[Botany • 2026] Capparis sekongensis (Capparaceae) • A New Species from the Sekong Province, Laos

 

Capparis sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, 

in Fici, Souvannakhoummane, Lanorsavanh et Lamxay, 2026. 

sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/adansonia/48/20 

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A new species of Capparis L., C. sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, sp. nov., is described and illustrated from the Sekong Province, southern Laos. The new species, belonging to Capparis sect. Monostichocalyx Radlk., is related to C. khuamak Gagnep., differing in several characters as the glabrous-pruinose twigs, the shorter, glabrous pedicels, the smaller sepals, glabrous outside, the petals woolly inside, the shorter gynophore and the subglobose ovary.

Keywords: Capparaceae, Capparis, Laos, sect. Monostichocalyx, new species.

Capparis sekongensis Fici, Souvann., Lanors. & Lamxay, sp. nov.

 

Silvio FICI, Keooudone SOUVANNAKHOUMMANE, Soulivanh LANORSAVANH and Vichith LAMXAY. 2026. A New Species of Capparis L. (Capparaceae) from the Sekong Province, Laos. Adansonia. 48(20); 227-232. [12 October 2026]
https://sciencepress.mnhn.fr/en/periodiques/adansonia/48/20 

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[Botany • 2026] Curcuma tenasserimensis (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Ecomatae) • A New Species from Southwestern Thailand

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, 

in Boonma, S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Srisuk, Phimpha, Ruannakarn, Koompoot et Oo, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15193072

Abstract

Curcuma subgen. Ecomatae comprises several morphologically similar taxa whose delimitation requires careful evaluation of character combinations and intraspecific variation. Botanical surveys across Southwestern Thailand revealed six geographically separated populations of an unidentified Curcuma in Uthai Thani, Kanchanaburi, Ratchaburi, Phetchaburi, and Prachuap Khiri Khan provinces. Taxonomic status was evaluated through detailed comparative morphology and complementary individual-level phenetic analyses of 42 morphological characters using Gower distances, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The analyses comprised a population-level assessment of 120 individuals from six populations and an interspecific comparison of 200 individuals, including the same 120 individuals of the putative new taxon and 20 individuals each of four morphologically allied species. The populations are recognized here as a distinct species, Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov., based on a consistent combination of vegetative, inflorescence, floral, and reproductive characters that distinguishes them from the morphologically allied species examined. The population-level analysis revealed morphological variation among the six geographically separated populations while retaining their overall morphological cohesion. In the interspecific analysis, individuals of C. tenasserimensis formed an overall morphologically cohesive assemblage that was differentiated from the four allied species examined. Together, comparative morphology and individual-level phenetic analyses are consistent with the recognition of C. tenasserimensis as a morphologically distinct species and further document the still-emerging diversity of subgen. Ecomatae in Southwestern Thailand.

Keywords: Gower distance; morphological differentiation; morphological variation; numerical taxonomy; phenetic analysis; Tenasserim range

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.:
 (a) Inflorescence with flowers and sterile bracts. (b) Dorsal corolla lobe. (c) Lateral corolla lobes. (d) Lateral view of stamen. (e) Front view of stamen. (f) Labellum. (g) Lateral staminodes. (h) Epigynous glands and ovary. (i) Seed with arils. (j) Habit. (k) Fruit. (l) Dissected calyx. (m) Lateral view of flower.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

  Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.:
(a) Habits in natural habitat. (b) Lateral view of inflorescence and flower. (c) Top view of inflorescence and flower. (d) Pinkish fertile bracts. (e) Fruits in inflorescence. (f) Dorsal corolla lobe. (g) Lateral corolla lobes. (h) Labellum. (i) Lateral staminodes. (j) Front view of stamen. (k) Lateral view of stamen. (l) Epigynous glands and ovary. (m) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma tenasserimensis Boonma, Saensouk & P.Saensouk, sp. nov.

 Thawatphong Boonma, Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Pathomthat Srisuk, Suriya Phimpha, Prasert Ruannakarn, Kamonwan Koompoot and Win Paing Oo. 2026. A New Species of Curcuma subgen. Ecomatae (Zingiberaceae) from Southwestern Thailand: Morphological Delimitation and Phenetic Evidence. Plants. 15(19), 3072; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/plants15193072 [8 October 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from Central Vietnam, with Nomenclatural Notes including A New Combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis

 

Sonerila plenasicola 

in Hsu, Do, Truong, Hoang et Lin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

A new species, Sonerila plenasicola, is described from Quang Tri Province in Central Vietnam. The new species shares several morphological similarities with S. yunnanensis but differs in having leaves covered with curved strigose hairs, suprabasal acrodromous or subpinnate venation, peduncles lacking gland-tipped hispid hairs, and anthers 2.5–3 mm long. Furthermore, after detailed comparisons of type materials and additional specimens, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of Sonerila cantonensis var. strigosa and S. yunnanensis, two names long treated as synonyms of S. cantonensis in previous studies. Based on their consistent differences in leaf morphology, indumentum, and floral structure, the former is now elevated to species rank, namely S. strigosa, a new record for the flora of Vietnam, and the latter is resurrected. We also provide updated descriptions, information on distribution, ecology and phenology, conservation status, typification notes, and a diagnostic comparison among the related taxa.

Eudicots, endemism, Flora of Vietnam, new taxon, nomenclature, plant taxonomy, Sonerileae

Sonerila plenasicola

 

TIAN-CHUAN HSU, TRUONG VAN DO, QUANG TRUNG TRUONG, HAI NAM HOANG and CHE-WEI LIN. 2026. Sonerila plenasicola (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from Central Vietnam, with Nomenclatural Notes including A New Combination, S. strigosa, and the resurrection of S. yunnanensis.  Phytotaxa. 781(2); 101-115. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1

[2026-10-21] 

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10234854260761135

 

[Entomology • 2025] Keosarima armillata & K. konkakinha • Keosarima gen. nov., A New Genus in the planthopper tribe Sarimini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae) from Indochina

 

 Keosarima gen. nov.
 Keosarima armillata Constant

in Constant et Pham, 2025. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2993 

Abstract

A new genus of Issidae in the tribe Sarimini (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha), Keosarima Constant gen. nov., is described to include two new species, Keosarima armillata Constant gen. et sp. nov., collected in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia, and K. konkakinha gen. et sp. nov., collected in Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Central Vietnam. As a result, four species of Issidae, including two Sarimini, are now recorded from Cambodia, and 59 species, including eight Sarimini, are recorded from Vietnam. A distribution map and illustrations of specimens, terminalia, habitat are provided, as well as a record of trophobiotic interaction for K. armillata, with ants in the genus Camponotus Mayr, 1861 (Hymenoptera: Formicidae). The relationship with the genus Tetrica Stål, 1866 is briefly discussed.

Keywords: biodiversity, Fulgoroidea, Indochina, trophobiosis

Keosarima Constant gen. nov., 

Keosarima armillata Constant gen. et sp. nov., collected in Keo Seima Wildlife Sanctuary in Mondulkiri Province in Cambodia, 

K. konkakinha gen. et sp. nov., collected in Kon Ka Kinh National Park in Central Vietnam

Jérôme Constant and Hong Thai Pham. 2025. Keosarima gen. nov., A New Genus in the planthopper tribe Sarimini from Indochina (Hemiptera: Fulgoromorpha: Issidae). European Journal of Taxonomy. 1007(1); 35–56. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2025.1007.2993 

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis orlovi • An overlooked Mountain Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis) from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos

 

Ovophis orlovi  

 Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Yuhao, Tierui, Pawangkhanant, Ananjeva, David, Vogel, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2026

 rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 

facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982 

Researchgate.net/publication/415133263

Abstract

An overlooked species of the mountain pitviper genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge and Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the highlands of central Vietnam and southern Laos based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular and morphological evidence. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. has long been confused with O. monticola and, less frequently, O. convictus, but is recovered as a distinct and well-supported evolutionary lineage in mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses, forming the sister taxon to O. anitae. Its distinctiveness is further supported by substantial mitochondrial divergence from its closest relative (cyt b uncorrected p-distance = 8.0%) and by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including body proportions, scalation, and color pattern. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. is currently known from montane evergreen forests of the Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau in central Vietnam and adjacent montane areas of southern Laos at elevations of approximately 900 – 1,400 m a.s.l. The recognition of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. resolves a long-standing taxonomic misidentification involving populations previously referred to O. monticola or O. convictus, further demonstrates that species diversity within Ovophis remains underestimated, and highlights the importance of integrative taxonomic studies for uncovering overlooked diversity in the montane regions of mainland Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.; integrative taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; morphology; Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau; Bolaven Plateau; biogeography

Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.

Variation in coloration of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. in life.
Vietnam: A, Mang Den, Quang Ngai, VRTC NAP-18718, adult female, holotype; B, Kon Chu Rang NR, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-16315, subadult male, paratype; C, Kon Ka Kinh NP, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-15452, subadult female, paratype.
Laos: Bolaven Plateau, Champasak: D, adult individual; E, F, subadult individual.

Photos by A. M. Bragin (A), N. A. Poyarkov (B, C), and A. Teynié (D – F)

Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Xu Yuhao, Zhang Tierui, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2026. An overlooked Mountain Pitviper from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(3); 178-196. http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 [September 30, 2026]

 facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982

 Researchgate.net/publication/415133263_An_overlooked_Ovophis_from_the_montane_regions_of_Vietnam_Laos

 

 Ovophis orlovi sp. nov., Mang Den Commune, Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, June 6, 2016. Photo by Andrey M. Bragin

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria flavicollaris • Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand

 

 Calamaria flavicollaris

 Aksornneam, Rujirawan, Yodthong, Pawangkhanant, Sung & Aowphol, 2026

 

Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake | งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Abstract

A new species of Calamaria is described from the Tenasserim Range, Ratchaburi Province, western Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit and in contact with first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact with the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) dark collar followed by yellow ring at nuchal region. Genetically, the new species exhibits a pairwise distance of ≥17.56% from all other congeners based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene fragment. Furthermore, we provide cranial osteological description of the new species based on micro-CT scanning. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. is currently known only from the type locality and represents the fourth species of the genus recorded for Thailand. 

Keywords: cranial osteology; herpetofauna; Isthmus of Kra; molecular; reed snake; Southeast Asia

Holotype of Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131) in life. A small figure shows the yellow color on the ventral side of this species 

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Head of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131).
A–B lateral view C–D dorsal view E–F ventral view

Holotype of  Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. (ZMKU R 01131)
in preservative. A dorsal view B ventral view C lateral view at the midbody D dorsal view of tail E ventral view of tail

Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters (Tables 3, 4; Suppl. Table 1): 1) rostral scale wider than high; 2) portion of rostral scale visible from above greater than the half the length of the prefrontal suture; 3) prefrontal length shorter than frontal length, not entering orbit, and in contact first two supralabials; 4) five or six scales surrounding the paraparietal scale; 5) preocular and postocular present; 6) four supralabials, the second and third in contact the eyes; 7) eye diameter smaller than eye-mouth distance; 8) five infralabials, the first pair separating the mental scale from anterior chin shields; 9) seven modified maxillary teeth; 10) 180 ventral scales with three preventral scales; 11) 13 divided subcaudal scales; 12) cloacal plate single; 13) tail relatively short (4.5% of the total length), tapering, gradually to a pointed tail tip; 14) dorsum dark brown with eleven dark longitudinal stripes; 15) ventral surface yellow with a median line of dark flecks on underside of tail; and 16) a dark nuchal collar followed by a yellow ring along neck.

Four Calamaria species in Thailand:
A Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov. from Suan Phueng District, Ratchaburi Province B C. lumbricoidea from Than To District, Yala Province
C C. schlegeli from Betong District, Yala Province D C. pavimentata from Kaeng Hang Maeo District, Chanthaburi Province 

Photos by Parinya Pawangkhanant (A–C) and Attapol Rujirawan (D)

Etymology. The specific epithet flavicollaris is derived from the Latin words “flavo” (yellow), “collare” (collar or neck), and the suffix “-aris”, which refers to the appearance of the yellow nuchal ring of this species. 

We suggested an English common name “Tenasserim Collared Reed Snake” and the Thai common name “งูพงอ้อบ่วงบาศ” (Ngu Phong O Buang Bat) for this species.

 Akrachai Aksornneam, Attapol Rujirawan, Siriporn Yodthong, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Yik-Hei Sung, and Anchalee Aowphol. 2026. Integrative Taxonomy reveals A New Species of Calamaria (Squamata: Calamariidae) from the Tenasserim Range, Western Thailand.  Contributions to Zoology. 95(4); 366–410. DOI: doi.org/10.1163/18759866-bja10102 [22 Sep 2026]

งูพงอ้อหัวแดง Calamaria schlegeli; 

งูพงอ้อหลากลาย Calamaria lumbricoidea; 

งูพงอ้อท้องเหลือง Calamaria pavimentata

[Botany • 2026] Beaumontia laotica (Apocynaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen, 

in Ma, Xi, Lorphengsy et Shen, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0130 

Abstract

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen (Apocynaceae) is described as a new species from Bolikhamxai Province, Laos. It closely resembles B. grandiflora, B. murtonii and B. jerdoniana, but differs from them by several features of the leaves, sepals and corolla, and by flowering in November. A full taxonomic description, diagnostic illustration and formal IUCN conservation assessment are presented for the new species. An identification key to all species of Beaumontia is provided.

Beaumontia laotica (from the holotype).
 — A: Branch. — B: Longitudinal section of flower. — C: Style-head and anther, side view. — D: Anther, adaxial view. — E: Anther, abaxial view. — F: Ovary, side view.

Beaumontia laotica (A and B photographed at type locality, 11 November 2025; C–P from the holotype).
— A: Natural habitat. — B: Habit. — C: Branch. — D: Young stem. — E: Leaf, adaxial view. — F: Leaf, abaxial view. — G: Adaxial leaf surface. — H: Abaxial leaf surface. — I: Inflorescence. — J: Bracts, adaxial views. — K: Sepals, adaxial views. — L: Flower, front view. — M: Longitudinal section of corolla showing inner surface and stamens. — N: Pedicel and pistil, side view. — O: Disc and ovary, front view. — P: Ovary, side view.

Beaumontia laotica X.D. Ma, H.C. Xi, S. Lorphengsy & J.Y. Shen, sp. nova

Diagnosis. Beaumontia laotica differs from B. grandiflora, B. murtonii and B. jerdoniana by its lanceolate or narrowly obovate (vs. elliptic or obovate) leaf blade; persistent (vs. deciduous) bracts; glabrous (vs. pubescent) sepals; and glabrous (vs. pubescent or puberulent) corolla tube, lower portion ca. 7.4 cm long (vs. 1.5–2.5 cm long), upper portion abruptly expanding to trumpet-shaped, ca. 2 cm long (vs. obconical or campanulate, 6.5–11 cm long). 

Xing-Da Ma, Hou-Cheng Xi, Sengvilay Lorphengsy and Jian-Yong Shen. 2026. Beaumontia laotica (Apocynaceae), A New Species from central Laos. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1), 233-237. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0130  (11 September 2026) 

[Mollusca • 2026] Sitala chorchati • A New Species of the Tiny Tree Snail Genus Sitala H. Adams, 1865 (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae) from Northeastern Thailand

 

Sitala chorchati Tanmuangpak & S. Tumpeesuwan, 

in Tanmuangpak, Nahok, Chanlabut, Taesuk, S. Tumpeesuwan et C. Tumpeesuwan, 2026. 

หอยยอดเจดีย์ช่อฉัตร | DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy6040061 

 

Abstract

A new species of the tiny tree stylommatophoran snails in the genus Sitala H. Adams, 1865, is described based on specimens recently discovered in dry evergreen and dry dipterocarp forests on limestone hills and in agricultural plantations near limestone hills in Loei Province, northeastern Thailand. The new species is characterized by a high, pyramid-shaped, thin, and translucent yellowish-brown shell with a sharp peripheral keel. Although its external shell morphology resembles that of Sitala liricincta (Stoliczka, 1871), the new species can be distinguished by its greater number of whorls (9¼). Comparative anatomical analysis further revealed significant interspecific differences in genital organs, particularly in the length and shape of the vagina, and in the proportions of the penis, epiphallus, and penial caecum. This discovery is the first verified record of the genus Sitala in Thailand.

Keywords: shell morphology; radula; epiphallic retractor caecum; leaf inhabitant; limestone hill

Taxonomy

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae, Godwin-Austen, 1888

Tribe Durgellini Godwin-Austen, 1888

Genus Sitala H. Adams, 1865

Type species. Helix infula Benson, 1848

Diagnosis of genus. Shell turbinoid, thin and translucent, conic or pyramid in shape, outlines, spire conical, consisting of 5.5–7 convex striated whorls. Protoconch and subsequent whorls covered with spiral sculpture, base convex. Umbilicus minute, partially covered. Aperture lack teeth. Peristome thin, simple and not expanded. Penis, vagina, and spermatheca (gametolytic sac) connect to atrium; Penis long, subcylindrical. Epiphallus short, with a simple epiphallic caecum produce into penial retractor. Vas deferens entering epiphallus laterally. Vagina very short (or absent), depending on the position at which the spermatheca enter the genital tract near the atrium. Free oviduct relatively long. Spermathecal stalk enlarges basally; reservoir elongated and embedded in spermoviduct. Amatorial organ (Sarcobellum) present or absent.

 Live snail, Sitala chorchati sp. nov., paratype NHLRU080.

 Photograph: Kitti Tanmuangpak.

 Shell morphology of Sitala chorchati sp. nov., holotype NHLRU079.
(A), Apertural view; (B), Lateral view; (C), Ventral view; (D), Dorsal view.

Photograph: Kitti Tanmuangpak.

Sitala chorchati Tanmuangpak & S. Tumpeesuwan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Sitala chorchati sp. nov. is similar in shell morphology to Sitala attegia (Benson, 1859) and Sitala liricincta (Stoliczka, 1871), particularly in having shell conical, high spire shell, thin and translucent. Differing from both species in smaller shell and a greater number of whorls, 4.12–5.28 mm and 9¼ whorls, whereas 5.8 mm and 6½–7 whorls in S. liricincta, and 7–12 mm and 6½–8 whorls in S. attegia (Table 4).

Etymology. The specific epithet “chorchati” is given in honour of Admiral Chorchat Gra-tes of the Royal Thai navy, former Deputy Chief of Defence, an independent conchologist and owner of a private shell collection in Bangkok, Thailand.

 Kitti Tanmuangpak, Benchawan Nahok, Utain Chanlabut, Nonthiwat Taesuk, Sakboworn Tumpeesuwan and Chanidaporn Tumpeesuwan. 2026. A New Species of the Tiny Tree Snail Genus Sitala H. Adams, 1865 (Gastropoda, Eupulmonata, Helicarionidae) from Northeastern Thailand. Taxonomy. 6(4), 61. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy6040061 [7 October 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella quangninhensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella quangninhensis 

Luong, Hoang, Pham, Ziegler & Nguyen, 2026

 

 http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2250 

 facebook.com/HoangChung2019

Abstract 

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella is described from Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam based on genetic divergence and morphological differences. Leptobrachella quangninhensis sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: size medium (SVL 28.1 – 28.7 mm (n = 4) in adult males and 36.0 mm in one adult female); head longer than wide; tympanum distinct; belly creamy white; toe webbing rudimentary and without lateral fringes; supratympanic fold edged by a distinct black line; iris bicolored, copper in upper part, fading to golden in lower part; interorbital region with distinct black triangle; dorsal skin smooth with fine scattered tubercles. In terms of genetic distance, the new species differs from other congeners for which comparable sequences are available by at least 6.15% (16S rRNA gene). This species description brings the total number of known species in the genus Leptobrachella from Vietnam to 38.

Keywords: Leptobrachella quangninhensis sp. nov.; morphology; molecular phylogeny; taxonomy

Leptobrachella quangninhensis sp. nov.  

Anh Mai Luong, Chung Van Hoang, Cuong The Pham, Thomas Ziegler and Truong Quang Nguyen. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(3); 197-216. [September 30, 2026] 

 http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2250 

 facebook.com/HoangChung2019/posts/28710851798545157

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella batxatensis & L. duyenae • Hidden Biodiversity in the Tropical Rain Forests: Two New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam

Leptobrachella duyenae 

Hoang, Pham, Phan, Do, Bin Wang, Jiang & Nguyen, 2025 

Cóc mày duyên  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0039 

 facebook.com/HoangChung2019

Abstract

Two new species of Leptobrachella are described from Vietnam based on morphological differences and genetic divergences in 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The new taxa are distinguished from each other and from other species of the genus Leptobrachella in body size, head width/length ratio, tympanum morphology, dorsal skin texture, the presence/absence of fringes on toes, color of dorsal and ventral body, and iris color. The two new species are also divergent from each other and from other congeners by a 4.14% or greater uncorrected genetic distance. Leptobrachella batxatensis sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. shiwandashanensis and L. wuhuangmontis from China. Leptobrachella duyenae sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. bidoupensis from Vietnam with strong nodal support from both BI and ML analyses (1.0/99%).

Keywords: 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene, Leptobrachella batxatensis sp. nov., Leptobrachella duyenae sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy

Variation of Leptobrachella batxatensis sp. nov. in life.
Dorsolateral view of A: Paratype (IEBR A.5224), B: Paratype (IEBR A.5225), C: Paratype (IEBR A.5226), D: Paratype (IEBR A.5227), E: Paratype (IEBR A.5228); and F: Ventral view of Paratype (IEBR A.5228).

Leptobrachella batxatensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: Specific epithet is an adjective in reference to the type locality, the Bat Xat Nature Reserve of Lao Cai Province. 

We recommend “Bat Xat Litter Frog” as the common English name and “Cóc mày bát xát” as the Vietnamese name.

Holotype of Leptobrachella duyenae sp. nov. in life (IEBR A.5229). A: Dorsolateral view; B: Ventral view; C: Left hand; D: Left food; and E: Cloacal area. Scale bars = 10 mm.
Variation of  Leptobrachella duyenae sp. nov. in life. A: Dorsolateral view; B: Ventral view of Paratype female (IEBR A.5233); C: Dorsolateral view; and D: Ventral view of Paratype male (IEBR A.5230).

Leptobrachella duyenae sp. nov.

Etymolog: The species is epithet, a noun that recognizes Mrs. Duyen Thi NGUYEN, for her understanding and strong support of C. V. HOANG’s research. She also assisted with fieldwork and collected the holotype. 

We recommend “Duyen’s Litter Frog” as the common English name and “Cóc mày duyên” as the Vietnamese name.  

Van Chung HOANG, The Cuong PHAM, Quang Tien PHAN, Trong Dang DO, Bin WANG, Jianping JIANG and Quang Truong NGUYEN. 2025. Hidden Biodiversity in the Tropical Rain Forests: Two New Species of Leptobrachella Smith 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Vietnam. Asian Herpetological Research. 16(2); 169 - 191. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0039 [Mar 6, 2025]

 facebook.com/HoangChung2019/posts/25595701346726900

[Mollusca • 2023] Siamochlamys panhai • A New Limestone Karst‐Restricted Terrestrial Snail (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae) from Thailand

Siamochlamys panhai Pholyotha, 

Pholyotha, Tongkerd et Sutcharit, 2023. 

DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.23.7.258814 

Abstract

A new genus and new species of helicarionid snail, Siamochlamys panhai, is described from limestone outcrops in Thailand. This new genus differs from all helicarionid genera based on morphological characters of shell, radula, and genitalia. The diagnostic characters of Siamochlamys panhai gen. et sp. nov. are depressed shell, well-polished surface, umbilicus opened, and aperture less covered by reflection of columellar margin. The genitalia exhibit a straight epiphallic caecum and small flagellum but lack a dart apparatus; radula has tricuspid central and lateral teeth and bicuspid marginal teeth. The discovery of this karst-associated land snail increases the knowledge of endemic malacofauna in Thailand, and also suggests that many taxa remain undiscovered.

Keywords: endemic, Indochina, land snail, limestones, taxonomy

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Living snails and mantle extensions of Siamochlamys panhai gen. et sp. nov. paratype CUMZ14211.
A. living snail during relaxed position showing the expansion of mantles B. alcohol-preserved snailshowingshell lobes and dorsal lobes and posterior body C. dorsal view of mantle extensions (shell lobes and dorsal lobes).

Genus Siamochlamys Pholyotha gen. nov.

Etymology.− The name combines ‘Siam’,which is a former name of Thailand,chosen because this snail is restricted to the country as far as we know, and the Greek word ‘chlamys’,meaning “mantle or cloak”. Therefore, the generic name means the land snail with well-developed mantle extensions from Thailand. 

Diagnosis.− Depressed, glossy shellwith open umbilicus, straight epiphallic caecum, short flagellum, no dart apparatus, radula with tricuspidcentral and lateral teeth and bicuspid marginal teeth, andfive mantle extensions well-developed.

Siamochlamys panhai Pholyotha, sp. nov.

Arthit Pholyotha, Piyoros Tongkerd, Chirasak Sutcharit. 2023. Siamochlamys panhai, A New Limestone Karst‐Restricted Terrestrial Snail from Thailand (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae). Tropical Natural History. Supplement 7;41-50. DOI: doi.org/10.58837/tnh.23.7.258814 

[Botany • 2026] Curcuma koonmeeana (Zingiberaceae, subgen. Hitcheniopsis) • A New endemic Species from Central Thailand

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, 

in S. Saensouk, P. Saensouk, Boonma, Ruannakarn, Junsongduang et Setyawan. 2026.  

กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Abstract

Continued botanical exploration in previously insufficiently surveyed areas of Saraburi Province, Central Thailand, revealed an undescribed member of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis. This study aimed to formally describe the taxon, assess its morphological distinctiveness, evaluate its phenetic relationships, and provide a preliminary conservation assessment. Morphological observations were based on living and freshly collected material, herbarium specimens, protologues, and comparative taxonomic sources. Phenetic relationships among 11 taxa were assessed using 34 morphological characters, the Gower coefficient, UPGMA clustering, and principal coordinates analysis (PCoA). The new species, Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, is distinguished from morphologically allied taxa by a unique combination of fertile-bract architecture, poorly developed coma bracts, well-exserted flowers, labellum morphology and indumentum, yellow markings, and anther-crest configuration. Phenetic analyses summarized overall morphological relationships among the sampled taxa, with Curcuma charanii Boonma & Saensouk showing the greatest Gower similarity to C. koonmeeana. The species is currently known from two populations along the same limestone mountain range and is provisionally assessed as Vulnerable (VU D1). Its recognition increases the known native diversity of subgen. Hitcheniopsis in Thailand to 31 taxa, comprising 30 species and one natural hybrid. The discovery highlights the continuing value of targeted botanical exploration and the need for habitat and population conservation.

Keywords: Curcuma; Hitcheniopsis; limestone; phenetic analysis; Phra Phutthabat; Saraburi; taxonomy

 Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.:
(a) Habit. (b) Thyrse with flowers. (c) Front view of flower. (d,e) Coma bracts. (f) Lateral view of fertile bract. (g) Fertile bract. (h) Front view of anther. (i) Lateral view of anther. (j) Back view of anther. (k) Dorsal corolla lobe. (l) Lateral corolla lobes. (m) Cincinnus with bracteole and flower. (n) Lateral staminodes. (o) Labellum. (p) Flower with calyx and ovary.

Photographs by Thawatphong Boonma.

Curcuma koonmeeana Saensouk, P.Saensouk & Boonma, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Curcuma koonmeeana is morphologically most similar to C. charanii in having short, non-creeping rhizome branches, glabrous laminae and fertile bracts, exserted flowers, and similarly coloured lateral staminodes, but differs in having an internally pale-yellow rhizome (vs. ivory), globose to subglobose tuberous roots (vs. fusiform), undulate lamina margins (vs. entire), fertile bracts with the lower ones obtrullate and the upper ones rhomboid to lanceolate (vs. broadly ovate), longer, well-exserted flowers (vs. exserted), narrower lateral staminodes with a broadly obtuse to occasionally acute apex (vs. broader, with a rounded apex), a larger, deeply bilobed labellum with a V-shaped sinus c. 8 mm deep (vs. emarginate, with a sinus 4–5 mm deep), and a white filament (vs. pale purple)  

Etymology: The specific epithet “koonmeeana” is named in honor of Mrs. Koonmee Saensouk, in recognition of her invaluable support and contributions behind the study of Zingiberaceae diversity in Thailand.   "กระเจียวม่วงคูณมี"

Surapon Saensouk, Piyaporn Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Prasert Ruannakarn, Auemporn Junsongduang and Ahmad Dwi Setyawan. 2026. Continued Botanical Exploration Uncovers A New endemic Species of Curcuma subgen. Hitcheniopsis (Zingiberaceae) from Central Thailand. Life. 16(10), 1623. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16101623 [28 September 2026]