[Paleontology • 2026] Heterocarinella japonica • A New ammonoid Genus (Ammonoidea: Turrilitidae) from the late Cretaceous in the Northwestern Pacific Realm

 

Heterocarinella japonica

Aiba, 2026 

 

「ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ」DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014

  fukadaken.or.jp 

 Abstract  

A new genus and species of the family Turrilitidae, Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov., is described from the Santonian (Upper Cretaceous) of the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas in Hokkaido, northern Japan. This taxon is characterized by a persistently turriconic shell, a siphuncle positioned near the upper edge of the flank, and a vertically asymmetrical keel at or below the middle flank of the whorls. Notably, the keel differentiates Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from all other genera belonging to the Turrilitidae. The family Turrilitidae has previously been considered to range from the middle Albian to the late Cenomanian. However, the occurrence of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. demonstrates that this family survived until at least the Santonian. In addition, Tridenticeras from the Turonian to Coniacian of Europe, which is often assigned to the Nostoceratidae, is here re-evaluated as more appropriately belonging to the Turrilitidae. The previous misclassification likely resulted from limited knowledge of the position of the siphuncle, an internal structure, and from the tendency to prioritise stratigraphic consistency over morphological characters in taxonomic assignments. The discovery of Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. suggests that the Turrilitidae survived the Cenomanian–Turonian Oceanic Anoxic Event 2 (OAE-2) while progressively narrowing their palaeogeographic range, ultimately contracting only in the northwestern Pacific realm.

KEYWORDS: ammonoid, Heterocarinella, Northwestern Pacific realm, Santonian, Turrilitidae, Yezo Group

Order Ammonitida Haeckel, 1866

Suborder Ancyloceratina Wiedmann, 1966

Superfamily Turrilitoidea Gill, 1871

Family Turrilitidae Gill, 1871

Heterocarinella japonica gen. et sp. nov. from the Haboro and Kotanbetsu areas, Hokkaido, northern Japan.
A–J, MCM-A1322 (holotype): A, lateral view with the aperture facing the observer; B–D, lateral views after successive 90° rotations; E, apical view; F, basal view; G, tomographic image; H, whorl section; I, suture line; J, 3D model, viewed at approximately 45° posteriorly from the orientation of D.  

 Genus Heterocarinella gen. nov.

 Type species.—Heterocarinella japonica Aiba gen. et sp. nov.  

Diagnosis.—This genus is characterised by turriconic whorls in contact with each other, each bearing a keel at or just below the middle flank, and a siphuncle located near the upper edge of the flank. The whorl cross-section is vertically asymmetrical with respect to the keel, with a gently curved upper part above the keel apex and a somewhat steeper, sharper lower part. The keel is continuous and is not interrupted by ribs, except for a double collar rib associated with a constriction that appears in the later growth stage.

Discussion.—Heterocarinella gen. nov. exhibits several features consistent with those of other turrilitid genera, including the presence of a siphuncle near the upper edge of the flank, turriconic whorls throughout ontogeny, and a double collar rib associated with a constriction appearing in the later growth stage.

Heterocarinella japonica sp. nov.

Type locality.—Float in a tributary of Machiyoizawa Creek in the Haboro area of northwestern Hokkaido, northern Japan.

Daisuke Aiba. 2026. Heterocarinella, a New Ammonoid Genus: Turrilitidae Survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the Northwestern Pacific Realm. Paleontological Research. 30(1); 164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014  (29 August 2026) 

  Daisuke AIBA (相場 大佑；深田地質研究所). 2026. Heterocarinella, a new ammonoid genus: Turrilitidae survived into the Santonian (Late Cretaceous) in the north-western Pacific realm [新属アンモナイト類Heterocarinella：北西太平洋地域ではツリリテス科はサントニアン期（白亜紀後期）まで生き残っていた]. Paleontological Research. vol.30, p.164-173. DOI: doi.org/10.2517/prpsj.260014 [2026年8月29日]

【プレスリリース】北海道で中生代白亜紀の新属新種アンモナイトを発見 Heterocarinella japonica (ヘテロカリネラ・ジャポニカ) と命名（10/14更新 https://fukadaken.or.jp/?p=9866

[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]

[Fungi • 2021] Mycena cristinae (Agaricales: Mycenaceae) • The Amazonian luminescent from Brazil

 

Mycena cristinae  J.S. Oliveira,  

in Oliveira, Vargas-Isla, Cabral, Cardoso, Andriolli, Rodrigues, Ikeda, Clement et Ishikawa, 2021. 

DOI doi.org/10.47371/mycosci.2021.05.004 

Researchgate.net/publication/354644984

  

Abstract

A new luminescent lignicolous fungal species, Mycena cristinae sp. nov., is proposed from the Central Amazon forest. This is unique and supported by morphological evaluation along with LSU- and ITS-based phylogenetic analyses. The basidiomata have mostly fuscous olivaceous brown pileus, adnate to subdecurrent and distant lamellae, and stipe with slightly bulbous base (basal mycelium absent). It also has inamyloid and/or weakly amyloid basidiospores, ramose cheilocystidia and a pileipellis composed of an aerated tangle of slender, diverticulate hyphae forming a coralloid pellicle overlaying the hypodermium. The luminescence is evident in the basidiomata (especially the stipe) and in the mycelium on the substrate. The LSU phylogenetic trees reveal that M. cristinae is sister to M. coralliformis within the Mycenaceae clade. In the ITS trees, it forms a unique lineage grouping with undetermined Mycena taxa. Morphological data support M. cristinae as a different species compared to previously described taxa.

Keywords: Agaricales, Amazon forest, Mycenaceae, phylogeny, taxonomy

Macroscopic view of Mycena cristinae (J.S. Cardoso & F. Andriolli JS347, holotype -INPA 287129).
A: basidiomata in situ, at night, using camera flash. B: basidiomata in situ, at night, without camera flash. C: basidiomata and mycelium on the substrate in situ, at night, without camera flash. D: pileus surface. E: hymenophore. F: stipe base. G: stipe base accompanied by fragment of the substrate with bryophytes. H: whole set of basidiomata. D-H photographed in lab using camera flash and room light.

Bars: 10 mm. 

Photos: Francisco Farroñay (A-C); Julia S. Cardoso (D-H).

Mycena cristinae J.S. Oliveira, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Pileus 7–22 mm diam, striate-sulcate, grayish brown or fuscous olivaceous brown. Lamellae adnate to subdecurrent, 10–14. Stipe pale olivaceous, with slightly bulbous base without mycelium. Basidiomata and mycelium luminescent, with a green-yellow light. Basidiospores 6.7–8.7 × 4.7–6 µm, inamyloid or weakly amyloid. Cheilocystidia ramose. Pileus trama dextrinoid: 1) the hypodermium, upper layer of inflated, pale brown hyphae; 2) lower layer similar to the lamellar trama. Pileipellis a coralloid pellicle of slender hyphae overlaying the hypodermium. Lignicolous.

 

Jadson J.S. Oliveira, Ruby Vargas-Isla, Tiara S. Cabral, Julia S. Cardoso, Fernando S. Andriolli, Doriane P. Rodrigues, Takehide Ikeda, Charles R. Clement and Noemia K. Ishikawa. 2021. The Amazonian luminescent Mycena cristinae sp. nov. from Brazil. Mycoscience. 62(6); 395-405. DOI doi.org/10.47371/mycosci.2021.05.004

 Researchgate.net/publication/354644984_The_Amazonian_luminescent_Mycena_cristinae_sp_nov_from_Brazil

[Fungi • 2023] Scleroderma erubescens, S. vinaceum, ... (Boletales: Sclerodermataceae) • Four New Species from Southwestern China

 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens;
(E) S. separatum; (G) S. squamulosum;
(H, I) S. vinaceum 

Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou,

in Wu, Zhou, Qu et Ge, 2023. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775 

  Researchgate.net/publication/371614300

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Abstract

The genus Scleroderma contains gasteroid basidiomycetes, which form globose spores with echinulate to reticulate ornamentation on the surface. Based on the morphological observations in combination with molecular data, four new species, S. erubescens, S. separatum, S. squamulosum, and S. vinaceum, were described from Yunnan, southwestern China. Images of fresh basidiomata and scanning electron microscope (SEM) images of basidiospores are provided. Phylogenetic analyses based on ITS sequences show that these four new taxa belong to the Scleroderma section Scleroderma.

Keywords: four new species; Boletales; ectomycorrhizal fungi; Sclerodermataceae; taxonomy

 Basidiomata of Scleroderma species.
 (A, B) Scleroderma erubescens ((A) Z. W. Ge 4356; (B) Z. W. Ge 4828, holotype).
(C–E) Scleroderma separatum ((C) Z. W. Ge 4148, holotype; (D) Z. W. Ge 5394; (E) L. R. Zhou 31).
(F, G) Scleroderma squamulosum ((F) Y. J. Hao 373, holotype; (G) L. P. Tang 821).
(H, I) Scleroderma vinaceum ((H) J. Qin 197; (I) Z. W. Ge 5651).

Scale bars = 1 cm.

Scleroderma erubescens Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar S. verrucosum in having smaller basidiomata that turn reddish purple to blackish red after injury, smaller basidiospores with longer spikes, a thinner peridium, and hyphae with clamp connections.

Etymology: The species epithet refers to the basidiomata turning reddish purple to blackish red when bruised.

Scleroderma separatum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Differs from Scleroderma albidum in having warty, peelable squamules on the peridium, smaller basidospores, and clamp connections at the hyphae of the rhizomorphs.

 Etymology: The species epithet refers to the peelable squamules on the peridium.

Scleroderma squamulosum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma areolatum in having a well-developed stipe, light-colored basidiomata, and smaller basidospores, with abundant attachments.

 Etymology: “squamulosum” refers to the scattered, tiny, and thin squamules on the stipes.

Scleroderma vinaceum Z.W. Ge, R. Wu & L.-R. Zhou, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Differs from the similar species Scleroderma verrucosum in the peridium, changing color to vinaceous after damage, with a longer stipe and smaller basidiomata.

 Etymology: “vinaceum” refers to the basidiomata turning vinaceous when bruised.

 Rui Wu, Lvrong Zhou, Hua Qu and Zai-Wei Ge. 2023. Updates on Scleroderma: Four New Species of Section Scleroderma from Southwestern China. Diversity. 15(6), 775. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d15060775  [15 June 2023] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/371614300_Four_New_Species_of_Scleroderma_from_Southwestern_China

[Fungi • 2025] Collybiopsis latispora, C. subpolygramma, ... (Agaricales: Omphalotaceae) • Four New Species from subtropical regions of China

Collybiopsis subpolygramma; 
Collybiopsis fucata; 
Collybiopsis dentata 

J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, 

in Ding, Zhong, Zeng, Wang et Yan, 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.118.155560 

Abstract

Four new species of Collybiopsis, namely C. subpolygramma, C. fucata, C. dentata, and C. latispora, were discovered in the subtropical regions of China. These species were identified based on morphological characteristics and molecular analysis. Morphologically, C. subpolygramma is characterized by its pileal surface, white in color with a light brown center; slender, cylindrical cheilocystidia; and absence of pleurocystidia. C. fucata is recognized by the reddish-brown, hygrophanous pileus; adnate to adnexed lamellae; and relatively broad basidiospores. C. dentata is identified by free lamellae, fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia, and relatively broad basidiospores. C. latispora is distinct by relatively broad basidiospores and a minute, snow-white ring or ruff at the stipe base. In the phylogenetic analysis based on combined ITS and LSU sequences, the four new species formed distinct and stable branches (BI-PP = 1; ML-BP = 100%), respectively. Collybiopsis subpolygramma formed a sister lineage with C. polygramma. The new species C. fucata, C. dentata, and C. latispora were found to be nested within the C. ramealis species complex clade. Detailed descriptions, color photos, and a key to related species are presented.

Key words: Basidiomycetes, new taxa, phylogeny, taxonomy

Collybiopsis subpolygramma. A–C. Basidiomata; D–F. Basidiospores; G. Basidia; H–J. Cheilocystidia; K. Pileipellis; L. Caulocystidia. All microscopic structures were observed in 5% KOH, and 1% Congo red was used as the stain.

Scale bars: 30 mm (A–C); 5 µm (D–F); 20 µm (G); 30 µm (H–I); 20 µm (J); 30 µm (K, L).

 Collybiopsis subpolygramma J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Referring to its similarity to C. polygramma, that pileus is sulcate.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by its pileal surface, white in color with a light brown center; crowded and occasionally forked lamellae; white to black-brown stipe; slender cylindrical cheilocystidia; basidia mainly 2-spored; and absence of pleurocystidia.

Collybiopsis subpolygramma. A–C. Basidiomata
Collybiopsis fucata. A–C. Basidiomata
Collybiopsis dentata. A–C. Basidiomata 

 Collybiopsis fucata J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “fucatus,” meaning “painted”—the lamellae edges are fucata.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by the reddish-brown, hygrophanous pileus; white lamellae that are adnate to adnexed; reddish-brown stipe with a white apex; basidiospores 3.9–5.2 µm broad; fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia; and cheilocystidia 25–65 × 11–31 µm.

 Collybiopsis dentata J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “dens,” meaning “tooth”—the lamellae edges are dentate.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by white lamellae that are free, basidiospores 3.9–4.7 µm broad, fusiform to utriform pleurocystidia, and cheilocystidia measuring up to 30–71 × 17–29 µm.

 Collybiopsis latispora J.Q. Yan, L. Ding, & S.N. Wang, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. Refer to the Latin “latus,” meaning “broad”—the species having wide basidiospores.

Diagnosis. This species is characterized by white lamellae with a minute, snow-white ring or ruff at the stipe base; basidiospores 4.3–5.9 µm broad; subcylindrical, narrow fusiform, narrow utriform pleurocystidia; and cheilocystidia 16–47 × 13–24 µm.

 

 Ling Ding, Ben-Jian Zhong, Hui Zeng, Sheng-Nan Wang, Jun-Qing Yan. 2025. Four New Species of Collybiopsis (Omphalotaceae, Agaricales) from subtropical regions of China. MycoKeys. 118: 289-311. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.118.155560 [11-06-2025]

[Fungi • 2022] Rubroboletus flammeus (Boletales: Boletaceae) • A Novel Species unveiled from subtropical China based on morphological and phylogenetic evidences

 

Rubroboletus flammeus  N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & W.Q. Qin, 

in Zhang, Qin, Liang, Tian et Zeng, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00203-022-02998-4 

 Researchgate.net/publication/361205430

Abstract

Rubroboletus flammeus is described as a new species from subtropical China based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses. It is morphologically characterized by a red to fiery-red basidioma with a dry pileus, a context in pileus white but that in stipe bright yellow, a stipe densely covered with spots, a blue color change of tissues, and a trichoderm-type pileipellis. Detailed descriptions, color photographs of fresh basidiomata, and line drawings of microscopic features of the new species are presented. A key to the known Chinese taxa of Rubroboletus is provided.

  

Keywords: Molecular phylogeny, Morphology, New taxon, Taxonomy

Basidiomata of Rubroboletus flammeus.
 (a–c, e from FHMU6928, holotype; d, f from FHMU6927).

Photos by W.Q. Qin

Rubroboletus flammeus N.K. Zeng, Xu Zhang & W.Q. Qin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Characterized by a red to fiery-red basidioma with a dry pileus, a context in pileus white but that in stipe bright yellow, a stipe densely covered with spots, a blue color change of tissues, and a trichoderm-type pileipellis.

Etymology: Latin “flammeus”, meaning the fiery-red pileus of the new species.

Xu Zhang, Wei-Qiang Qin, Zhi-Qun Liang, Run Tian and Nian-Kai Zeng. 2022. Rubroboletus flammeus (Boletaceae, Boletales), A Novel Species unveiled from subtropical China based on morphological and phylogenetic evidences. Archives of Microbiology. 204, 379. DOI: doi.org/10.1007/s00203-022-02998-4 [09 June 2022]

 Researchgate.net/publication/361205430_Rubroboletus_flammeus_a_novel_species_unveiled_from_subtropical_China

[Herpetology • 2026] Ovophis orlovi • An overlooked Mountain Pitviper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis) from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos

 

Ovophis orlovi  

 Idiiatullina, Ustinova, Bragin, Le, Yuhao, Tierui, Pawangkhanant, Ananjeva, David, Vogel, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2026

 rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 

facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982 

Researchgate.net/publication/415133263

Abstract

An overlooked species of the mountain pitviper genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge and Romano-Hoge, 1981, is described from the highlands of central Vietnam and southern Laos based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular and morphological evidence. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. has long been confused with O. monticola and, less frequently, O. convictus, but is recovered as a distinct and well-supported evolutionary lineage in mitochondrial phylogenetic analyses, forming the sister taxon to O. anitae. Its distinctiveness is further supported by substantial mitochondrial divergence from its closest relative (cyt b uncorrected p-distance = 8.0%) and by a unique combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including body proportions, scalation, and color pattern. Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. is currently known from montane evergreen forests of the Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau in central Vietnam and adjacent montane areas of southern Laos at elevations of approximately 900 – 1,400 m a.s.l. The recognition of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. resolves a long-standing taxonomic misidentification involving populations previously referred to O. monticola or O. convictus, further demonstrates that species diversity within Ovophis remains underestimated, and highlights the importance of integrative taxonomic studies for uncovering overlooked diversity in the montane regions of mainland Southeast Asia.

Keywords: Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.; integrative taxonomy; molecular phylogeny; morphology; Kon Tum-Gia Lai Plateau; Bolaven Plateau; biogeography

Ovophis orlovi sp. nov.

Variation in coloration of Ovophis orlovi sp. nov. in life.
Vietnam: A, Mang Den, Quang Ngai, VRTC NAP-18718, adult female, holotype; B, Kon Chu Rang NR, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-16315, subadult male, paratype; C, Kon Ka Kinh NP, Gia Lai, ZMMU R-15452, subadult female, paratype.
Laos: Bolaven Plateau, Champasak: D, adult individual; E, F, subadult individual.

Photos by A. M. Bragin (A), N. A. Poyarkov (B, C), and A. Teynié (D – F)

Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Darya A. Ustinova, Andrey M. Bragin, Son Xuan Le, Xu Yuhao, Zhang Tierui, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Patrick David, Gernot Vogel, Tan Van Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2026. An overlooked Mountain Pitviper from the Montane Regions of Central Vietnam and Southern Laos (Serpentes: Viperidae: Ovophis). Russian Journal of Herpetology. 33(3); 178-196. http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2315 [September 30, 2026]

 facebook.com/tan.sifasv/posts/122268835112144982

 Researchgate.net/publication/415133263_An_overlooked_Ovophis_from_the_montane_regions_of_Vietnam_Laos

 

 Ovophis orlovi sp. nov., Mang Den Commune, Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, June 6, 2016. Photo by Andrey M. Bragin

 

[Fungi • 2026] Bolbitius fuscopapillatus & B. planoflavus (Agaricales: Bolbitiaceae) • Two New Species and One New Record from northeast China

 

a, b. Bolbitius titubans; f. B. coprophilus;
g, h. Bolbitius fuscopapillatus; k, l. B. planoflavus 

T. Bau & H. Cheng, 

in Cheng et Bau, 2026.

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.140.203173 

Scale bars: 1 cm.

Abstract

A taxonomic study of the genus Bolbitius from northeast China was conducted, based on morphological observations and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed, based on a combined multi-locus dataset comprising the internal transcribed spacer (ITS), nuclear large subunit (nrLSU) and translation elongation factor 1-α (tef1-α) sequences. As a result, two new species are described and illustrated: Bolbitius planoflavus, characterised by its distinctly applanate, pale yellow pileus when mature and the presence of occasional 2-spored basidia; and Bolbitius fuscopapillatus, distinguished by its violet-brown papillate umbo and purplish-white margin bearing faint veil remnants. Additionally, Bolbitius bisporus is reported as a new record for China. Detailed morphological descriptions, colour photographs and comparisons with closely-related taxa are provided.

Key words: Bolbitius, multi-gene fragments, morphology, new taxa, phylogeny

Basidiomata of Bolbitius species.
 a, b. Bolbitius titubans (FJAU68133, FJAU68132); c, d. B. variicolor (FJAU68135, FJAU68134); e, f. B. coprophilus (FJAU68139, FJAU68138);
g, h. B. fuscopapillatus (FJAU68142 T, FJAU68143); i, j. B. bisporus (FJAU68137); k, l. B. planoflavus (FJAU68141, FJAU68140 T); T = holotype. White arrows in (g) indicate veil remnants, with an enlarged view shown in the upper right corner.

 Scale bars: 1 cm.

Bolbitius planoflavus T. Bau & H. Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. “planoflavus” refers to the species’ pileus being both plane and pale yellow when mature.

Bolbitius fuscopapillatus T. Bau & H. Cheng, sp. nov.

 

Etymology. From Latin fuscus (violet-brown) and papillatus (with a small papilla), referring to the violet-brown papillate umbo of the pileus.

 Hong Cheng and Tolgor Bau. 2026. Two New Species and One New Record of Bolbitius (Bolbitiaceae, Agaricales) from northeast China. MycoKeys. 140: 299-316. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/mycokeys.140.203173 [23 Sep 2026]

[Ichthyology • 2025] Pseudogastromyzon putienensis • A New Species of Pseudogastromyzon Nichols (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from Fujian Province, Southeastern China

Pseudogastromyzon putienensis 

Chen & Li, 2025

莆田擬腹吸鰍 | DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.22

Abstract

In this study, a new species of balitorid loach from Fujian Province was collected and described herein, namely Pseudogastromyzon putienensis. The new species can be identified by having dorsal fin iii, 7, anal fin ii, 5, pectoral fin i, 17–18, pelvic fin i, 9, lateral line scales 65–71 and vertebrae counts 38–39. For body and fin colourations, male possess greyish brown with metallic sheen, straight pale bars, and conspicuous rows of large dorsal-fin spots while females with ivory base color and distinct Y-shaped or curved bars, and transparent paired and caudal fins with striped rows. The new species was collected from the Mulan River system and is closely related to Pseudogastromyzon fasciatus; comparisons of the two species are provided herein with comments upon the taxonomy of related congeners in southeastern China.

 Pisces, Pseudogastromyzon, Balitoridae, new species, Fujian Province, China 

Pseudogastromyzon putienensis sp. nov.
Fresh coloration of adult male (A, NTOUP-2023-09-001, holotype, 66.7 mm SL), and juvenile (B, NTOUP-2023- 09-003, paratype, 40.3 mm SL) 

Pseudogastromyzon Nichols, 1925 

Pseudogastromyzon putienensis sp. nov.

(莆田擬腹吸鰍)

 I-SHIUNG CHEN and HSIEN-EN LI. 2025. A New Species of Pseudogastromyzon Nichols (Teleostei: Balitoridae) from Fujian Province, Southeastern China.  Zootaxa. 5738(1); 183-189. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5738.1.22 [2025-12-30]

[PaleoEntomology • 2026] Folimantis hyalinala • Mimicry of Mantis and Selaginella from Cretaceous provides New Evidence for the Deep-time Co-evolution of Insects and Plants

 

Folimantis hyalinala

Yang, Chen, Engel, Ren & Gao, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1111/nph.71619  

  Researchgate.net/publication/415223879

Ecological reconstruction by Xiaoran Zuo

 

Summary

• Mimicry between insects and plants represents sophisticated survival strategies. Their long-term evolutionary interactions led to mutual adaptation, creating a complex ecological symbiosis. However, the deep-time ecological associations of mimicry between insects and plants remain limited due to the scarcity of preserved fossils.

• Here, we report the fossil evidences of mimicry between praying mantis and spike mosses in 98-Myr-old Kachin amber. The new Cretaceous mantis, Folimantis hyalinala gen. et sp. nov., has a rare form of leaf mimicry via abdominal leaf-shaped extensions that resemble contemporaneous vegetative leaves (trophophylls) of Selaginella in shape, size, and pattern of arrangement.

• The new findings provide the earliest direct evidence of the co-associations between mantis and its mimetic plants during the Cretaceous and suggest that the stem-group had already developed distinct structural features that mimic plant leaves during the early divergences of Mantodea.

• A diversification analysis of mimicry between fossil insects and plants from the Late Paleozoic and Mesozoic indicates that, before the rise of angiosperms in the Late Cretaceous, mimicry between insects and gymnosperms, ferns, lichens, and even Selaginella had existed for a long time and that changes in mimicry forms paralleled the evolutionary succession of plant lineages.

Keywords: camouflage, Folimantis hyalinala, insect–plant co-evolution, Mantodea, Mesozoic, Selaginella

Ecological reconstruction of mimicry between Folimantis hyalinala and Selaginella grimaldii

(reproduced by kind permission of Xiaoran Zuo).

Folimantis hyalinala gen. et sp. nov.

Hongru Yang, Liang Chen, Michael S. Engel, Dong Ren and Taiping Gao. 2026. Mimicry of Mantis and Selaginella from Cretaceous provides New Evidence for the Deep-time Co-evolution of Insects and Plants. New Phytologist. DOI: doi.org/10.1111/nph.71619 [04 October 2026] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/415223879_Mimicry_of_Mantis_and_Selaginella_from_Cretaceous 

[Paleontology • 2026] Sinojapyx giganteus • Giant Jurassic Hunter: the Earliest dipluran (Hexapoda: Diplura) and Its Implications for hexapod body pattern evolution

Sinojapyx giganteus

Wang, Cai, Sánchez-García, Sendra & Huang, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1207 

Palaeoecological reconstruction by Jie Sun.

Abstract

Hexapoda comprises the hyperdiverse insects and three cryptic, early-diverging lineages, Protura, Collembola, and Diplura, that are key to understanding the hexapod body pattern but remain extremely rare as fossils. Here, we report the earliest dipluran, Sinojapyx giganteus gen. et sp. nov., from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Biota (approx. 165 Mya). Its ectognathous mouthparts challenge the conventional view that all non‑insect hexapods are entognathous, providing solid evidence that entognathy evolved independently at least three times. The pincer‑like cerci of Sinojapyx are symmetrical and lack denticles, representing a transitional state preceding the sophisticated predatory appendages of extant japygoids. Exceeding 5 cm in body length and equipped with robust mandibles and pincer-like cerci, this giant soil dweller occupied the apex of the soil food web in the Jurassic, filling a niche typically held by scorpions or centipedes today. This discovery not only bridges a major gap in the dipluran fossil record but also offers critical insights into the ancestral body pattern of non‑insect hexapods and soil trophic networks in the Jurassic.

Keywords: diplura, hexapod evolution, mouthpart, entognathy, grasping apparatus

 

General habitus of Sinojapyx giganteus (holotype, NIGP205729) from the Middle Jurassic Daohugou Bed.
(A) Counterpart, inner view of dorsal aspect. (B) Part, inner view of ventral aspect. (C) Line drawing based on the part with reference to the counterpart; scale bar, 5 mm.

Systematic palaeontology

Superclass: Hexapoda Latreille, 1825 

Class: Diplura Börner, 1904 

Superfamily: Japygoidea Lubbock, 1873 

Family: Sinojapygidae fam. nov.

Type genus: Sinojapyx gen. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size gigantic, exceeding 5 cm (more than twice the length of typical extant Japygoidea, which are usually < 2 cm); head nearly triangular; mouthparts ectognathous, robust mandibles with large teeth and laciniae lacking pectinate laminae; maxillary and labial palps multi-segmented; abdominal segment IX strongly elongated; segment VIII−X not more sclerotized than the rest of abdomen, with urosternite X partly fused to the pleurite; pincer-like cerci equal, devoid of teeth and denticles.

 

Genus: Sinojapyx gen. nov.

Type species: Sinojapyx giganteus sp. nov.

Etymology. The prefix, ‘Sino-,’ refers to China. ‘Japyx’ denotes the type genus of the family Japygidae. The gender is masculine.

 

Sinojapyx giganteus sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word ‘gigante’ which means ‘giant.’ The gender is masculine.

Phylogenetic and evolutionary context of Diplura.
(A) Phylogeny of Diplura showing the phylogenetic placement of Sinojapyx giganteus and Ferrojapyx vivax.
(B) Evolutionary context of the cerci in Diplura.

Palaeoecological reconstruction of Sinojapyx giganteus, illustrated by Jie Sun.

Yehao Wang; Chenyang Cai; Alba Sánchez-García; Alberto Sendra and Diying Huang. 2026. A Giant Jurassic Hunter: the Earliest dipluran and Its Implications for hexapod body pattern evolution. Proc. R. Soc. B. 293 (2080): 20261207. DOI: doi.org/10.1098/rspb.2026.1207 [07 Oct 2026]