[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  

   facebook.com/KewBulletin

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 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA

 

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] 

  facebook.com/IndrakeelaMADOLA/posts/2433646080318212

[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  

 facebook.com/WildlifeLk

 

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] 

 facebook.com/WildlifeLk/posts/1062651012566655

[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 

 facebook.com/RidhuRanjith

 twitter.com/ATREE_org

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 

facebook.com/Srinivasulu Chelmala

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 

 facebook.com: Chandana Wijekoon

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

 facebook.com/ChandanaWijekoon3/posts/9493375230675802

[Botany • 2024] Srilankanthus gen. n. • The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria (Zingiberaceae) in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage

Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.
 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

in Poulsen, Fér, Darshika Marasinghe, Sabu, Hughes, Valderrama et Leong-Škorničková, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242 

 x.com/AxelGinger

Abstract

The overarching aim of the present study is to sort out the taxonomy of a group of gingers that include the useful and worldwide economically important green cardamom, Elettaria cardamomum, and its wild relatives, to highlight potentially overlooked genetic resources. These species occur naturally in India and Sri Lanka, and our study facilitates more appropriate management priorities for the remaining forest fragments in which they occur. We used NGS Hyb-Seq methods and sampled four species of the Alpinia I (Fax) clade, six representatives of Aframomum and Renealmia as well as two other basally flowering Sri Lankan species. This is the only pantropically distributed lineage within the entire family, and our result shows that the Alpinia I clade in fact is simply the genus Elettaria (confined to India and Sri Lanka), which is sister to the genera Aframomum (Africa) and Renealmia (Africa and Neotropics). The taxonomic implications are: (1) a recircumscription of Elettaria comprising seven species (E. cardamomum, E. ensal, E. floribunda, E. involucrata, E. rufescens as well as two new species, E. facifera and E. tulipifera described here); (2) the Sri Lankan endemic genus Cyphostigma should be retained; (3) the new monotypic genus, Srilankanthus endemic in Sri Lanka, is described with S. nemoralis, formerly Amomum nemorale, as type. A key is provided to the seven species of Elettaria and lectotypifications are made for five species (Cyphostigma pulchellum, Elettaria floribunda, E. involucrata, E. nemoralis, E. rufescens).

Keywords: Alpinioideae, Cyphostigma, Sri Lanka, Srilankanthus, Thwaites, Zingiberaceae

• Srilankanthus Marasinghe & A.D.Poulsen, gen. nov.

 Srilankanthus nemoralis (Thwaites) Marasinghe & A.D. Poulsen comb. nov. 

(≡ Elettaria nemoralis Thwaites).

Distribution.– Only one species, endemic in Sri Lanka. 

Etymology.– The generic name means “flower of Sri Lanka”. 

Ecology.– Primary lowland forest. 

 

 

Axel Dalberg Poulsen, Tomáš Fér, Lakmini Darshika Kumarage Marasinghe, Mamiyil Sabu, Mark Hughes, Eugenio Valderrama and Jana Leong-Škorničková. 2024. The Cardamom Conundrum Resolved: Recircumscription and Placement of Elettaria in the only pantropically distributed ginger lineage. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.13242

  x.com/AxelGinger/status/1837256202511684042  

 facebook.com/companyofenvironment76/posts/996680809137300

[Botany • 2022] Trichoglottis longifolia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae) • A New Species from Sri Lanka

[A-C] Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar, 
[D-E] Trichoglottis tenera 

in Bandara, Atthanagoda, Bandara, Ranasinghe et Kumar, 2022. 

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.567.1.6 

 Researchgate.net/publication/364024163

 

Abstract

Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov. is described and illustrated as a new species from Sri Lanka. So far, the genus was represented by a single species in Sri Lanka, Trichoglottis tenera. The new species can be easily distinguished from T. tenera in having longer leaves, yellowish-green flowers with lanceolate dorsal sepal and petals and a longer spur. This species occurs in sub-montane forests in Sabaragamuwa Province and categorized as Endangered based on the available data.

Keywords: cherub orchid, epiphyte, Orchidaceae, Sri Lanka, Monocots

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower. D. Bract. E. Dorsal sepal. F1 & F2. Petals. G1 & G2. Lateral sepals. H. Labellum. I. Side view of labellum. J. Sagittal section of labellum and spur. K. Side view of column and spur. L. Leaf. M. Capsule. N. Operculum. O. Pollinia.

Photographs by Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda.

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.
A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower. D. Bract. E. Dorsal sepal. F1 & F2. Petals. G1 & G2. Lateral sepals. H. Labellum. I. Side view of labellum. J. Sagittal section of labellum and spur. K. Leaf. L. Side view of column and spur. M. Front view of column and spur. N. Operculum. O. Pollinia P. Capsule.

 Illustrations by Champika Bandara.

Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov.

 Trichoglottis longifolia Atthan., C. Bandara, N.L. Bandara & Kumar sp. nov. A. Plant habit. B. Front view of flower. C. Side view of flower.
Trichoglottis tenera D. Plant habit. E. Front view of flower. F. Side view of flower.

Photographs by Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda.

 

Champika Bandara, Anusha Gayan Atthanagoda, Nadeesha Lewke Bandara, Bhanuka Ranasinghe and Pankaj Kumar. 2022. Trichoglottis longifolia (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae: Vandeae: Aeridinae), A New Species from Sri Lanka. Phytotaxa. 567(1); 71-78. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.567.1.6

  Researchgate.net/publication/364024163_Trichoglottis_longifolia_a_new_species_from_Sri_Lanka

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[Herpetology • 2024] Rhinophis martin & R. dinarzardae • Two New Species of the Shieldtail Snake Genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae), from the Rakwana and the Knuckles Massifs of Sri Lanka

Rhinophis martin

Gower, Sampaio, Vidanapathirana & Wickramasinghe, 2024

 

DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.5458.3.2 

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Abstract

Two new species of the uropeltid snake genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 are described from Sri Lanka. Rhinophis martin sp. nov. is described from 11 type specimens from the Rakwana Massif, and another 22 specimens from the same region are referred to this new species. Rhinophis dinarzardae sp. nov. is described from eight type specimens from the Knuckles Massif, and another 64 specimens from the Knuckles and adjacent hills are referred to this new species. Rhinophis martin sp. nov. has apparently not been reported previously under any scientific name, but is distinct in scalation, colour pattern and DNA. Rhinophis dinarzardae sp. nov. has long-been confused with the superficially similar R. philippinus, from which it differs by having more ventral scales, by occurring in the northern part of the Knuckles Massif and adjacent hills to the West rather than in the Central Highlands upland region (and possibly areas to the South and West) of Sri Lanka, and in DNA sequence data. The new descriptions take the inventory of currently recognised, named uropeltid species in Sri Lanka to 20, all members of the genus Rhinophis.

 Reptilia, Herpetology, new species, Rhinophis philippinus, systematics, taxonomy.

David J. Gower, Filipa L. Sampaio, Dulan Ranga Vidanapathirana and L. J. Mendis Wickramasinghe. 2024. Two New Species of the Shieldtail Snake Genus Rhinophis Hemprich, 1820 (Serpentes: Uropeltidae), from the Rakwana and the Knuckles Massifs of Sri Lanka.  Zootaxa. 458(3); 332-360. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.5458.3.2  

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