[Entomology • 2026] Hexacentrus bidentatus & H. nanlingensis • Two New Species of the Genus Hexacentrus Serville, 1831 (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae: Hexacentrinae) from China

Hexacentrus nanlingensis  

Ren, Xiong, Zhang & Shi, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.8

 Abstract

This paper reports two new species of the genus Hexacentrus Serville, 1831 from Guangxi and Guangdong, China, i.e. Hexacentrus bidentatus sp. nov. and Hexacentrus nanlingensis sp. nov. In addition, morphological characters and ecological photographs are provided. The male calling songs are also presented for both new species and Hexacentrus expansus Wang & Shi, 2005 for the first time.

Orthoptera, Hexacentrus, new species, bioacoustics, Guangxi, Guangdong, China

Lateral habitus of Hexacentrus spp.:
A, C, E. H. bidentatus sp. nov.: A. female; C, E. male;
B, H. H. nanlingensis sp. nov.: B. female; H. male;
D. H. expansus Wang & Shi, 2005 (male); F. H. formosanus Chen & He, 2021(male). 

A–B. Hexacentrus expansus Wang & Shi, 2005;
C–D. Hexacentrus nanlingensis sp. nov.

(Photographed by Tao Zhang).

Hexacentrus bidentatus sp. nov. 

Hexacentrus nanlingensis sp. nov. 

 

BINGYU REN, ZIJIAN XIONG, TAO ZHANG and FUMING SHI. 2266. Two New Species of the genus Hexacentrus Serville, 1831 (Tettigoniidae: Hexacentrinae) from China.  Zootaxa. 5862(2); 347-358. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.8 [2026-08-05]

[Herpetology • 2026] Boulenophrys dongli & B. raoping • Survival in Fragmented Landscapes: Two New Boulenophrys Species (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal mountains of eastern Guangdong, China

Boulenophrys raoping 

Wang, Zhan, Xiao, Tan, Chen, Li, Lin, Lyu & Zeng, 2026

Raoping horned toad | 饶平角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e195550 

Abstract

Two new species, Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov. and Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov., are described from the coastal mountains of Raoping County, Chaozhou City, eastern Guangdong, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. Currently, these two new species are known only from low-altitude mountainous areas (below 500 m a.s.l.), where they inhabit fragmented patches of secondary forest interspersed with bamboo plantations. Given their extremely limited distribution, ongoing habitat loss, and isolated populations, we recommend listing these two new species as Critically Endangered (CR) in accordance with IUCN Red List criteria B1ab(i,ii,iii)c(i,ii)+B2ab(i,ii,iii)c(i,ii). Continued research is critical to fill existing knowledge gaps and to guide coordinated conservation efforts aimed at protecting these unique amphibians within the critical montane refugia of eastern Guangdong.

Keywords: Conservation, highly threatened, horned toads, morphology, mountain refugia, phylogeny

Life aspect of the holotype (GEP a514) of Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov.:
 A dorsolateral view, B dorsal view, C ventral view, D ventral view of hand, E ventral view of foot.

 

Boulenophrys dongli sp. nov. 

Dongli horned toad (in English) 

dōng lǐ jiǎo chán (东里角蟾 in Chinese)

 

Etymology. The specific epithet dongli is derived from the ancient name “东里 (dōng lǐ)” of the region where the new species is distributed, meaning the eastern boundary of Guangdong, indicating the distribution area of the new species.

Diagnosis. (1) Small size (SVL 30.3–35.6 mm in six adult males); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum visible, tympanic margin indistinct, temporal region bearing conical spines except tympanum; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth present; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped or V-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, dorsolateral ridges absent, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with tubercles bearing conical spines, sparse rounded tubercles on belly, dense tubercles ...

Life aspect of Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov.
the holotype (GEP a519): A1 dorsolateral view, A2 dorsal view, A3 ventral view, A4 ventral view of hand, A5 ventral view of foot;
female paratype (GEP a523): B1 dorsolateral view, B2 dorsal view, B3 ventral view, B4 ventral view of hand, B5 ventral view of foot.

Boulenophrys raoping sp. nov. 

Raoping horned toad (in English) 

 ráo píng jiǎo chán (饶平角蟾 in Chinese)

Etymology. The specific epithet raoping is derived from its type locality, Raoping County. The name “Raoping (饶平)” combines the characters “饶” (ráo), meaning “rich” or “abundant,” symbolizing prosperous harvests and natural resources, and “平” (píng), meaning “peace” or “stability,” reflecting aspirations for social harmony. Together, they convey the traditional Chinese ideal of material prosperity and enduring peace.

Diagnosis. (1) Small size (SVL 34.1–36.6 mm in four adult males, 39.2–41.8 mm in three adult females); (2) snout rounded in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct, tympanic margin distinct and raised, temporal region bearing conical spines except tympanum; (4) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped or V-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, dorsolateral ridges absent, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with tubercles bearing conical spines, dense rounded tubercles on belly, dense tubercles bearing conical spines on ...

 Jian Wang, Bin-Bin Zhan, Wei-Wen Xiao, Lin Tan, Hong-Hui Chen, Yuan-Hang Li, Shi-Shi Lin, Zhi-Tong Lyu and Zhao-Chi Zeng. 2026. Survival in Fragmented Landscapes: Two New Boulenophrys Species (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal mountains of eastern Guangdong, China. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 381-399.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e195550 [02-07-2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Brachygobius jennie • A New bumblebee goby (Gobiiformes: Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China

Brachygobius jennie  

 Tian, Wu, Lan, Lavoué & Huang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142

Abstract

A new species of bumblebee goby, Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. (Teleostei, Oxudercidae), is described based on 31 specimens collected from the Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. This new species is distinguished from all other valid species of Brachygobius by its extreme small size (SL < 9 mm) and distinctive number, position, size and shape of its black bars. It possesses four complete (forming ring) or nearly complete post-cephalic, relatively narrow bars, two of which are located posterior to the base of the anal fin. The first bar behind the head extends pigmentation to the first dorsal fin but does not reach the midventral line. The second bar, chevron-shaped and located below the second dorsal fin, extends pigmentation onto that fin and ventrally reaches the midventral line and the anal fin. Cytochrome oxidase subunit I-based analyses, including six out of the eight valid species of Brachygobius, show Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. to be more than 10% genetically divergent from other species, supporting the morphological diagnosis and confirming its distinct taxonomic status. With a maximum size of less than 9 mm SL (based on observations of 106 specimens), the new species is not only the smallest species of Brachygobius, but also one of the smallest known gobioid fishes.

Key Words: Fish, Gobioidei, integrative taxonomy, new species, miniature vertebrates

Diagnostic marking pattern comparison among all species of Brachygobius having four post-cephalic black bands, the last two located posterior to the base of the anal fin. Left column: schematic drawings highlighting diagnostic marking patterns based on information from type material and original descriptions; from top to bottom: 
Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. based on its description (this study); B. aggregatus, based on a drawing of a type specimen (plate 4 in Herre 1940); B. kabiliensis, based on the drawing of the holotype (fig. 19 in Inger 1958); and B. nunus, based on the drawing of a specimen of Gobius alcockii Annandale, 1906 (fig. 1 in Annandale 1906), a junior synonym of B. nunus, and the description of B. nunus by Hamilton (1822). Red arrowheads indicate diagnostic differences. Right column: photographs of live non-type specimens illustrating the corresponding left schematic patterns (all photos from the authors).

Live photographs of four paratypes of Brachygobius jennie sp. nov., illustrating intra-specific marking pattern.

Photographed by Mr. Haocong Yang and Mr. Danyang Zhou.

Brachygobius jennie sp. nov. 

 Jiangyan Tian, Jianyong Wu, Chunliu Lan, Sébastien Lavoué and Jianrong Huang. 2026. Brachygobius jennie, A New bumblebee goby (Teleostei, Oxudercidae) from Hengqin Island, Guangdong Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(3): 853-863.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184142 [17 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae) • A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China

 

Oreocharis sihuiensis  L.B.Ji & F.Wen, 

in  Ji, Wen, Jin, Xu, Li et Tang. 2026. 

四会瑶山苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 

Abstract

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) is described from Guangdong Province, China. Morphologically, the flower shape of this new species is similar to that of O. dayaoshanioides, but it can be distinguished by its leaf blade being adaxially densely pubescent, with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. adaxially sparsely villous to villous, with hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded and apex rounded (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate and apex acute), 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), shorter filaments (ca. 6.0 mm long vs. 8.0–12.0 mm long), and shorter capsules (ca. 1.0 cm long vs. ca. 2.0 cm long). Considering its scarce number of individuals, and the presence of severe human disturbance, we preliminarily assess the new species as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: Medicinal plant, morphology, new taxon, Oreocharis cotinifolia, Oreocharis dayaoshanioides, taxonomy

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B, C. Flowering individuals; D. Leaves, adaxial (left), abaxial (right), and their partially magnified views (a, b. Respectively, showing indumentum); E. Inflorescence; F, G. Flowers, front and lateral view, respectively; H. Longitudinal section of corolla, lower lip (left), upper lip (right) and its partially magnified view (a. Showing indumentum and staminodes); I. Calyx lobes; J. Disc and Pistil; K. Capsules.

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Front view of a flower; C. Lateral view of a flower; D. Longitudinal section of corolla; E. Disc and Pistil; F. Capsules; G. Leaf, abaxial surface.

Oreocharis sihuiensis L.B.Ji & F.Wen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species similar to Oreocharis dayaoshanioides Yan Liu & W.B.Xu (in Liu et al. 2012), but can be distinguished from the latter by the adaxial leaf blade being densely pubescent with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. sparsely to densely villous, hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded with a rounded apex (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate with an acute apex), presence of 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), filaments shorter, less than ca. 6.0 mm long (vs. 8.0–12.0 mm), and capsules ca. 1.0 cm long (vs. ca. 2.0 cm). (Table 1, together with the type species of Dayaoshania, now namely Oreocharis cotinifolia).

Etymology. Specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Sihui City.

Vernacular name. Sì Huì Yáo Shān Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation); 

四会瑶山苣苔 (Chinese name).

Ling-Bo Ji, Fang Wen, Xiu-Hui Jin, Yi-Da Xu, Bo-Heng Li and Bo Tang. 2026. Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae), A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 175-182. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 [12 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae) • A New Fern Species From Guangdong, China

Leptochilus yangjiangensis F. G. Wang, Y. Huang & H. J. Zhou,

in Zhou, T. Wang, Huang, Fang, Zhang, G.-D. Chen, H.-F. Chen et F.-G. Wang, 2026. 

阳江线蕨  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73621

ABSTRACT

A new fern species, Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae), was discovered during field surveys in Ziluo Mountain, Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, China. This study provides a detailed morphological description and illustrations of the new species. Morphologically, this species resembles Leptochilus pedunculatus and L. ovatus in plant height, petiole morphology, and soral morphology, but differs from them in its coriaceous laminae and lanceolate fertile fronds. To confirm its taxonomic status, phylogenetic analyses based on three plastid genome regions (rbcL, trnL-F, and rps4+rps4-trnS) indicated that the new species forms a distinct and well-supported monophyletic clade and is sister to L. dolichophyllus. Furthermore, the complete plastid genome of this new species is reported for the first time. Preliminarily assessed as Data Deficient (DD) according to IUCN guidelines, this new species enriches the diversity of Leptochilus.

Keywords: Leptochilus, morphology, new species, phylogenetic analysis, plastid genome

Habitat and morphology of Leptochilus yangjiangensis.
(A) Habitat. (B) Whole plant. (C) Habit. (D) Close-up of fronds with sori. (E) Scale structure under a biological microscope. (F) Spore morphology under a scanning electron microscope.

Photographs by Guo-Di Chen (A–D).

Leptochilus yangjiangensis F. G. Wang, Y. Huang & H. J. Zhou, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Leptochilus yangjiangensis is similar to both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus, but can be distinguished by the following diagnostic characters (Table 2): (1) lamina coriaceous (vs. herbaceous in both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus); (2) fertile fronds lanceolate (vs. ovate-lanceolate in both L. pedunculatus and L. ovatus); (3) life form lithophytic (vs. lithophytic in L. pedunculatus and hemiepiphytic in L. ovatus). Additionally, it can be distinguished from its sister species L. dolichophyllus by the smaller plant size (fertile fronds 26.0–43.0 cm long vs. 43.0–60.0 cm long in L. dolichophyllus) and distinct life form (lithophytic vs. hemiepiphytic in L. dolichophyllus).

Hua-Jing Zhou, Ting Wang, Yi Huang, Yu-Han Fang, Bin Zhang, Guo-Di Chen, Hong-Feng Chen and Fa-Guo Wang. 2026. Leptochilus yangjiangensis (Polypodiaceae), a New Fern Species From Guangdong, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.73621 [14 May 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, 

in Tong, Chen, Huang, Li, Wan et Lin, 2026.

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋  ||  taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

Abstract

Aspidistra huashuishanensis, a new species from Guangdong Province, China, is described and illustrated. It is similar to A. daqingshanensis in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. The new species is currently only known from the type locality in northern Guangdong. Detailed colour plates and data on morphology, ecology, phenology and distribution of the new species are also provided.

Keyword: Aspidistra daqingshanensis, Aspidistra triradiata, Huashuishan City-level Nature Reserve, new taxon

Aspidistra huashuishanensis sp. nov.
 A. Habit; B. Flowers; C. Flowering plant; D-E. Flower side view; F. Fruit; G. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (8-merous); H. Flower longitudinally dissected showing stamens and pistil (6- merous); I. Pistil; J. Stigma top view (8-merous); K. Stigma top view (6-merous); L. Stigma bottom view (6-merous).

Aspidistra huashuishanensis C.R. Lin, Y.H. Tong & Y.Q. Li, sp. nov. 

滑水山蜘蛛抱蛋

Diagnosis: The new species is similar to A. daqingshanensis Y.L. Pan & C.R. Lin in shape and color of leaves and flowers, but can be distinguished by urceolate perianth tube, perianth lobes suberect or slightly recurved, purplish red, ovate-triangular, acuminate or obtuse at apex, and upper surface of stigma with dense small papillae. 

Yi-Hua Tong, Shu-Yan Chen, Hai-Jian Huang, Yuan-Qiu Li, Xin-Yu Wan and Chun-Rui Lin. 2026. Aspidistra huashuishanensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Taiwania. 71(2); 390 - 393. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.390 [20 April 2026] 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2182

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria similis • A New Species of Calamaria (Serpentes: Calamariidae) from southern China, previously confused with Calamaria pavimentata

 

Calamaria similis

Qi, Nguyen, Yang, Xu, David, Shi, Liu, Rong, Korolev, Poyarkov & Wang, 2026 

Similar Reed Snake | 拟尖尾两头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.187107  

 Abstract

Calamaria pavimentata Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854 was originally described from Java Island, Indonesia, yet specimens from southern China, particularly Guangxi, have long been referred to this species based on general morphological resemblance. Herein, the taxonomic status of Chinese populations previously referred to as Calamaria pavimentata is re-evaluated using an integrative approach combining morphological data and mitochondrial DNA analyses, based on four specimens from Yangjiang City, Guangdong Province, and Chongzuo City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Chinese specimens as a distinct and well-supported lineage within Calamaria. Notably, the Guangdong and Guangxi populations exhibit a relatively high intraspecific mitochondrial divergence (uncorrected p-distance = 10.78% based on the cytochrome b gene), despite the absence of consistent diagnostic morphological differences. Although mitochondrial DNA data from topotypic C. pavimentata, are currently unavailable, the observed morphological differences, together with the pronounced geographic disjunction between Java and southern China, support the recognition of the Chinese population as a distinct species, herein described as Calamaria similis sp. nov. from Guangdong and Guangxi, China. Detailed morphological examinations reveal that Calamaria similis sp. nov. differs from C. pavimentata and all of its currently recognized synonyms by having higher ventral scale counts in females, fewer subcaudal scales in males (but slightly more in females), a smaller maximum total length in males, and a shorter relative tail length in both sexes. Our results highlight the need for renewed field surveys in Java Island, Indonesia to rediscover C. pavimentata sensu stricto, and emphasize that other populations previously identified as C. pavimentata should be re-evaluated using integrative taxonomic approaches.

Key words: Calamaria similis sp. nov., Guangdong, Guangxi, integrative taxonomy, morphology, mtDNA, species complex

Calamaria similis sp. nov., adult male (SYS r001816, holotype) in preserved.
A. Dorsal view of body; B. Ventral view of body; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Ventral view of head; E. Lateral view of head, right side; F. Dorsal view of tail (posterior body). Photographs by Shuo Qi.

Calamaria similis sp. nov., in life, from Yangchun, Yangjiang, Guangdong, China.
A–C. Adult male (SYS r001816, holotype); A. Dorsal view of body; B. Anterior view of body; C. Ventral view of body; D–H. Not collected, sex undetermined; D. Dorsal view of body; E. Anterolateral view of body; F. Dorsal view of tail; G. Ventral view of head; H. Ventral view of body (cloacal region).

Photographs by Jing-Jian Liu.

Calamaria similis sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet similis is a Latin adjective meaning similar, referring to the strong morphological resemblance of this species to Calamaria pavimentata. This similarity has resulted in the species being previously misidentified and treated as C. pavimentata in numerous earlier studies (e.g., Yang and Zheng 2018). 

We propose the following common names for the new species: “Similar Reed Snake” (English), “拟尖尾两头蛇” (nĬ jiān wěi liăng tóu shé, Chinese), “Rắn mai gầm tương đồng” (Vietnamese), and “Сходная карликовая змея” (Skhodnaya karlikovaya zmeya, Russian).

Shuo Qi, Tan Van Nguyen, Jian-Huan Yang, Yu-Hao Xu, Patrick David, Jing-Song Shi, Jing-Jian Liu, Can-Zhong Rong, Alexey M. Korolev, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Ying-Yong Wang. 2026. A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata, Calamariidae) from southern China, previously confused with Calamaria pavimentata Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854. ZooKeys. 1277: 245-280. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.187107  [17 Apr 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China

Peliosanthes dawulingensis  

in Ding, Xie, Le, Xiong, Fan, Sun et Feng, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761

Abstract

This study announces the discovery of a new plant species, Peliosanthes dawulingensis, from the Dawuling Provincial Nature Reserve in Guangdong, China. It resembles P. cupuliformis in its annular corona with a broad, flat top but differs by its longer inflorescence, pedicellate and pendulous flowers, distinct cylindrical style, and half‑inferior ovary. It was found growing in well-drained soils on a sparsely wooded slope within a river valley. Its highly restricted range and small population size lead us to assess its conservation status as Critically Endangered.

Convallariaceae, plant diversity, plant taxonomy, Monocots, Yunkai Mountain

XIN DING, ZHI-YI XIE, ZUO-YU LI, QIN-DAI XIONG, QIANG FAN, YAN-JUN SUN and HUI-ZHE FENG. 2026. Peliosanthes dawulingensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, Southern China. Phytotaxa. 747(3); 289-294. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.747.3.5 [2026-03-18]

 Researchgate.net/publication/402637761_Peliosanthes_dawulingensis_a_new_species_from_Guangdong_Southern_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Quasipaa yunkaiensis • A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China

Quasipaa yunkaiensis  

Qi, Lyu,  Song, Wang, Z. Li, Y. Li & Wang, 2025

云开棘蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 

Abstract

We herein describe a new species of spiny frog, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. from Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. Morphological examination combined with mitochondrial (810 bp Cyt b) and nuclear (1 852 bp concatenated Rag2, Tyr, and Rhod) genetic data was used to test its distinctiveness within Quasipaa. Morphologically, the new species differs from other congeners by the following diagnostic characteristics: relatively large body size within Quasipaa; dorsal skin relatively smooth, having sparse tubercles; lacking spiny tubercles on the ventrolateral sides of the body; lacking keratinized spines in the ventral surface of the body, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, in breeding males. Both mitochondrial and nuclear phylogenetic results indicate that Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. constitutes a highly supported, deeply divergent lineage, but its precise phylogenetic placement within the genus Quasipaa remains unresolved. In view of the pronounced discordance between mitochondrial and nuclear datasets within Quasipaa, we encourage future studies to use genome-wide data to improve phylogenetic resolution and to estimate species diversity more accurately.

 Keywords: mito-nuclear discordance, Paini, Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov., spiny frog, taxonomy

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in situ.
(A) holotype, SYS a008351, (B) paratype, SYS a008350.

Photos by Jian WANG.

The male holotype of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. (SYS a008351) in life:
 (A) dorsolateral view, (B) dorsal view, (C) ventral view.

Photos by Shuo QI.

Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size large, SVL 89.1–113.8 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 95.7 mm in adult female (n = 1); (2) dorsal skin relatively smooth, with sparse tubercles; (3) without spiny tubercles on ventrolateral sides of body; (4) tympanum indistinct, margin blurred; (5) absence of dorsolateral folds; (6) hindlimbs rather long and stout, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching to tip of snout when leg stretched alongside body, heels overlapping when thighs flexed at right angles to body axis; (7) toes nearly entirely webbed, webbing formula: I 0 – 0 II 0 –0–III 0– – 1–IV 1– – 0 V, webbing incurved between tips of toes; (8) tarsal fold present; (9) vomerine teeth distinct, arranged between internal nares; (10) internal vocal sac present in males; (11) no keratinized spines on body ventral surface of breeding males, only present on prepollex, fingers I and II, forelimbs strongly hypertrophied; (12) colour in life: dorsal surface yellowish brown with large dark brown blotches, back of head with a dark brown transverse band, edges of the upper and lower lips with some brown blotches; some individuals with a pale yellow vertebral stripe.

Etymology: The specific epithet yunkaiensis refers to the type locality of this species, the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve, Guangdong, China.

Suggested common name: “Yunkai Spiny Frog” in English and “云开棘蛙 (yún kāi jí wā)” in Chinese.

 

Habitat of Quasipaa yunkaiensis sp. nov. in the Yunkaishan National Nature Reserve.

Photo by Shuo QI.

  

Shuo QI, Zhitong LYU, Hanming SONG, Haotian WANG, Zhuoyu LI, Youyu LI and Yingyong WANG. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Quasipaa (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Guangdong, China. Asian Herpetological Research. 16(4); 319-330. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0031 [Nov 21, 2025]

  

 

The Yunkai Spiny Frog (Quasipaa yunkaiensis) is a newly described species discovered from the Yunkaishan Nature Reserve, Xinyi City, Guangdong Province, China. This species inhabits montane stream environments within evergreen secondary forest at elevations between 1 200–1 550 m. It is currently only known from its type locality. Although mito-nuclear discordance has been reported in several species of the genus Quasipaa, both mitochondrial and nuclear gene fragments consistently recover Q. yunkaiensis as a distinct evolutionary lineage. This new species was reported by Shuo QI et al. in this issue. This frog was drawn by Hanwen KANG and Timan YANG.

[Herpetology • 2026] Sphenomorphus lingnanensis • A New skink Species of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Central Guangdong, South China

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis

Guo, Zhong, Li, Xu, Wang, Li, Yu & Ji, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183764

Abstract

We collected nine specimens of the genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Liuxihe National Forest Park in central Guangdong, South China, which were found not to correspond to any currently recognized species. Here, we describe this new species, Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov., integrating morphological and mitochondrial DNA (COI and 16S rRNA) evidence. Phylogenetic analyses reveal the new species to be a sister taxon to S. indicus with uncorrected p-distances of 0.132 in COI and 0.021 in 16S rRNA. The p-distance in COI between the new species and S. indicus exceeds that between S. scutatus and S. solomonis (0.057), and the p-distance in 16S rRNA exceeds that between S. cyanolaemus and S. sabanus (0.005). Morphologically, this new species is distinguished from five congeners (including S. indicus) with comparable data by: (1) possessing 56–58 ventral scale rows (versus 65–69 in S. indicus); and (2) occupying a distinct position in the morphospace defined by the first two principal components derived from seven meristic variables. The description of S. lingnanensis sp. nov. raises the number of recognized Sphenomorphus species in China to nine. Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov. is currently known only from two proximate localities (approximately 5 km apart) in central Guangdong, where it is sympatric with the oviparous congener S. incognitus.

Key Words: Guangdong, mitochondrial DNA, morphology, new species, Scincidae, South China, Sphenomorphus, taxonomy

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov. from Central Guangdong, China.
The adult female holotype (A, WZULXHTXSP1), a juvenile paratype of (B, WZULXHTXSP2)

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov.
Close-up views of the adult female holotype (WZULXHTXSP1; left, from A1–D1) and
a juvenile paratype (WZULXHTXSP3; right, from A2–D2) 

Sphenomorphus lingnanensis sp. nov.

 Kun Guo, Jun-Jie Zhong, Yi-Peng Li, Wang Xu, Wei-Min Wang, Yu-Dong Li, Xin-Fan Yu and Xiang Ji. 2026. A New skink Species of the Genus Sphenomorphus Fitzinger, 1843 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Central Guangdong, South China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 411-420. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183764 [05 Mar 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Primulina taishanensis (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

 

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen, 

in Qian, Xin, Chen, Huang, Bai et Wen, 2026. 

台山报春苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10358-w

Summary

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen, a new species of Gesneriaceae, from Taishan County, Guangdong Province, China, is described. It is morphologically similar to P. dryas (Dunn) Mich.Möller & A.Weber in the cuneate leaf base, bract size, purple pubescent peduncle, pistil size and white glandular hairs on the ovary. It is clearly differentiated from that species by its acuminate leaf blade apex (vs obtuse in P. dryas); pedicels 8 – 25 mm long and purple glandular pilose (vs 30 – 50 mm long, densely white villous) and anthers that are reniform and deeply constricted at the middle, c. 2.5 mm long (vs fusiform, c. 4 mm long). A provisional conservation category of Vulnerable [VU D1], according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria is proposed.

Key Words: IUCN, morphology, new taxon, taxonomy.

   

Primulina taishanensis F.Wen & Yu Q.Chen sp. nov. 

Intraspecific flower colour variation in Primulina taishanensis.
Top row, front views; middle row, lateral view; bottom row, lateral view with corollas opened.

Etymology. “taishanensis” is Latinised from the pinyin and the suffix “-ensis” conveys “from the City of Taishan in Guangdong Province”, where the species was found.

Vernacular name. Tái Shān Bào Chūn Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation); 台山报春苣苔 (Chinese).

Xiao-Mao Qian, Zi-Bing Xin, Yu-Qiang Chen, Guan-Yun Huang, Xin-Xiang Bai and Fang Wen. 2026. Primulina taishanensis (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10358-w [23 February 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Peliosanthes chenmingsongii (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, Southwestern China

 

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii H.Z. Feng,

in Li, Pan, Sun, Yuan et Feng, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.3.7 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398377122

 

Abstract

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii is described and illustrated as a new species from southwestern China. The new species is morphologically closest to P. cupuliformis, but differs in its erect, woody and hard rhizome, longer petioles and larger leaf blades, more widely expanded flowers with recurved perianth segments, non-revolute margins and a horizontally inward-growing annular appendage in the corona. Careful comparisons with other closely related species are also made.

pistil, corona, Liliaceae, Peliosanthes cupuliformis, taxonomy

Peliosanthes chenmingsongii H.Z. Feng, sp. nov.

Xiao Hong LI, Xiang Ru PAN, Yi Fei SUN, Juan Juan YUAN and Hui Zhe FENG. 2025. Peliosanthes chenmingsongii (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, Southwestern China.  Phytotaxa. 732(3); 295-300. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.732.3.7 [2025-12-05] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398377122_Peliosanthes_chenmingsongii_a_new_species_from_Yunnan_China

[Botany • 2024] Peliosanthes yangchunensis (Asparagaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

 

Peliosanthes yangchunensis  F.Z. Feng & W.B Liao,

 

in Feng, Wu, Zeng, Fan et Liao, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/381293293 

 

Abstract

A new species named Peliosanthes yangchunensis are described, which is endemic to Yangchun, western Guangdong, South China. The new species is closely related to P. macrostegia, but differs from the latter in that the flowers smaller, star-like and with strongly revolute, spreading and narrowly oblong tepals, style conical, ovary hexagonal in cross section, and fruit ovoid-globose, flower period September to October. Comparisons with other closely related species are also provided.

Asparagaceae, Peliosanthes, South China, western Guangdong, Monocots

Peliosanthes yangchunensis.
A. Habit; B & D. Inflorescence; C. Inflorescence & fruits; E & F. Flower, front view; G & H. Flower, views from side; I, J, K & L. Flower, longitudinally sectioned; L. Corona with three anthers; N. Corona, viewed from below; O. Basal portion of flower, with corona cross-sectioned; P. Basal portion of flower except corona and pistil; Q. Basal portion of flower, corona and ovary cross-sectioned; R. Flower, views from side and with corona removed. The the left photo in D and F were taken by Mr. Meng De Chang, and others photos, correction and design by H. Z. Feng.

Peliosanthes yangchunensis F.Z. Feng & W.B Liao, sp. nov.

Hui-Zhe FENG, Rang-Min WU, Qiu-Gen ZENG, Qiang FAN and Wen-Bo LIAO. 2024. Peliosanthes yangchunensis (Asparagaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Phytotaxa. 650(3); 262-268. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.650.3.6 [2024-05-29] 

Researchgate.net/publication/381293293_Peliosanthes_yangchunensis_a_new_species_from_Guangdong_China