[Phycology • 2026] Halymenia dracophylla & H. elegans (Rhodophyta: Halymeniales) • Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia from the Philippines

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin, 

in Tahil, Lin, Dumilag et Liao, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 

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ABSTRACT

Despite early documentation of Halymenia species in the Philippines, the species diversity and phylogenetic relationships of this genus in the region, and its connections to neighbouring areas, have remained largely unexplored. In this study, we used rbcL sequence data to infer interspecific relationships among Philippine and global Halymenia species. Molecular analyses identified at least nine Halymenia species in the Philippines, including two newly described taxa – H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. – alongside several species commonly found throughout the IndoPacific (e.g. H. durvillei, H. tondoana, H. malaysiana, H. maculata, H. dilatata). Phylogenetic analysis showed that H. dracophylla is a sister species to the H. durvillei complex, but it can be readily distinguished by its thallus bearing numerous strap-shaped, short bladelets and having relatively large carposporophytes (260−380 µm in diameter). Conversely, H. elegans forms a lineage sister to a larger clade of branched Indo-Pacific species and differs from the other species by possessing thin, membranous thallus blades and having smaller carposporophytes (100−115 µm in diameter). The discovery of these two new species, along with the identification of additional cryptic taxa through molecular analyses, reveals that Halymenia diversity in the Philippines is greater than previously recognized. These findings highlight the need for continued investigation into the taxonomy and biogeography of Halymenia in the Indo-Pacific region.

 KEYWORDS: Cryptic species, Halymenia dracophylla sp. nov., Halymenia elegans sp. nov., marine red algae, Philippines, taxonomy

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
Fig. 2. Holotype specimen (NTOU002614), a female gametophyte showing densely overlapping bladelets along the thallus margins.
Fig. 3. Isotype specimen (NTOU002618), a tetrasporophyte showing a deeply branched thallus blade arising from a short stipe (arrow).

Scale bars: Figs 2, 3 = 5 cm.

Halymenia dracophylla Tahil & Showe M.Lin, sp. nov.  

ETYMOLOGY: ‘dracophylla’ refers to the thallus blades swinging underwater, resembling flying dragons.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the province of Sorsogon in southern Luzon. Plants were found during the late dry season (May) in the Philippines, in deeper subtidal areas (6–8 m in depth), growing on coral rubble and rocks. The fringing reef habitat is characterized by strong water currents and pronounced tidal waves.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Luzon Island: FMB Resort, Sorsogon, coll. J. Dig & C. Pangantihon 7 May 2024 (tetrasporic and female, NTOU-002614–002616).

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 
 Fig. 20. Holotype specimen (NTOU002610), a female gametophyte showing a palmate-shaped blade (white arrow) and feathery branches bearing numerous small bladelets (black arrows) with dentate margins.
Fig. 21. Isotype specimen (NTOU002611), a tetrasporophyte showing broad blades bearing irregularly arranged marginal bladelets (black arrows) and surface tiny bladelets (white arrowheads).  

Scale bars: Figs 20, 21 = 5 cm.

Halymenia elegans Tahil & Showe M.Lin sp. nov. 

ETYMOLOGY: ‘elegans’ referring to its showy and beautiful thallus blades.

DISTRIBUTION, HABITAT AND SEASONALITY: Only known from the type locality. Plants were found during the early dry season (January) in the Philippines, growing on shaded rocks in the reef adjacent to an estuary and extensive mangrove area on the island of Sanga-Sanga.

SPECIMENS EXAMINED: Sanga-Sanga Island, Tawi-Tawi: Lakit-Lakit, coll. A. Tahil, 28 January 2024 (tetrasporic & female, NTOU002610–002613).

Arkady A. Tahil, Showe-Mei Lin, Richard V. Dumilag and Lawrence M. Liao. 2026. Systematic Revision of branched Halymenia (Halymeniales, Rhodophyta) from the Philippines, including the Description of H. dracophylla sp. nov. and H. elegans sp. nov. European Journal of Phycology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/09670262.2026.2738911 [22 Oct 2026]

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

 

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

in Fici, Souvannakhoummane, Lanorsavanh et Lamxay, 2026. 

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

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

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

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

 

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

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[Ichthyology • 2026] Prognathodes thanatos • A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology

 Prognathodes thanatos

 Tea, Blum, Rocha, Parkinson & Stanley, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038  

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 Abstract 

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, is described on the basis of the holotype from Mozambique, Africa. The new species is readily distinguished from congeners in having the following combination of live coloration details and morphological characters: head and body silvery white with three broad, dark brown bands; pelvic fin including spine black; dorsal-fin rays XIII,19; anal-fin rays III,15; lateral line short and incomplete with 26–29 pored scales; gill rakers 4 + 12–13 = 16–17; snout length 12.6% SL; and angle of preopercle finely serrate. The new species appears to be most closely related to Prognathodes guyotensis, a poorly known, deepwater species of butterflyfish known from very few specimens. The assignment of both species to the genus Prognathodes is accompanied by a critical reassessment and discussion of the currently inadequate definition of the genus.

Prognathodes thanatos, new species, SAIAB 80277, holotype, 100.3 mm SL, off Bazaruto Archipelago, Mozambique, Africa in (A) fresh and (B) preserved coloration.
Photographs by (A) P. Heemstra, South African Institute of Aquatic Biology, copyright 2025, used with permission, and (B) C. Phan, Australian Museum Research Institute, copyright 2025.  x.com/IchsAndHerps

Underwater photographs of Prognathodes thanatos, new species, taken using remotely operated submersibles.
(A–B) 200 m, Comoro Islands; (C) depth unknown, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa; (D) depth unknown, likely >100 m, Leadsman Canyon, Sodwana Bay, off the coast of KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa

Yi-Kai Tea, Stanley D. Blum, Luiz A. Rocha, Kerryn Parkinson and Edward L. Stanley. 2026. A New Deepwater Species of Butterflyfish (Teleostei: Chaetodontidae: Prognathodes) from Mozambique, Africa, with a Systematic Review of Chaetodontid Relationships on the Basis of Osteology. Ichthyology & Herpetology. 114(3); 474-494. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/i2025038 (15 September 2026)  

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

 

Sonerila plenasicola 

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

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.781.2.1

facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

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

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

Sonerila plenasicola

 

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

[2026-10-21] 

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

 

Ovophis orlovi  

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

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

facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982 

Researchgate.net/publication/415133263

Abstract

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

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

Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.

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

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

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

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 Researchgate.net/publication/415133263_An_overlooked_Ovophis_from_the_montane_regions_of_Vietnam_Laos

 

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

 

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

 

 Calamaria flavicollaris

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

 

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

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

Abstract

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

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

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

 Photographed by Parinya Pawangkhanant

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

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

Calamaria flavicollaris sp. nov.

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

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

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

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

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

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

งูพงอ้อหัวแดง Calamaria schlegeli; 

งูพงอ้อหลากลาย Calamaria lumbricoidea; 

งูพงอ้อท้องเหลือง Calamaria pavimentata

[Botany • 2026] Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs (Malvaceae: Adansonia) reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species

 Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar.  

in Karimi, Grover, Wendel et Baum, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

Abstract

Baobab trees (Adansonia) are iconic members of Madagascar's biota that serve as emblems for the island's unique biodiversity. Despite this recognition, many questions remain regarding evolutionary relationships and species limits within the genus. We used custom-designed targeted sequence capture data to obtain phased allelic sequences for hundreds of nuclear loci and plastomes. Using broad geographic sampling, representing all species in the genus, and including a few possible hybrid individuals, we reconstructed the population history of Malagasy baobabs using network inference methods to detect reticulation. We obtained a species tree that is well supported, but with clear cases of reticulation, most notably admixture between Adansonia rubrostipa and A. madagascariensis in northwestern Madagascar, and instances of introgression involving the widespread species, A. za. Analysis of exclusivity factors suggests elevating one variety of A. za to the species rank, and also raises the possibility, pending additional sampling, of splitting A. rubrostipa into two species. We discuss the implications of gene flow on species delimitation and diversification in the context of conservation efforts for these iconic and threatened trees. Given our results, we formally resurrect the species A. bozy from A. za var. bozy, thus raising the number of endemic Malagasy baobab species from six to seven.

Keywords: conservation, exclusivity factors, hybridization, introgression, phylogenetic networks, species delimitation

A, Approximate ranges of the six baobab species (Adansonia) of Madagascar. Samples analysed are indicated on the map by coloured points. Stars indicate sampled individuals of possible hybrid origin based on morphological traits that are intermediate between two currently recognized species;
B, Images of trees, flowers, and fruit for the six species of baobab endemic to Madagascar;
C, Photo of a flower of the possible A. za × A. perrieri individual; D, Photo of the putative A. rubrostipa × A. madagascariensis individual. 

 Photos: B & C, Nisa Karimi; D, Cyrille Cornu.

  

Nisa Karimi, Corrinne E. Grover, Jonathan F. Wendel and David A. Baum. 2026. Phylogenomic Analysis of Madagascar's Baobabs reveals admixed populations and supports Resurrection of a previously described species. TAXON. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/tax.70176 [12 July 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae) • A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, 

 

in Yang, Q.-L. Wang, Wu, Chen, Han, Huang, Yuan et J.-B. Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.196585

Abstract

Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae), a new species of the genus Musa endemic to Yunnan, southwestern China, is described and illustrated in this study. This new species is morphologically similar to M. puspanjaliae, but can be clearly distinguished by a combination of morphological characters. Its female bud bracts are dark purple externally and purple internally, with 6–7 basal female flowers arranged in two rows; the base of the compound tepal bears distinct and dense red stripes, the ovary is pale green and glabrous. The male bud bracts are consistent in color with female bracts, dark purple externally and purple internally, and are non-revolute before abscission. Each bract bears approximately twenty male flowers arranged in two rows, with pinkish-purple anther lobes. The fruit bunch is lax, consisting of upward-curving fruits. Typically, each bunch possesses eight hands, with 6–7 fruits per hand, and the pedicels are obviously developed.

Key words: Musa, Musa dulongjiangensis, new species, taxonomy

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, sp. nov.
A. Plants in the habitat; B. Mature fruiting bunch; C. Inflorescence with flowers; D. Internally of female bud bracts; E. Basal female flowers and ovaries; F. (-1, -2, -3) compound tepal, free tepal, sterile stamen and stigma of female flower; G. Male bud; H. Internally of male bud bract; J. (-1, -2, -3) compound tepal, free tepal and stamen of male flower; K. Hand of fruits; L. Individual fruit and curved; M. Ovules in 2 rows per locule.

Scale bars: 5 cm (C, G, H); 1 cm (E, F, J, L, M).

Musa dulongjiangensis H.B.Yang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. M. dulongjiangensis is similar in morphology to M. puspanjaliae, but they differ significantly in the following morphological features. Sterile bracts 2 (vs. 4), female bud bracts dark purple externally (vs. greenish-yellow or purple), female flowers, 6–7 flowered in two rows (vs. 13–16 flowered in two rows), ovary pale green, glabrous (vs. cream, slightly pubescent), compound tepal 3 cm long, base with distinct and dense red stripes (vs. 5 cm long, without red stripes), free tepal broadly ovate (vs. oblong ovate to triangular), male bud bracts unrevolute before falling (vs. revolute before falling), male buds uncovered with persistent dry old bracts (vs. covered with persistent dry old bracts), male buds incompletely fall off (vs. fall off completely), male flowers on average 20 per bract in 2 rows (vs. 22 per bracts in 2 rows), anthers lobe pinkish purple (vs. creamy to pale pink); fruit bunch lax, with 8 hands and 6–7 fruits per hand, in 2 rows (vs. very compact, with 8 hands; fruits 15 per hand, in 2 rows), individual fruit curved upward (vs. straight), fruits with short pedicel (vs. sessile).

  Hu-Biao Yang, Qing-Long Wang, Yun-Yuan Wu, Jin-Hua Chen, Peng Han, Ming-Zhong Huang, Lang-Xing Yuan and Jia-Bao Wang. 2026. Musa dulongjiangensis (Musaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, southwest China. PhytoKeys. 280: 83-91. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.280.196585 [14-10-2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Infernogallus jamesi • Fruit-eating Adaptations in a Late Cretaceous oviraptorosaur (Oviraptorosauria: Caenagnathidae)

 Infernogallus jamesi 

Funston, Dudgeon, Simon, Dufault, Boyd, Fowler, Currie & Evans, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78343-w

Abstract

The diversification of herbivorous dinosaurs and the rise of angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous are each well established, but the link between them is debated. Broad-scale diversity patterns in the two groups appear not to closely align, and there is no direct evidence of dinosaur adaptation to angiosperm-based diets. Here we describe Infernogallus jamesi gen. et. sp. nov., a diminutive caenagnathid oviraptorosaur, and show that these theropods were specialised herbivores that originated alongside the rise of fleshy angiosperm fruits. The nearly complete, articulated skull of Infernogallus jamesi—the first for the clade—reveals drastic changes to the adductor musculature organisation, unique in non-avian theropods but converged upon by extant frugivorous parrots. These modifications enabled extensive oral processing of soft food using anteroposterior movement of the mandible and occlusion of ridges and grooves on opposed elements. Altogether, this attests to a highly specialised herbivorous diet in caenagnathids, which likely consisted in large part of fleshy angiosperm fruits, which increased in size and diversity in concert with the radiation of oviraptorosaurs. Caenagnathids thus provide one of the strongest candidates for angiosperm-based diet adaptations in dinosaurs, but their role in the Late Cretaceous proliferation of fruit—which shaped early Cenozoic flora—remains unclear.

Systematic palaeontology

Theropoda

Oviraptorosauria

Caenagnathidae

Eucaenagnathinae Clade nov.

Definition. The most inclusive monophyletic group including Anzu wyliei and Elmisaurus rarus, but not Anomalipes zhaoi.

Diagnosis. Eucaenagnathines (meaning ‘true caenagnathids’) are distinguished from other caenagnathids by the morphology of the fused dentaries, with an upturned tomial edge marked with lateral and anterior occlusal ridges, and a midline sulcus bordered by longitudinal lingual ridges separated from the tomial edge by a lingual groove.

Infernogallus jamesi (ROM VP 65050). Photograph (a) and line drawing (b) of ROM VP 65050. c Skeletal reconstruction of Infernogallus jamesi based on ROM VP 65050 and other eucaenagnathines (shaded areas are preserved in ROM 65050). d Palaeohistological thin section of the femur of ROM VP 65050, showing lines of arrested growth (arrows) and an external fundamental system indicative of advanced age and skeletal maturity. cv cervical vertebrae, dv dorsal vertebrae, efs external fundamental system, fe femur, ga gastralia, hu humerus, il ilium, ma manus, pb pubis, pp plane-polarised light, sc scapulacoracoid, sk skull, tb tibia, xp cross-polarised light. Scale bars as indicated.

Cranial anatomy of Infernogallus jamesi gen. et sp. nov.
Photograph (a) and line drawing (b) of the skull of ROM VP 65050 in left lateral view. ...

 Infernogallus jamesi gen et. sp. nov. (Figs. 1–4) 

Etymology. The name comes from the Latin “Inferno” (Hell) and “gallus” (chicken), referring to the Hell Creek Formation and the small, bird-like appearance of the species; “jamesi”, a patronym for James William Boyd, the paternal grandfather of author CAB, who sparked his interest in the field of palaeontology. 

Holotype. ROM VP 65050, articulated partial skeleton including the skull, cervical and dorsal vertebrae, right pectoral girdle and forelimb, partial pelvic girdle, and partial right hindlimb. Paratypes. ROM VP 64193, dentaries; ROM VP 64194, articularsurangular-coronoid complex; ROM VP 88690, left and right pterygoids; NDGS 4351, dentaries. 

Locality and horizon. Hell Creek Formation (late Maastrichtian), Garfield County, Montana; Meade County, South Dakota; and Bowman County, North Dakota, USA. 

Diagnosis. Small (femur length 185 mm; est. 12 ± 3 kg body mass) caenagnathid oviraptorosaur diagnosed by the following autapomorphies: broad jugal with large anterior ascending process and which contacts the squamosal posteriorly; infratemporal fenestra extremely reduced, about 25% the diameter of the orbit; quadratojugal with greatly enlarged, circular posterior process; squamosal with dorsoventrally broad body lacking a depression and ridge for adductor musculature; pterygoids concave dorsally, unfused along the midline, and with a lateral buttress; ectopterygoid–pterygoid bar greatly expanded and extending far ventrally; long axis of vomer oriented ...

 

Gregory F. Funston, Thomas W. Dudgeon, D. Jade Simon, Danielle M. Dufault, Clint Boyd, Denver Fowler, Philip J. Currie and David C. Evans. 2026. Fruit-eating Adaptations in a Late Cretaceous oviraptorosaur (Theropoda). Nature Communications. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41467-026-78343-w [10 October 2026] 

 x.com/Tom_Dudgeon/status/2109992811202523597

[Entomology • 2026] Anchiale mabiensis & A. robusta • A Revision of Australian Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae), with the Description of Two New Species

  Anchiale mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov. female, in situ

in Jones, Brock, Coupland, Emmott et Lo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70096

 (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

ABSTRACT 

The Australian species of the Phasmida genus Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmatinae: Phasmatini) are updated to include five species: Anchiale albopunctata (Kirby, 1896) stat. rev. (removed from synonymy with A. briareus (Gray, 1834)); A. briareus Gray, 1834 (= Ctenomorpha tessulata Gray, 1835 syn. nov.; = A. austrotessulata Brock & Hasenpush, 2007, replacement name for C. tessulata Gray, 1835), A. mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov.; A. robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.; and A. spinicollis Gray, 1833. Lectotypes are designated for Ctenomorpha albopunctatum Kirby, 1896, C. nigrovaria Stål, 1875 (= A. briareus) and C. tessulata Gray, 1835. These taxonomic decisions are supported by Bayesian and Maximum Likelihood phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial COXI gene fragment of all species except A. spinicollis. Anchiale albopunctata is currently known from mideastern Queensland, A. briareus from north-eastern New South Wales and south-eastern Queensland, A. mabiensis sp. nov. and A. robusta sp. nov. from tropical eastern Queensland, and A. spinicollis from the Northern Territory. A dichotomous key to all Australian species of Anchiale and their eggs is provided.

Keywords: Acrophylla, distribution, DNA, genus, insects, molecular, Phasmida, phylogenetic, specimens, taxonomy

Anchiale albopunctata (Kirby, 1896) stat. rev. 

(removed from synonymy with A. briareus (Gray, 1834)); 

A. briareus Gray, 1834 

(= Ctenomorpha tessulata Gray, 1835 syn. nov.; 

= A. austrotessulata Brock & Hasenpush, 2007,
replacement name for C. tessulata Gray, 1835), 

A. mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov.; 

A. robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.; 

A. spinicollis Gray, 1833. 

  Anchiale mabiensis sp. nov. female, in situ

 (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

Anchiale mabiensis sp. nov. in situ.
(a) Female holotype (photo by Ross M. Coupland).
(b) paratype male (photo by Ross M. Coupland).
(c) Montane rainforest habitat (photo by Angus J. Emmott).

Anchiale mabiensis Coupland & Emmott, sp. nov. 

Anchiale robusta sp. nov. in situ.
 (a) Male. (b) Female. (c) Female defence display, inset: wings of preserved paratype female. (d) Coastal habitat, Bramston Beach, Qld. (e) Garden habitat, Kuranda, Qld

(all photos by Paul D. Brock).

Anchiale robusta Brock & Jones, sp. nov.

Braxton R. Jones, Paul D. Brock, Ross M. Coupland, Angus Emmott and Nathan Lo. 2026. A Revision of Australian Anchiale Stål, 1875 (Phasmida: Phasmatidae), with the Description of Two New Species. Austral Entomology. 65(4); e70096. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/aen.70096 [21 September 2026]

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

 

Sitala chorchati Tanmuangpak & S. Tumpeesuwan, 

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

หอยยอดเจดีย์ช่อฉัตร | DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy6040061 

 

Abstract

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

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

Taxonomy

Superfamily Helicarionoidea Bourguignat, 1877

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae, Godwin-Austen, 1888

Tribe Durgellini Godwin-Austen, 1888

Genus Sitala H. Adams, 1865

Type species. Helix infula Benson, 1848

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

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

 Photograph: Kitti Tanmuangpak.

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

Photograph: Kitti Tanmuangpak.

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

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

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

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