[Botany • 2026] Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New, unusual Species from the Philippines

 

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda, 

in Brillo, Cabactulan et Rodda. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6  

  facebook.com/groups/philippineplants

 

Abstract

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov. (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae) from the Philippines is described. When sterile, it resembles several species of Hoya section Acanthostemma, but its flowers make it readily distinguishable by its rotate corolla with a narrowly campanulate tube and free-spreading lobes and triangular-ovate corona lobes. No other species in the genus exhibits this unique combination of characters. The species was originally collected from the wild in Samar Island and subsequently widely distributed in cultivation under the informal name Hoya sp. Samar GN 0003 and Hoya sp. “Yellow Sapphire”; it is herein formally published after nearly seven years of horticultural circulation.

Eudicots, endemic, new species, Samar, taxonomy

Hoya sinagtala Brillo, Cabactulan & Rodda sp. nov.

SAMUEL C. BRILLO, DEREK D. CABACTULAN and MICHELE RODDA. 2026. Hoya sinagtala (Apocynaceae, Asclepiadoideae): A New, Unusual Species from the Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 769(3); 287-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.769.3.6 [2026-08-13] 

 facebook.com/groups/philippineplants/permalink/28049135471405087

[Herpetology • 2026] Bronchocela carestiai & B. mallarii • A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species

 

(A) Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon,
(B, C) B. philippina from Mindanao,
 (D) Bronchocela carestiai from Mindoro, and
(E) B. mallarii from Palawan. 

 

Supsup, Pitogo, Sanguila, Hallermann, Denzer, Wood & Brown, 2026

Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1),

Photographs by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

 Abstract  

One challenge for species delimitation involves closely related species, characterized by both intra- and interspecifically variable morphologies, for which genetic information is not yet available. One such example is exhibited by agamid lizards of the genus Bronchocela. This group of conspicuously vibrant green lizards is widely distributed in Southeast Asia, with 15 recognized species. However, the geographic distributions of several named taxa have remained unclear because of the imprecise application of names in taxonomic summaries and faunal checklists. For more than a century, many authors have noted that a few species, often considered “widespread,” persist throughout nearly the entire range of the genus. This is particularly true for populations identified as Bronchocela cristatella sensu lato and, to a lesser extent, B. marmorata in the Philippines. In this study, we reassess the systematics and taxonomy of Bronchocela populations in the Philippine archipelago. Using multiple lines of evidence from molecular and morphological data, we uncover four distinct lineages of Philippine Bronchocela, all of which we interpret as being distantly related to B. cristatella sensu lato from Malaysia and Indonesia. We argue that these lineages should now be interpreted as Philippine endemic species. Given the strong congruence in molecular and morphological analyses, we now consider populations from the Luzon faunal region (including Catanduanes, Marinduque, Lubang, and Polillo Islands), Romblon (Tablas, Romblon, and Sibuyan Islands), and the West Visayas (Negros, Cebu, and Panay Islands) as B. marmorata. The nomenclaturally available name, B. philippina, is now designated to the unique lineage from the Mindanao faunal region. Additionally, we recognize two new, distinctive species from the Mindoro (B. carestiai) and Palawan (B. mallarii) faunal regions. Overall, our findings demonstrate how conspicuous and widely distributed species in Southeast Asia remain poorly understood, overlooked, and taxonomically unresolved. Hence, the taxonomic resolution of Bronchocela populations in the island archipelagos of Southeast Asia will greatly benefit from the urgent priority of determining which landmass the name “B. cristatella” applies.

KEYWORDS: Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov, Bronchocela marmorata, Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov, Bronchocela philippina, Southeast Asia, taxonomy, Widespread species

In life photographs of Bronchocela marmorata from Luzon (A), B. philippina from Mindanao (B, C),
B. carestiai from Mindoro (D), and B. mallarii from Palawan (E).

Photographs were taken by Rafe M. Brown, Christian E. Supsup, and Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo.

Bronchocela carestiai sp. nov.

 Bronchocela mallarii sp. nov. 

Christian E. Supsup, Kier Mitchel E. Pitogo, Marites B. Sanguila, Jakob Hallermann, Wolfgang Denzer, Perry L. Wood Jr. and Rafe M. Brown. 2026. A Comprehensive, Archipelago-Wide Taxonomic Reassessment of the Genus Bronchocela (Squamata: Agamidae) in the Philippines, with Descriptions of Two New Species. Herpetological Monographs. 40 (1), 1-44, (20 July 2026) DOI: doi.org/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003

https://bioone.org/journals/herpetological-monographs/volume-40/issue-1/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003/A-Comprehensive-Archipelago-Wide-Taxonomic-Reassessment-of-the-Genus-Bronchocela/10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-24-00003.full

[Botany • 2026] Begonia leasalongae (Begoniaceae, sect. Petermannia) • A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines

Begonia leasalongae  Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite, 

in Blasco, Alejandro, Cortes et Rubite, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 

facebook.com: Freddie A. Blasco

 Abstract

A new species of Begonia section Petermannia, Begonia leasalongae, from Surigao del Sur is described and illustrated. It grows on shady, moist, rocky slopes alongside a small creek in sitio Cabugi, Unidos, Tago, Surigao del Sur. The new species resembles Begonia noraaunoriae in having erect stems, obovately oblong leaves, 2-tepaled staminate flowers, 5-tepaled pistillate flowers and an upright capsule, but differs in having stems with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous), lanceolate stipules with an aristate apex (vs. obovately oblong with a roundly acute apex), and capsule with setose white hairs (vs. glabrous). The species is named in honor of Lea Salonga. Based on IUCN criteria, we propose its conservation status as Data Deficient (DD), as only one population is currently known.

Begonia agusanensis, Begonia noraaunoriae, flora, setose, Taxonomy, Eudicots, Caraga Region, Surigao provinces, vascular flora

Begonia leasalongae Blasco, Alejandro & Rubite 

FREDDIE A. BLASCO, GRECEBIO JONATHAN D. ALEJANDRO, JUNELITO C. CORTES and ROSARIO R. RUBITE. 2026. Begonia leasalongae (Section Petermannia, Begoniaceae), A New Species from Tago, Surigao del Sur, Mindanao Island, Philippines. Phytotaxa. 767(1); 72-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.8 [2026-07-16]

facebook.com/fred8z/posts/1082141397717282

  facebook.com/fred8z/posts/1082141354383953

[Botany • 2026] Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae: Diurideae) • A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines

  

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, 

in Agad, Mallari, Tandang, Bustamante et Salas, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 

facebook.com: Philippine Taxonomic Initiative

Abstract

Corybas apoensis, a new species of tribe Acianthinae endemic to Mindanao, is described herein. Among the currently recognized species of the tribe, it most closely resembles C. viridisepalus in overall floral morphology, particularly in having upright flowers borne on a slender, cylindric, erect ovary and the flower possessing a dorsal sepal and labellum tinged with conspicuous carmine veins. Both species further share a pilose labellum. However, this notable new species is distinct by having white floral background and a dorsal sepal being densely papillate on the abaxial surface. We also provided a summarized key morphological characteristics that distinguishes our new species from the later.

Monocots, Helmet orchid, Rare, Diurideae, Malesia, Taxonomy

 

Corybas apoensis Agad, Tandang, R.Bustam. & Salas, sp. nov.

KIER C. AGAD, ARCHELITO L. MALLARI, DANILO N. TANDANG, RENE ALFRED ANTON BUSTAMANTE and DARYL S. SALAS. 2026. Corybas apoensis (Orchidaceae), A New endemic Species from Mt. Apo, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 766(1); 84-90. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.1.6 [2026-07-07]

  facebook.com/phtaxa/posts/1419584753561021

 

[Entomology • 2026] Varitrella sulu & V. alternata • New Species and Bioacoustics of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) from Sulu Archipelago and Borneo’s Sabah

 

Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, 

in Haibil, Nuñeza, Damit, Japir, Chung et Tan, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.1.4 

facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG 

 

Abstract

Two new species of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) are described from Sulu Archipelago: Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) alternata Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. The calling songs of Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) trusmadi Gorochov, 2014 are also described.

Orthoptera, Calling songs, East Malaysia, Philippines, Podoscirtini, Southeast Asia

Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. 

Varitrella (Cantotrella) alternata Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. 

HELEN H. HAIBIL, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and MING KAI TAN. 2026. New Species and Bioacoustics of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) from Sulu Archipelago and Borneo’s Sabah.  Zootaxa. 5821(1); 61-77. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.1.4 [2026-05-28]

 facebook.com/ArthurCHUNG123799/posts/3545681898914705

[Botany • 2026] Gaultheria rostrata (Ericaceae) • A New Species endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines

 

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo,  

in Tamayo, Lagunday, Amoroso, Tandang, Fritsch et Medecilo-Guiang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2104 

Abstract

Gaultheria rostrata, a new species of wintergreen endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. It resembles Gaultheria bartolomei, endemic to Luzon Island, but differs by having a terrestrial habit, shorter petioles, longer pedicels, white or pale-pink corollas, coiled corolla lobes, longer anther tubules, and a longer style. The flowers of Gaultheria rostrata are unique among Asian species of Gaultheria on account of their coiled corolla lobes exposing the anthers and style at anthesis. This discovery raises the number of Gaultheria species in the Philippines to 16.

Keywords: Biodiversity, endemic, Gaultheria sect. Diplycosia, Southern Philippines, Taxonomy

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo, sp. nov.
A, Habit in situ; B, leafy branchlets; C, leaf, abaxial surface; D, leaf, adaxial surface; E and F, flowering branchlets; G, flower bud; H, I and J, upper pedicel, bracteoles and flower; K, stamens, ventral view.

Photographs: A–E and H, M. M. Medecilo-Guiang from M.M.M.-G. 1030; F, G, I and J, D.N. Tandang; K, M. N. Tamayo from M.M.M.-G. 1030.

Gaultheria rostrata M.N.Tamayo, P.W.Fritsch & Medecilo, sp. nov.

This species resembles the Philippine endemic Gaultheria bartolomei (Ferreras & Argent) Kron & P.W.Fritsch but differs by having a terrestrial habit (vs epiphytic), shorter petioles (4–4.5 mm vs 5–7 mm), longer pedicels (20–35 mm vs 20–25 mm), white or pale-pink corollas (vs deep pink), corolla lobes coiled (vs reflexed), longer anther tubules (4–4.5 mm vs c.1 mm), and a longer style (10–11 mm vs c.8 mm).

Etymology. The specific epithet rostrata alludes to the morphological resemblance of the flowers of the new species to avian beaks or proboscides.

M. N. Tamayo, N. E. Lagunday, V. B. Amoroso, D. N. Tandang, P. W. Fritsch and M. M. Medecilo-Guiang. 2026. GAULTHERIA ROSTRATA (sect. Diplycosia, ERICACEAE), A New Wintergreen Species endemic to Mindanao Island, Philippines. Edinburgh Journal of Botany. 83; DOI: doi.org/10.24823/ejb.2026.2104 [2026-05-05]

[Herpetology • 2026] Platymantis guiting • A New miniaturised Platymantis (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines

Platymantis guiting

Meneses, Pitogo, Decena, Supsup & Brown, 2026

 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg 

Abstract

 We describe a new species of miniaturised Platymantis (subgenus Lahatnanguri) from the Romblon Island Group (RIG), Philippines. Previously, the RIG population was treated as Platymantis pygmaeus, a forestdwelling species endemic to Luzon Island due to morphological, ecological, and acoustic similarities. We conducted phylogenetic analyses using 16S mitochondrial DNA sequences and quantified morphological variation across a statistically robust sample size to assess the distinctiveness of the RIG population. Our results recovered the RIG lineage as monophyletic with moderate support (75% bootstrap; 0.83 BPP). Phylogenetic analyses further demonstrate that Platymantis guiting, new species, is not closely related to P. pygmaeus and it is morphologically distinguished by shorter limb proportions and a stereotyped advertisement call characterised by a single-pulsed, repetitive clicking. Named after Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan Island, this species stands as a powerful reminder of the biogeographic subregion’s fragile and irreplaceable biodiversity. This taxonomic revision highlights the unique herpetological diversity of the RIG and reinforces the need for targeted conservation efforts in this biogeographically significant subregion. 

Key words. Sibuyan Island, elevational relief, Lahatnanguri, Philippine biodiversity, conservation, Platymantis guiting

Observed colour variation in live specimens of Platymantis guiting, new species, collected from Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.

Photos by Camila G. MENESES.

Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) guiting, new species 

Etymology. The specific epithet guiting is derived from Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan (and the larger Romblon Island Group), with an elevation of 2,058 m asl. This mountain is a prominent geographical feature of the region and a biodiversity hotspot at the heart of Sibuyan Island, characterised by its unique flora and fauna (Brown & Alcala, 1974; Goodman & Ingle, 1993; Nerz et al., 1997; Lit & Eusebio, 2008; Esselstyn & Goodman, 2010; Brown et al., 2011; Davis et al., 2016; Heaney et al., 2005; Rickart et al., 2005; Siler et al., 2012, 2016; Lucañas, 2021; Tautel & Dupo, 2021; Ermilov & Corpuz-Raros, 2022a, b; Meneses et al., 2022). The name honours the ecological significance of the mountain and its role in conserving locally endemic species of herpetofauna in RIG.

Camila G. MENESES, Kier Mitchel E. PITOGO, Syrus Cesar P. DECENA, Christian E. SUPSUP and Rafe M. BROWN. 2026. A New miniaturised Platymantis (Amphibia: Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 197–219. [2026-04-14]

https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/rbz/a-new-miniaturised-platymantis-amphibia-anura-ceratobatrachidae-from-sibuyan-and-tablas-islands-romblon-island-group-philippines/

[Crustacea • 2026] Frodromia elegans, F. granulosa, ... • Revision of Frodromia McLay, 1993 (Brachyura: Dromiidae) and the Status of Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005

A, Frodromia atypica (Sakai, 1936),; B, F. reticulata (Sakai, 1974);
C, F. elegans, new species, holotype male, Taiwan; D, F. granulosa, new species, holotype male, Vanuatu;
 E, F, F. iners, new species, holotype male, Philippines. 

Ng, 2026 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 

Photographs: C, T.-Y. Chan; D, J.C.E. Mendoza; E, F, P.K.L. Ng.

Abstract

 The taxonomy of the West Pacific dromiid genus, Frodromia McLay, 1993, is revised using a suite of characters pertaining to the carapace form and armature, proportions of the ambulatory dactylus, and structures of the pereopods, thoracic sternum, male pleon, and gonopods. The identity of the poorly known type species, F. atypica (Sakai, 1936), is clarified and the species is rediagnosed and illustrated based on the single non-type dried specimen available. Frodromia reticulata (Sakai, 1974) is also rediagnosed on the basis of a series of Japanese specimens. The material identified as F. atypica by McLay (1993) from New Caledonia and the Indonesian Moluccas is here shown to belong to two new species, F. granulosa and F. caileani, respectively; with F. granulosa also reported from Vanuatu. Two other new species, F. elegans and F. iners, are described from the South China Sea and the Philippines, respectively. As a result, Frodromia is hereby classified in the subfamily Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005, which was originally established as a tribe in Sphaerodromiinae Guinot & Tavares, 2003, and which is here redefined and rediagnosed.

Key words. sponge crab, Dromioidea, systematics, subfamily definition, new species, key to taxa, Indo-West Pacific

Colour in life. A, Frodromia atypica (Sakai, 1936), after Sakai (1936: pl. 2 fig. 1); B, F. reticulata (Sakai, 1974), after Sakai (1976: pl. 5 fig. 1);
C, F. elegans, new species, holotype male (6.6 × 7.5 mm) (ZRC 2024.0144), Taiwan; D, F. granulosa, new species, holotype male (6.5 × 7.1 mm) (ZRC 2024.0517), Vanuatu;
E, F, F. iners, new species, holotype male (6.3 × 7.0 mm) (ZRC 2024.0518), Philippines [partly covered with sand particles and debris].

Photographs: C, T.-Y. Chan; D, J.C.E. Mendoza; E, F, P.K.L. Ng.

Frodromia granulosa 

F. caileani 

F. elegans 

 F. iners

PETER K. L. NG. 2026. Revision of Frodromia McLay, 1993 (Crustacea: Brachyura: Dromiidae) and the Status of Frodromiinae Števčić, 2005. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 332–358. DOI: 10.26107/RBZ-2026-0023  [4 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, sect. Baryandra) • A New Species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines

 

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman, 

in Naive, Alaman, Villanueva, Baul et Ancheta, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 

  x.com/begoniARCIIae

Abstract

Mindanao, the second-largest island in the Philippines, is a center of plant endemism shaped by its complex geology, varied topography, and high habitat heterogeneity. Continued botanical explorations in the region have led to the discovery of Begonia occidentalis, which is herein described and illustrated. It morphologically resembles B. copelandii in its persistent stipules and capsule with strongly unequal wings, but can be readily distinguished by its arachnoid petiole, ovate leaf lamina with slightly overlapping cordate base and acuminate apex, a weakly serrate margin with densely conspicuous maroon hairs, and dorsally glandular floral bracts. A comprehensive taxonomic account is presented, including detailed morphological description, geographical distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status and a discussion on its taxonomic affinities. Furthermore, we lectotypify the name B. copelandii in accordance with the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi and plants (Madrid Code).

Biodiversity, Cucurbitales, endemic, typification, Zamboanga peninsula, Eudicots

Begonia occidentalis Naive, Ancheta & Alaman

Mark Arcebal K. NAIVE, Bobby B. ALAMAN, Grace V. VILLANUEVA, Melbert James G. BAUL and Donnafe J. ANCHETA. 2026. Begonia occidentalis (Begoniaceae, section Baryandra), A New Species from Mindanao Island, southern Philippines with notes on B. copelandii.  Phytotaxa. 749(1); 95-102. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.749.1.7 [2026-03-25]

  x.com/begoniARCIIae/status/2036658662215675993

[Entomology • 2026] Luzonogryllus appa • Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus (Orthoptera: Phalangopsinae)

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo,

in Tan, Modina, Alo, Haibil, Mapi-Ot, Macas, Nuñeza, Yap, Damit, Japir, Chung et Robillard, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 

 facebook.com/JnnRsALO

Abstract

Recent field work in Sabah state of Malaysia in Borneo, as well as Mindanao, Negros and Siquijor Islands in the Philippines has led to the collection of crickets from the family Phalangopsidae. This allows us to review the taxonomy of Luzonogryllus Yamasaki, 1978 from the Philippines and Sabah. We also describe a new species from Mindanao: Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov. We also present new locality records for Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) mindoroensis Gorochov, 2006 in Negros and Siquijor Islands. Lastly, we also present new material of Strophiola lugubrina (Stål, 1877) from Mindanao and Negros Islands.

Malaysia, Orthoptera, Parendacustina, , Phalangopsini, Southeast Asia

Luzonogryllus (Apterozacla) appa Tan & Alo, sp. nov.

MING KAI TAN, RIS MENOEL R. MODINA, JOANNA ROSE A. ALO, HELEN H. HAIBIL, EMMARIE F. MAPI-OT, JESSIE JAY P. MACAS, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, SHERYL A. YAP, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and TONY ROBILLARD. 2026. Note on Phalangopsidae Crickets from Sabah and the Philippines, with Description of A New Species of Luzonogryllus.  Zootaxa. 5777(1); 46-60. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5777.1.2 [2026-03-17]

  facebook.com/JnnRsALO/posts/3630866377062704

[Herpetology • 2026] Luperosaurus alvarezi • A New Species of fringed Forest Gecko, Genus Luperosaurus (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Sibuyan Island, Central Philippines

Luperosaurus alvarezi Meneses​ & Brown, 2026
Luperosaurus cumingii Gray, 1845

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20504

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Luperosaurus based on two specimens collected on Sibuyan Island, Romblon Province, central Philippines. The new species is phenotypically similar to L. cumingii (southern Luzon), L. angliit (northern Luzon), L. corfieldi (from Panay and Negros islands), and L. macgregori (the Babuyan and Batanes island groups), but differs from these closely related congeners and all other known Luperosaurus by a combination of discrete morphological characters. Extensive molecular divergence from all closely related species for which genetic data are available supports the new species as a distinct lineage. Its distribution is geographically isolated from congeners, restricted to a permanently isolated deep-water island. The new species’ extremely limited geographic range contributes to the recognition of the remaining forests of the central Philippine Romblon Island Group as a fundamental conservation priority for the archipelago.

Squamata Oppel, 1811

Gekkonidae Gray, 1825

Luperosaurus Gray, 1845

Photos in life of Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. (holotype and paratype) and Luperosaurus cumingii.
Adult specimens of Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. (left to right: holotype: PNM 9866: adult male; SVL 66.1 mm and paratype: UPLB-MNH-Z-NS 4622 (CGM 989); adult female; SVL 78.3 mm) from Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, Romblon Province, Sibuyan Island.
Adult female L . cumingii (TNHC 61910; SVL 75.2 mm) from Mt. Malinao, Albay Province, Bicol Peninsula, Luzon Island. Note differences: L. cumingii has prominent spinose ventrolateral tail tubercles and heterogeneous nuchal and body tubercles (bottom left image).

Photographs were taken by Camila G. Meneses and Rafe M. Brown.

Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov.

  Diagnosis. Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. is diagnosed from congeners by possession of the following combination of characters: (1) bright yellow superciliaries and circumorbitals (Fig. 4); (2) light gray iris (Fig. 4); (3) precloacofemorals 22,22 (Fig. 5B; Fig. S1); (4) five scales contacting nostrils (Figs. 6A, 6B, 6D); (5) Head length/width 1.4,1.5; (6) presence of few, enlarged, flat to convex ornamental scales on margin of anterior forelimb expansion; (7) presence of elliptical, small, and oblique auricular opening; (8) dorsal body tubercles absent; (9) ventrolateral body tubercles absent; (10) presence of few, flat, and enlarged scales on caudal edges of tail whorls; (11) longitudinal midventrals 108, 110; (12) anterior hindlimbs expansions reduced to moderate folds. The condition of five scales contacting the nostrils, head length-to-width ratio, absence of dorsal and ventrolateral body tubercles, and presence of a few flat, enlarged scales on the caudal edges of tail whorls are shared among congeners but are diagnostic for Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. in combination with other characters, distinguishing it from the morphologically similar L. corfieldi and L. cumingii, with which it shares certain intermediate external similarities. Table 1 presents a summary of the distribution of diagnostic character states among Philippine Luperosaurus.

Etymology: We are pleased to name the new species after our dear friend, frequent field companion and collaborator, the late James Alvarez (1991–2018), who lost his life while conducting bat research in the Philippines’ highest mountain, Mt. Apo, on December 8, 2018. We derived the specific epithet, a patronym, in the genitive singular, in recognition to Mr. Alvarez’s scientific contributions and demonstrated personal commitment to furthering knowledge of the natural history of Philippine chiropterans—in particular, the ecology and diversity of bats in Sibuyan Island.

Microhabitat of Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. on Sibuyan Island, Philippines.
(A) Habitat characteristics of the type locality of Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov. at Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park, Sibuyan Island, Philippines, and (B) Appearance of the microhabitat of the new species of Fringed Forest Gecko, Luperosaurus alvarezi sp. nov., on the Gaong River.

Photographs were taken by Camila G. Meneses.

 

Camila G. Meneses​ and Rafe M. Brown. 2026. A New Species of fringed Forest Gecko, Genus Luperosaurus (Squamata: Gekkonidae), from Sibuyan Island, Central Philippines. PeerJ. 14:e20504. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20504 [March 4, 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Apayao Province, Philippines

 

Medinilla calanasan  

in Pelser, Dela Cruz, Suetos, Ibañez et Barcelona, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.1.7 

Abstract

Medinilla calanasan is here described as a new species from Calanasan in Apayao Province in northern Luzon (Philippines). It is morphologically distinct from all other known Medinilla species in having horn-like protrusions at the base of the leaf lamina. Morphological similarities with M. clementis Merr. and M. dolichophylla Merr. suggest that M. calanasan may be a member of the M. magnifica-alliance.

 Luzon, Medinilla magnifica-alliance, Myrtales, taxonomy, Eudicots

Medinilla calanasan sp. nov.

Pieter B. PELSER, Breiden DELA CRUZ, Kristian J. E. SUETOS, Jayson C. IBAÑEZ and Julie F. BARCELONA. 2026. Medinilla calanasan (Melastomataceae), A New Species from Apayao Province, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 742(1); 99-104. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.742.1.7 [2026-02-18]

https://www.philippineeaglefoundation.org/post/new-horn-leaf-medinilla-discovered-inside-apayao-eagle-forest

[Entomology • 2026] Xistra balinsasayaoensis • A New Species of the Genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera: Tetrigidae) from Negros Island, the Philippines

 

 Xistra balinsasayaoensis

Patano, Skejo, Amoroso, Coritico & Kasalo, 2026

 jibs.modares.ac.ir 

 Researchgate.net/publication/400563499

facebook.com/RomeoPatano

Abstract

A new species of genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887, subgenus Xistra, from Negros Island, Visayas (the Philippines) is described here—Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. nov. (Balinsasayao’s horned pygmy grasshopper). It was first documented in May 2017 by an amateur photographer and was finally collected in October 2023. The species belongs to the subgenus Xistra due to its smooth pronotum with a low median carina and moderately high horns. There are now a total of six species of Xistra, three of which are members of the subgenus Xistra. The photographic records of living specimens and their microhabitats, including their bryophyte associates, are provided as well.

Graphical Abstract

 Keywords: Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Montane forest, New species, Oriental, Taxonomy

 Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. n. and its respective microhabitats (tree trunks covered with bryophytes), dorso-lateral views of live specimens. A. Male; B. Female.

Microhabitat of Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. n. in Balinsasayao Twin Lakes Natural Park, Negros Island. Specimens were observed.
A. Old-growth secondary forest perched on B. Tree trunks (Lauraceae) covered with C. Bryophytes (Neckeropsis sp. of the family Neckeraceae).

Xistra balinsasayaoensis sp. nov. 

 

Romeo Jr. R. Patano, Josip Skejo, Victor B. Amoroso, Fulgent P. Coritico and Niko Kasalo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Xistra Bolívar, 1887 (Orthoptera, Tetrigidae) from Negros Island, the Philippines. Journal of Insect Biodiversity and Systematics. 12(1); DOI: 10.48311/jibs.12.01.67 https://jibs.modares.ac.ir/article_27966.html

facebook.com/RomeoPatano/posts/25666680792964103

 Researchgate.net/publication/400563499_A_new_species_of_Xistra_from_Negros_Island_the_Philippines

 

[Botany • 2026] Etlingera cinnabarina, E. funakoshii & E. rigida (Zingiberaceae) • Three New Species from Samar Island, Philippines

 Etlingera rigida Docot;

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas;  

Etlingera funakoshii Docot

 in Docot, Ordas, Moran, Zamudio, Romeroso, Tandang et Poulsen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 

Abstract  

Botanical field surveys performed in the largest terrestrial protected area in the Philippines, Samar Island Natural Park (SINP), led to the discovery of three new species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) herein described. Etlingera cinnabarina sp. nov. can easily be distinguished by its red orange flowers, at least among Philippine species. Etlingera funakoshii sp. nov. was first identified and recorded in the Philippines as Etlingera brevilabrum, but the absence of black patches in the ligule, absence of reddish cloudy patches in the laminae, and 1-2 flowers per flowering shoot makes it a unique species. Etlingera rigida sp. nov. is closely resembling Etlingera pilosa but unique by the sessile leaves, purplish to reddish abaxial side of the lamina and rigid young fertile bracts. Each new species is provided with a detailed description, colour plate, and information on distribution, phenology, and habitat. Etlingera cinnabarina matches the criteria of the IUCN red list as Endangered (EN), whereas E. funakoshii and E. rigida as Critically Endangered (CN), since all three species have narrow distributions and threats in their respective habitats. A key to the Etlingera of Samar Island is also provided.

Keywords: Etlingera brevilabrum; Etlingera pilosa; Etlingera sayapensis; SINP; critically endangered; endangered 

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Lamina; d. Inflorescence. e. Inflorescence. f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous glands. o. Ovary (R.V.A. Docot et al. 357).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot. Scale bars = 1 cm.

Etlingera cinnabarina Docot & Ordas, sp. nov. 

 Similar to Etlingera sayapensis A.D.Poulsen & Ibrahim but differing by the sericeous ligule (vs pubescent); 10–15 mm long petiole (vs 50–70 mm); non-plicate lamina (vs prominently plicate); red orange labellum (vs deep red); lateral lobes of the labellum folded over the stamen forming a 13–16 mm long tube (vs adhering only to the sides of the stamen); and retuse anther crest (vs entire).  

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to its vermilion/red orange corolla lobes and labellum.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot.
a. Habit. b. Ligule. c Inflorescence (top view). d. Inflorescence (side view). e. Inflorescence (detached from the plant). f. Fertile bract. g. Bracteole. h. Calyx. i. Flower (calyx removed). j. Dorsal corolla lobe. k. Lateral corolla lobes. l. Labellum. m. Stamen (front and back view). n. Epigynous gland (front and back view) (S.G.S Zamudio et al. S21−183).

Photos by R.V.A. Docot.

Etlingera funakoshii Docot, sp. nov. 

Similar to Etlingera brevilabrum (Valeton) R.M.Sm. but differing by the glabrous ligule with black patches (vs scabrid without black patches); narrowly ovate lamina without reddish cloudy patches (vs oblong obovate with reddish cloudy patches); 1–2 flowers per flowering shoot (vs 1–6); mid pink corolla lobes (vs red); ecristate anther (vs 3 mm long anther crest); and dark purple stigma (vs dark red or white)  

Etymology. The first author named this species in honour of Dr. Hidenobu Funakoshi, who first saw and documented the species in the type locality. Since the early 2000’s, Dr. Funakoshi continues to share his interest in studying Philippine gingers up to the writing of this paper.

 Etlingera rigida Docot, sp. nov. 

 

Similar to Etlingera pilosa A.D.Poulsen & Docot but differing by the red and truncate apex of the ligule (vs greenish brown and rounded); sessile leaves (vs petiolate); red to greenish red abaxial side of the lamina (vs light green); rigid young fertile bracts (vs soft); pubescent dorsal side of the anther (vs glabrous); and fruit with few small warts near the apex when mature (vs prominently carinated). 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the rigid bracts.

 Docot, R.V.A. ; Ordas, J.A.D. ; Moran, C.B. ; Zamudio, S.G.S. ; Romeroso, R.B. ; Tandang, D.N. ; Poulsen, A.D. 2026. Three New Species of Etlingera (Zingiberaceae) from Samar Island, Philippines. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.02.03 [January 12, 2026]

 facebook.com/HidenobuFunakoshi/posts/25740427845569465