[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Cretolala kachinensis (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacoidea) • the First lalacid from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber: Morphological and Taphonomic Implications

Cretolala kachinensis 

Tang, ŠMÍDOVÁ, Ding, BODERAU, Fabrikant, Mähler, Deng, Nyunt, Fu, Jouault, Tomaschek, Szwedo & Jiang, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.9.2.5

Abstract 

We report Cretolala kachinensis gen. et sp. nov., the first formally described representative of the family Lalacidae from mid-Cretaceous (~99 Ma) Kachin amber. The morphology and taphonomy of the specimen were studied using optical microscopy, micro-computed tomography (micro-CT), confocal laser scanning microscopy (CLSM), and scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM‒EDS). Cretolala kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. exhibits a unique combination of forewing characters, including a strengthened, broad, and wrinkled costal margin; ScP+R fork proximal to both the Pcu+A1 fusion and the CuA fork; MP with five terminals; and CuA1 and CuA2 each with two terminals. Crossvein patterns differ between the left and right forewings, indicating that crossvein expression alone is not diagnostic. The forewing bears distinct maculation, with a face-like pattern dorsally and an extensive lateral pattern that may indicate aposematism, mimicry, or plant-like camouflage in an arboreal herbivore. Taphonomic analyses based on optical micrographs and material-dependent X-ray attenuation in micro-CT show that minerals are distributed throughout the fossil, coating anatomical surfaces and infilling pre-existing cavities and voids. These phases help stabilize morphology and influence the micro-CT reconstruction of soft-bodied structures. SEM–EDS analyses indicate that the body-coating and void-filling minerals are dominated by quartz and pyrite, with feldspars and aluminosilicate mixtures also present, locally enriched in K, Na, Mg, or Ca. This assemblage and its textures point to a polyphase paragenetic sequence, with early detrital infill and later authigenic mineralization. Our results suggest that minerals and some chemicals derived from the host sediments can be transported into and, in some cases, precipitated within amber inclusions, infilling voids and providing structural support that influences fossil preservation. Collectively, these phases occlude porosity, stabilize morphology, and enhance X-ray contrast, although they locally obscured primary tissue boundaries. Our results highlight multistage diagenesis in Kachin amber and underscore variability among inclusions in both mineral assemblages and the timing of mineralization/diagenetic events.

Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Delphacoidea, Mesozoic, Burmese amber, Planthopper, taxonomy, taphonomy, mineral infilling, wing maculation

Cretolala kachinensis gen. et sp. nov., holotype (HMJ–2016–019).
A–D, Reflected-light micrographs. A, Right lateral view. B, Left lateral view. C, Dorsal view. D, Ventral view. E, F, Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) reconstructions. E, Dorsal view. F, Ventral view. Scale bars = 1 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Order Hemiptera Linnaeus, 1758

Suborder Fulgoromorpha Evans, 1946

Superfamily Delphacoidea Leach, 1815

Family Lalacidae Hamilton, 1990

Cretolala Jiang, Boderau, Jouault & Szwedo gen. nov.

  

Etymology. The generic name is formed from the combination of “Cretaceous” and generic name “Lalax”; the latter is derived from the Greek λάλαξ (“croaker”, “caller”), in reference to a lalacid planthopper from the Cretaceous. Gender is feminine.

Diagnosis (provisional, pending confirmation from additional specimens and in combination with specieslevel diagnostic characters). Tegmen with narrow base and distinctly widened apical portion; costal margin strengthened, broad and wrinkled. Pc+CP shifted away from anterior margin near tegmen base, parallel to CA, forming a narrow, sclerotized costal area. ScP+R forks basad both CuA fork and Pcu+A1 fusion. RA with two terminals; RP with three terminals; MP with five terminals; CuA1 and CuA2 with two terminals each. 

Cretolala kachinensis Jiang, Boderau, Jouault & Szwedo sp. nov.  

Material. Holotype: HMJ–2016–019, adult female in Kachin (Burmese) amber from northern Myanmar. Repository: Myanmar Gems Museum, Nay Pyi Taw, Myanmar. Condition: the specimen is incomplete, with the head and the dorsal part of the thorax missing. 

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from “Kachin”, the name of the state in northern Myanmar where the amber originates, and is Latinized with the adjectival suffix -ensis, meaning from “Kachin”. 

Diagnosis. As for the genus, due to monotypy. Additional features include forewing coloration and venation details: costal margin with a continuous dark band along costal area; membrane bearing nearly continuous aligned patches and short transverse bands; a discrete insular macula on ScP+RA; a sub-elliptical isolated macula near distal Pcu; distad of forks of RP and MP, pigment is vein-following, tracking adjacent longitudinal and crossveins; postnodal cell centers unpigmented, ...

 Life reconstruction of Cretolala kachinensis gen. et sp. nov.

 (illustrated by Lucia Šmídová).

Ya-Ni TANG, Lucia ŠMÍDOVÁ, Ying-Ying DING, Mathieu BODERAU, Dolev FABRIKANT, Bastian MÄHLER, Jun-Chen DENG, Thet Tin NYUNT, Yan-Zh FU, Corentin JOUAULT, Frank TOMASCHEK, Jacek SZWEDO, Hui JIANG. 2026. Cretolala kachinensis gen. et sp. nov. (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Delphacoidea), the First lalacid from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber: Morphological and Taphonomic implications. Palaeoentomology. 9(2); 125-138. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/palaeoentomology.9.2.5 [2026-04-29]

[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Qiongqi multispurous • A New Cricket (Orthoptera: Trigonidiidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber in Northern Myanmar

Qiongqi multispurous 

Ji, Nel, Xiao & Xu, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/29769

Abstract

A new species of Trigonidiidae, †Qiongqi multispurous sp. nov., is described from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. It can be definitely attributed to the family Trigonidiidae, but excluded from the two extant subfamilies. It also exhibits a different morphology from all reported trigonidiids genera and species from the Mesozoic, including subapical/apical spurs on the hind tibia and setae-like processes on the hind basitarsomere. This new discovery provides novel morphological information of Cretaceous Trigonidiidae, and highlights the potential of biodiversity of Cretaceous crickets.

Keywords: Trigonidiidae; mid-Cretaceous; new species; fossil; morphology

Qiongqi multispurous sp. nov., holotype NIGP210185.
A) Photograph of  habitus in dorsal view. B) Drawing of  habitus in dorsal view.
C) Drawing of  habitus in ventral view. D) Photograph of  habitus in ventral view.

Scale bars = 1 mm.

Qiongqi multispurous sp. nov.

XIA JI, ANDRÉ NEL, CHUANTAO XIAO and CHUNPENG XU. 2026. A NEW CRICKET (ORTHOPTERA: TRIGONIDIIDAE) FROM MID-CRETACEOUS KACHIN AMBER IN NORTHERN MYANMAR. RIVISTA ITALIANA DI PALEONTOLOGIA E STRATIGRAFIA. 132(1); DOI: doi.org/10.54103/2039-4942/29769 [06-03-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Trachischium lalremsangai • A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Trachischium lalremsangai 

Bhardwaj, Bal, Tluanga & Mirza, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919  

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Abstract

A new species of fossorial natricine snake, Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The holotype was collected from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, near the India–Myanmar border, while the paratype originated from Haka Township, Chin State, Myanmar. Based on morphological and molecular data, the new species is related to T. reticulata (Blyth); however, it can be diagnosed from members of the genus Trachischium by possessing 13 dorsal scale rows, two postoculars, one anterior temporal scale, and two posterior temporal scales, in addition to distinctive colouration and other scalation details. The discovery of several new snake species within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot underscores the need for increased research efforts and funding dedicated to this region in the near future.

Key Words: Blythia, Colubridae, Myanmar, Natricinae, northeast India, phylogeny, taxonomy

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov. holotype male MZMU 3757 in situ.

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized member of the genus reaching SVL of 351–432 mm. Dorsal scales smooth and iridescent, arranged in 13 rows throughout the body. Supralabials 5–6, 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit. Paired prefrontals; a pair of postoculars. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 135 (+3–4 preventrals) and 28–29 subcaudals paired. Dorsum brown and ventrally, anterior one quarter of the snake is creamish white, while the rest is a shade of brown that has sparse white speckles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring Prof. Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University for his contributions to herpetology in Northeast India, his guidance to numerous students, and his facilitation of research throughout the region and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

 Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal, Chhangte L. Tluanga and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2026. A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Herpetozoa. 39: 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919 [19 May 2026]

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[Botany • 2026] Impatiens arakanensis & I. cirrosa (Balsaminaceae) • Two New Species from the Arakan Mountain Range of Myanmar [Contributions to the Flora of Myanmar X]

Impatiens cirrosa Nob.Tanaka & T.Sugaw.,

 

in Tanaka, Aung et Sugawara, 2026.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.ID0361 

Photographed by T.Sugawara.

 

Abstract

Two new species, Impatiens arakanensis Nob.Tanaka & T.Sugaw. (Balsaminaceae) and I. cirrosa Nob.Tanaka & T.Sugaw., from the Arakan Mountain Range, Magway Region, southwestern Myanmar, are described here. Impatiens arakanensis is similar to I. decipiens Hook.f. in floral morphology and coloration, but differs in having axillary inflorescence (vs. terminal), smooth dorsal petals (vs. with horn-like appendage), and pubescent lower sepal (vs. glabrous). Impatiens cirrosa is similar to I. tripetala Roxb. in floral morphology, but differs in having purple lower sepals (vs. orange to pale orange) with filamentous cirrus at apex, connate lateral united petals (vs. free) and white ovary with red spots (vs. green). Both of the two new species likely belong to Impatiens subgenus Impatiens sect. Uniflorae.

Keywords: Arakan, balsam, Burma, new taxon, sect. Uniflorae, taxonomy

Impatiens arakanensis.
A. Habit. B. A diagonal front view of flower. C. A front view of flower. D. A side view of flower. E. Dissected flower, showing lower sepal, dorsal petal, and lateral united petals. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Photographed by T.Sugawara.

Impatiens arakanensis Nob.Tanaka & T.Sugaw., sp. nov.   

 Impatiens arakanensis is similar to I. decipiens in floral morphology and purplish coloration, but distinguished from it by having an axillary inflorescence (vs. terminal inflorescence), smooth dorsal petals (vs. with horn-like appendage), and pubescent lower sepal (vs. glabrous).

Etymology: The specific epithet “arakanensis” refers to the name of the Arakan Mountain Range in which its type locality is located. 

Impatiens cirrosa.
A. Habit. Arrows showing a filamentous cirrus. B, C. A diagonal front view of flower, showing a filamentous cirrus. D. A front view of flower. E. Dissected flower: a. Lower sepal. b. A young fruit with pedicel. c, d. Lateral united petals. e. Dorsal petal. Scale bars: 10 mm.

Photographed by T.Sugawara.

Impatiens cirrosa Nob.Tanaka & T.Sugaw., sp. nov.  

 Impatiens cirrosa is similar to I. tripetala in floral morphology, but distinguished from it by having purple lower sepals (vs. orange to pale orange) with filamentous cirrus at apex, connate lateral united petals (vs. free) and white ovary with red spots (vs. green).

Etymology: The specific epithet “cirrosa” refers to the most distinctive character of Impatiens cirrosa, which is a very distinct species with long filamentous cirrus at the apex of the lower sepal and lower margin of lamina (Figs. 3B, E, 5).

Nobuyuki Tanaka, Mu Mu Aung and Takashi Sugawara. 2026. Contributions to the Flora of Myanmar X: Two New Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from the Arakan Mountain Range of Myanmar. J. Jap. Bot. 101(2); 88-96. DOI: doi.org/10.51033/jjapbot.ID0361 [April 20, 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sadiria kachinensis (Primulaceae: Myrsinoideae) • A New Species from Myanmar

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka,

in Utteridge, Armstrong, Yoneda et Tanaka. 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1

 

Abstract

Sadiria kachinensis from Kachin State, Myanmar is described and illustrated as a species new to science. It is morphologically similar to S. boweri and S. solanifolia but differs in several characters especially the smaller leaves on the vegetative shoots and the flowering branches, larger inflorescences and petals, and smaller sepals. In addition, this new species is compared to S. eugeniifolia var. burmanica, the only other member of Sadiria in Myanmar.

 Burma, Ericales, Indo-China, South-East Asia, taxonomy, Eudicots

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
 A habit; B detail of leaf margin; C inflorescences; D flower; E single calyx lobe; F detail of overlapping corolla lobes; G flower opened to show stamens opposite the corolla lobes; H ovary and style (flower with corolla removed); I stamen abaxial view; J stamen adaxial view; K ovary; L fruit with persistent style.

Drawn from Armstrong et al. 4307 (TNS). Scale bars: A = 3 cm, C, D, G, H, L = 5 mm, E & F = 1 mm, I, J & K = 3 mm. Illustration by Kaoru Yoneda.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka.
A. habit; B. plagiotropic (flowering) branch with inflorescences and flowers pre-anthesis; C. plagiotropic branch with fruits; D. inflorescence/flower detail, note exserted styles in the flowers on the right hand side; E. fruit detail, note persistent style (dry and black).

 Photographed by Kate Armstrong.

Sadiria kachinensis Utteridge & Nob.Tanaka, sp. nov. 

 Recognised in the genus Sadiria by the leaves (ortho- and plagiotropic) drying greenish and the shorter plagiotropic reproductive branches, and unique amongst those species in the combination of the following characters: 3–4 leaves in pseudowhorls along the erect (orthotropic) stems, these orthotropic leaves, elliptic and 9.5–13 × 3.5–4.5 cm; the lateral plagiotropic (reproductive) flower-bearing branches (4–)6.5–11 cm long, with 3(–5) leaves along the length of the branch; orthotropic and reproductive shoots leaves drying green; pendulous inflorescences sessile or with a very short rachis to 2 mm long; the corolla fused for approximately three-quarters of its length; stamens with anthers 2 mm long; and the style conspicuously exserted at anthesis and extending ca. 3 mm beyond the apex of the corolla lobes.

Timothy UTTERIDGE, Kate E. ARMSTRONG, Kaoru YONEDA and Nobuyuki TANAKA. 2026. Sadiria kachinensis (Myrsinoideae, Primulaceae), A New Species from Myanmar.  Phytotaxa. 744(3); 205-211. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.744.3.1 [2026-03-10]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Magnischistura khaokrajom • A New Genus and Species of Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Pachi River drainage in Western Thailand

Magnischistura khaokrajom  Page, Pawangkhanant & Cagle,

in Page, Pawangkhant, Tangjitjaroen, Cagle, Williams et Randall, 2026. 

Krajom Mountain Stream Loach | ปลาค้อปิศาจ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.6.7 

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Abstract

Magnischistura khaokrajom, new genus and species, is described from a small tributary of the Pachi River in the Suan Phueng region of the Tenasserim Hills in western Thailand. Magnischistura shares with several recently described genera of nemacheilids a globulous suborbital flap with tubercles at its extremity and a highly modified pectoral fin on mature males, but molecular data failed to support a close relationship to any of them. Morphologically, the new genus is distinguished by the presence of a suborbital flap in the female. The highly modified pectoral fin of males is hypothesized to facilitate juxtaposition with a female during spawning.

Taxonomy, Phylogeny, Southeast Asia

(A-C) Magnischistura khaokrajom.
(A) UF 248549, paratype, 74.1 mm SL, female, live, (B) UF 248549, paratype, 68.4 mm SL male, live, (C) THNHM-F023975, holotype, 74.0 mm SL male, preserved,
(D) Mustura maepaiensis, UF 188267, 42.3 mm SL, live.

Magnischistura, Page, Pawangkhanant & Cagle, new genus 

Diagnosis. Magnischistura is distinguished from all other genera of Nemacheilidae by the combination of: (a) in adult males, a pectoral fin that is rigid, curved upward, and has a thick tuberculated pad on the dorsal surface and epidermal flanges on the narrow membranes (Figure 4B); a large, vertically oriented, globulous suborbital flap with tubercles on its underside and distal edge (Figure 4A); (b) in adult females, a pectoral fin with a thick pad on the dorsal surface and epidermal flanges on the membranes (Figure 4D), and a small suborbital flap (Figure 4C); and (c) large size—to at least 98 mm SL.

Etymology. Magni- refers to the large size of the type species relative to most species of nemacheilids in Indochina, and Schistura McClelland 1838 is a widespread genus of nemacheilids. Gender feminine.

Magnischistura khaokrajom, Page, Pawangkhanant, and Cagle, new species

Krajom Mountain Stream Loach

ปลาค้อปิศาจ [Pla Kor Pi Saad]

Etymology. Khaokrajom, meaning Krajom Mountain in Thai, where this species lives.

 

Lawrence M. PAGE, Parinya PAWANGKHANT, Weerapongse TANGJITJAROEN, David K. CAGLE, Basil R. WILLIAMS and Zachary S. RANDALL. 2026. Magnischistura khaokrajom, A New Genus and Species of Loach (Cypriniformes: Nemacheilidae) from the Pachi River drainage in Western Thailand. Zootaxa. 5757(6); 583-599. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5757.6.7 [2026-02-11]

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[Botany • 2022] Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae) • A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar

 

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh,  

     

in Shiga, Kato, Suzuki, ... et Itoh, 2022.   

   DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

Abstract

A new species of Sagittaria (Alismataceae), S. siamaginashi, characterized by a cylindrical branch with numerous tubercles in each leaf axil, is described from Thailand and Myanmar. The scapes and inflores- cences were not seen in nature, but gibberellin-treated individuals flowered under cultivation. In floral morphology, S. siamaginashi is similar to the Chinese endemic, S. lichuanensis. A phylogenetic study based on DNA sequences of the internal transcribed spacer and chloroplast rpl16 intron, psbA–trnH spacer and trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer regions showed that S. siamaginashi and S. lichuanensis were sister taxa. A key to the taxa of Sagittaria in E and SE Asia is also provided.

Keywords: psbA–trnH spacer, rpl16 intron, Sagittaria aginashi, Sagittaria lichuanensis, Sagittaria potamogetifolia, Sagittaria tengtsungensis, trnC–petN (ycf6) spacer

Holotype of Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov. (A. Tanutong 238-D)
 a, Magnified view of cylindrical branches (black arrows) with tubercles (white arrows) is also shown (b).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.
Habit (a, Khun Wang, Mae Wang District, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand, August 12, 2004), flowering plant (b), branching inflorescence (c), staminate flower (d), pistillate flower (e), leaf (f), lateral leaf lobe apex (g), cross section of petiole in middle (h), sheath and tubercles (i), cylindrical branch with tubercles [dorsal (j) and ventral (k)], cylindrical branches with tubercles removed (l), and mature tubercles (m). Images in b–m are photographs of plants in cultivation. Inflorescences (b–e) were produced after plants were treated with gibberellin (see main text for details).

Sagittaria siamaginashi Shiga & K. Itoh, sp. nov.

Haec species nova Sagittariae lichuanensi et S. aginashi proxime affinis est; sed ab ea axe axillari bulbifero sylindraceo et bulbillis pleiomeris (15–50) differ.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the former name of Thailand, Siam and the related Sagittaria aginashi. Dr. Jiro Harada, who originally found the species in 1986 (Harada et al. 1987), referred to the species as ‘Siam aginashi (Sagittaria sp.)’ in his publications (e.g. Harada et al. 2001, 2002, Niitsu et al. 2003, 2004a, 2004b, Suzuki et al. 2005). 

Thail name. Nor doa (Chiang Mai Province), Phak Gam (Northeast Thailand). 

Distribution and habitat. Thailand and Myanmar (Fig. 1). In ponds, marshes, riversides and paddy fields.

Takashi Shiga, Syou Kato, Katsuyoshi Suzuki, Kazumasa Tsubota, Siriporn Zungsontiporn, Tanchanok Jongrukthai, Ansaya Promma, Akekarat Tanutong, Mu Mu Aung, Norio Tanaka, Qixiang Lu and Kazuyuki Itoh. 2022. Sagittaria siamaginashi (Alismataceae): A New Species from Thailand and Myanmar. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 73(1); 35-47. DOI: 10.18942/apg.202022

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[Botany • 2025] Boesenbergia burmanica (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Myanmar

 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk:

 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Boonma, Htway, Oo, Naing et Junsongduang, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040070 

Abstract

Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk, a new species from Naypyidaw Union Territory, Myanmar, is described based on morphological examination of specimens collected during field surveys in 2024–2025. The genus Boesenbergia is taxonomically complex, and ongoing botanical exploration in Southeast Asia continues to reveal undescribed taxa. Comparative analyses of living plants, herbarium materials, and published descriptions were conducted to determine diagnostic features. Boesenbergia burmanica is closely related to B. meghalayensis Aishwarya & M.Sabu but differs in having ovoid, branched rhizomes, a pubescent lamina on both surfaces, and an oblanceolate labellum with bright red markings. It grows in shady, sandy-loam habitats at 140–145 m elevation and flowers from August to September, producing inflorescences with nine to ten flowers. Species of Boesenbergia are traditionally used in Myanmar and neighboring regions as medicinal and ornamental plants, and notes on local ethnobotanical knowledge are provided. The new species exhibits high ornamental potential due to its compact clumping habit and attractive floral coloration. Cultivation guidelines are provided to support ex situ conservation and horticultural development for sustainable use. This discovery increases the number of Boesenbergia species recorded in Myanmar to 14 and highlights the importance of continued field-based taxonomic and conservation research on regional Zingiberaceae diversity.

Keywords: Boesenbergia; conservation; ethnobotany; Myanmar flora; new species; plant diversity; taxonomy; Zingibereae 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk:
(a) Top view of habits. (b) Front view of flower. (c) Abaxial of leaf. (d) Rhizome dissected to show the internal coloration. (g) Side view of pseudostems.
(e) Parts of flower of B. burmanica from left to right: side view of anther, epigynous glands with ovary, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe, lateral corolla lobes, staminodes and labellum.
(f) Parts of flower of B. meghalayensis from left to right: side view of anther, epigynous glands with ovary, calyx, dorsal corolla lobe, lateral corolla lobes, staminodes, and labellum. 

  Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.:
 (a) Front view of anther. (b) Back view of anther. (c) Side view of flower. (d) Side view of anther with floral tube, calyx, and ovary. (e) Bract. (f) Calyx. (g) Habit. (h) Dorsal corolla lobe. (i) Lateral corolla lobes. (j) Staminodes. (k) Epigynous glands and ovary. (l) Labellum.

Illustration drawn by Thawatphong Boonma.

Boesenbergia burmanica Boonma, P.Saensouk & Saensouk sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Boesenbergia burmanica is similar to B. meghalayensis Aishwarya & M.Sabu, but differs in having ovoid, branched rhizomes (vs. running); ovoid tuberous roots (vs. cylindrical); ligule 3–5 mm long (vs. 1–2 mm); lamina narrowly elliptic, pubescent on both surfaces (vs. elliptic, glabrous); bracts pale green, puberulent (vs. white, glabrous); bracteole puberulent (vs. glabrous); rachis elongate with 9–10 flowers (vs. 4–5 flowers); labellum oblanceolate, not saccate, apex incised, white with bright red towards the apex and reddish spots on the mid-lobe (vs. ovate, saccate, apex acute, white with maroon towards the tip, maroon spots in the throat, and pale yellow along the mid-lobe); and larger anther (7.5–7.7 × 3.4–3.6 mm) with smaller crest not touching the anther backside (vs. 5–6 × 2 mm, crest 2.5 × 2 mm, tip touching backside) (Table 1, Figure 2 and Figure 3).

Etymology: The specific epithet “burmanica” refers to Myanmar (formerly Burma), the country where the species was discovered.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Nyi Nyi Htway, Win Paing Oo, Min Khant Naing and Auemporn Junsongduang. 2025. A New Species of Boesenbergia Kuntze (Zingiberaceae) from Myanmar, with Notes on Diversity, Utilization, Conservation, and Horticultural Potential. Taxonomy. 5(4), 70; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040070 [17 December 2025]

Researchgate.net/publication/398772402_A_New_Species_of_Boesenbergia_from_Myanmar

[PaleoEntomology • 2025] Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa • Descending from Trees: A Cretaceous winged Ice-crawler illuminates the Ecological shift and Origin of Grylloblattidae

 Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa

Peng, Engel, Boderau, Legendre, Liu, Nyunt, Wang & Nel, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.0557

Artwork by Dinghua Yang.

 

Abstract 

Extant ice-crawlers (Notoptera: Grylloblattidae) are wingless, ground-dwelling, relict, polyneopteran insects that live in Holarctic cold environments. Their closest living relatives are the similarly apterous bush-crawlers (Notoptera: Mantophasmatodea) from southern Africa, forming together a disjunct bipolar distribution. Meanwhile, numerous winged fossil insects have been assigned to Grylloblattodea, though the lack of defining synapomorphies has complicated efforts to clarify the evolutionary relationships between these fossils and modern wingless ice-crawlers. Here, we report a well preserved winged ice-crawler, Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa gen. et sp. nov., from the Albian/Cenomanian of northern Myanmar (ca 99 Ma). Zygogrylloblatta has the typical forewing venation of Mesozoic ‘stem-Grylloblattodea’, but also exhibits a unique unambiguous synapomorphy of extant Grylloblattidae in male genitalia (coxae IX with apical styli), making it the only fossil accurately related to crown-group Grylloblattidae. In contrast to ground-dwelling habits of extant ice-crawlers, Zygogrylloblatta has well developed wings, arolia and true foot pads, supporting a specialized arboreal lifestyle during the mid-Cretaceous. We demonstrate that Grylloblattidae diverged from some winged, arboreal ancestors prior to the mid-Cretaceous, bridging the gap between ancient stem-group and extant Grylloblattidae. Our results reveal previously unknown ecological and morphological diversity in early ice-crawlers and highlight the significance of transitional fossils in tracing the origin of this enigmatic insect lineage.

Keywords: Insecta, Grylloblattodea, morphology, phylogeny, synapomorphy, male genitalia

 

 Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa sp. nov., male, holotype, NIGP206615. Photographs of (a) dorsal view; (b) dorsal view of head; (c) ventral view of head; (d) pulvilli on metatarsus, arrow indicates a puvillus; (e) protibia and protarsus; (f) mesotarsus; (g) posterior abdomen and cerci. (h) Line drawing of forewing. (i) Line drawing of hindleg.

 Abbreviations: C, costal vein; ScP, posterior subcosta; RA, anterior branch of radius; RP, posterior radius; MA, anterior branches of media; MP, posterior branches of media; CuA, cubitus anterior; CuA1, first branch of CuA; CuA2, second branch of CuA; CuP, cubitus posterior; PCu, post cubitus; AA, anal anterior. 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, tarsomeres I–iV; ar, arolium; car, circumantennal ridge; c, cerci; ce, compound eye; cv, cervix; ga, galea; la, lacinia; lp, labial palpus; mp, maxillary palpus; p, pulvillus; pe, pedicellus; gl, glossa; sc, scape; sm, submentum. Scale bars, 1 mm.

 Palaeoecological reconstruction of Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa sp. nov. in a Mesozoic forest.

Artwork by Dinghua Yang.

Systematic palaeontology

Order Notoptera

Suborder Grylloblattodea

Family Zygogrylloblattidae fam. nov.

 

Genus Zygogrylloblatta gen. nov.

 

Etymology. The new generic name is a combination of the Ancient Greek noun ζῠγόν/zugón, meaning, ‘yoke’ (in the sense of joining beasts of burden), and the generic name Grylloblatta Walker. The gender of the name is feminine.

Diagnosis. Maxillary palpus extremely long (a putative autapomorphy); tarsal formula 4−5−5; in forewings, no ‘false costa’; RP with three short, apical branches; M and CuA separated; no ‘arculus’; a broad area between CuA and CuP; basal stem of CuA nearly straight; CuA1 with only two branches; CuA2 forming a strong basal curve; ScP short, only reaching two-third of wing length; only rather few simple crossveins between main veins.

 

Zygogrylloblatta longipalpa gen. et sp. nov. 

Type locality and horizon. Hukawng Valley, Kachin State, northern Myanmar; upper Albian–lower Cenomanian (ca 98.79 ± 0.62 Ma).

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the extremely elongate maxillary palpus.

Ancheng Peng, Michael S. Engel, Mathieu Boderau, Frédéric Legendre, Yu Liu, Thet Tin Nyunt, Bo Wang and André Nel. 2025. Descending from Trees: A Cretaceous winged Ice-crawler illuminates the Ecological shift and Origin of Grylloblattidae. Proc Biol Sci. 292 (2049): 20250557. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2025.0557 [18 June 2025]

[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Cretosabethes primaevus • First fossil Mosquito larva in 99-million-year-old Amber with a modern type of morphology sheds light on the evolutionary history of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae)

Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent, 

in Amaral, Borkent, Baranov, Haug & Haug, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.011

Highlights: 

• Earliest mosquito larva ever discovered, from Cretaceous amber.

• Only Mesozoic mosquito linked to a lineage with modern representatives.

• Supports Jurassic origin and Early Cretaceous diversification of mosquitoes.

Abstract

Mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) have been hypothesized to have originated during the Jurassic Period, about 201–145 million years ago, primarily based on fossil evidence from their sister group, Chaoboridae (phantom midges). However, direct evidence for such an early origin of Culicidae is currently absent. The oldest known mosquito fossils, all adults and recovered from Cretaceous amber deposits about 99 million years ago, display morphologies that differ substantially from modern forms and are regarded as representatives of an extinct lineage, Burmaculicinae. Here we report the discovery of a fossil that represents both the first mosquito larva preserved in amber and the first immature mosquito from the Mesozoic Era, named as a new genus and species Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent gen. et sp. n. The specimen exhibits typical mosquito larval morphology and can be confidently identified as an ingroup of Sabethini, a lineage with numerous extant representatives. This finding provides strong support for the Jurassic origin of Culicidae and suggests that the larval morphology of mosquitoes has remained relatively conserved for at least the past 99 million years.

 

Keywords: Myanmar, Kachin, Cretaceous, Jurassic, Amber, Aquatic

Cretosabethes primaevus Amaral & Borkent gen. et sp. n.

 

André P. Amaral, Art Borkent, Viktor A. Baranov, Carolin Haug and Joachim T. Haug. 2026. First fossil Mosquito larva in 99-million-year-old Amber with a modern type of morphology sheds light on the evolutionary history of mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae). Gondwana Research. 150, 154-162. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.gr.2025.09.011  

 

 

[Entomology • 2024] Capitamon gen. n., C. capitatum, C. mizoramense, ... • Identity of the Freshwater Crab Indochinamon beieri (Pretzmann, 1966), with the Description of A New Genus and Four New Species (Decapoda: Brachyura: Potamidae) from northeastern India

 

Capitamon n. gen.

 Pati, Mitra & Ng, 2024

  sciencepress.MNHN.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/46/23 

 x.com/Publi_MNHN

The precise identity of the potamid freshwater crab, Indochinamon beieri (Pretzmann, 1966), is ascertained, diagnosed and illustrated after examining the type material from Myanmar. The diagnosis/description of the species and subsequent accounts were based on a wrongly identified and illustrated specimen, probably from Nagaland in northeastern India, which caused substantial confusion among carcinologists, who referred to different taxa as I. beieri. Two such taxa from northeastern India are referred to herein as new species of a new genus, Capitamon n. gen., i.e., C. mizoramense n. gen., n. sp. from Mizoram and C. clarki n. gen., n. sp. probably from Nagaland. Capitamon n. gen. also includes two new species, i.e., C. capitatum n. gen., n. sp. (type species) from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, and C. meitei n. gen., n. sp. from Manipur. Indochinamon manipurense (Alcock, 1909) is also assigned to Capitamon n. gen. as it possesses the characteristics of the new genus. Capitamon n. gen. is thus known by five nominal species from northeastern India, while I. beieri is restricted to its type locality in Myanmar, with the previous Indian records revealed to be erroneous. With the exclusion of I. manipurense, Indochinamon Yeo & Ng, 2007, now contains 42 species. An identification key to the species of Capitamon n. gen. is provided.

Keywords: Crustacea, Potamiscinae, Capitamon, Myanmar, identification key, new combination, new species, new genus.

 Capitamon n. gen., 

C. capitatum n. gen., n. sp. (type species) 

 Indochinamon manipurense (Alcock, 1909) is also assigned to Capitamon n. gen. 

Etymology. All the known congeners of the new genus have an ultimate article of the male first gonopod that resembles a bird's head. The genus name is therefore derived from caput, Latin for head, in arbitrary combination with the genus name Potamon. The gender of the generic name is neuter.

Distribution. Capitamon n.gen.is currently known from northeastern India, with its nominal species recorded from Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Mizoram and Nagaland states (Fig.1).

C. capitatum n. gen., n. sp. (type species) from Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, 

 C. mizoramense n. gen., n. sp. from Mizoram 

C. clarki n. gen., n. sp. probably from Nagaland. 

C. meitei n. gen., n. sp. from Manipur.

Sameer K. PATI, Santanu MITRA and Peter K. L. NG. 2024. Identity of the Freshwater Crab Indochinamon beieri (Pretzmann, 1966), with the Description of A New Genus and Four New Species from northeastern India (Decapoda, Brachyura, Potamidae). Zoosystema. 46(23); 589-615. 

 sciencepress.MNHN.fr/en/periodiques/zoosystema/46/23

  x.com/Publi_MNHN/status/1841516944169521576

[PaleoEntomology • 2024] Miropictopallium colouradmonens • A peculiar large-eyed aposematic bug (Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha: Yuripopovinidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin Amber

Miropictopallium colouradmonens  

 Fabrikant & Novoselska, 2024

 https://ij-entomology.online 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379221354

Abstract

Miropictopallium coloradmonens, a new genus and a new species are described and illustrated in the family Yuripopovinidae, based on two specimens from the mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. The documented diversity of the Yuripopovinidae is thus increased to 15 species in 12 genera. The new genus possesses a number of distinct morphological characteristics for this family including very large eyes, intricate body colour pattern and enlarged scutellum. In addition, the new genus has unfused costal and subcostal veins on the tegmen, a character previously not reported from amber-preserved members of the family. The diagnostic characters of the family are discussed in light of the new descriptions. The newly discovered features prompt some implications towards understanding of the palaeoecology and palaeobiodiversity of the fossil Coreoidea.

Keywords: Heteroptera, Pentatomomorpha, Cretaceous, amber, Burmese amber, fossil resins, fossils, new taxa, paleontology, taxonomy

 Holotype of Miropictopallium colouradmonens n. sp., scale = 1 mm:
 (A) head and pronotum, lateral view; (B) head, dorsal view; (C) right lateral view of specimen; (D) posterior part of pronotum and scutellum; (E) left antenna; (F) left mid tarsus (scale = 0.5 mm).

  Reconstruction of Miropictopallium colouradmonens n. sp. on a gymnosperm.

Genus Miropictopallium n. gen. 

.Etymology: the genus name is a combination of the latin mirus (wonderful), pictus (painted), and pallium (cloak) referring to the intricate colour pattern of the insect’s body. the gender is neuter. 

Miropictopallium coloradmonens n. sp.  

Dolev Fabrikant and Tania Novoselska. 2024. A peculiar large-eyed aposematic bug Miropictopallium coloradmonens n. gen., n. sp. (Heteroptera: Pentatomomorpha: Yuripopovinidae) from mid-Cretaceous Kachin amber. Israel Journal of Entomology. 53: 1–23. https://ij-entomology.online/ojs/index.php/ije/article/view/206 

 Researchgate.net/publication/379221354_Miropictopallium_coloradmonens_n_gen_n_sp_from_mid-Cretaceous_Kachin_amber