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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

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

Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Megophrys Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

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

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

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

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

Photographs by Ren-Da Ai.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

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

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Sphaenopolystichum) • A New cave fern from Guangxi, China

 

Polystichum oligodontum  Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, 

in Nong, Jiang, Xiong, Q.-J. Wei, G.-Y. Wei, Ji, Lai et  H.-J. Wei, 2025. 

稀齿耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701

Abstract

Polystichum oligodontum (Dryopteridaceae), a new fern species in P. subg. Haplopolystichum from three karst caves in northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. This species is unique in having pinnae with a shallow or nearly free lobe on the acroscopic base and coarsely toothed distal margins. It resembles P. membranifolium and P. kwangtungense in its reflexed and oblong pinnae with an obtuse or rounded apex, but can be easily distinguished by its remote pinnae bearing a lobe at the acroscopic base. The new species also somewhat resembles P. leveillei in the nearly free basal lobe, but differs by its toothed upper pinna margins. Molecular phylogenetic analysis of 56 Polystichum species, based on the rbcL gene, supports the placement of P. oligodontum within P. sect. Sphaenopolystichum, with P. alcicorne as its closest relative. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assigned to the Critically Endangered (CR) category.

Key words: Cave ferns, coarse tooth, karst area, serration pattern

Polystichum oligodontum (from Bama county).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B. Lower portions of stipes showing scales; C, D. Habits; E. Portions of laminae (adaxially); F. Portions of laminae (abaxially); G. Pinna showing sori; H. Portion of pinna showing indusia.

Polystichum oligodontum (from Fengshan County).
A. Inside view of the cave where the new species was discovered; B, C. Habit; D. Portions of laminae (adaxially); E. Scales from stipes base (bottom), pinna base (middle) and pinna surface (top); F. Portions of lamina (abaxially).

 Polystichum oligodontum Y.Nong, R.H.Jiang & C.Xiong, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Polystichum oligodontum is unique by the pinna acroscopic side with a shallow or nearly free lobe at the base and coarsely toothed along distal margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, oligodontum, meaning “few teeth”, and referring to the number of the teeth on pinna margins.

Chinese name. 稀齿耳蕨 (xī chǐ ěr jué).

 You Nong, Ri-Hong Jiang, Chi Xiong, Qiu-Jun Wei, Gui-Yuan Wei, Xing-Yun Ji, Ke-Dao Lai and Hong-Jin Wei. 2025. Polystichum oligodontum (subg. Haplopolystichum, Dryopteridaceae), A New cave fern from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 266: 297-310. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.266.156701 [25 Nov 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum ensiforme (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtomiopsis) • A New simple-lamina Species from Lingnan Region, China

 

[A-C] Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang;  
[D-F] P. basipinnatum (Baker) Ching

 [A & D] Habit, [B & E] Portion of frond, [C & F] Portion of lamina showing sori

in Shang, J.-L. Li, Z.-Y. Li, SHAO, F.-H. Li, D. Li, Liu et Jiang, 2025. 

剑叶鞭叶耳蕨  |  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740

 (photos: Z. Y. Li; W. Q. Wang; X. L. Zhou & K. Ye). 

Abstract

Polystichum ensiforme, a new polystichoid fern species from Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, is described and illustrated. Morphologically, the new species most closely resembles P. basipinnatum but differs in having a generally simple lamina, scattered sori, and leathery lamina texture. Phylogenetic analysis placed it as an isolated clade within P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis. A key to the species of P. sect. Cyrtomiopsis is also provided.

Cyrtomidictyum, fern, phylogeny, taxonomy, whip-like leaves, Pteridophytes

Morphological comparison between Polystichum ensiforme (top) and P. basipinnatum (bottom): A. & D. Habit, B. & E.Portion of frond, C. & F. Portion of lamina showing sori

 (photo credits: A & C by Z. Y. Li; B by W. Q. Wang; D by X. L. Zhou; E &F by K. Ye). 

Polystichum ensiforme H.Shang & R.H.Jiang, sp. nov.

Etymology:—The species epithet is derived from the Latin, ensiform (sword-shaped), referring to sword-shaped fronds of the new species.

Vernacular name:—剑叶鞭叶耳蕨(jiàn yè biān yè ěr jué)

HUI SHANG, JIAN-LING LI, ZHONG-YANG LI, WEN SHAO, FANG-HUA LI, DONG LI, HONG-MEI LIU and RI-HONG JIANG. 2025. A New simple-lamina Species of Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) from Lingnan Region, China.  Phytotaxa. 704(2); 178-186. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.704.2.5 [2025-06-06] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/392468740_A_new_species_of_Polystichum_from_Lingnan_China

New sword-shaped fern species found in Guangxi

http://english.xtbg.cas.cn/rh/rp/202506/t20250616_1045654.html

[Botany • 2025] Polystichum cretaceum (Dryopteridaceae, sect. Cyrtogonellum) • A New fern from Guangxi, China

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu,  

 

in X.-H. Chen, Shu, Xu, Liu, L.-J. Chen, He, Zheng et Gu, 2025. 

白垩柳叶耳蕨 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725

Abstract

Polystichum (Dryopteridaceae) is a cosmopolitan fern genus known for its rich species diversity, with its primary diversity center in eastern Asia. In this study, we describe a novel species, Polystichum cretaceum, discovered in Napo County, Baise City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. This species is distinguished by its dwarf habit, fronds simple or 1-pinnate (pinnae 2–4 pairs), pilose or glabrous surface, and fenestrate perispores. This new species resembles P. fraxinellum but differs by having oval pinnae with entire margins and free veins, while P. fraxinellum has ovate-lanceolate pinnae with slightly recurved margins and anastomosing veins. Phylogenetic analysis suggests a close relationship between P. cretaceum and P. minimum. However, P. minimum differs in having obliquely ovate lateral pinnae with shallowly incised-toothed margins and acuminate apices.

new taxon, Cyrtogonellum, ferns, species diversity, Pteridophytes, rbcL gene, chloroplast genome

Polystichum cretaceum Xiaohua Chen & Y.F.Gu sp. nov.

Etymology:—The specific epithet “cretaceum” is derived from the habitat of this newly identified species, which thrives on moist, chalky soil slopes.

Vernacular name:—白垩柳叶耳蕨 (bai e liu ye er jue) 

 

XIAO-HUA CHEN, JIANG-PING SHU, YI-DA XU, HONG-MEI LIU, LI-JUN CHEN, JIAO HE, XI-LONG ZHENG and YU-FENG GU. 2025. Polystichum cretaceum (Polystichum sect. Cyrtogonellum, Dryopteridaceae), A New fern from Guangxi, China.  Phytotaxa. 690(2); 276-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.690.2.8 [2025-02-28]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/389413725_Polystichum_cretaceum_a_new_fern_from_Guangxi_China

[Herpetology • 2026] Boulenophrys tianlinensis • A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from western Guangxi, China

Boulenophrys tianlinensis 

Liu, Cheng, Shen, Feng, Mu, Zhou, Wei & Li, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.193995

Abstract

During an amphibian biodiversity survey conducted in Tianlin County, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China, a new species belonging to the genus Boulenophrys was identified and described as Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov. This new species shares the closest genetic affinity with B. anlongensis (Li, Lu, Liu & Wang, 2020). Integrative taxonomic analyses, combining morphological characteristics and molecular phylogenetic data, confirm its status as a distinct species. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) medium body size, with snout-vent length (SVL) 34.3–39.0 mm in seven adult males and 47.1 mm in a single adult female specimen; (2) upper eyelid margin bearing one small horn-shaped tubercle on each side; (3) vomerine ridges present and vomerine teeth absent; (4) tongue not notched posterior; (5) tympanum rounded and clearly discernible; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and lacking lateral fringes; (7) heels overlapping when thighs are held perpendicular to the body axis; (8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye when the leg is stretched forwards; (9) males possessing a single subgular vocal sac; and (10) in breeding males, the nuptial pads have dark brown nuptial spines on the bases of the first and second fingers.

Key Words: Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov., morphology, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

Male holotype MT TL20230603004 of Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of hand; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot.
Male holotype CIB AL20190531018 of B. anlongensis in life; F. Dorsal view; G. Ventral view; H. Dorsal view of hand; I. Ventral view of hand; J. Ventral view of foot.

photos by Shize Li.

Colour variation in Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov. in life: 

Dorsolateral and ventral view of adult;

[A] male MT TL20230603001; [B] male MT TL20230603003;
[C] male MT TL20230603005; [D] female MT TL20230603002.

photos by Shize Li.

Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis.

Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Boulenophrys, based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: head not enlarged and depressed; snout shield-like, projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; vomerine ridges present and vomerine teeth absent; temporal region short; transverse fold behind head absent; both sides of belly without seriate tubercles; chest glands small and round, closer to the axilla than to mid-ventral line; femoral glands on rear part of thigh; vertical pupils; and the presence of subarticular tubercles at the base of each finger; nuptial spines are present on the dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding males (Fei et al. 2016; Lyu et al. 2023).

Boulenophrys tianlinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) medium body size, with SVL 34.3–39.0 mm in seven adult males and 47.1 mm in a single adult female specimen; (2) upper eyelid margin bearing one small horn-shaped tubercle on each side; (3) vomerine ridges present and vomerine teeth absent; (4) tongue not notched posterior; (5) tympanum rounded and clearly discernible; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and lacking lateral fringes; (7) heels overlapping when thighs are held perpendicular to the body axis; (8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye when the leg stretched forwards; (9) males possessing a single subgular vocal sac; and (10) in breeding males, the nuptial pads have dark brown nuptial spines on the bases of the first and second fingers.

 Jing Liu, Yanlin Cheng, Tuo Shen, Chaobo Feng, Lang Mu, Junjian Zhou, Gang Wei and Shize Li. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from western Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1139-1157. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.193995 [15 Sep 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Jinzhongshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis

Chen, Su, Yang & Pan, 2026

金钟山掌突蟾 | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195575 

Abstract

Integrative morphological and molecular evidence supports the recognition of Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. from Longlin County, Guangxi, China. The new species is distinguished by a combination of characters, including medium body size (snout-vent length 30.4–32.5 mm in males and 40.3–42.8 mm in females), narrow lateral fringes on the toes, absence of toe webbing, continuous dermal ridges beneath the toes, heels that do not meet when the thighs are held at right angles to the body axis, irregular black flank spots, a bicoloured iris and interwoven creamy-white and light-grey markings on the venter. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences recovered the Jinzhongshan specimens as a strongly supported lineage sister to L. dorsospina, from which they differed by an uncorrected p-distance of 1.4%. Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. is currently known only from montane evergreen broadleaf forest at 1,700–1,800 m elevation. Within the Reserve, L. ventripunctata was recorded along streams below 1,000 m, indicating ecological and elevational separation between the two species.

Key Words: Integrative taxonomy, leaf-litter frog, morphology, phylogeny

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. 
 A–F. Holotype (NNU 001478): A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C, D. Dorsolateral views; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Ventral view of foot.
G, H. Paratype NNU 001479: G. Dorsal view; H. Ventral view.

photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Variation in Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov.
 A1, A2. NNU 001323; B1, B2. NNU 001324;
C1, C2. NNU 001480; D1, D2. NNU 001481;
E1, E2. NNU 001482; F1, F2. NNU 001483;
G1, G2 NNU 001484; H1, H2 NNU 001485.

photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet jinzhongshanensis refers to the type locality, Mt Jinzhongshan. We propose “Jinzhongshan Leaf-litter Frog” as the English common name and Jīn Zhōng Shān Zhǎng Tū Chán (金钟山掌突蟾) as the Chinese common name.

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella jinzhongshanensis sp. nov. is distinguished from congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 30.4–32.5 mm in males and 40.3–42.8 mm in females); (2) narrow lateral fringes on the toes; (3) absence of toe webbing; (4) continuous dermal ridges beneath the toes; (5) relative finger lengths IV < II ≈ I < III; (6) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the posterior corner of the eye; (7) heels not meeting when the thighs are held at right angles to the body axis; (8) irregular black spots on the flanks; (9) iris copper above and silver below; and (10) interwoven creamy-white and light-grey markings on the venter.

 Wei-Cai Chen, Tong-Ping Su, Hai-Ju Yang and Mei-Ye Pan. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from Jinzhongshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1089-1105. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.195575  [27 Aug 2026]

[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] Gracixalus damingshanensis • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

 

 Gracixalus damingshanensis 

Chen & Li, 2026  

大明山纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186426 

 Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Abstract

A new species of Gracixalus is described from central Guangxi, China. Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. resembles G. jinxiuensis, G. huaping, and G. liusanjieae, but differs from all known congeners by a combination of morphological, molecular, and acoustic characters. Diagnostic characters include SVL 27.3–32.3 mm in males (n = 4) and 32.4–40.1 mm in females (n = 3); rough dorsal skin with scattered tubercles; grayish ventral surfaces with light brown spotting; fingers without webbing; white tubercles along the margins of the upper and lower jaws and on the limbs; absence of vomerine teeth; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye; granular skin on the throat, chest, and belly; heels not meeting when the thighs are held at right angles to the body; a distinct nuptial pad on Finger I; a single internal subgular vocal sac with paired oval openings bordered by gray rims; a golden-brown iris; and advertisement calls containing 2–5 notes. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences recovered the new species as a distinct lineage sister to the clade comprising G. jinxiuensis and G. huaping. The species is currently known only from evergreen and bamboo forests above 900 m a.s.l. in Damingshan National Nature Reserve.

Key Words: Bioacoustics, morphology, phylogeny, shrub frogs, taxonomy

 

Holotype (NNU202103010) of Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov.
 A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral view of right hand; E. Nuptial pad on Finger I; F. Ventral view of left foot. Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Color variation among paratypes of Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. 
 A1, A2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103008;
B1, B2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103009;
C1, C2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103011;
D1, D2. Dorsal and ventral views of female NNU202103007.

 Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) SVL 27.3–32.3 mm in males (n = 4) and 32.4–40.1 mm in females (n = 3); (2) dorsal surface rough, with scattered tubercles; (3) throat, chest, and ventral surface grayish with light brown spotting; (4) fingers without webbing; (5) white tubercles along the margins of the upper and lower jaws and on limb surfaces; (6) vomerine teeth absent; (7) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye; (8) skin of throat, chest, and ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘damingshanensis’ refers to Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Nanning, Guangxi, China, where the species was discovered. We propose “Damingshan Tree Frog” as the English common name and “Dà Míng Shān Xiān Shù Wā“ (大明山纤树蛙) as the Chinese common name.

Wei-Cai Chen and Peng Li. 2026. A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 989-1003. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186426 

[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] 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]

[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 • 2018] Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae) • A New Species from Guangxi, China

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, 

in Li, Wei, Liu, Chen, Hu et Wang, 2018.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

Abstract

Lobelia hongiana, a new species of Campanulaceae from Guangxi, South China, is described and illustrated here. This new species is most similar to L. chinensis and L. loochooensis, but differs by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaf, 2.5–3 mm long greenish-carmine hypanthium, 5 or 6 calyx lobes, purplish-white corolla, with yellowish-green blotches at the base of lower lobes, glabrous filaments, 7–8 mm long broadly obconic capsule. Molecular phylogenetic analysis has been conducted based on ITS and two chloroplast sequences (atpB and rbcL) and 14 taxa in Lobelia are included. L. hongiana is well supported as a new species by the evidence from both morphology and molecular phylogeny.

Keywords: Hypsela, Lobelia chinensis, Lobelia loochooensis, Southern China

 

Photos of Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu: morphology.
A Habitat B Part of one individual C A stem bearing leaves and a flower D–G Flower viewed from different orientations H–I Fruit viewed from different orientations.

Lobelia hongiana Q.F.Wang & G.W.Hu, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: The new species is distinguished from L. chinensis and L. loochooensis by its elliptic-obovate or oblanceolate leaves, usually sinuate-dentate margin; hypanthium 2.5–3 mm long, greenish-carmine; calyx lobes 5 or 6, shorter than hypanthium; corolla purplish-white, yellowish- green blotches at the base of lower lobes; glabrous filaments; broadly obconic capsule, 7–8 mm long; flowering time from May to July.

 

Distribution and ecology: The new species has been found in Huixian Wetland, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region in China, with only two populations. There is a high probability that L. hongiana is also distributed at adjacent areas, given its vegetative propagation traits. Its living environment is wetland and farmland.

Phenology: The new species was found in flower from May to July.

Etymology: Species epithet, “hongiana”, is in honour of Prof. De-Yuan Hong who made a significant contribution to the authors’ knowledge of Campanulaceae.

 Zhi-Zhong Li, Neng Wei, Yan Liu, Jin-Ming Chen, Guangwan Hu and Qing-Feng Wang. 2018. Lobelia hongiana (Campanulaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China. PhytoKeys. 95: 27-36.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.95.20245

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

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

in Nong, G.-Y. Wei, H.-Y. Wei, Long, Liu, Feng et Qin, 2026.

金钟山蛇根草  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189773

Abstract

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata (Rubiaceae), a new species from northwest Guangxi, China, is described and illustrated. It can be distinguished from its allies O. mitchelloides, O. nanlingensis and O. grandibracteolata by the shape and size of the bracts (ovate, 8–11 mm long) and the shape and size of the calyx lobes (triangular, 0.8–1.0 mm long, glabrous, with glands between the lobes). According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, the new species is assessed as Data Deficient (DD) until more information becomes available.

Key words: Morphology, new species, Ophiorrhiza, taxonomy

Ophiorrhiza bibracteata Y.Nong & G.Y.Wei.
A, B. Habit; C, D. Flowering plant; E. Brevistylous flower (front view); F. Flower (lateral view); G. Dissected brevistylous flower; H. Dissected longistylous flower; I. Ovary, calyx, style and stigma of longistylous (left) and brevistylous (right) flower; J. Ovary, calyx, style and stigma of brevistylous flower; K. Stipule; L. Bracts and flower bud; M. Leaf, adaxial surface; N. Leaf, abaxial surface; O. Fruiting plant; P. Capsules and bracts (images captured with a Nikon D850 camera).

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

Diagnosis. Ophiorrhiza bibracteata is similar to O. mitchelloides (Masam.) H.S.Lo, but differs in the following characters: the number of secondary veins (5–7 pairs in O. bibracteata vs. 3–5 pairs), the shape and size of the bracts (ovate, 8–11 mm long vs. linear, 4–8 mm long), the shape and size of the calyx lobes (triangular, 0.8–1.0 mm long, glabrous, with glands between the lobes vs. linear, ca 1.4 mm long, glabrescent or ciliate, without glands) and the nature of the flowers (distylous vs. monostylous).

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin, bibracteata, meaning “two bracts” and referring to the two persistent ovate bracts of the new species.

Chinese name. 金钟山蛇根草 (jīn zhōng shān shé gēn căo).

 You Nong, Gui-Yuan Wei, Hai-Yong Wei, Lie Long, Zhi-Rong Liu, Bin Feng and Ting Qin. 2026. Ophiorrhiza bibracteata (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Guangxi, China.  PhytoKeys. 275: 151-161. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.275.189773 [29 May 2026]