[Herpetology • 2026] Lielaphis slashi • A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea

 Lielaphis slashi  

Huang, Austin, Bernstein, Iova, Roberts, Frederick & Ruane, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 

 

Abstract

The recently resurrected genus Lielaphis (Squamata: Colubridae) is comprised of 19 medium-sized, terrestrial snakes collectively regarded as groundsnakes. Although found primarily in New Guinea, a biologically megadiverse region with high conservation priorities, Lielaphis remain poorly studied due to their largely homogenous appearance, elusive nocturnal nature, limited records, and complex taxonomic history, leaving high potential for undescribed species still existing within this group. Using high-throughput sequence data of 12 previously described species of Lielaphis and representatives of its sister taxon, Stegonotus, we apply an integrative approach combining genetic analyses with morphological examinations using vouchered specimens to explore the cryptic diversity of Lielaphis. We place particular emphasis on populations occurring on and adjacent to mainland New Guinea. We identify both molecular and morphological evidence for a new species, Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. from the northeastern lowlands of mainland New Guinea, bringing the number of Lielaphis species to 20, along with a potential range extension of L. aplini. Despite the recent resurgence of interest in New Guinea’s snake diversity, our findings highlight persistent knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for more comprehensive taxonomic studies of the speciose New Guinea herpetofauna.

Reptilia, Morphology, phylogenetics, Serpentes, systematics, taxonomy

Photographs of holotype Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. LSUMZ92332
showing dorsum (A), venter (B), ventral and dorsal sides of head (C), and right and left lateral sides of head (D).

Black bars equal to 100 mm in (A) and (B), and equal to 10 mm in (C) and (D).

Photographs from T. Huang.

 Life photo of a juvenile  Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. (LSUMZ 97666, paratype).

Photograph from C. C. Austin.

Lielaphis slashi sp. nov. 

Slash’s groundsnake

Diagnosis. A new species of Lielaphis that can be diagnosed from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: a reddish-brown unpatterned dorsum with an unmarked white or cream venter that may be barely darker towards the subcaudal scales, 17 scale rows at midbody, absence of apical pits, 165−181 ventral scales and 83−107 divided subcaudal scales, two preocular scales, two postocular scales, eight to nine (primarily eight) supralabial scales, eight to ten (primarily ten) infralabial scales, supralabial and infralabial scales cream to light tan, supralabials darker, infralabials may be slightly mottled anteriorly. 

Etymology. The species epithet is a patronym to honor Mr. Saul Hudson, known popularly and professionally as the musician “Slash,” in recognition for his life-long support of museums and zoos, and especially for his love of snakes. Slash has frequently promoted and acted as an advocate for snakes across various media outlets over many years. Senior author SR also credits much of her scientific writing as having occurred while listening to Slash’s music, including that of Slash’s Snakepit, Guns N’ Roses, and Velvet Revolver

TIANQI HUANG, CHRISTOPHER C. AUSTIN, JUSTIN M. BERNSTEIN, BULISA IOVA, JACKSON R. ROBERTS, JEFFREY H. FREDERICK and SARA RUANE. 2026. A New Species of Papuan Groundsnake (Squamata: Colubridae: Lielaphis) from New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5866(2); 305-319. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5866.2.6 [2026-08-11]

[Botany • 2026] Goniothalamus metadoxus & Uvaria chrysoflora • Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin;
Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin

in Ezedin. 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6

 Abstract 

Two new species of Annonaceae bearing unique or unusual morphologies are described and illustrated from Papua New Guinea. Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, from the Papuan Peninsula, exhibits an extraordinary reduction of the outer petals resulting in an inverted floral morphology where the inner petals appear larger and more prominent. It is further distinguished by its long pedicels, inner petals bearing a densely sericeous indument giving a silvery-white sheen, and long apiculate staminal connectives that are pinkish-lavender in color. Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, from the Sepik River basin, is unique in bearing greenish-yellow flowers, making it the first non-red flowered species of its genus from Papuasia. It most closely resembles the widespread U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. and can be further distinguished from the latter by its smaller leaves and larger flowers.

KEYWORDS: Annonaceae, Goniothalamus, New Guinea, new species, Uvaria

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin
A, B: branch showing adaxial and abaxial laminas; C: cauliflorous inflorescence arising from excrescence on bole; D: close-up of a flower showing reflexed sepals and reduced outer petals; E: flower with one inner petal removed revealing inner chamber with pinkish-lavender colored stamens and light yellow carpels [Damas et al. SAJ1442] [Photos: S.A. James]

Goniothalamus metadoxus Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Goniothalamus metadoxus resembles G. caloneurus Miq. in having similar leaf shape and siZe, oblong monocarps, and nearly subequal outer and inner petal siZes but differs in its habit being a small to medium tree up to 15 m tall (vs. shrub up to c. 4 m tall), laminas being chartaceous (vs. coriaceous), secondary veins not impressed above and not prominent below (vs. impressed above, prominent below), cauliflorous fasciculate inflorescences (vs. ramiflorous and solitary), inner petals being longer than the outer (vs. outer petals longer), and the petals silvery-white (vs. yellow-orange).

Etymology — From Greek meta, altered, and doxus, appearance; in reference to the inner petals being longer than the outer petals due to pronounced reduction of the latter.

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin
A: habit, twigs, mature and immature flowers; B: close-up of flower [Weiblen et al. GW2215] [Photos: G.D. Weiblen]

Uvaria chrysoflora Ezedin, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis — Uvaria chrysoflora resembles U. concava Teijsm. & Binn. in having subglabrous young stems and shortly pedunculate flowers with concave petals, but differs in its yellow-green petals (vs. maroon), petals not conspicuously incurved at apices (vs. strongly incurved), larger flowers measuring 35–50 mm across (vs. c. 18–30 mm), and smaller leaves measuring 10–12 × 5.5–6.5 cm (vs. c. 12–15 × 6–7 cm).

Etymology — From Greek chryso, golden, and Latin flora, flower; in reference to the yellowish-green flowers.

Zacky Ezedin. 2026. Two New Species of Annonaceae from Papua New Guinea. Candollea. 81(1); 51-55. DOI: doi.org/10.15553/c2026v811a6 (17 June 2026)

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

Kongobatha spinosistyla Connors, 

in Connors, Yeeles, Lach et  Rentz, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5807.1.2

 

Abstract

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

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

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

photo: Maurice Allan

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

[Botany • 2026] Meiogyne saundersii & M. stenophylla (Annonaceae) • Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon in the Asia-Pacific Region

[C, D] Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and fruit,;
[E, F] Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger flower and early developing fruit.
[A] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu;
[B] Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of M. cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden;

in Liu, Munzinger et Chen, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385

Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Abstract

Two new species of Meiogyne (Annonaceae) are described from Malesia based on morphological evidence and the results of a recent molecular phylogenetic study: Meiogyne saundersii from Peninsular Malaysia, Sumatra, and Borneo, and Meiogyne stenophylla from New Guinea. Meiogyne saundersii is morphologically similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its leaf apex (abruptly caudate vs. acute, rarely shortly acuminate) and inner petal corrugation (tentacular vs. weakly longitudinally grooved). Meiogyne stenophylla is unique in the genus in its extremely narrow leaves (< 2 cm wide) with an attenuate apex; it is also similar to M. cylindrocarpa but differs in its lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate) petals and weakly warty (vs. weakly longitudinally grooved) outgrowth on the adaxial surface of the inner petals. In addition, two new combinations are proposed, Meiogyne wilsonii and Monoon papuanum, based on the results of the most recent molecular phylogeny of Meiogyne and related genera.

Key words: Annonaceae, Borneo, Meiogyne cylindrocarpa, New Guinea, Vanuatu

A. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu (C. Hansen 1511); B. Adaxial inner petal outgrowth of Meiogyne cylindrocarpa (Burck) Heusden (Thomas 3418);
C, D. Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 6945) flower and fruit, reproduced from Munzinger et al. (2020);
E, F. Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger (Munzinger et al. 3589) flower and early developing fruit. Scale bars: 1 mm. Photos: A, B. J. Chen; C–F. J. Munzinger.

Meiogyne saundersii Junhao Chen & M.F.Liu, sp. nov.

Meiogyne stenophylla M.F.Liu & Munzinger, sp. nov.

Meiogyne wilsonii (Guillaumin) M.F.Liu & Munzinger, comb. nov.

Monoon papuanum (I.M.Turner & Utteridge) M.F.Liu & Junhao Chen, comb. nov.

 Ming-Fai Liu, Jérôme Munzinger and Junhao Chen. 2026. Two New Meiogyne Species from Malesia and New Combinations in Meiogyne and Monoon (Annonaceae) in the Asia-Pacific Region. PhytoKeys. 272: 21-36. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.272.175385 [20 Mar. 2026]

 

[Mammalogy • 2026] Found Alive After 6,000 years: Modern Records of An ‘Extinct’ Papuan Marsupial, Dactylonax kambuayai (Marsupialia: Petauridae), with A Revision of the Systematics and Zoogeography of the Genus Dactylonax

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999) 

Pygmy Long-fingered Possum

in Flannery, Aplin, Bocos, Koungoulos et Helgen, 2026. 

Records of the Australian Museum. 78; 

DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.78.2026.3003

 painting by Peter Schouten. 

Abstract

The Pygmy Long-fingered Possum, Dactylonax kambuayai, is the smallest of the striped possums (the petaurid subfamily Dactylopsilinae). It is a ‘Lazarus species’, found living when previously known only from fossils. Recently collected museum specimens, and observations and photographs of living individuals, correspond taxonomically to the only previously reported specimens of D. kambuayai, which are fossil remains from a nearby Holocene location, all occurring in low- to mid-elevation rainforests on the Vogelkop Peninsula of New Guinea. Together with the recent discovery of another Lazarus possum, ‘Petauroides’ ayamaruensis, they represent the only marsupials known as modern animals only from low elevations (below 1000 m) on the Vogelkop Peninsula. Both of these species are diminutive species with enigmatic natural histories. In reviewing the systematics of this species, we demonstrate the distinctness of Dactylonax as a genus-level taxon, and clarify species boundaries in this genus. Dactylonax palpator, the type species of Dactylonax, was previously considered to be a widespread montane taxon, but is recognized here as two separate species: D. palpator is restricted to the Arfak Mountains of the Vogelkop, while D. ernstmayri is widely distributed on the New Guinean Central Cordillera and the Huon Peninsula at elevations above 800 m. Dactylonax palpator replaces, or co-occurs with, D. kambuayai at elevations between around 900 m and 1,400 m on the Vogelkop. We hypothesize that colonization of montane habitats on the Vogelkop by a D. kambuayai-like ancestor gave rise to the larger bodied D. palpator, and dispersal of this lineage to montane habitats in the Central Cordillera gave rise to the highly specialized D. ernstmayri. The fact that the montane taxon of the Vogelkop Dactylonax species couplet was able to migrate eastwards, while the lowland taxon was not, suggests that an unusual elevational zoogeographic filter was in play. We observe that D. kambuayai is thus far recorded from sites where the other small petaurid of New Guinea, Petaurus papuanus, is not recorded or is uncommon.

Keywords: Marsupialia; Petauridae; Dactylonax; kambuayai; palpator; ernstmayri; Lazarus taxon; Vogelkop; New Guinea; systematic review

Photograph of a living female Dactylonax kambuayai, Klalik area, Vogelkop.

Photo: Carlos Bocos.

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999)

Hands of the four extant genera (and three subfamilies) of family Petauridae.
Palmar surfaces of the manus, showing key differences in phalangeal proportions, claws, palmar pads, furring, and patagial development in
(a) Dactylopsila, subfamily Dactylopsilinae (represented by Dactylopsila trivirgata); (b) Dactylonax, subfamily Dactylopsilinae (represented by Dactylonax palpator);
(c) Gymnobelideus, represented by G. leadbeateri (Gymnobelideus McCoy, 1867 is type genus of the new subfamily proposed here: Gymnobelideinae Helgen & Flannery, subfam. nov., Gymnobelideus leadbeateri McCoy, 1867 is type species of Gymnobelideus, the new subfamily and its type genus are both monotypic);
(d) Petaurus, subfamily Petaurinae (represented by P. norfolcensis). Modified from Flannery (1994:61–65). Drawings by Peter Schouten.

Dactylonax kambuayai (Aplin, 1999)—a painting by Peter Schouten.
 This artwork is based on the two modern specimens in the Australian Museum (M.56796 adult female and pouch young M.56797).

Tim F. Flannery; Kenneth P. Aplin; Carlos Bocos; Loukas G. Koungoulos; Kristofer M. Helgen. 2026. Found Alive After 6,000 years: Modern Records of An ‘Extinct’ Papuan Marsupial, Dactylonax kambuayai (Marsupialia: Petauridae), with A Revision of the Systematics and Zoogeography of the Genus Dactylonax. Records of the Australian Museum. 78; 17-34. DOI: doi.org/10.3853/j.2201-4349.78.2026.3003 [06 March 2026]

[Entomology • 2025] Neochlonocoris sepicus • A striking New apterous Mezirinae (Hemiptera: Aradidae) from Papua New Guinea

 

[1–3, 6, 8] Neochlonocoris sepicus n. sp. Heiss & Eckelt,
[4–5] Chlonocoris dolinorum Heiss, 2012,

in Heiss & Eckelt, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/jihs.2.2.4 

Abstract

The fauna of Aradidae or flat bugs of New Guinea Island is still insufficiently explored and studied. The Mezirinae, the largest subfamily of tropical Aradidae, has 25 genera recorded to date from New Guinea Island, and only one species Artabanellus mcnamarai Kormilev, 1967 is apterous. Now a striking new specimen of apterous Mezirinae has come to light, its habitus resembling species of the Madagascan genus Chlonocoris. However, because it cannot be placed in any extant genus of Aradidae, Neochlonocoris sepicus new genus and new species are described.

 Heteroptera, Flat Bugs, Karawari, Lowland rainforest, new species, New Guinea

1–3. Neochlonocoris sepicus n. sp., holotype. 1, Dorsal habitus. 2, Ventral habitus. 3, Dorsal terminal segments.
4–5, Chlonocoris dolinorum, holotype. 4, Dorsal habitus. 5, Dorsal terminal segments. Scale 5 mm.

6, Neochlonocoris sepicus n. sp., holotype, head and pronotum, dorsal.
7, Chlonocoris dolinorum holotype, head and pronotum, dorsal.
8–10, Neochlonocoris sepicus n. sp., holotype. 8, Abdomen, ventral habitus. 9, Terminal segments VII–VII, ventral view. 10, Left metathoracic scent-gland opening, ventral view.

Neochlonocoris sepicus n. gen., n. sp.

ERNST HEISS and ANDREAS ECKELT. 2025. Neochlonocoris sepicus n. gen., n. sp., a Striking New Apterous Mezirinae (Hemiptera: Aradidae) from Papua New Guinea. J. Int. Heteropterists’ Soc. 2(2); 121-125. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/jihs.2.2.4 [2025-04-30]

[Botany • 2025] Homalomena polyneura (Araceae) • A New spectacular Species from Indonesian New Guinea

 

Homalomena polyneura A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, 

Irsyam, Husaini, Pratami, Raynalta, Setiawan et Hariri, 2025.

Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 219 - 223.

  Researchgate.net/publication/398711786

ABSTRACT. 

A new ornamental species of Homalomena Schott, H. polyneura A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, is formally described from Central Papua, Indonesia. 

Keywords. Aroid, Malesia, Philodendreae, rheophytic

 Homalomena polyneura A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri.
A, B. Habit. C, D. Leaf showing both adaxial and abaxial surfaces. E. Spathe. F. Spadix. G. Close-up of staminate flowers. H. Close-up of pistillate flowers. I. Close-up of post-anthesis pistillate flowers.

(Photos: A-D, E. Raynalta; E-I, M.R. Hariri)

Homalomena polyneura A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.

 Homalomena polyneura exhibits morphological affinities with H. steenisiana A.Hay, yet it can be readily distinguished by 5–6 primary lateral veins (vs 2–3), inflorescences solitary or 2 together (vs few to c. 16 together), spathe reddish to dark brown (vs green), female zone shorter than male zone (vs female and male zones approximately equal in length), and pistillate flowers lacking staminodes (vs staminodes present).

Etymology. The specific epithet polyneura is derived from the Greek poly- (many) and neuron (nerve, vein), in reference to the conspicuous abundance of raised lateral veins on the adaxial surface of the leaf lamina.

Irsyam, A.S.D., Husaini, I.P.A., Pratami, M.P., Raynalta, E. Setiawan A.A. & Hariri, M.R. 2025. A New spectacular Species of Homalomena (Araceae) from Indonesian New Guinea. Gard. Bull. Singapore. 77(2); 219 - 223. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398711786_A_new_spectacular_species_of_Homalomena_from_Indonesian_New_Guinea

[Botany • 2025] Cyrtandra loratiloba (Gesneriaceae) • A Species New to Science from Indonesian New Guinea

 

Cyrtandra loratiloba  Bramley, 

in Bramley, Jennings, Yafdas, Yokbari, Mapandin, Wanma et Heatubun. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10328-2

Summary

Cyrtandra loratiloba Bramley is presented here as new to science. Due to its unusually narrow, ‘strap-shaped’ corolla lobes, large staminodes and the atypical insertion of the fertile stamen pair in the corolla mouth at the base of the three, lower corolla lobes, C. loratiloba is immediately distinct from any known Cyrtandra species. A full description, distribution map, illustration, photo plate and preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

 

Key Words: Papua Barat, taxonomy, understorey, Vulnerable 

Cyrtandra loratiloba.
A habit; B individual showing inflorescence placement; C close-up of flower, note strap-shaped lower lobes, glandular hairs and protruding staminodes.

photos: G. L. C. Bramley.

 Cyrtandra loratiloba Bramley sp. nov. 

Recognition. The pale greenish-yellow coloration of the corolla, the waxy texture and almost patent angle at which the three strap-shaped lower lobes are held, in combination with the staminodes, which protrude from the mouth of the corolla, each at a transverse angle so their ends cross, make this species unique in Cyrtandra. In addition, the stamens are inserted at the corolla mouth, at the point at which the lower lobes protrude from the corolla tube; in Cyrtandra it is typical for the stamens to be inserted lower down the tube. In flower, it is immediately distinct to any other Cyrtandra, with no obvious similar species.

Etymology. The epithet ‘loratiloba’ refers to the unusually narrow, ‘strap-shaped’ corolla lobes characteristic of this species.

G. L. C. Bramley, L. V. S. Jennings, E. Yafdas, C. Yokbari, L. V. Mapandin, J. F. Wanma and C. D. Heatubun. 2025. Cyrtandra loratiloba (Gesneriaceae): A Species New to Science from Indonesian New Guinea. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10328-2 (09 December 2025) 

[Ornithology • 2025] Ptilorrhoa urrissia • A New Species of Jewel-babbler (Passeriformes: Cinclosomatidae: Ptilorrhoa) from the Southern Fold Mountains of Papua New Guinea

Ptilorrhoa urrissia

Woxvold, Gamui, Legra, Yama, Koane & Tulai, 2025

Hooded Jewel-babbler  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/ibi.70016

Abstract

Based on distinctive morphological and vocal characters we describe a new species of jewel-babbler (genus Ptilorrhoa) from the forested karst of the Southern Fold Mountains in Papua New Guinea. The description is based on camera trap data and is presented in accordance with ICZN Declaration 45. The new species is currently known only from the type locality at the top of Iagifu Ridge (1335–1400 m above sea level), a limestone anticline isolated from the main body of New Guinea's central cordillera, where it is uncommon. Given the importance of competitive exclusion in determining Ptilorrhoa distributions, and the near ubiquitous occurrence of congeners, we speculate that Iagifu Ridge may support part of a highly fragmented population that occupies isolated low mountains that do not support Ptilorrhoa leucosticta of higher elevations. Potentially suitable sites may be restricted to the area between Mt Bosavi and Mt Karimui in southern Papua New Guinea.

Keywords: camera trap, ICZN Declaration 45, New Guinea, taxonomy

Camera trap images of the holotype and two paratype Ptilorrhoa urrissia, taken during a 3-month sampling period in a high-density array covering 0.5 ha (see Methods). The holotype (a–c, marked ‘h’ in (a)) and one paratype (a and d, marked ‘p’ in (a)), putative adult female and juvenile with female-type plumage, respectively, were photographed together on 1 January 2020; the images shown are part of a sequence of 20 photographs taken over a period of 87 s. The putative adult male paratype (e) was photographed less than 40 m away on 8 March 2020.

Other Ptilorrhoa urrissia images (a–e), at least some of which may represent the holotype and paratypes. (a, b) Putative adult male and female, respectively, photographed in a single sequence (27 s apart) on 8 February 2020. (c) Male photographed on 15 January 2020. (d) Video still of male delivering the call shown in Figure 6a,b.
(e) Male (background) and probable juvenile with female-type plumage photographed on 1 January 2020, less than 40 m distance from and 2 h before the holotype sequence shown in Figure 3a–d.
(f) Female Ptilorrhoa castanonota shown for size comparison; images (e) and (f) were taken on the same camera 56 min apart.

Ptilorrhoa urrissia, sp. nov.

Hooded Jewel-babbler

Diagnosis: Table 1 compares in detail the morphological features of adult P. urrissia with those of its congeners – P. geislerorum and the locally occurring subspecies of P. caerulescens, P. castanonota and P. leucosticta. Figure 5 shows examples of the compared taxa.

Etymology: The name ‘urrissia’ is a noun in apposition. ‘Uri urrissia’ (= ‘mount urrissia’) is the Namo Me (also known as Fasu) language name applied to Iagifu Ridge by the local Fasol clan landowners.

 

Ptilorrhoa urrissia habitat on Iagifu Ridge. (Iain Woxvold.)

Iain A. Woxvold, Banak G. Gamui, Leo Legra, Samson Yama, Bonny Koane and Salape Tulai. 2025. A New Species of Jewel-babbler (Cinclosomatidae: Ptilorrhoa) from the Southern Fold Mountains of Papua New Guinea. Ibis. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/ibi.70016 [26 November 2025] 

[Botany • 2024] Cyrtosperma prasinispathum (Araceae: Lasioideae) • A New fascinating Aroid Species from Papua, Indonesia

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam &M.R.Hariri, 

in Hariri, Irsyam, Ariati, Raynalta, Setyanti et Supriyanta, 2024.  

 DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-16076

Abstract   

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam & M.R.Hariri is a newly described species of Lasioid discovered in Sorong, Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia. This new species is exclusively described from living specimens that are kept at the Bogor Botanic Gardens. Morphologically, it has a glossy leek-green spathe that is deflected, with a yellowish-green or yellow spadix. Its striking-colored spathe made this species an important candidate for horticultural plants.

Keywords: Araceae, Lasieae, Lasioideae, Malesia, New Guinea

   

Cyrtosperma prasinispathum A.S.D.Irsyam &M.R.Hariri, sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet is derived from the Latin ‘prasinus’ – and ‘spathum’, which signifies the leek-green coloured spathe.

Muhammad R. Hariri, Arifin S.D. Irsyam, Siti R. Ariati, Erick Raynalta, Dwi Setyanti and Ikar Supriyanta. 2024. Cyrtosperma prasinispathum: A New fascinating Aroid Species from Papua, Indonesia. Webbia. Journal of Plant Taxonomy and Geography. 79(2),; 291-294. DOI: doi.org/10.36253/jopt-16076 [2024-09-03]

[Botany • 2025] Dendrobium eruciforme (Orchidaceae) • A New Species of Dendrobium sect. Microphytanthe from West Papua Province, Indonesia

Dendrobium eruciforme Schuit., Saputra & Wanma, 

in Schuiteman, Saputra, Wanma, Jennings et Heatubun, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10281-0

Summary

Dendrobium eruciforme Schuit., Saputra & Wanma (Orchidaceae), the fourth known species of sect. Microphytanthe Schltr., is described and illustrated. A detailed description, morphological comparisons, habitat information, a preliminary conservation assessment and some notes are provided. A key to the four species of sect. Microphytanthe is presented. Vegetatively, D. eruciforme is one of the smallest Dendrobium species, in this respect only equalled or even surpassed by the Australian D. toressae (F.M.Bailey) Dockrill.

 

Key Words: Arfak Mountains, Dendrobium nummularia, key, New Guinea, Papua Barat, Red Listing 

Dendrobium eruciforme. A habit; B flowering shoot; C leaf; D dorsal sepal; E lateral sepal; F petal; G lip; H column and ovary (lateral view); J anther, dorsal view; K anther, ventral view; L pollinia.

drawn by André Schuiteman.

Dendrobium eruciforme. A flowering plant; B plant in situ; C habitat.

photos: André Schuiteman.

Dendrobium eruciforme Schuit., Saputra & Wanma, sp. nov. 

(sect. Microphytanthe). 

Type: Indonesia, West Papua Province, ...

Recognition. Within sect. Microphytanthe, this species resembles Dendrobium nummularia, because of the congested pseudobulbs, the tiny leaves and the habit of growing appressed to the substrate. Dendrobium eruciforme differs in the verruculose leaves, 3 – 5.6 mm long, with unequally bilobulate apices (vs leaves when dry with prominent reticulate veins [fide Schlechter], 4 – 8 mm long, apex apiculate in D. nummularia); papillose ovary (vs glabrous ovary); lip with cross-ridge below the middle, apex rounded (vs lip without cross-ridge, apex bilobulate); lip surface velutinous (vs lip glabrous with ciliate lobules).

Etymology. From the Latin eruca, a caterpillar, and -formis, shaped as, referring to the straight, creeping rhizomes that are closely appressed to the substrate.

André Schuiteman, Reza Saputra, Jimmy Frans Wanma, Laura Jennings and Charlie D. Heatubun. 2025. Dendrobium eruciforme (Orchidaceae), A New Species of Section Microphytanthe from West Papua Province, Indonesia. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10281-0 [13 June 2025]

[Crustacea • 2025] Cherax pulverulentus • A New freshwater Crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia

  

Cherax pulverulentus 

 Patoka, Akmal, Bláha & Kouba, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.3.4  

 Researchgate.net/publication/387844505

 

Abstract

Cherax pulverulentus sp. nov. is a moderately-sized burrowing freshwater crayfish endemic to the streams west of the Ayamaru Lake in Bird's Head Peninsula (Framu Subdistrict, Southwest Papua Province), the Indonesian part of New Guinea. Although this species has been exploited in the ornamental aquarium trade at least for 21 years, it has not been formally named until now. Its commonly used commercial names in the pet trade are: “Hoa Creek”, “Irian Jaya”, or “Blue Moon” crayfish, but these names are also used for other more bluish or pinkish species of Cherax. Cherax pulverulentus sp. nov. is genetically and morphologically most similar to Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015, but both species may be distinguished by several morphological characteristics and DNA sequence divergence, which support C. pulverulentus sp. nov. as a valid species.

Crustacea, Cherax, Parastacidae, New Guinea, taxonomy, morphology, phylogeny, pet trade, freshwater

Cherax pulverulentus sp. nov., holotype, adult male, MZB Cru5782, CL = 49 mm.

Cherax pulverulentus sp. nov.

Etymology. The meaning of the Latin term pulverulentus is “covered with dust” in reference to the many tiny dot-like spots on the carapace of the new species. 

Jiří PATOKA, Surya Gentha AKMAL, Martin BLÁHA and Antonín KOUBA. 2025. Cherax pulverulentus, A New freshwater Crayfish (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Southwest Papua Province, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5566(3); 522-534. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5566.3.4 

  Researchgate.net/publication/387844505_Cherax_pulverulentus_a_new_freshwater_crayfish_from_Southwest_Papua_Province_Indonesia

[Crustacea • 2024] Cherax rayko & C. phing • Two New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Decapoda: Parastacidae) from Western and Eastern Indonesian New Guinea

 

Cherax rayko
Cherax phing

 Lukhaup, Eprilurahman & von Rintelen, 2024

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2040019 

  facebook.com/ChrisLukhaup

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Cherax are described and illustrated. Cherax rayko n. sp., endemic to the Bian River drainage basin in the Muting District, in the northern part of the Merauke Regency, South Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured, and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax alyciae, Lukhaup, Eprilurahman & von Rintelen, 2018, and Cherax peknyi Lukhaup & Herbert, 2008. The new species may be easily distinguished from both by the shape of the rostrum, the shape of the chelae, the shape of the scaphocerite, and the coloration. Cherax phing n. sp., endemic to the Kali Ombak River drainage basin in the western part of the Kepala Burung (Vogelkop) Peninsula, Southwest Papua, Indonesia, is described, figured, and compared with its closest relatives, Cherax pulcher Lukhaup, 2015a, Cherax boesemani Lukhaup & Pekny, 2008, Cherax wagenknechtae Lukhaup and Eprilurahman, 2022, and Cherax gherardii Patoka, Bláha & Kouba, 2015. The new species may be easily distinguished from the latter species by the shape of the chelae, rostrum, and body and by the coloration. A molecular phylogeny based on a mitochondrial gene fragment, 16S, supports the morphology-based description of the two new species, which can also be clearly distinguished by sequence differences.

Keywords: morphology; molecular phylogeny; freshwater; New Guinea; taxonomy

Cherax rayko n. sp. Bian River drainage basin in the Muting District, West Papua, Indonesia

(B) Holotype male (MZB Cru 5792), (C) Female, same data as holotype.

Cherax phing n. sp., Kali Ombak River drainage basin. 

(B) Paratype male color variation. (C) Paratype male color variation.

Cherax rayko n. sp.

Etymology. Cherax rayko n. sp. is named after Rayko Eloy Lukhaup, the son of the first author. Rayko was very present in the process of the description, providing love and understanding.

 Ecology. It is endemic to the Bian River drainage basin and its tributaries. One of the creeks harboring these crayfish is shallow (20–100 cm) with a moderate flow. The temperature is around 25–26 °C. In most parts, no water plants are present. The substrate of the creek is silt or sand and soil mostly covered with silt and detritus. Crayfish hide in short burrows in the riverbank, under larger rocks, or in detritus that is present in all the parts of the creek. The creek is surrounded by forest. To improve the knowledge of the distribution of this species, more field surveys will be necessary.

 Common name. As the common name for this crayfish, we propose the Tiger Crayfish, as it is already available under this name in the pet trade. 

Cherax phing n. sp.

Etymology. C. phing n. sp. is named in honor of Liauw Pauw Phing, a crayfish enthusiast, for his noteworthy contribution to the knowledge of the crayfish of Papua. His continuing effort to search and find unknown species is very needed work for our better understanding of the crayfish of this region.

Common name. As a common name for this crayfish, we propose the Green Hornet Crayfish, as it is already available under this name in the pet trade.  

  

 Christian Lukhaup, Rury Eprilurahman and Thomas von Rintelen. 2024. Two New Species of Crayfish of the Genus Cherax (Crustacea, Decapoda, Parastacidae) from Western and Eastern Indonesian New Guinea. Arthropoda. 2(4); 264-293. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda2040019 

  facebook.com/ChrisLukhaup/posts/10161167050708198

[Herpetology • 2024] Cyrtodactylus mamberamo • A New Species of Narrow-banded Cyrtodactylus (Gekkonidae) from northern New Guinea

 

 Cyrtodactylus mamberamo 

Oliver, Boothroyd, Tjaturadi, Riyanto, Iskandar & Richards, 2024

  

Mamberamo Basin Bent-toed Gecko ||  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.4 

 generasibiologi.com

photo courtesy of Chien Lee.

Abstract

We describe a new species of Cyrtodactylus from the northern lowlands and foothills of mainland New Guinea. Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. is distinguished from all other Melanesian Cyrtodactylus except C. aaroni and C. mimikanus by the combination of moderate size (max SVL <100 mm), widened subcaudals, dorsal pattern of numerous narrow light bands with dark-brown anterior borders, and a tripartite pore arrangement in males. It differs from these two most-similar species in details of colour pattern, scalation and the number of precloacal pores. Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. occurs at elevations between 0–870 m above sea level (a.s.l.) across a wide area spanning the Mamberamo Basin and nearby regions. It co-occurs with at most one or two other congeners. Low Cyrtodactylus alpha diversity across Melanesia emphasises beta turnover as the key factor underpinning species richness in this genus. The new species brings the total number of recognised Melanesian Cyrtodactylus to 35, with the real total certain to be over 40 species.

 

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus mimikanus, Indonesia, Mamberamo Basin, Papua New Guinea

 Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. from Papua Province, Indonesia; 
 uncollected specimens photo courtesy of Chien Lee.

Cyrtodactylus mamberamo sp. nov. 

Mamberamo Basin Bent-toed Gecko 

Paul M. Oliver, Nicholas Boothroyd, Burhan Tjaturadi, Awal Riyanto, Djoko T. Iskandar and Stephen J. Richards. 2024. A New Species of Narrow-banded Cyrtodactylus (Gekkonidae) from northern New Guinea.  Zootaxa. 5506(1); 79-92. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5506.1.4

  generasibiologi.com/2024/10/cyrtodactylus-mamberamo-spesies-baru-cicak-jari-lengkung-dari-papua.html

Researchgate.net/publication/384201786_A_new_species_of_Cyrtodactylus_from_northern_New_Guinea

https://zenodo.org/records/13746582

https://photos.chienclee.com/image/I0000mGFYbpExJLw