[Entomology • 2026] Montana tomorri & M. dani • Two New Species of Bush-crickets (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae) from the Mountains of south Albania

 

(A–D) Montana tomorri and (G–H) Montana dani 

Puskás, Lemonnier-Darcemont, Willemse, Chobanov, Heller, Halimi, Darcemont, Kotitsa& Szövényi, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.2.3

Abstract

Two new taxa of Platycleidini have been discovered in southern Albania, with one of them extending its range to the Greek border. In this paper, we analyse their morphological features, the characteristics of their acoustic signals, and phylogenetic relationships. These taxa clearly belong to the cluster of species comprising the four genera Montana, Amedegnatiana, Parnassiana, and Metrioptera s. str. The results of this study suggest their placement within the genus Montana, and we describe two new species: Montana tomorri sp. nov. and Montana dani sp. nov. Our findings highlight the urgent need for a reassessment of the tribe Platycleidini using integrative approaches that incorporate molecular and bioacoustic data, in order to better understand monophyletic groups and evaluate the consistency of current generic classifications.

Orthoptera, balkans, mountain endemism, Platycleidini, bioacoustics, phylogeny

habitus and colour variation of Montana tomorri sp. nov. from Tomorr Mt. (A–D) 

 

habitus and colour variation of M. dani sp. nov. from Trebeshina Mt. (E–H).

GELLÉRT PUSKÁS, MICHÈLE LEMONNIER-DARCEMONT, LUC WILLEMSE, DRAGAN CHOBANOV, KLAUS-GERHARD HELLER, ELTJON HALIMI, CHRISTIAN DARCEMONT, NEFELI KOTITSA, GERGELY SZÖVÉNYI. 2026. Montana tomorri and Montana dani (Orthoptera: Tettigoniidae), Two New Species of Bush-crickets from the Mountains of south Albania. Zootaxa. 5828(2); 225-255. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.2.3 [2026-06-09]

[Botany • 2026] Linaria almadensis (Plantaginaceae: Antirrhineae) • A highly threatened New Toadflax endemic to the Tagus mouth cliffs, opposite Lisbon (Portugal)

Linaria almadensis Farminhão,

in Farminhão, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/23818107.2025.2608732

 

ABSTRACT

A new species of Linaria subsect. Supinae is described from the Tagus mouth cliffs (TMC), located about 2 km south of Lisbon, in the municipality of Almada. The taxonomic treatment, including a key to morphologically allied species, is followed by a report on the vegetation of the TMC. Linaria almadensis, historically identified as L. glaucophylla, L. marginata, L. tristis, L. polygalifolia, L. aeruginea, and L. supina, is endemic to these coastal cliffs, formed during the Pleistocene, where it grows on sandy walls in the vicinity of carbonate rocks. It is associated with a chasmo-chomophytic community including some Portuguese endemics (Silene longicilia) or near-endemics (i.e. Antirrhinum linkianum, Calendula suffruticosa subsp. lusitanica), requiring legal protection under Annex I to the Habitats Directive. Linaria almadensis is most similar to L. tristis subsp. marginata, and L. supina s.l. from which it differs by the narrowly elliptic-oblong to elliptic-oblanceolate leaves, with an obtuse-apiculate apex, and the wider corolla tube in lateral section . Bees of the genus Anthophora are here reported as pollinators of L. almadensis, and evolutionary hypotheses for its origin are discussed. Due to its restricted distribution and pressing threats to its habitat, including invasive species and infrastructural encroachment, L. almadensis is preliminarily red-listed as Critically Endangered. The existence of a narrow endemic on the brink of extinction, one priority habitat at the European level, and a rich geological heritage in the TMC, call for the urgent definition of a new protected area in one of the most densely inhabited areas of Europe.

KEYWORDS: Iberian Peninsula, melittophily, periurban biodiversity, plant conservation, plant taxonomy, rupicolous vegetation, seed morphology, Tropaeolum majus

 Linaria almadensis in situ.
 (A) Habit. (B) Detail of inflorescence in early anthesis; spurs pale yellow. (C) Plant in late anthesis and fruit. (D) Detail of inflorescences in early anthesis; spurs tinged in violet. Taken at Cristo-Rei, 31 March 2021 (A, B, D) and Banática (C), 22 April 2025. Image credits: João Farminhão.

Linaria almadensis Farminhão sp. nov.

Overview of Linaria almadensis.
 A. Habit. B. Branched fertile stem in flower and fruit. C. Fertile stem apex with inflorescence, detail. D. Fertile stem leaf, adaxial surface. E. Fertile stem leaf, abaxial surface. F. Inflorescence axis, detail of indumentum. G. Bract. H. Calyx indumentum, detail. I. Flower, frontal view. J. Flower, lateral view. K. Capsule, pedicel, and axis. L. Capsule, detail of apex. M. Seed, view of convex face. N. Seed, transversal section.

A, G drawn from Arsénio s.n. (LISI053150); 

B – E, H, M, N from Farminhão 395 (COI00112046); F, I – L from Farminhão 371 (COI00112045).

 

João Farminhão. 2026. Linaria almadensis (Plantaginaceae, Antirrhineae): A highly threatened New Toadflax endemic to the Tagus mouth cliffs, opposite Lisbon (Portugal). Botany Letters. 173(2); 251-267. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/23818107.2025.2608732 [19 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Trimeresurus hongheensis • Integrative Taxonomy identifies A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Serpentes: Viperidae) from Yunnan Province, China

 

Trimeresurus hongheensis

Liang, Ding, Wang, Vogel, Shi, Gong, Wu & Chen, 2025 

 

红河竹叶青  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.022

Abstract 

The genus Trimeresurus currently contains at least 56 recognized species of venomous terrestrial to arboreal species distributed across South and Southeast Asia. We collected several specimens of the subgenus Viridovipera in Yunnan Province, China in recent years. Based on morphological characters and phylogenetic analysis, we confirm that Trimeresurus yunnanensis is distributed in the west of the Honghe River in Yunnan Province and the Trimeresurus species living along the lower reaches of the Honghe River Basin and adjacent areas is an undescribed taxon. The new species Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all known congeners by the pairwise genetic divergence in the mitochondrial cytochrome-b (p-distance≥5.0%) and 16S rRNA gene fragment (p-distance≥0.5%), and morphologically by the combination of the following characters: (1) hemipenes short and strongly spinose, with deep bifurcation; (2) a white postocular stripe bordered above and below by red or only a white postocular stripe present in males; postocular stripe white or absent in females; (3) the ventrolateral stripe is red (below) and white (above) in males and white in females; (4) iris brick red or sepia in males; iris yellow or rusty-red in females; (5) VEN 150–165 in males and 157–165 in females; SC 61–76 in males and 56–61 in females; (6) dorsal tail mostly rusty red; (7) 9–12 cephalic scales; (8) 19 or 21 dorsal scale rows at mid-body; (9) first supralabial completely separated from the nasal scale.

Keywords: Mitochondrial DNA, Morphology, Honghe River, Phylogenetics, Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov., Viridovipera

Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. in Yunnan, China, males (Left) and females (Right) in life
 A: Mingjiu, Mengzi (Holotype GXNU251201). B: Mingjiu, Mengzi (GXNU251218). C: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251204). D: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251205). E: Mt. Dawei, Pingbian County, Yunnan (Paratype GXNU251219). F: Yuanjiang (Paratype GXNU251203).

Photos by Li Ding.

Holotype (adult male GXNU251201) of Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. 
A: Dorsal view of head; B: Ventral view of head; C: Lateral view of head; D: Lateral view of middle body; E: Dorsal view of the specimen; F: Ventral view of the specimen.

Photos by Sheng-Chao Shi. Scale bars: 10 mm (A, B, C, D); 3 cm (E, F).

Comparison of head shape and coloration between males and females in Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. Left, dorsal view of head; right, lateral view of head.
A & B: Specimen GXNU251201 (holotype, male); C & D: Specimen GXNU251219 (paratype, male); E & F: Specimen GXNU251205 (paratype, female); G & H: GXNU251218 (female). A & C: Different head shape in males (more elongated skull vs short skull); B & D: Different iris color in males (brick red vs sepia); E & G: Different head shape in females (more elongated skull vs short skull); F & H: Different postocular stripe (present vs absent) and different iris color (yellow vs rusty-red) in females.

Photos by Sheng-Chao Shi.

 Trimeresurus hongheensis sp. nov. 

Etymology: The new species name “hongheensis” refers to its type locality, the area around the Honghe River Basin, which is a boundary of the new species and T. yunnanensis. For common name we suggested as “Honghe green pit-viper” in English and “Hóng hé Zhú Yè Qīng (红河竹叶青)” in Chinese.

Diagnosis: (1) Head and body dorsum dark green, venter yellow green or light green. (2) 80% of the tail is rusty red, gradually fusing backwards, with dark red at the end of the tail. (3) Interstitial skin black. (4) Head dark green above, light yellow or light green below, clearly defined. (5) Iris brick red or sepia in males; iris yellow or rusty-red in females. (6) A white postocular stripe bordered above and below by red or only a white postocular stripe present in males, occupying only about 1–2 rows of scales across; postocular stripe white or absent in females. (7) Vivid, broad, bicolored ventrolateral stripe, red below and white above in males, covering 1–2 scales thick; thin white ventrolateral stripe present on the first row of DSR in females. (8) First supralabials separated from nasals. (9) Internasals separated by 0–2 scale. (10) Supraoculars separated by 9–12 smooth cephalic scales. (11) Head scales feebly keeled; 19 or 21 dorsal scale rows at mid-body, feebly keeled except for the outermost rows; VEN 150–165 in males (n=10), 157–165 in females (n=7); SC 61–76 in males (n=7), 56–61 in females (n=7). (12) Tail length to total length ratio (TaL/TL) 0.172–0.204 in males (n=7), 0.145–0.160 in females (n=7). (13) Hemipenes short and strongly spinose, with deep bifurcation.

 

Ya-Ting Liang, Li Ding, Xin Wang, Gernot Vogel, Sheng-Chao Shi, Xiong Gong, Zheng-Jun Wu and Ze-Ning Chen. 2025. Integrative Taxonomy identifies A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Reptilia: Serpentes: Viperidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation. 2(3): 182-195. DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.022

[Botany • 2026] Primula chongqingensis (Primulaceae) • A New Species from Chongqing, China

Primula chongqingensis K.Liang & S.R.Yi, 

in Liang, Zhang et Yi, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.2.6 

 x.com/Jungle_KL

Abstract

Primula chongqingensis K.Liang & S.R.Yi, sp. nov., a new species of Primula sect. Ranunculoides from Chongqing, China, is described. The new species is currently known only from Qianjiang District, where it grows on wet moss-covered rock faces and dripping cliffs beside streams and below waterfalls in shaded valley woodland. It is most similar to P. ranunculoides in overall morphology, but differs by its smaller leaves with markedly fewer lateral segments, stable long-homostylous flowers, pedicels and calyces covered with short glandular hairs, and a relatively short calyx less than half as long as the corolla tube, usually reaching ca. one third of it. Filiform propagative shoots with apical bulblets are only occasionally produced in P. chongqingensis, whereas similar structures are consistently and abundantly produced in P. ranunculoides. These combined vegetative and reproductive differences support its recognition as a distinct species rather than an infraspecific taxon of P. ranunculoides. A morphological description, distribution information, provisional conservation assessment, a diagnostic comparison with P. ranunculoides, and a key to the species of Primula sect. Ranunculoides are provided.

Eudicots, narrow endemic, homostyly, morphological comparison, Qianjiang District, sect. Ranunculoides, taxonomy, Wuling Mountains

Primula chongqingensis K.Liang & S.R.Yi, sp. nov.

KE (Jungle) LIANG, HONG-JING ZHANG and SI-RONG YI. 2026. Primula chongqingensis (Primulaceae), A New Species from Chongqing, China.  Phytotaxa. 763(2);  193-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.763.2.6 [2026-06-19]

 x.com/Jungle_KL/status/2067732578585460962

[Botany • 2026] Ceropegia gengmaensis (Apocynaceae: Ceropegieae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Ceropegia gengmaensis  P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun,

in Luo, Liu, Tong, Zhang, Wang, Deng, Goyder et Sun, 2026. 

耿马吊灯花  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.197333

Abstract

Ceropegia gengmaensis P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun, a new species from Gengma County, Yunnan, Southwest China, is described. Both morphological characteristics and chloroplast phylogenetic analysis strongly support its placement within C. sect. Chionopegia H.Huber. Molecular data further reveal that C. gengmaensis is closely related to C. salicifolia, C. mairei, and C. dolichophylla, yet it can be distinguished from them readily by its stem indumentum, leaf shape, and floral morphology, particularly the shape of the corolla tube, and features of the lobes. A detailed line drawing of this new species is also provided.

Key words: Ceropegieae, Chloroplast, Karst Landform, Morphology, Southwest China

Ceropegia gengmaensis. 
 A, B. Plant showing the rootstock; C, D. Upper and lower sides of leaf; E. Inflorescence with bases of adjoining leaves; F. Corolla tube dissected longitudinally; G. Side view of gynostegium (with sepals and pedicel shown); H. Top view of gynostegium with sepals shown; I. Ovary; J Pollinarium.

 Scale bars: 15 cm (A, B); 5 cm (C, D); 4 cm (E, F); 1 cm (G); 0.8 cm (H); 0.3 cm (I); 0.5 mm (J).

Morphological features of Ceropegia gengmaensis based on living plants collected from the type locality.
 A. Plant showing the rootstock; B, C. Leaf: B, abaxial surface and C, adaxial surface; D. Stem; E, F. Corolla: E, corolla from the outside with its base cut off and F, corolla with the tube dissected longitudinally; G. Small peduncle, part of the pedicel and petiole; H. White hairs on the inside of the base of the tube; I. Side view of gynostegium; J. Gynostegium from above; K. Pollinarium.

Scale bars: 15 cm (A); 5 cm (B, C); 4 cm (D, E, F); 1 cm (G, H, I); 0.8 cm (J); 0.5 mm (K).

Ceropegia gengmaensis P.R.Luo, A.Liu & H.Sun, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Ceropegia gengmaensis shows affinities with C. salicifolia and C. dolichophylla, both of C. sect. Chionopegia . It differs from C. salicifolia by its erect to sprawling habit (vs. twining), elliptic leaves 2.0–5.5 cm (vs. lanceolate, 6–15 cm), densely pubescent stems bearing usually solitary flowers (vs. glabrous stems with sessile cymose many-flowered inflorescences), and narrower corolla lobes with only slight expansion above the throat (vs. lobes longer and wider, upper portion markedly expanded). From C. mairei it differs by the much less pronounced basal inflation of the tube (vs. a strongly inflated tube) and ... 

Etymology. Ceropegia gengmaensis is named after its type locality, Gengma County, Southwest Yunnan.

Vernacular name. the Chinese name is given as “耿马吊灯花” (gěng mă diào dēng huā) named after the type locality, Gengma County, Southwest Yunnan.

Peng-Rui Luo, Ang Liu, Rui Tong, Xin-Jian Zhang, Zi-Yi Wang, Tao Deng, David J. Goyder and Hang Sun. 2026. Ceropegia gengmaensis (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 217-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.197333 [15 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Argostemma baotingense (Rubiaceae) • A New Species from Hainan Island, South China

 

Argostemma baotingense S.P.Dong & H.B.Yang, 

 in Dong, Yuan, Wang et Yang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.195404 

Abstract

Argostemma baotingense, a new species of Rubiaceae from Hainan Island, southern China, is described. This new species resembles A. bachmaense but can be distinguished by its suberect or creeping stem, linear leaves with a greenish-white abaxial surface, white and glabrous inflorescence, and glabrous calyx. An identification key and photographs of the nine Argostemma species in China are provided.

Key words: Argostemma, new species, taxonomy

Argostemma baotingense.
A. Plant in natural habitat; B. Flowering plant; C. Flowers; D. Calyx; E. Leafy branch, adaxial view; F. Leafy branch, abaxial view; G. Leaves, adaxial view; H. Leaves, abaxial view; I, J. A node with opposite leaves and stipules; K. Flower, apical view; L. Flower, bottom view; M, N. Inflorescence; O. Androecium; P. Pistil.

Argostemma baotingense S.P.Dong & H.B.Yang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species is morphologically similar to A. bachmaense T.V.Do but differs by the suberect or creeping stem (vs. erect), the linear leaves (vs. oblanceolate to spatulate), glabrous inflorescence (vs. pubescent), glabrous calyx (vs. pubescent). A detailed morphological comparison between the two species is provided in Table 1. Photographs of seven Argostemma species in China have been provided (Fig. 2). A key to all the nine species of Argostemma in China is also provided at the end of the text.

Shu-Peng Dong, Lang-Xing Yuan, Qing-Long Wang and Hu-Biao Yang. 2026. Argostemma baotingense (Rubiaceae), A New Species from Hainan Island, South China. PhytoKeys. 276: 253-260. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.195404   [18 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from western Mexico

Polystemma cualense  C.D.Sánchez, S.Islas & A.Black, 

in Sánchez-Sánchez, Islas-Hernández et Black, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.176723 

Abstract

A new species of Polystemma is described from the Sierra El Cuale, Jalisco, Mexico. Polystemma cualense is distinguished from its congeners, particularly P. horconesense, by a gynostegial corona higher than the gynostegium, longer external corona lobes, and a black gynostegium. Morphological data were obtained by examining herbarium specimens, consulting digital images from iNaturalist, and reviewing specialized literature. A preliminary conservation assessment based on IUCN criteria indicates that it is a Critically Endangered (CR) species due to its restricted area of occupancy and threats from deforestation, agriculture, and livestock grazing. The discovery of P. cualense increases the known diversity of Polystemma in Jalisco and highlights the floristic importance of the Sierra El Cuale.

Key words: Asclepiadoideae, high diversity, Jalisco, Sierra El Cuale

Polystemma cualense.
A. Complete plant; B. Inflorescence; C. Detail of gynostegium; D. Pollinarium. E. Immature follicle with sepal remnants.

Polystemma cualense C.D.Sánchez, S.Islas & A.Black, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Polystemma cualense resembles P. horconesense in having flowers similar in size and shape. Polystemma cualense differs in having a gynostegial corona higher than the gynostegium (vs. gynostegial corona the same height as the gynostegium), external gynostegial corona lobes 3–4 mm length (vs. 0.5–0.6 mm length) and gynostegium black (vs. gynostegium green-yellowish).

 Cristóbal Daniel Sánchez-Sánchez, Carla Sofía Islas-Hernández and Adam W. Black. 2026. Polystemma cualense (Apocynaceae), A New Species from western Mexico. PhytoKeys. 276: 245-251. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.176723   [18 Jun 2026]

 

[Botany • 2026] Syngonium turipachense (Araceae) • A New Species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium from Chiapas, Mexico

Syngonium turipachense 

in Jiménez, Pérez-Farrera, Croat, Martínez-Martínez, Méndez, Hentrich et Aguilar-Rodríguez, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.6 

   facebook.com/Unicach

 

The genus Syngonium is represented in Mexico by ten species, seven of which are registered for the state of Chiapas. During fieldwork between 2020 and 2025 in Berriozabal, Chiapas, we discovered an undescribed species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium that is morphologically similar to S. neglectum, but differing from that species in having one or two inflorescences per axil, glaucous stems and spathe tube, a spathe blade almost twice as long as the staminate portion of the spadix, staminate flowers retuse at the apex, glaucous immature infructescence and the spathe not persistent in mature fruits.

Aroid, Berriozabal, Reserva La Pera, Syngonium angustatum, Syngonium neglectum, Monocots

Syngonium turipachense

PEDRO DÍAZ JIMÉNEZ, MIGUEL ÁNGEL PÉREZ-FARRERA, THOMAS B. CROAT, MAURICIO GERÓNIMO MARTÍNEZ-MARTÍNEZ, GASPAR MORENO MÉNDEZ, HEIKO HENTRICH, PEDRO A. AGUILAR-RODRÍGUEZ. 2026. A New Species of Syngonium sect. Syngonium (Araceae) from Chiapas, Mexico.  Phytotaxa. 750(3); 207-215. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.750.3.6 [2026-04-07]

  facebook.com/Unicach/posts/1360714109410395

[Entomology • 2026] Cricotopus motuoensis & C. neomatudigitatus • DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov.,
C. (P.) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

in Chen, Z.-C. Zhang, Y. Zhang, Nyima et Lin, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 

Abstract

Two cryptic species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus species group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China have been discovered by DNA barcodes. Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., and Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. are described and illustrated. The validity of some previously described species is discussed, and the diagnosis of the subgenus is amended. A key to known adult males of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) is presented.

Diptera, Orthocladiinae, taxonomy, pupa, female, key

 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) motuoensis Chen & Lin, sp. nov., 

Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) neomatudigitatus Chen & Lin, sp. nov. 

YI-ZHU CHEN, ZHI-CHAO ZHANG, YAN ZHANG, TENZIN NYIMA and XIAO-LONG LIN. 2026. DNA Barcodes reveal Cryptic Species of Cricotopus (Pseudocricotopus) montanus Species Group (Diptera: Chironomidae) from Oriental China.  Zootaxa. 5828(3); 481-501. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5828.3.4 [2026-06-10]

 

[Entomology • 2020] Apsidophora bala & A. chandrapatyae • Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand

[2, 5] Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male)
[3, 6] A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, females)
[4, 7] A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 

Pinkaew & Muadsub, 2020

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150

Abstract

 Two new species, Apsidophora bala sp. nov. and Apsidophora chandrapatyae sp. nov., are described. Illustrations of adult and genitalia are provided. We also present a photograph of living specimen of A. chandrapatyae sp. nov. in natural resting posture. The two new taxa increase the number of described Apsidophora species to 3.

 Key words: new species, Olethreutini, Thailand

 

 Head of Apsidophora spp. 5. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 6. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np13274) 7. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male).

 Wing pattern of Apsidophora spp. 2. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 3. A. bala, sp. nov. (paratype, female np6675) 4. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male), scale bars = 2 mm.

 Male hindwing of Apsidophora spp.
8–9. Apsidophora bala, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 8. Hindwing 9. Projecting lobe
10–13. A. chandrapatyae, sp. nov. (holotype, male) 10. Hindwing 11. Projecting lobe 12. Two groups of sex scales on hindwing (upperside hindwing) 13. A row of long scales (underside hindwing).

Nantasak Pinkaew and Sopita Muadsub. 2020. Two New Species of the Genus Apsidophora Diakonoff, 1973 (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae: Olethreutinae) from Thailand. Zootaxa. 4877(3); 401–412. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4877.3.1 

Researchgate.net/publication/346815150_Two_new_Apsidophora_from_Thailand

[Botany • 2026] Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae) • A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China

 

Oreocharis sihuiensis  L.B.Ji & F.Wen, 

in  Ji, Wen, Jin, Xu, Li et Tang. 2026. 

四会瑶山苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 

Abstract

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov. (Gesneriaceae) is described from Guangdong Province, China. Morphologically, the flower shape of this new species is similar to that of O. dayaoshanioides, but it can be distinguished by its leaf blade being adaxially densely pubescent, with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. adaxially sparsely villous to villous, with hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded and apex rounded (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate and apex acute), 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), shorter filaments (ca. 6.0 mm long vs. 8.0–12.0 mm long), and shorter capsules (ca. 1.0 cm long vs. ca. 2.0 cm long). Considering its scarce number of individuals, and the presence of severe human disturbance, we preliminarily assess the new species as ‘Critically Endangered’ (CR) according to IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Key words: Medicinal plant, morphology, new taxon, Oreocharis cotinifolia, Oreocharis dayaoshanioides, taxonomy

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B, C. Flowering individuals; D. Leaves, adaxial (left), abaxial (right), and their partially magnified views (a, b. Respectively, showing indumentum); E. Inflorescence; F, G. Flowers, front and lateral view, respectively; H. Longitudinal section of corolla, lower lip (left), upper lip (right) and its partially magnified view (a. Showing indumentum and staminodes); I. Calyx lobes; J. Disc and Pistil; K. Capsules.

Oreocharis sihuiensis sp. nov.
A. Habit; B. Front view of a flower; C. Lateral view of a flower; D. Longitudinal section of corolla; E. Disc and Pistil; F. Capsules; G. Leaf, abaxial surface.

Oreocharis sihuiensis L.B.Ji & F.Wen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A species similar to Oreocharis dayaoshanioides Yan Liu & W.B.Xu (in Liu et al. 2012), but can be distinguished from the latter by the adaxial leaf blade being densely pubescent with hairs 0.2–0.5 mm long (vs. sparsely to densely villous, hairs longer than 1 mm), lobes of the corolla upper lip subrounded with a rounded apex (vs. broadly ovate to orbicular-ovate with an acute apex), presence of 3 staminodes (vs. absent or 2), disc margin cleft (vs. subentire), filaments shorter, less than ca. 6.0 mm long (vs. 8.0–12.0 mm), and capsules ca. 1.0 cm long (vs. ca. 2.0 cm). (Table 1, together with the type species of Dayaoshania, now namely Oreocharis cotinifolia).

Etymology. Specific epithet is derived from the type locality, Sihui City.

Vernacular name. Sì Huì Yáo Shān Jù Tái (Chinese pronunciation); 

四会瑶山苣苔 (Chinese name).

Ling-Bo Ji, Fang Wen, Xiu-Hui Jin, Yi-Da Xu, Bo-Heng Li and Bo Tang. 2026. Oreocharis sihuiensis (Gesneriaceae), A critically endangered New Species from Guangdong Province, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 175-182. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.190710 [12 Jun 2026]

[Botany • 2025] Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae: Asclepiadoideae) • A New Species from Yunnan, China

 

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen, 

in Ma, Yin, Xi et Shen, 2025.

 DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 

 Abstract  

Vincetoxicum jinshaense X.D. Ma & J.Y. Shen (Apocynaceae) is described as a new species from Luquan, Yunnan, China. It morphologically resembles V. yunnanense, V. secamonoides and V. rotundifolium, but differs from them in many features of the leaves and flowers. Based on the IUCN categories and criteria, and considering imminent threats to the species, it is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

 

Xing-Da Ma, Yi-Qiang Yin, Hou-Cheng Xi, Jian-Yong Shen. 2025. Vincetoxicum jinshaense (Apocynaceae), A New Species from Yunnan, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 62(1); 327-331. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.062.0152 (18 November 2025) 

https://bsky.app/profile/anbf.bsky.social

[Paleontology • 2026] Gondwananectes osvaldoi • A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

Otero, Acuña, Vargas, Rojas, Ortiz & Aguirrezabala, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 

 x.com/ThePalAss

Abstract 

Cryptoclidia (Plesiosauria, Plesiosauroidea) was a major clade of marine reptiles that originated during the Jurassic. The early evolution of Cryptoclidia is documented by records of Cryptoclididae from the Middle Jurassic (174.7–165.1 Ma) and onwards in Europe, the Caribbean and South America. However, the origin of Cryptoclidia itself has remained obscure. Only some traits shared with Cryptoclidia are found in the Toarcian (184.2–174.7 Ma) taxa Plesiopterys wildi and Franconiasaurus brevispinus, from southern Europe. Here we describe a small-bodied sub-adult skeleton belonging to a new plesiosaurian taxon from the Middle Jurassic (c. 170 Ma) of the Atacama Desert (former southwestern Gondwana). The new taxon has single-headed ribs in its axial skeleton, and its combination of novel and ancestral features place it as the sister taxon of Cryptoclidia. The lower Bajocian stage, the phylogenetic position of the new taxon, as well as its palaeogeographic occurrence, point to an older origin and dispersal of Cryptoclidia ancestors, reinforcing the notion that an early Caribbean corridor between the Pacific and Tethyan realms was already functional during the Middle Jurassic.

Keywords: marine reptile, plesiosaurian, phylogeny, Middle Jurassic, Gondwana, palaeogeography

Gondwananectes osvaldoi

 

Rodrigo A. Otero, Sergio Soto Acuña, Alexander O. Vargas, Jennyfer Rojas, Héctor Ortiz, Guillermo Aguirrezabala. 2026. A new Middle Jurassic marine reptile from Gondwana clarifies the origin of Cryptoclidia, the most successful group of plesiosaurs. Papers in Palaeontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/spp2.70068 [08 March 2026] 

x.com/ThePalAss/status/2031413080001823092

[Entomology • 2026] Varitrella sulu & V. alternata • New Species and Bioacoustics of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Orthoptera: Ensifera: Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) from Sulu Archipelago and Borneo’s Sabah

 

Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, 

in Haibil, Nuñeza, Damit, Japir, Chung et Tan, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.1.4 

facebook.com: Arthur CHUNG 

 

Abstract

Two new species of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) are described from Sulu Archipelago: Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) alternata Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. The calling songs of Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. and Varitrella (Cantotrella) trusmadi Gorochov, 2014 are also described.

Orthoptera, Calling songs, East Malaysia, Philippines, Podoscirtini, Southeast Asia

Varitrella (Cantotrella) sulu Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. 

Varitrella (Cantotrella) alternata Haibil, Nuñeza & Tan, sp. nov. 

HELEN H. HAIBIL, OLGA MACAS NUÑEZA, DAYANG FAZRINAH BINTI AWG DAMIT, RAZY JAPIR, ARTHUR Y.C. CHUNG and MING KAI TAN. 2026. New Species and Bioacoustics of Varitrella (Cantotrella) (Oecanthidae: Podoscirtinae) from Sulu Archipelago and Borneo’s Sabah.  Zootaxa. 5821(1); 61-77. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5821.1.4 [2026-05-28]

 facebook.com/ArthurCHUNG123799/posts/3545681898914705

[Mammalogy • 2026] Coendou sangay • A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador

 

Coendou sangay Brito, 

in Brito​, Curay, León-Caldas, Lojan-Cueva, Ojala-Barbour, Pozo-Zamora, Simba, Tito, Vargas, Vega-Yánez et Batallas, 2026. 

Sangay Porcupine | Puerco espín de Sangay  ||  DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382

Abstract 

The tropical Andes harbor high levels of undocumented biodiversity, often hidden within complex ecological communities that require sustained sampling efforts to be fully characterized. Here, we describe a new species of porcupine of the genus Coendou, discovered within the hyper-diverse mammalian assemblage of Sangay National Park (Sangay) in Ecuador. The description is based on an adult specimen collected at 2,400 m on the eastern slopes of the Andes. Phylogenetic analyses using mitochondrial Cytochrome b (Cytb) place the new species as a distinct lineage within the Clade B (sensu (Voss, Hubbard & Jansa, 2013)), showing significant genetic divergence (p-distance > 6.0%) from its closest congeners, C. speratus, C. nycthemera and C. bicolor. Morphologically, Coendou sangay sp. nov. is diagnosed by its medium body size, a remarkably short tail (approx. 26% of head-and-body length), tricolored bristle-quills with brownish-red tips, and distinct cranial features, including a long nasal bone and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach the second upper molar. This discovery is contextualized within a comprehensive mammalian inventory of Sangay, compiled over 15 years of fieldwork. Despite an intensive sampling effort totaling 12,800 trap-nights and 2,400 camera-trap days, only a single specimen was obtained, highlighting the species status as a rare, canopy-dwelling specialist. We report 170 mammal species within the park, including 18 endemic and 35 threatened taxa. With a richness of 0.03 species per km2, Sangay ranks as the most mammal-diverse protected area per unit area in the Tropics. Our results demonstrate that intensive, long-term inventories are essential for identifying cryptic arboreal lineages that remain “invisible” to traditional terrestrial sampling. Finally, we emphasize the urgent need for conservation policies, including the strengthening of biological corridors and the limitation on road and mining expansion, to safeguard this high-elevation biodiversity hotspot.

Keywords: Eastern Andes, Cloud forest, Rare species, Biodiversity hotspot, Species delimitation

Systematic

Family Erethizontidae Bonaparte, 1845

Genus Coendou Lacépède, 1799

Coendou sangay new species. Brito

Coendou rufescens: Brito & Ojala-Barbour (2016), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Coendou rufescens: Batallas & Brito (2022), not Coendou rufescens (Gray, 1865)

Sangay Porcupine, Puerco espín de Sangay (in Spanish)

Diagnosis. Coendou sangay sp. nov. is distinguished from other species of the genus by its medium-sized body (HBL 460 mm) and very small tail (26% LT/HBL), absence of long fur, tricolored bristle-quills (with brownish red tips), spiny ventral fur, and a unique combination of cranial features, including a long nasal bone (35% LN/CIL), constricted maxillary bony bridge, and a mesopterygoid fossa that does not reach M2.

Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
 (A) External appearance of the adult female alive in its natural habitat in the Sangay, Ecuador; (B) lateral and (C) posterior view of the revealing an aposematic coloration.

 Photographs by J. Brito.

Selected external and soft anatomical features of Coendou sangay sp. nov. (MECN 4343, holotype).
Ventral view of the hand (A), and of the foot (B); detail of the muzzle (C); perineal region (D), and ventral view of the tail (E).

 Abbreviations: a = anus, v = vagina. Photographs by J. Brito.

Etymology: This species is named in honor of Sangay National Park, which is the largest Andean national park in Ecuador. The park includes a large elevation gradient along the eastern slopes, or Eastern Cordillera, of the Andes and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park gets its name from Sangay, one of Ecuador’s most active volcanoes, which is located within its boundaries.

Field expedition to Guabisai (A), Cubillines (B), and sampling and collecting in the area (C, D).

Photographs of J. Brito (A, C, D), and G. Pozo (B).

Jorge Brito​, Jenny Curay, Víctor León-Caldas, Pamela Lojan-Cueva, Reed Ojala-Barbour, Glenda Pozo-Zamora, Laura Simba, Paul Tito, Rocío Vargas, Mateo A. Vega-Yánez and Diego Batallas. 2026. Discovery of A New Species of Coendou (Rodentia: Erethizontidae) within the Hyper-diverse Mammalian Community of Sangay National Park in Ecuador. PeerJ. 14:e21382 DOI:  doi.org/10.7717/peerj.21382 [June 8, 2026]