[Botany • 2026] Primula exserta (Primulaceae) • A New Species in Primula sect. Aleuritia from Yunnan, China

 

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, 

in Yang, Zhang, Zheng, Ye, Tan, Cai et Wum 2026. 

大围山报春  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553

Abstract

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L. Zhang & Z. K. Wu, a new species of Primulaceae from Yunnan, China, is described and illustrated. Morphological evidence supports its placement within Primula sect. Aleuritia, a section characterized by entirely glabrous plants that lack scales at the base of the leaf rosette, has a moderate to small habit and typically bears farina on the foliage and scape. The new species differs from other members of this section by its petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, and elongated filaments and a style exserted far beyond the mouth of the corolla tube. Information on its distribution, a morphological comparison with related species, and a preliminary assessment of its conservation status are also provided.

Key words: Conservation status, diversity, nomenclature, Primula, taxonomy, Yunnan

Primula exserta sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Habit during flowering; C. Lateral view of the plant; D. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; E. Flower, frontal view; F. Flower, lateral view; G. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; H. Dissected corolla with the ovary; I. Dissected calyx.  

Primula exserta sp. nov.
A. Flowering habit; B. Leaves, left: upper surface, right: lower surface; C. Flower, lateral view; D. Dissected corolla showing the anthers and stigmas; E. Dissected calyx.

Drawn by Ms. Yang-yang Zheng.

Primula exserta Lei Cai, Gui L.Zhang & Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. This new species is most similar to P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis within the same section, all of which share the following characteristics: aboveground parts farinose, calyx campanulate or narrowly campanulate, and leaves obovate or sub-spatulate. However, it is distinguished from the three species mentioned above by the following morphological features: petiole with broad wings, 7–8-lobed corolla and calyx, corresponding 7–8 stamens, floral type uniform: stamens of all flowers inserted at the middle of the corolla tube, free from the tube at the mouth, extending ca. 5 mm beyond the tube, style 2.5–3 cm long, longer than the stamens (Figs 1, 2). A comparison of plant photographs of P. exserta with P. membranifolia, P. pengzhouensis, and P. mianyangensis is provided in Fig. 3, and the main morphological differences are summarized in Table 1.

Etymology. The specific epithet exserta is derived from the Latin exsertus, meaning “protruding” or “extended outward,” alluding to the style and stamens that are distinctly exserted beyond the mouth of the corolla tube, a key diagnostic character distinguishing this species from its congeners in P. sect. Aleuritia.

Vernacular name. Simplified Chinese: 大围山报春; 

Chinese Mandarin: “dà wéi shān bào chūn.”

 Li Yang, Gui-Liang Zhang, Yang-Yang Zheng, Qing-Qing Ye, Xin Tan, Lei Cai and Zhi-Kun Wu. 2026. Primula exserta (Primulaceae), A New Species in Primula sect. Aleuritia from Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 278: 117-125. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.278.202553 [14 Aug 2026] 

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Bataspis crux • A galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency

 

Bataspis crux

Meng, Ferrón, Pisani, Gai & Donoghue, 2026 

 DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081

Life restoration by Dinghua Yang.

Abstract

Galeaspids are an extinct group of jawless fishes from the Silurian–Devonian of China and northern Vietnam that are key to understanding the origin of vertebrate anatomical innovations. A new eugaleaspid, Bataspis crux gen. et sp. nov., is described based on fossil material from the Lochkovian (Early Devonian) Xishancun Formation of Qujing, Yunnan, China. Bataspis crux possesses a suite of unusual features, especially its bat-wing-like cornual processes that are seamlessly integrated with a brim-like rostral margin without a rostral process, constituting a unique morphology for galeaspids. Maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian phylogenetic inference all support membership in the family Tridensaspidae. We employed computational fluid dynamics to infer the hydrodynamic properties of the headshield of B. crux. Our analysis reveals that this species achieves an exceptionally high lift-to-drag ratio; the highest recorded among known galeaspids. This remarkable efficiency stems from its low drag across various angles of attack, coupled with passive lift generation through the exploitation of the Bernoulli effect by the airfoil cross-section of the cornual processes. This suggests that the species was an effective gliding cruiser, outperforming not only galeaspids but also other stem gnathostomes, such as osteostracans and pteraspidomorphs. These results provide new insights into our understanding of the evolution of Tridensaspidae, the ecological habits of stem gnathostomes and convergence in the evolutionary assembly of the gnathostome bodyplan.

Keywords: galeaspid, phylogenetic analysis, hydrodynamic analysis, lift-to-drag ratio, convergence, morphological function

Bataspis crux, holotype, IVPP V30969: A, internal mould in dorsal view; B, external mould in ventral view.

Abbreviations: c, cornual process; dcm, dorsal commissure; ic, inner cornual process; ifc, infraorbital canal; ldc, lateral dorsal canal; ltc, lateral transverse canal; mdc, median dorsal canal; md.o, median dorsal opening; orb, orbital opening; pi, pineal opening; se, serrated edge; soc2, posterior supraorbital canal; v.mtc, vestige of the median transverse canal; vr, ventral rim.

 All scale bars represent 1 cm.

SYSTEMATIC PALAEONTOLOGY

Subphylum VERTEBRATA-CRANIATA Linnaeus 1758

Infraphylum GNATHOSTOMATA Cope 1889

Subclass GALEASPIDA Tarlo 1967

Order EUGALEASPIFORMES (Liu 1965) Liu 1980

Family TRIDENSASPIDAE Liu 1986

Genus Bataspis nov.

 

Derivation of name: Bat from English, the shape of the cornual processes of Bataspis is similar to the membranous wings in bats.

Type species: Bataspis crux sp. nov.

Differential diagnosis: Bataspis is assigned to Eugaleaspiformes because it exhibits a suite of diagnostic features in morphology: subtriangular headshield with cornual and inner cornual processes, slit-like median dorsal opening, and typical eugaleaspid-type sensory canals. Although Bataspis lacks a rostral angle or process, its diagnostic specialized laterally-projecting processes suggest it differs from the members of Shuyuidae, Sinogaleaspidae, and Eugaleaspidae and can be assigned to Tridensaspidae. Compared with other members of Tridensaspidae, the absence of the rostral angle and the presence of vestiges of the median transverse canal distinguish Bataspis and Falxcornus; the lack of the rostral process constitute a diagnostic difference between Bataspis and the sister group including Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis. Additionally, Bataspis contains serrations along with the margin connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes and the lateral margins of the median dorsal opening that differ from Falxcornus.

Bataspis crux sp. nov.

 

Derivation of name: The verb ‘to cruise’, in the sense of ‘to move from one side to the other’, is derived (via Norse and Old English) from the Latin crux (cross).

Holotype: A nearly complete headshield and its counterpart, IVPP V30969 (Fig. 1A–B).

Locality & horizon: Near the Qujing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, Xishancun Formation, Cuifengshan Group, Lochkovian, Early Devonian.

Diagnosis: Medium-sized tridensaspid fish; subtriangular headshield; arcuate rostral margin without rostral angle and process; cornual process spine-like, projecting posterolaterally; lobular inner cornual process projecting posteriorly, slightly stronger than cornual process; the angle between the cornual and inner cornual processes exceeding 90° (sickle-like); margin of the headshield connecting the cornual and inner cornual processes serrated; median dorsal opening slit-like (length/width >6) with nearly parallel lateral serrated margins, the posterior margin almost level with the centra of the orbital openings, and its middle part convex forward; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; pineal opening small, round, beyond the posterior margin of the orbital opening; sensory canal system typical eugaleaspid-type, with three pairs of lateral transverse canals and vestiges of the median transverse canal.

Artistic life restoration of Bataspis crux.

Artwork by Dinghua Yang.

CONCLUSION: 

We describe Bataspis crux, a new species of galeaspid from Xishancun Formation in the Early Devonian (Lochkovian age) of Yunnan, China. Our phylogenetic analyses ally the new genus to the family Tridensaspidae, sister to the clade of Pterogonaspis and Tridensaspis, and sharing with Falxcornus the status as the oldest known tridensaspids. The results of probabilistic phylogenetic methods indicate that more data are needed to clarify the phylogenetic relationships of galeaspids such as the family Shuyuidae. Bataspis crux extends beyond the range of phenotypic variation known previously for galeaspids. The unique morphological features of this bat-like jawless fish result in a high lift-to-drag ratio when at low angles of attack. Our results reveal the breadth of locomotor capabilities available to galeaspids and other jawless stem-gnathostomes, demonstrating that an absence of flexible paired fins was not an impediment to ecological diversity.

Xinyuan Meng, Humberto G. Ferrón, Davide Pisani, Zhikun Gai and Philip C. J. Donoghue. 2026. Bataspis crux, a galeaspid (jawless stem gnathostome) from the Lochkovian of Yunnan with a batwing-shaped head adapted for hydrodynamic efficiency. Palaeontology.  DOI: doi.org/10.1111/pala.70081 [04 August 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Hebius yangi • A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Serpentes: Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China

Hebius yangi

 Liu, J. Wang, Hou, Deng, Zhang, M. Wang & Rao, 2026

Yang’s Keelback | 杨氏腹链蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681

Abstract

A new species of the Hebius atemporalis complex is described from Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. The new species can be distinguished from other species of the complex by the differences in the ratio of tail length to total length, the number of ventral and subcaudal scales, the number of maxillary teeth, and the coloration of the iris and anterior body. Phylogenetically, the new species is separated from other species of the complex by an uncorrected p-distance of 6.0–7.8% in the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. This study further highlights the cryptic diversity in the H. atemporalis complex and the need to re-examine previous records of H. atemporalis and specimens previously considered H. atemporalis from central-southern China, as well as northeastern Vietnam.

Key words: Complex, cytb, keelback snake, morphology, taxonomy, Wenshan Prefecture

The holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view.

Close-up views of the head of the holotype (KIZ2025058) of Hebius yangi sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Left view; D. Right view.

Hebius yangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size relatively small, SVL 237–306 mm; tail moderately long, TaL/TL 0.32–0.33; dorsal scale rows 17-17-17, all keeled except the outermost rows; ventrals 130–131; subcaudals 80–85, paired; supralabials six, third and fourth entering orbit; infralabials seven; maxillary teeth 32–34, gradually enlarged posteriorly; dorsal surface grayish brown to blackish brown with a series of neatly arranged small orange spots on dorsolateral body on each side; ventral surface of head white, scattered with black streaks on scale sutures; iris brownish gray; lip region black and white alternately; neck collar present, discontinuous.

Etymology. The specific epithet is in commemoration of the late renowned Chinese herpetological taxonomist Prof. Dr Datong Yang. We suggest “Yang’s Keelback” as the common English name and “杨氏腹链蛇” as the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, JiShan Wang, Mian Hou, Tao Deng, Chaowu Zhang, Mo Wang and Dingqi Rao. 2026. A New Species of the Hebius atemporalis complex (Squamata, Natricidae) from southeastern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1289: 141-157. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.189681 [11-08-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Scincella gigas • A mountain giant: Description of The Largest known Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata: Scincidae) from Yunnan Province, China

Scincella gigas Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Nguyen, Poyarkov & Peng, 

in Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Wang, Sun, Nguyen, Poyarkov et Peng, 2026.  

Giant Ground Skink | 巨滑蜥  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.204139 

 

Abstract

A remarkable new species of skink, Scincella gigas sp. nov., is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on integrative morphological and molecular evidence. The new species represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella, with the adult female holotype attaining a snout-vent length of 125 mm and a total length exceeding 316 mm despite possessing a partially regenerated tail. Scincella gigas sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners by a unique combination of morphological characters, including three prefrontal scales, relatively short limbs that fail to meet when adpressed, the third pair of chin shields separated by four small scales, 28 midbody scale rows, 80 paravertebral scale rows, and broad dorsolateral stripes with distinctly serrated margins. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated mitochondrial gene fragments (12S, 16S, CO1, and Cyt b) recovered the new taxon as a distinct lineage within Scincella, although its precise phylogenetic relationships remain unresolved. The new species exhibits substantial genetic divergence from all examined congeners (≥ 4.4% in 16S and ≥ 14.2% in CO1). Scincella gigas sp. nov. is currently known only from montane mixed forests and associated alpine meadows in Fengyi Town, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, at an elevation of 2,790 m a.s.l. The discovery of such a conspicuous and exceptionally large species suggests that the diversity of montane Scincella in southwestern China remains insufficiently documented.

Key Words: Integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, morphology, Scincella gigas sp. nov., S. potanini–S. monticola complex, southwestern China

Holotype of Scincella gigas sp. nov. in life (QHU R2026003, adult female).

Photographs by J.D. Deng.

Head scalation of Scincella gigas sp. nov. (holotype, QHU R2026003, adult female).

A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view.

Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the body; 

D. Ventral view of the left hand; E. Ventral view of the left foot of  the holotype in preservation. 

Photographs by Y.H. Xu. Scale bars: 20 mm (A–C); 5 mm (D, E).

Notes: CS: chin shield; F: frontal; FrN: frontonasal; FrP: frontoparietal; IL: infralabials; IP: interparietal; L: loreals; LST: lower secondary temporal; M: mental; NU: nuchals; P: parietal; PF: prefrontal; PM: postmental; PT: primary temporal; R: rostral; SC: superciliaries; SL: supralabials; SO: supraoculars; UST: upper secondary temporal; * indicates the gulars separating the chin shields.

Photographs and drawings by Y.H. Xu. Scale bar: 5 mm.

Scincella gigas Xu, Deng, Qi, Ma, Zhang, Cai, Nguyen, Poyarkov & Peng, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Scincella gigas sp. nov. represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella, with the adult female holotype attaining an SVL of 125 mm and TL exceeding 316 mm. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) exceptionally large body size, with the adult female holotype attaining an SVL of 125 mm; (2) three prefrontal scales; (3) six supraciliaries; (4) seven supralabials, separated from the eye by a row of small scales; (5) six infralabials; (6) tympanum deeply recessed and lacking lobules, with the tympanum diameter exceeding that of the palpebral disc (TD/PDD ratio 1.45); (7) three pairs of chin shields, with the third pair separated medially by four small scales; (8) 28 midbody scale rows; (9) total ventral + gular scale rows numbering 81; (10) 80 paravertebral scale rows; (11) relatively short limbs, with toes not in contact with fingers when the limbs are adpressed (FLL+HLL/AGD ratio 0.57); (12) 9–10 enlarged subdigital lamellae beneath Finger IV and 13 beneath Toe IV; and (13) in life, dorsum brown, with relatively broad dorsolateral stripes bearing distinctly serrated margins.

Etymology. The specific epithet “gigas” is derived from the Latinized form of the Greek noun γῐ́γᾱς (gígas), meaning “giant.” The name refers to the exceptional size of the new species, which represents the largest known member of the genus Scincella. 

In reference to this remarkable characteristic, “Giant Ground Skink” is proposed as the English common name, “гигантский малый сцинк” (gigantskiy malyi stsink) as the Russian common name, and “巨滑蜥” (Pinyin: jù huá xī) as the Chinese common name for the new species.

Habitat and field observations of Scincella gigas sp. nov.
 A. Microhabitat at Fengyi, Dali, Dali BAP, Yunnan, China; B. General habitat of the type locality; C. Holotype (QHU R2026003) found trapped in an artificial water reservoir.

Photographs by J.D. Deng (A, B) and H.Q. Wang (C).

 Yuhao Xu, Jundong Deng, Shuo Qi, Shun Ma, Tierui Zhang, Bo Cai, Haoquan Wang, Fanyue Sun, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov and Lifang Peng. 2026. A mountain giant: Description of The Largest known Species of the Genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950 (Squamata, Scincidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 1047-1063. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.204139 [2026-07-29]

[Botany • 2026] Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China

 

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân, 

in Yang, Wang, Lai et Tan, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5  

english.CAS.cn 

Abstract

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân was previously treated as conspecific with the widespread M. virgata (Blume) Miq. and was synonymized under the latter. However, based on detailed examinations of herbarium specimens and field observations of living plants, we confirm that M. monogyna is a morphologically distinct species. Consequently, we reinstate its species status and document it as a new record for the flora of China, providing a comprehensive taxonomic description and including it in an updated identification key for all three species of Meiogyne recorded in China.

Magnoliids, Meiogyne virgata, morphology, synonym, taxonomy, type, Yunnan

Meiogyne monogyna (Merr.) Bân

BIN YANG, WEN-GUANG WANG, HAN LAI, JIN-GUO ZHANG, YAN-MEI PING and YUN-HONG TAN. 2026. Reinstatement of Meiogyne monogyna (Annonaceae) and A Key to the Species of Meiogyne in China including a new record.  Phytotaxa. 767(1); 45-53. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.767.1.5 [2026-07-16]

Meiogyne monogyna Reinstated as A Distinct Species and Newly Recorded in China

https://english.CAS.cn/newsroom/research-news/202607/t20260727_1179205.shtml

[Botany • 2026] Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China

 

Petrocosmea anoleuca   M.Q.Han & C.Liu, 

in Liu, Cai, Zhong, Zhao, Wang et Han, 2026.

沧源石蝴蝶  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z

 

Summary

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu (Gesneriaceae), a new species from Yunnan, China, is described and colour images and a provisional IUCN conservation assessment are provided. The new species is similar to P. cavaleriei H.Lév., but differs in having subpeltate leaf blades, a white corolla tube base lacking spots, a darker purple throat, purple abaxial lip lobes and nearly straight, sparsely puberulent filaments.

Key Words: Flora of Yunnan, Karst habitats, taxonomy

Petrocosmea anoleuca, images and SEM images.
A – B habit, in natural habit; C – D flower, front view; E flower, side view; F flower bud; G corolla, longitudinally cut; H corolla, transversely cut; J peltate leaf blade, abaxial surface; K – L SEM; K rhizomatous stem; L ovary; M ovary, transversely cut; N pollen.

photos: a – b Cheng Liu and c – k Mengqi Han.

Petrocosmea anoleuca M.Q.Han & C.Liu sp. nov. 

Recognition. Similar to Petrocosmea cavaleriei, but differing in having subpeltate leaf blades (vs petiole attached at the base in P. cavaleriei), the base of the corolla tube white and lacking spots (vs with three antepetalous spots above the base), the throat inside abaxially darker purple (vs white), the abaxial lip lobes purple (vs pale purple, with two yellow spots at the sinuses between the lateral and median lobes) and filaments almost straight and very sparsely puberulent and with scattered capitate-glandular hairs (vs geniculate near the middle, forming an angle of about 160° and densely covered with capitate-glandular hairs).

Etymology. The term anoleuca derives from Greek roots, ano- (ἄνω, "above") and -leuca (λευκός, "white"), literally meaning "white above". The epithet of the new species refers to the white, upper section of the corolla when in bloom.

vernacular name. Chinese name: cāng yuán shí hú dié (沧源石蝴蝶).

Cheng Liu, Jie Cai, Liang-Liang Zhong, Jin-Chao Zhao, Qiang Wang and Meng-Qi Han. 2026. Petrocosmea anoleuca (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from limestone cliffs in Yunnan, China.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-026-10406-z  [21 July 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] 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]

[PaleoIchthyology • 2026] Asioaspis brachyotus • A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida: stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China

 

Asioaspis brachyotus

 R.-R. Zhang, N. Zhang, Li, Zhu & Gai, 2026

 

VERTEBRATA ALASIATICA. 64(2);   

 

A new genus and species, Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. of Polybranchiaspiformes, is described from the Lower Devonian Lochkovian Xishancun Formation near Miandian Reservoir, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China. The new genus is characterized by an elongated ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins, a small subcircular median dorsal opening, short and laterally projecting cornual processes, an exceptionally broad ventral rim, 12 pairs of branchial fossae, and coarse granular tubercles (~3/mm²). It displays a mosaic of characters of the most primitive polybranchiaspiform (Platylomaspis), derived Polybranchiaspiformes, and even the basal members of the galeaspid family Dayongaspidae. Phylogenetic analysis resolves A. brachyotus as an intermediate taxon between the most primitive Gumuaspidae and other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. Although A. brachyotus also shares the broad ham-brim-like ventral rim with the Gumuaspidae, its other characters are more like other derived Polybranchiaspiformes. In particular, its median dorsal opening and paired orbital openings are not highly close-set on the top of the headshield as in the Gumuaspidae, but rather significantly separated from each other and close to the margin of the ventral rim as in the Pentathyraspidae, Duyunolepididae, and Polybranchiaspidae. These proportions indicate that it was unlikely to have lived a semi-infaunal lifestyle and are more consistent with the epibenthic habit typical of most galeaspids, representing an evolutionary transition from the semi-infaunal benthic to epibenthic lifestyle within Polybranchiaspiformes.

Photograph of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. from Lower Devonian Xishancun Formation, Qujing, Yunnan in ventral view
A. an incomplete headshield, paratype, IVPP V26676. 2; B. a nearly complete dorsal headshield, holotype, V26676. 1
A. an incomplete dorsal headshield, IVPP V26676.5; B. an incomplete dorsal headshield, V26676.4b

Subclass Galeaspida Tarlo, 1967 

Supraorder Polybranchiaspidida Janvier, 1996 

Order Polybranchiaspiformes Liu, 1965 

Family Asioaspidae fam. nov. 

Type genus Asioaspis gen. nov. 

Differential diagnosis: The Asioaspidae is distinguished from other families of Polybranchiaspiformes by its short, ear-like, and laterally projecting cornual processes. It resembles the Gumuaspidae in having a broad ventral rim, but differs in lacking a rostral process. It differs from the Duyunolepididae, Pentathyraspidae, and Polybranchiaspidae by the presence of a broad ventral rim and further differs from the Duyunolepididae by bearing a pair of broad inner cornual processes. Therefore, a new family, the Asioaspidae fam. nov., is herein established.

Genus Asioaspis gen. nov.  

Type species Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: Asioaspis is derived from Asio (referring to owls of the genus Asio characterized by prominent ear tufts) plus aspis (Greek shield). 

Diagnosis: Medium-sized polybranchiaspiform characterized by an ovoid headshield with serrated lateral margins; the rostral margin arcuate, but lacking a rostral process; the cornual processes short and projecting laterally; the inner cornual processes large and broad leaf-shaped; median dorsal opening small and subcircular in shape; orbital opening large, round, and dorsally positioned; the sensory canals are well developed, V-shaped posterior supraorbitals and four pairs of lateral transverse canals issuing from the lateral dorsal canal; ventral rim of headshield remarkably broad, 13.5–14.1 mm in width on each side (approximately one half of the width of the entire headshield); a large dome-shaped oralobranchial chamber (a composite chamber with both oral and branchial functions) with 12 pairs of branchial fossae; and ornamentation consists of coarse tubercles (~3/mm²)

 Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

Etymology: The brachyotus means short-eared, which is in reference to its short and laterally projecting cornual processes that resemble a pair of short ears on the headshield, as in Asio.

Type locality and horizon: Miandian Reservoir in the Triathlon Sports Park, Qilin District, Qujing City, Yunnan Province, China; Xishancun Formation, lower Lochkovian, Lower Devonian.

Morphological comparison of Polybranchiaspiformes, Dayongaspidida, and Huananaspidiformes

A. Asioaspis; B. Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); C. Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); D. Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); E. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); F. Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015); G. Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018)

A–E, G. in dorsal views; F. in ventral view.  

Phylogenetic diagram of Dayongaspidida, Polybranchiaspiformes, and Huananaspidiformes
Dayongaspis (Zhang et al., 2024); Platylomaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Nanningaspis (redrawn after Gai et al., 2018); Polybranchiaspis (Liu, 1965); Foxaspis (Gai et al., 2023); Rhegmaspis (Gai et al., 2015).

No scaled

 Life restoration of Asioaspis brachyotus gen. et sp. nov. 

ZHANG Rui-Rui, ZHANG Ning, LI Qiang, ZHU Min and GAI Zhi-Kun. 2026. Asioaspis, A New Genus of Polybranchiaspiformes (Galeaspida, stem-Gnathostomes) from the Lower Devonian of Yunnan, China.  VERTEBRATA PALASIATICA. 64(2); 137-150.  DOI: 10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113 [20 April 2026] 

https://www.vertpala.ac.cn/EN/10.19615/j.cnki.2096-9899.260113

[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

[Botany • 2026] Oreocharis fulvovillosa (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from western Yunnan, China

Oreocharis fulvovillosa  M.Q.Han, H.Jiang & Y.Wang,

in Wang, Jiang, Xu et Han, 2026. 

德宏直瓣苣苔  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.182136

Abstract

Oreocharis fulvovillosa, a new species of Gesneriaceae, is described and illustrated. This new species has only been discovered on the rock walls of an isolated karst hill at its type locality in Mang City, western Yunnan, China.

Key words: Flora of Yunnan, karst, yellow flowers

 

Oreocharis fulvovillosa sp. nov.
A. Habitat; B. Plant habit in natural habitat; C. Adaxial (left) and abaxial (right) leaf surfaces; D. Petiole with long fulvous indumentum; E. Rhizomatous stem; F. Flower in adaxial view; G. Flower in abaxial view; H. Flower in side view; I. Flower longitudinally cut, male stage with immature pistil; J. Flower transversely cut, male stage with immature pistil; K. Immature pistil and stamens with dehisced anthers cohering in pairs; L. Flower in front view; M. Capsules at different developmental stages: two immature capsules (left) and two dehisced capsules from the previous year (right); N. Pistils at different developmental stages: left, at flower opening with immature stigma; middle and right, at stigma maturity; O. Transverse sections of ovaries, all arranged with the dorsal calyx lobe positioned upwards: upper image, ovary at stigma maturity; lower images, ovary with immature stigma, showing transverse sections of the upper part of the ovary (left) and the lower part of the ovary (right).

Oreocharis fulvovillosa M.Q.Han, H.Jiang & Y.Wang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is most similar to Oreocharis bullata, sharing yellow corollas and bullate leaf blades, but differs in having crenulate leaf margins (vs. double dentate), a slender corolla tube ca. 1 cm long (vs. tubular, ca. 2.7 cm long), and shorter capsules 1–1.9 cm long (vs. 3.0–4.2 cm long). It is also similar to Oreocharis fulva in corolla shape and colour but differs in having bullate leaf blades (vs. not bullate) and crenulate margins (vs. serrate to crenate).

Etymology. The epithet refers to the fulvous (yellowish) colour of the long, soft hairs on the petioles.

Vernacular name. Chinese Mandarin: dé hóng zhí bàn jù tái, (德宏直瓣苣苔).

Yang Wang, Hong Jiang, Bo Xu and Meng-Qi Han. 2026. Oreocharis fulvovillosa (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from western Yunnan, China. PhytoKeys. 276: 17-23.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.276.182136 [08-06-2026]

 

[Botany • 2022] Cymbidium purpureisepalum (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New Species from China: evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan, 

in Zhu, Ke, Zhao, Wang, ... et Lan, 2022. 

紫萼兰  ||  DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.538.3.5 

 Researchgate.net/publication/359082326 

 

Abstract

A new orchid species, Cymbidium purpureisepalum, from Yunnan Province, China, is described and illustrated based on morphological and molecular analyses. Detailed comparison of the newly discovered orchid with other members of Cymbidium indicated the new orchid is distinct from all other recognised species in Cymbidium. Molecular analyses based on nuclear (nrITS) and plastid DNA (matK) sequence data also support the status of C. purpureisepalum as a new species, which is sister to C. tortisepalum and C. serratum.

Keywords: Yunnan Province, Chinese orchids, Cymbidium, Cymbidium subgenus Jensoa

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan, 
 A. Flowering plant. B. Tepals. C. Pollinarium, front view. D. Column, front view.

Drawn by Wenqi Hu.

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan,
A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Flower, back view. D. Structure of the flower.  
E. Flower of C. serratum. F. Flowers of C. tortisepalum.

Cymbidium purpureisepalum M.J.Zhu & S.R.Lan

(紫萼兰)

Etymology:— Referring to a flower with purple sepals, from the Latin purpureus (purple) and the Greek sepalum (sepal).  

Meng-Jia Zhu, Shijie Ke, Xuewei Zhao, Qian-Qian Wang, Guizhen Chen, Zhong-Jian Liu and Siren Lan. 2022. Cymbidium purpureisepalum (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), A New Species from China: evidence from Morphological and Molecular Data. Phytotaxa. 538(3); 225-233. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.538.3.5  

Researchgate.net/publication/359082326_Cymbidium_purpureisepalum_a_new_species_from_China