[Botany • 2026] Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae) • A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India

  

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar, 

in Khanal, Borah, Sarkar, Gap, Rai et Kumar, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7  

 facebook.com/DipuBORAH2

Abstract

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov. is described from Keyi Panyor District, Arunachal Pradesh, northeastern India. The new species is morphologically allied to G. putaoensis but differs in having a broadly obovate basal part of the labellum with 6–7 prominent longitudinally thickened structures, and a distinct, thick, strongly incurved, narrowly oblong-ligulate, yellow apical part that is minutely papillate, with the apex rounded to obtuse (vs. an elliptic basal part with 3–5 parallel thickened lines, and a narrower apical part densely covered with yellow hairs, with the apex obtuse and densely covered with red papillae). A detailed morphological description, diagnosis, photographic illustrations, notes on distribution, habitat, phenology, and conservation status, together with comparisons with morphologically allied species, are provided to facilitate its identification.

Monocots, Ghost orchid, Mycoheterotroph, New to Science, Orchid, Taxonomy

Gastrodia keyiensis M.Khanal, D.Borah & Dev.Kumar sp. nov.

MADHUSUDHAN KHANAL, DIPANKAR BORAH, SHUVADIP SARKAR, NEELAM GAP, SANTOSH KUMAR RAI and DEVENDRA KUMAR. 2026. Gastrodia keyiensis (Orchidaceae: Gastrodieae), A New holomycotrophic Species from Arunachal Pradesh, Eastern Himalaya, India.  Phytotaxa. 773(3); 289-295. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.773.3.7 [2026-09-09]

  facebook.com/DipuBORAH2/posts/28179222161743622

[Botany • 2026] Sedum guniuensis (Crassulaceae) • A New Species from Anhui, China

 

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, 

in Wang, Ma, Fang, Ding, Ni, Zhang, Zou, Shao, Li, Liu et Ai, 2026. 

牯牛景天  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120

 

ABSTRACT

A new species of Sedum (Crassulaceae), Sedum guniuensis from the Guniujiang Mountains in southern Anhui, China, is described and illustrated. This new species is similar to S. emarginatum, but can be clearly distinguished by its creeping growth habit and smaller cordate leaves. Additionally, complete chloroplast genomes from six populations of S. guniuensis provide strong molecular evidence for its taxonomic separation from S. emarginatum.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov.
 (A) habitat, (B) habit winter, (C) habit spring, (D) flowers, (E) plants.

 All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

Sedum guniuensis Kun Liu, H. J. Ma & J.W. Shao, sp. nov. (Figures 4, 5).

Diagnosis: Sedum guniuensis (Figures 4 and 5) is morphologically similar to S. emarginatum, but differs in prostrate stems, cordate smaller leaves (0.5–1.2 × 0.4–1.0 cm vs. 1–2.5 × 0.5–1.2 cm), linear-obovate sepals (2–5 × 0.7–2 mm), and diminutive petals (6–8 × 1.5–2 mm) (Table 2). In sympatry (Figure 4A,B), S. guniuensis has creeping stems and smaller leaves than S. emarginatum.

Etymology: The epithet “guniuensis” is derived from the type locality, Guniujiang mountains, Shitai County, Anhui Province, China. 

The Chinese name given is “Gǔ Niú Jǐng Tiān” (牯牛景天).

Sedum guniuensis (B, D, E, G, I, K) and S. emarginatum (A, C, F, H, J, L),
(A, B) comparison of both species co-occurring in sympatric communities in the wild, (C, D) plants, (E, F) cauline leaves, (G, H) leaf, (I, J) flowers, (K, L) fruits.

All are photographed by Kun Liu or Haijun Ma.

 

Wan-Zeng Wang, Hai-Jun Ma, Hong-Ming Fang, Bai-Lin Ding, Wei-Yong Ni, Si-Yu Zhang, Shi-Hui Zou, Jian-Wen Shao, Nai-Wei Li, Kun Liu and Li-Jiao Ai. 2026. Sedum guniuensis, A New Species of Sedum (Crassulaceae) from Anhui, China. Ecology and Evolution. DOI: doi.org/10.1002/ece3.74120 [29 July 2026] 

[Botany • 2026] Hydrangea medogensis (Hydrangeaceae) • A New Species from Xizang (Tibet), China

 

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He, 

in He, Zheng, F.-Y. Zhao, Yin, Li, K.-H. Zhao, Zhang, Liao et Lan, 2026.

墨脱绣球  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203326 

Abstract

Based on field surveys, examination of herbarium specimens, and molecular phylogenetic analyses, the present study described a new species, Hydrangea medogensis sp. nov. (Hydrangeaceae), from Medog County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analyses indicated that H. medogensis was placed in Clade 1 as a distinct lineage, sister to the remainder of the clade. Morphologically, the new species is most similar to H. stylosa but can be distinguished by the following key characteristics: fertile flowers with a globose calyx tube constricted at the mouth; calyx teeth triangular, occasionally oblong-ovate, 0.6–1 mm long; adaxial leaf surface covered with two types of soft hairs (long and short); ovary more than 4/5 inferior, nearly completely inferior; and seeds with a very narrow wing around the margin. The taxonomic status of the new species was established based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence.

Key words: Hydrangea, morphological analysis, new species, phylogenetic analysis

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He.
A. Habit; B. Fruiting branch; C. Adaxial surface of leaf; D. Abaxial surface of leaf; E. Flower bud; F. Flower; G. Fruit; H. Seed (drawing by Wenqi He).

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He. 
A. Habitat; B. Flowering branch; C. Sterile flowers and young fruits; D. Branchlet; E. Fruiting branch.

Hydrangea medogensis X.Z.Lan, W.L.Zheng & W.Q.He, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Hydrangea medogensis is morphologically similar to H. stylosa, but differs in having ovaries more than 4/5 inferior (vs. ca. 2/3 inferior), leaves with adaxial surface covered with long and short hairs (vs. nearly glabrous or glabrous on both surfaces), fertile flowers with calyx tube subglobose, calyx opening constricted, calyx teeth triangular, occasionally oblong-ovate, 0.6–1 mm long (vs. calyx tube campanulate, calyx opening tubular, calyx teeth ovate or suboblong, 1–1.5 mm long), and seeds narrowly winged around margin (vs. minutely winged at one or both ends).

Etymology. The epithet indicates the type locality, i.e., Medog area, Xizang, China.

Vernacular name. mò tuō xiù qiú (Chinese pronunciation); 

墨脱绣球 (Chinese name).

 Wen-Qi He, Wei-Lie Zheng, Fang-Yu Zhao, Kai-Xin Yin, Lian-Qiang Li, Kai-Hui Zhao, Fang-yuan Zhang, Zhi-hua Liao and Xiao-Zhong Lan. 2026. Hydrangea medogensis (Hydrangeaceae), A New Species from Xizang (Tibet), China. PhytoKeys. 279: 51-68. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.279.203326 [10 Sep 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Kayrasaurus changliensi • A New therizinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota and ecomorphological patterns among early therizinosaurians

 

Kayrasaurus changliensis  Liao, Freimuth, Zanno & Xu, 2026;

Beipiaosaurus inexpectus; Jianchangosaurus yixianensis; Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2710287 

Artwork by Kōhei Futaka. x.com/_HETAKA

 

Abstract

Therizinosauria is a highly specialized clade of maniraptoran theropods, notable for a suite of unusual traits in late-branching taxa. These paradoxical anatomical features contributed to the complex taxonomic history of the clade, which remained unresolved until the discovery of early branching taxa. Here, we describe a new early branching species, Kayrasaurus changliensis, based on a nearly complete, skeletally immature specimen (IVPP V 18597) recovered from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation of western Liaoning, China. This taxon is notably larger than other penecontemporaneous Jehol therizinosaurians (at least 1.6 times larger than the second-largest taxon, Beipiaosaurus inexpectus) and exhibits a unique combination of features (e.g. extremely small and densely packed teeth, cervical centra markedly longer than dorsal centra, and a dorsally extended ‘lip’ on manual ungual IV). We evaluate the phylogenetic position of K. changliensis using an expanded dataset with increased character and taxon sampling. Our results allow us to revise the diagnosis of B. inexpectus and provide new insights into therizinosaurian evolution, provisionally recovering two subclades within Therizinosauridae that are differentiated by their manual ungual morphology. By integrating morphological traits, body mass estimates, and biomechanical data, we infer the possibility of at least two distinct ecological niches among Jehol therizinosaurians. One ecological group, represented by B. inexpectus and possibly K. changliensis, exhibits features indicative of enhanced bite force and a more robust, less cursorial body plan. In contrast, Jianchangosaurus yixianensis and Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis display traits associated with greater cursoriality and a reliance on forelimb-based foraging. Kayrasaurus changliensis, together with the results of our phylogenetic analysis, provides new insights into the morphological evolution and ecological adaptations of therizinosaurians in the Jehol Biota. However, further analyses and the discovery of more complete, well-preserved specimens are essential to rigorously test and refine these hypotheses. 

Keywords: Early Cretaceous, Liaoning, maniraptoran, morphology, taxonomy

four species of therizinosaurids from the Jehol Biota, China: 
Kayrasaurus changliensis; Beipiaosaurus inexpectus;
Jianchangosaurus yixianensis; Lingyuanosaurus sihedangensis

Artwork by Kōhei Futaka.  x.com/_HETAKA

Systematic palaeontology

Dinosauria Owen, 1842

Theropoda Marsh, 1881

Coelurosauria sensu Gauthier, 1986

Therizinosauria Russell and Dong, 1993

Kayrasaurus changliensis gen. et sp. nov.

Etymology. Kayra, the god of creation in Turkic Shamanism, is the father of Erlik, the god of death, symbolizing its phylogenetic connection to Erlikosaurus; saurus, Greek for lizard. The specific name changliensis is derived from Changli, a historical place name from the Three Kingdoms period, referring to the provenance of the fossil.

Horizon and locality. Dabangou village, Sihetun Area, near Beipiao City, Liaoning Province, P. R. China; Lower Cretaceous (Barremian–Aptian) Yixian Formation (Chang et al., 2017).

Chun-Chi Liao, William J. Freimuth, Lindsay E. Zanno and Xing Xu. 2026. A New therizinosaur from the Early Cretaceous Jehol Biota and ecomorphological patterns among early therizinosaurians. Journal of Systematic Palaeontology. 24(2); 2710287. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/14772019.2026.2710287 [10 Sep 2026]  

x.com/_HETAKA/status/2098404378852102507

[Herpetology • 2026] Duttaphrynus phawngpui • A New Montane Toad Species (Anura: Bufonidae: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern India

Duttaphrynus phawngpui 

 Dawngliana, Warjri, Amarasinghe, Bal, Hruaia, Hlychho, Lalremsanga, Vabeiryureilai & Purkayastha, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782

Abstract

We describe a new montane bufonid toad from Phawngpui National Park, Mizoram, northeastern India, using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology, multivariate morphometrics, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Mizoram population as a well-supported lineage within the Duttaphrynus stuarti species group, distinct from its closest congeners, including D. stuarti, D. chandai, and D. dhara. Uncorrected 16S sequence divergence from currently recognised taxa ranges from 3.8–5.5%, consistent with species-level differentiation in Asian bufonids. Principal component analysis of size-corrected morphometric variables further supports its distinctiveness, with the new species occupying a discrete region of morphospace. The new species is characterized by moderate body size (SVL 47.72–56.26 mm), indistinct tympanum, absence of most cranial ridges, distinctive digital proportions, moderate toe webbing, and a dorsum with glandular warts, irregular dark blotches, and a narrow mid-dorsal stripe. Concordant molecular, morphometric, and morphological evidence supports its recognition as a distinct species. Known only from the type locality in high-elevation (>2000 m a.s.l.) montane habitats, the species highlights the importance of the Mizoram uplands for undocumented amphibian diversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Duttaphrynus phawngpui sp. nov 

Malsawm Dawngliana, Holiness Warjri, A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Amit K. Bal, Vanlal Hruaia, Mara D. Hlychho, Hmar T. Lalremsanga, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai and Jayaditya Purkayastha. 2026. A New Montane Toad Species (ANURA: BUFONIDAE: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 15(2); 298–309. DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423 [13 September 2026]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782_A_NEW_MONTANE_TOAD_Duttaphrynus_from_MIZORAM_NE_INDIA

[Botany • 2026] Typhonium mukdahanense • A New Species (Araceae) from Northeastern Thailand

 

Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom,

in Promprom, Munglue, Phannasri et Chatan, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life1608

Abstract

Typhonium is one of the most species-rich genera of Araceae in tropical Asia, with north-eastern Thailand representing an important but still incompletely documented area of diversity. During botanical surveys in northeastern Thailand, an unusual population of Typhonium was discovered in mixed deciduous forest and dry evergreen forest at 300–400 m elevation. Detailed morphological study of living plants and herbarium specimens, together with comparisons with relevant protologues, regional floras, and recently described species, confirmed that this population represents a species new to science. It is here described as Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov. The new species is morphologically most similar to T. fornicatum, but differs by its taller habit, larger hastate to trisect leaf blades, more numerous primary lateral veins, larger and nearly symmetrical spathe tube, triangular reflexed spathe limb, dark red stigma with a cream-colored depressed center, sterile interstice bearing 10–14 staminodes arranged in two whorls, slightly curved and not spreading–declinate appendix, and pyriform mottled berries. It also differs from T. acetosella by its broader leaf blades, reflexed triangular spathe limb, dark red stigma, and pyriform fruits. The new species is currently known only from the type locality and is therefore provisionally assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) according to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria. A detailed description, diagnosis, information on distribution, habitat, phenology, conservation status, and an identification key to morphologically similar species are provided.

Keywords: aroid; Indochina; nomenclature; plant diversity

Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A, B) Habitat and habit under natural field conditions; (C–F) Habit of cultivated plants; (G) Whole plant.

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A) Tuber and roots; (B,E) Leaf blades (adaxial surfaces); (C,D,F) Leaf blades (abaxial surfaces).

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
 (A) Basal portion of the spadix showing the pistillate zone, staminodes, and sterile interstice; (B) Appendix; (C) Enlarged view of the pistillate zone, staminodes, and sterile interstice; (D) Pistils; (E) Enlarged view of a pistil; (F) Staminate zone; (G,H) Stamens in top and lateral views, respectively.

 Typhonium mukdahanense.
(A, B) Naturally damaged infructescence in the field;
(C, D) Infructescence before and after longitudinal sectioning.

Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov.  

 Diagnosis: Typhonium mukdahanense Chatan & Promprom, sp. nov., is most similar to Typhonium fornicatum in its clustered leaves and small inflorescences, but differs by its taller habit (up to 18 cm vs. up to 10 cm tall); larger hastate to trisect leaf blades (8–12 × 6.5–9.5 cm vs. 5.0–6.5 × 2.6–2.8 cm); more numerous primary lateral veins (5–8 vs. 3–4 per side of the midrib); larger and nearly symmetrical spathe tube (12–15 mm long vs. 8–9 mm long); triangular reflexed spathe limb with the adaxial surface facing upwards (vs. lanceolate and fornicate); longer spadix (9.5–10 cm vs. ca. 7 cm long); stigma dark red with a cream-colored depressed center (vs. white); sterile interstice bearing 10–14 staminodes arranged in two whorls (vs. only three staminodes arranged in single whorl); appendix slightly curved and not spreading-declinate (vs. spreading-declinate); and pyriform berries irregularly mottled or speckled with reddish- to purplish-brown markings (vs. clavate berries with darker brown mottling). A detailed morphological comparison between the new species and its most similar species is provided in Table 1.

...

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to its type locality, Mukdahan Province, in northeastern Thailand.

 Wilawan Promprom, Phukphon Munglue, Chuthep Phannasri and Wannachai Chatan. 2026. Discovery of Typhonium mukdahanense (Araceae), a New Species from Northeastern Thailand. Life. 16(8), 1376. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/life16081376 [20 August 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Pancorius subyingjiang, P. yangming & P. yunnan • Three New Species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 (Araneae: Salticidae) from China

 

Pancorius yangming 

Zhou, Wang & Peng, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.1.12 

 

Abstract

Three new species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 are described from China and named as P. subyingjiang sp. nov. (female), P. yangming sp. nov. (male, female) and P. yunnan sp. nov. (female). Detailed descriptions, photos of somatic features and copulatory organs, as well as a distribution map are provided. Nucleotide data for the barcoding gene, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) of P. yangming sp. nov. (male, female) are provided.

Araneae, morphology, Plexippinae, taxonomy, South China

 

YUCHEN ZHOU, SHULIN WANG and XIANJIN PENG. 2026. Three New Species of Pancorius Simon, 1902 (Araneae: Salticidae) from China.  Zootaxa. 5782(1); 193-200. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5782.1.12  [2026-03-23]

[Herpetology • 2025] Liolaemus misti • A New Species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru

 Liolaemus misti 

Santa-Cruz, Canazas-Terán, Bejarano, López, Morales, von May, Catenazzi & Aguilar- Puntriano, 2025

   

 Salamandra. 61(2); 

Abstract 

 We describe a new species of Liolaemus lizard from southwestern Peru, within the volcanic chain represented by the Chachani, Misti and Pichu Pichu volcanoes that surround the city of Arequipa. Te type locality is Simbral, in the district of Chiguata, Department of Arequipa. Te diagnostic characters of the new species include small size (SVL < 50 mm), a pigmented subocular scale, vertebral line generally absent or highly fragmented (when present), scales smooth or slightly keeled on the dorsal side of thighs, partial or total ventral melanism, and absence of precloacal pores in males and females. Te elevational distribution of the new species is 4135–5400 m a.s.l., with the upper limit representing the highest altitude record for a living squamate. 

Key words. Andes, high elevation, lizard, systematics, taxonomy.

Adult male holotype of Liolaemus misti sp. n. in life (MUSA 5708), SVL 49.1 mm, TL 55.0* mm.
(A) Dorsolateral, (B) ventral, (C) lateral head, (D) dorsal, and (E) absent precloacal pores. [* = Regenerated or broken tail.]

Adult female paratype of  Liolaemus misti sp. n. in life (MUSA 5709), SVL 45.5 mm, TL 45.2* mm.
(A) Dorsolateral, (B) ventral, (C) lateral head, (D) dorsal, and (E) absent precloacal pores. [* = Regenerated or broken tail.]

Liolaemus misti sp. n.  

Diagnosis: We assign Liolaemus misti sp. n. to the L. walkeri clade, lizards with throat or belly melanistic or with spots in males (Aguilar et al. 2013), small and slender (49.3 mm maximum SVL). Males of L. misti sp. n. differ from L. chavin and L. wari by their smaller size (less than 50 mm SVL vs 51.7–59.3 mm and 51.5–60.8 mm, respectively). Liolaemus misti sp. n. difers from L. tacnae by a lower number of midbody scales and dorsal scales (40–50 vs 48–59, 43–55 vs 53– 61, respectively). Te subocular scale and loreal scales are strongly pigmented in L. misti sp. n. whereas in L. walkeri these scales are lighter (Fig. 7). Te lateral felds in L. misti sp. n. have scattered black and white scales forming spots (males) or scattered black and brown scales (females), which are absent in L. pachacutec. Paravertebral marks appear as black complete marks or as fragmented lines (more noticeable when parallel to the dorsolateral stripe) in L. misti sp. n. (Figs 8A–9A), but they are absent or fuzzy in L. pachacutec; L. tacnae has paravertebral markings as black dots perpendicular to the dorsolateral stripe, with light scales behind the black scales (Figs 8C–9C). Te vertebral line is generally absent or highly fragmented in L. misti sp. n., but it is well diferentiated in L. chavin, L. pacachutec, L. walkeri, and L. wari. Liolaemus tacnae has keeled scales on the dorsal side of thighs, which are absent in L. misti sp. n. (Fig. 10). Liolaemus misti sp. n. also difers from L. pachacutec, L. walkeri, and L. wari in males lacking precloacal pores.

In Peru, three species of the L. alticolor-bribonii group have been confused with species of the L. walkeri clade: L. alticolor from Puno, L. chungara from Tacna, and L. incaicus from Cusco (Aguilar et al. 2013, Lobo et al. 2007, Quinteros et al. 2014, Valladares et al. 2021). Here we report key morphological diferences between these species and L. misti sp. n. Liolaemus misti sp. n. has 49–58 scales around the body, more than L. incaicus (34–46). Liolaemus misti sp. n. lacks keeled temporal scales which are present in L. chungara, L. incaicus (weakly keeled), and L. alticolor (markedly keeled). Dorsal scales in L. misti sp. n. are keeled and without a mucron, whereas a mucron is present in L. chungara. Liolaemus misti sp. n. has partial or total ventral melanism, which is absent in L. alticolor and L. incaicus. Liolaemus misti sp. n. lacks precloacal pores in males and females, which are present in some or all females of L. incaicus, and present in males of L. alticolor, L. chungara and L. incaicus.

Etymology: The scientifc epithet “misti” refers to the volcano Misti, in Quechua language means “a white man” referred to the snow or white blanket that covers the volcano, one of the greatest symbols and the most striking element of the landscape of the city of Arequipa. Misti is the most distinctive volcano of the three that surround the city, along with Chachani and Pichu Pichu. Arequipans say: “not in vain is one born at the foot of a volcano”, the presence of the Misti greatly infuences the noble spirit of its inhabitants.

Roy Santa-Cruz, Amaranta Canazas-Terán, Renato Bejarano, Evaristo López,Alberto Morales, Rudolf von May, Alessandro Catenazzi and César Aguilar-Puntriano. 2025. A New Species of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) in the volcanic chain of Arequipa, Peru.  Salamandra. 61(2); 115-131.

[Paleontology • 2026] Mandrasuchus milleri • A New alligatorid (Crocodylia: Alligatoridae) from the Early Paleocene (Danian) of the Denver Basin supports earliest Paleocene North American alligatorid radiation

 

Mandrasuchus milleri

Lessner, Sherman, Petermann, Panigot, Duffy & Lyson, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2712566 

Illustration by Andrey Atuchin

ABSTRACT

The North American eusuchian fossil record through the Cretaceous–Paleogene (K–Pg) mass extinction shows a remarkable increase in diversity across the K–Pg boundary through the early Eocene. This is in contrast to most other vertebrate clades. Despite the group’s uninterrupted existence across the K–Pg boundary, gaps remain in the alligatorid fossil record, particularly near the K–Pg boundary and geographically in Colorado. Here we describe a new alligatorid, Mandrasuchus milleri, gen. et sp. nov., from the lower Paleocene Denver Formation of Corral Bluffs, Colorado, represented by over 15 specimens. We identify a globidontan alligatorine by the globular caudal dentition and blunted rostrum. Regardless of precise taxonomic assignment, the alligatorid is stratigraphically the earliest confirmed alligatorine, with diagnostic crania from ∼350 kyrs (Puercan 2 North American Land Mammal Age [NALMA]) and referred globular teeth from ∼200 kyrs (Puercan 1 NALMA) post-K–Pg mass extinction. The alligatorine is a new representative of a largely unresolved portion of the crocodylian phylogeny, and its addition could help resolve relationships of early diverging alligatorids and taxa historically referred to Allognathosuchus. This taxon’s distinct rostral morphology and globidont dentition suggest its ability to engage in a macrogeneralist diet. Dietary niche partitioning is likely present in this ecosystem as M. milleri lived alongside the generalist macrocarnivore Borealosuchus sternbergii, the other known Denver Formation crocodylian. The eusuchian survivorship across the K–Pg mass extinction and the morphological diversity of these apex freshwater predators underscores the degree to which freshwater terrestrial ecosystems were buffered from Earth's last mass extinction.

Mandrasuchus milleri hunting crayfish along a river bank in Colorado some 65.5 million years ago.

 Mandrasuchus milleri, gen. et sp. nov.

Emily J. Lessner, Sadie M. Sherman, Holger Petermann, Eldon Panigot, Franklin Duffy and Tyler R. Lyson. 2026. New alligatorid, Mandrasuchus milleri, from the Early Paleocene (Danian) of the Denver Basin supports earliest Paleocene North American alligatorid radiation. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2712566. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2712566 [02 Sep 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae: Sonerileae) • A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin,  

in Dinh, Nguyen, Duong et Lin, 2026.  

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128  

 facebook.com: Lin CW

 facebook.com/DiepDinhQuang

 Abstract

Sonerila taynguyenensis Dinh, C.H. Nguyen & C.W. Lin (Melastomataceae) is described as a new species from the Central Highlands of Vietnam. It is morphologically similar especially to S. montana in its erect habit, ovate-lanceolate leaves and the presence of gland-tipped trichomes on the pedicels and hypanthium. It can, however, be readily distinguished by having a quadrangular to obtusely quadrangular stem (vs. terete), acrodromous to subacrodromous venation (vs. pinnate), larger petals up to 16 × 7 mm (vs. up to 9.5 × 6 mm) and 7–8 mm long anthers (vs. ca. 6.5 mm). Sonerila taynguyenensis is also compared with S. tenue. Based on the available data and following the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, S. taynguyenensis is tentatively assessed as Least Concern (LC).

Sonerila taynguyenensis (from the holotype). 
A and A': Flowering branches. — B and B': Portion of leaf, adaxial surface. — B”: Portion of leaf, abaxial surface. — C: Portion of stem and petioles. — D and E: Hypanthium close-up. — F–I: Different trichomes in indumentum of reproductive structures. — J and J': Flower, frontal and side views. — K–K”': Stamens, frontal and side views. — L: Bracts. — M–M”: Hypanthiums. — N: Vertical section of ovary. — O: Old capsule.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–J from the holotype). 
A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Dak Rong Commune on 2 March 2025). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Flowering branches. — D and E: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — F: Stem, petioles and portions of leaf. — G: Inflorescences. — H: Flowers, frontal and side views. — I: Stamens. — J: Vertical section of ovary.

Sonerila taynguyenensis (B–G from para-type NHC 20260118006). 
 A: Flowering plant in natural habitat (photographed at Kbang Commune, Gia Lai Province, 19 January 2026). — B: Flowering plant. — C: Leaves, adaxial and abaxial surfaces. — D: Leaf, adaxial surface. — E: Leaf, abaxial surface. — F: Stem and petioles. — G: Cross section of ovary.

 Quang Diep Dinh, Cuong Huu Nguyen, Nam Van Duong and Che-Wei Lin. 2026. Sonerila taynguyenensis (Melastomataceae, Sonerileae), A New Species from the Central Highlands of Southern Vietnam. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 213-219. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0128 (24 August 2026) 

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[Botany • 2026] Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae) • A New ultramafic-obligate, microendemic Species from Dinagat Island, Philippines

 

Melastoma dinagatense

in Caylan, Medecilo-Guiang, Fritsch, Amoroso et Penneys, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6  

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Abstract

Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae) from Dinagat Island, Caraga Region, Philippines, is here described and illustrated. The species is most similar to the widespread M. malabathricum but differs in its longer pedicels, larger hypanthium and calyx lobes, longer hypanthium scales, and a distinctive leaf indumentum composed of elongated crystalliferous cells with a branched base and emergent hairs, as well as leaf margins with spreading pilose-ciliate hairs. The new species is known only from the ultramafic elfin forest on Mount Redondo and is assessed as Critically Endangered. A dichotomous key to the Philippine species of Melastoma is provided.

Eudicots, endangered, endemic, Mindanao, morphology, ultramafic flora

 

GRISIELOU L. CAYLAN, MARIA MELANIE P. MEDECILO-GUIANG, PETER W. FRITSCH, VICTOR B. AMOROSO and DARIN S. PENNEYS. 2026. Melastoma dinagatense (Melastomataceae): A New ultramafic-obligate, microendemic Species from Dinagat Island, Philippines.  Phytotaxa. 766(3); 281-290. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.766.3.6 [2026-07-14]

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[Botany • 2026] Pulsatilla hezijianensis (Ranunculaceae) • A New Species from Beijing, China

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, 

in Wu, Qin, Li, Xiao, Liu, He et Xie, 2026.

禾子涧白头翁  | DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0123

 Abstract 

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, a new species of Ranunculaceae from Hezijian Village (Beijing, China), is described. It resembles P. sukaczevii and P. tenuiloba in its finely dissected pinnate leaves but is distinguished by its smaller stature, shorter scapes, smaller fruit heads, and sepals with white inner surfaces and pale blue outer surfaces. In molecular phylogenetic analyses based on nuclear (nrITS) and plastid markers (rbcL, accD-psaI, trnL intron), the Hezijian population of P. hezijianensis forms a distinct clade, sister to P. sukaczevii and P. tenuiloba, but with significant genetic divergence. Based on the restricted distribution and small population size, under IUCN criteria the conservation status of P. hezijianensis is assessed as Critically Endangered (CR).

A–D: Pulsatilla hezijianensis (A–C photographed by L. Xie on 26 April 2023 at the type locality; D photographed by J. M. Xiao on 7 June 2025 at the type locality).
A: Early flowering before leaf emergence. — B: Leaves expanded by late flowering stage. — C: Fruit stage. — D: Habitat.

E–G: P. sukaczevii (photographed by L. Xie on 27 May 2024 in Ulanqab, Inner Mongolia).
 E: Flowering. — F–G: Dense clumps in late flowering stage in its arid, rocky habitat.

Pulsatilla hezijianensis
— A: Whole plant. — B: Sepals (left: adaxial view, right: abaxial view). — C: Floral dissection. — D: Mature fruit. — E: Pistil. — F: Stamen. — G: Leaf. — H: Bract.

Pulsatilla hezijianensis H.Y. Wu & L. Xie, sp. nova 

 

Etymology. The specific epithet refers to the type locality, Hezijian Village, Changping District, Beijing.

Vernacular name. The proposed mandarin Chinese name is “Hé Zĭ Jiàn Bái Tóu Wēng” (禾子涧白头翁).

Diagnosis. Morphologically allied to P. tenuiloba and P. sukaczevii but can be distinguished by its smaller and slender individuals (3–15 cm tall) especially in the late flowering and fruiting stages, shorter scapes, smaller fruit heads, and sepals that are adaxially white and abaxially pale blue.

Huan-Yu Wu, Shuang Qin, Wen-He Li, Jia-Min Xiao, Bo-Wen Liu, Jian He and Lei Xie. 2026. Pulsatilla hezijianensis (Ranunculaceae), A New Species from Beijing, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 165-175. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0123 (18 June 2026) 

[Paleontology • 2026] Nipponopelta yezoensis • A new nodosaurid ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Upper Cretaceous Hikagenosawa Formation in Japan reveals dispersal pattern of Asian nodosaurid ankylosaurs

Nipponopelta yezoensis 

 Oyabu, Kobayashi, Zelenitsky, Fiorillo & Kano, 2026

「ニッポノペルタ・エゾエンシス」DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106477 

Highlights

• Nipponopelta yezoensis is the first ankylosaur formally named from Japan.

• The taxon is more closely related to North American nodosaurids than Asian taxa.

• Coastal environments may have played a role in interregional nodosaurid radiations.

Abstract

Nodosaurid dinosaurs are mainly known from North America and Europe, with rare occurrences in South America and Asia. A partial skull, discovered in a concretion from the upper part of the marine Hikagenosawa Formation (upper Cenomanian) in Yubari City, Hokkaido, Japan, was initially described in 2005 and identified as a nodosaurid based on its dentition and occipital bone morphology. However, its taxonomic status remained unresolved. In this study, three-dimensional CT reconstructions reveal detailed morphological features justifying the naming of a new taxon, Nipponopelta yezoensis gen. et sp. nov., the first named Japanese ankylosaur based on unique characters in the occipital region. Phylogenetic analyses indicate that Nipponopelta yezoeisis is deeply nested within derived North American and European nodosaurids and distantly related to other Asian nodosaurids. Ancestral geographic analysis suggests that Nipponopelta yezoensis and its close relatives originated in Laramidia, Appalachia, and Asia, indicating a wide ancestral area. Habitat reconstruction reveals that Nipponopelta yezoensis preferred marine-influenced environments, likely inhabiting coastal or estuarine areas. This preference for coastal environments played a significant role in its dispersal patterns across different regions.

Keywords: Ankylosauria; Nodosauridae; Cretaceous; Palaeobiogeography; Asia

Nipponopelta yezoensis gen. et sp. nov.

Shumpei Oyabu, Yoshitsugu Kobayashi, Darla K. Zelenitsky, Anthony R. Fiorillo and Manabu Kano. 2026. A new nodosaurid ankylosaur (Dinosauria: Ornithischia) from the Upper Cretaceous Hikagenosawa Formation in Japan reveals dispersal pattern of Asian nodosaurid ankylosaurs. Cretaceous Research. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.cretres.2026.106477 [21 August 2026]

https://tiisys.com/blog/2026/09/02/post-202824/

北海道産恐竜化石を「ニッポノペルタ・エゾエンシス」と命名～約1億年前の"海辺の恐竜"が明かす、白亜紀の大陸間移動～（総合博物館　教授　小林快次）