[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis milpe • Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus

 Pristimantis milpe 

Ron, Paredes-Aguirre, Paucar, López, Apunte & Ortega, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383  

 x.com/santiak

Abstract

As currently defined, Pristimantis subsigillatus is a species of the P. lacrimosus species group distributed in the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador, from lowlands to Andean foothill forests. Upon re-examination of the holotype of P. subsigillatus, we conclude that the populations currently ascribed to P. subsigillatus are not conspecific with the holotype. Instead, the holotype is conspecific with one of the syntypes of P. latidiscus, a species described four years before from a nearby locality. To avoid the ambiguity in the application of the binomen Hylodes latidiscus, we designate a lectotype. As a result, P. subsigillatus becomes a junior synonym of P. latidiscus. The misidentified populations represent an undescribed species which we describe based on morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data as Pristimantis milpe sp. nov. The new species has one of the widest distributions among Chocoan Pristimantis and is unusual for having sexual dimorphism in coloration. It is most closely related to Pristimantis degener from which it diverged in the late Miocene and is morphologically distinct. The fact that such a common species remained “invisible” to taxonomy highlights the importance of correctly establishing the link between the name-bearing types and natural populations. Finally, we discuss how taxonomic treatments of Pristimantis during the second half of the 20th century often made this non-trivial error.

Key words: Andes, holotype, integrative taxonomy, lectotype, phylogeny, systematics

Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.

Common name. English: Milpe Rain Frog.
Spanish: Cutín de Milpe.

Diagnosis. We assign the new species to the genus Pristimantis based on the phylogeny (Fig. 5). Species of Pristimantis characterized by: (1) smooth to slightly tuberculate dorsal skin, areolate belly; discoidal fold evident; dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanum condition B; tympanic ring covered dorsally by supratympanic fold, tympanic membrane not differentiated; (3) truncate snout in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view; (4) upper eyelid generally without tubercles (occasionally one tiny tubercle present); (5) cranial crests absent; (6) oblique dentigerous processes of vomers; (7) vocal slits present, nuptial pads ...

Photographs showing color variation in living adult males of  Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
 A. QCAZ-A 77106, holotype, SVL = 24.77 mm; B. QCAZ-A 76585, paratype, SVL = 26.97 mm; C. QCAZ-A 76518, paratype, SVL = 26.06 mm; D. QCAZ-A 65561, SVL = 19.64 mm; E. QCAZ-A 67428, SVL = 26.47 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. F. QCAZ-A 79899; note significant color change within a period of less than 24 h. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the holotype and paratypes sections.

Photographs showing color variation in living adult/subadult females of Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
  A. QCAZ-A 67424, paratype, adult female, SVL = 32.07 mm; B. QCAZ-A 45268, paratype, subadult female, SVL = 29.44 mm; C. QCAZ-A 74171, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.21 mm; D. QCAZ-A 74172, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.17 mm; E. QCAZ-A 51314, adult female, SVL = 33.13 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the paratypes section.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality, the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a private reserve in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. The sanctuary protects ~ 100 ha of Foothill Montane Forest and is part of the Andean Chocó, one of the most diverse and threatened regions on the planet. The Milpe Bird Sanctuary is managed by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in the Andean Chocó. The Foundation maintains close relationships with local communities, promoting environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory management of natural resources. It also supports other private reserves and local Decentralized Autonomous Governments in forest restoration through the production of native plants in their nurseries, strengthening long-term conservation in the region.

Santiago R. Ron, Poulette Paredes-Aguirre, Diego A. Paucar, Yaara López, Katherine Apunte and Jhael A. Ortega. 2026. Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus. ZooKeys. 1286: 121-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383 [24 Jul 2026] 

 x.com/santiak/status/2081416238371135900

[Mollusca • 2026] Sundadontina panhai • Discover before they Disappear: A New freshwater mussel Species in the Genus Sundadontina (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Pseudodontini) from the remote headwaters of the Chi River, Mekong Basin, northeastern Thailand

 

Sundadontina panhai  Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, 

in Nahok, Chanlabut, Tanmuangpak, Bolotov, Vikhrev, C Tumpeesuwan et S Tumpeesuwan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.99.1 

facebook.com/BenchawanNAHOK 

Abstract

The Mekong River basin is a globally recognized freshwater biodiversity hotspot.  The most species-rich radiation of freshwater mussels in this basin belongs to the tribe Pseudodontini. This group contains numerous local endemic species that prefer small river and stream habitats with fast currents, rocky or gravel substrates, and clean water. Here, we describe Sundadontina panhai Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, sp. nov., a new species within this unique tribe. This species was discovered in remote tributaries of the Upper Chi River drainage, northeastern Thailand. Its taxonomic status was evaluated using an integrative approach, combining an analysis of shell morphology and mtDNA phylogeny (based on COI and 16S rRNA gene sequences). The new species differs from its congeners by a combination of unique conchological characteristics, including an elongate-ovate shell without a prominent wing, an unprojected umbo, a yellowish to dark brown periostracum, and a clearly protruding, triangular pseudocardinal tooth. All Sundadontina species are phylogenetically well-separated from each other in the mtDNA phylogeny, exhibiting a corrected COI p-distance of 2.5–16.1%. Our findings highlight that remote tributaries of the Mekong River still house undescribed endemic lineages of freshwater mussels, which are on the brink of extinction due to habitat degradation, rapid deforestation, river damming, irrigation and drainage projects, and other anthropogenic activities.

Key words Disjunct distribution, endemic freshwater mussel, habitat specialist, lotic ecosystem, phylogeny

Maps showing the geographic distribution of the genus Sundadontina.
 (A) General distribution of Sundadontina species (circles) and the type locality of the new species (red star) across mainland Southeast Asia; areas outlined by a dashed line indicate historical records from vague localities that could not be precisely georeferenced.
(B) Detailed sampling localities of Sundadontina panhai sp. nov. in the headwaters of the Chi River, northeastern Thailand, highlighting the type locality (red star) and additional collection sites (red circles). Maps were generated using QGIS v. 3.44 with the map base from HydroSHEDS (Lehner and Grill, 2013). (Maps: U. Chanlabut).

Family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820

Subfamily Gonideinae Ortmann, 1916

Tribe Pseudodontini Frierson, 1927

Subtribe Pseudodontina Frierson, 1927 

(type genus: Pseudodon Gould, 1844; by original designation).

Genus Sundadontina Bolotov et al., 2020 

(type species: Anodonta cumingii Lea, 1851; by original designation)

Holotype of Sundadontina panhai sp. nov. (ZCPRU-0051).
External view of (A) right valve and (B) left valve. Internal view of (C) left valve and (D) right valve. (E) dorsal view of the shell; (F) details of the pseudocardinal teeth, showing the left valve on the left-hand side and the right valve on the right-hand side. (Photos: B. Nahok)

 Sundadontina panhai Nahok, C. Tumpeesuwan & S. Tumpeesuwan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The shell is elongate-ovate, rather thick. The umbo is not prominent, the posterior margin is somewhat biangular, without a prominent wing. The periostracum is yellowish to dark brown, sometimes with a copper-colored tint on the posterior margin; the nacre is whitish and shining. The pseudocardinal tooth is clearly protruding and triangular. The anterior adductor muscle scar is elliptical and distinctly deep, whereas the posterior adductor muscle scar is rounded and shallower. 

Etymology. The specific epithet 'panhai' is named in honor of Professor Dr. Somsak Panha, the esteemed mentor of the sixth and last authors, recognizing his pioneering leadership in the taxonomic research of land snails and freshwater bivalves in Thailand. 

Benchawan Nahok, Utain Chanlabut, Kitti Tanmuangpak, Ivan N. Bolotov, Ilya V. Vikhrev, Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan. 2026. Discover before they Disappear: A New freshwater mussel Species in the Genus Sundadontina (Unionidae: Gonideinae: Pseudodontini) from the remote headwaters of the Chi River, Mekong Basin, northeastern Thailand. Ecologica Montenegrina. 99; 1-18. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.99.1

 facebook.com/BenchawanNAHOK/posts/27202569409424626

[Herpetology • 2026] Philautus candrageni • Revisiting the Taxonomy of Javan Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with the Description of A New Species

Philautus candrageni   

 Herlambang, Gonggoli, Racho, Asti, Cahyadi, Atmaja, Fauzi, Eprilurahman & Hamidy, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.2   

 Researchgate.net/publication/401693573

Abstract 

The genus Philautus comprises 52 recognized species, three of which are currently known from Java and are endemic to the island. We conducted extensive fieldwork across Central Java between 2017 and 2025 to reassess the taxonomy of Philautus in this understudied region. We clarified species boundaries and uncovered cryptic diversity within this genus by employing an integrative framework that combined morphological assessments, molecular phylogenetics, and bioacoustic analyses. Our results include a redescription of P. jacobsoni and the formal description of a newly identified montane species, Philautus candrageni sp. nov., from Mount Merapi. We also provide further insights into the taxonomic status of Philautus pallidipes. These findings reveal considerable taxonomic complexity and previously overlooked diversity within Java’s montane amphibian assemblages. They also underscore the importance of sustained integrative research and advocate for targeted conservation efforts for Philautus species across the island. 

Amphibia, Conservation, cryptic, endemic, Java, mountain

Live specimen of the paratypes of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. from Mount Merapi:
(A, B) Dorsal and ventral ofMzB 33679 (male), (C, D) Dorsal and ventral of MzB 33678 (male), (E, F) Dorsal and ventral of MzB Amph 33677 (male).

Photos by Hastin Ambar Asti. 

Philautus candrageni sp. nov.

Etymology. We use the ancient name of Mount Merapi, “Candrageni”, as the species name. According to Serat Pustaka Raja Purwa, a classical javanese manuscript, written by R. Ng. Ranggawarsita, Mount Merapi was originally called Candrageni before it was renamed by Prabu Kusumawicitra during his reign over java. the name Candrageni is believed to reflect Merapi’s fiery and mystical nature, possibly derived from the words “Candra” (moon) and “Geni” (fire), symbolizing a balance between celestial energy and volcanic power. We believe that the presence of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. on Mount Merapi represents the biocultural harmony of this volcanic landscape

.Suggested English common name. Merapi Bush Frog.

Suggested Indonesian common name. Katak-semak Merapi 

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Ade Damara GONGGOLI, Asrael RACHO, Hastin Ambar ASTI, Ganjar CAHYADI, Vestidhia Y. ATMAJA, Muhammad Alif FAUZI, Rury EPRILURAHMAN and Amir  HAMIDY. 2026. Revisiting the Taxonomy of Javan Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with the Description of A New Species.  Zootaxa. 5768(1); 29-56. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.2 [2026-03-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401693573_Revisiting_the_Taxonomy_of_Javan_Philautus_with_the_Description_of_a_New_Species

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis etsa • A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador

Pristimantis etsa

Figueroa-Coronel, Cisneros-Heredia, Brito-Zapata, Carrión-Olmedo & Reyes-Puig, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506

Abstract

A new species of Pristimantis is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeastern Ecuador, based on morphological and molecular data, Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: female SVL 32.5 mm and male SVL 18.3 mm, dorsolateral folds formed by rows of subconical tubercles, strongly areolate ventral skin, two distinct rows of forearm tubercles, one along the ventrolateral margin and a second along the externolateral margin of the forearm, and a prominent yellow groin blotch in the female holotype. The species belongs to the Pristimantis cryptomelas group, part of the Huicundomantis subgenus, and is closely related to P. nangaritza, P. verrucosus, and P. plateado. Currently, the species is known only from its type locality, where it inhabits low montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,655–1,830 m. Additionally, we discuss the use of the term “ulnar tubercles” in Pristimantis, noting that it may refer to tubercles occupying different positions on the forearm.

Key words: Amphibia, forearm tubercles, Huicundomantis, sub-Andean cordilleras

Color in life of Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.
A, E. Dorsolateral view; B, F. Dorsal view; C, G. Ventral view, and D, H. Groin.
(A–D) ZSFQ 6188; (E–H) ZSFQ 6189.

Photographs by David Brito-Zapata and Carolina Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.

 Proposed standard English name. Etsa Rain Frog.

Proposed standard Spanish name. Cutín de Etsa.

Generic placement. The new species is assigned to Pristimantis based on the presence of a differentiated tympanic membrane, S-shaped adductor muscles, and expanded terminal discs on digits bearing well-defined circumferential grooves (Hedges et al. 2008).

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is summarized in Table 1, and a visual comparison of P. etsa sp. nov. and P. nangaritza is shown in Fig. 8. The species included in the comparative diagnosis were selected because they are phylogenetically close to Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. within the P. cryptomelas group or because they share one or more externally similar characters, especially colored groin, ulnar tuberculation, and occurrence in the Cordillera del Cóndor, southern Ecuador, or adjacent northern Peru. Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. is distinguished from these congeners by the following combination of characters: snout rounded in dorsal view and profile; dorsolateral folds conspicuous, composed of subconical ...

Etymology. The specific epithet etsa is a noun in apposition derived from the Shuar language. Among the Shuar people, an indigenous nationality inhabiting eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, including parts of the Cordillera del Cóndor, Etsa is a powerful anthropomorphic being whose primary manifestation is the sun. In Shuar cosmology, Etsa acts as a cultural transmitter who endows animals and people with essential skills, such as hunting techniques, restores life to forest birds, and upholds moral order (Pellizaro 1984; Barrueco 1985).

 Elías Figueroa-Coronel, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, David Brito-Zapata, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador. ZooKeys. 1282: 205-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506 [15 Jun 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Cricotopus motuoensis & C. neomatudigitatus • DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov.,
C. (P.) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

in Chen, Z.-C. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Nyima et Lin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 

Abstract

Two cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China have been discovered by DNA barcodes. Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., and Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The validity of some previously described species is discussed, and the diagnosis of the subgenus is amended. A key to known adult males of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) is presented.

Diptera, Orthocladiinae, taxonomy, pupa, female, key

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

YI-ZHU CHEN, ZHI-CHAO ZHANG, YAN ZHANG, TENZIN NYIMA and XIAO-LONG LIN. 2026. DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China.  Zootaxa. 5828(3); 481-501. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 [2026-06-10]

 

[Entomology • 2026] Kongobatha spinosistyla, K. serpens & K. rufilinea • Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini)

Kongobatha spinosistyla Connors, 

in Connors, Yeeles, Lach et  Rentz, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2

 

Abstract

Kongobatha is one of the most commonly encountered of all Australian mantis genera, and yet despite this, very little is known about the taxonomy or biology of the genus. Described to include a single Australian species, K. diademata, the only subsequent work on the genus has been the description of a second species from New Guinea, K. papua. We here describe three additional species, K. spinosistyla Connors sp. nov., K. serpens Connors sp. nov., and K. rufilinea Connors sp. nov., and redescribe K. diademata and K. papua in detail, the latter of which is recorded from Australia for the first time. We also describe for the first time the unusual, heavily spinose styli of male Kongobatha. These are apparently unique among Mantodea as a whole, but their function remains unknown. 

Mantodea, mantis, snake mantis, Australia, New Guinea, taxonomy, styli, citizen science

Male and female Kongobatha spinosistyla (Rainforest Snake Mantis), Kuranda, North Queensland.

photo: Maurice Allan

MATTHEW G. CONNORS, PETER YEELES, LORI LACH and DAVID C.F. RENTZ. 2026. Striking, Slender, and Secretly Spinose: A Revision of the Snake Mantises of the Genus Kongobatha (Mantodea: Nanomantidae: Fulciniinae: Neomantini).  Zootaxa. 5807(1); 45-84. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2 [2026-05-08]

[Ornithology • 2026] Rhipidura laguceria • A New and Cryptic Fantail Species (Passeriformes: Rhipiduridae) from the Babar Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia

 

Cheerful Fantail Rhipidura laguceria Eaton & Berryman, 2026  from Babar (left) and 
Cinnamon-tailed Fantail R. fuscorufa P. L. Sclater, 1883  from the Tanimbars (right),  

DOI: doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v146i2.2026.a6 

Photographs: James A. Eaton (both taken in November 2022)

 Abstract  

The Babar Islands, in the Banda Sea, Indonesia, have long been known to host several endemic avian taxa, but only recently have some of these been elevated to species rank. Here we investigate the internal taxonomy of Cinnamon-tailed Fantail Rhipidura fuscorufa P. L. Sclater, 1883, a monotypic passerine found on the Tanimbar Islands (from which it was described) and, 135 km to the west, on the Babar Islands. We compare differences between these populations using 19 specimens and 18 sound recordings, finding that while morphologically they differ subtly (Babar birds are slightly darker above, less extensively cinnamon below), the two have consistently different songs. Moreover, across 132 playback experiments, we find that both populations always ignore allopatric song but typically respond to sympatric song. On the basis that these lines of evidence likely represent barriers to reproduction, we consider the population on the Babar Islands to be taxonomically distinct from that on the Tanimbar Islands. In the absence of an available name, we describe it as a new species.

Photographs of Cinnamon-tailed Fantail Rhipidura fuscorufa from Babar (left) and the Tanimbars (right), both taken in November 2022 (James A. Eaton)

Rhipidura laguceria sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis.—Differs from Tanimbar R. fuscorufa in its consistently darker forehead, crown, nape, mantle and back that are often discernible in the field (pers. obs.); it also has, on average, less extensive buffish on the underparts, being largely confined to the belly (not extending to the lower breast). The most pronounced difference, however, is in the two species' song: R. fuscorufa delivers strophes of 8–18 staccato whistles which randomly change in pitch, while R. laguceria emits a series of 6–8 notes that steadily ascend in pitch (Fig. 4). Birds on each island are unresponsive to allopatric song.

Northern Fantail Rhipidura [rufiventris] hoedti (of Romang, Damar, Leti, Moa and Sermata) and R. [r.] assimilis (Kai Islands)—sometimes recognised specifically as Banda Sea Fantail and Kai Fantail respectively (Eaton et al. 2016, 2021, del Hoyo & Collar 2016)—has an obvious white-streaked grey breast-band, greyer head and upperparts (with a much broader supercilium in assimilis), plain wings lacking extensive cinnamon, much less richly coloured belly (appearing almost whitish in hoedti and pale buff in assimilis) and white (not cinnamon) outertail feathers. They also have very different vocalisations (Eaton et al. 2021).

Etymology.—Because the pleasing song of this taxon is its most distinctive attribute, we name the species for its vocalisations (lagu ceria = Indonesian for ‘cheerful song’). We employ the name as a noun in apposition.

Vernacular names.—While the English names ‘Tanimbar Fantail’ and ‘Babar Fantail’ are ostensibly appropriate for R. fuscorufa s. s. and R. laguceria respectively, the Tanimbar islands host two other sympatric fantail species—Supertramp Fantail R. semicollaris and Long-tailed Fantail R. opistherythra—the second of which is also endemic to the islands. Accordingly, we prefer the English names ‘Trembling Fantail’ for R. fuscorufa and ‘Cheerful Fantail’ for R. laguceria, given that their distinctive vocalisations have led us to propose separating them taxonomically.

Geographic distribution.—Endemic to Babar, Indonesia, and perhaps occurs too on the island's five small satellites, although these have not been explored ornithologically.

James A. Eaton and Alex J. Berryman. 2026. A New and Cryptic Fantail Species from the Babar Islands, Maluku Province, Indonesia. Bulletin of the British Ornithologists’ Club. 146(2); 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.25226/bboc.v146i2.2026.a6 (3 June 2026) 

https://www.researchgate.net/profile/James-Eaton

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis fergusoni • A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes

 

Pristimantis fergusoni 

J. P. Reyes-Puig, Yánez-Muñoz, Ron, Venegas, Ortega, Carrión-Olmedo & C. Reyes-Puig, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260

Abstract

A new species of rain frog from the upper montane forest of the eastern Andes in the upper Pastaza watershed, Ecuador is described. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is characterized by its short snout, conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, combined with a scarlet colored belly in females. These unique traits differentiate the new species among other Pristimantis of upper montane eastern Ecuadorian Andes. Phylogenetic analyses support its validity and place it within a clade nested with other tuberculated species occurring along the Andean slopes. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is currently known from only two close localities (Cerro Candelaria and Chamana Reserves) at elevations between 2972 and 3200 m elevation, within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor. Data Deficient IUCN status is proposed until new information is available. Individuals were observed at night perched on vegetation in herbaceous and arbustive vegetation of upper montane forest. This discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence identifying the upper Pastaza valley as a hotspot of amphibian endemism and diversification. With this addition, 30 strabomantid species are described for this region in the last decades, underscoring its conservation importance. This discovery highlights the urgent need for integrated taxonomic efforts combining fieldwork, morphology, and molecular data to resolve complex evolutionary relationships within the megadiverse genus Pristimantis, especially in underexplored high-elevation habitats of the tropical Andes. Finally, we provide an updated phylogeny for this clade that clarifies its evolutionary relationships.

Key words: Amphibia, Andean slopes, morphology, Pristimantis gualacenio species complex, taxonomy

Life color and sexual dimorphism in Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.
A. Female holotype DHMECN 13318; B. Female DHMECN 19390;
C. Male DHMECN 19388; D. Male DHMECN 19389.

Dorsal and ventral view, respectively. Photographs by J. P. Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.

Live photographs of the new species and comparison with related and similar Pristimantis species from eastern Andes of Ecuador.
A. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov., female holotype DHMECN 13318, from Cerro Candelaria; B. P. gualacenio DHMECN 10748, from Area de Conservación Municipal Tinajillas; C. P. bellae DHMECN 4812, from Cerro Candelaria;
D. P. eriphus DHMECN 5209, from Río Zuñag; E. P. incanus DHMECN 11857, from Reventador; F. P. roni, DHMECN 11313, from Sardinayacu; 
G. P. katoptroides QCAZ58900, from Sadinayacu; H. P. inusitatus not collected, from Napo San Isidro; I. P. galdi DHMECN 9640, from Reserva Tapichalaca;
J. P. colonensis DHMECN 6414, from La Bonita; K. P. venegasi MZUTI 6571; L. P. yanezi DHMECN 13309, from Río Zuñag.

Photographs by JPRP, MYM, SRR, Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela, and Patricia Bejarano-Muñoz.

  Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Santiago R. Ron, Pablo J. Venegas, Jhael Ortega, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. ZooKeys. 1269: 83-105. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260 [13-02-2026]

[Funga • 2024] Hydnum cremeum, H. roseotangerinum, L. subalpina, ... (Agaricomycetes: Hydnaceae) • New Contributions on Species Diversity of Genus Hydnum and Lentaria s.l. in China

 

Hydnum cremeum  L.P. Tang, L.J. Su & T.J. Yu,  
H. flavosquamosum L.P. Tang & L.J. Su, 
H.roseoalbum L.P. Tang, L.J. Su & W.H. Zhang, 
H. roseotangerinum L.P. Tang & L.J. Su, 

in Su, Yu, Xue, Zhang, Xu, Xia, Li, Lei, Dong, Zhang et Tang, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof10120824 

 

Abstract

Southwest China is extremely rich in fungal resources, and a large number of new taxa have been discovered in recent years. In the present study, we examined 26 specimens of the genera Hydnum and Lentaria sensu lato, most of which were obtained in Yunnan Province. Through ITS-nrLSU-tef1 phylogenetic analysis, combined with morphological studies and geographic analyses, five new species were described, viz. Hydnum cremeum, H. flavoquamosum, H. roseoalbum, H. roseotangerinum, and L. subalpina. Furthermore, we also supplied new information on some known species, including host plants and new distribution records. We re-examined the holotype sequences of two known taxa, H. flabellatum and H. pallidomarginatum, treating H. flabellatum as a synonym of H. pallidomarginatum. Additionally, a key to Lentaria s.l. in China was provided.

Keywords: taxonomy; species delimitation; coralloid fungi; edible mushroom; spinous fungi 

Macroscopic and microscopic features of Hydnum cremeum. (a–c) Basidiomata, (a,c) from MHKMU TJ Yu 197, Holotype; (b) from MHKMU WH Zhang 599; (d) Basidiospores; (e) Basidia and Basidioles; (f) Pileipellis. Bars (d) = 10 μm; (e) = 20 μm; (f) = 50 μm.
Macroscopic and microscopic features of Hydnum flavosquamosum from MHKMU LP Tang 3454 (Holotype). (a–c) Basidiomata; (d) Basidiospores; (e) Basidia and Basidioles; (f) Pileipellis. Bars (d) = 10 μm; (e) = 20 μm; (f) = 50 μm. 
 Macroscopic and microscopic features of Hydnum roseotangerinum from MHKMU LP Tang 3458 (Holotype). (a,b) Basidiomata; (c) Basidiospores; (d) Basidioles; (e) Basidia; (f) Pileipellis. Bars (c) = 10 μm; (d,e) = 20 μm; (f) = 50 μm.

Hydnum cremeum L.P. Tang, L.J. Su & T.J. Yu sp. nov.  

奶油齿菌

Etymology—Latin ‘cremeum’ = cream, refers to the color of basidiomata.

Diagnosis—Distinct from other species within Hydnum mainly by its small basidiomata with a warm cream to yellowish white pileus, globose to subglobose basidiospores, and occurrence in subalpine mixed forests.

Hydnum flavosquamosum L.P. Tang & L.J. Su sp. nov.  

黄鳞齿菌

Etymology—Latin ‘flavo’ = yellow, ‘squamosum’ = scaly, refers to the pileus covering with yellowish brown scales.

Diagnosis—Distinct from other species within Hydnum mainly by its light yellow to light brownish-orange pileus with slightly dark scales, context becoming pale brownish on exposure, adnexed, spines, subglobose to broadly ellipsoid (Q = 1.05–1.23) basidiospores, and erectly arranged hyphae in pileipellis.

Hydnum roseoalbum L.P. Tang, L.J. Su & W.H. Zhang sp. nov. 

粉白齿菌

Etymology—Latin ‘roseo’ = pink, ‘album’ = white, refers to the color of its spines. 

Diagnosis—Distinct from other species within Hydnum by its creamy to whitish pileus, pale pink spines, five-spored basidia, globose basidiospores, erectly arranged hyphae in pileipellis, and occurrence in subalpine broad-leaved forests.

Hydnum roseotangerinum L.P. Tang & L.J. Su sp. nov. 

粉橙齿菌

Etymology—Latin ‘roseo’ = pink, ‘tangerinum’ = orange, refers to the color of spines.

Diagnosis—Distinct from other species within Hydnum by its brownish orange pileus, pinkish orange spines, globose to subglobose, sometimes broadly ellipsoid basidiospores, and occurrence in mixed subalpine forests.

Lentaria subalpina L.P. Tang, L.J. Su & T.J. Yu sp. nov.  

亚高山木瑚菌

Etymology—The Latin ‘subalpina’ refers to this species growing in subalpine forests.

Diagnosis—Distinct from other Lentaria species mainly due to the grayish orange to brownish orange basidiomata, sometimes carbonized, black branch apices, elongated ellipsoid to cylindrical basidiospores (9.0–11.0 × 4.8–5.7 μm), and growing in dead branches of Abies or Picea in subalpine forests.

 Linjie Su, Taijie Yu, Rou Xue, Wenhao Zhang, Chang Xu, Xing Xia, Jia Li, Hanchi Lei, Yang Dong, Guoli Zhang and Liping Tang. 2024. New Contributions on Species Diversity of Genus Hydnum and Lentaria s.l. in China. J. Fungi. 10(12), 824; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof10120824 [27 November 2024]

[Funga • 2025] Gymnopus sinobrevipes, G. flavoalbus & G. yunnanensis (Agaricomycetes: Agaricales: Omphalotaceae) • Species Diversity of Gymnopus Section Levipedes in Southwestern China, with a Description of Three New Species

 

(a–c) Gymnopus flavoalbus ((a,b) Holotype, KUN-HKAS144470, (c) KUN-HKAS144471);
(d–f) G. sinobrevipes ((d,e) Holotype, KUN-HKAS108042, (f) KUN-HKAS108101);
(g–i) G. yunnanensis ((g,h): Holotype, KUN-HKAS108570, (i) KUN-HKAS108610).

W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, 

in Feng, Li, Cui et Cai. 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof11020088 

Bars = 2 cm.

 

Abstract

Species of Gymnopus sect. Levipedes are challenging to delimitate due to the morphological similarity among different taxa. In this study, morphological characteristics, molecular phylogenetic data, and ecological traits were integrated to investigate the species diversity of this section of southwestern China. A total of 17 species were documented in the region, including three new species, namely G. sinobrevipes, G. flavoalbus, G. yunnanensis, and two species new to the studied area—G. bicolor and G. ocior. Detailed descriptions and illustrations of the three new species are presented, along with comparisons to closely related or morphologically similar species. The remaining species included five that were originally described from southwestern China, four that were first identified from Europe, two from the Republic of Korea, and one from North America. Six of these species, originally described outside of China, currently lack molecular evidence to support their distributions in southwestern China. Finally, 11 species with morphological and molecular evidence were recognized in southwestern China. A key to these species is also provided.

Keywords: Agaricales; Omphalotaceae; phylogeny; morphology; three new taxa; taxonomy

 Basidiomata of novel species in Gymnopus sect. Levipedes from southwestern China.
(a–c) G. flavoalbus ((a,b) Holotype, KUN-HKAS144470, (c) KUN-HKAS144471);
 (d–f) G. sinobrevipes ((d,e) Holotype, KUN-HKAS108042, (f) KUN-HKAS108101);
 (g–i) G. yunnanensis ((g,h): Holotype, KUN-HKAS108570, (i) KUN-HKAS108610).

Bars = 2 cm.

Gymnopus flavoalbus W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the pale yellow center and whitish margin of the pileus.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. macropus Halling, but differs by its light-colored pileus, furcate cheilocystidia, and pileipellis with broadly clavate to spherical terminal cells without pigments.

Gymnopus sinobrevipes W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the species from China and having short stipe.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. tiliicola J.J. Hu, B. Zhang, and Yu Li, but differs in its smaller pileus and cheilocystidia with knobs.

Gymnopus yunnanensis W.C. Feng, Y.Y. Cui and Q. Cai, sp. nov. 

Etymology: Referring to the locality, Yunnan Province, China, where the holotype was collected.

Diagnosis: Similar to G. dryophiloides, but differs in its oblong to subcylindrical basidiospores and the absence of rhizomorphs at the stipe base.

 Wei-Chao Feng, Xiao-Yan Li, Yang-Yang Cui and Qing Cai. 2025. Species Diversity of Gymnopus Section Levipedes in Southwestern China, with a Description of Three New Species. J. Fungi. 11(2), 88; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/jof11020088 [23 January 2025]

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops kamal • A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India

Amolops kamal 

Saikia, Sinha, Shabnam, Konwar, Borthakur & Dinesh, 2026

Nagaland Cascade Frog  ||  https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi 

Abstract

The Asian cascade-dwelling frog genus Amolops currently comprises 90 recognised species, with 20 species reported from India. These species are generally classified into ten species groups based on morphological similarities, of which in India, Amolops species are mainly categorised across three groups: A. marmoratus group, A. monticola group and A. viridimaculatus group, with the first group being the most diverse, represented by eight species. Previous studies on the A. indoburmanensis species group and A. marmoratus species group suggest a species complex encompassing multiple cryptic lineages. Between 2022 and 2024, many Amolops specimens tentatively assigned to A. indoburmanensis sensu lato were collected from different parts of North-East India. Morphological variations and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple distinct lineages within this complex, confirming the paraphyly of the nomen A. indoburmanensis. Herein, we describe a new Amolops species belonging to the A. indoburmanensis species complex from North-East India, Amolops kamal sp. nov. from Nagaland state. The study underscores the rich hidden diversity within the Amolops genus and highlights the importance of integrated morphological and molecular approaches in resolving amphibian taxonomy in the region.

Keywords: Amolops indoburmanensis, Amolops kamal sp. nov., paraphyly, Jotsoma, Kohima

Amolops kamal sp. nov. in live condition.

Amolops kamal sp. nov. 

Nagaland Cascade Frog

  

   Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, Prabir Narayan Konwar, Mridul Kumar Borthakur and K. P. Dinesh. 2026. Description of A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 126(2); 131-140. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v126/i2/2026/173119

https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/173119

[Ichthyology • 2026] Oreonectes weii • A New endemic Species (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification

Oreonectes weii

Luo, Ling, Cao, Zhou & Huang, 2026

 

魏氏岭鳅  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 

Abstract

A new species Oreonectes weii sp. nov., is described that was collected from Shanggao County, Jiangxi Province, China, located at the upper reaches of the Yangtze River Delta. This naming honors the globally distinguished conservation biologist Fu-Wen Wei for his exceptional and pioneering contributions to biodiversity conservation and research. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of meristic and morphological characters, including fin-ray counts, body coloration, eye normal, number of lateral-line pores, and gill-raker counts. Genetically, it forms a distinct lineage in the mitochondrial Cyt b-based phylogeny and exhibits a genetic distance of 6.3% from its sister species, O. polystigmus. We further estimated divergence time within the genus Oreonectes, which indicates an origin in the Late Oligocene (~27.06 Ma) and a most recent common ancestor at ~13.91 Ma. Our biogeographic analyses suggest that the Guijiang-Hejiang River Basin likely served as a source area for the genus’ dispersal into adjacent basins, and that the new species probably originated from a dispersal event of its ancestral population from the Pearl River Basin to the Yangtze River Basin during the Late Miocene (~6.78 Ma). Lineage-divergence dynamics indicate that cladogenesis began around 28 Ma, accelerated markedly at ~18 Ma, peaked at ~6 Ma, and subsequently showed a gradual decline. The current diversity pattern of Oreonectes may have been shaped primarily by dispersal mediated by enhanced precipitation under the East Asian monsoon climate, with subsequent erosion-induced geographical isolation likely promoting speciation and diversification within the genus.

Key Words: Biogeography, cryptic species, morphology, taxonomy, phylogeny, Yangtze River

Ecological photographs and habitats.
A, B. Oreonectes weii sp. nov.; C. O. guidongensis; D. O. polystigmus;
E. Outside the cave; F. Inside the cave.

Oreonectes weii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Oreonectes weii sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) coloration pattern present and irregular black spots scattered on the lateral body surface and caudal fin; (2) eyes normal; (3) well-developed posterior chamber of air-bladder; (4) cephalic lateral-line system with 4 + 10 infraorbital canal pores and six preoperculo-mandibular canal pores; (5) 9–10 branched pectoral-fin rays, length 16.0–24.3% SL; (6) tip of pelvic fin not reaching the anus; (7) caudal fin truncated, with 14 branched caudal-fin rays; (8) 10 inner gill rakers on the first gill arch; (9) tip of maxillary barbel not reaching the posterior margin of the operculum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “weii” is a genitive noun derived from the surname of Academician Fu-Wen Wei (魏辅文), an eminent conservation biologist. The name is given in honor of his outstanding contributions to the study and conservation of biodiversity in China. We suggest the English common name for this species is the “Wei’s Mountain Loach”, and its Chinese name is “Wèi Shì Lǐng Qiū” (魏氏岭鳅).

 Tao Luo, Wen-Qing Ling, Hai-Lin Cao, Jiang Zhou and Guang-Ping Huang. 2026. A New endemic Species Oreonectes weii sp. nov. (Cypriniformes, Nemacheilidae) within the Yangtze River Basin and its Monsoon-driven Evolutionary Diversification. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 751-765. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186155 [14 May 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Platymantis guiting • A New miniaturised Platymantis (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines

Platymantis guiting

Meneses, Pitogo, Decena, Supsup & Brown, 2026

 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg 

Abstract

 We describe a new species of miniaturised Platymantis (subgenus Lahatnanguri) from the Romblon Island Group (RIG), Philippines. Previously, the RIG population was treated as Platymantis pygmaeus, a forestdwelling species endemic to Luzon Island due to morphological, ecological, and acoustic similarities. We conducted phylogenetic analyses using 16S mitochondrial DNA sequences and quantified morphological variation across a statistically robust sample size to assess the distinctiveness of the RIG population. Our results recovered the RIG lineage as monophyletic with moderate support (75% bootstrap; 0.83 BPP). Phylogenetic analyses further demonstrate that Platymantis guiting, new species, is not closely related to P. pygmaeus and it is morphologically distinguished by shorter limb proportions and a stereotyped advertisement call characterised by a single-pulsed, repetitive clicking. Named after Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan Island, this species stands as a powerful reminder of the biogeographic subregion’s fragile and irreplaceable biodiversity. This taxonomic revision highlights the unique herpetological diversity of the RIG and reinforces the need for targeted conservation efforts in this biogeographically significant subregion. 

Key words. Sibuyan Island, elevational relief, Lahatnanguri, Philippine biodiversity, conservation, Platymantis guiting

Observed colour variation in live specimens of Platymantis guiting, new species, collected from Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.

Photos by Camila G. MENESES.

Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) guiting, new species 

Etymology. The specific epithet guiting is derived from Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan (and the larger Romblon Island Group), with an elevation of 2,058 m asl. This mountain is a prominent geographical feature of the region and a biodiversity hotspot at the heart of Sibuyan Island, characterised by its unique flora and fauna (Brown & Alcala, 1974; Goodman & Ingle, 1993; Nerz et al., 1997; Lit & Eusebio, 2008; Esselstyn & Goodman, 2010; Brown et al., 2011; Davis et al., 2016; Heaney et al., 2005; Rickart et al., 2005; Siler et al., 2012, 2016; Lucañas, 2021; Tautel & Dupo, 2021; Ermilov & Corpuz-Raros, 2022a, b; Meneses et al., 2022). The name honours the ecological significance of the mountain and its role in conserving locally endemic species of herpetofauna in RIG.

Camila G. MENESES, Kier Mitchel E. PITOGO, Syrus Cesar P. DECENA, Christian E. SUPSUP and Rafe M. BROWN. 2026. A New miniaturised Platymantis (Amphibia: Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 197–219. [2026-04-14]

https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/rbz/a-new-miniaturised-platymantis-amphibia-anura-ceratobatrachidae-from-sibuyan-and-tablas-islands-romblon-island-group-philippines/