[Herpetology • 2026] Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis • A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura: Megophryidae) from Xizang, China

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan,
Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

in Liu, Zhang, Wei, Ai, Lu, Li, Zhou, Chen et Yuan, 2026. 

墨脱绿角蟾  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945

Abstract

Motuo County, located in the eastern Himalayas and within the lower section of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, is characterized by steep elevational gradients and complex topography, supporting high levels of biodiversity and endemism that remain insufficiently explored. Based on integrated evidence from morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new subgenus and a new species of Asian horned toads from Motuo County, Xizang, China, are described. The new subgenus, Viridophrys subgen. nov., with its type species Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., represents an independent evolutionary lineage within the broadly defined Megophrys, as supported by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses. Although its exact sister-group relationship is not consistently resolved among different datasets, the new lineage is phylogenetically close to the subgenera Brachytarsophrys and Atympanophrys. Morphologically, the new subgenus can be distinguished from other major megophryine lineages by a combination of morphological characters. The discovery of Viridophrys subgen. nov. and M. (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. highlights the underestimated diversity of megophryids in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region and emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts in the eastern Himalayas.

Key Words: Himalayas, Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., taxonomy, Viridophrys subgen. nov., Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region

Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Megophrys Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

Subgenus Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

 Type species. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis
Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The subgenus Viridophrys subgen. nov. can be distinguished from other subgenera within the broadly defined Megophrys by the following diagnostic characteristics: (1) medium body size, mean SVL < 50 mm in adult females; (2) dorsal skin rough, with vivid green dorsal coloration and reddish markings, and ventral surfaces covered with irregular blotches; (3) head wider than long; (4) snout obtusely rounded and without rostral appendage; (5) maxillary teeth present; (6) vomerine teeth and vomerine ridges absent; (7) palpebral appendages absent, with minute tubercles along the outer edge of the upper eyelid; (8) temporal region short, tympanum large, distinct, close to posterior corner of eye, supratympanic fold thick and slightly curved over tympanum; (9) occipital fold absent; (10) dorsolateral fold absent; (11) presence of V-shaped parietoscapular ridge and arcuate central dorsal ridge; (12) flanks bearing scattered white-tipped tubercles, with a few tubercles occasionally present along the ventrolateral boundary; (13) lower jaw smooth, asperities absent; (14) subarticular tubercles on fingers absent; (15) webbing between toes is absent, toe fringe is lacking (Figs 4, 5).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. adult female holotype SWU 0015893 in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsolateral view; D. Profile of head; E. Cloacal area.

Photographs by Ren-Da Ai.

Habitat of Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. at the type locality, Beibeng Township, Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A. Broadleaf and coniferous mixed forest; B. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. in the wild (SWU 0015893).

Habitat photograph by Wen-Zhu Lu. Species photograph by Ren-Da Ai.

Etymology. The subgeneric name Viridophrys subgen. nov. is derived from the Latin viridis, meaning green, and the Greek ophrys, meaning eyebrow, in reference to the extensive green markings on the dorsum of the new taxon. The gender of the name is feminine.

Common name. Green horned toad subgenus /
Lǜ jiǎo chán yà shǔ (绿角蟾亚属).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Etymology. The name “motuoensis” originated from the type locality: Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

Common name. Motuo green horned toad /
Mò tuō lǜ jiǎo chán (墨脱绿角蟾).

 

Xiao-Long Liu, Yin-Peng Zhang, Ping-Fan Wei, Ren-Da Ai, Wen-Zhu Lu, Xian-Qi Li, Wei-Wei Zhou, Jin-Min Chen and Zhi-Yong Yuan. 2026. A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura, Megophryidae, Megophryinae) from Xizang, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1295-1313. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945 [21 Oct 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Songthela fengxiang, S. nanqiao, S. parallela, S. yanhe, S. yinchiba, ... • Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Araneae: Mesothelae: Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China

[G, J] Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.;
[H, K] S. yanhe sp. nov.;
[I, L] S. yinchiba sp. nov. 

Xu, Zhang & Li, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113

G–I. Female; J–L. Male, Scale bar: 5 mm.

 

Abstract

Twelve new species of the primitively segmented spider genus Songthela Ono, 2000, from Guizhou Province, China, are described based on the genital morphology of both sexes: S. chenjiapian sp. nov. (♂♀), S. cuantang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fengxiang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fuyan sp. nov. (♂♀), S. nanqiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. parallela sp. nov. (♂♀), S. qingganglin sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tianba sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tudiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yanhe sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yinchiba sp. nov. (♂♀), and S. yuhu sp. nov. (♂♀). All new species are assigned to the multidentata-group based on the morphology of the male palp and female genitalia. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map are provided. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences are also provided for the holotypes to facilitate future species identification and molecular studies.

Key Words: COI, description, morphology, taxonomy, trapdoor spiders

Microhabitat (A–F) and general somatic morphology (G–L) of new Songthela species.
G–I. Female; J–L. Male;
G, J. Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.; H, K. S. yanhe sp. nov.; I, L. S. yinchiba sp. nov.

Scale bar: 5 mm.

S. chenjiapian sp. nov., S. cuantang sp. nov., S. fengxiang sp. nov.,
S. fuyan sp. nov., S. nanqiao sp. nov., S. parallela sp. nov.,
S. qingganglin sp. nov., S. tianba sp. nov., S. tudiao sp. nov.,
S. yanhe sp. nov., S. yinchiba sp. nov., S. yuhu sp. nov.

Xin Xu, Yan Zhang and Daiqin Li. 2026. Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Mesothelae, Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1265-1293.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113 [15-10-2026]

[Fungi • 2026] Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov. • Unearthing a fungal Giant: Dianjunaceae fam. nov., A Novel Paleocene Lineage of Xylariales (Ascomycota: Sordariomycetes)

 

Dianjunaceae fam. nov.
Dianjunus rex F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan.,

in Song, Yan, Pérez-Moreno, Zhang, Yang, Xie, Su, J. Liu, Wang, D. Liu, Z. Yang, C. Yang, W. Liu, Shi, Wan, Cheewangkoon, Dai, Senanayake et Yu, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2026.1940464

 

Abstract

During mycological surveys in Yunnan Province, China, specimens of a fungus producing massive, upright stromata up to 50 cm high and individually 2.2 kg in weight were sampled. Through an integrative taxonomic approach combining detailed morphology, multilocus phylogeny [internal transcribed spacer (ITS), large subunit ribosomal DNA (LSU), RNA polymerase II subunit 2 (RPB2), and beta-tubulin (TUB2)], and phylogenomic analyses, this fungus is proposed as the new species Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov., the type of the new family Dianjunaceae (Xylariales). Phylogenetic analyses robustly place Dianjunaceae as a distinct sister clade to Graphostromataceae. Divergence time estimation dates the origin of this family to the early Paleocene (~65 million years ago), coinciding with the period following the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) extinction, when an estimated 75% of all plant and animal species went extinct, and a significant ecological reorganization of life on Earth happened. The stromata of D. rex represent the largest fructifications documented within the Ascomycota, significantly expanding the known morphological range of the Xylariales. The study provides a comprehensive description, including a nodulisporium-like anamorph with periconiella-like branching patterns, and discusses the taxon’s phylogenetic placement and distinctive morphology. This discovery highlights the unexplored fungal diversity in East Asian forests.

Keywords: divergence time, genome sequences, large stromata, morphology, novel taxa

Stromata of Dianjunus rex in the field.
(a, c, d, f) Stromata attached to host roots. (b, e, g, h) Stromata around host plant. (a) Collectors. (i) Total weight of largest bilobedstromata.

Dianjunus rex (HKAS148941, holotype).
(a) Stromata. (b) Yellow powdery layer on outer crust covering ostioles. (c) Ostiole opening on stromatic surface. (d) Vertical cross section of ascoma. (e) Peridium. (f) Stromatic tissues in 5% (w/v) KOH. (g) Horizontal section through the stromata. (h) Apical ring in water. (i) Apical ring in Melzer’s reagent. (j) Apical ring in Lugol’s reagent after pretreatment with 3% (w/v) KOH. (k) Apical ring in Lugol’s reagent. (l) S-shaped germ-slits in ascospores in Melzer’s reagent. (m-p) Asci in water. (q-zf) Ascospores in water.

Scale bars: a = 15 cm, b, c, e = 100 µm, d = 750 µm, g = 250 µm, l = 20 µm, m-p = 50 µm, h-k, q-zf = 10 µm.

Dianjunaceae F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., fam. nov.

Etymology: Based on the type genus Dianjunus.

Diagnosis: Dianjunaceae is distinguished from other families in Xylariales by having large stromata with persistent powdery-fibrous surface, unique S-shaped germ slit in ascospores, the inverted-trapezoid, amyloid apical ring in Melzer’s reagent, and nodulisporium-like anamorph with periconiella-like branching patterns produce distantly-packed branchlets bearing cluster of cylindrical, conidiogenous cells.

 

Dianjunus F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., gen. nov.

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the “Dian Kingdom”, a historical society situated in the region of present-day Yunnan Province in southwestern China where the samples were collected. The epithet is combined with the Chinese word “jūn”, meaning ‘mushroom’ or ‘fungus’.

Dianjunus rex F.Q. Yu, Pérez-Moreno & Senan., sp. nov. 

Etymology: The species epithet rex (Latin = king) refers to the large size and majestic appearance of the stromata.

Jing Song, Zhuyue Yan, Jesús Pérez-Moreno, Fengming Zhang, Shimei Yang, Tao Xie, Luofeng Su, Jianwei Liu, Yanliang Wang, Dong Liu, Zhenyan Yang, Chengmo Yang, Wei Liu, Xiaofei Shi, Shanping Wan, Ratchadawan Cheewangkoon, Dongqin Dai, Indunil C. Senanayake and Fuqiang Yu. 2026. Unearthing a fungal Giant: Dianjunaceae fam. nov., A Novel Paleocene Lineage of Xylariales harboring Dianjunus rex gen. et sp. nov. Front. Fungal Biol. 7; 1940464. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/ffunb.2026.1940464 [29 September 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis • Jurassic flightless Bird reveals early Ecological Diversity of avialans

Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis

L. Xu, Wang, G. Lin, Dong, Deng, X. Xu, Du, M. Lin, Chen & Zhou, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10972-z

Life reconstruction by Min Wang.

 Abstract

The origin and early diversification of birds remain highly debated in vertebrate evolution. Although estimates of the evolutionary timescales suggest a Jurassic period radiation, a profound scarcity of fossils from this period has hampered how the distinctive bird bauplan was assembled. Selection for powered flight has been viewed as the primary driver of early avialan skeletal modifications, attesting to the independent occurrences of aerodynamic features among paravian lineages. Here we report on the discovery of a Late Jurassic avialan, Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis, gen. et sp. nov., from the Zhenghe Fauna of southeastern China. As one of the earliest diverging avialans, Y. yangyuanensis exhibits a striking mosaic of features, combining a mixture of avialan- and troodontid-like cranial characters, paired with derived postcranial traits and a deinonychosaur-like hyperextensible second pedal digit. Phylogenetically informed analyses show that Y. yangyuanensis possesses markedly short forelimbs—a condition present widely among non-avialan theropods. These findings provide strong evidence for a terrestrial, flightless lifestyle of Y. yangyuanensis. Our study demonstrates that evolution works intensively as exemplified by the occurrence of several, divergent ecological pathways being exploited in the initial diversification of birds.

 

Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis, gen. et sp. nov.

Life reconstruction of the Late Jurassic bird Yuezhuornis yangyuanensis.

Artwork by Min Wang.

 

Liming Xu, Min Wang, Ganmin Lin, Liping Dong, Ke Deng, Xing Xu, Honggang Du, Min Lin, Runsheng Chen and Zhonghe Zhou. 2026. Jurassic flightless Bird reveals early Ecological Diversity of avialans. Nature. 658; 690–697. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-10972-z [14 October 2026]

Liming Xu  (徐立明), Min Wang  (王敏), Ganmin Lin  (林淦旻), Liping Dong  (董丽萍), Ke Deng  (邓克), Xing Xu  (徐星), Honggang Du  (杜红岗), Min Lin  (林敏), Runsheng Chen  (陈润生) & Zhonghe Zhou  (周忠和)

[PaleoIchthyology • 2022] Dianodipterus huizeensis • A New dipnoan Genus (Sarcopterygii: Dipnoi) from the Middle Devonian of Huize, Yunnan, China

Dianodipterus huizeensis

Luo, Cui, Qiao & Zhu, 2022

DOI: doi.org/0.1080/14772019.2022.2042409 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359575707

 

Abstract

A new genus and species of tooth-plated lungfishes, Dianodipterus huizeensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Qujing Formation (late Eifelian, Middle Devonian) of Huize County, Qujing, north-eastern Yunnan, China. It differs from other lungfishes in the small proportion of the tooth-bearing part on the pterygoid (less than one-quarter), the extensively developed anteromedial edentulous portion of the pterygoid, and tooth rows few in number (only four). Phylogenetic analysis reveals that Dianodipterus is more plesiomorphic than Dipterus, yet crownward of Melanognathus. As the ninth Devonian lungfish genus from China, the new taxon displays a novel schema of lungfish dentition and increases the diversity of early lungfishes.

Keywords: Dipnoi, Middle Devonian, dentition, vomer, phylogeny, China

Dianodipterus huizeensis gen. et sp. nov.

Yanchao Luo, Xindong Cui, Tuo Qiao and Min Zhu. 2022. A New dipnoan Genus from the Middle Devonian of Huize, Yunnan, China. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 19(18); 1303-1315 DOI: doi.org/0.1080/14772019.2022.2042409 [29 Mar 2022]

 Researchgate.net/publication/359575707_A_new_dipnoan_genus_from_the_Middle_Devonian_of_Huize_Yunnan_China

x.com/ChinaScience/status/1514136308083412994

[Botany • 2026] Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, 

 

in Yang, Q.-L. Wang, Wu, Chen, Han, Huang, Yuan et J.-B. Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.196585

Abstract

Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae), a new species of the genus Musa endemic to Yunnan, southwestern China, is described and illustrated in this study. This new species is morphologically similar to M. puspanjaliae, but can be clearly distinguished by a combination of morphological characters. Its female bud bracts are dark purple externally and purple internally, with 6–7 basal female flowers arranged in two rows; the base of the compound tepal bears distinct and dense red stripes, the ovary is pale green and glabrous. The male bud bracts are consistent in color with female bracts, dark purple externally and purple internally, and are non-revolute before abscission. Each bract bears approximately twenty male flowers arranged in two rows, with pinkish-purple anther lobes. The fruit bunch is lax, consisting of upward-curving fruits. Typically, each bunch possesses eight hands, with 6–7 fruits per hand, and the pedicels are obviously developed.

Key words: Musa, Musa dulongjiangensis, new species, taxonomy

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, sp. nov.
A. Plants in the habitat; B. Mature fruiting bunch; C. Inflorescence with flowers; D. Internally of female bud bracts; E. Basal female flowers and ovaries; F. (-1, -2, -3) compound tepal, free tepal, sterile stamen and stigma of female flower; G. Male bud; H. Internally of male bud bract; J. (-1, -2, -3) compound tepal, free tepal and stamen of male flower; K. Hand of fruits; L. Individual fruit and curved; M. Ovules in 2 rows per locule.

Scale bars: 5 cm (C, G, H); 1 cm (E, F, J, L, M).

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. M. dulongjiangensis is similar in morphology to M. puspanjaliae, but they differ significantly in the following morphological features. Sterile bracts 2 (vs. 4), female bud bracts dark purple externally (vs. greenish-yellow or purple), female flowers, 6–7 flowered in two rows (vs. 13–16 flowered in two rows), ovary pale green, glabrous (vs. cream, slightly pubescent), compound tepal 3 cm long, base with distinct and dense red stripes (vs. 5 cm long, without red stripes), free tepal broadly ovate (vs. oblong ovate to triangular), male bud bracts unrevolute before falling (vs. revolute before falling), male buds uncovered with persistent dry old bracts (vs. covered with persistent dry old bracts), male buds incompletely fall off (vs. fall off completely), male flowers on average 20 per bract in 2 rows (vs. 22 per bracts in 2 rows), anthers lobe pinkish purple (vs. creamy to pale pink); fruit bunch lax, with 8 hands and 6–7 fruits per hand, in 2 rows (vs. very compact, with 8 hands; fruits 15 per hand, in 2 rows), individual fruit curved upward (vs. straight), fruits with short pedicel (vs. sessile).

  Hu-Biao Yang, Qing-Long Wang, Yun-Yuan Wu, Jin-Hua Chen, Peng Han, Ming-Zhong Huang, Lang-Xing Yuan and Jia-Bao Wang. 2026. Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China. PhytoKeys. 280: 83-91. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.196585 [14-10-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primula octopoda (Primulaceae) • A stoloniferous New Species from western Sichuan, China

 

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang,  

in Q. Huang, X. Wang, W.-J. Huang, Yang, Pan, Ru, J.-P. Wang et Ju, 2026.

巴塘粉报春 | DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 

 

ABSTRACT

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, a new species of Primula (Primulaceae) in sect. Aleuritia, is herein described and illustrated from Batang County, Sichuan Province, southwestern China. Morphologically, P. octopoda is most similar to P. stenocalyx, but it can be readily distinguished by its dwarf habit, the presence of stolons 2–7 cm in length ending in small rosettes occasionally bearing a single flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaf blades, a very short or absent scape bearing one or two flowers, and a smaller, annulate corolla with a prominent yellow eye. The complete chloroplast genome of P. octopoda spans 154,164 bp with a GC content of 36.97% and contains 125 genes. Phylogenetic analyses using plastid and ITS data both place P. octopoda within sect. Aleuritia while supporting its distinct species status. Given the current lack of adequate information on its population size and geographic range, the species is provisionally assigned a status of Data Deficient (DD) according to the IUCN Red List criteria.

Keywords: molecular phylogeny, morphology, new species, Primula, taxonomy

Habitat of the Primula octopoda.
 (A) Habitat; (B–D) Plants.

Morphology of Primula octopoda.
 (A) Plant; (B) roots; (C) leaves; (D) inflorescence; (E) corolla; (F) bracts; (G) calyx; (H) thrum flower and pin flower; (I) capsule.

Primula octopoda W.B.Ju & Q.Huang, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. The new species most closely resembles P. stenocalyx, sharing narrowly lanceolate bracts, a tubular calyx with similarly divided oblong or lanceolate lobes, stamens and style included within the corolla tube, and an oblong capsule. However, it differs in its shorter stature, the presence of 2–7 cm long stolons each ending in a small rosette and occasionally bearing a solitary flower, elliptic to broadly obovate leaves, a scape up to 2 cm long or absent with 1–2 flowers, and an annulate corolla with a yellow eye and smaller flowers (Figures 2 and 3).

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species refers to its distinctive feature of producing multiple stout, fleshy stolons that resemble the tentacles of an octopus; hence the name octopoda, which vividly reflects the plant's numerous stolons extending like “eight legs.”

Vernacular Name. Chinese mandarin: “bā táng fĕn bào chūn” (巴塘粉报春), meaning “Batang Farinose Primrose” in English.

 

Qin Huang, Xin Wang, Wen-Jun Huang, Jie-Yi Yang, Hong-Li Pan, Jian Ru, Jiang-Ping Wang and Wen-Bin Ju. 2026. Primula octopoda, A stoloniferous New Species from Western Sichuan, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74088 [27 August 2026]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Yipetalichthys maxiongensis • A New quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Middle Devonian of China

 

 Yipetalichthys maxiongensis

 Pan, Dupret, Ahlberg, Zhao, Wang, Wang & Zhu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70124  

 www.IVPP.ac.cn 

Abstract

We describe Yipetalichthys maxiongensis gen. et sp. nov., a quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Eifelian Shangshuanghe Formation (Qujing, Yunnan, China). High-resolution micro-CT reveals an endocranium bearing cranial nerve grooves and inner ear structures. The dermal neck joint permits a quantitative character, the angle between the ventral laminar ridge (v.l.r) and the skull-roof midline. Current specimens yield two non-overlapping bins (state 0: ≤15°; state 1: ≥28°), separating Macropetalichthyidae and Quasipetalichthyidae; the 15–28° interval is unsampled and the threshold remains testable with new material. Expanded parsimony analysis, adding Yipetalichthys and six additional ptyctodont taxa, recovers Petalichthyida as sister to Ptyctodontida and places Yipetalichthys within Quasipetalichthyidae. The diagnosis includes large unenclosed elliptical orbits, slender unbifid postorbital processes, an elongate occipital region, and a shallow posterolateral vagus canal. Yipetalichthys shows a high v.l.r angle, supporting its quasipetalichthyid placement and providing a reproducible metric for future comparisons across articulated specimens. Our analysis of the neck joint helps to clarify petalichthyid phylogeny and identifies distinct, recurring architectures among major placoderm groups: in Antiarcha, a reverse sliding joint; in Petalichthyida, an elaborate sliding joint guided by the ventral laminar ridge with laminar cranial articular facets forming a longitudinal sliding track opposing the articular flanges of the anterior dorsolateral plate (ADL); in Ptyctodontida, a sliding joint with spoon-shaped cranial articular facets opposing ADL articular flanges; in Actinolepidoidei, a simple sliding condition; in Brachythoraci, a ginglymoid joint. These distinct neck joint architectures demonstrate the high evolutionary plasticity of this structure and its multiple, independent pathways toward cranial mobility in placoderms.

Yipetalichthys maxiongensis gen. et sp. nov.

 

Zhaohui Pan, Vincent Dupret, Per E. Ahlberg, Wenjin Zhao, Jianhua Wang, Mengjun Wang and Min Zhu. 2026. A New quasipetalichthyid placoderm from the Middle Devonian of China. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70124 [24 September 2026] 

DeepBone团队发现瓣甲鱼新属种，揭示颈胸关节演化新线索

https://www.IVPP.ac.cn/xwdt/kyjz/202609/t20260928_8287312.html

[Paleontology • 2026] Dianhaia heptacantha • A non-biomineralized trilobitomorph euarthropod (Trilobitomorpha: Helmetiida: Helmetiidae) with appendicular morphology from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, China

 

Dianhaia heptacantha 

Zhu, Zeng, Liu & Zhao, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2026.10257

Abstract

Helmetiida is a major group of Trilobitomorpha and Artiopoda known from Cambrian Burgess Shale-type Lagerstätten. Phylogenetic studies have suggested that they are closely related to trilobites as their possible sister taxon. With seven genera and eight species, Helmetiida has only been found in the Burgess Shale and the Chengjiang biota. Here we describe a new helmetiid, Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp., from the early Cambrian Chengjiang biota (Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3), Yunnan Province, South China. Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. possesses an anterior sclerite that is diagnostic of Helmetiida. The semicircular cephalon bears a pair of short genal spines. The thorax consists of seven tergites, each having a pair of long pleural spines and showing edge-to-edge articulation. The pygidium carries one short terminal spine and three pairs of long lateral spines. Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. is distinguished from other helmetiids by different numbers of thoracic tergites and pygidial spines. Computed microtomography shows that D. heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. has a pair of antennae and 13 pairs of homonomous biramous appendages. Each biramous appendage consists of a gnathobasic protopodite, seven-podomerous endopodite, and a lobate exopodite with lamellae. Phylogenetic analysis of Artiopoda resolved Dianhaia n. gen. as the sister taxon of Haifengella within Helmetiida. The discovery of this new helmetiid enriches the taxonomic diversity and appendicular morphoanatomy of Cambrian trilobitomorphs from the Chengjiang biota.

Systematic paleontology

Euarthropoda Lankester, 1904

Artiopoda Hou and Bergström, 1997

Trilobitomorpha Størmer, 1944

Conciliterga Hou and Bergström, 1997

Helmetiida Novozhilov, 1960

Helmetiidae Simonetta and Delle Cave, 1975

Included genera: Helmetia Walcott, 1918; Kuamaia Hou, 1987; Rhombicalvaria Hou, 1987; Haifengella Zhao et al., 2014.

Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota, holotype NIGP 203984, part and counterpart.
(1, 2, 4–9) Part, NIGP 203984a; (1) whole specimen; (2) interpretative drawing; (4) endopodite; (5) a thoracic biramous appendage; (6) exopodite; (7) setae on the exopodite; (8) spines on the pleural spine; (9) spines on the pygidium.
(3) Counterpart, NIGP 203984b.

Scale bars represent 5 mm (1, 2), 1 mm (3, 7), 2 mm (4–6, 8, 9).

 Abbreviations: as, anterior sclerite; ce, cephalic segment; cs, cephalic shield; cw, claw; ed, endite; en, endopodite; ex, exopodite; gs, genal spine; gn, gnathobase; hy, hypostome; lm, lamella; ls, lateral spine; ps, pleural spine; pt, protopodite; py, pygidium; sp, marginal spine; ts, terminal spine; T1–7, thoracic tergite 1–7; xs, setae on exopodite.

Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota, paratype NIGP 203985.
(1) Whole specimen; (2) interpretative drawing; (3) pygidial segments; (4) cephalic and anterior thoracic segments with appendages; (5) marginal spines on the pygidial pleural spine; (6) marginal spines on the pygidium; (7) whole appendage; (8) endopodite; (9) setae on exopodite. Scale bars represent: 5 mm (1, 2), 2 mm (3), 1 mm (4–9).

Abbreviations: as, anterior sclerite; en, endopodite; ex, exopodite; ls, lateral spine; ps, pleural spine; pt, protopodite; py, pygidium; sp, marginal spine; st, sternite; ts, terminal spine; T1–7, thoracic tergite 1–7; xs, setae on exopodite.

Genus Dianhaia new genus

Etymology: Derived from Dianhai, another name of the Dian Lake, which is close to the fossil locality.

Remarks: Dianhaia n. gen. has an oval anterior sclerite and tergites with edge-to-edge articulation, supporting its assignment to Helmetiida. Its well-developed segmental boundaries and several large pygidial spines indicate that it was a member of Helmetiidae (Losso et al., 2025). Different from Helmetia and Kuamaia, Dianhaia n. gen. has long pleural spines and pygidial spines that are similar to the counterparts in Rhombicalvaria and Haifengella (Hou and Bergström, 1997; Zhao et al., 2014; Losso et al., 2025). But compared with Rhombicalvaria and Haifengella, Dianhaia n. gen. has different numbers of thoracic tergites and pygidial spines, suggesting it is a separate genus.

Dianhaia heptacantha new species

Holotype: NIGP 203984a, b, part and counterpart.

Materials: Holotype (NIGP 203984a, b); paratype (NIGP 203985).

Diagnosis: The cephalic shield possesses a pair of short genal spines. The thorax comprises seven thoracic tergites with long pleural spines. The semicircular pygidium bears one very short terminal spine and three pairs of long lateral spines. Biramous appendages have an undivided long-ovate flap with marginal setae and imbricated lamellae.

Occurrence: Maotianshan Shale Member, Yu’anshan Formation, Wutingaspis–Eoredlichia trilobite Zone, Cambrian Series 2, Stage 3, Jianshan section, Kunming City, Yunnan Province, China.

Etymology: Hepta means seven in Greek. Acantha means spine in Greek. The name derives from the seven pairs of thoracic spines and seven pygidial spines in this species.

Reconstruction of the helmetiid euarthropod Dianhaia heptacantha n. gen. n. sp. from the Cambrian Stage 3 Chengjiang biota.
 (1) Dorsal view; (2) ventral view. 
 Morphology of the articular membrane and position of antennae are inferred. The number of antennal podomeres was referred from Kuamaia lata.

 

Yuyan Zhu, Han Zeng, Yao Liu and Fangchen Zhao. 2026.  A non-biomineralized trilobitomorph euarthropod (Helmetiida) with appendicular morphology from the early Cambrian Chengjiang Biota, China. Journal of Paleontology.  First View, pp. 1 - 10. DOI: doi.org/10.1017/jpa.2026.10257 [07 October 2026]

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Dianoconodon youngi • Fossils document Evolutionary Changes of jaw joint to mammalian middle ear

 

Dianoconodon youngi 

Mao, C. Zhang, Ren, T. Wang, G. Wang, F. Zhang, Rich, Vickers-Rich & Meng, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0  

 Researchgate.net/publication/379540254

Reconstruction by Chuang Zhao

Abstract

The dual jaw joint of Morganucodon consists of the dentary–squamosal joint laterally and the articular–quadrate one medially. The articular–quadrate joint and its associated post-dentary bones constitute the precursor of the mammalian middle ear. Fossils documenting the transition from such a precursor to the mammalian middle ear are poor, resulting in inconsistent interpretations of this hallmark apparatus in the earliest stage of mammaliaform evolution. Here we report mandibular middle ears from two Jurassic mammaliaforms: a new morganucodontan-like species and a pseudotribosphenic shuotheriid species. The morganucodontan-like species shows many previously unknown post-dentary bone morphologies and exhibits features that suggest a loss of load-bearing function in its articular–quadrate joint. The middle ear of the shuotheriid approaches the mammalian condition in that it has features that are suitable for an exclusively auditory function, although the post-dentary bones are still attached to the dentary. With size reduction of the jaw-joint bones, the quadrate shifts medially at different degrees in relation to the articular in the two mammaliaforms. These changes provide evidence of a gradual loss of load-bearing function in the articular–quadrate jaw joint—a prerequisite for the detachment of the post-dentary bones from the dentary and the eventual breakdown of the Meckel’s cartilage during the evolution of mammaliaforms.

Reconstruction of the newly described species Dianoconodon youngi.

illustration by Chuang Zhao 

Mammaliaformes Rowe, 1988

Dianoconodon youngi gen. et. sp. nov.

Holotype. A complete skull with associated dentitions and partialpostcranial skeleton (IVPP V4257, Institute of Vertebrate Paleontologyand Paleoanthropology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing) (Figs. 1and 2; Methods and Extended Data Figs. 1–6).

Etymology. Dian, the short form (Chinese phonetic Pinyin) of Yunnan Province, where the Lufeng fossil site is located; konos, Greek ‘cone’ or ‘cusp’; odon, Greek ‘tooth’. The specific name honours C. C. Young, who initiated the study of mammaliamorphs in Lufeng.  

Mandibular middle ears and transformation of the articular-quadrate joints in mammaliaforms. 

Fangyuan Mao, Chi Zhang, Jicheng Ren, Tao Wang, Guofu Wang, Fakui Zhang, Thomas Rich, Patricia Vickers-Rich and Jin Meng. 2024. Fossils document Evolutionary Changes of jaw joint to mammalian middle ear. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 [03 April 2024]

 Researchgate.net/publication/379540254_Fossils_document_evolutionary_changes_of_jaw_joint_to_mammalian_middle_ear

 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2024] Feredocodon chowi • Jurassic shuotheriids show earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms

 Feredocodon chowi

Mao, Li, Wang, Zhang, Rich, Vickers-Rich & Meng, 2024

 DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 

  Researchgate.net/publication/379540347

illustration by Chuang Zhao

Abstract

Shuotheriids are Jurassic mammaliaforms that possess pseudotribosphenic teeth in which a pseudotalonid is anterior to the trigonid in the lower molar, contrasting with the tribosphenic pattern of therian mammals (placentals, marsupials and kin) in which the talonid is posterior to the trigonid. The origin of the pseudotribosphenic teeth remains unclear, obscuring our perception of shuotheriid affinities and the early evolution of mammaliaforms. Here we report a new Jurassic shuotheriid represented by two skeletal specimens. Their complete pseudotribosphenic dentitions allow reidentification of dental structures using serial homology and the tooth occlusal relationship. Contrary to the conventional view, our findings show that dental structures of shuotheriids can be homologized to those of docodontans and partly support homologous statements for some dental structures between docodontans and other mammaliaforms. The phylogenetic analysis based on new evidence removes shuotheriids from the tribosphenic ausktribosphenids (including monotremes) and clusters them with docodontans to form a new clade, Docodontiformes, that is characterized by pseudotribosphenic features. In the phylogeny, docodontiforms and ‘holotherians’ (Kuehneotherium, monotremes and therians) evolve independently from a Morganucodon-like ancestor with triconodont molars by labio-lingual widening their posterior teeth for more efficient food processing. The pseudotribosphenic pattern passed a cusp semitriangulation stage, whereas the tribosphenic pattern and its precursor went through a stage of cusp triangulation. The two different processes resulted in complex tooth structures and occlusal patterns that elucidate the earliest diversification of mammaliaforms.

 Feredocodon chowi 

illustration by Chuang Zhao

Mammaliaformes Rowe, 1988

Shuotheridia Chow and Rich, 1982

 Feredocodon chowi

 

Fangyuan Mao, Zhiyu Li, Zhili Wang, Chi Zhang, Thomas Rich, Patricia Vickers-Rich and Jin Meng. 2024. Jurassic shuotheriids show earliest dental diversification of mammaliaforms. Nature. 628; 569–575. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-024-07235-0 [03 April 2024] 

  Researchgate.net/publication/379540347_Jurassic_shuotheriids_show_earliest_dental_diversification_of_mammaliaforms

 

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Megacauda sungei • A Jurassic mammaliaform swimmer and transformation of the mammalian pharynx

 Megacauda sungei 

Y. Li, P. Li, Neander, Zhang, Zhou, Martin & Luo, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11107-0 

Abstract

The discovery of a well-preserved mammaliaform fossil from the Middle Jurassic period of China reveals evidence on the evolutionary transformation of the feeding apparatus and the ecological diversity of Mesozoic era mammals. Mammaliaforms are evolutionary predecessors to modern Mammalia, and their morphologies provide primary insights into the evolutionary origin of mammals. The rare preservation of a therian-like pharyngeal vault (throat passage) and hyoid skeletal anatomy (throat bones) in this mammaliaform suggests that critical soft-tissue anatomy for therian-like swallowing, drinking and suckling behaviours had evolved in the common ancestors of Docodonta and Mammalia, long before the rise of modern mammals. This fossil exhibits a wealth of features specialized for swimming, filling in a major gap of anatomical knowledge of pelvis and hindlimb for early mammals. It is characterized by highly distinctive canines and pseudo-carnassial sectorial teeth for a faunivorous diet. We interpret that this mammaliaform was semiaquatic, swimming and foraging in water, with a lifestyle analogous to the extant platypus. This species is the largest of Jurassic mammaliaforms. It expands the body size range of docodontans, and adds to a growing body of evidence that multiple docodontans exploited diverse niches with semiaquatic and other ecomorphotypes. Docodontans are an early example of replicated evolution of the semiaquatic and other ecomorphotypes in the Mesozoic ecosystem dominated by dinosaurs, long before the diversification of extant mammals.

Holotype main-part of Megacauda sungei (Docodonta, Mammaliaformes) (PMOL–AM00026A).

Megacauda sungei

Y. Li, P. Li, A. I. Neander, H. Zhang, C.-F. Zhou, T. Martin and Z.-X. Luo. 2026. A Jurassic mammaliaform swimmer and transformation of the mammalian pharynx. Nature. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41586-026-11107-0 [07 October 2026]

https://news.uchicago.edu/story/uchicago-scientists-reveal-jurassic-otter-could-chew-and-swallow-modern-mammals