[Chilopoda • 2026] Otostigmus troglobius • A New troglomorphic Centipede Species of Genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 (Scolopendromorpha: Scolopendridae: Otostigminae) from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

 

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr.,

 in Chagas-Jr et Fernandes, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Abstract

A new troglomorphic species of the genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 has been discovered in two hypogenic caves in Serra da Bodoquena National Park, a hotspot for Brazil’s subterranean fauna. This represents the second troglobitic Otostigmus species in the world. The newly described species, Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov., was based on molecular and morphological data. Although the specimens do not occur in the same cave, species delimitation analysis using a mitochondrial marker Cytochrome C Oxidase subunit I (COI) grouped the new species into a congruent MOTU. Morphologically, the new species closely resembles O. tidius Chamberlin, 1914 due to the median keels on the tergites and the short, incomplete sutures on the sternites. The new discovery underscores the importance of conserving the caves in Serra da Bodoquena.

Keywords: Barcoding, caves, Chilopoda, Parotostigmus

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov. (Holotype CZUFMT-MY 02507):
A. Cephalic plate, antennae and first tergites; B. Cephalic plate and tergite 1; C. Forcipular coxosternite; D. Forcipular coxosternite, showing the tooth plate; E. Tergites 11–14, dorsal view; F. Tergites 17–19, dorsal view.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius Chagas-Jr., sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Long antennae, with 17 articles; legs 1–4 with one tibial spur, and legs 1–17 with two tarsal spurs; Tergites 1–3 without sutures, 4–7 with short sutures in anterior margin, and 8–20 with complete paramedian sutures; tergites 7–20 with a longitudinal keel; sternites 3–16 with short sutures on anterior margin, and sternites 6–16 with two shallow rounded depressions; legs 21 very long, slender and cylindrical.

Etymology. Species name is a Latin word meaning “troglobiont”, an animal that lives only in caves, referring to the habitat of the species.

Otostigmus (Parotostigmus) troglobius sp. nov. (Holotype CZUFMT-MY 02507):
A. Cephalic plate, antennae and first tergites; B. Cephalic plate and tergite 1; C. Forcipular coxosternite; D. Forcipular coxosternite, showing the tooth plate; E. Tergites 11–14, dorsal view; F. Tergites 17–19, dorsal view.

Scale bars: 1 mm (A, B, C, E, F); 0.1 mm (D).

Amazonas Chagas-Jr. and Heloisa Barbosa Fernandes. 2026. A New troglomorphic Centipede Species of Genus Otostigmus Porat, 1876 (Scolopendromorpha, Scolopendridae, Otostigminae) from Serra da Bodoquena, Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. Subterranean Biology.58: 27-42. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/subtbiol.58.198345 [02-09-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae) • A New Species from Guangdong, China

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, 

in Wang et Guo, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136

 Abstract 

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo (Aristolochiaceae) is described as a new species of A. subg. Siphisia from western Guangdong, China. It is a narrow endemic of high-elevation bamboo forests near mountain summits in the Xinyi City area. It has been collected before but misidentified as A. championii, a morphologically similar congener. The new species is readily distinguished from other Aristolochia taxa by its distinctive floral morphology, characterised by a ruffled, annular calyx limb with a yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots. A detailed morphological description is provided and A. crispata is compared with A. championii and A. haimingii. An identification key to the species of Aristolochia subg. Siphisia occurring in Guangdong and to morphologically similar species from adjacent regions is provided. Aristolochia crispata is tentatively assessed as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN Red List criteria.

Aristolochia crispata.
 — A: Habitat. — B: Flowering plant in situ. — C: Plants climbing as vines in high-elevation bamboo forest. — D: Young seedlings. — E: Perianth morphology, abaxial surface (left) and adaxial surface of the perianth tube (right). — F: Gynostemium. — G: Root system. — H: Developing fruit capsule. — I: Papilionid butterfly larva feeding on the leaves.
 A–C, E, F, H and I photographed at the type locality on 28 May 2013; D and G photographed on 25 December 2025, associated with the paratype gathering Y.F. Wang, Z.R. Guo & Y.W. Jiang ARI25GD002.

Line drawing of Aristolochia crispata (based on the type gathering, Y. Tong, Y.H. Tong & B.M. Wang 13052846).
— A: Young twining stem. — B: Old twining stem, more than two years old, showing nodes bearing cauliflorous inflorescences. — C and D: Fruit capsule, lateral and basal views. — E: Whole-plant habit, showing the twining liana and subterranean tuberous root. — F and G: Bud, lateral and frontal views. — H and I: Gynostemium, top and lateral views. — J–L: Flower at anthesis, frontal, lateral and posterior views. — M and N: Leaf, adaxial and abaxial surfaces.

Aristolochia crispata Y. Fan Wang & Z.R. Guo, sp. nova 

Diagnosis. Aristolochia crispata is most similar to A. championii and A. haimingii, but is distinguished by its connate, annular calyx limb with a conspicuously ruffled outline, yellow-ochre adaxial surface densely maculate with dark red spots, upwardly reflexed lower portion and fully dark purple throat. Aristolochia championii differs in having a uniformly reddish-brown calyx limb and a bright yellow throat with sparse red flecks, whereas A. haimingii has a yellowish-green to bright yellow limb with purple striping, an evenly expanded smooth margin and a yellow to yellowish-green throat. For additional diagnostic characters, see Fig. 4 and Table 1.

...

Etymology. The specific epithet crispata is the feminine singular derived from the Latin crispatus, referring to the conspicuously ruffled, annular calyx limb that distinguishes this species from its congeners.

 Yifan Wang and Zirui Guo. 2026. Aristolochia crispata (Aristolochiaceae), A New Species from Guangdong, China. Annales Botanici Fennici. 63(1); 283-291. DOI: doi.org/10.5735/085.063.0136  (21 October 2026) 

[Herpetology • 2026] Rana hainan • A New Species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China

 

 Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang,

in H.-T. Wang, Huang, Liao, Qiu, Song, Qi, Ding, Zhuo, W. Wang, Wu, B. Wang, Y.-Y. Wang, Li et J.-C. Wang, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Rana is described from Hainan Island, southern China, based on morphological and molecular evidence. During herpetological surveys conducted in Wanning City and Mt. Diaoluo, Hainan Province, a series of Rana specimens assignable to the R. johnsi group were collected from montane tropical rainforest habitats. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S, COI, and cyt b sequences recovered the Hainan population as a distinct and well-supported lineage within the R. johnsi group. Morphometric analyses, including PCA, DAPC, and PERMANOVA, further demonstrated significant differentiation between the Hainan population and its congeners. The new species, Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov., is characterized by a medium body size, head longer than wide, a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region, straight and narrow dorsolateral folds, toe tips with connected lateroventral grooves, absence of tarsal folds, and breeding males possessing a continuous grayish-white nuptial pad on finger I. Historical records of R. varians, R. nigrotympanica, and R. johnsi from Hainan are reviewed. Records from Mt. Diaoluo are reassigned to the new species, whereas records from other localities are conservatively treated as Rana cf. johnsi pending further investigation.

Key words: Hainan Island, historical records, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogeny, Rana johnsi group

The female paratypes of  Rana hainan sp. nov. in life.
A. SYS a009526; B. SYS a009527 (Field NO. SYNU 900774);
1. Dorsolateral view; 2. Ventral view; 3. Palmar surface of right hand; 4. Plantar surface of right foot.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Xian-Chun Qiu.

Rana hainan Wang, Qiu, Song, Qi, Wang, Li & Wang, sp. nov.

 

Chresonymy. Rana nigrotympanica – Wang et al. (2007).

Rana johnsi – Shi et al. (2011, in part).

Diagnosis. Rana hainan sp. nov. is distinguished by the following morphological characteristics: (1) body medium-sized, SVL 44.4–45.4 (44.9 ± 0.5, n = 3) mm in adult males, 45.4–57.5 (51.2 ± 4.2, n = 9) mm in adult females; (2) head length significantly larger than head width; (3) a distinct triangular black patch on the temporal region; (4) dorsolateral fold distinct and thin, extending straight from posterior margin of upper eyelid to above groin; (5) internarial distances larger than interorbital distances; (6) eyes relatively small; (7) tympanum diameter significantly smaller than eye diameter; (8) fingers without lateroventral grooves, unwebbed, relative finger lengths II < I < IV < III; (9) presence of supernumerary tubercles below the bases of each finger, presence of three separated metacarpal tubercles; (10) toe tips slightly expanded into small discs, lateroventral grooves present on all toe tips, connected at the anterior margin, toes webbing formula: I 0–1/2 II 0–1/2 III 1- – 1/2 IV 1- – 0 V, relative toe lengths I < II < III < V < IV; (11) tibio-tarsal articulation reaching forward beyond tip of snout; (12) heels overlapping; (13) dorsal skin smooth, flanks smooth with few granules; (14) presence of vocal sacs in males; (15) breeding males possessing a grayish-white nuptial pad forming a continuous patch on finger I, extending from the tip of the finger to the posterior margin of the inner metacarpal tubercle, and densely covered with tiny hoary nuptial spines.

Rana hainan sp. nov.
A. Habitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve; B. Microhabitat in Shangxi Provincial Nature Reserve;
C. Female Paratype SYS a009746 from Mt. Diaoluo in its natural habitat.

Photos by Hao-Tian Wang and Chen-Xi Liao.

 Hao-Tian Wang, Ming-Hong Huang, Chen-Xi Liao, Xian-Chun Qiu, Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Da-Er Ding, Shang-Biao Zhuo, Wei Wang, Jun Wu, Bin Wang, Ying-Yong Wang, Pi-Peng Li and Ji-Chao Wang. 2026. A New Species of Rana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Hainan, Southern China. ZooKeys. 1296: 185-208. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.211503  [04-11-2026]

[Botany • 2026] Cycas mindorensis (Cycadaceae) • A New Species from Mindoro Island, Philippines, and its biogeographic significance within section Wadeae

Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis,

in Agoo, Madulid et Linis,. 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04

Abstract 

A new species, Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis sp. nov., is described from Mindoro Island, Philippines. It belongs to section Wadeae based on its seeds with ribbed sclerotesta and narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina, characteristics shared with other members of this clade. It is distinguished from related species (C. aenigma, C. curranii, C. saxatilis, and C. wadei) by its larger seeds (50–60 mm in length, the largest in the section) bearing 13–21 sharp-edged longitudinal ribs on the sclerotesta and a narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina with 7–9 fine lateral spines per side. A key to species in section Wadeae based on seed characters is provided, with C. mindorensis uniquely diagnosed by its broadly ellipsoid seeds with deeply fluted, sharp-edged longitudinal ribs. The species is restricted to calcareous soils within the Jurassic Mansalay Formation in Bongabong, Oriental Mindoro. This discovery extends the known range of section Wadeae eastward from Palawan to Mindoro. The population is extremely small, highly localised, and threatened by agricultural expansion and slash-and-burn farming. Consequently, the species is assessed as Critically Endangered. The finding highlights the evolutionary importance of microcontinental drift and isolated limestone habitats in shaping Philippine cycad diversity and underscores the urgent need for targeted conservation measures. 

Keywords: Critically endangered species, Cycas mindorensis, Palawan Ark hypothesis, Palawan and Mindoro biogeographic zones, Section Wadeae 

Cycas mindorensis.
a. Habit. b. Leaf. c. Median portion of a leaf, showing the leaflets. d. Cross-section of a leaflet. e. Cataphylls. f. Megasporophyll lamina (adaxial view). g. Seed (sclerotesta with deeply fluted and sharp-edged ) (Linis & Gagwis 26-001, PNH).

Cycas mindorensis Agoo, Madulid & Linis, sp. nov. 

 Cycas mindorensis resembles C. wadei in having a narrowly triangular, deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina but differs by possessing larger seeds, 5–6 × 4.8–5.2 cm (length × width), with numerous (13– 21), deeply fluted and sharp-edged longitudinal ribs on the sclerotesta (vs. only 8 smooth, slightly fluted ribs in C. wadei). It is also similar to C. curranii, which shares numerous longitudinal ribs on the seeds, but C. mindorensis is distinguished by its deeply pectinate megasporophyll lamina (vs. broadly triangular lamina with very short lateral spines in C. curranii). 

 Type: Linis & Gagwis 26-001 (holo PNH; iso DLSUH), Philippines, Oriental Mindoro Province, Mindoro Mountain Range, Bongabong, Barangay Hagan, Sitio Gomatos, 190 m a.s.l., 11 April 2026.

Etymology — The specific epithet refers to Mindoro Island, where the species is endemic.

E.M.G. Agoo, D.A. Madulid and V.C. Linis. 2026. Cycas mindorensis (Cycadaceae), A New Species from Mindoro Island, Philippines, and its biogeographic significance within section Wadeae. Blumea. 70(3): 287–294. DOI: doi.org/10.3767/blumea.2026.70.03.04 [30 October 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Diploderma gulaense • A New Species of the Genus Diploderma (Reptilia: Agamidae) from Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China

 

Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, 

in Cai, Liu, Budian, Yao, Wu, Jiang, Luo et Guo, 2026.

古拉攀蜥  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.198381

 

Abstract

A new species of the agamid genus Diploderma Hallowell, 1861 is described from Gula Township, Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region (Tibet), China, based on integrated morphological and molecular evidence. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial ND2 genes reveal that the new species Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov. forms a well-supported clade with D. laeviventre, D. yangi, and D. slowinskii, endemic to the Nu River valley. It is sister to D. laeviventre but differs from it and other congeners by a combination of morphological characteristics: moderate body size (SVL 53.1–63.4 mm in males, 54.8–70.2 mm in females); relatively long tail (TAL/SVL 2.07–2.38 in males, 1.90–2.26 in females); tympanum concealed; ventral body scales strongly keeled; transverse gular fold present; cyan gular spot in both sexes; pale cyan dorsolateral stripes in males; and tongue pale flesh colored. The new species is currently known only from the Ranbuqu valley, a dry-warm valley along a tributary of the middle Nu River, at elevations between 2,332 and 3,300 m. Its restricted distribution and ongoing habitat degradation suggest a preliminary IUCN assessment of Vulnerable (VU). The discovery of Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov. further highlights the role of river-valley systems in driving allopatric speciation within the genus and underscores the underestimated diversity of Diploderma in the Hengduan Mountains.

Key words: Diploderma gulaense sp. nov., dry valley, geographical isolation, Hengduan mountains, Mountain Lizard, Qinghai-Tibet Plateau, Salween River

Live coloration of Diploderma gulaense sp. nov. (male, CIB-CB23CY17, photographed while healthy).
A. Lateral view of body; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Lateral view of head; E. Oral cavity.

Diploderma gulaense Cai, Yao, Wu & Guo, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Diploderma gulaense sp. nov. can be diagnosed from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) adult body size moderate, SVL 53.1–63.4 mm in males (n = 4), 54.8–70.2 mm in females (n = 7); (2) tail relatively long, TAL/SVL 2.07–2.38 (mean 2.18) in males, 1.90–2.26 (mean 2.02) in females; (3) head moderately depressed, HW/HL 0.65–0.75 in males, 0.65–0.74 in females; (4) foreleg length moderate, FLL/SVL 0.46–0.48 in males, 0.43–0.50 in females; (5) hindleg length relatively short, HLL/SVL 0.74–0.80 in males, 0.66–0.77 in females; tympanum concealed by small scales; (6) middorsal crest scales ....

Etymology. The Latin specific epithet gulaense is derived from the Gula Township, where the new species was discovered. The genus Diploderma is Greek neuter, and the suffix -ense of this new species name is the Latin neuter combinatorial suffix denoting ‘pertaining to’ or ‘originating in’. 

And we suggest Gula Mountain Lizard as its English common name and 古拉攀蜥 (Chinese phonetic alphabet: gǔ lā pān xī) as its Chinese common name.

 Bo Cai, Fengjing Liu, Ayimo Budian, Zhongyi Yao, Boyang Wu, Jianping Jiang, Xiaobo Luo and Keji Guo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Diploderma (Reptilia, Squamata, Agamidae) from Zayü County, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.  ZooKeys. 1296: 209-230. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1296.198381 [04 Nov 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Colostethus bocatoro, C. kuara, C. portobelensis, ... • Six New Species in the Colostethus latinasus group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama

 

Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov.

Venkrbec, Veselý, Daza, Kusy, Fuentes, Quiroz, Garcés, Ibáñez, Crawford & Batista, 2026  

   DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e189911 

Abstract

For decades, there has been taxonomic confusion regarding the identity of Colostethus pratti-like frogs occurring in Panama. By including a sample from the close vicinity of the type locality of C. pratti (Valdivia, Colombia), we revealed that these Panamanian frogs instead form a monophyletic clade sister to C. latinasus. Using an integrative approach combining mitochondrial and nuclear DNA markers, bioacoustics, morphology, and geographical distribution, we describe these lineages herein as six new species: Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov. Based on divergence-time estimates, we further discuss the potential timespan of dispersal from South America in relation to the formation of the Isthmus. Our findings highlight the role of geographical isolation in driving divergence of reproductive signals and generating cryptic amphibian diversity across the Isthmus of Panama. Much of this diversity likely remains undiscovered, underscoring the urgent need for further research and conservation attention in the region.

Keywords: Cryptic species diversity, formation of the Isthmus of Panama, integrative taxonomy, molecular phylogenetics

Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., 

C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., 

C. sanblasensis sp. nov., and C. chucantiensis sp. nov. 

Images of specimens in life.
Row A AB 1084 (OTU1, Rambála, Bocas del Toro) and TV 022, MHCH 3299 (OTU1, Francés River, Bocas del Toro); B AB 2120, MHCH 3290 (OTU2, Cerro Gaital, Coclé);
C MHCH 2705 (OTU3, Rancho Frío field station, Serranía de Pirre); D TV 028, MHCH 5093 (OTU4, Konsenda San Blas, Panamá) and TV 015, MHCH 3296 (OTU4, Salto de los Monos, Portobelo National Park);
E SMF 97201 (OTU5, Taintidu River, Nurra); F AB 2075, MHCH 3286 (OTU6, Cerro Chucantí);
G SMF 97189 (C. latinasus, Cerro Pirre, Darién); H MHUA-A 08171 (C. pratti, Gómez Plata, Antioquia).

 Tadeáš Venkrbec, Milan Veselý, Juan M. Daza, Dominik Kusy, Rogemif Fuentes, Michelle Quiroz, Orlando Garcés, Roberto Ibáñez, Andrew J. Crawford and Abel Batista. 2026. Six New Species in the Colostethus latinasus group (Anura: Dendrobatidae) highlight hidden biodiversity in Panama. Vertebrate Zoology. 76: 727-773. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.76.e189911  [04 Nov 2026]

Resumen: Durante décadas, ha existido una confusión taxonómica respecto a la identidad de las ranas similares a la especie Colostethus pratti que se encuentran en Panamá. Aquí incluimos una muestra de las proximidades de la localidad tipo de C. pratti (Valdivia, Colombia), y encontramos que estas ranas panameñas forman un clado monofilético hermano de C. latinasus. Utilizando un enfoque que integra marcadores de ADN mitocondriales y nucleares, así como bioacústica, morfología y distribución geográfica, describimos estos linajes como seis nuevas especies: Colostethus bocatoro sp. nov., C. donosensis sp. nov., C. kuara sp. nov., C. portobelensis sp. nov., C. sanblasensis sp. nov. y C. chucantiensis sp. nov. Utilizando estimaciones de tiempo de divergencia, analizamos el posible lapso de dispersión desde Sudamérica a partir de la formación del Istmo de Panamá. Nuestros hallazgos resaltan el papel del aislamiento geográfico en la divergencia de las señales reproductivas y la generación de diversidad críptica de anfibios a lo largo del Istmo. Es probable que gran parte de esta diversidad permanezca por descubrir, lo que subraya la urgente necesidad de intensificar la investigación y la conservación en la región.

[Botany • 2026] Perilimnastes pluriflora (Melastomataceae) • A New Species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos

Perilimnastes pluriflora Phonep. & C.W.Lin,

in Phonepaseuth et Lin, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.783.3.7  

   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana

 

Abstract

Perilimnastes pluriflora from Sekong Province, is described here as a new species endemic to Laos. It resembles P. aura in having multi-branched stems, oblanceolate leaves, and bright pink flowers, and both species occur in relatively close geographical proximity. However, the new species can be readily distinguished from P. aura by its equal to subequal leaf pairs, multi-flowered inflorescences, shorter peduncles, linear calyx lobes, and longer petals with an acuminate to attenuate apex. So far, only two populations are known from the type locality, with the total number of mature individuals estimated at fewer than 50. According to the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria, it is preliminarily assessed as Critically Endangered [CR B1ab(iii); B2ab(iii); C2a(i); D].

Annamite range, biodiversity, endemics, Indochina, taxonomy, Eudicots

Perilimnastes pluriflora

Phongphayboun PHONEPASEUTH and Che-Wei LIN. 2026. Perilimnastes pluriflora (tribe Sonerileae, Melastomataceae), A New Species from Sekong Province, Southern Laos.  Phytotaxa. 783(3); 287-293. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.783.3.7 [2026-11-05]   facebook.com/Darthvaderiana/posts/10200525976735489

[PaleoMammalogy • 2026] Yakamys sirindhornae • A giant Eocene ischyromyid from Southeast Asia reveals the early Evolution of Rodent Gigantism

Yakamys sirindhornae

 Chaimanee,  Marivaux, Millien, Yamee, Tian & Jaeger, 2026

 

ยักษ์คามิส สิรินธรเน  |  DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-76711-6 

Abstract

Gigantism has evolved repeatedly in rodents, but the best-documented examples are predominantly known from Neogene caviomorphs of South America. Evidence for gigantism among early rodents is scarce, limiting our understanding of its evolutionary history. Here we describe Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov., a giant ischyromyid from the late Eocene of the Krabi Basin, southern Thailand. The new taxon is represented by a lower second molar and an associated lower incisor that combine exceptionally large dimensions with a distinctive suite of dental characters, including a moderately high crown, a short, isolated anteroconid, an incomplete metalophulid II, a bifid entolophid, and the absence of a mesoconid and hypoconulid. Incisor enamel exhibits a pauciserial Hunter–Schreger band pattern consistent with Ischyromyidae enamel microstructure. Body mass estimates derived from seven allometric equations range from 21.4 to 47.3 kg, with a mean of 31.6 kg and a median of 28.6 kg. We use approximately 30 kg as a rounded summary of the central tendency of these estimates, while acknowledging the substantial uncertainty associated with dental allometry. This estimate indicates that Yakamys had a substantially greater body mass than previously described Paleogene ischyromyids. Its discovery provides evidence for exceptionally large body size in Eocene ischyromyids of Southeast Asia. It demonstrates that substantial body-size increases had occurred in an early rodent lineage by the late Eocene, well before the major diversification of giant Neogene caviomorphs in South America. This finding further highlights the importance of the Southeast Asian fossil record for understanding the early diversification and morphological evolution of rodents.

 

Keywords: Rodentia, Ischyromyidae, Gigantism, Body mass, Incisor enamel microstructure, Krabi, Thailand

Systematic palaeontology

Class Mammalia Linnaeus, 175821.

Order Rodentia Bowdich, 182122.

Clade Ischyromyiformes Marivaux et al., 200423.

Family Ischyromyidae Alston, 187624.

Subfamily indet.

Yakamys gen. nov.

 

Etymology: The generic name is derived from the Thai yak, meaning “giant”, and the Greek mys, meaning “mouse” or “rat”. The species epithet honors HRH Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn for her longstanding support of scientific and paleontological research in Thailand.

Morphological and size comparisons of the lower molars of Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov. from the late Eocene of the Krabi Basin, Thailand, with those of Paleogene ischyromyids of different sizes.
(A) Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov., right m2 (TF 2942); (B) Asiomys dawsoni, left m1 (IVPP V 17800.8; reversed), left m2 (V 17800.11; reversed), and right m3 (IVPP V 17800.16)18; (C) Hulgana ertnia, right m1 − m3 (AMNH 26085)29; (D) Eosischyromys youngi, right p4 − m2 (V 11376)19; (E) Hartenbergeromys hautefeuillei, left m2 (UM2-138; reversed) and left m3 (SLP-43-PR-119; reversed)16;
 (F) Manitsha tanka, right p4 − m3 (AMNH 39081)13. Scale bar = 2 mm.

Yakamys sirindhornae gen. et sp. nov.

“หนูยักษ์สิรินธร”

Holotype: Right lower second molar (m2; TF 2942) (Fig. 2).

Diagnosis: Large-bodied ischyromyid characterized by a moderately high-crowned lower m2 measuring 11.56 mm in mesiodistal length and 11.27 mm in buccolingual width, with a subquadrate occlusal outline, a large incompletely enclosed trigonid, a short isolated anteroconid lacking an anterolophid, a short transversely oriented metalophulid II terminating before the metaconid, a strongly curved ectolophid lacking a mesoconid, a shallow posteriorly directed hypoflexid, a bifid entolophid, and a posterolophid lacking a hypoconulid.

Yaowalak Chaimanee, Laurent Marivaux, Virginie Millien, Chotima Yamee, Pannipa Tian and Jean-Jacques Jaeger. 2026. A giant Eocene ischyromyid from Southeast Asia reveals the early Evolution of Rodent Gigantism. Scientific Reports. 16: 34523. DOI: doi.org/10.1038/s41598-026-76711-6  [04 November 2026] 

[Arachnida • 2025] Troglorhopalurus iuiu • Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species

Habitus of live specimens of Troglorhopalurus,
including T. translucidus (A), T. lacrau (B–E), and T. iuiu n. sp. (F–H).
(A) Adult female from Gruta Rio dos Pombos cave, Andaraí;
(B) adult female from Lapa do Bode, Itaeté; (C) adult female from Gruta da Mangabeira cave, Ituaçu; (D) juvenile from Gruta Moreno cave, Nova Redenção; (E) juvenile from Gruta do Calixto, Iramaia;
Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. (F) adult female from Gruta do Sepultamento, Iuiú; (G) juvenile from Lapa do Baixão cave, Iuiú; (H) juvenile from Toca Fria cave, Iuiú. 

 Carvalho, Silva, de Souza & Ferreira, 2026.

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020006 

Photos: L.S. Carvalho (A,B), R.L. Ferreira (C–H).

Abstract

The genus Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones: Buthidae) is endemic to northeastern Brazil and comprises cave-dwelling species with limited distributions. Based on newly collected specimens, this study provides a description of a new cave-dwelling Troglorhopalurus species and the first detailed description of the male hemispermatophore of the genus. Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. is diagnosed based on morphometric characters, distinct carapace granulation, and differences in the pedipalps and metasomal carinae and peg sensillae shape. The hemispermatophore of Troglorhopalurus is like other Centruroidinae species, with internal, external, and basal lobes. Additionally, we discuss the distribution and conservation status of Troglorhopalurus species. Troglorhopalurus lacrau distribution range is extended based on additional epigean and hypogean records. This species may be reassessed from data deficient to least concern. Based on the limited localities and declining habitat quality, we propose that T. iuiu n. sp. be considered endangered. This research underscores the importance of further sampling to explore species-specific variations and promote conservation efforts for these ecologically specialized scorpions.

Keywords: Arachnida; Centruroidinae; taxonomy; hemispermatophore; conservation status

Habitus of live specimens of Troglorhopalurus, including T. translucidus (A), T. lacrau (B–E), and T. iuiu n. sp. (F–H).
(A) Adult female from Gruta Rio dos Pombos cave, Andaraí; (B) adult female from Lapa do Bode, Itaeté; (C) adult female from Gruta da Mangabeira cave, Ituaçu; (D) juvenile from Gruta Moreno cave, Nova Redenção; (E) juvenile from Gruta do Calixto, Iramaia; (F) adult female from Gruta do Sepultamento, Iuiú; (G) juvenile from Lapa do Baixão cave, Iuiú; (H) juvenile from Toca Fria cave, Iuiú.

 Photos: L.S. Carvalho (A,B), R.L. Ferreira (C–H).

Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. 

Diagnosis. Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. is most similar to T. lacrau. Both species share a light-brownish coloration in adult specimens, lack remarkably elongated pedipalps and metasoma segments, and have a rhomboid subaculear tubercle, distinguishing them from T. translucidus (Figure 1A). In T. translucidus, adults have a black base coloration, elongated pedipalps and metasomal segments, and spinoid subaculear tubercle (Figure 1A). Troglorhopalurus iuiu n. sp. differs from T. lacrau by the following characteristics: (1) The carapace of T. iuiu n. sp. is mostly covered by fine granules (e.g., in the area between the anterior median and the anterior lateral carinae) and vestigial carinae (e.g., anterior central submedian, posterior central submedian, and posterior submedian carinae; Figure 2C,D), but coarse granules and well-marked carinae are found in ...

Leonardo Sousa Carvalho, Maria Idalete Lopes Silva, Priscila Emanuela de Souza and Rodrigo Lopes Ferreira. 2026. Taxonomy and Distribution of the Cave-Dwelling Scorpions Troglorhopalurus (Scorpiones, Buthidae), with the Description of a New Cave-Restricted Species. Arthropoda. 3(2), 6. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/arthropoda3020006 [7 April 2025]

[Entomology • 2026] Brachyscleroma chadchawanae, B. chavanichae, B. malaivijitnondae, B. suriyai, ... • Taxonomic Review of Brachyscleroma Cushman, 1940 (Hymenoptera: Ichneumonidae) including Eight New Species from India and Thailand

 

Brachyscleroma chavanichae; B. malaivijitnondae

in Ranjith, Quicke et Butcher, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.1 

  facebook.com/IIECECU

Abstract 

The sisyrostoline genus Brachyscleroma Cushman is reviewed from India and Thailand with the description of eight new species, one from India (B. suriyai sp. nov.) and seven from Thailand (B. chadchawanae sp. nov., B. chavanichae sp. nov., B. emmaolsenae sp. nov., B. livalvernae sp. nov., B. malaivijitnondae sp. nov., B. voraveehoveniae sp. nov. and B. vangnaiae sp. nov.). We report the genus from Thailand for the first time. The new species are fully described and illustrated photographically. A taxonomic key is provided for the extant species of the genus.

Hymenoptera, Sisyrostolinae, Oriental region, taxonomic key, Southeast Asia

Brachyscleroma chadchawanae sp. nov.

Brachyscleroma chavanichae sp. nov.

seven from Thailand: 

Brachyscleroma chadchawanae sp. nov., B. chavanichae sp. nov., B. emmaolsenae sp. nov., B. livalvernae sp. nov., B. malaivijitnondae sp. nov., B. voraveehoveniae sp. nov. and B. vangnaiae sp. nov.

Brachyscleroma malaivijitnondae sp. nov.

A.P. RANJITH, Donald L.J. QUICKE and Buntika A. BUTCHER. 2026. Taxonomic Review of Brachyscleroma Cushman, 1940 (Hymenoptera; Ichneumonidae) including Eight New Species from India and Thailand.  Zootaxa. 5862(2); 201-231. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5862.2.1 [2026-08-05]

  facebook.com/IIECECU/posts/1674105021385123

[Botany • 2026] Primula panzhouensis (Primulaceae) • Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species from southwestern China

 

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu,   

in Ye, Liu, Guo, Deng, Zhou et Wu, 2026. 

盘州报春  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280

Abstract

Based on comparative chloroplast genomes (cp genomes) and phylogenetic analyses integrated with morphological evidence, this study investigated the taxonomic status and phylogenetic relationships of an extremely rare short-styled homostylous lineage of Primula from southwestern China, providing new molecular insights into the delimitation of this complex group. Complete cp genomes were sequenced and comparatively analyzed for one putative new taxon, Primula panzhouensis, and 15 representative samples within Sect. Petiolares from southwestern China. The cp genome characteristics, simple sequence repeat (SSR) patterns, codon usage bias, inverted repeat (IR) boundary variations, and nucleotide diversity patterns were systematically evaluated. Maximum likelihood (ML) and Bayesian inference (BI) analyses were conducted based on complete cp genome sequences, and an integrative taxonomic assessment was performed by combining cp genomic evidence with morphological comparisons. All 16 cp genomes exhibited a typical quadripartite structure, with genome sizes ranging from 151,076 to 153,420 bp. The overall cp genome structure and gene composition were highly conserved, although interspecific variations were detected in IR boundary regions, SSR distributions, and highly variable regions, including trnH-psbA and ycf1. The sequenced cp genome of P. panzhouensis exhibited several distinctive structural features and sequence variation patterns compared with closely related taxa. ML and BI analyses consistently recovered P. panzhouensis as a distinct cp lineage within Sect. Petiolares with strong support. Morphological comparisons further demonstrated that P. panzhouensis possesses the short-styled homostyly trait and can be distinguished from related taxa by differences in floral style structure, corolla morphology, scape length, and leaf characteristics. Integrating cp genomic evidence, phylogenetic relationships, and morphological traits, our results support the recognition of P. panzhouensis as a distinct taxonomic entity, which is herein described as a new species, Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov. This study demonstrates that comparative cp genomics integrated with phylogenetic analyses can effectively assist in resolving lineage relationships and taxonomic boundaries in complex groups of Primula. It also identifies an extremely rare short-styled homostylous species, providing valuable material for further investigating the evolution of floral diversity and its potential evolutionary significance in Primula.

Keywords: chloroplast genomics, molecular phylogeny, morphological taxonomy, Primula panzhouensis, Primula sect. Petiolares, short-styled homostylous species

Primula panzhouensis Z.K.Wu, sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically similar to P. esquirolii, P. bergenioides, and P. hookeri, and all four species exhibit morphological characteristics consistent with the diagnostic features of Sect. Petiolares. It differs from P. esquirolii primarily in that the latter produces few or no new leaves during the flowering period, has a relatively long corolla tube, and bears extremely shortened scapes that are usually less than 1 cm in height or nearly absent. In addition, P. esquirolii is homostylous with long-style flowers, whereas the new species possesses a short corolla tube, well-developed scapes, and produces numerous new leaves during anthesis. Compared with the heterostylous P. bergenioides, the new species is readily ...

  Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species is taken from the Chinese Pinyin “Panzhou”, the name of the county in western Guizhou, China, where the type specimen was collected (Figure 15).

 Vernacular name: Chinese mandarin: pán zhōu bào chūn (盘州报春).

 

Qing-qing Ye, Yong-lin Liu, Ying Guo, Qiang Deng, Wei Zhou and Zhi-kun Wu. 2026. Phylogeny and Comparative chloroplast Genomics reveal A rare New short-styled homostylous Species of Primula (Primulaceae) from southwestern China. Front. Plant Sci. 17:1934280. DOI: doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2026.1934280  [29 September 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Cyrtodactylus dimaensis • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis

 Thaosen, Vabeiryureilai, Hlychho & Lalremsanga, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835

Abstract

We describe a new species of karst-associated Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Gekkonidae) of the khasiensis species group within the Indo-Burma clade from Umrangso, Dima Hasao District, Assam, northeast India, based on integrative analysis with morphological and molecular data. The new species Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. is revealed as a sister taxon to the recently described C. vanarakshaka, both belonging to the same district, Dima Hasao, Assam, with an uncorrected p-distance of 5%, and to C. namtiram of Manipur with 10% divergence. Intraspecific uncorrected p-distance for the new species was found to be between 0.0–1.3 %, and the interspecific divergence from the closely related congeners was between 5–38 %. The new species can be identified from its congeners by the presence of 7 or 8 precloacal pores in subadult males. This is the eight Cyrtodactylus species described from Assam, highlighting the region’s richness in herpetofaunal diversity and the need for further herpetological expeditions into this highly under-studied region.

Keywords: Age-class, Bent-toed Gecko, Brahmaputra, Indo-Burma, microhabitat, ND2 gene, northeastern India, phylogeny, subadult, taxonomy, Umrangso

 Live specimen of Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov. (MZMU4012), a paratype.

photo by Jithu Das

Cyrtodactylus dimaensis sp. nov.

Krijoboti Thaosen, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Mara Duasa Hlychho and Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga. 2026. Unveiling A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) hidden in the highlands of Dima Hasao District, Assam, India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 18(10); 29818-29835. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.10658.18.10.29818-29835