[Botany • 2026] Impatiens yakandawalarum (Balsaminaceae) • A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka

 

 Impatiens yakandawalarum  Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, 

in Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi, Jayathissa, Gunarathna et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118  

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Abstract

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov., a new ecalcarate species from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka, is described and illustrated based on morphological evidence. The species was discovered on a wet rocky slope at Manna Kathi Ella, Kitulgala, Kegalle District, and represents the first Sri Lankan Impatiens characterized by a consistently ecalcarate lower sepal across the examined population and material. It is distinguished by a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal, a fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ, and glabrous leaves. The flowers superficially resemble those of Impatiens thwaitesii Hook.f. ex Grey-Wilson, while the habit shows similarities to Impatiens janthina Thwaites. A description, illustrations, comparisons, and a preliminary conservation assessment are provided.

Keywords: ecalcarate, endemic species, Kitulgala, lithophyte, fleshy subterranean storage organ

Floral and vegetative morphology of Impatiens yakandawalarum sp. nov.
  A. Flower, frontal view. B. Dissected floral parts showing dorsal petal, lateral petals, lateral sepals. C. Androecium. D. Fruiting capsule. E. Dehisced capsule and seeds. F. Cross section of seed capsule. G. Lower sepal, inner and lateral views. H. Flower, lateral view. I. Flower, rear view. J. Floral bracts. K. Flower buds, lateral and dorsal views. L. Leaf variation, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. M. Leaf margin. N. Habit. O. Basal stem and fibrous roots. P. Longitudinal section of fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ. Q. Fleshy, globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ with fibrous roots. Scale bars as indicated

Impatiens yakandawalarum Gopallawa, Hapuarachchi & Jayathissa, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Impatiens yakandawalarum differs from I. thwaitesii in possessing a globose to subglobose subterranean storage organ (vs absent), glabrous leaves (vs pubescent adaxially), terminal 2 – 3-flowered, umbel-like racemes (vs 6- to many-flowered subumbellate racemes), and a completely ecalcarate navicular lower sepal with a linear series of purplish-pink internal spots (vs a spurred lower sepal without such a linear series). It differs from I. janthina in its branched, 4 – 6 mm thick stem, terminal 2 – 3-flowered racemes with peduncles 5 – 16 cm long, completely ecalcarate lower sepal, and elongate-fusiform capsules.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours Professor Deepthi Yakandawala and Professor Kapila Yakandawala for their contributions to plant taxonomy, systematics, forestry, conservation and botanical research in Sri Lanka. As the epithet commemorates two people sharing the surname Yakandawala, yakandawalarum is formed as a genitive plural by adding -rum to a personal name ending in -a, in accordance with Art. 60.8 of the International Code of Nomenclature for algae, fungi, and plants (Turland et al., 2025). 

Proposed common names E. Kitulgala Balsam,
S. කිතුල්ගල කූඩලු

Bhathiya Gopallawa, S. I. Hapuarachchi, Chathura Jayathissa, S. S. Gunarathna and Peshala Pasan Karunarathna. 2026. A New ecalcarate Species of Impatiens (Balsaminaceae) from the lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. Ceylon Journal of Science. 55(4); 1424-1433. DOI: doi.org/10.4038/cjs.v55i4.10118 [Sep 30, 2026] 

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[Herpetology • 2026] Lycodon trifasciatus • Neotype Designation for Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Species from Sri Lanka

 

Lycodon trifasciatus

Amarasinghe, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel & Karunarathna,

 in Amarasinghe, Campbell, Seneviratne, Weerakkody, Mata, Kennedy-Gold, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel et Karunarathna, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.422

Abstract

We revisit the systematics of Sri Lankan wolf snakes, historically assigned to Lycodon aulicus and describe a new species using an integrative assessment of external morphology (morphometry, meristics, and hemipenial morphology), osteology (microCT), mitochondrial DNA (cytochrome b), and distributional data. Phylogenetic analyses of the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene recovered the L. aulicus group as a strongly supported monophyletic clade that includes five distinct lineages: (i) a Sri Lankan lineage currently referred to as L. aulicus, (ii) L. flavicollis from India, (iii) L. capucinus from the Sundaland region, (iv) L. zawi from Myanmar, and (v) the Sri Lankan endemic described herein as a new species. In our analyses, the new species is placed close to the Sri Lankan lineage currently identified as L. aulicus and to L. flavicollis, although support for some internal relationships is limited. Because the molecular representation of L. aulicus remains geographically restricted (including only a single sequenced Sri Lankan individual and no sequence data from the neotype locality in southwestern India), broader conclusions about the species boundaries, monophyly, and range-wide structure of L. aulicus should be treated as provisional working hypotheses. We do not attempt a range wide revision of L. aulicus sensu lato; we restrict our taxonomic actions and interpretations to (i) stabilizing name usage via type fixation and (ii) diagnosing the description of an overlooked Sri Lankan tri banded lineage.

 (A) Lycodon aulicus neotype (NHMUK 1904.10.18.5), an adult male from Kannur City in Kerala State, India; © Photo: GV; (B) adult voucher specimen of Lycodon aulicus (in life) from Rambukkana, Sri Lanka (NMSL 2026.09.04/Field No. DMSSK217); © Photo: SK.
 (C) Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. paratype (NMSL 2026.09.01/Field No. DMSSK379), an adult male from Udadumbara, Sri Lanka; © Photo: SK; (D) a hatchling of L. trifasciatus sp. nov. (in life) from Kalutara, Sri Lanka (not collected); © Photo: AKAG.

Dorsal, ventral, and lateral head scalation of (A) neotype of L. aulicus (NHMUK 1904.10.18.5; also, lectotype of L. a. oligozonatus) from Cannanore in the Malabar Coast (now Kannur in the Kerala State), (B) holotype of Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. (FMNH 165045) from Anamaduwa, Sri Lanka, and (C) topotype of L. capucinus (UIMZ 0121) from Central Java.

 Illustrations by A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe (not to scale).

Lycodon trifasciatus Amarasinghe, Aththanagoda, Ranasinghe, Vogel & Karunarathna, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Lycodon trifasciatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeners by having the following combination of characters (Table 2): adults reach maximum SVL 615 mm; a single preocular; two postoculars; a single loreal scale; divided cloacal plate; nasal scale completely divided by the nostril; preocular in contact with frontal; ventrals 182–184 in 2 males and 192– 195 in 3 females; subcaudals 51–60+ in males and 40–65 in females; 2+3 temporals shorten; nine supralabials with 3rd–5 th in contact with eye; dorsal scale rows 17-17-15; tail length 16.2– 18.1% of total length in males; reddish or dark olive brown dorsum (rarely black) with three (rarely four) white striated crossbands only on the anterior part of the body; crossbands with thickness of 2–4 vertebral scales and 22–28 scales in-between crossbands; 28–33 vertebrate scales between the parietal and first crossband on the body; poorly visible collar mark on the nape; absence of white lip band.

A.A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Patrick D. Campbell, Sampath S. Seneviratne, Sanjaya Weerakkody, Joshua Mata, Stevie R. Kennedy-Gold, Anusha Aththanagoda, Bhanuka Ranasinghe, Gernot Vogel and Suranjan Karunarathna. 2026. Neotype Designation for Lycodon aulicus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Squamata: Colubridae) and Description of A New Species from Sri Lanka. TAPROBANICA. 15(2); DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.422

[Botany • 2026] Impatiens lancifolia (Balsaminaceae) • A New scapigerous Species from the Peak Wilderness [Sri Lankan Balsaminaceae Study I]

Impatiens lancifolia C.Bandara, Atthanagoda & Kariyawasam, 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Adhikari et Kariyawasam, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.6  

 facebook.com: Champika BANDARA  

 

Abstract 

Impatiens lancifolia (Balsaminaceae), a new scapigerous species is described from the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka based on the morphological evidence. This new species resembles I. scapiflora and I. acaulis but, differs by having almost glabrous, lanceolate leaves with scattered hairs along the midrib and lateral veins, 2–3 pairs of lateral nerves, reddish stamen apex forming a red colour ring around androecium. A completed description, photographs, illustration and notes on their ecology and distribution are provided.

Balsam hotspot, Central Highlands of Sri Lanka, Endemic flora, scapigerous, taxonomy, Eudicots

Impatiens lancifolia C.Bandara, Atthanagoda & Kariyawasam sp. nov.

 

CHAMPIKA BANDARA, ANUSHA GAYAN ATTHANAGODA, HIMASH ADHIKARI and ISURU U. KARIYAWASAM. 2026. Sri Lankan Balsaminaceae Study I: Impatiens lancifolia, A New scapigerous Species from the Peak Wilderness.  Phytotaxa. 758(3); 277-284. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.758.3.6 [2026-05-26]

ශ්‍රී ලංකාවට ආවේණික පළමු හා එකම scapigerous කූඩලු විශේෂය

The first and only scapigerous scapigerous species endemic to Sri Lanka

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[Entomology • 2025] Medeopteryx taprobana • A New Species of Firefly (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae) from Coastal Habitats in Southern, Sri Lanka

Medeopteryx taprobana 

De Silva, Gamage, Wijekoon & Wegiriya, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.010 

Highlights: 

• For the first time, fireflies of the genus Medeopteryx Ballantyne have been recorded in Sri Lanka.

• Medeopteryx taprobana is a new species found in Sri Lanka.

• Males, females, and larvae of Med. taprobana were found in a coastal habitat with mangroves.

• The phylogeny of Med. taprobana was determined using mitochondrial DNA barcoding and morphological investigation.

Abstract

We present the first record of the firefly genus Medeopteryx Ballantyne from Sri Lanka with descriptions of male, female, and larvae of a new species, Medeopteryx taprobana De Silva, Gamage & Wijekoon sp. nov., from a mangrove–associated coastal habitat in Matara, Southern Sri Lanka, with their phylogenetic placement based on mitochondrial DNA barcoding. This new species is distinguished from other Medeopteryx by not having trisinuate posterior projections (with a weak median posterior projection) of ventrite 7 and other specific characteristics of the aedeagal sheath. An updated list of species and a key to Medeopterx described species in the world are presented.

Keywords: Barcoding, fireflies, new records, South Asia

Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. 
male andfemale: A, dorsal view; B, ventral view. 

  <scale bar: 1 mm>

Mating pair of Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. in tail-to-tail position (initial interaction).

Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov.

 Etymology. This species is named "taprobana,” which was a Latin name that was used by the ancient Greeks for Sri Lanka. The name “Taprobana” was derived from the name "Tamraparni," which refers to the "copper–colored" shores of Sri Lanka. We use the name taprobana as a noun in apposition to preserve the original language.

 

Dilshan R. De Silva, Lahiru M.P. Gamage, Chandana D. Wijekoon and Hemantha C.E. Wegiriya. 2025. Medeopteryx taprobana sp. nov. (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Luciolinae): A New Species from Coastal Habitats in Southern, Sri Lanka. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2025.04.010 [24 May 2025]

[Botany • 2025] Rediscovery of the endemic Vanda thwaitesii (Orchidaceae) after 160 years in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and its lectotypification

 

Vanda thwaitesii Hook.f. 

in Gopallawa, Madola, Yakandawala, Jayasinghe et Ranasinghe, 2025.  

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10280-1  

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Summary

Vanda thwaitesii, an endemic species to Sri Lanka was rediscovered nearly 160 years after its presumed extinction from the Rangala area of the Knuckles Mountain range, marking the first sighting since its initial record in 1861. The occurrence of this species in India was reported in 1998, however, later it was identified as a different species, Vanda sathishii. Rediscovery of V. thwaitesii was a part of a project ‘National Botanical Survey’ conducted by Department of National Botanic Gardens, Sri Lanka. A lectotypification, a detailed taxonomic description and a detailed illustration are provided. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, V. thwaitesii is assessed as Critically Endangered.

 

Key Words: Biodiversity Conservation, Critically Endangered, Knuckles Mountain, Vanda sathishii.

Vanda thwaitesii.
A, B flower (front view); C flower (side view); D habit; E flower (showing adaxial view of the lip); F flower (lateral view); G column and labellum (front view); H leaf tip (adaxial view); J floral bract (adaxial view); K dissected flower; L column and labellum (lateral view); M lip (abaxial view); N seed capsules.

photos: Himesh Jayasinghe & Bhathiya Gopallawa.

Vanda thwaitesii Hook.f. (Hooker 1898: 193); Jayaweera (1981: 220). 

Type: Sri Lanka, Knuckles Mountains, Rangala area, Hunnasgiriya,
coloured painting with floral analysis by H. de Alwis labelled Aerides tessellata and numbered C.P. 3378 (lectotype: icon. PDA!, designated here), ....

 

Bhathiya Gopallawa, Indrakheela Madola, Deepthi Yakandawala, Himesh Jayasinghe and Subhani Ranasinghe. 2025. Rediscovery of the endemic Vanda thwaitesii (Orchidaceae) after 160 years in the central highlands of Sri Lanka and its lectotypification. Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10280-1 [10 July 2025]

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[Botany • 2025] Lagenandra rubra (Araceae) • A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka

 Lagenandra rubra  

in Madola, Jayasinghe, D. Yakandawala et K. Yakandawala. 2025.   

DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 

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Abstract

During the revision of the genus Lagenandra in Sri Lanka we encountered a new species Lagenandra rubra from the Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve of Sri Lanka. The new species can be differentiated from all other described Lagenandra species by its glossy dark red-maroon twisted limb and the absence of warts on the spathe. With the newly described species, the number of endemic Sri Lankan species of Lagenandra rises to fourteen, and the global total rises to twenty-three. Based on the IUCN Red List categories and criteria, the new species is assessed as Critically Endangered under Criterion CR B1ab (ii, iii, iv, v) +2ab (ii, iii, iv, v).

Biodiversity conservation, Critically endangered, flora of Sri Lanka, Ornamental aquatic plants, Taxonomy, Monocots 

Indrakeela MADOLA, Himesh JAYASINGHE, Deepthi YAKANDAWALA and Kapila YAKANDAWALA. 2025. Lagenandra rubra (Araceae), A New endemic Species from Sinharaja Man and Biosphere Reserve, Sri Lanka.  Phytotaxa. 689(2); 233-242. DOI: doi.lorg/10.11646/phytotaxa.689.2.6 [2025-02-24] 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Dendrelaphis thasuni • A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Reptilia: Colubridae) from an isolated misty mountain in the South Eastern intermediate zone of Sri Lanka

Dendrelaphis thasuni 

(A) Dorsal aspect of D. thasuni sp. nov. female holotype; 

(B) dorsal aspect of uncollected D. caudolineolatus female.

Atthanagoda, Silva, Vogel, Udayanga, Bandara, Madawala, Grismer & Karunarathna, 2025

Thasun’s Bronzeback  ||  https://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.php  

Researchgate.net/publication/390564322

Abstract 

We describe a new species of Dendrelaphis that is morphologically close to D. caudolineolatus, however the new species is readily distinguished from it by having an undivided anal plate, as well as other characters. This species is only known from a single female collected from Maragala Mountain in Monaragala District, Uva Province of Sri Lanka. The new species is likely adapted to an arboreal lifestyle and its color is similar to that of the tree branches it inhabits. Currently, eight species of Dendrelaphis inhabit Sri Lanka (including the new species), six of which are endemic, and most of them are threatened. The Maragala Mountain is a biodiversity rich area in Sri Lanka because of its habitat heterogeneity and favorable climatic conditions. Currently, 67 species of reptiles (30 endemics), and 18 amphibians (five endemics) are known to inhabit this mountain. Various habitats on Maragala Mountain have been heavily influenced and modified by humans. Therefore, urgent conservation measures are needed to conserve this isolated forest and its resident species. 

Keywords. Asia, Isolated hill forest, reptile hotspot, snake diversity, speciation, systematics

Holotype of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. in life (above) and uncollected D. caudolineolatus (below) together to compare scalation, color pattern, and eye size.

Morphological characters of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype. 

(A) Dorsal aspect of head, (B) ventral aspect of head, (C) lateral aspect of head on left side with narrow temporal stripe, (D)lateral aspect of head on right side, (E) dorsal aspect of trunk with slightly enlarged vertebral scales, (F) dorsal aspect of tail base with large scales, (G) ventral side of trunk with narrow ventral scales, (H)ventral side of tail base with undivided anal plate, (I) lateral aspect of trunk with narrow blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, (J) lateral aspect of tail base with dorsolateral black line.

Morphological characters of an uncollected Dendrelaphis caudolineolatus female. 

(A) Dorsal aspect of head, (B) ventral aspect of head, (C) lateral aspect of head on left side with broad temporal stripe, (D) lateral aspect of head on right side, (E) dorsal aspect of trunk with enlarged vertebral scales, (F) dorsal aspect of tail base with extra-large scales, (G) ventral side of trunk with broad ventral scales, (H) ventral side of tail base with divided anal plate, (I) lateral aspect of trunk with broad blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, (J) lateral aspect of tail base with dorsolateral black line.

(A) Dorsal aspect of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype in life 

with narrow blackish transverse dorsolateral bars, 

(B) dorsal aspect of uncollected D. caudolineolatus female 

with  broad blackish transverse dorsolateral bars.

(A) Ventral aspect of Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. female holotype in life with narrow ventrals, 

(B) ventral aspect of uncollected  D. caudolineolatus female with broad ventrals.

Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov.

Thasun’s Bronzeback

 Diagnosis. The head is distinct from the slender body; two internasals, snout broad and flat, equal to eye diameter; large eye with round pupil; one preocular and one loreal; two postoculars; 1+2 temporal scales bearing a very narrow black stripe (Figs. 4 and 5); V-shaped blackish transverse dorsolateral bars on anterior half of body; distance between transverse bars in forebody is equal to the eye diameter, with 2–3 lateral scales between two transverse dorsolateral bars; 151 enlarged vertebral scales and no vertebral stripe; dorsal scale rows one head length behind neck (~20 mm) 13, at midbody 13, one head length anterior to vent (~20 mm) 9; apical pits 1–3 on dorsal scales; 153 ventral scales, very narrow between lateral keels of both sides compared to D. caudolineolatus; anal plate undivided, large; tail long with 117 or 118 divided subcaudals; a thin blackish line between subcaudals; subcaudals with strong lateral keels. Dendrelaphis thasuni sp. nov. is most similar to D. caudolineolatus in Sri Lanka, which is its presumed closest relative. It can be easily distinguished from all species of Sri Lankan Dendrelaphis by having an undivided anal plate (Fig. 6).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a Latinized eponym in the masculine genitive singular, honoring Dr. Amarasinghe Achchige Thasun Amarasinghe—a renowned systematic biologist, ecologist, and conservationist—for his remarkable contributions to the field of taxonomy and systematic herpetology in Asia, especially in Sri Lanka, Indonesia, and India, and for his friendship. He has also helped to popularize wildlife conservation and management in Sri Lanka through science-based education awareness programs.

Anusha Atthanagoda, Anslem de Silva, Gernot Vogel, Sithara Udayanga, Champika Bandara, Majintha Madawala, L. Lee Grismer and Suranjan Karunarathna. 2025. A New Species of Dendrelaphis Boulenger, 1890 (Reptilia: Colubridae) from an isolated misty mountain in the South Eastern intermediate zone of Sri Lanka. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 19(1): 28–47 (e340). April 2025

  https://amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.php

 Researchgate.net/publication/390564322_A_new_species_of_Dendrelaphis_from_an_isolated_misty_mountain_in_the_SE_intermediate_zone_of_Sri_Lanka

[Phycology • 2025] Acetabularia monodisca comb. et stat. nov. (Chlorophyta: Dasycladales) • A Taxonomic Reclassification of An Umbrella Alga from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with A Key to Acetabularia Species in the Indian Subcontinent

 

 Acetabularia monodisca  

in Deshaprema et Dissanayake, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.693.3.5  

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Abstract

A morphometric analysis of Acetabularia crenulata var. monodisca specimens collected from the Jaffna Sea, Sri Lanka, was conducted. Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and descriptive statistics revealed significant morphological divergence between var. monodisca and A. crenulata populations from the Caribbean Sea (the type locality of A. crenulata). These findings support the reclassification of var. monodisca to the species level as A. monodisca. Specifically, A. monodisca is characterized by a single, less caliciform (cup-shaped) disc (whorl) comprised of 53–86 laterally fused gametangial rays, whereas A. crenulata possess a deeply caliciform disc formed by 41–67 gametangial rays.

Biodiversity, Dry zone of Sri Lanka, New combination, Taxonomy, Algae

 

 

Supun DESHAPREMA and Sachini DISSANAYAKE. 2025. Acetabularia monodisca, comb. et stat. nov. (Polyphysaceae): A Taxonomic Reclassification of An Umbrella Alga from Jaffna, Sri Lanka, with A Key to Acetabularia Species in the Indian Subcontinent.  Phytotaxa. 693(3); 245-254. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.693.3.5 [2025-03-14] 

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[Entomology • 2023] Rugosimirax expectata, Centistidea lanka, C. yamu, ... • A New Genus in the braconid Subfamily Miracinae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae) from the Oriental region, with Descriptions of Seven New Species from India and Sri Lanka

Rugosimirax expectata Ranjith & van Achterberg, 
 

in Ranjith, van Achterberg et Priyadarsanan, 2023. 

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5318.4.1 

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Abstract

A new genus in the braconid subfamily Miracinae is described from the Oriental region including a new species from south India. Additionally, six new species of the genus Centistidea Rohwer is described from India and Sri Lanka. Taxonomic keys to separate the new genus from other miracine genera, to the extant species of Rugosimirax gen. nov. and to the Oriental species of Centistidea are provided.

Keywords: Hymenoptera, Centistidea, Mirax, apomorphic characters, Rugosimirax, taxonomic key

Rugosimirax Ranjith & van Achterberg, gen. nov.

Etymology. The genus is named after the combination of the remarkable rugose or carinate sculpture of the propodeum and ‘Mirax’, the type genus of the subfamily.

Rugosimirax expectata Ranjith & van Achterberg, sp. nov.

Etymology. The species is named after the high chances for finding more new species of Miracinae considering the very limited study of this subfamily.

Distribution. India (Karnataka).

 

Centistidea burwelli sp. nov., 

Centistidea flavostigmata sp. nov.,  

Centistidea furca sp. nov.,   

Centistidea lanka sp. nov.,   

Centistidea nyeringensis sp. nov.,   

Centistidea yamu sp. nov.

A.P. Ranjith, Cornelis van Achterberg, Dharma Rajan Priyadarsanan. 2023. A New Genus in the braconid Subfamily Miracinae from the Oriental region, with Descriptions of Seven New Species from India and Sri Lanka. Zootaxa. 5318(4); 451-473. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5318.4.1

  twitter.com/ATREE_org/status/1689563801887379456

 facebook.com/RidhuRanjith/posts/6468471649895874

 treatment.plazi.org/id/FF50878EB36DFF8AFF0143FEFDE75F98

[Mammalogy • 2025] Hipposideros srilankaensis • Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846 (Chiroptera: Hipposideridae)

 

Hipposideros srilankaensis 

Kusuminda, B. Srinivasulu, Amarasinghe, A. Srinivasulu, C. Srinivasulu & Yapa, 

in B. Srinivasulu, Kusuminda, A. Srinivasulu, Ukuwela, Amarasinghe, Siriwardana, Kaur, Mannakkara, Soisook, Kamalakannan, Yapa et C. Srinivasulu, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 

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Abstract

Hipposideros galeritus was described in 1846, with subsequent studies suggesting four subspecies across South and Southeast Asia. Our study indicates that the Indian and Sri Lankan populations previously considered subspecies of H. galeritus are, in fact, distinct species in need of taxonomic revisions. Based on the morphometric analysis, structure of the baculum, molecular phylogenetics, and echolocation call analysis, the Indian, Sri Lankan, and Southeast Asian populations of Hipposideros galeritus are distinct. We provide a detailed description of H. brachyotus Dobson, 1874 and describe a new species—Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.—from Sri Lanka. Key morphological differences were found in the noseleaf, ear shape, and cranial features between the Indian (H. brachyotus), Sri Lankan (H. srilankaensis sp. nov.), and Southeast Asian populations (H. galeritus s.l.). Substantial genetic distances were found between H. galeritus populations, suggesting cryptic diversity that is yet to be resolved.

Mammalia, Chiroptera, Hipposideros brachyotus, Hipposideros srilankaensis, new species, India, Sri Lanka

Hipposideros srilankaensis sp. nov.

Bhargavi SRINIVASULU, Tharaka KUSUMINDA, Aditya SRINIVASULU, Kanishka D. B. UKUWELA, Chamara AMARASINGHE, Sahan SIRIWARDANA, Harpreet KAUR, Amani MANNAKKARA, Pipat SOISOOK, Manokaran KAMALAKANNAN, Wipula Bandara YAPA and Chelmala SRINIVASULU. 2025. Taxonomic Revision of the South Asian allies of Hipposideros galeritus Cantor, 1846.  Zootaxa. 5590(4); 507-530. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5590.4.3 [2025-02-25]   ශ්‍රී ලංකා පත්නැහැ-වවුලා 

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[Entomology • 2024] Diaphanes uvaparanagama • A New Species of the Genus Diaphanes (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae) from Sri Lanka

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon, 

in Wijekoon et Wegiriya, 2024.

Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 13(2); 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258 

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ABSTRACT 

A new species, Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov., from a freshwater-associated habitat in Uva province, Intermediate Zone, Sri Lanka, is described using males and reliably associated larvae. Males of this species are distinguished by a transparent pronotum and elytra with bright red thoracic terga and mesocutellum, pale yellow abdominal ventrites, and medial restricted photogenic organs. The conical-shaped photogenic organs challenge the traditional generic diagnosis of Diaphanes using light organ morphology. 

Key words: Diaphanes, fireflies, new records, Sri Lanka

Diaphanes uvaparanagama (Male);
A Pronotum (dorsal). B. Elytra (dorsal). C. Head & Antennae. D Thorax & Legs; E. Abdomen (ventrites I-VIII). G. Light organ in ventrite VII & VII. (Scale bar = 1mm) (Note: natural colors are faded in alcohol specimens)

Family: Lampyridae Rafinesque, 1815 

Subfamily: Lampyrinae Rafinesque, 1815 

Genus: Diaphanes Motschulsky, 1853

Diaphanes uvaparanagama Wijekoon sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Male: 10–11 mm long, distinguished from other recorded Diaphanes by the transparent pronotum and elytra with vivid red thoracic terga and mesocutellum, distinctly pale yellow abdominal ventrites (I - VIII), black legs except the pale yellow femora, LO in both V6 and V7 are median restricted, conical-shaped and milky white (Figs. 2 - 5) 

Larvae: 28.0–30.0 mm long, black dorsum with distinct white vertical spotted lines, pale yellow spots on posterior margin of each segment and outer margin of entire body, mid sagittal line clear, body elongated rather wide, first abdominal segment less longer than others (Figure 6). 

Etymology: This species is named for the area “Uvaparanagama,” where the first specimen was found. This area is located in Welimada, Uva Province, Sri Lanka. We use the name Uvaparanagama as a noun in apposition to preserve the original language. 

W. M. C. D. Wijekoon and H. C. E. Wegiriya. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Diaphanes (Coleoptera: Lampyridae: Lampyrinae), D. uvaparanagama Wijekoon, from Sri Lanka. Asian Journal of Conservation Biology. 13(2); 

 Researchgate.net/publication/386457258_A_new_species_of_Diaphanes_from_Sri_Lanka

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