[Herpetology • 2026] Indotyphlops gyirongensis • A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes: Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China

 

Indotyphlops gyirongensis

Lyu, Tan, Zhao, Wallach, Liu & Guo, 2026

吉隆盲蛇  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322

Abstract

Typhlopidae is the most species-rich and broadly distributed family of blind snakes. Due to their secretive habits, fossorial lifestyle, and conserved morphology, the taxonomy and systematics of this group remain poorly understood. Here, a new species of blind snake is described from Xizang, China, based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species is genetically divergent from its closest relatives with an uncorrected CO1 p-distance exceeding 18.3%. Morphologically, it can be diagnosed by a combination of the following characters: 1) large size with 265 mm total length, 2) supralabial imbrication pattern T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap. Currently, the new species is known only from Xizang, China, but it likely occurs in adjacent regions in Nepal.

Key words: Blind snake, morphology, new species, Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, taxonomy, Typhlopidae

General (top) and ventral (below) views of the holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in life  

photos by Peng Guo

Holotype of Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov. in preservative.
Dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views of the body, dorsal (C) and lateral (D) views of head, and ventral view of tail (E)

photos by Peng Guo

Indotyphlops gyirongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A blind snake distinguished from congeners by a combination of characters: 1) large size with 265 mm in total length, 2) SIP T-V, 3) midbody scales in 18 rows, 4) total middorsal scales 432, 5) subcaudals 17, 6) infralabials 2, 7) absence of a terminal tail spine, and 8) light-colored head cap.

Etymology. The specific epithet Gyirong is a noun in apposition, referring to the type locality, Gyirong Town, Gyirong County, Xizang, China. We suggest the English common name “Gyirong blind snake” and the Chinese common name “吉隆盲蛇” (Jílóng Mángshé) for this new species.

 Bing Lyu, Songwen Tan, Zhichao Zhao, Van Wallach, Qin Liu and Peng Guo. 2026. A New Species of blind snake, Indotyphlops (Serpentes, Typhlopidae), from the Qinghai-Xizang Plateau, China. ZooKeys. 1292: 261-273. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.197322 [17-09-2026]

[Herpetology • 2020] Boulenophrys anlongensis • A New Species of Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guizhou Province, China

 Boulenophrys anlongensis (Li, Lu, Liu & Wang, 2020)

Megophrys anlongensis Li, Lu, Liu & Wang, 2020

安龙角蟾  | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.986.57119

Abstract

A new species of the genus Megophrys is described from Guizhou Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial DNA indicated the new species as a clade clustered into the Megophrys clade. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (SVL 40.0–45.5 mm in males and 48.9–51.2 mm in females); vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched behind; tympanum distinctly visible, oval; a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; two metacarpal tubercles in hand; toes with rudimentary webbing; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of mid-eye when leg stretched forward; in breeding males, an internal single subgular vocal sac present and brownish nuptial pads, made up of black nuptial spines, present on the dorsal base of the first two fingers.

Keywords: Molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species, taxonomy

Photographs of the holotype CIBAL20190531018 of Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. in life
A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsal view of hand D ventral view of hand. E ventral view of foot.

Colour variation in Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. 
  male CIBAL20190531017: A dorsolateral view, B ventral view; 
 female CIBAL20190531022: C dorsolateral view, D ventral view;  
female CIBAL20190811014: E dorsolateral view, F ventral view. 

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis: 

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Megophrys based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: snout shield-like, projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; chest glands small and round, closer to the axilla than to midventral line; femoral glands on rear part of thigh; vertical pupils.

Megophrys anlongensis sp. nov. could be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL 40.0–45.5 mm in males and 48.9–51.2 mm in females); (2) vomerine teeth absent; (3) tongue not notched behind; (4) a small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, oval; (6) two metacarpal tubercles on hand; (7) toes with rudimentary ...

Etymology: The specific name anlongensis refers to the known distribution of this species, Anlong County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Anlong horned toad”, and Chinese name “An Long Jiao Chan” (安龙角蟾).

 Shi-Ze Li, Ning-Ning Lu, Jing Liu and Bin Wang. 2020. Description of A New Megophrys Kuhl & Van Hasselt, 1822 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou Province, China. ZooKeys. 986: 101-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.986.57119 [Nov 2020]

[Crustacea • 2026] Caridina srivijaya, C. takkola, C. tambralinga, ... • A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda: Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species

A. Caridina cf. rangoona, from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; 

C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov. from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;

E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Phrasaeng District, Bang Sawan Spring; 

G. C. takkola sp. nov., from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi NHA. 

Macharoenboon, von Rintelen, Klotz, Sutcharit, Siriwut & Jeratthitikul, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168

Abstract

A comprehensive taxonomic review of the genus Caridina in southern Thailand is presented, integrating extensive field surveys with comprehensive morphological and molecular analyses to document the species diversity. Phylogenetic tree reconstructed from partial sequences of two mitochondrial genes (16S rRNA and COI) indicated 18 distinct lineages, recognized as species in our study, belonging to six species groups, from southern Thailand. Five of these are new to science and are described as Caridina kuehnei sp. nov., C. nangroma sp. nov., C. srivijaya sp. nov., C. takkola sp. nov., and C. tambralinga sp. nov. Including historical records, there are 21 species of Caridina found in southern Thailand of which almost half are endemic to the region. Updated distribution maps and a key to all known species in the region are also provided. Our findings highlight that while morphological identification is challenging due to significant intraspecific variation and interspecific similarity, molecular data is essential for helping taxonomists to delineate species boundaries.

Key words: Amphidromous, crustacean, freshwater fauna, landlocked, Malay Peninsula, molecular phylogeny, Thailand

Living specimens of Caridina species.
 A. C. thai, topotype MUMNH-CAR861-F1 from Nakhon Ratchasima Province, Pak Chong District, Muak Lek Waterfall; B, C. C. gracillima, specimens; B. MUMNH-CAR626-P1 from Trang Province, Mueang District, Trang River; C. MUMNH-CAR631-P1 from Krabi Province, Mueang District, Tha Hindarn Stream; D. C. gracilipes, specimen MUMNH-CAR462-P1 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Khanom District, Khao Phlai Dam;
E. C. macrophora, specimen MUMNH-CAR800 from Nakhon Si Thammarat Province, Bang Khan District, Lam Dang Stream; F. C. peninsularis, specimen MUMNH-CAR633-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Khum Mut Stream; G. C. excavatoides, specimen MUMNH-CAR616-F2 from Nakhon Sri Thammarat Province, Thung Song District, Tha-Luang Stream; H. C. temasek, specimen MUMNH-CAR835-P1 from Pattani Province, Mueang District, Pattani River. Scale bar: 4 mm.

Living specimens of Caridina species.
A. C. cf. rangoona, specimen MUMNH-CAR434-P1 from Phang Nga Province, Takuatung District, Khum Mut Stream; B. C. johnsoni, specimen MUMNH-CAR471-P1 from Surat Thani Province, Mueang District, Phunphin Stream; C, D. C. nangroma sp. nov.; C. paratype MUMNH-CAR404-P1 and D. specimen MUMNHCAR474-P1 from Chumphon Province, Lamae District, Lamae Stream;
E, F. C. srivijaya sp. nov., paratypes; E. MUMNH-CAR502-P1; F. MUMNH-CAR502-M1; G. C. takkola sp. nov., paratype MUMNH-CAR469-P1; H. C. tambralinga sp. nov., specimen MUMNH-CAR489-P1 from Songkhla Province, Ranot District, Thale Noi Non-Hunting Area. Scale bar: 3 mm.

Caridina kuehnei sp. nov. 

C. nangroma sp. nov. 

C. srivijaya sp. nov. 

C. takkola sp. nov. 

C. tambralinga sp. nov. 

 

 Kongkit Macharoenboon, Thomas von Rintelen, Werner Klotz, Chirasak Sutcharit, Warut Siriwut and Ekgachai Jeratthitikul. 2026. A Taxonomic Review of the freshwater shrimp Genus Caridina H. Milne Edwards, 1837 (Decapoda, Atyidae) from southern Thailand, with Descriptions of Five New Species. ZooKeys. 1292: 1-126. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1292.193168 [15 Sep 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Acanthosaura aurantiogularis • A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Lacertilia: Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, 

in Wang, Lu, Zhao, Shi, Wan, Zhu, Jin et Che, 2026

橙喉棘蜥 | Orange-throated Pricklenape  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408

Abstract

Using an integrative dataset of both mitochondrial DNA and morphological data, we describe a new species of the genus Acanthosaura from the China-Myanmar border region in Menglian County, Pu’er, Yunnan Province, China. The new species, Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov., is sister to A. tongbiguanensis, and it can be readily diagnosed from all recognized congeners by its bright orange gular coloration in the male, flesh colored oral cavity, moderate post-orbital spines and occipital spines, five or six well-developed nuchal crest scales, and a distinct dorsal coloration. We recommend further comprehensive phylogenetic studies of the genus and highlighted the understudied agamid diversity in northeastern Myanmar.

Key words: Agamid, Burma, cross-border, distribution, Draconinae, Pricklenape, taxonomy

Comparison between males (left column) and females (right column) of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (top row, A, B) and closely related A. tongbiguanensis (bottom row, C, D) in life.

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu and Kai Wang.

Holotype male of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61664) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

Paratype female of Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. (KIZ 61665) in life,
showing lateral overview (A), lateral closeup of body and head (B), ventral overview (C), and closeup of oral cavity (D).

Photos by Zhuo-Yu Lu.

 

Acanthosaura aurantiogularis Wang, Lu & Che, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Acanthosaura aurantiogularis sp. nov. can be diagnosed from congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) tail short, TAL 167% SVL in female; (2) length of post-orbital and occipital spines moderate, LOPS 11.0–15.1% HL, LLOC 9.5–15.9% HL; (3) nuchal crest erected, 5 or 6, discontinuous from dorsal crests, TNCL 13.8–18.7% HL; (4) diastema short, composed of 6–8 small scales; (5) dorsal crest erected, anterior most one shorter than nuchal, decreasing in length posteriorly; (6) enlarged middorsal crest scales 41; (7) gular pouch moderately developed, transverse gular fold ...

Etymology. The specific epithet aurantiogularis is a compound Neo-Latin adjective derived from the Latin aurantius, meaning “orange-colored,” and gularis, meaning “the throat”. This nomenclature is a direct descriptor of the lizard’s most striking and diagnostic morphological feature: the vibrant, unmarked orange-yellow gular pouch in males. The suggested Chinese common name is “橙喉棘蜥” (Pinyin: Chéng Hóu Jí Xī), and the suggested English common name is Orange-throated Pricklenape.

 Kai WANG, Zhuo-Yu LU, Gui-Gang ZHAO, Wei SHI, Ru-Wen WAN, Na ZHU, Jie-Qiong JIN and Jing CHE. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Acanthosaura Gray, 1831 (Reptilia, Lacertilia, Agamidae) from the China-Myanmar Border Region in southwestern Yunnan Province, China. ZooKeys. 1290: 319-337.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1290.195408 [27 Aug 2026]

[Mollusca • 2025] Songkhlanaia songkhramensis • An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia: Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species

 Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov.

Jeratthitikul, Sutcharit & Prasankok, 2025

S. tamodienica, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand; 
 S. moreleti, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549  

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Abstract

Mainland Southeast Asia, also known as Indochina, is recognized as a global biodiversity hotspot for freshwater mussels, hosting a significant number of species and exhibiting high levels of endemism. Recently, the monotypic genus Songkhlanaia was described from the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand. In this study, two additional lineages are revealed, S. moreleti comb. nov. and S. songkhramensis sp. nov., from the Mekong Basin through an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. The multi-locus phylogenetic inference supported the monophyly of the genus and further elucidated the sister relationship between S. moreleti and the new species, and with S. tamodienica positioned as a basal lineage. Pairwise uncorrected COI p-distances among these three species also supported the species validity and ranged from 4.2% to 8.24%. Notably, S. songkhramensis sp. nov. and S. moreleti exhibit similarities in shell morphology; however, the new species can be differentiated by more robust pseudocardinal teeth. Both species are distinguishable from S. tamodienica by their approximately twice larger size, more inflated shells, and more prominent, roughened, irregular growth lines on the shell surface. Furthermore, based on the current data, these three species are recognized as endemic and are restricted to disjunct biogeographic areas in Indochina: S. tamodienica in the Songkhla Lake Basin in southern Thailand, S. moreleti in the Tonle Sap and Lower Mekong basins, and S. songkhramensis sp. nov. in the Songkhram Basin and its nearby tributaries of the Middle Mekong Basin.

Key words: Freshwater mussels, Indochina, Mekong Basin, multi-locus phylogeny, new taxa, Pseudodontini, taxonomic revision, Thailand

Family Unionidae Rafinesque, 1820

Subfamily Gonideinae Ortmann, 1916

Tribe Pseudodontini Frierson, 1927

Subtribe Pseudodontina Frierson, 1927

Genus Songkhlanaia Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov, 2023

Songkhlanaia Konopleva et al., 2023: 13, 14. Bolotov et al. 2023: 12.

Type species: Songkhlanaia tamodienica Konopleva, Lheknim, Sriwoon, Kondakov, Vikhrev & Bolotov in Konopleva et al. 2023 (by original designation).

Species included: Songkhlanaia currently consists of three species: S. tamodienica (type species), S. moreleti comb. nov., and S. songkhramensis sp. nov.

Shells of Songkhlanaia songkhramensis sp. nov. 
A holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 and B paratype MUMNH-UNI3023 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand C specimen MUMNH-UNI0925 from Songkhram River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand.

Pseudocardinal teeth, left valve on the left-hand side, and right valve on the right-hand side
A S. tamodienica, topotype MUMNH-UNI2956 from Tamot Stream, Songkhla Lake Basin, Thailand B S. moreleti, specimen MUMNH-UNI0301 from Phrom Hot Stream, Tonle Sap Basin, Thailand C S. songkhramensis sp. nov., holotype MUMNH-UNI3024 from Prahang River, Songkhram Basin, Thailand. Scale bars: 10 mm.

 Ekgachai Jeratthitikul, Chirasak Sutcharit and Pongpun Prasankok. 2025. An integrative approach to A Revision of the freshwater mussel Genus Songkhlanaia (Bivalvia, Unionidae), with the Description of A New Species. ZooKeys. 1224: 187-209. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1224.140549

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[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] Niceforonia tempestuosa • A New Species of Niceforonia (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Serranía de los Paraguas, Colombia, with the Description of A New phenotypic synapomorphy for the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group

[A-D] Niceforonia tempestuosa 

Ospina-Sarria, Rodríguez-Betancourt, Gómez-Sepúlveda, Morales-Vertel, Vélez-Franco, Gallego-Posada, Herrera-Rengifo, Grajales Escobar, Ceballos-Castro, García-Gómez, Velásquez-Trujillo, Ortiz Baez & Mendez Narvaez, 2026

and [F, H] N. mantipus (Boulenger, 1908)

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.198411

Abstract

A new species of Niceforonia is described from the montane cloud forests of southwestern Colombia. The new species is distinguished from all congeners by possessing dorsolateral folds, a visible tympanic membrane, a fleshy lip swelling in adult males, nuptial pads, circumferential grooves on all fingers, a reddish-brown to grayish dorsal coloration, yellow ventral and hidden surfaces, and dark supra-inguinal spots. Molecularly, the new species differs from all congeners by an uncorrected p-distance of > 7% for the 16S rRNA gene fragment. Furthermore, the possession of dark supra-inguinal spots optimizes unambiguously as a synapomorphy for two clades within Strabomantidae. The first clade comprises members of the genus Niceforonia and includes N. brunnea, N. dracula, N. elassodiscus, N. mantipus, N. nigrovittata, N. quilloturo, N. peraccai, four candidate species, and the new species described herein. This clade is referred to as the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group, diagnosed by the presence of dark supra-inguinal spots. By retaining this name, we ensure taxonomic stability and honor the well-established historical use of the nomenclature in literature. The second clade comprises members of the subfamily Holoadeninae, including the genera Bahius, Barycholos, Phyllonastes, and Urkuphryne. A previous study already proposed a phenotypic synapomorphy for the group composed of Phyllonastes + Barycholos. Consequently, the available evidence corroborates the monophyly of both the group comprising these four holoadenine genera and the Phyllonastes + Barycholos group. This congruence provides a robust, nested phylogenetic resolution and precise taxonomic diagnoses, demonstrating how the integration of molecular and phenotypic evidence is a powerful tool for testing evolutionary hypotheses in brachycephaloid frogs.

Key words: Brachycephaloid frogs, Cerro El Inglés, evolution, Key Biodiversity Area (KBA), taxonomy

Living specimens of Niceforonia tempestuosa and N. mantipus.
Dorsal and ventral views of adult males of Niceforonia tempestuosa. A, C. ARUQ-1885, SVL 24.5 mm; B, D. ARUQ-1882, SVL 23.8 mm
and N. mantipus; E, G. Specimen not collected; F, H. ARUQ-1881, SVL 23.5 mm.

Family: Strabomantidae Hedges, Duellman & Heinicke, 2008 

Genus: Niceforonia Goin & Cochran, 1963

Niceforonia tempestuosa sp. nov.

 

Proposed standard Spanish name. Rana de los bosques montanos nublados.

Proposed standard English name. Montane cloud forest frog.

Diagnosis. Niceforonia tempestuosa is diagnosed by the following combination of characters: (1) skin of dorsum smooth with scattered small warts; dorsolateral and \ /-shaped scapular folds present; venter smooth, discoidal fold absent; (2) tympanic membrane differentiated, upright-oval to round; its length 33.3–44.8% of eye length in six adult males and 47% in one adult female; prominent tympanic annulus, its upper edge covered by supratympanic fold, extending only just posterior to tympanic annulus; (3) snout subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile; a fleshy swelling of lip in adult males; canthus rostralis straight; (4) upper eyelid bearing minute tubercles, narrower than IOD (62.0–85.1% IOD); interocular tubercle absent; cranial crest absent; (5) choanae small, ovoid; partially concealed by palatal shelf of maxillary arch; dentigerous ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is the feminine adjective tempestuosa (meaning “stormy”), derived from the Latin noun tempestas (meaning “storm” or “weather”). This name was chosen for local communities as a metaphor for the global climate emergency, referring to the increased frequency and intensity of extreme weather events—symbolized by the “storm”—which represent a growing threat to global biodiversity. The discovery of this new species in the Key Biodiversity Area (KBA) Serranía de los Paraguas underscores the resilience of this biodiversity hotspot amidst the current climate crisis, safeguarded by the persistent efforts of local communities and biodiversity guardians.

Habitat of Niceforonia tempestuosa at the type locality. The habitat is characterized by the presence of large tree buttresses and stilt roots of Wettinia sp. palms, with the forest floor covered by abundant leaf litter.

 Jhon Jairo Ospina-Sarria, Andrés Felipe Rodríguez-Betancourt, Ximena Gómez-Sepúlveda, Iván Darío Morales-Vertel, Valentina Vélez-Franco, Nayely Gallego-Posada, Jose Daniel Herrera-Rengifo, John Edison Grajales Escobar, Irene Ceballos-Castro, Isabella García-Gómez, David Andrés Velásquez-Trujillo, Ayda Susana Ortiz Baez and Javier Mendez Narvaez. 2026. A New Species of Niceforonia (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Serranía de los Paraguas, Colombia, with the Description of A New phenotypic synapomorphy for the Niceforonia nigrovittata species group. ZooKeys. 1289: 159-184. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1289.198411 [11-08-2026]

[Mammalogy • 2026] Glauconycteris baka & G. lobeke • An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest

A. Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Djombi village, LNP;
B. G. beatrix, ♂, Pont cassé platform, LNP; 
 C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, Mambele village, LNP. 

Gomeh-Djame, Bates, Juste, Suarez-Rubio, Torrent, García-Mudarra, Ayangma, Yettore, Bilong & Bakwo-Fils, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038

Not to scale.

Abstract 

The genus Glauconycteris (Vespertilionidae) comprises small, forest-dependent bats distributed across sub-Saharan Africa. Despite its distinctive morphology, the genus remains poorly represented in collections and its taxonomy unresolved. During recent field surveys in southeastern Cameroon, ten Glauconycteris specimens were collected from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest, eight from Lobéké National Park (LNP) and two from the Dja Biosphere Reserve (DBR). Morphometric and molecular analyses assigned these specimens to eight species, including representatives of three species groups (poensis, beatrix, and humeralis). One species, G. superba, is recorded for the first time from Cameroon and two are described herein as new to science, Glauconycteris baka sp. nov. and Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. These findings increase the total number of recognised Glauconycteris species to 15 and confirm that G. beatrix, as previously understood, represents a species complex, revealing further cryptic diversity within the genus. By combining taxonomic, ecological, and distributional data, our results indicate that most members of the genus tolerate moderate habitat degradation and that all 11 species recorded from Cameroon occur within or adjacent to at least one protected area. This study provides the first integrated taxonomic assessment of Glauconycteris in Cameroon, refines species distributions, and contributes additional ecological data for three species (G. gleni, G. egeria, and G. curryae) currently listed as Data Deficient on the IUCN Red List. Our findings underscore the importance of continued sampling in the Guineo-Congolian region to better inform the conservation of Africa’s forest-dependent bats.

Key words: Conservation status, cryptic diversity, forest dependent bats, Guineo-Congolian region, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Three small, morphologically similar species of Glauconycteris from Cameroon with dark pelage and wings, a pale shoulder spot and no lateral stripe shown at an enlarged scale to highlight diagnostic external characters. Ventral/lateral views above, dorsal view below.
A. G. lobeke sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.11.19.151, Djombi village, LNP; B. G. beatrix, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.182, Pont cassé platform, LNP; C. G. baka sp. nov., ♂, holotype, AD.2023.07.18.18, Mambele village, LNP.  Not to scale.

Additional species of Glauconycteris recorded in Cameroon, illustrating broader variation in size and pelage across the genus. Species order follows Table 1.
A. Glauconycteris superba, ♂, Mes 26, Mba’a village, DBR; B. G. gleni, ♂, (subadult), AD.2024.22.05.222, Yenga fishing site, LNP; C. G. variegata, ♂, AD.2024.Z73, Zega village, LNP;
D. G. argentata, ♂, Mbouroukou école publique, Mount Manengouba National Park; E. G. curryae, ♂, AD.2023.11.25.181, Pont cassé platform, LNP. The focal, closely related species are illustrated at larger scale in Fig. 3. Not to scale.

 

Glauconycteris baka sp. nov.  

Etymology. The species is named in honour of the Baka people, who live in and around LNP, and who have a close relationship with the forest and its wildlife. The name was discussed with members of the local community, including through park rangers, and was positively received, with community members expressing pride in the association. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon Baka’ and the proposed English name is ‘Baka butterfly bat’.

Glauconycteris lobeke sp. nov. 

Etymology. The species is named after Lobéké National Park, where the individuals were captured. We wish to draw attention to the important role the park can play in protecting a highly diverse fauna of Congolian forest bats, including new and rare species. The proposed French name is ‘Chauve-souris papillon de Lobéké’ and the proposed English name is ‘Lobéké butterfly bat’.

 Aicha Gomeh-Djame, Paul J. J. Bates, Javier Juste, Marcela Suarez-Rubio, Laura Torrent, Juan Luis García-Mudarra, Eugenie Agodigo Ayangma, Félécité Yettore, Charles Félix Bilong Bilong and Eric-Moise Bakwo-Fils. 2026. An Integrated Taxonomic and Conservation Assessment of Glauconycteris (Chiroptera, Vespertilionidae) in Cameroon, with the Description of Two New Species from the Northwestern Congolian Lowland Forest. ZooKeys. 1282: 161-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.183038 [15 Jun 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Fansipanica milae, Vinatachea porcellana, ... • New taxa of Camaenidae (Gastropoda: Stylommatophora) from northern Vietnam

Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov,

   

in Páll-Gergely, Gojšina et Dedov, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.185160

 

Abstract

The following new taxa are described from northern Vietnam: Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov, gen et sp. nov., Ducanhia Páll-Gergely, gen. nov. (type species: Helix balansai Morlet, 1886), Vinatachea porcellana Páll-Gergely, sp. nov. The reproductive anatomy of all three species is described. Helix (Chloritis) gereti Bavay & Dautzenberg, 1900 is moved to Fansipanica gen nov., and Camaena delsaerdti Thach & F. Huber, 2018 is moved to Vinatachea.

Key words: Anatomy, Fansipan Mountains, new species, systematics, taxonomy

Fansipanica milae gen. et sp. nov. 
A–C. Living specimen, D. Habitat. 

 

Fansipanica milae Páll-Gergely & Dedov, gen et sp. nov., 

Ducanhia Páll-Gergely, gen. nov. 

(type species: Helix balansai Morlet, 1886), 

Vinatachea porcellana Páll-Gergely, sp. nov. 

Barna Páll-Gergely, Vukašin Gojšina and Ivailo Dedov. 2026. New taxa of Camaenidae from northern Vietnam (Gastropoda, Stylommatophora). ZooKeys. 1280: 365-392. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.185160 [28 May 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Acanthosaura syrax • A New Species of mountain horned dragon (Squamata: Agamidae) from high-elevation habitats of western Thailand

Acanthosaura syrax  

P. Trivalairat, K. Trivalairat, Moungkhaek, Caponov & Lorsunyaluck. 2026. 

Syrax mountain horned dragon | กิ้งก่าเขาหนามเล็กไซแรกซ์ 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1287.186636

Abstract

A new species of mountain horned dragon, Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov., is described from the high–elevation evergreen forests of Mae Wong National Park in western Thailand. Morphological comparisons distinguish the new taxon from its congeners by its smaller body size and the fact that it possesses the smallest nuchal and dorsal scales recorded within the genus. Phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial ND2 and COI gene sequences further supports this distinction, identifying the new species as a reciprocal monophyletic lineage with 76% and 99% nodal support in maximum–likelihood analyses and 0.78 and 1.00 nodal support in Bayesian Inference analyses based on ND2 and COI genes, respectively. Interspecific pairwise genetic distances between A. syrax sp. nov. and other congeners range from 14.1–15.9% in ND2 gene and 14.96–28.13% in COI gene, while intraspecific variation remains low at 0–0.01% and 0–0.34% in ND2 and COI, respectively. This discovery brings the number of Acanthosaura species to 23 and highlights the significant and unique biodiversity found within the high–altitude evergreen ecosystems of western Thailand.

Key words: COI, Mae Wong National Park, morphology, ND2, reptile, Tak–Kamphaeng Phet Province, taxonomy, tropical rainforest

Adult male holotype (THNHM31129) of Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. from Mae Wong District, Kampheang Phet Province, Thailand, at 1,340 m a.s.l.
A. Left lateral view; B. Right lateral view; C. Dorsal view.

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. 
Adult female paratype (THNHM31130 for (A–C), THNHM31131 for (D–F))  
A, B. Right lateral view; C, F. Dorsal view. D, E. Left lateral view.

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A small-sized species (maximum SVL 101.2 mm for females and 69.6 mm for males) with a single tiny conical spine above the posterior margin of the eye (maximum PS 2.7 mm for females and 2.0 mm for males); small spine on the occiput between the tympanum and the nuchal crest (maximum OS 4.1 mm for females and 2.4 mm for males); tympanum scaleless, small, roundish; less developed gular pouch; present small scales intermixed with three set of medium keeled scales line transversely from dorsal to ...

Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov. 
Adult female paratype (THNHM31130 for (A–C), THNHM31131 for (D–F)) o
A, B. Right lateral view; C, F. Dorsal view. D, E. Left lateral view.

Etymology. The specific epithet syrax is a noun in apposition, named in reference to the dragon “Syrax”, the mount of Queen Rhaenyra Targaryen [from George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire universe]. This name is inspired by the species’ distinctive yellow-hued coloration, its relatively diminutive size compared to its congeners, and its significant reproductive output, reflected in its high clutch size. We suggest the following common names, “Syrax mountain horned dragon” (English) and “King Ka Khaow Naam Lek Syrax” (กิ้งก่าเขาหนามเล็กไซแรกซ์) (Thai). 

Poramad Trivalairat, Krittiya Trivalairat, Nawee Moungkhaek, Simon Caponov and Benchapol Lorsunyaluck. 2026. Acanthosaura syrax sp. nov., A New Species of mountain horned dragon from high-elevation habitats of western Thailand (Squamata, Agamidae). ZooKeys. 1287: 47-76.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1287.186636

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis milpe • Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus

 Pristimantis milpe 

Ron, Paredes-Aguirre, Paucar, López, Apunte & Ortega, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383  

 x.com/santiak

Abstract

As currently defined, Pristimantis subsigillatus is a species of the P. lacrimosus species group distributed in the Chocó of Colombia and Ecuador, from lowlands to Andean foothill forests. Upon re-examination of the holotype of P. subsigillatus, we conclude that the populations currently ascribed to P. subsigillatus are not conspecific with the holotype. Instead, the holotype is conspecific with one of the syntypes of P. latidiscus, a species described four years before from a nearby locality. To avoid the ambiguity in the application of the binomen Hylodes latidiscus, we designate a lectotype. As a result, P. subsigillatus becomes a junior synonym of P. latidiscus. The misidentified populations represent an undescribed species which we describe based on morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data as Pristimantis milpe sp. nov. The new species has one of the widest distributions among Chocoan Pristimantis and is unusual for having sexual dimorphism in coloration. It is most closely related to Pristimantis degener from which it diverged in the late Miocene and is morphologically distinct. The fact that such a common species remained “invisible” to taxonomy highlights the importance of correctly establishing the link between the name-bearing types and natural populations. Finally, we discuss how taxonomic treatments of Pristimantis during the second half of the 20th century often made this non-trivial error.

Key words: Andes, holotype, integrative taxonomy, lectotype, phylogeny, systematics

Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.

Common name. English: Milpe Rain Frog.
Spanish: Cutín de Milpe.

Diagnosis. We assign the new species to the genus Pristimantis based on the phylogeny (Fig. 5). Species of Pristimantis characterized by: (1) smooth to slightly tuberculate dorsal skin, areolate belly; discoidal fold evident; dorsolateral folds absent; (2) tympanum condition B; tympanic ring covered dorsally by supratympanic fold, tympanic membrane not differentiated; (3) truncate snout in dorsal view and protruding in lateral view; (4) upper eyelid generally without tubercles (occasionally one tiny tubercle present); (5) cranial crests absent; (6) oblique dentigerous processes of vomers; (7) vocal slits present, nuptial pads ...

Photographs showing color variation in living adult males of  Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
 A. QCAZ-A 77106, holotype, SVL = 24.77 mm; B. QCAZ-A 76585, paratype, SVL = 26.97 mm; C. QCAZ-A 76518, paratype, SVL = 26.06 mm; D. QCAZ-A 65561, SVL = 19.64 mm; E. QCAZ-A 67428, SVL = 26.47 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. F. QCAZ-A 79899; note significant color change within a period of less than 24 h. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the holotype and paratypes sections.

Photographs showing color variation in living adult/subadult females of Pristimantis milpe sp. nov.
  A. QCAZ-A 67424, paratype, adult female, SVL = 32.07 mm; B. QCAZ-A 45268, paratype, subadult female, SVL = 29.44 mm; C. QCAZ-A 74171, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.21 mm; D. QCAZ-A 74172, paratype, adult female, SVL = 34.17 mm; E. QCAZ-A 51314, adult female, SVL = 33.13 mm. Left column: dorsolateral view; central column: dorsal view; right column: ventral view. Locality data for all specimens is provided in the paratypes section.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a noun in apposition and refers to the type locality, the Milpe Bird Sanctuary, a private reserve in Pichincha Province, Ecuador. The sanctuary protects ~ 100 ha of Foothill Montane Forest and is part of the Andean Chocó, one of the most diverse and threatened regions on the planet. The Milpe Bird Sanctuary is managed by the Mindo Cloudforest Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to the conservation of biodiversity in the Andean Chocó. The Foundation maintains close relationships with local communities, promoting environmental education, sustainable livelihoods, and participatory management of natural resources. It also supports other private reserves and local Decentralized Autonomous Governments in forest restoration through the production of native plants in their nurseries, strengthening long-term conservation in the region.

Santiago R. Ron, Poulette Paredes-Aguirre, Diego A. Paucar, Yaara López, Katherine Apunte and Jhael A. Ortega. 2026. Long overdue: A New, widespread, species of Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Chocó region and the synonymy of Pristimantis subsigillatus. ZooKeys. 1286: 121-152. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1286.194383 [24 Jul 2026] 

 x.com/santiak/status/2081416238371135900