[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] 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] 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 • 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

[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]

[Herpetology • 2026] Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis • A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura: Megophryidae) from Xizang, China

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan,
Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

in Liu, Zhang, Wei, Ai, Lu, Li, Zhou, Chen et Yuan, 2026. 

墨脱绿角蟾  |  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945

Abstract

Motuo County, located in the eastern Himalayas and within the lower section of the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon, is characterized by steep elevational gradients and complex topography, supporting high levels of biodiversity and endemism that remain insufficiently explored. Based on integrated evidence from morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new subgenus and a new species of Asian horned toads from Motuo County, Xizang, China, are described. The new subgenus, Viridophrys subgen. nov., with its type species Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., represents an independent evolutionary lineage within the broadly defined Megophrys, as supported by mitochondrial and nuclear DNA analyses. Although its exact sister-group relationship is not consistently resolved among different datasets, the new lineage is phylogenetically close to the subgenera Brachytarsophrys and Atympanophrys. Morphologically, the new subgenus can be distinguished from other major megophryine lineages by a combination of morphological characters. The discovery of Viridophrys subgen. nov. and M. (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. highlights the underestimated diversity of megophryids in the Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region and emphasizes the need for continued biodiversity surveys and conservation efforts in the eastern Himalayas.

Key Words: Himalayas, Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov., taxonomy, Viridophrys subgen. nov., Yarlung Tsangpo Grand Canyon region

Megophryinae Bonaparte, 1850

Genus Megophrys Kuhl & van Hasselt, 1822

Subgenus Viridophrys Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, subgen. nov.

 Type species. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis
Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The subgenus Viridophrys subgen. nov. can be distinguished from other subgenera within the broadly defined Megophrys by the following diagnostic characteristics: (1) medium body size, mean SVL < 50 mm in adult females; (2) dorsal skin rough, with vivid green dorsal coloration and reddish markings, and ventral surfaces covered with irregular blotches; (3) head wider than long; (4) snout obtusely rounded and without rostral appendage; (5) maxillary teeth present; (6) vomerine teeth and vomerine ridges absent; (7) palpebral appendages absent, with minute tubercles along the outer edge of the upper eyelid; (8) temporal region short, tympanum large, distinct, close to posterior corner of eye, supratympanic fold thick and slightly curved over tympanum; (9) occipital fold absent; (10) dorsolateral fold absent; (11) presence of V-shaped parietoscapular ridge and arcuate central dorsal ridge; (12) flanks bearing scattered white-tipped tubercles, with a few tubercles occasionally present along the ventrolateral boundary; (13) lower jaw smooth, asperities absent; (14) subarticular tubercles on fingers absent; (15) webbing between toes is absent, toe fringe is lacking (Figs 4, 5).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. adult female holotype SWU 0015893 in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsolateral view; D. Profile of head; E. Cloacal area.

Photographs by Ren-Da Ai.

Habitat of Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. at the type locality, Beibeng Township, Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China. A. Broadleaf and coniferous mixed forest; B. Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis sp. nov. in the wild (SWU 0015893).

Habitat photograph by Wen-Zhu Lu. Species photograph by Ren-Da Ai.

Etymology. The subgeneric name Viridophrys subgen. nov. is derived from the Latin viridis, meaning green, and the Greek ophrys, meaning eyebrow, in reference to the extensive green markings on the dorsum of the new taxon. The gender of the name is feminine.

Common name. Green horned toad subgenus /
Lǜ jiǎo chán yà shǔ (绿角蟾亚属).

Megophrys (Viridophrys) motuoensis Liu, Zhang, Chen & Yuan, sp. nov.

Etymology. The name “motuoensis” originated from the type locality: Motuo County, Nyingchi City, Xizang Autonomous Region, China.

Common name. Motuo green horned toad /
Mò tuō lǜ jiǎo chán (墨脱绿角蟾).

 

Xiao-Long Liu, Yin-Peng Zhang, Ping-Fan Wei, Ren-Da Ai, Wen-Zhu Lu, Xian-Qi Li, Wei-Wei Zhou, Jin-Min Chen and Zhi-Yong Yuan. 2026. A striking New Subgenus and Species of Asian horned toads (Anura, Megophryidae, Megophryinae) from Xizang, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1295-1313. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.183945 [21 Oct 2026]

[Arachnida • 2026] Songthela fengxiang, S. nanqiao, S. parallela, S. yanhe, S. yinchiba, ... • Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Araneae: Mesothelae: Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China

[G, J] Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.;
[H, K] S. yanhe sp. nov.;
[I, L] S. yinchiba sp. nov. 

Xu, Zhang & Li, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113

G–I. Female; J–L. Male, Scale bar: 5 mm.

 

Abstract

Twelve new species of the primitively segmented spider genus Songthela Ono, 2000, from Guizhou Province, China, are described based on the genital morphology of both sexes: S. chenjiapian sp. nov. (♂♀), S. cuantang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fengxiang sp. nov. (♂♀), S. fuyan sp. nov. (♂♀), S. nanqiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. parallela sp. nov. (♂♀), S. qingganglin sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tianba sp. nov. (♂♀), S. tudiao sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yanhe sp. nov. (♂♀), S. yinchiba sp. nov. (♂♀), and S. yuhu sp. nov. (♂♀). All new species are assigned to the multidentata-group based on the morphology of the male palp and female genitalia. Detailed diagnoses, descriptions, photographs, and a distribution map are provided. Mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) sequences are also provided for the holotypes to facilitate future species identification and molecular studies.

Key Words: COI, description, morphology, taxonomy, trapdoor spiders

Microhabitat (A–F) and general somatic morphology (G–L) of new Songthela species.
G–I. Female; J–L. Male;
G, J. Songthela nanqiao sp. nov.; H, K. S. yanhe sp. nov.; I, L. S. yinchiba sp. nov.

Scale bar: 5 mm.

S. chenjiapian sp. nov., S. cuantang sp. nov., S. fengxiang sp. nov.,
S. fuyan sp. nov., S. nanqiao sp. nov., S. parallela sp. nov.,
S. qingganglin sp. nov., S. tianba sp. nov., S. tudiao sp. nov.,
S. yanhe sp. nov., S. yinchiba sp. nov., S. yuhu sp. nov.

Xin Xu, Yan Zhang and Daiqin Li. 2026. Species Diversity in the Segmented Spider Genus Songthela (Mesothelae, Liphistiidae), with Descriptions of 12 New Species from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(5): 1265-1293.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.216113 [15-10-2026]