[Paleontology • 2026] Kank australis • New unenlagiid (Theropoda: Unenlagiidae) from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), SW Patagonia, Argentina

 

Kank australis

Motta, Rolando, Rozadilla, Agnolín, Egli, Herrera, Chimento, Coco, Tsuihiji, Manabe, Pol & Novas, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456 

A reconstruction by Gabriel Díaz Yantén

 

ABSTRACT

Unenlagiids constitute a group of paravian theropods up to now represented in Gondwanan landmasses. They are particularly diverse in northern Patagonia, where at least seven species were discovered in Upper Cretaceous beds. In southern Patagonia, by contrast, the record is restricted to a few isolated remains of indeterminate taxa from Argentina and Chile. The aim of the present contribution is to describe an unenlagiid, Kank australis gen. et sp. nov. from the Maastrichtian beds of southern Santa Cruz, southern Patagonia, Argentina. Kank australis is represented by vertebrae, isolated pedal phalanges, and shed teeth. The holotype individual has a unique combination of characters, including a highly pneumatized cervical vertebra with well-developed parapophysis and carotid processes. Further, a pedal phalanx II-2 resembles those of troodontids due the reduction of the distal condyles, and differs from other known unenlagiids. The apomorphic condition of the few available elements suggests that Kank australis was probably distinct from its kin and reinforces the hypothesis that Unenlagiidae was a morphologically disparate clade.

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

DINOSAURIA OWEN, 1842

SAURICHIA SEELEY, 1888

THEROPODA MARSH, 1881

PARAVES SERENO, 1997

UNENLAGIIDAE (Bonaparte, 1999)

KANK AUSTRALIS gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Medium-sized unenlagiid (phalanges similar in size to Neuquenraptor argentinus estimated in ∼27 kg; Motta, 2023) showing the following combination of characters (autapomorphies marked by an asterisk): (1) dentary teeth having mesial carinae restricted to the apical third of the crown (shared with Austroraptor); (2) labiolingually compressed maxillary teeth “8” in cross-section (shared with Buitreraptor); (3) dentary teeth having a crenulate mesial carina restricted to its apical third; (4) cervicodorsal vertebra having three pneumatic foramina on its ventral surface*; (5) cervicodorsal vertebra having epipophyseal fossa*; and (6) phalanx 2-II showing reduced distal condyles and collateral pits located very close to the anterodorsal corner of the condyles (shared with troodontids).

Etymology—“Kank,” in reference to the “elder Rhea,” who created the constellation Choiols (Southern Cross constellation) in the Aonikenk mythology, and “australis,” which means “from south” in Latin, in reference to the southern latitude where this dinosaur was found.

 

Matías J. Motta, Alexis M. Aranciaga Rolando, Sebastián Rozadilla, Federico L. Agnolín, Federico Brissón Egli, Gerardo P. Álvarez Herrera, Nicolás R. Chimento, Gastón Lo Coco, Takanobu Tsuihiji, Makoto Manabe, Diego Pol and Fernando E. Novas. 2026. New unenlagiid from the Chorrillo Formation (Late Cretaceous, Maastrichtian), SW Patagonia, Argentina. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. e2656456. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2656456  [28 May 2026]

https://newsroom.taylorandfrancisgroup.com/heron-like-fish-eating-dinosaur-from-70-million-years-ago-discovered-in-argentina

https://www.macnconicet.gob.ar/kank-australis-el-nuevo-raptor-descubierto-en-la-patagonia-argentina

[Botany • 2026] Syzygium khammouanense (Myrtaceae) • A New Species from central Laos

 

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.,

in Dang, Souladeth, Pham, Kongxaisavath, Phengmala, Sengthong, Souvannakhoummane, Vongthavone, Yamamoto, Tanaka, Takahashi et Tagane, 2026.

ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3  

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Summary

A new species, Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. (Myrtaceae), discovered from Khounkham District, Khammouane Province, central Laos, is described and illustrated. The new species is distinct from other Syzygium species by having 26 – 30 pairs of secondary veins and a strongly quadrangular hypanthium, 1 cm long. A description, provisional conservation assessment, photographs and vernacular name of the new species are provided.

Key Words: Indochina, Khounkham, limestone flora, plant diversity, taxonomy

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad.
A flowering branch; B leaf, abaxial surface; C flower bud; D inflorescence; E flower, cutaway, showing stamens and style; F young fruits; G hypanthium, with style (left), and petals, adaxial surface (centre), abaxial surface (right). photos by: Shuichiro Tagane.

Syzygium khammouanense V.S.Dang, Tagane & Soulad. sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet “khammouanense” refers to the name of the province containing the type locality, in Laos.

Vernacular name. ຫວ້າຄຳມ່ວນ (Wa Khammouane, suggested here). “Wa” is the common Lao name for the genus Syzygium, and “khammouanense” represents the province’s name where the type material was collected.

 

Van-Son Dang, Phetlasy Souladeth, Quoc-Trong Pham, Deuanta Kongxaisavath, Kajonesuk Phengmala, Anousone Sengthong, Keooudone Souvannakhoummane, Thyraphon Vongthavone, Takenori Yamamoto, Nobuyuki Tanaka, Kotaro T. Takahashi and Shuichiro Tagane. 2026. A New Species of Syzygium P.Browne ex Gaertn. (Myrtaceae), S. khammouanense, from central Laos.  Kew Bulletin. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s12225-025-10351-3 [21 May 2026] 

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[Botany • 2026] Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) • A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, 

in Zainudin, Idris et Yudistira, 2026. 

taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

Abstract

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae) is here described as a new species from Kalimantan, Indonesia, adding to the diversity of Aeschynanthus in Borneo. The species is morphologically similar in its inflorescence to A. dasycalyx Hallier f. but distinguished by elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, ovate-elliptic bracteoles, and a tubular-cupuliform calyx that is brown to bright greenish-yellow. It further differs in having a bright greenish-yellow and longer corolla. The new species is also distinct from A. flavidus Mendum & P. Woods by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves, tubular-cupuliform calyx, and markedly shorter corolla, which is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length. Notes on distribution, ecology, conservation status, and comparative illustrations are provided.

Keyword: Aeschynanthus dasycalyx, Aeschynanthus flavidus, Borneo, Gesneriaceae, Lipstick flower, Xanthanthos

  

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Plant habit; B. Stem with Inflorescences; C. Abaxial side of leaf; D. to E. Inflorescences at different stages of development; F. Close-up mature flower (front, lateral, and back view); G. Corolla with rare red coloration; H. Longitudinal corolla section; I. Dissection of calyx (inner surface); J. Close up inner surface of calyx; K. Corolla lobes margin; L. Close up inner surface of corolla tube; M. Sparsely papillose scabrid filaments; N. Disk; O. The close-up part of pistil showing glandular hairs under stigma; P. Pistil; Q. Capsule.

Photos taken by Zainudin, based on Zainudin ZBA301090724 and Zainudin ZBA302250622.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.;
A. Stem with inflorescences and capsule; B. Close-up mature flowers; C. Corolla split open showing stamens and pistil; D. Longitudinal corolla section; E. Pistil; F. Anther; G. Style and Stigma.

Illustrated by Yuanito Eliazar.

Aeschynanthus luteoflorus Zainudin, Idris & Yudistira, sp. nov.   

 Diagnosis: A. luteoflorus is similar to A. dasycalyx Hallier f., but differs in having elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. ovate); ovate-elliptic bracteoles (vs. linearlanceolate); and a tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. ovatesubcylindrical to sub-urceolate) that is brown to bright greenish yellow (vs. shiny blackish blue). Furthermore, it possesses a longer corolla (2.3–2.5 cm vs. 1.8–2 cm), that is bright greenish yellow (vs. vivid red). A. luteoflorus also differs from A. flavidus Mendum & P.Woods, another yellow-flowered species from Borneo, by its elliptic, sometimes oblong leaves (vs. narrowly to broadly elliptic), tubular-cupuliform calyx (vs. tubular to infundibuliform), and a significantly shorter corolla (2.3– 2.5 cm vs. 5.5–6.3 cm) that is approximately 1.5 times the calyx length (vs. >2 times) (Table 1).

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the flower color; 'luteoflorus' translates to yellow-flowered. This term is a combination of two Latin roots: luteus (yellow) and florus (derived from flos, flower).  

Vernacular name: In the Banjar language, Aeschynanthus is called "Kambang Gincu," which means "lipstick flower" (kambang = flower, gincu = lipstick). 

 Zainudin, Abdul Rahim Idris and Yuda Rehata Yudistira. 2026. Aeschynanthus luteoflorus (Gesneriaceae), A New Species from Kalimantan, Indonesia. Taiwania. 71(3); 477-482. DOI: 10.6165/tai.2026.71.477 [24 May 2026] taiwania.ntu.edu.tw/abstract/2191  

[PaleoOrnithology • 2026] Plumadraco bankoorum • Hyperelongate Ornamental Tail Feathers in A New early Cretaceous enantiornithine Bird

 

Plumadraco bankoorum

Clark, O’Connor, X. Wang, Y. Wang, Pruett-Jones, Zhang, X.Wang, Zheng & Zhou, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347641

Illustration: Ville Sinkkonen

Abstract

Bird diversity is reflected in the abundance and variety of extraordinary plumages. Some of these include elongate, ornamental tail feathers that are typically attributed to either intraspecific communication in monomorphic species or sexual selection in sexually-dimorphic ones. Enantiornithines (Aves: Ornithothoraces) were the most diverse group of birds during the Cretaceous. Importantly, some enantiornithine fossils preserve soft tissues, most often in the form of feathers surrounding the body. Unlike any living bird, many enantiornithine specimens lack tail feathers (rectrices) all together, with the tail region consisting entirely of contour feathers. However, when present, enantiornithine rectrices typically consist of a pair of elongate, ornamental feathers with unusually wide rachises, referred to as rachis-dominated feathers. Here we describe Plumadraco bankoorum gen. et sp. nov., a new bohaiornithid enantiornithine with a pair of exceptionally long rectrices. These tail feathers measure twice the individual’s body length, ending in proportionally small pennaceous rackets, thus adding to the growing diversity of these unusual feathers. The fine preservation of these tail feathers, in comparison to other enantiornithine rectrices, reveals previously unrecognized structural variation that hints at their potential function in courtship displays. Although ornamental feathers in enantiornithines are widely considered sexually dimorphic, determining the selection pressures that shaped them is difficult due primarily to limited soft tissue data. Enantiornithine rectrices are likely the result of an interplay between both sexual and naturally selective pressures, similar to the processes which produce analogous structures in birds today.

Plumadraco bankoorum. The skull of STM11−4.
(A) Photo of fossil specimen and (B) a corresponding line drawing. Well preserved bones are colored white, crushed or poorly preserved bones (or portions of bones) are grey, and preserved soft tissues are brown.

Abbreviations: at, atlas; cev, cervical vertebrae; dn, dentary; fe, feathers; fp, frontal process of the premaxilla; fe, feather; fr, frontal; l, left; mx, maxilla; ns, nasal; pmx, premaxilla; pr, parietal; r, right; su, surangular; to, tooth. 

Scale bar 10 mm.

Plumadraco bankoorum. Specimen STM11−4 
(A) The holotype specimen of Plumadraco, (B) a closer view of the body and, (C) a line drawing of the same portion of the body shown in B. Well preserved bones are colored white, crushed or poorly preserved bones (or portions of bones) are grey, and preserved soft tissues are brown. The extent of the feather traces are denoted by the thin black outline around the body. Potential outline or crural feather present along the cranial face of the tibia.

Abbreviations: al, alula; cev, cervical vertebrae; co, coracoid; fm, femur; fu, furcula; hu, humerus; il, ilium; is, ischium; ma, manus; ph, phalanges (of the peds); pu, pubis; py, pygostyle; ri, rib(s); ra, radius; sc, scapula; sk, skull; sp, sternal plate; sy, synsacrum; tb, tibia; tmt, tarsometatarsus; tf, tail feathers; tv, thoracic vertebrae; ul, ulna. 

Scale bar (A, C) equals 50 mm.

Systematic paleontology

Aves Linnaeus, 1758

Pygostylia Chiappe et al., 2002  

Ornithothoraces Chiappe, 1995 

Enantiornithes Walker, 1981

Plumadraco bankoorum gen. et sp. nov.

Holotype. STM11−4 is a complete, articulated specimen preserved in a single slab primarily in dorsal aspect with feathers preserved around the head, body, wings, and tail.

Locality and horizon. Near Xiaotaizi Village, Jianchang County, Liaoning Province, Jiufotang Formation, 121 Ma (Lower Aptian). 

Diagnosis: Mid-sized [112–144 g, similar to some extant turdids (e.g., Cochoa, Turdus) and meliphagids (e.g., Anthochaera) enantiornithine (ventral margin of the furcula wider than dorsal margin; acrocoracoid, glenoid, and scapular cotyla omal-sternally aligned; minor metacarpal extending distally farther than the major metacarpal; metatarsal IV thinner than metatarsals II and III with the trochlea reduced to a single condyle; and a J-shaped metatarsal I), belonging to the family Bohaiornithidae (basally robust, apically tapered dentition; unforked dentary- surangular articulation; proportional width of the coracoid’s sternal margin; caudolateral projection of the sternal plate’s lateral trabeculae; well-developed abruptly terminating deltopectoral crest; robust pedal unguals), with the unique combination of the following features: corpus of the premaxillae dorsoventrally deeper than the dentaries; rostral ~80% of the dentary with parallel dorsal and ventral margins; tip of dentary is rostrodorsally tapered; at least nine sacral vertebrae; caudally-oriented lateral trabeculae of the sternum with asymmetrical, fan-shaped distal expansions; phalanx I of the manual digit craniocaudally thin; weakly curved pedal unguals; RDFs approximately twice body length.

Etymology. “Pluma”, Latin for feather, and “draco”, Latin for dragon. In the theme of avian biology and evolution, the specific name, “bankoorum”, honors Winston E. and Paul C. Banko. Together, their momentous life-long efforts have significantly contributed to our understanding of avian biology and conservation, particularly across the Hawaiian archipelago. Plumadraco bankoorum, the Banko’s feather dragon.

 B) Finely-preserved structures present in the proximal portion of the right RDF of Plumadraco bankoorum, C) and the preserved racket showing the differentiated barbs and the reduction, and eventual complete termination, of the central support structures (i.e., ramus and medial stripe). (D) The unique, undifferentiated barbs of the occipital plumes of Pteridophora alberti (King-of-Saxony Bird-of-Paradise) (FMNH 280831) forming tab-like laminated sheets. These structures may be uniquely analogous to the lateral margins (ribbon-like sheets) of enantiornithine RDFs preceding the distal ornaments.
 (E) An in-life restoration of Plumadraco. Illustration by Ville Sinkkonen.

  Results of phylogenetic analyses suggest Plumadraco belongs to the diverse Bohaiornithidae.

 

 male and female Plumadraco bankoorum

Illustration: Ville Sinkkonen

 Alexander D. Clark, Jingmai K. O’Connor, Xiaoli Wang, Yan Wang, Stephen Pruett-Jones, Xiangyu Zhang, Xing Wang, Xiaoting Zheng and Zhonghe Zhou. 2026. Hyperelongate Ornamental Tail Feathers in A New early Cretaceous enantiornithine Bird. PLoS One 21(5): e0347641. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0347641 [May 27, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Trachischium lalremsangai • A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot

Trachischium lalremsangai 

Bhardwaj, Bal, Tluanga & Mirza, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919  

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Abstract

A new species of fossorial natricine snake, Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The holotype was collected from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, near the India–Myanmar border, while the paratype originated from Haka Township, Chin State, Myanmar. Based on morphological and molecular data, the new species is related to T. reticulata (Blyth); however, it can be diagnosed from members of the genus Trachischium by possessing 13 dorsal scale rows, two postoculars, one anterior temporal scale, and two posterior temporal scales, in addition to distinctive colouration and other scalation details. The discovery of several new snake species within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot underscores the need for increased research efforts and funding dedicated to this region in the near future.

Key Words: Blythia, Colubridae, Myanmar, Natricinae, northeast India, phylogeny, taxonomy

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov. holotype male MZMU 3757 in situ.

Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized member of the genus reaching SVL of 351–432 mm. Dorsal scales smooth and iridescent, arranged in 13 rows throughout the body. Supralabials 5–6, 3rd and 4th in contact with orbit. Paired prefrontals; a pair of postoculars. Temporals 1+2. Ventrals 135 (+3–4 preventrals) and 28–29 subcaudals paired. Dorsum brown and ventrally, anterior one quarter of the snake is creamish white, while the rest is a shade of brown that has sparse white speckles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym honouring Prof. Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga of Mizoram University for his contributions to herpetology in Northeast India, his guidance to numerous students, and his facilitation of research throughout the region and the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

 Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal, Chhangte L. Tluanga and Zeeshan A. Mirza. 2026. A New Species of Fossorial Snake of the Genus Trachischium Günther, 1858, from the Indo–Burma Biodiversity Hotspot. Herpetozoa. 39: 203-215. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919 [19 May 2026]

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[Herpetology • 2026] Calamaria hunanensis • A New Species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Calamariidae) from Hunan Province, South Central China

Calamaria hunanensis

Zhang, Zhu, Wei, Shu, Li, Gernot, Niu, Ding, Chen, Guo & Shi. 2026

 

Hunan Reed Snake | 湖南两头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.041 

Abstract

A new species of Southeast Asian reed snake Calamaria Boie, 1827, Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov., is described from Hunan Province, China. Genetic analysis based on the mitochondrial cyt b gene indicates that the new species forms a deeply divergent clade, with a minimum interspecific genetic distance of 16.1% from C. jinggangensis. Morphologically, it differs from other species of the genus in the following characters: 181 ventral scales and 23 subcaudals in the male; preocular present; eye diameter slightly smaller than the eye-mouth distance; mental not touching anterior shields; posterior chin shields in contact at the anterior third; 6 scales surrounding paraparietal; end of tail sharp-pointed, dorsal scales reduced to four rows above the 4th subcaudal scale anterior to the tail tip; dorsal body basically brown, with nine narrow indistinct deep brown stripes; light nuchal collar present; lateral margins of ventral scales pigmented dark brown, matching the coloration of the adjacent outermost dorsal scales; and ventral body yellow.

Keywords: Calamaria hunanensis, Taxonomy, Morphology, Phylogeny 

Holotype of Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov. CSIPI ZNY202207179 in a fresh condition
A, dorsal view; B, ventral view; C, dorsal head and neck; D, ventral head; E, right lateral head; F, left lateral head; G, lateral middle body; H, dorsal middle body; I, ventral tail; J, lateral tail.

Photographed by Keji Guo.

 Holotype of Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov. CSIPI ZNY202207179 in preservative

Calamaria hunanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Male with 181 ventral scales and 23 subcaudals; preocular present; eye diameter slightly smaller than eye-mouth distance; mental scale not touching anterior shields; posterior chin shields in contact at anterior third part; 6 scales surrounding paraparietal; tail tip sharp-pointed, with dorsal scales reduced to the 4th rows above the 4th subcaudal scale anterior to the tail tip; dorsal body basically brown, with nine narrow indistinct deep brown stripes; light nuchal collar present; lateral margins of ventral scales pigmented dark brown, matching the coloration of the adjacent outermost dorsal scales; ventral body yellow.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘hunanensis’ refers to Hunan Province, where the type locality is located. The Chinese name is suggested as ‘湖南两头蛇’. The English common name is suggested as ‘Hunan Reed Snake’.

Mengfei Zhang, Wenbo Zhu, Yifu Wei, Fu Shu, Qi Li, Vogel Gernot, Yandong Niu, Li Ding, Zening Chen, Keji Guo, Shengchao Shi. 2026. A New Species of Calamaria Boie, 1827 (Squamata: Calamariidae) from Hunan Province, South Central China. Zoological Research: Diversity and Conservation, 2026, 3(1): 1-12. DOI: doi.org/10.24272/j.issn.2097-3772.2025.041 

Researchgate.net/publication/404800547_A_new_species_of_Calamaria_from_Hunan_China

[Mollusca • 2026] Microeledone galapagensis • A New Species of Microeledone (Octopoda: Incirrata) from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae

 

Microeledone galapagensis 

Voight, Smith, Buglass & Ziegler, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 

 

Abstract

The octopod fauna of the deep tropical Pacific Ocean remains poorly known, as is the octopod family Megaleledonidae Taki. A single female megaleledonid specimen collected at 1773 m depth near the equatorial Galápagos island of Darwin is named Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. This small, squat, short-armed octopod has few arm suckers and gill lamellae. Its lack of a crop diverticulum, ink sac, and anal flaps suggests that it pertains to Thaumeledone. However, its smooth skin, which dorsally is nearly free of pigment, large rachidian tooth, and large funnel organ ally it with the monotypic Microeledone. Its reverse countershading and dense pigmentation on the inner dorsal mantle musculature distinguish this species from Microeledone mangoldi Norman, Hochberg & Boucher-Rodoni, 2004a. This species belies the definition of the Megaleledonidae as large-bodied, Southern Ocean endemics, leading us to revise the family diagnosis. The short arms carrying few suckers in this genus and Thaumeledone are hypothesized to relate to heterochrony, potentially increasing energy available for reproduction and contributing to niche partitioning.

Mollusca, Thaumeledone, heterochrony, Pacific Ocean, deep sea, posterior salivary gland, ink sac, skin texture

Photos of Microeledone galapagensis sp.  nov. 
in situ (a); on recovery dorsal (b) and ventral (c) (photos by the Science Party of the NA064 cruise); in preservation dorsal (d) and ventral (e) views of entire animal. 

Microeledone galapagensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. With the characters of the genus; sheath covering inner dorsal mantle muscles heavily pigmented, internal organs lack pigment, except dots near mantle opening on mantle septum, rectum, and anus; posterior salivary glands medium, ca. 70% of buccal mass length; eyes large, slightly projecting.

Janet R. VOIGHT, Stephanie M. SMITH, Salome BUGLASS and Alexander ZIEGLER. 2026. A New Species of Microeledone from Galápagos Islands and an amended diagnosis of the Megaleledonidae (Octopoda: Incirrata). Zootaxa. 5814(4); 533-549. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5814.4.5 [2026-05-25]

     

[Paleontology • 2026] Labrujasuchus expectatus • A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria: Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A.

Labrujasuchus expectatus

Turner, Kernan, Laing, Pritchard, Stocker, Irmis, Smith, Werning & Nesbitt, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

ABSTRACT

Bipedal shuvosaurid archosaurs were present for much of the Late Triassic Period. The clade is particularly diverse in Upper Triassic assemblages in the western U.S.A. Isolated bones are easily differentiated from contemporary archosaurs, but the two named North American species, Shuvosaurus inexpectatus and Effigia okeeffeae, display remarkably similar skeletons. Here we describe a new shuvosaurid species, Labrujasuchus expectatus, gen. et sp. nov., from the middle Norian (∼212 Ma) Hayden Quarry of northern New Mexico, U.S.A., located within the Petrified Forest Member of the Chinle Formation, that fills the temporal gap between the two species. The holotype consists of a partial skeleton, with additional shuvosaurid material from the Hayden Quarry likely pertaining to this taxon. This taxon is distinguished by four autapomorphies and assignable to Shuvosauridae based on a deep fossa present on the posterodorsal edge of the coracoid, the proximal portion of the humerus less than twice the width of the midshaft, the anteromedial tuber of the femur large and ‘hooked’ posteriorly, and a ventrally descended posterolateral portion of the femoral head. Recent Bayesian estimates of archosaur phylogeny and divergence times suggested a Middle Triassic split for Shuvosauridae as well as a decrease in the rate of morphological evolution for the clade relative to that of other archosaurs. The anatomical similarity of L. expectatus with other shuvosaurids is consistent with these estimated low rates, and the long gaps in the fossil record for the clade suggest that much of their evolutionary history remains to be sampled.

Reconstruction of Labrujasuchus expectatus, a new species of Shuvosauridae from Late Triassic rocks of Ghost Ranch, New Mexico.

Artwork: Jorge Gonzalez/NHMLAC Dinosaur Institute

SYSTEMATIC PALEONTOLOGY

ARCHOSAURIA Cope, 1870 (sensu Gauthier & Padian, 1985)

SUCHIA Krebs, 1974 (sensu Benton & Clark 1988)

SHUVOSAURIDAE Chatterjee, 1993 (sensu Nesbitt, 2011)

LABRUJASUCHUS gen. nov.

Type Species—Labrujasuchus expectatus

Etymology—The generic name Labrujasuchus (“la-broo-ha-soo-kus”) is derived from “Ranchos de los Brujos,” Ranch of the Witches, an old Spanish name for the Ghost Ranch area, and the Greek word Σοῦχος (suchus) meaning “crocodile.” It is masculine in gender.

 

LABRUJASUCHUS EXPECTATUS sp. nov.

Etymology—From the Latin “expectatus” for expected or awaited.

The species name is based on the anticipated nature of a shuvosaurid discovery at the Hayden Quarry.

Alan H. Turner, Ciara E. Kernan, Adam Laing, Adam C. Pritchard, Michelle R. Stocker, Randall B. Irmis, Nathan D. Smith, Sarah Werning and Sterling J. Nesbitt. 2026. A New shuvosaurid (Archosauria, Poposauroidea) from the Late Triassic (Norian) Hayden Quarry of New Mexico, U.S.A. Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology.  e2618182 DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2618182  [26 May 2026]

[Paleontology • 2026] Acutodon villeveyracensis • A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France)

Acutodon villeveyracensis 

Jansen, Augé, Garcia, Otero & Valentin, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649 

Artwork by Olivier Jansen

ABSTRACT

The Chinese crocodile lizard (Anguimorpha, Pan-Shinisaurus Shinisaurus crocodilurus) is an endangered species inhabiting the lowland rainforests of southeastern China and northern Vietnam. The evolutionary history of this clade remains poorly understood, as only five fossil species and a few fossil specimens are described from the Lower Cretaceous of China and the Cenozoic of Europe and North America, revealing a considerable gap in the fossil record. A new anguimorph, Acutodon villeveyracensis gen. et sp. nov., is described from the lower Campanian (Upper Cretaceous) locality of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France), corresponding to a freshwater subtropical paleoenvironment. The species is attributed to a pan-shinisaur anguimorph based on a toothed maxilla sharing multiple characters with the extant Sh. crocodilurus and its fossil relatives, notably tall, tapered, and recurved teeth, with mesiodistally constricted tooth bases lacking basal infoldings but possessing medial resorption pits, and a posteromedially shifted anterior superior alveolar foramen. This Cretaceous record is the oldest in Europe for pan-shinisaur lizards. It pre-dates the occurrence of this clade in Europe by around 30 Myr, raising questions about the paleobiogeographic history of pan-shinisaur lizards.

Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55). Photographs, virtual reconstruction, and interpretative drawings of the maxilla in A, labial; B, lingual; C, occlusal; and D, dorsal views. Note that the posteriormost tooth was lost after CT scanning.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; ce, cutting edge; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; fp, facial process; lf, labial foramina; lic, lamina intercristalis; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; lr, lacrimal recess; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; rp, resorption pit; sds, supradental shelf. Scale bar equals 10 mm.

Details of the teeth of Acutodon villeveyracensis holotype and unique material (UP.VIL.2010.55) from the virtual reconstruction.
A, morphology in anterior view; B, section in median plane; C, section in horizontal plane.

Abbreviations: asaf, anterior superior alveolar foramen; c, cement; cl, crista lateralis; ct, crista transversalis; d, dentine; lf, labial foramen; lpp, lateral premaxillary process; m, maxilla; mpp, medial premaxillary process; ps, palatal shelf; t1–t4, teeth numbered from front to back. Scale bar equals 2 mm.

SQUAMATA Oppel, 1811

ANGUIMORPHA Fürbringer, 1900

PAN-SHINISAURUS sensu Smith and Gauthier, 2013

ACUTODON gen. nov.

ACUTODON VILLEVEYRACENSIS, gen. et sp. nov.

Diagnosis—Large anguimorph lizard characterized by the following combination of characters: the teeth are tall, thin, and possess a tapered apex; anterior teeth are strongly posteriorly recurved, but the most posterior teeth are straight; the teeth lack striations and basal infoldings; the base of the teeth expands lingually but is strongly anteroposteriorly compressed, and is covered in a thin layer of cementum; the crowns have a faint cutting edge, restricted to the most apical portion; medial resorption pits are ...

Etymology—‘acutus’ (Latin), sharp, pointed, piercing, and thin; ‘ὀδόντος’ (Greek), teeth; the genus name refers to the tapered, sharp, and thin teeth of this new genus; ‘villeveyracensis’ (Latin) from the locality of Villeveyrac, department of Hérault, France, where this new lizard taxon has been found.

Acutodon villeveyracensis
Paleoartistic reconstruction of the new genus and species of pan-shinisaur lizard from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Original artwork by Olivier Jansen.

Olivier Jansen, Marc Augé, Geraldine Garcia, Olga Otero and Xavier Valentin. 2026. A New pan-shinisaur Lizard (Anguimorpha) from the lower Campanian of Villeveyrac (Hérault, France). Journal of Vertebrate Paleontology. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/02724634.2026.2636649  [20 May 2026]

[Botany • 2026] Dioon nuusaviorum (Zamiaceae) • A striking New Species from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev.,   

in Martínez-Domínguez, Nicolalde-Morejón, Stevenson, Lorea-Hernández et Vergara-Silva, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 

Abstract

Taxonomic studies in cycad genera using multiple approaches have refined the delimitation of many species. In the case of Dioon Lindl., a Mesoamerican genus, a reliable classification has been achieved through taxonomic work carried out since the description of the genus and pioneering studies in Mexico during the 1980–90s. Here, we describe a new species from Guerrero based on evidence collected from populations encountered during fieldwork carried out in 2019. These populations had previously been considered morphologically similar to Dioon holmgrenii De Luca, Sabato & Vázq. Torres, which has a markedly disjunct distribution in Oaxaca. After studying herbarium specimens and making extensive observations on vegetative and reproductive structures from different populations in Oaxaca, we have concluded that the disjunct populations analysed in 2019 represent a distinct and new species of Dioon, separate from the two most phenotypically similar species—namely, D. stevensonii Nic.-Mor. & Vovides and D. holmgrenii. A key to geographically proximal and morphologically similar species as well as to the other species occurring in Guerrero and Oaxaca States is also presented. The proposed new species, Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., is endemic to Guerrero and inhabits pine and pine-oak forest. Its conservation status, assessed on the based IUCN guidelines and criteria, qualifies as Endangered.

Key words: Cycadales, cycads, Mesoamerica, Neotropics, Sierra Madre del Sur

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. Ovulate strobilus; B. Megasporophyll; C. Basal scale of megasporophyll; D. Microsporophyll; E. Leaflets variation; F. Cataphylls; G. Seeds variation; H. New leaves; I. Leaves at emergence; J. Leaf at maturity.

Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov., in habitat.
 A. Ovuliferous plant in habitat; B. Eumaeus sp; C. Population in La Trinidad; D. Vegetation view; E. Ovulate strobilus at maturity in habitat. 

Dioon nuusaviorum Mart.-Domínguez, Nic.-Mor. & D.W.Stev., sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. differs from D. holmgrenii by having leaflets imbricate to strongly imbricate, each with three to six long marginal teeth (0.26–0.37 cm long), a margin of the leaflets curved acroscopically, microsporophylls with an acuminate apex and megasporophylls with an apiculate apex. In contrast, D. holmgrenii has non-imbricate leaflets (generally a 0.2–1.0 cm between leaflets) with two to five short teeth on the distal margin (0.15–0.29 cm long), a margin of the leaflets straight, microsporophylls with an acute apex and megasporophylls with an acuminate apex. In comparison to D. stevensonii, this new species differs by its light green leaflets at emergence (vs golden), leaflet imbricate to strongly imbricate (vs not imbricate), acuminate apex of microsporophylls (vs acute), tomentose indument and narrowly-triangular megasporophylls at maturity (vs pubescent at base or scarcely pubescent and triangular).

Comparison of leaflets of Dioon holmgrenii, D. stevensonii and Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.
A. D. stevensonii; B. D. holmgrenii; C. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov.;
D. D. stevensonii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1554, CIB); E. D. holmgrenii (Brigada T. Walters s/n [3997], XAL); F. D. holmgrenii (F. Nicolalde-Morejón et al. 1468, XAL); G. Dioon nuusaviorum sp. nov. (L. Martínez-Domínguez et al. 1745, CIB).

 Lilí Martínez-Domínguez, Fernando Nicolalde-Morejón, Dennis Wm. Stevenson, Francisco G. Lorea-Hernández and Francisco Vergara-Silva. 2026. A striking New Species of Dioon (Zamiaceae) from pine and pine-oak forest of Guerrero, Mexico. PhytoKeys. 274: 229-245. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/phytokeys.274.173907 [11 May 2026]