[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

[Entomology • 2026] Caloptilia augeas & C. ceryneia • Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera: Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880)

[4-6] Caloptilia augeas
[11-13] Caloptilia ceryneia 

Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, 

in Guiguet, van Nieukerken, Giron, Gravendeel, Lopez-Vaamonde et Ohshima, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 

Abstract

New Caledonia is a biodiversity hotspot with high levels of micro-endemism, yet its gracillariid fauna remains poorly documented. Here, two new species of Caloptilia Hübner, 1825 (Gracillariidae) are described from Glochidion J.R.Forst. & G.Forst. (Phyllanthaceae) host plants in Parc des Grandes Fougères, New Caledonia: Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., and Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov. Both species induce leaf galls on Glochidion billardierei Baill., co-occurring on the same host species, sometimes even on the same leaf. They exhibit distinct wing patterns, but very similar male and female genitalia, and DNA barcoding supports their status as separate species. These findings provide evidence for potential within-host sympatric speciation, as documented in other gall-inducing insects. The larval biology of C. augeas and C. ceryneia reveals a unique frass disposal behaviour, whereby waste is excreted through a hole and the aperture is subsequently sealed—an adaptation not previously reported in gall-inducing Lepidoptera. Our findings double the known number of gall-inducing species in Gracillariidae, highlighting that this life history strategy may be more common than currently appreciated. We also provide new information on distribution and host plants of Caloptilia xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880), a leaf roller found on the same host plant, G. billardierei. These findings mark the first records of the subfamily Gracillariinae in New Caledonia. This study underscores the underexplored diversity of New Caledonian gracillariids and emphasises the conservation value of Parc des Grandes Fougères. Further surveys in the Indo-Pacific region may reveal additional yet undescribed Caloptilia species associated with Phyllanthaceae and help clarify the evolutionary mechanisms underpinning their diversification.

Key words: Australia, DNA barcoding, endemism, frass disposal, host plant use, sympatry, taxonomy

Habitus of adult Caloptilia augeas sp. nov. 

4. Resting posture; 5. Paratype, male RMNH.INS.25563; 6. Holotype, male, RMNH.INS.25562.
 

Habitus of adult Caloptilia ceryneia sp. nov.
11. Resting posture, holotype male, RMNH.INS.25650; 12. Paratype, female, RMNH.INS.25565; 13. Paratype, male, RMNH.INS.25564.
Scale bars: 2 mm.

Caloptilia augeas Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov., 

Etymology. The specific name augeas refers to the fifth Labour of Hercules in the Greek mythology. The larval behaviour of frass cleaning in the gall reminds this Labour that consisted in cleaning the stables of king Augeas (Αὐγέας). This name comes from the word “αὐγή” that designates “sun shine” and “reflection of a shiny object” in Classic Greek (Bailly 1899), referring to the bright colour of the adult wings. The epithet is to be regarded as a noun in apposition.

Caloptilia ceryneia Guiguet, Lopez-Vaamonde, van Nieukerken & Ohshima, sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific name ceryneia refers to the ancient Greek city of Ceryneia or Keryneia (Κερύνεια), the location of the Ceryneian Hind from Greek mythology, which features in the third Labour of Hercules. The moth’s striking yellow and red wing pattern evokes the golden antlers and bronze hooves of the mythical deer. Its cryptic gall-inducing behaviour also recalls the elusive nature of the Ceryneian hind, which was known for its ability to remain hidden. The epithet is to be treated as a noun in apposition.

 Antoine Guiguet, Erik J. van Nieukerken, David Giron, Barbara Gravendeel, Carlos Lopez-Vaamonde, Issei Ohshima. 2026. Two New Species of Caloptilia (Lepidoptera, Gracillariidae) from New Caledonia inducing galls on Glochidion billardierei (Phyllanthaceae) and Redescription of C. xanthopharella (Meyrick, 1880). ZooKeys. 1268: 113-137. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1268.173885 [04 Feb 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Latrodectus lucacha • A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae: Theridiidae: Latrodectus)

Latrodectus lucacha  

 Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, 2026

DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of widow spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus) from the Andean region. DNA barcode sequences are provided. The species is documented from museum specimens across Peru and identified from photographs on iNaturalist, extending its inferred distribution into Ecuador, Bolivia, and Chile. We integrate specimen and citizen-science occurrences to generate a species distribution model using WorldClim bioclimatic variables, predicting highest suitability along temperate to high-elevation Andean regions. We discuss the utility and limitations of citizen-science imagery for delimiting and mapping species and summarize available information on clinical aspects of envenomation in Peru associated with the local “lucacha” widow spider.

Key words: Andes, citizen-science, DNA barcode, iNaturalist, Latrodectus lucacha, new species, Peru, species distribution model, taxonomy

Observations of Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov., from iNaturalist.
A. Female, male and egg case, from Arica, Arica y Parinacota, Chile; iNaturalist.org (by ferru, CC-BY-NC); B. Female with two egg cases, note parasitoid wasps on egg case, from Nabón, Azuay, Ecuador; iNaturalist.org (by kabirbosques, CC-BY);
C. Female feeding on a beetle, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by ruthgo, CC0); D. Female feeding on a damselfly, from Lima, Peru; iNaturalist.org (by Mathieu_fr, CC-BY-NC).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.
A–C. From Pantanos de Villa Om, Lima, Peru (MUSM-ENT 051958), microphotographs of adult male; D. From Pachacayo, Junin, Peru (MUSM-ENT 0519569), schematic illustration of female reproductive structures; A, D. Dorsal; B. Lateral; C. Ventral.

Abbreviations: CD copulatory duct, FD Fertilization duct, SP Spermathecae. 

Scale bars: 1.0 mm (A–C), 0.5 mm (D).

Latrodectus lucacha Miller, Kratzer & Griswold, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Female with three loop copulatory ducts (Figs 2D, 3D–F), distinguishing it from L. geometricus C. L. Koch, 1841 and L. quartus Abalos, 1980 (Abalos 1980: figs 39, 66), which have more loops (ca 4), and from L. antheratus (Badcock, 1932) and L. variegatus Nicolet, 1849 (Abalos 1980: figs 49, 58), which have fewer (2). With dorsal longitudinal opisthosomal stripe variable in both width and length (Figs 4, 5), resembling several South American species, but not exhibiting oblique vertical stripes on the posterior quarter ...

Etymology. Lucacha is a common name for widow spiders in Peru (Pickard-Cambridge 1902; Maguiña Vargas et al. 2017).

Jeremy Miller, Chris Alice Kratzer and Charles Griswold. 2026. Description of A New Andean Species of Widow Spider (Araneae, Theridiidae, Latrodectus). ZooKeys. 1281: 49-67. DOI:  doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.185973 

[Mollusca • 2022] Burmochlamys fasciola, B. albida, B. versicolor, ... • Uncovering local Endemism from southeastern Myanmar: Description of the New Karst-associated Terrestrial Snail Genus Burmochlamys (Eupulmonata: Helicarionidae)

 

Burmochlamys Pholyotha & Panha,
A Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov. paratype showing left and right lateral views;  
D B. albida sp. nov. paratype; E B. moulmeinica sp. nov. paratype;
F B. versicolor sp. nov. paratype; G B. whitteni sp. nov. paratype 

in Pholyotha, Sutcharit, Lin et Panha, 2022.   

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1110.82461 

Abstract

Salween River basin’s karst ecosystems in southeastern Myanmar remain largely unexplored and are likely to harbour a high terrestrial snail diversity that are often associated with high levels of snail endemism. Here, an outstanding group of new karst-associated terrestrial snails, Burmochlamys gen. nov., are discovered. A study of the comparative morphological and anatomical data reveals that the reproductive tract and radula of this new genus are closely related to the helicarionid genus Sophina Benson, 1859 but shell morphology (shape, size, and sculpture) and mantle extensions are distinct from the latter genus. Burmochlamys gen. nov. now consists of four known nominal species, B. cassidula comb. nov., B. cauisa comb. nov., B. perpaula comb. nov., and B. poongee comb. nov., and five new species; B. albida sp. nov., B. fasciola sp. nov., B. moulmeinica sp. nov., B. versicolor sp. nov., and B. whitteni sp. nov. The highlight is that the members of the new genus show site-specific endemism, being restricted to karstic habitat islands of the Salween River basin. In addition, the discovery supports that the unique and complex structure of Salween River basin’s karst ecosystems are habitats in which the terrestrial malacofauna have speciated and become endemic.

Keywords: Diversity, endemic, Indochina, land snail, limestone, Salween River basin, taxonomy

Family Helicarionidae Bourguignat, 1877

Subfamily Durgellinae Godwin-Austen, 1888

Living snails of Burmochlamys species
A Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14214 showing left and right lateral views B B. cassidula specimen CUMZ 14209
C B. poongee specimen CUMZ 14210 D B. albida sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14212
E B. moulmeinica sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14217 F B. versicolor sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14219 G B. whitteni sp. nov. paratype CUMZ 14222.

Genus Burmochlamys Pholyotha & Panha, gen. nov.

 

Type species: Burmochlamys fasciola sp. nov., by original designation.

Etymology: The name combines Burmo in reference to Burma, the historical name of Myanmar, and the Greek word chlamys meaning mantle or cloak in reference to land snail with well-developed mantle extensions. Therefore, the generic name means the Burmese land snail with the well-developed mantle extensions. The gender of the new generic name is feminine.

Diagnosis: Shell subglobose to globose, small size, little high spire, and sculptured with spiral furrows and undulating radial lines. Snail with five well-developed mantle extensions; caudal horn raised. Genitalia with penial retractor muscle attached at tip of epiphallic caecum; gametolytic organ with rather short to moderate cylindrical duct and bulbous sac; well-developed dart apparatus; flagellum absent. Radula with large monocuspid central tooth and attached by two smaller teeth; laterals and marginals undifferentiated, large monocuspid, and at base of each tooth on outer side attached by a smaller tooth.

B. cassidula comb. nov., B. cauisa comb. nov., 

B. perpaula comb. nov., and B. poongee comb. nov., 

and five new species; B. albida sp. nov., B. fasciola sp. nov., 

B. moulmeinica sp. nov., B. versicolor sp. nov., and B. whitteni sp. nov.

A adult of Burmochlamys moulmeinica sp. nov. while climbing slowly on the karst wall after raining at Lun Nya Pagoda B mating pairs of B. versicolor sp. nov. on the karst wall at Bayin Nyi Cave
C B. versicolor sp. nov. eaten by the carnivorous snail Carinartemis sp. on the karst wall at Bayin Nyi Cave D B. cassidula eaten by the carnivorous snail Haploptychius sp. on the karst wall at Kaw Gon Cave. 

 Arthit Pholyotha, Chirasak Sutcharit, Aung Lin and Somsak Panha. 2022. Uncovering local Endemism from southeastern Myanmar: Description of the New Karst-associated Terrestrial Snail Genus Burmochlamys (Eupulmonata, Helicarionidae).  ZooKeys. 1110: 1-37. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1110.82461 

[Cnidaria • 2026] Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum • A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa: Octocorallia: Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum

Koido, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 

 

Abstract

A new precious coral species, Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Scleralcyonacea, Coralliidae), retrieved from a depth of 550 m in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, is described, and an updated identification key for the genus Hemicorallium is provided. The new species is confirmed as belonging to the genus Hemicorallium based on the presence of nonretractile but contractile autozooids with an ovate-cylindrical shape and sclerites comprising elongated rods, 6–8-radiates and double clubs, with elongated rods present exclusively in the tentacles. Moreover, the species is distinct from all its congeners in that it has orange coenenchyme and a pink axis, with autozooids distributed only on the front side of the branch, forming clusters at the branch tips. These morphological features differ from those of all previously described species of Hemicorallium, and molecular analysis of mitochondrial sequences (16S, ND1, ND2, ND3, ND6, COI, MSH, and IGR1) further corroborates the validity of this new species. This is the first report of Hemicorallium off the coast of Kochi Prefecture, Japan.

Key words: Cnidaria, deep-sea corals, precious coral, Scleralcyonacea, Western Pacific

 

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. (Holotype: KBF-OA-00436).
 A. ‘‘Front’’ and ‘‘back’’ of colony; B. Branch, showing autozooid (AZ); C. Exposed axis with the coenenchyme removed; D, E. Surface detail of branch, showing autozooid (AZ), siphonozooid (SZ), burrows (Bu), cluster of autozooids (CL), warts on coenenchyme surface (W), and commensal polychaete (Po).

 Scale bars: 50 mm (A); 10 mm (B–E).

Class Octocorallia Haeckel, 1866

Order Scleralcyonacea McFadden, van Ofwegen & Quattrini, 2022

Family Coralliidae Lamouroux, 1812

Genus Hemicorallium Gray, 1867

Hemicorallium osmanthogemmum sp. nov. 

 New Japanese name. Kinmokusei-mizo-sango.

Diagnosis. The colony branches in one plane, and anastomoses are present only where broken branches come into contact with other branches. Autozooids are contracted but not retracted, and they are distributed only on one side of the colony. Spacing is almost absent on the twigs, and clusters are formed at the tips. The axis has no pits beneath the autozooids and is pale pink to pink in colour. Sclerites are predominantly radiate, and double clubs are rare. Warty rods are present only in the tentacles.

 

Tatsuki Koido. 2026. A New Species of Hemicorallium (Anthozoa, Octocorallia, Coralliidae), along with a revised identification key to species of the genus. ZooKeys. 1277: 339-354.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1277.184620 [20 Apr 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis etsa • A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador

Pristimantis etsa

Figueroa-Coronel, Cisneros-Heredia, Brito-Zapata, Carrión-Olmedo & Reyes-Puig, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506

Abstract

A new species of Pristimantis is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeastern Ecuador, based on morphological and molecular data, Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: female SVL 32.5 mm and male SVL 18.3 mm, dorsolateral folds formed by rows of subconical tubercles, strongly areolate ventral skin, two distinct rows of forearm tubercles, one along the ventrolateral margin and a second along the externolateral margin of the forearm, and a prominent yellow groin blotch in the female holotype. The species belongs to the Pristimantis cryptomelas group, part of the Huicundomantis subgenus, and is closely related to P. nangaritza, P. verrucosus, and P. plateado. Currently, the species is known only from its type locality, where it inhabits low montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,655–1,830 m. Additionally, we discuss the use of the term “ulnar tubercles” in Pristimantis, noting that it may refer to tubercles occupying different positions on the forearm.

Key words: Amphibia, forearm tubercles, Huicundomantis, sub-Andean cordilleras

Color in life of Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.
A, E. Dorsolateral view; B, F. Dorsal view; C, G. Ventral view, and D, H. Groin.
(A–D) ZSFQ 6188; (E–H) ZSFQ 6189.

Photographs by David Brito-Zapata and Carolina Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.

 Proposed standard English name. Etsa Rain Frog.

Proposed standard Spanish name. Cutín de Etsa.

Generic placement. The new species is assigned to Pristimantis based on the presence of a differentiated tympanic membrane, S-shaped adductor muscles, and expanded terminal discs on digits bearing well-defined circumferential grooves (Hedges et al. 2008).

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is summarized in Table 1, and a visual comparison of P. etsa sp. nov. and P. nangaritza is shown in Fig. 8. The species included in the comparative diagnosis were selected because they are phylogenetically close to Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. within the P. cryptomelas group or because they share one or more externally similar characters, especially colored groin, ulnar tuberculation, and occurrence in the Cordillera del Cóndor, southern Ecuador, or adjacent northern Peru. Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. is distinguished from these congeners by the following combination of characters: snout rounded in dorsal view and profile; dorsolateral folds conspicuous, composed of subconical ...

Etymology. The specific epithet etsa is a noun in apposition derived from the Shuar language. Among the Shuar people, an indigenous nationality inhabiting eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, including parts of the Cordillera del Cóndor, Etsa is a powerful anthropomorphic being whose primary manifestation is the sun. In Shuar cosmology, Etsa acts as a cultural transmitter who endows animals and people with essential skills, such as hunting techniques, restores life to forest birds, and upholds moral order (Pellizaro 1984; Barrueco 1985).

 Elías Figueroa-Coronel, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, David Brito-Zapata, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador. ZooKeys. 1282: 205-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506 [15 Jun 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Calotes thailandensis & C. maehongsonensis • Systematics of the Calotes irawadi complex (Squamata: Agamidae) with Two newly described Species from Thailand

Calotes thailandensis 

Prakobkarn, Zug, Tandavanitj & Ngamprasertwong, 2026

 

กิ้งก่ารั้ว, กิ้งก่าหัวแดง  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.175455 

Abstract

Two new species of Calotes lizards, Calotes thailandensis sp. nov. and C. maehongsonensis sp. nov., are diagnosed and described from Thailand. These new species are most closely related to C. irawadi and C. wangi, which are members of the C. irawadi complex, supported by phylogenetic analysis of mitochondrial DNA data (ND2 and COI genes) coupled with morphometric and osteological data. Calotes thailandensis sp. nov. and C. maehongsonensis sp. nov. are distinguished from true C. irawadi by having a wider PelvW, but a smaller head size in adult males. In particular, adult males of C. thailandensis sp. nov. obviously differ from both C. irawadi and C. wangi by having a longer supratympanic spine, whereas C. maehongsonensis sp. nov. has a distinctly longer hindlimb than that of C. irawadi and C. wangi. As a result, two new species increase the list of known Calotes species in Thailand to four species; C. thailandensis sp. nov., C. maehongsonensis sp. nov., C. emma and C. goetzi.

Key words: Morphometric analysis, osteology, phylogenetic analysis, Southeast Asia, taxonomy

An uncollected male (A, B) on breeding season (March, 2025) and female (D) (CUMZ-R-2767) of Calotes thailandensis sp. nov. in rubber plantation (C) at Khlong Hoi Kong District, Songkhla Province, Thailand.

 Calotes thailandensis sp. nov. 

C. maehongsonensis sp. nov.

 Arpapan Prakobkarn, George R. Zug, Nontivich Tandavanitj and Thongchai Ngamprasertwong. 2026. Systematics of the Calotes irawadi complex (Squamata, Agamidae) with Two newly described Species from Thailand. ZooKeys. 1281: 69-104. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1281.175455 [03-06-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis fergusoni • A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes

 

Pristimantis fergusoni 

J. P. Reyes-Puig, Yánez-Muñoz, Ron, Venegas, Ortega, Carrión-Olmedo & C. Reyes-Puig, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260

Abstract

A new species of rain frog from the upper montane forest of the eastern Andes in the upper Pastaza watershed, Ecuador is described. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is characterized by its short snout, conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, combined with a scarlet colored belly in females. These unique traits differentiate the new species among other Pristimantis of upper montane eastern Ecuadorian Andes. Phylogenetic analyses support its validity and place it within a clade nested with other tuberculated species occurring along the Andean slopes. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is currently known from only two close localities (Cerro Candelaria and Chamana Reserves) at elevations between 2972 and 3200 m elevation, within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor. Data Deficient IUCN status is proposed until new information is available. Individuals were observed at night perched on vegetation in herbaceous and arbustive vegetation of upper montane forest. This discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence identifying the upper Pastaza valley as a hotspot of amphibian endemism and diversification. With this addition, 30 strabomantid species are described for this region in the last decades, underscoring its conservation importance. This discovery highlights the urgent need for integrated taxonomic efforts combining fieldwork, morphology, and molecular data to resolve complex evolutionary relationships within the megadiverse genus Pristimantis, especially in underexplored high-elevation habitats of the tropical Andes. Finally, we provide an updated phylogeny for this clade that clarifies its evolutionary relationships.

Key words: Amphibia, Andean slopes, morphology, Pristimantis gualacenio species complex, taxonomy

Life color and sexual dimorphism in Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.
A. Female holotype DHMECN 13318; B. Female DHMECN 19390;
C. Male DHMECN 19388; D. Male DHMECN 19389.

Dorsal and ventral view, respectively. Photographs by J. P. Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.

Live photographs of the new species and comparison with related and similar Pristimantis species from eastern Andes of Ecuador.
A. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov., female holotype DHMECN 13318, from Cerro Candelaria; B. P. gualacenio DHMECN 10748, from Area de Conservación Municipal Tinajillas; C. P. bellae DHMECN 4812, from Cerro Candelaria;
D. P. eriphus DHMECN 5209, from Río Zuñag; E. P. incanus DHMECN 11857, from Reventador; F. P. roni, DHMECN 11313, from Sardinayacu; 
G. P. katoptroides QCAZ58900, from Sadinayacu; H. P. inusitatus not collected, from Napo San Isidro; I. P. galdi DHMECN 9640, from Reserva Tapichalaca;
J. P. colonensis DHMECN 6414, from La Bonita; K. P. venegasi MZUTI 6571; L. P. yanezi DHMECN 13309, from Río Zuñag.

Photographs by JPRP, MYM, SRR, Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela, and Patricia Bejarano-Muñoz.

  Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Santiago R. Ron, Pablo J. Venegas, Jhael Ortega, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. ZooKeys. 1269: 83-105. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260 [13-02-2026]

[Ichthyology • 2026] Rhinogobius mengyangensis • A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Gobiiformes: Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China

 

Rhinogobius mengyangensis 

X. Liu, Chen, Shu, Huang, K. Liu & Yu, 2026

濛阳吻虾虎鱼  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

Abstract

A new species of freshwater goby, Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov., is described from the upper Changjiang River basin in Sichuan Province, China, based on comparative morphology and molecular phylogeny. The new species is sister to Rhinogobius szechuanensis Tchang, 1939 and can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: absence of sensory canals and pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes; second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings; incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin; branchiostegal membrane bright yellow.

Key words: Biodiversity, freshwater, phylogeny, taxonomy

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. alive. 

A. Male, Tuojiang River basin (holotype, IHB 0202506006); B. Female, Tuojiang River basin (Paratype, IHB 0202506007); 

C. Male, Qingyijiang River basin; D. Female, Qingyijiang River basin.

Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Rhinogobius mengyangensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all congeners except R. szechuanensis by the following combination of features: absence of sensory canals and sensory pores on head; cheeks and operculum without spots or stripes (Fig. 3). It can be distinguished from R. szechuanensis in having the second dorsal fin with 9–11 longitudinal rows of inverted V-shaped or dash-like brown markings (vs with blue spots, some coalescing into vertical bars), incomplete brownish edges on flank scales below second dorsal fin (vs with complete edges), and a bright-yellow branchiostegal membrane (vs white or blue) (Fig. 4).

 Xin Liu, Zhong-Guang Chen, Yi-Fan Shu, Jun-Hao Huang, Kai Liu and Yi Yu. 2026. Rhinogobius mengyangensis : A New Species of Freshwater Goby (Teleostei, Gobiidae) from Sichuan Province, southwestern China. ZooKeys. 1280: 333-347. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1280.188225

[28 May 2026]

[Mollusca • 2026] Thecacera sesama • A New Species of the Genus Thecacera (Nudibranchia: Polyceridae) from Taiwan, evident from morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase I gene

 

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee,

in Chan, Lee, Chen, Chang, Shao et Pang, 2026. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1279.184298

Abstract

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee, sp. nov. (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) is described from north-eastern Taiwan based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular data. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a unique colour pattern consisting of a translucent white body covered with numerous small, round, black pigment spots and fewer, larger, yellow spots and five gills. While sharing a similar spotted colour pattern with Thecacera pennigera, the new species can be clearly distinguished by its significantly smaller body size (maximum length < 3 mm). Phylogenetic analyses of two mitochondrial genes, cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) and 16S rRNA, confirmed it as a new species in Thecacera. The molecular data places Thecacera sesama sp. nov. as a sister species to Thecacera picta, with a significant interspecific COI divergence of 14.17%. This discovery highlights the rich, yet under documented, marine biodiversity of Taiwan and underscores the value of combining traditional morphological examination with molecular phylogenetics for accurate species delimitation in cryptic nudibranch lineages.

Key words: bryozoans, COI, cryptic diversity, Heterobranchia, phylogeny, systematics, taxonomy

Living specimens of Thecacera sesama sp. nov.
A. Ecological photos; B. ASIZM0001722; C. ASIZM0001721. Scale bars: 1 mm.

Thecacera sesama sp. nov.
Details of appearance and morphological features, hand-drawn on a tablet PC by Chen-Lu Lee. 

Thecacera sesama Chan & Lee, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Thecacera sesama sp. nov. is distinguished by a unique combination of the following external morphological characters: (1) maximum preserved length of specimens is 2.83 mm; (2) body colour is translucent whitish, allowing some internal organs to be faintly visible; (3) entire body, as well as the rhinophores, rhinophoral sheaths, gills, post-branchial appendages, propodial tentacles, and tail are covered with numerous, discrete, small, circular, black spots and large yellow spots, as well as many white, snowflake-shaped pigment patches scattered on the body; (4) rhinophores and rhinophoral sheaths are translucent whitish, with small black spots and large yellow spots; (5) rhinophoral lamellae number 9–12; (6) gills number 5 and are translucent whitish, and the branchial plumes are pinnate; (7) post-branchial appendages are translucent whitish; (8) the head is translucent whitish, with short, blunt propodial tentacles at the corners.

Etymology. The specific epithet sesama is derived from the Latin word for sesame seed, referring to the characteristic small, rounded, seed-like spots that cover the dorsal surface of this species, resembling scattered sesame seeds on the animal’s body.

 Ho-Yeung Chan, Chen-Lu Lee, Wei-Cheng Chen, Chia-Hao Chang, Yi-Ta Shao and Ka-Lai Pang. 2026. Thecacera sesama sp. nov. (Nudibranchia, Polyceridae) from Taiwan, evident from morphology and phylogenetic analyses of the 16S rDNA and cytochrome c oxidase I gene. ZooKeys. 1279: 269-284. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1279.184298 [11 May 2026]