N.Gyeltshen, K.Tobgyel & Dalström

Gyeltshen, Tobgyel & Daltröm, 2017

LANKESTERIANA. 17(3) revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/lankesteriana 

Abstract

A new, attractive and morphologically unique species of Spathoglottis is described, illustrated and compared with the most similar species. The new species is currently only known from two localities in southeastern Bhutan and differs distinctly from its closest relative, Spathoglottis hardingiana, by the glabrous pedicels, forward-curved acuminate apices of the petals, a yellow hypochile of the lip, two pairs of unequal callus “horns” and swellings, and a spirally coiled epichile of the lip, versus a densely pubescent inflorescence and pedicels, a pale purple hypochile, a single pair of erect and clavate, or“bubble-shaped”, callus swellings, and a projecting and narrowly triangular epichile of the lip for S. hardingiana. 

Keywords: Orchidaceae, Collabiinae, new species, Spathoglottis, Bhutan

Figure 5. The striking flowers of Spathoglottis jetsuniae.

 Photo by Nima Gyeltshen

Spathoglottis jetsuniae N.Gyeltshen, K.Tobgyel & Dalström, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Spathoglottis jetsuniae is similar to S. hardingiana C.S.P.Parish & Rchb.f. (Fig.7), but differs by having sub-glabrous inflorescence, axis and pedicels, petals with abruptly acuminate apices curved forward, a yellow lip with a pair of spreading fleshy callus lobes and an additional, parallel pair of digitate, or “sausage-shaped”, callus structures above, and a narrow and coiled-up, strap-like mid-lobe. In contrast, S. hardingiana has distinctly pubescent inflorescence, axis, ovaries and pedicels, acute petals, a pale mauve lip with a single pair of thick and clavate, or bulbous, erect callus structures, and a porrect and narrowly triangular mid-lobe (Parish & Reichenbach 1875; Curtis’s Botanical Magazine 1904).

Distribution: Spathoglottis jetsuniae is so far only known from two localities in southeastern Bhutan. 

Eponomy: Spathoglottis jetsuniae is named in loving and respectful honor of Her Majesty the Queen Jetsun Pema Wangchuck of Bhutan, who has a dedicated and sincere interest in the protection of the environment and the wild flora and fauna of Bhutan.

Figure 7: Spathoglottis hardingiana from the Curtis’ Botanical Magazine, plate 7964 (1904).

Nima Gyeltshen, Kezang Tobgyel and Stig Daltröm. 2017. A New and Striking Spathoglottis (Orchidaceae: Collabiinae), honoring Her Majesty the Queen of Bhutan.  LANKESTERIANA. 17(3); 395–393.  

revistas.ucr.ac.cr/index.php/lankesteriana/article/view/31575

  

[Entomology • 2017] Ant-like Stone Beetles on the Roof of the World. Cephenniini of Nepal and Bhutan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae)

Cephennodes popeye  Jałoszyński. 2017

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4349.1.1 

Abstract

The tribe Cephenniini is for the first time reported to occur in the Himalaya Mountains, and 58 species are described: Cephennomicrus arunensis sp. n., Cm. acupunctatus sp. n., Cm. taplejungensis sp. n., Hlavaciellus primitivus sp. n., Cephennodes (s. str.) cavifrons sp. n., C. (s. str.) pampinosus sp. n., C. C. (s. str.) bagmatianus sp. n., C. (s. str.) popeye sp. n., C. C. (s. str.) clavodentatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) meredaranus sp. n., C. (s. str.) yangrianus sp. n., C. (s. str.) suturalis sp. n., C. (s. str.) karnaliensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) churtanus sp. n., C. (s. str.) sermathangensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) tipulipes sp. n., C. (s. str.) yeti sp. n., C. (s. str.) inflaticornis sp. n., C. (s. str.) dolakhanus sp. n., C. (s. str.) manangensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) martensi sp. n., C. (s. str.) paramartensi sp. n., C. (s. str.) monolaminatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) thakanus sp. n., C. (s. str.) annapurnaensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) parbatensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) letheanus sp. n., C. (s. str.) myagdiensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) malla sp. n., C. (s. str.) gorkha sp. n., C. (s. str.) tharepatianus sp. n., C. (s. str.) minisulcatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) mustangensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) lalitpuranus sp. n., C. (s. str.) paralalitpuranus sp. n., C. (s. str.) bahrabisensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) bilaminatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) ghorepanianus sp. n., C. (s. str.) cordilaminatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) str.) mangmayanus sp. n. C. (s. str.) bilobatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) gokarnaensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) pseudogokarnaensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) mahisapala sp. n., C. (s. str.) licchavi sp. n., C. (s. str.) gopala sp. n., C. (s. str.) paniporuanus sp. n., C. (s. str.) brachyclavatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) phulchokianus sp. n., C. (s. str.) pokharensis sp. n., C. (s. str.) newar sp. n., C. (s. str.) kusunda sp. n., C. (s. str.) sindhupalchowk sp. n., C. (s. str.) furcatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) penicillipes sp. n., C. (s. str.) sulcatus sp. n., C. (s. str.) kalopanianus sp. n., and  C. (s. str.) poonensis sp. n. Cephennodes popeye occurs in Bhutan; all remaining species inhabit Nepal. Four new species groups are established in Cephennodes, and a checklist of all Cephennodes species placed in species groups is given. The presumably plesiomorphic morphological structures of H. primitivus are discussed, and comparative notes on the Himalayan Cephenniini fauna are presented.

Keywords: Insecta, Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae, Cephenniini, Cephennodes, Cephennomicrus, Hlavaciellus, Nepal, Bhutan, Himalaya, taxonomy

Paweł Jałoszyński. 2017. Ant-like Stone Beetles on the Roof of the World. Cephenniini of Nepal and Bhutan (Coleoptera, Staphylinidae, Scydmaeninae).  Zootaxa. 4349(1); 1–120. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4349.1.1

[Botany • 2017] Roscoea megalantha • A New Species (Zingiberaceae) from eastern Bhutan and India

Roscoea megalantha  Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom

DOI: 10.1017/S0960428617000142  

sinohimalaya.com

Abstract

A new species of Roscoea is described and illustrated. Roscoea megalantha Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom occurs in the Eastern Zone of Bhutan and neighbouring Arunachal Pradesh in India. A distribution map and an IUCN conservation assessment are given. A key to the three species of Roscoea found in Bhutan is provided.

Keywords. Arunachal Pradesh, Bhutan, IUCN conservation assessment, new species, Roscoea.

Roscoea megalantha Tosh.Yoshida & R.Yangzom, sp. nov. 

Roscoeae purpureae Sm. affinis, sed dorsali petalo reflexo, labelli ungue distincto et profunde canaliculato, labelli limbo late ovato vel rotundato, atque calcaribus connectivi praeditis projectris reflexis filiformibus differt.  

Etymology. The epithet comes from the Greek for large flower.

T. Yoshida, R. Yangzom and M. F. Newman. 2017. Roscoea megalantha (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from eastern Bhutan and India.  Edinburgh Journal of Botany.  DOI: 10.1017/S0960428617000142 

 researchgate.net/publication/316933386_ROSCOEA_MEGALANTHA_ZINGIBERACEAE_A_NEW_SPECIES_FROM_EASTERN_BHUTAN_AND_INDIA

 sinohimalaya.com