[Herpetology • 2026] Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis • A New Species of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China

 

Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis 

Liu, Hou & Rao, 2026

 azjournal.ru 

 Researchgate.net/publication/408625531

Abstract

A new species of the genus Brachytarsophrys is described from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological characters: body size relatively small, dorsal skin smooth with a few large tubercles on dorsum and crotch, snout relatively long, eye relatively small, foot relatively short, pectoral glands orange, upper iris blood red and lower iris reddish brown, nuptial pad present on first finger in adult male. Phylogenetically, the new species differs from other species of the genus by a genetic divergence of 4.2–15.7% and 3.3–15.2% in COI and cytb genes, respectively. This study brings the total number of the species of Brachytarsophrys to 12, with ten occur in China and three in Guangxi.

Keywords: Brachytarsophrys, Jinxiu County, mitochondrial, morphology, new species, phylogeny, Short-Legged Toad, taxonomy

Holotype (KIZ2019035) of  Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) left view; (C) ventral view; (D) closeup view of the crotch region

Close-up views of the hand and foot of the holotype (KIZ2019035) of Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. in preservative.
 (A) volar view of the left hand; (B) plantar view of the left foot

Brachytarsophrys jinxiuensis sp. nov. 


Shuo Liu, Mian Hou and Dingqi Rao. 2026. A New Species of the genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guangxi, China. Amurian Zoological Journal. 18(2); 586–598. DOI: 10.33910/2686-9519-2026-18-2-586-598 [2026-07-08]

https://azjournal.ru/index.php/azjournal/article/view/2026-07-08

 Researchgate.net/publication/408625531_A_new_species_of_the_genus_Brachytarsophrys_from_Guangxi_China

[Botany • 2026] Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China

 

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân, 

in Yang, Wang, Lai et Tan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5  

english.CAS.cn 

Abstract

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân was previously treated as conspecific with the widespread M. virgata (Blume) Miq. and was synonymized under the latter. However, based on detailed examinations of herbarium specimens and field observations of living plants, we confirm that M. monogyna is a morphologically distinct species. Consequently, we reinstate its species status and document it as a new record for the flora of China, providing a comprehensive taxonomic description and including it in an updated identification key for all three species of Meiogyne recorded in China.

Magnoliids, Meiogyne virgata, morphology, synonym, taxonomy, type, Yunnan

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân

BIN YANG, WEN-GUANG WANG, HAN LAI, JIN-GUO ZHANG, YAN-MEI PING and YUN-HONG TAN. 2026. Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China including a new record.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 45-53. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5 [2026-07-16]

Meiogyne monogyna Reinstated as A Distinct Species and Newly Recorded in China

https://english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202607/t20260727_1179205.shtml

[Paleontology • 2026] Austronaga minuta • Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation

Austronaga minuta Wang, Lei & Li, 2023

 

in Wang, Fraser, Spiekman, Z. Li, et C. Li, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

 

Abstract

Archosauromorpha is a dominant reptile clade that primarily occupied terrestrial ecosystems with limited secondarily aquatic invasions that are poorly known. Here we report on a well-preserved Triassic reptile representing the earliest stem-archosaur to evolve unequivocal aquatic specializations. This taxon exhibits a suite of aquatic adaptations previously unknown in stem-archosaurs, such as hyperphalangy, enhanced paddle-like forelimbs, and a loss of articulation between the sacrum and pelvis, indicating an advanced aquatic lifestyle. The fossil exhibits the oldest known stomach, liver, and intestinal preservations in reptiles. Our findings provide unexpected insights into the early aquatic diversification of Archosauromorpha during the Triassic marine ecosystem recovery and highlight a conservative gastrointestinal system in an early Mesozoic vertebrate. In the absence of clear terrestrial members of the other major Mesozoic marine reptile lineages (e.g., ichthyosaurs and sauropterygians), this discovery provides an unambiguous example of such a lineage including both decidedly terrestrial and extensively marine forms, providing tantalizing evidence for the land-to-sea transition in Triassic reptiles.

Systematic paleontology

Diapsida, Osborn, 1903.

Archosauromorpha, von Huene, 1946.

Tanysauria, Spiekman et al., 2024.

Trachelosauridae, Abel 1919 (sensu Spiekman et al., 2024).

Skeleton of the holotype of Austronaga minuta (IVPP V18579). Abbreviations are in the Supplementary Materials. Scale bars, 2 cm (A) and 1 cm (B to D).

Austronaga minuta, Wang et al., 2023.

Type specimen: Institute of Vertebrate Paleontology and Paleoanthropology (IVPP) V18579, a complete articulated skeleton preserved on two slabs (Fig. 1).

Locality and horizon: Waina Village, Luoping County, Yunnan Province, China; Member II of Guanling Formation, middle Anisian (Pelsonian), Middle Triassic.

Emended diagnosis: A tanysaur with the following features: quadrate anteroposteriorly broad and plate-like in lateral view with concave posterior margin; 18 cervical, 24 dorsal vertebrae; tall axe-shaped neural spine on axis; cervical neural spines prominent, with convex dorsal margin and without anterodorsal or posterodorsal projections; chevrons of mid-caudal region hatchet-shaped, with prominent distal expansion and a notch at the midpoint of its ventral margin; forelimb distinctly longer than hindlimb with humerus to femur length ratio over two; hyperphalangy present in both manus and pes.

Reconstruction of the long-necked marine reptile Austronaga minuta.

Artwork by Gabriel Ugueto

Wei Wang, Nicholas C. Fraser, Stephan N. F. Spiekman, Zhiheng Li, Olivier Rieppel, Hong Lei, Torsten M. Scheyer and Chun Li. 2026. Highly aquatic marine stem Archosaur with soft tissue preservation. Science Advances. 12(31); DOI: doi.org/10.1126/sciadv.aeb7528 [29 Jul 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, 

in Wei, J.-Y. Li, Chen, Y. Nong, Hu, Y.-J. Li, Ji, Xu et Y.-K. Nong. 2026. 

忻城螺序草  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.194094

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), a new species from the middle part of Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated on the basis of morphological evidence. This new species resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long) its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube and styles ca. 3 mm long). The new species is currently known from a single population with approximately 60–100 mature individuals. Following IUCN Criteria, it is provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered. Photographs, an illustration and a distribution map are also provided.

Key words: Karst, new species, Ophiorrhiza, Spiradiclis, taxonomy

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei.
A. Habitat; B, C. Flowering plant; D. Stem, showing the linear stipules; E. Inflorescences; F. Fruiting plant; G. Dissected brevistylous flower; H. Dissected longistylous flower; I. Hypanthium, calyx, style and stigma; J. Ovary and calyx; K. Stigma; L. Bracts; M, N. Leaf (abaxially and adaxially); O. Capsule; P. Seeds.

Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei, sp. nov.

 

Chinese name. “xīn chéng luó xù cǎo” (忻城螺序草).

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis is resembles Ophiorrhiza longanensis (R.J.Wang) Razafim. & Rydin in its densely pubescent stems, linear stipules, terminal or upper axillary inflorescences, but it can be distinguished by its elliptic or oblanceolate leaf blade, base attenuate (vs. oval, ovate to broadly ovate, base cuneate), its 2–3 mm long stipules (vs. 3.8–6.5 mm long), its 3–5 mm long bracteoles (vs. 6–10 mm long), its 10–12 mm long corolla tubes (vs. 2–3 mm long) and its filaments adnate at the middle of corolla tube, styles 12–15 mm long (vs. adnate to the base of corolla tube, styles ca. 3 mm long).

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinchengensis” refers to the type location of the new species.

 Gui-Yuan Wei, Jin-Yue Li, Rong Chen, You Nong, Qi-Min Hu, Ying-Jing Li, Xing-Yun Ji, Chuan-Gui Xu, Yun-Kai Nong. 2026. Ophiorrhiza xinchengensis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 1-14.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.194094 [24-07-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Ophiorrhiza saxatilis (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Guizhou, China

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li,

in Li, An, Wu, Yu, Qiu, Liu et Tan, 2026. 

 岩生蛇根草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.197480

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li, sp. nov., a new species of the genus Ophiorrhiza (Rubiaceae) discovered in the karst regions of Guizhou, China, and provides its taxonomic basis from a morphological perspective. The new species is morphologically similar to Ophiorrhiza lignosa, but differs from the latter by having an inflorescence in that its young branches are uniformly pubescent (vs. bifariously pubescent in O. lignosa); the abaxial leaf surface is pubescent (vs. puberulent only along the midrib and secondary veins in O. lignosa); the bracteoles are 5–6 mm long (vs. 1.5–3 mm long in O. lignosa); the petioles are 2–5.8 mm long (vs. 6–20 mm long in O. lignosa); the stamens are inserted at the base of the corolla tube (vs. inserted near the middle of the corolla tube in O. lignosa); the flowers are distylous (vs. monomorphic with pin flowers in O. lignosa), and the styles of long-styled flowers are 6–8 mm long (vs. 10–11 mm long in O. lignosa). These stable and significant morphological differences, combined with a comprehensive and detailed morphological description of the new species and a comparison of diagnostic characters with similar species, firmly support the recognition of Ophiorrhiza saxatilis as a distinct new species.

Key words: Karst, Morphology, New Taxon, Ophiorrhiza, Rubiaceae

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis.
A, B. Habitat; C. Plant; D. Flowering branch; E. Dissected flowers: long-styled flower (above) and short-styled flower (below); F. Style of long-styled flower; G. Style of short-styled flower; H. Longitudinally dissected short-styled flower; I. Longitudinally dissected long-styled flower; J. Fruit; K. Infructescence; L. Adaxial leaf surface; M. Abaxial leaf surface; N. Branchlets.

Ophiorrhiza saxatilis M.T.An & G.L.Li, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza saxatilis is morphologically similar to O. lignosa Merr., but can be distinguished by several key characteristics (Table 2): uniformly pubescent young branches (vs. bifariously pubescent); white corolla lobes with ridges (vs. purple, without ridges); stamens inserted at the base of the corolla tube (vs. inserted near the middle of the corolla tube); flowers distylous (vs. monomorphic, with pin flowers); long-styled flowers 6–8 mm long (vs. 10–11 mm long); purple midrib on the abaxial leaf surface (vs. green); abaxial leaf surface pubescent (vs. puberulent only on the midrib and secondary veins); bracteoles 5–6 mm long (vs. 1.5–3 mm long); and petioles 2–5.8 mm long (vs. 6–20 mm long).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the habitat of the new species, which occurs in a typical karst limestone environment. It mainly grows in harsh habitats such as rock crevices and stony slopes.

Local name. Simplified Chinese: 岩生蛇根草;
Chinese Pinyin: yán shēng shé gēn cǎo.

 Guang-Lin Li, Ming-Tai An, Xu Wu, Jiang-Hong Yu, Jian Qiu, Shao-Fei Liu and Cheng-jiang Tan. 2026. Ophiorrhiza saxatilis (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guizhou, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 27-37.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.197480 [24-07-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China

 

Petrocosmea anoleuca   M.Q.Han & C.Liu, 

in Liu, Cai, Zhong, Zhao, Wang et Han, 2026.

沧源石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z

 

Summary

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and colour images and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment are provided. The new species is similar to P. cavaleriei H.Lév., but differs in having subpeltate leaf blades, a white corolla tube base lacking spots, a darker purple throat, purple abaxial lip lobes and nearly straight, sparsely puberulent filaments.

Key Words: Flora of Yunnan, Karst habitats, taxonomy

Petrocosmea anoleuca, images and SEM images.
A – B habit, in natural habit; C – D flower, front view; E flower, side view; F flower bud; G corolla, longitudinally cut; H corolla, transversely cut; J peltate leaf blade, abaxial surface; K – L SEM; K rhizomatous stem; L ovary; M ovary, transversely cut; N pollen.

photos: a – b Cheng Liu and c – k Mengqi Han.

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu sp. nov. 

Recognition. Similar to Petrocosmea cavaleriei, but differing in having subpeltate leaf blades (vs petiole attached at the base in P. cavaleriei), the base of the corolla tube white and lacking spots (vs with three antepetalous spots above the base), the throat inside abaxially darker purple (vs white), the abaxial lip lobes purple (vs pale purple, with two yellow spots at the sinuses between the lateral and median lobes) and filaments almost straight and very sparsely puberulent and with scattered capitate-glandular hairs (vs geniculate near the middle, forming an angle of about 160° and densely covered with capitate-glandular hairs).

Etymology. The term anoleuca derives from Greek roots, ano- (ἄνω, "above") and -leuca (λευκός, "white"), literally meaning "white above". The epithet of the new species refers to the white, upper section of the corolla when in bloom.

vernacular name. Chinese name: cāng yuán shí hú dié (沧源石蝴蝶).

Cheng Liu, Jie Cai, Liang-Liang Zhong, Jin-Chao Zhao, Qiang Wang and Meng-Qi Han. 2026. Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z  [21 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Mazus dabieshanensis (Mazaceae) • A New Species from eastern China

Mazus dabieshanensis  R.Tong and T.Deng, 

in Tong, Shen, Luo et Deng, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05176

Abstract

Mazus dabieshanensis, a newly described species endemic to the Dabieshan Mountains in eastern China, is illustrated and described. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear and chloroplast DNA sequences consistently demonstrate that this new species forms a stable clade with other Mazus species characterized by a pubescent ovary. Morphologically, the new species is readily distinguished by its hard and numerous stolons, plants with white villous, leaves attenuate into a petiole-like base, corolla upper lip bilobed, lobes without odontolobate incisions. This unique combination of characteristics effectively differentiates it from all other known Mazus species. In conclusion, both morphological evidence and molecular phylogenetic analyses support that this species belongs to Mazus and represents a previously unreported new species clearly distinct from other members of the genus.

Keywords: Dabieshan Mountains, Mazus, morphology, new species, phylogeny

 

Morphology of Mazus dabieshanensis.
 (A) Habitat: forest edge, (B) plant in April, (C) plant in August, (D) leaves, (E) stolons, (F) flower in lateral view, (G) flowers in face view, (H) pubescent ovary, (I) seeds.

Mazus dabieshanensis R.Tong and T.Deng sp. nov.  

Diagnosis: Mazus dabieshanensis differs from M. saltuarius in its pubescent ovary (versus glabrous), more than four pairs of cauline leaves (versus 2–4 pairs), and serrate leaf margin (versus coarsely serrate). It differs from M. procumbens in its forest habitat (versus cliff habitat), serrate leaf margin (versus coarsely crenate), and leaf attenuate into a petiole (versus with distinct long petiole).

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘dabieshanensis' refers to the mountains in which it occurs, the Dabieshan Mountains, eastern China.

 Rui Tong, Zhuo-Min Shen, Peng-Rui Luo, Tao Deng. 2026. Mazus dabieshanensis sp. nov. (Mazaceae) from eastern China. Nordic Journal of Botany. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/njb.05176 [23 July 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella dabieshanensis • A new Scincella species (Squamata: Scincidae) from the Dabie Mountains, China

 Scincella dabieshanensis Zhang, Yi, Zhang & Zhang,

 in H. Zhang, Yi, Yang, Wang, Xu, Zhan, Zhai, Chu, Hou, Y. Zhang, Wen, C. Zhang et B. Zhang, 2026.   

Dabie Mountains Ground Skink | 大别山滑蜥  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.187997 

Abstract

Previous studies have indicated the polyphyly of Scincella modesta and reported a new record of Scincella vandenburghi in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Furthermore, the research highlighted significant morphological similarities between the Qingdao population of S. vandenburghi and a branch of S. modesta from Hubei, leaving the taxonomic boundaries between these two species unclear. To better understand the relationship between S. modesta and S. vandenburghi, we conducted extensive sampling in the Dabie Mountains, which geographically lie between Qingdao, Ningbo and Yichang. Based on phylogenetic analyses and morphological comparisons, we identify an undescribed species of the genus Scincella from the Dabie Mountains, China and also discover the presence of a population of S. vandenburghi in the same region. Morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate that the new species is similar to S. vandenburghi, but clearly distinct from it and other congeners. The new species has the following characteristics: (1) slender body, small size, snout-vent length 24.47–40.60 mm; (2) supraciliaries 6 or 7; (3) midbody scale row counts 28–31; (4) dorsal scales smooth and slightly enlarged, paravertebral scale row counts 55–68, ventral scale row counts 55–64; (5) upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively wavy, lower edge irregular, covering 2–2.5 scale rows on the trunk; (6) black dorsolateral stripes from posterior corner of eye to lateral side of tail, six rows of dorsal scales in middle; (7) supralabials 7, infralabials 6 or 7; (8) tympanum diameters significantly smaller than palpebral disc diameters; (9) 9–12 enlarged lamellae beneath finger IV and 14–17 beneath toe IV; (10) 3–4 pairs of nuchal scales; (11) when the limbs are pressed down, toes and fingers touch or overlap. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that the population from the Dabie Mountains in Anhui Province, China, represents a new species, with a 3% uncorrected genetic distance in 16S rRNA from its closest relative (S. vandenburghi). This discovery brings the total number of Scincella species in China to 19, identifying the known distribution of the genus. We have made preliminary progress in clarifying the relationship between S. vandenburghi and S. modesta; however, the polyphyletic issues surrounding S. modesta warrant further investigation in future research. Additionally, the distribution patterns and divergence times of the two Scincella species in the Dabie Mountains require further study to gain a more comprehensive understanding.

Key Words: molecular phylogeny, morphological characters, Scincella dabieshanensis sp. nov., Scincella modesta, taxonomy

Holotype of Scincella dabieshanensis sp. nov. (AHU 25079) in life. Photo by Caiwen Zhang.

Scincella dabieshanensis Zhang, Yi, Zhang & Zhang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Scincella dabieshanensis sp. nov. can be diagnosed from other Scincella species by the following unique combination of characters: (1) slender body, small size, snout-vent length 24.47–40.60 mm; (2) supraciliaries 6 or 7; (3) midbody scale row counts 28–31; (4) dorsal scales smooth and slightly enlarged, paravertebral scale row counts 55–68, ventral scale row counts 55–64; (5) upper edge of lateral longitudinal stripes relatively wavy, lower edge irregular, covering 2–2.5 scale rows on the trunk; (6) black dorsolateral stripes from posterior corner of eye to lateral side of tail, six rows of dorsal scales in middle; (7) supralabials 7, infralabials 6 or 7; (8) tympanum diameters significantly smaller than palpebral disc diameters; (9) 9–12 enlarged lamellae beneath finger IV and 14–17 beneath toe IV; (10) 3–4 pairs of nuchal scales; (11) when the limbs are pressed down, toes and fingers touch or overlap.

Etymology. The specific epithet dabieshanensis is derived from the type locality, the Dabie Mountains, located at the boundary of Anhui, Henan and Hubei Provinces. We propose the English name of “Dabie Mountains Ground Skink” and the Chinese common name is “Dà Bié Shān Huá Xī (大别山滑蜥)”.

 Hailin Zhang, Feng Yi, Lulu Yang, Xinjian Wang, Shihang Xu, Zhiqiang Zhan, Xinyi Zhai, Jun Chu, Minggen Hou, Yucai Zhang, Jing Wen, Caiwen Zhang, Baowei Zhang. 2026. A new Scincella species (Squamata, Scincidae) from the Dabie Mountains, China, with Delimitation of its closely related congeners. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1005-1022. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.187997 [24-07-2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Acrossocheilus (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from Hunan Province, China

Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis

in Cao, Deng, Xiang, Xie, Wang, Li, Hu, Wei et Jiang, 2026.

张家界光唇鱼  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195486

Abstract

The genus Acrossocheilus (Cyprinidae), which occurs in Southeast Asia and southern China, is of significant ecological and economic importance. A new species, Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis sp. nov., is described from the upper Lishui River Basin, a tributary of the Yangtze River, in Sangzhi County, Zhangjiajie City, Hunan Province, China. The description is based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological examination, DNA barcoding, and mitogenomic analyses. This new species is distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: a maxillary barbel extending to the midline of the eye; a slightly hardened last unbranched dorsal-fin ray with a smooth posterior margin; dorsal-fin membranes with black stripes; the second primary vertical bar (PVB2) positioned anterior to the origin of the dorsal fin; juveniles and adults possessing six distinct vertical black bars on the flank; and fewer than 40 lateral line scales. Notably, it further differs from its sister species, A. jishouensis, in several morphometric traits, as well as the texture of the last unbranched dorsal-fin ray and the persistence of vertical flank bars throughout all life stages. The complete mitogenome of A. zhangjiajiensis sp. nov. is 16,592 bp in length. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial COI gene and the 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs) support a sister-species relationship between A. zhangjiajiensis sp. nov. and A. jishouensis, with genetic distances of 3.1%​ (COI) and 3.3% (13 PCGs). A COI-based haplotype network and species delimitation analyses further support the distinctiveness of the new species. This discovery increases the total number of valid Acrossocheilus species to 25 and provides critical data for the systematics, evolution, and conservation of this genus.

Key Words: Cyprinid, integrative taxonomy, morphology, mitogenome, Yangtze River

Live specimens of Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis sp. nov.
A. Lateral view of body; B. Lateral view of head; C. Ventral view of head; D. Dorsal view of head.

 

Acrossocheilus zhangjiajiensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet zhangjiajiensis is derived from Zhangjiajie City, where the type locality of this species is located. Currently, this taxon is known only from this type locality, and its Chinese name is “Zhāng jiā jiè guāng chún yú (张家界光唇鱼)”.

 Jianhan Cao, Zhiyong Deng, Hongmei Xiang, Yixing Xie, Cheng Wang, Hong Li, Yang Hu, Ying Wei and Wansheng Jiang. 2026. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Acrossocheilus (Cypriniformes, Cyprinidae) from Hunan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 869-883. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195486 [25-06-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Gekko qiannanensis • A New Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from southern Guizhou, China

Gekko (Japonigekko) qiannanensis Huang, Ma, Jiang & Wu,   

in Huang, Ma, Xiao, Zhang, Pu, Ran, Zhu, Jiang et Wu, 2026. 

黔南壁虎  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.189932

Abstract

Karst landscapes, which are characterized by their complex terrain, foster exceptionally high species diversity. During recent field surveys in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture, Guizhou Province, China, a new karst-adapted gecko species was discovered. Using an integrative approach combining molecular and morphological analyses, it is described here as Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. Phylogenetically, it clusters within a well-supported clade of the subgenus Japonigekko that includes the karst-adapted G. fengshanensis, G. liboensis, G. kwangsiensis, G. paucituberculatus, and the dry-hot valley species G. tesselatus. Morphologically, it can be distinguished from all known species in Japonigekko by a combination of the following traits: moderate body size, with snout–vent length 65.4–82.9 mm in adult males and 77.7–91.7 mm in adult females; two enlarged postmentals; nares in contact with the rostral, internasal absent; subdigital lamellae: fourth fingers 14–16, first toes 9–11, and fourth toes 14–17; moderately developed toe webbing, originating proximal to subdigital lamellae; interorbitals 28–38; midbody scale rows 134–155; ventral scale rows 42–49; precloacal pores 10–11 in males; a single postcloacal tubercle on each side; dorsum earth gray, with six dirty-white bands between the nape and sacrum. Notably, the new species can be distinguished from its karst-adapted congeners by its moderately developed toe webbing. The discovery of G. qiannanensis brings the number of recognized species in Japonigekko to 42 globally, of which 28 are now recorded from China. This finding highlights the role of karst habitat fragmentation in driving allopatric speciation and underscores the rich but still incompletely documented herpetofaunal diversity of South China’s karst regions.

Key Words: herpetofauna, integrative taxonomy, new species, phylogeny, toe webbing

Holotype (JSU-HJ2025024, adult male) of Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. after euthanasia.
 A. Dorsal view of body. B. Ventral view of body. C. Dorsal view of head. D. Ventral view of head. E. Right lateral view of the head. F. Ventral view of right hand. G. Ventral view of left hand. H. Ventral view of right foot. I. Ventral view of left foot. J. Ventral view of precloacal region. K. Right lateral view of basal tail.

Photos by Jie Huang and Yang Xiao. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Egg hatching of Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov.  
A. Discovery of gecko eggs at the corner of the wall, with 14 eggs already hatched and two remaining unhatched. B. Two hatching gecko eggs with attached wall plaster. C. One gecko egg in the process of hatching, side view. D. One gecko egg in the process of hatching, top view. E. The gecko juvenile 13 days after hatching.

Photos by Jie Huang. Scale bar: 10 mm.

Gekko qiannanensis Huang, Ma, Jiang & Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Gekko qiannanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the subgenus Japonigekko according to phylogenetic analysis. It can be distinguished from other congeners in Japonigekko by the following characters: moderate body size: SVL 65.4–82.9 mm in adult males, 77.7–91.7 mm in adult females; two enlarged postmentals; nares in contact with the rostral, internasal absent; subdigital lamellae: fourth fingers 14–16, first toes 9–11, fourth toes 14–17; moderately developed toe webbing, originating proximal to subdigital lamellae; interorbitals 28–38; Midbody scale rows 134–155; ventral scale rows 42–49; precloacal pores 10–11 in males; a single postcloacal tubercle on each side; dorsum earth gray, with six dirty-white bands between nape and sacrum.

Etymology and suggested Chinese and English name. The specific epithet, qiannanensis, is derived from the Chinese pinyin of its type locality in Qiannan Buyi and Miao Autonomous Prefecture. The Chinese name for the new species is suggested as “黔南壁虎” (pinyin: qián nán bì hǔ), and the English is suggested as “Qiannan Gecko.”

 Jie Huang, Shun Ma, Yang Xiao, Fangpeng Zhang, Zhongzhu Pu, Jingcheng Ran, Jingyi Zhu, Wansheng Jiang and Jianpu Wu. 2026. Gekko (Japonigekko) qiannanensis, A New Karst-adapted Gecko (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from southern Guizhou, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 973-987. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.189932 [20-07-2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Harcledo toyoshioae • A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific

 Harcledo toyoshioae 

 Kodama, Watabe, Nakaguchi & Wakabayashi, 2026

「オオメダマヨコエビ」 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885

Abstract

Deep-sea visual environments show extreme gradients in light intensity, driving divergence in eye morphology. In the order Amphipoda, such specializations are documented in pelagic hyperiideans, whereas deep-sea Eusiridae remain poorly known. During a bathypelagic survey in Japan, we collected a eusirid amphipod with conspicuously enlarged eyes. Integrative taxonomy, using morphology and four DNA barcoding regions, shows that it represents a new species of the monotypic genus Harcledo Barnard, 1964, described here as Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov. It is characterized by markedly enlarged eyes that cover most of the lateral head and meet across the dorsal midline, and by a distinctive maxilla 1 armature. Phylogenetic analyses place H. toyoshioae sp. nov. within Eusiridae but leave its relationships to H. curvidactyla unresolved, owing to the lack of sequence data. Comparisons with historical records suggest rapid diversification of eye size within this clade and indicate that it is unlikely to be governed by depth or pelagic–benthic mode alone. We propose that the enlarged eyes are plausibly associated with a pelagic lifestyle in dim mid-water habitats, while noting that this interpretation remains tentative. Our findings highlight visual specializations in deep-sea eusirids and the value of combining new collections, historical literature, and molecular data when reassessing deep-sea taxa.

Key words: bathypelagic, deep sea, Harcledo, Kagoshima, Tanegashima Island, visual specialization

ORDER AMPHIPODA Latreille, 1816

FAMILY EUSIRIDAE Stebbing, 1888

Harcledo Barnard, 1964

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350, ethanol preserved specimen, photographs for head and pereonites 1–2: A, dorsal view; B, lateral view.

 Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov., fresh specimens, lateral view:
A, holotype ovigerous female, 21.6 mm, NSMT-Cr 33349; B, paratype female, 18.8 mm, NSMT-Cr 33350.

Harcledo toyoshioae sp. nov.

DISTRIBUTION: Known only from type locality, North Pacific Ocean off Tanegashima Island, Kagoshima, Japan.

HABITAT: Bathypelagic zone (about 1200 m deep).

ETYMOLOGY: The new species is named after TRV Toyoshio Maru. The specific name is a noun in the genitive case.

Masafumi Kodama, Hiroto Watabe, Kazumitsu Nakaguchi and Kaori Wakabayashi. 2026. A New Species of Giant-eyed bathypelagic eusirid Amphipod (Crustacea: Amphipoda: Eusiridae) from the western North Pacific. Systematics and Biodiversity. 24(1); 2659885. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772000.2026.2659885 [05 Jun 2026]

[Entomology • 2026] Neophlugiolopsis? nigrivertex • One New Species of the Genus Neophlugiolopsis Pan & Bian, 2024 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Guangxi, China

 

Neophlugiolopsis? nigrivertex  

 Xiong, Chen & Shi, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.1.12 

The genus Neophlugiolopsis was established by Pan & Bian (2024), with Neophlugiolopsis longiprocera Pan & Bian, 2024 as the type species. It resembles Phlugiolopsis Zeuner, 1940, Paraphlugiolopsis Bian & Shi, 2014, Aphlugiolopsis Wang, Liu & Li, 2015, Pseudophlugiolopsis Wang, Zhou & Chang, 2020 and Guangxia An, Chen & Shi, 2023, but can be distinguished from them mainly by the following characters: tegmina reach the middle of abdomen, and posterior area of male tenth abdominal tergite is strongly produced posteriorly into a long process. 

 

In this paper, a new species from Guangxi, China is described and tentatively assigned to the genus Neophlugiolopsis. All type specimens are deposited in the Museum of Hebei University.

Neophlugiolopsis? nigrivertex sp. nov., male:
A–B. head and pronotum: A. dorsal view; B. lateral view; C–F. apex of abdomen: C. ventral view; D. latero-ventral view; E. dorsal view; F. lateral view.

Neophlugiolopsis? nigrivertex sp. nov., male in habitat.

Neophlugiolopsis? nigrivertex sp. nov.

 Chinese name: 黑顶新吟螽 

Etymology. The specific name refers to the black dorsal surface of the vertex. It is derived from Latin nigri-, meaning “black”, and vertex, meaning “top of the head”.

ZIJIAN XIONG, KEDA CHEN and FUMING SHI. 2026. One New Species of the Genus Neophlugiolopsis Pan & Bian, 2024 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Meconematinae) from Guangxi, China.  Zootaxa. 5845(1); 197-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5845.1.12 [2026-07-03]

[Botany • 2024] Thrixspermum yei (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Aeridinae) • A New Species from Xizang, China

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo, 

in Li, Pang, Chen, Deng, Wang, Xing et Luo, 2024. 

叶氏白点兰 | taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1988

Abstract

A new species Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo is described and illustrated from Xizang, China. It is similar to T. fantasticum and T. duplocallosum but differs from them in having a yellowish, ovate, indistinctly 3-lobed lip, disk with 4 yellow papillary front calli densely covered with yellow powder, and base with a cone-like appendage.

Keyword: Thrixspermum fantasticum, Thrixspermum duplocallosum, taxonomy, Xizang, China

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo  
 A-B. plant and inflorescence; C. inflorescence; D-F. flower; G-H. split flower; IK. close-up of lip; L. lip and column. M-N. column and ovary; O-P. anther cap; Q. pollinia. (Photos: by Shen-shen Pang).

Thrixspermum yei M. K. Li, Z. Xing & Y. Luo
A. plant and inflorescence; B. inflorescence; C. flower; D. split flower; E1-E2. Column. F1-F2. close-up of lip; G. anther cap; H. pollinia.

 (Drawn by Jian-ping Deng).

Thrixspermum yei M.K.Li, Z.Xing & Y.Luo, sp. nov. 

 Type: CHINA. Xizang, Mêdog County, Dexing village, 95°14'42.89"E, 29°13'48.19"N, 1184 m, epiphytes on tree trunks in evergreen broad-leaved forest, 08 June 2022, M. K. Li 2022160 holotype: T000167542 (TAAHUC!); isotype: 022016 (XZE!). 

Diagnosis: Thrixspermum yei is morphologically similar to T. fantasticum and T. duplocallosum, but can be clearly distinguished from them by having a yellowish, ovate, indistinctly 3-lobed lip, disk with 4 yellow papillary front calli densely covered with yellow powder, and base with a cone-like appendage.

  

Etymology: The specific epithet "yei" is in honor of Mr. De-Ping YE (1977-2020), who dedicated over twenty years to the botanical surveys and conservation of wild orchids in China. 

Vernacular name: Ye Shi Bai Dian Lan, 叶氏白点兰

Meng-Kai Li, Shen-Shen Pang, Xue-Da Chen, Jian-Ping Deng, Wei Wang, Zhen Xing and Yan Luo. 2024. Thrixspermum yei (Aeridinae, Vandeae, Epidendroideae, Orchidaceae) - A New Species from Xizang, China. Taiwania. 69(2); 138-141. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2024.69.138

 taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/1988