[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus mursalensis • A New Species of Bent-toed Gecko Genus Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Mursala Island, Indonesia

Cyrtodactylus mursalensis 

Muammar, Martamenggala, Siregar, Pradana, Putra, Hamidy, Smith & Riyanto, 2026

Cicak Jari Lengkung Pulau Mursala | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.4.6 

 

Abstract

Here we describe a new bent-toed gecko of the genus Cyrtodactylus from Mursala, a small island adjacent to Sumatra, Indonesia. The new species is easily distinguished from its congeners by its known maximum SVL 100 mm, tubercles present on dorsal surface of brachium, ventrolateral body folds present, 20–22 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody, 34–35 paravertebral tubercles series, 38–42 ventral scale rows across belly, precloacal depression in slit form, single precloacal pore sunken into precloacal depression present in male, absent in female, females with a single large elongated apical precloacal scale, abrupt transition between the enlarged femorals and the adjacent scales on the posterior margin of the thigh, 23–24 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe, and lacking median enlarge subequal scales.

Reptilia, Cyrtodactylus, Mursala Island, Sumatra, endemic

Holotype of Cyrtodactylus mursalensis sp. nov. MZB.Lace15711.
 (A) Dorsolateral view. (B) Dorsal view in head down orientation.

Photographs by Muammar.

Cyrtodactylus mursalaensis sp. nov.  

Recommended English common name: Mursala’s Bent-toed Gecko 

Recommended Indonesia common name: Cicak Jari Lengkung Pulau Mursala

Diagnosis. The following combination of characters distinguishes C. mursalaensis sp. nov. from all other congeners: adult male reaching 99.2 mm SVL and female 100 mm SVL; tubercles present on dorsal surface of brachium; ventrolateral body folds present; 20–22 irregular dorsal tubercle rows at midbody; 34–35 paravertebral tubercles series; 38–42 ventral scale rows across belly; precloacal depression in slit form; single precloacal pore sunken into precloacal depression present in male, absent in female; Females with a single large elongated apical precloacal scale; abrupt transition between the enlarged femorals and the adjacent scales on the posterior margin of the thigh; 23–24 subdigital lamellae on fourth toe; and subequal median subcaudal scales not transversely enlarged.

 Habitat of Cyrtodactylus mursalensis sp. nov. in Mursala Island, Indonesia.

Photographs by Muammar.

Muammar MUAMMAR, Andri I.S. MARTAMENGGALA, Akhmad J. SIREGAR, Tengku G. PRADANA, Chairunas A. PUTRA, Amir HAMIDY, Eric N. SMITH and Awal RIYANTO. 2026. Description of New Species of Bent-toed Gecko Genus Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Mursala Island, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5878(4); 573-588. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5878.4.6 [2026-09-16]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Chromis veneta • Resolving Cryptic Diversity in the Chromis viridis species complex (Blenniiformes: Pomacentridae): a multilocus phylogenetic and morphometric reassessment of species boundaries

 

Chromis veneta 

Rekha, Jayakumar, Abhilash, Ahamed Rasheeq, Saikrishnan, Vallarasu, Gladston, Chakraborty & Ajithkumar, 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1922804

Abstract

The blue-green damselfish, Chromis viridis (Cuvier, 1830), is widely distributed across Indo-Pacific coral reefs and is among the most heavily traded marine ornamental fishes. Recent molecular studies have suggested the presence of cryptic diversity within the C. viridis complex, but species boundaries remain unresolved. Multilocus phylogenetic analyses incorporating three mitochondrial markers—cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI), cytochrome b (cytb), and the mitochondrial control region (D-loop)—and two nuclear markers, recombination-activating gene 1 (RAG1) and recombination-activating gene 2 (RAG2), were performed to assess lineage diversification within the Chromis viridis species complex. Specimens collected from the Lakshadweep Archipelago and the Gulf of Mannar, India, formed a distinct and well-supported lineage that was clearly separated from C. viridis sensu stricto and other congeners in phylogenetic reconstructions and genetic distance analyses. Multiple species-delimitation approaches consistently supported the recognition of this lineage as an independently evolving taxon, and morphometric analyses revealed corresponding differences in body proportions and meristic characters. Based on the concordance of molecular and morphological evidence, a new species, Chromis veneta sp. nov., is herein described from the Indian Ocean. The new species differs from C. viridis in having a relatively elongate body, narrower caudal peduncle, distinctive body pigmentation, yellowish to orangish distal fin margins, and a deeply forked caudal fin with elongate lobe tips. Additional diagnostic features include differences in dentition, gill-raker counts and sagittal otolith morphology. The discovery of C. veneta sp. nov. highlights underestimated diversity within the C. viridis complex and underscores the importance of integrative taxonomy in revealing cryptic reef-fish diversity.

Keywords: Chromis veneta sp. nov., Chromis viridis complex, cryptic species diversity, species delimitation, multilocus phylogenetics, integrative taxonomy, morphometric analysis, Pomacentridae

 

Chromis veneta sp. nov., freshly collected holotype, NBFGR/POMCVEN, 52.0 mm SL, Agatti Island.

Caption Male of Chromis veneta sp. nov. (64.51 mm SL) in live breeding coloration.

Chromis veneta sp. nov. in its natural coral reef habitat at Agatti Island, Lakshadweep, associated with branching Acropora corals and occurring sympatrically with Chromis viridis, Pomacentrus pavo, and Dascyllus aruanus.

Chromis veneta sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: Chromis veneta sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: dorsal-fin rays XII, 9–10 (usually 10); anal-fin rays II, 9–10 (usually 10); pectoral-fin rays 16–17 (usually 17); pelvic-fin rays I, 5; principal caudal-fin rays 8 + 7; spiniform caudal rays 3; tubed lateral-line scales 15–16; gill rakers 9–10 + 23–26 (usually 9 + 24), total 33–35 (usually 33); body depth 2.27–2.56 in SL; caudal-peduncle depth 0.63–0.77 in head length; and caudal-peduncle length 0.51–0.73 in head length. In life, the body is bright aquamarine-green with a subtle iridescent blue-green sheen. Each scale on the upper and middle flanks is narrowly edged with yellow-green, forming a fine reticulate pattern that becomes more conspicuous under illumination. The ventral surface is pale silvery white. A diffuse black patch is present at the upper base of the pectoral fin and is more conspicuous in live specimens. A fine, continuous blue-green stripe extends from the tip of the snout to the anterior margin of the orbit. Reproductively active individuals further exhibit distinct yellowish to amber pigmentation along the distal margins of the dorsal and anal fins.

Etymology: The specific epithet, veneta is derived from the Latin venetus, meaning “sea-blue” or “azure,” referring to the characteristic of blue green to turquoise coloration exhibited by the species in live condition. The name is treated as an adjective in agreement with the generic name Chromis.

 

M. U. Rekha, Teena Jayakumar T. K., Abhilash C. P. Ahamed Rasheeq A., Saikrishnan K. R., Vallarasu R., Gladston Y., Kajal Chakraborty and Ajithkumar T. T. 2026. Resolving Cryptic Diversity in the Chromis viridis species complex (Pomacentridae): a multilocus phylogenetic and morphometric reassessment of species boundaries. Front. Mar. Sci. 13; 1922804. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fmars.2026.1922804 [04 September 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Acanthosaura aurantiogularis • A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Lacertilia: Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, 

in Wang, Lu, Zhao, Shi, Wan, Zhu, Jin et Che, 2026

橙喉棘蜥 | Orange-throated Pricklenape  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408

Abstract

Using an integrative dataset of both mitochondrial DNA and morphological data, we describe a new species of the genus Acanthosaura from the China-Myanmar border region in Menglian County, Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China. The new species, Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov., is sister to A. tongbiguanensis, and it can be readily diagnosed from all recognized congeners by its bright orange gular coloration in the male, flesh colored oral cavity, moderate post-orbital spines and occipital spines, five or six well-developed nuchal crest scales, and a distinct dorsal coloration. We recommend further comprehensive phylogenetic studies of the genus and highlighted the understudied agamid diversity in northeastern Myanmar.

Key words: Agamid, Burma, cross-border, distribution, Draconinae, Pricklenape, taxonomy

Comparison between males (left column) and females (right column) of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (top row, A, B) and closely related A. tongbiguanensis (bottom row, C, D) in life.

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu and Kai Wang.

Holotype male of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61664) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

Paratype female of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61665) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

 

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. can be diagnosed from congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) tail short, TAL 167% SVL in female; (2) length of post-orbital and occipital spines moderate, LOPS 11.0–15.1% HL, LLOC 9.5–15.9% HL; (3) nuchal crest erected, 5 or 6, discontinuous from dorsal crests, TNCL 13.8–18.7% HL; (4) diastema short, composed of 6–8 small scales; (5) dorsal crest erected, anterior most one shorter than nuchal, decreasing in length posteriorly; (6) enlarged middorsal crest scales 41; (7) gular pouch moderately developed, transverse gular fold ...

Etymology. The specific epithet aurantiogularis is a compound Neo-Latin adjective derived from the Latin aurantius, meaning “orange-colored,” and gularis, meaning “the throat”. This nomenclature is a direct descriptor of the lizard’s most striking and diagnostic morphological feature: the vibrant, unmarked orange-yellow gular pouch in males. The suggested Chinese common name is “橙喉棘蜥” (Pinyin: Chéng Hóu Jí Xī), and the suggested English common name is Orange-throated Pricklenape.

 Kai WANG, Zhuo-Yu LU, Gui-Gang ZHAO, Wei SHI, Ru-Wen WAN, Na ZHU, Jie-Qiong JIN and Jing CHE. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China. ZooKeys. 1290: 319-337.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408 [27 Aug 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Dasypeltis albigularis • A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Colubridae: Colubrinae: Boigini)

Dasypeltis albigularis Tiutenko, Heller & Bates, 2026

[A] Dasypeltis atra Sternfeld, 1912 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 

Abstract

Based on morphology, biogeography, biology, and the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, a new species of Dasypeltis is described from Harenna Forest in the southern Somalian plateau in Ethiopia. It is a medium-sized member of the genus (females up to 92 cm total length, males up to 58 cm), usually uniformly black dorsally but occasionally light brown with a dense and somewhat irregular pattern of narrow brown saddles and vertically elongate lateral markings, sometimes forming bands across the back, and small white spots and streaks, or reddish-brown with indistinct darker dorsal and lateral markings. Interstitial skin is light grey, appearing bluish in adults. Infralabials, chin shields, gulars, and 20–62 anterior ventral plates (medially) are mostly white, the other plates being ash-grey or black in colour. Scales in the first row of dorsals on either side of the body are smooth or almost smooth; those of the second row are weakly keeled; other dorsal scales are moderately keeled with two apical pits each. Pairwise genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener, D. atra, is similar to or greater than the distances between some long-recognised species in the genus. The new species is also geographically and ecologically isolated from closely related congeners.

Key Words: Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov., Dasypeltis atra, Dasypeltis fasciata, Dasypeltis gansi, egg-eater, Harenna Forest, Horn of Africa, Serpentes, Somalia, taxonomy

A. Dasypeltis atra from Chuka, Kenya (ZSM 328/2023);
B. Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia (ZSM 94/2019).

A patterned specimen (HFE2025-023) of Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. from the Harenna Forest, Ethiopia.

Male Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov. (HFE2025-002) from Manyate village, Harenna Forest, Ethiopia. Note the bluish interstitial skin.

Dasypeltis albigularis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Dasypeltis (females approximately 90 cm in total length, males less than 60 cm). Dorsally usually uniformly dark-grey or blackish, seldom reddish-brown with faint dark streaks; or light yellow-brown with a dense and irregular pattern of small brown saddles and narrow brown bars on the flanks, and numerous small white markings. Interstitial skin light grey, sometimes bluish, especially in adults. Anterior infralabials, gulars, chin shields and 20–62 anterior ventral plates mostly white, other ventrals gradually transition to ash-grey. Dorsal scales arranged around midbody in 20–23 rows. Scales of the first row of dorsals on either side of the body very weakly keeld or smooth and much larger than other dorsal scales. Scales of the second row on either side of body weakly keeled. Other dorsal scales each with a moderate median keel and a pair of apical pits distally. Head with fine white spots and speckles. Supralabials 7, 3rd and 4th bordering orbit. Postocular single. Frontal shield pitted in only one row around edges. Inter-prefrontal sulcus moderately marked, not deep. Prefrontal scales longer and larger overall than internasals. Rostral shield visible from above head.

Etymology. The specific Latin epithet ‘albigularis’ means ‘white-throated’ and refers to the pale ventral colouration on the lower parts of the head and anterior parts of the body of the new species.

Arthur Tiutenko, Tim L. Heller and Michael F. Bates. 2026. A New Species of ‘black’ egg-eating Snake of the Genus Dasypeltis Wagler (Squamata, Colubridae, Colubrinae, Boigini). Herpetozoa. 39: 343-366. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043 [27 Aug 2026]

[Crustacea • 2026] Cambarus emegi • A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status

 

Cambarus emegi 

Lieb, Williams, Foltz & Loughman, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 

  facebook.com/WLUCrayfish

Abstract

A new species of crayfish, Cambarus emegi sp. nov., is described from the upper James and Roanoke River basins in Virginia and the lower Delaware River basin in Pennsylvania, where it occurs in streams and small rivers. The species was formerly part of the Cambarus acuminatus species complex (Cambarus species C complex), a long-standing taxonomic enigma that is widely distributed across the Atlantic slope drainages of eastern North America. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. can be distinguished from Cambarus acuminatus due to the absence of a well-defined subpalmar tubercle, greater number of punctations across its areola, and differences in the mesial process of the form I male gonopod. Coloration and pattern in life differ between the two species. Additionally, the distributions of C. emegi sp. nov. and C. acuminatus are separated by hundreds of kilometers. The ranges of two other undescribed members of the Cambarus species C complex border that of C. emegi sp. nov. in Virginia. These species do not appear to overlap geographically; C. emegi sp. nov. is confined to the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, whereas the two undescribed species are found in the Blue Ridge and northern inner Piedmont regions. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is morphologically similar but visually and genetically different from the undescribed species directly to the south in the upper Roanoke River system. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is both visually and morphologically similar but genetically distinct from the undescribed species immediately downstream in the James River basin. Cambarus emegi sp. nov. is threatened by several potentially interacting factors including invasive crayfishes, narrow range, and urban and agricultural development. Alarmingly, the species is being rapidly replaced by invasive Faxonius species across a substantial part of its range. This paper represents an important step in providing the information needed to conserve and manage Cambarus emegi sp. nov.

Crustacea, Cambarus species C., Cambarus acuminatus, new species, Ridge and Valley, Northern Piedmont, Delaware, James, Roanoke, invasive crayfish

 Cambarus emegi sp. nov., color in life: (a) holotype, NCSM 95987; (b) allotype, NCSM 95988.

Life color and color pattern of adult  Cambarus emegi sp. nov.:
 (a) dorsal view; (b) oblique lateral view (photo credit Zackary A. Graham).

 Life color and color pattern of juvenile  Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Cambarus emegi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis.—Body and eyes pigmented. Rostrum weakly to moderately excavated and ventrally deflected anteriorly; rostral margins subparallel, pronounced and entire through acumen, and more thickened posteriorly than anteriorly; acumen acuminate with prominent dorsally deflected spiniform tubercle at terminus. Areola 2.2–3.6 (¯x=2.7, n=42, s=0.4) times as long as wide, with 6–10 (¯x=8.5, n=42, s= 0.7) punctations across narrowest point. Lateral portion of branchiostegal region of carapace heavily punctate; hepatic regions also punctate with welldeveloped tubercles. Strong cervical spines present; branchiostegal spine prominent; postorbital ridge terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Weak to acute suborbital angle typically present, rarely absent; suborbital angle terminating anteriorly in spiniform tubercle or spine. Antennal basipodite spines prominent; ischiopodite spines present but not prominent.

Etymology.—Derived from the Turkish work “emeği” meaning “labor of” or “hard work of”, which seems appropriate given this project required many years and the collection of thousands of specimens from South Carolina to Pennsylvania. Additionally, the name honors Emily (Em) and Megan (Meg) Lieb, the senior author’s two daughters, who happily accompanied him on many crayfish sampling trips as children and later helped him collect C. emegi sp. nov. from sites in its Pennsylvania range. 

Common name.—We propose Enigma Crayfish as the common name.

David A. LIEB, Bronwyn W. WILLIAMS, David A. FOLTZ II and Zachary J. LOUGHMAN. 2026. Description of A New Stream-dwelling Species of Cambarus (Decapoda: Cambaridae) from Virginia and Pennsylvania (USA) with Notes on its Distribution, Ecology, and Conservation Status.  Zootaxa. 5857(2); 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5857.2.5 [2026-07-29]

 facebook.com/WLUCrayfish/posts/1731022025695189 

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis medogensis • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Xizang, China

 Ovophis medogensis 

 Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Giri & Wang, 2026

墨脱烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067

Abstract

In 1981, Hoge & Romano-Hoge (1981) erected the genus Ovophis, one of the most widely distributed snake groups in Asia. Its distribution ranges westward from eastern Asia to Nepal, encompassing the entire East Asia and the Indochinese Peninsula. During recent herpetological surveys conducted near Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China, a previously undescribed snake species was discovered. Based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence, this species is herein described as a new taxon: Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. This new species can be distinguished from all its congeners by the following combination of characters: possesses off-white spots on the ventral surface; lacks irregular markings on the dorsal surface of the head; body short and stout, with a brown dorsal ground color bearing 19-20 irregular black butterfly-shaped blotches; presence of a brownish-orange postorbital stripe; vertically elliptical pupil, brownish-black in color; dorsal surface of the tail with white dots extending to the tail tip; infralabials: 11 (12)/11 (10); the first and second pairs of infralabials in contact with chin shields; supralabials: mostly 8, occasionally 9; ventrals: 132-138; subcaudals: 39-49, mostly paired; dorsal scale rows 23-23-19; Molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed that the new species forms a well-supported distinct lineage, with a Bayesian posterior probability (BPP) of 1.00 and an ultrafast bootstrap (UFB) value of 100. Analyses of uncorrected pairwise genetic distances based on the mitochondrial cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene showed that the genetic distances between the new species and other known species of the genus Ovophis range from 0.055 (vs. Ovophis monticola) to 0.135 (vs. Ovophis tonkinensis). The discovery of this new species further enhances our understanding of biodiversity in the eastern Himalayas and provides valuable insights into the taxonomy and evolutionary relationships of the genus.

Keywords: Medog, Cryptic diversity, Ovophis medogensis sp. nov., pit-viper, Eastern Himalayas

Photographs of individuals of  Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. (CIB 122660) in life.
Full view (A), dorsal view of head (B), left lateral view of head (C), and right lateral view of head (D).

Photographed by Shengchao SHI. 

The holotype (Adult male, specimen No. CIB 122661) of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in preservation.
Dorsal view of the body (A); ventral view of the body (B); dorsal view of the head (C); ventral view of the head (D); dorsal view of the midbody (E); right lateral view of the head (F); left lateral view of the head (G); ventral view of the midbody (H); lateral view of the midbody (I); dorsal view of the tail (J).

Photographed by Dihao WU.

Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. Liao, Shi, Luo, Huang, Lin, Rohit and Wang  

Diagnosis: A medium-sized species of Ovophis characterized by the following combination of characters: tail length to total length (TaL/TL) ratio 0.179–0.181 (N=4); internasal scales undivided or separated by 1 scale; second supralabial bordering the loreal pit; dorsal scale rows (DSR) 23(25)–23–19 (N=4); ventrals scales (VEN) 132–138 (N=4), bearing strong keels along the dorsal region; subcaudals scales (SC) 39–49 (N=4), mostly paired with occasional single undivided scales; third supralabial distinctly larger than the fourth (N=4); dorsal surface of the head lacking distinct markings; postocular region to neck with orange-red coloration; neck marked by two approximately parallel stripes; dorsal body brownish-yellow with irregular black, butterfly-shaped blotches; and dorsal surface of the tail or named with a continuous series of white spots.

Comparison of live morphologies of genus Ovophis from the Eastern Himalayan Region. Includes the following specimens: (A1–A3) O . monticola, (B1–B3) O. medogensis sp. nov., and (C1–C3) O. zayuensis.
O . monticola: A1 is one adult individual from Chhaimale, Nepal; A2 is one adult male individual from Majua, West Bengal, India; A3 is one adult male individual from Mangan, Sikkim, India;
O. medogensis sp. nov.: B1 is one juvenile individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B2 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; B3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China;
O. zayuensis: C1 is one adult female individual from Medog, Xizang, China; C2 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China; and C3 is one adult male individual from Medog, Xizang, China.

Photographic credits: (A1) photographed by Rohit GIRI; (A2, A3) photographed by Prajjwal RAY. (A2, A3) cited from the iNaturalist.org occurrence dataset (https://doi.org/10.15468/ab3s5x) via GBIF.org, used under the Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/), with record numbers: A2 No. 248018996 and A3 No. 423862755. (B1, B2, C2, C3) photographed by Shengchao SHI, (B3) photographed by Zhonghao LUO, and (C1) photographed by Dihao WU.

Type locality habitat of Ovophis medogensis sp. nov. in Beibeng Township, Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.
A: Microhabitat; B: Overall habitat.

Photographed by Linghong LIAO. 

Etymology: The specific epithet medogensis refers to Medog County, the type locality of this species, and is chosen in recognition of the region’s exceptional herpetological diversity, which has facilitated the discovery of this new taxon. The proposed Chinese common name is “墨脱烙铁头蛇” (Mòtuō Làotiětóu Shé), directly derived from the type locality. The English common name is proposed as “Medog Pitviper”.

Linghong LIAO, Shengchao Shi, Zhonghao Luo, Yun Huang, Yiheng Lin, Rohit Giri and Bin Wang. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from Xizang, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2025.0067 [May 9, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius yangi • A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Serpentes: Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

Hebius yangi

 Liu, J. Wang, Hou, Deng, Zhang, M. Wang & Rao, 2026

Yang’s Keelback | 杨氏腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681

Abstract

A new species of the Hebius atemporalis complex is described from Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the complex by the differences in the ratio of tail length to total length, the number of ventral and subcaudal scales, the number of maxillary teeth, and the coloration of the iris and anterior body. Phylogenetically, the new species is separated from other species of the complex by an uncorrected p-distance of 6.0–7.8% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This study further highlights the cryptic diversity in the H. atemporalis complex and the need to re-examine previous records of H. atemporalis and specimens previously considered H. atemporalis from central-southern China, as well as northeastern Vietnam.

Key words: Complex, cytb, keelback snake, morphology, taxonomy, Wenshan Prefecture

The holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view.

Close-up views of the head of the holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Left view; D. Right view.

Hebius yangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size relatively small, SVL 237–306 mm; tail moderately long, TaL/TL 0.32–0.33; dorsal scale rows 17-17-17, all keeled except the outermost rows; ventrals 130–131; subcaudals 80–85, paired; supralabials six, third and fourth entering orbit; infralabials seven; maxillary teeth 32–34, gradually enlarged posteriorly; dorsal surface grayish brown to blackish brown with a series of neatly arranged small orange spots on dorsolateral body on each side; ventral surface of head white, scattered with black streaks on scale sutures; iris brownish gray; lip region black and white alternately; neck collar present, discontinuous.

Etymology. The specific epithet is in commemoration of the late renowned Chinese herpetological taxonomist Prof. Dr Datong Yang. We suggest “Yang’s Keelback” as the common English name and “杨氏腹链蛇” as the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, JiShan Wang, Mian Hou, Tao Deng, Chaowu Zhang, Mo Wang and Dingqi Rao. 2026. A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Squamata, Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1289: 141-157. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681 [11-08-2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Hippocampus amandavincentae • A New Species of Spiny Seahorse (Syngnathiformes: Syngnathidae) from Indian Ocean, with Redescription of H. histrix and H. jayakari

 

Hippocampus amandavincentae  

Shalu, Short, Raghavan, Ramvilas & Ranjeet, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.4  

 facebook.com/RajeevRAGHAVAN98

 

Abstract

The thorny seahorse, Hippocampus histrix Kaup, 1856, has long been treated as a single, widely distributed species ranging from the Red Sea and western Indian Ocean to the western Pacific. Morphological and molecular evidence now demonstrate that this broad concept encompasses at least three diagnosable species. Examination of Indian Ocean specimens combined with mitochondrial COI sequence analysis reveals a new lineage herein described as Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov., based on material from southeastern India and corroborated by published sequences from Madagascar, Mozambique, the Seychelles, and the northern Red Sea. The new species is diagnosed by a shorter snout, five coronet spines, and spines present on all principal trunk and tail ridges. A published COI sequence from the northern Red Sea places H. amandavincentae in apparent sympatry with Hippocampus jayakari Boulenger, 1900, in that region, indicating that the distributional boundary between these two species requires targeted field investigation. Hippocampus histrix sensu stricto is redescribed and its distribution restricted to the Pacific Ocean, including Japan, Indonesia, and the Philippines, based on direct examination of type material. Hippocampus jayakari, described from the Gulf of Oman, is confirmed as a distinct species of the northwestern Indian Ocean, readily distinguished by four cleithral spines with the ventral-most bifurcate, a shorter and deeper snout, and spines confined to alternating tail rings. Together, these three species represent geographically coherent lineages whose delineation resolves over a century of misidentification in museum collections and online databases, stabilises the application of long-used names, and provides a practical framework for regional conservation assessment and future systematic research on spiny seahorses across the Indo-Pacific.

Pisces, barcoding, India, species complex, taxonomy, thorny seahorse

Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov.

Hippocampus amandavincentae sp. nov.

Kannan SHALU, Graham SHORT, Rajeev RAGHAVAN, Ghosh RAMVILAS and Kutty RANJEET. 2026. A New Species of Spiny Seahorse, Hippocampus amandavincentae, with Redescription of H. histrix and H. jayakari (Teleostei: Syngnathidae).  Zootaxa. 5862(2); 271-292. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.4 [2026-08-05] 

  facebook.com/RajeevRAGHAVAN98/posts/10162487911550938

[Herpetology • 2026] Acanthosaura syrax • A New Species of mountain horned dragon (Squamata: Agamidae) from high-elevation habitats of western Thailand

Acanthosaura syrax  

P. Trivalairat, K. Trivalairat, Moungkhaek, Caponov & Lorsunyaluck. 2026. 

Syrax mountain horned dragon | กิ้งก่าเขาหนามเล็กไซแรกซ์ 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1287.186636

Abstract

A new species of mountain horned dragon, Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov., is described from the high–elevation evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand. Morphological comparisons distinguish the new taxon from its congeners by its smaller body size and the fact that it possesses the smallest nuchal and dorsal scales recorded within the genus. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial ND2 and COI gene sequences further supports this distinction, identifying the new species as a reciprocal monophyletic lineage with 76% and 99% nodal support in maximum–likelihood analyses and 0.78 and 1.00 nodal support in Bayesian Inference analyses based on ND2 and COI genes, respectively. Interspecific pairwise genetic distances between A. syrax sp. nov. and other congeners range from 14.1–15.9% in ND2 gene and 14.96–28.13% in COI gene, while intraspecific variation remains low at 0–0.01% and 0–0.34% in ND2 and COI, respectively. This discovery brings the number of Acanthosaura species to 23 and highlights the significant and unique biodiversity found within the high–altitude evergreen ecosystems of western Thailand.

Key words: COI, Mae Wong National Park, morphology, ND2, reptile, Tak–Kamphaeng Phet Province, taxonomy, tropical rainforest

Adult male holotype (THNHM31129) of Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. from Mae Wong District, Kampheang Phet Province, Thailand, at 1,340 m a.s.l.
A. Left lateral view; B. Right lateral view; C. Dorsal view.

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. 
Adult female paratype (THNHM31130 for (A–C), THNHM31131 for (D–F))  
A, B. Right lateral view; C, F. Dorsal view. D, E. Left lateral view.

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A small-sized species (maximum SVL 101.2 mm for females and 69.6 mm for males) with a single tiny conical spine above the posterior margin of the eye (maximum PS 2.7 mm for females and 2.0 mm for males); small spine on the occiput between the tympanum and the nuchal crest (maximum OS 4.1 mm for females and 2.4 mm for males); tympanum scaleless, small, roundish; less developed gular pouch; present small scales intermixed with three set of medium keeled scales line transversely from dorsal to ...

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. 
Adult female paratype (THNHM31130 for (A–C), THNHM31131 for (D–F)) o
A, B. Right lateral view; C, F. Dorsal view. D, E. Left lateral view.

Etymology. The specific epithet syrax is a noun in apposition, named in reference to the dragon “Syrax”, the mount of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen [from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe]. This name is inspired by the species’ distinctive yellow-hued coloration, its relatively diminutive size compared to its congeners, and its significant reproductive output, reflected in its high clutch size. We suggest the following common names, “Syrax mountain horned dragon” (English) and “King Ka Khaow Naam Lek Syrax” (กิ้งก่าเขาหนามเล็กไซแรกซ์) (Thai). 

Poramad Trivalairat, Krittiya Trivalairat, Nawee Moungkhaek, Simon Caponov and Benchapol Lorsunyaluck. 2026. Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov., A New Species of mountain horned dragon from high-elevation habitats of western Thailand (Squamata, Agamidae). ZooKeys. 1287: 47-76.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1287.186636

[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