[Herpetology • 2023] Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi • A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Yunnan, China

Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi 

 Liu, Rao, Hou, Wang & Ananjeva, 2023 

DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-6-529-538 

 Researchgate.net/publication/376478182

Abstract

A new species of the Cyrtodactylus chauquangensis species group is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular data. The new species closely resembles C. wayakonei morphologically, but can be separated from the latter by having more white rings on original tail, more lamellae under finger IV and toe IV, less longitudinal ventral scale rows, and enlarged femoral scales. However, the new species is closely related to C. martini rather than C. wayakonei genetically. The new species differs from C. martini by genetic distance of 3.3% and from investigated other members of the C. chauquangensis species group by genetic distances of 6.4 – 17.8% in the COI gene.

Keywords: bent-toed gecko; China; systematics; taxonomy; Xishuangbanna; Yunnan

 The holotype (KIZ201904002) of Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. in life:
A, dorsal view; B, dorsolateral view; C, ventral view.

 The paratype (KIZ201904003) of Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. in life:
 A, dorsal view; B, lateral view; C, ventral view.

Cyrtodactylus caixitaoi sp. nov. 

Etymology. The epithet is in honor of Prof. Xitao Cai (1911 – 1981), who founded Xishuangbanna Tropical Botanical Garden in 1950s. We propose “Cai’s Bent-toed Gecko” for the English name ...

Shuo Liu, Dingqi Rao, Mian Hou, Qiaoyan Wang and Natalia Borisovna Ananjeva. 2023. A New Species of Cyrtodactylus Gray, 1827 (Squamata, Gekkonidae), previously confused with C. wayakonei Nguyen, Kingsada, Rösler, Auer et Ziegler, 2010. Russian Journal of Herpetology. DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2023-30-6-529-538

  rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/1998

  Researchgate.net/publication/376478182_A_New_Species_of_Cyrtodactylus_previously_confused_with_C_wayakonei

[Herpetology • 2025] Ovophis zhaoermii • A New Species of the Genus Ovophis (Serpentes: Viperidae) from southern Yunnan, China

 

 Ovophis zhaoermii 

Liu, Hou, Mo, M. Li, B. Li, Luo, Rao & S. Li, 2025

Guanyinshan mountain pitviper | 观音山烙铁头蛇  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1230.142967  

Abstract

A new species of Ovophis is described from Yuanyang Guanyinshan Provincial Nature Reserve in southern Yunnan Province, China. The new species can be distinguished from congeneric species by the following combination of characters: ratio of tail length to total length 0.191–0.206, internasals separated by one or two scales, dorsal scales in 22-21-17 rows, ventrals 146–148, subcaudals 57–64, most subcaudals paired and a few unpaired, third supralabial larger than fourth, white spots on dorsal tail continuous. This study further reveals that the species diversity of Ovophis has been seriously underestimated, and there is still a lot of work to be done on the taxonomy of this genus.

Key words: cytochrome b gene, morphology, mountain pitvipers, systematics, taxonomy

The holotype (KIZ2024078) of Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov. in life
A general view B dorsal view of the head C left view of the head D right view of the head E dorsal view of the tail.

The paratypes of  Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov. in life
 A KIZ2024079 B KIZ2024080 C KIZ2023041. 

 Ovophis zhaoermii sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Ratio of tail length to total length 0.191–0.206, internasals separated by one or two scales, second supralabial bordering loreal pit, dorsal scales in 22-21-17 rows, ventrals 146–148, subcaudals 57–64, 3–11 subcaudals unpaired and other subcaudals paired, third supralabial larger than fourth, dorsal surface of head unpatterned, dorsal surface of body brownish-black or reddish-brown with rectangular black blotches, series of white spots on dorsal surface of tail continuous, iris off-white with a black mesh pattern.

Etymology. Named after the renowned Chinese herpetologist, Prof. Ermi Zhao (1930–2016). The designation of this specific epithet honors his great contribution to herpetological research in China, especially in snake research. According to the type locality of this species, we suggest the English common name “Guanyinshan mountain pitviper” and the Chinese common name “观音山烙铁头蛇 (Pinyin: guān yīn shān lào tiě tóu shé)”.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Mei Li, Biao Li, Xiong Luo, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Ovophis Burger in Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1981 (Serpentes, Viperidae) from southern Yunnan, China. ZooKeys. 1230: 287-302. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1230.142967  

[Botany • 2025] Spatholirion wuorum (Commelinaceae) • A New Species from Thai Nguyen Province in North Vietnam

  

Spatholirion wuorum C. W. Lin & C. H. Nguyen,

in Lin et Nguyen. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202420 

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Abstract

A new species of Spatholirion (Commelinaceae), S. wuorum, from North Vietnam is here described and illustrated. Spatholirion wuorum resembles S. cucphuongense in its dwarf habit and variegated leaves, but differs in having (sub)appressed sericeous or tomentose petioles (vs. retrorse velutinous), lamina sparsely pilose on the adaxial surface (vs. minutely appressed puberulous), the staminate part of the inflorescence a panicle (vs. raceme), and the sepals and petals whitish green or very pale creamy white tinged grayish mauve towards the apex (vs. uniformly dark indigo).

 

Keywords: biodiversity, Commelinaceae, endemism, Indochina, plant taxonomy, Spatholirion wuorum, tropical broad-leaved forest

Spatholirion wuorum C. W. Lin & C. H. Nguyen, sp. nov. 

 Spatholirion wuorum is somewhat similar to S. cucphuongense in being a dwarf rhizomatous herb with ovate, colorful leaves and a hairy inflorescence. However, S. wuorum differs in having appressed or subappressed sericeous stems and petioles (vs. retrorsely velutinous stems and petioles in S. cucphuongense), the adaxial surface of the lamina scattered erect pilose (vs. minutely appressed puberulous), the staminate part of the inflorescence a panicle (vs. a raceme), and the sepals whitish green or very pale creamy white tinged grayish mauve towards the apex (vs. dark indigo).

Etymology. The specific epithet honors the first author’s maternal family, the ‘Wu’ family, particularly his grandmother Hsiu-E Wu Chen (吳陳綉娥), grandfather Tsung-Chi Wu (吳宗琦), mother Yi-Ching Wu (吳怡靖), aunts Yi-Min Wu and Hung-Me Wu (吳怡敏 & 吳宏美) and uncles Hung-Kuan Wu and Hung-Cheng Wu (吳宏寬 & 吳宏正), who have always supported his interest in natural organisms and research.

Che-Wei Lin and Cuong Huu Nguyen. 2025. Spatholirion wuorum (Commelinaceae), A New Species from Dai Tu District, Thai Nguyen Province in North Vietnam. Acta Phytotax. Geobot. 76(1); 13–20. DOI: doi.org/10.18942/apg.202420 [2025/03/07]

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[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella albomarginata • Morphological and Molecular Evidence for A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Gaoligong Mountain Range, Yunnan, China

Leptobrachella albomarginata  Wu, Yu, Kilunda, Murphy & Che,   

in Wu, Yu, Yang, Duan, Zuo, Zhang, Kilunda, Murphy et Che, 2025. 

White-lined Leaf Litter Toad | 白缘掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.135560 

Abstract

The Gaoligong Mountain Range in Yunnan Province, China, is characterized by its large variation in elevation and topography, together with its wide latitudinal range, resulting in extremely high levels of biodiversity. Studies show that the amphibian diversity of the Gaoligong Mountain Range is largely underestimated, especially in the south. During herpetological surveys in 2023 and 2024, three specimens of Leptobrachella were collected from the mountain at Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve. Subsequent morphological comparisons and a phylogenetic reconstruction revealed that these specimens belonged to a previously unknown and morphologically distinct lineage of Leptobrachella, which we formally describe. Our discovery brings the number of species in the genus to 108, 44 of which occur in China, and seven on Gaoligong Mountain Range. This result confirms the underestimated amphibian diversity of the Gaoligong Mountain Range, especially in Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve, where multiple sympatric congeneric species occur, including four species of Leptobrachella, five species and a putative new species of Xenophrys, and three species of Polypedates. These findings also highlight the need for future research to investigate the mechanisms of sympatric and syntopic coexistence.

Key Words: Asian Leaf Litter Toad, frog, Leptobrachella albomarginata sp. nov., sympatric distribution, Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve

Holotype of Leptobrachella albomarginata sp. nov. (KIZ 050905) in life.
A. Lateral view; B. Lateral view of head; C. Dorsal view; D. Ventral view.

Photos by Zhong-Bin Yu.

 Leptobrachella albomarginata Wu, Yu, Kilunda, Murphy & Che, sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella albomarginata sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) body size small (SVL 26.5 mm in one adult male, 32.5 mm in one female); (2) tibiotarsal articulation reaches the middle eye; (3) tongue with a shallow notch at the posterior tip; (4) heels meeting; (5) toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; (6) relative finger lengths: I ≈ II < IV < III; (7) reverse-triangle markings and a ˄-shaped marking with a white lining in dorsal view; (8) black and bluish-white marbling all over ventral surfaces of throat, chest and belly; (9) flanks with distinct irregular black spots; (10) iris bicolored, upper 1/3 of the iris being coppery, lower 2/3 silvery gray.

Etymology. The name refers to reverse-triangle markings and ˄-shaped marking with a white lining on dorsum of the new species: the specific epithet “albus” is a Latin adjective which means “white”, and “marginis” is Latin adjective for “border, lining”. We propose the English common name “White-lined Leaf Litter Toad” and the Chinese common name “Bái Yuán Zhǎng Tū Chán (白缘掌突蟾)”.

 Yun-He Wu, Zhong-Bin Yu, Shen-Pin Yang, Zheng-Pan Duan, An-Ru Zuo, Ding-Can Zhang, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Robert W. Murphy and Jing Che. 2025. Morphological and Molecular Evidence for A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from Gaoligong Mountain Range, Yunnan, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(2): 449-463. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.135560 

[Ichthyology • 2025] Hampala siamensis • A New Species of Hampala (Cypriniformes: Cyprinidae) from the Lower Tenasserim Basin of Thailand

 

Hampala siamensis 

 Panitvong & Tan, 2025

 

Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73;  

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Abstract 

 Hampala siamensis, new species, is described from the Lower Tennasserim basin in Peninsular Thailand. This new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a saddle-like bar or inverted triangular marking on the body beneath the dorsal fin, rarely reaching the lateral-line scale row, by measurements of the head and body and scale counts. It is the fourth species of Hampala recorded from Thailand. 

Key words. aquatic biodiversity, Southeast Asia, freshwater fish, taxonomy, Cypriniformes

  Underwater photographs of Hampala siamensis documenting ontogenetic differences in colour pattern, all from Lam Ru Yai River.
From top to bottom: individual below 30 mm SL; individual below 50 mm SL; larger juvenile ca. 100 mm SL. Not collected (all photographs by N. Panitvong).

Underwater photograph of Hampala siamensis (center) in a mixed school with Barbodes lateristriga (left) and B. binotatus (right); Lam Ru Yai River.
Underwater photograph of Hampala siamensis in close association with Mastacembelus favus; Lam Ru Yai River.

(photograph by N. Panitvong). Not collected.

Hampala siamensis, new species  

Diagnosis. Hampala siamensis, new species, can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characters: lateral line scales 26–27; in adults: bar 1 saddle or inverted triangle shape, 5½–6 scales wide by 2½–3 scales deep, barely visible in preserved specimen; a faint horizontal stripe along lateral side of body, 1½–2 scales wide, visible in life only when stressed; upper and lower edges of caudal fin with a gray to black marginal band; all fins pale orange in life; head pointed, wedge-shaped, large (length 32.3–35.0 % SL). 

Etymology: Named for Siam, historical name of Thailand and of the website “siamensis.org”, run by a group of Thailand-based conservationists. 

Proposed English name: black-backed hampala, 

Thai name: ปลากระสูบหลังดำ.

Species of Hampala showing live colouration. From top to bottom:
H. siamensis (ca. 100–120 mm SL); H. ampalong (ca. 150 mm SL);
H. dispar (ca. 150 mm SL); H. macrolepidota (ca. 150 mm SL);
H. sabana (ca. 120 mm SL); H. salweenensis.

Not collected. Photographs by N. Panitvong.

Nonn PANITVONG and TAN Heok Hui. 2025. A New Species of Hampala (Teleostei: Cyprinidae) from the Lower Tenasserim Basin of Thailand. Raffles Bulletin of Zoology. 73; 67–72.

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[Herpetology • 2025] Amolops spicalinea • A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam

 

 Amolops spicalinea 

 Nguyen, Tapley,  La & Rowley, 2025

 

 Hoang Lien cascade frog | Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 

 

Abstract

Of the 19 species of Amolops reported from Vietnam, 10 are known to occur in the Hoang Lien Range in northwest Vietnam. During field surveys in the Hoang Lien Range, we collected individuals from a population of Amolops that we could not assign to any known species; morphological and molecular data assign these individuals to the Amolops monticola group and we describe a new species to science, Amolops spicalinea sp. nov., in reference to a line of horny spinules running along the body below the dorsolateral fold in males. The new species is morphologically and molecularly most similar to Amolops bellulus from Yunnan Province, China but is distinguished from A. bellulus and other congeneric species by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL of adult males 46.6–52.2 mm, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extending from tip of snout, terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flanks yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface of body orange-yellow with small brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on Toes IV where webbing reaches discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercles absent; (11) vocal sac absent in males, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines. Our phylogenetic analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) genes show that Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is sister to Amolops bellulus 2 from Yunnan, China. The new species is currently known from only three localities in the Hoang Lien Range between 2288–2493 m asl and is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. This species likely qualifies for being assessed as Endangered in accordance with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categories and criteria (B1ab).

Amphibia, amphibians, anura, cascade frog, Fansipan, Nam Kang ho tao, Pu ta Leng

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. adult male holotype ITBCZ 3648.
(A) Dorsolateral view in life, (B) ventral view under sedation, (C) view of nuptial pad on first right finger under sedation, and (D), view of cloaca and base of thighs to illustrate glandular character under sedation. Not to scale.

Dorsolateral and ventral view of paratypes of Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in life.
(A and B) adult male ITBCZ 3649, (C and D) adult male ITBCZ 3652,
(E and F) adult female ITBCZ 3650, and (g and h) adult female ITBCZ 3651.

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is placed within the Amolops monticola group based on the following morphological characters: Finger I shorter than Finger II; true dorsolateral folds present (not formed by incomplete series of glands); skin smooth; lateral sides of head dark, with light-colored upper lip stripe extending to shoulder (jiang et al. 2021; Patel et al. 2021; Stuart et al. 2010; wu et al. 2020). the new species can be diagnosed from congeneric  species  by  the  combination  of  the  following  characters:  (1)  SVL  of  adult  males  46.6–52.2  m, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extends from the tip of the snout terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flank yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface orange-yellow with brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on toes IV where the webbing reaches the discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercle absent; (11) males vocal sacs absent, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines.

 

Etymology: Specific epithet “spicalinea” from spica, the Latin word for a point or ear of grain and lineata, the Latin noun meaning line or thread in reference to the line of spinules running along the body, below the dorsolateral fold in males. We suggest common name as Hoang Lien cascade frog (English) and Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn (Vietnamese).

habitat of  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in the hoang Lien Range.
 (A) Collection site on Mount Nam Kang ho tao, Lao Cai Province, (B) Collection site on Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province, (C) Male  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in situ ITBCZ 3649 on tree branch, 2.0 m above stream, Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province.

Luan Thanh NGUYEN, Benjamin TAPLEY, Toi Van LA and Jodi J. L. ROWLEY. 2025. A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5594(3); 485-508. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 [2025-03-03]

[Botany • 2025] Kaempferia chonburiensis (Zingiberaceae) • A New Species from Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence

 

Kaempferia chonburiensis Picheans., Sukrong & Wongsuwan,

in Wongsuwan, Phokham, Rattanakrajang, Picheansoonthon et Sukrong, 2025. 

เปราะเมืองชล  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18948

Background

Kaempferia is a genus belonging to the ginger family. Currently, this genus is comprised of about 63 species, mainly distributed from India to Southeast Asia. During our fieldwork, a new species of Kaempferia was found in Chon Buri Province, Thailand. The objective of this article was to provide morphological evidence and confirm its relationships in Kaempferia through molecular phylogenetic analysis.

Methods: Plant samples were collected from field sites and investigated by conventional taxonomy and molecular techniques. The phylogenetic trees were reconstructed using the maximum likelihood criterion and Bayesian inference. The morphological evolution was also examined to elaborate the relationships among representative Kaempferia taxa.

Results: Kaempferia chonburiensis from southeastern Thailand is described and illustrated based on morphological features and its taxonomic placement was confirmed by molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological evolution. An identification key is provided for the new Kaempferia species occurring in Thailand.

Conclusion: Kaempferia chonburiensis is a new enumerated species of Kaempferia from Thailand.

Drawing of Kaempferia chonburiensis.
 (A) Whole plant. (B) Ligule. (C, D) Bracts. (E, F) Bracteoles. (G) Flower with calyx tube and ovary. (H) Flower (top view). (I) Dorsal corolla lobe. (J, K) Lateral corolla lobes. (L) Labellum. (M, N) Lateral staminodes. (O) Corolla tube with anther and anther crest. (P, Q, R) Anther and anther crest (front, side, and rear views). (S) Ovary, stylodial glands, and lower part of the style. (T) Immature fruit with persistent calyx. (U) Mature fruit with persistent calyx and bracteoles. (V) Seeds.

 Illustration based on the holotype (PW 240621–1) (drawn by Pantamith Rattanakrajang).

Kaempferia chonburiensis
(A) Whole plant. (B) Bract. (C) Bracteoles. (D) Flower with calyx tube and ovary. (E) Calyx tube. (F) Flower (top view). (G) Dorsal corolla lobe. (H) Lateral corolla lobes. (I) Lateral staminodes. (J) Labellum. (K) Corolla tube with ovary and anther. (L) Anthers and anther crests (front, side and rear views). (M) Ovary, stylodial glands, and lower part of the style. (N) Fruit and persistent calyx. (O) Seeds.

 Photographs based on the holotype (PW 240621–1) (photos by Pornpimon Wongsuwan).

Kaempferia chonburiensis in situ.
 (A) Natural habit in flowering stage. (B, C, D) Variation of flowers (labellum patch with or without violet). Photographs based on the holotype (A, B: PW 240621–1) and paratypes (C: PW 120721–1 and D: PW 100622–1)

(photos by Pornpimon Wongsuwan).

Kaempferia chonburiensis Picheans., Sukrong & Wongsuwan, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: This new species is similar to Kaempferia koratensis, but differs in the following characters: (1) longer ligule (0.6–1 cm vs. ca. 3 mm), (2) longer peduncle (0.8–1.2 cm long vs. ca. 5 mm long), (3) glabrous bract, (4) white with yellow spot at the base, with or without violet patch on labellum, (5) pubescent at the uppermost part of ovary.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘chonburiensis’ refers to the province of the type locality.

Vernacular name: Pro (เปราะ), Wan Pro (ว่านเปราะ), Pro Mueang Chon (เปราะเมืองชล).

Pornpimon Wongsuwan, Boonmee Phokham, Pantamith Rattanakrajang, Chayan Picheansoonthon and Suchada Sukrong. 2025. Kaempferia chonburiensis (Zingiberaceae), A New Species from Thailand based on morphological and molecular evidence. PeerJ. 13:e18948. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18948

[Entomology • 2025] Dichodontus fluctus • A remarkable New Species of the Genus Dichodontus Burmeister, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Thailand and Myanmar, with Discussions on Some Sundaic Species

Dichodontus fluctus 

Geshev, Pathomwattananurak & Jiaranaisakul, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102381 

facebook.com: Wuttipon Pathomwattananurak

Highlights

• A new species of Dichodontus is described from Thailand and Myanmar.

• D. punctipennis is newly recorded from Thailand, and D. grandis is newly recorded from Thailand and Myanmar.

• Rediscovery of paralectotypes of two species are provided, and type material of some species are illustration for the first time.

• Misidentification of a species is identified and discussed.

Abstract

Dichodontus fluctus Geshev, Pathomwattananurak & Jiaranaisakul, new species from Thailand and Myanmar is described and illustrated. Lectotypes and newly identified paralectotypes of Dichodontus punctipennis Arrow, 1937 and Dichodontus grandis Ritsema, 1882, as well as the holotype and a female paratype of Dichodontus crassus Silvestre, 2001 are illustrated. D. punctipennis is newly recorded from Thailand, and D. grandis is recorded from Thailand and Myanmar for the first time. Additionally, previous record of D. crassus from Thailand is discussed and omitted from the distribution.

 

Keywords: Taxonomy, New Taxa, Oryctini, Indochina, Sundaland, Oriental Region

 Habitus comparisons between Dichodontus fluctus Geshev, Pathomwattananurak & Jiaranaisakul, new species and Dichodontus punctipennis Arrow, 1937 in oblique view.
A–D, D. fluctus (A, holotype; B–D, paratypes); E–H, D. punctipennis;
A–C, E–G, male; D, H, female; Similarly-developed, same-sex individuals compared in the same row.

 Habitus of Dichodontus fluctus Geshev, Pathomwattananurak & Jiaranaisakul, new species.
A–B, holotype; C, male paratype (Myanmar);
D–E, female paratype (Thailand); F, male paratype (Thailand);
A, C, D, F, dorsal view; B, E, ventral view.

Dichodontus fluctus Geshev, Pathomwattananurak & Jiaranaisakul, new species

Etymology. This new species is named for its interesting pronotal morphology, with the thoracic hump widely and anteriorly produced and the shiny anterior depression with rather constant curvature in well-developed males forming a shape similar to a large wave together. The name “fluctus” means “wave”.

 

Georgi A. Geshev, Wuttipon Pathomwattananurak and Kawin Jiaranaisakul. 2025. A remarkable New Species of the Genus Dichodontus Burmeister, 1847 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) from Thailand and Myanmar, with Discussions on Some Sundaic Species. Journal of Asia-Pacific Entomology.  28, 102381. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.aspen.2025.102381 

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[Botany • 2022] Cymbidium ×shangrilaense (Orchidaceae: Epidendroideae) • A New natural hybrid from Yunnan, China: evidence from morphology and molecular analyses

 

[A-F] Cymbidium ×shangrilaense S.Ke, Q.H.Zhang & S.R.Lan, 
[G] C. tracyanum. [H] C. gaoligongense 

in Ke, Zhu, Zhao, Liu, Li, Huang, Zhang, Liu et Lan, 2022.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.561.2.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/363364007

Abstract

A new natural hybrid of Cymbidium (Orchidaceae), C. ×shangrilaense, from Yunnan Province, China, is illustrated and described. This entity may be a natural hybrid between C. tracyanum and C. gaoligongense. Morphologically, it differs from former by epidermal stripes and column and lip midlobe morphology and from the latter by its flower veins and lip morphology. Molecular analysis based on nuclear (ITS) DNA clearly indicated a relationship of the natural hybrid to group of Cymbidium species, whereas the plastid DNA (matK and rbcL) tree confirmed the natural hybrid as sister to C. tracyanum, C. subgenus Cyperorchis.

Cymbidium, Cyperorchis, Cymbidium subgenus Cyperorchis, Chinese orchids, natural hybrids, Monocots

Cymbidium ×shangrilaense S.Ke, Q.H.Zhang & S.R.Lan. A. Flowering plant. B. Flower, front view. C. Lip and column, sideview. D. inflorescence. E. Structure of the flower. F. Lip, upper view.
G. C. tracyanum flower. H. C. gaoligongense flower. 

Cymbidium ×shangrilaense S.Ke, Q.H.Zhang & S.R.Lan, hybr. nat. nov. 

(香格里拉兰) 

Shijie KE, Meng-Jia ZHU, Xuewei ZHAO, Ding-Kun LIU, Yuanyuan LI, Jie HUANG, Qing-Hai ZHANG, Zhong-Jian LIU and Siren LAN. 2022. Cymbidium ×shangrilaense (Orchidaceae; Epidendroideae), A New natural hybrid from China: evidence from morphology and molecular analyses.  Phytotaxa. 561(2); 183-190. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/phytotaxa.561.2.6 [2022-09-08]

 Researchgate.net/publication/363364007_Cymbidium_shangrilaense_a_new_natural_hybrid_from_China

[Botany • 2025] Cornukaempferia puangpeniae & C. aurantiiflora var. vespera (Zingiberaceae) • New Taxa from northern Thailand

  

Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa, 

in P. Saensouk, S. Saensouk, Boonma, Techa, Rakarcha, Ragsasilp et Nguyen, 2025. 

เปราะทองอาจารย์พวงเพ็ญ  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41603  

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Abstract

Thailand hosts a diverse array of plants in the Zingiberaceae family, with over 150 endemic species, highlighting its significance in global biodiversity. The genus Cornukaempferia stands out for its ornamental and medicinal value. During a research expedition in Northern Thailand, a previously unknown Cornukaempferia species was discovered in Sukhothai province, expanding the known distribution range. It was confirmed through comprehensive taxonomic analysis as a new species, Cornukaempferia puangpeniae. Additionally, a new variety, C. aurantiiflora var. vespera, was identified in Uttaradit Province. The genus now encompasses eight species and two varieties with the addition of these taxa, exhibiting a notable prevalence in Thailand and highlighting its significant endemism. Particularly, C. larsenii is noteworthy for being native to Thailand and Laos. Detailed morphological descriptions, including diagnoses with related taxa, were provided. The species' ecological characteristics, pollen morphology, traditional uses, and conservation status were documented. A revised key to species and varieties in the genus Cornukaempferia, including a UPGMA cluster analysis dendrogram elucidating morphological relationships within the genus, was presented. These discoveries contribute to the botanical knowledge of the region, underscoring the importance of continued exploration and conservation efforts in preserving its rich flora.

 

Keywords: Cornukaempferia, new species, Sukhothai, Taxonomy, Uttaradit, Zingiberaceae

Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P. Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa sp. nov.;
 (A) young leaf is rolled and erect before unfurling; (B) flower; (C) habit; (D) habitat

 (Photographs: A–B by T. Boonma, C by S. Saensouk, D by C. Techa).

 Cornukaempferia puangpeniae P.Saensouk, Saensouk, Boonma & Techa sp. nov

Diagnosis: Similar to C. kamolwaniae Picheans., Yupparach & Wongsuwan, but differs, particularly in dormancy characteristics, in having a tuberous root with two layers: a light brown core and an outer yellow layer (vs. C. kamolwaniae, which have a brownish inner core, followed by an orange-brownish middle layer, and finally an outer layer in yellow-oak); leaf sheath 5–7 cm long (vs. 3.5–4 cm long); lamina adaxially dark green with a dark reddish-purple tinge (vs. dark green without a dark reddish-purple tinge); bracts pubescent (vs. glabrous with a pubescent apex); floral tube sparsely hairy (vs. glabrous); staminodes apex acute (vs. apex rounded); labellum apex acute without incision (vs. apex rounded with an incision 2–3 mm long); filament 4.5–5 mm long, sparsely hairy (vs. 7–9 mm long, glabrous); anther 2.5–2.8 cm long (vs. 1.5–1.8 cm long); epigynous glands measure approximately 4 mm in length (vs. 1–2 mm in length).

Etymology: The specific epithet “puangpeniae” is a tribute to Prof. Dr. Puangpen Sirirugsa, a renowned botanist with expertise in Zingiberaceae. She holds the distinction of being the first Thai researcher to conduct extensive studies on the Zingiberaceae family in Thailand.

Cornukaempferia aurantiiflora var. vespera P. Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma var. nov.;
(A) habit in natural habitat; (B) top view of flower; (C) top view of habit

(Photographs: A by T. Boonma, B–C by S. Saensouk).

 Cornukaempferia aurantiiflora var. vespera P.Saensouk, Saensouk & Boonma var. nov

Etymology: “vespera” is derived from the Latin word “vesperum”, meaning “evening”, which refers to its flower blooming in the evening.

Piyaporn Saensouk, Surapon Saensouk, Thawatphong Boonma, Chainarong Techa, Sarayut Rakarcha, Areerat Ragsasilp and Danh Duc Nguyen. 2025. Cornukaempferia puangpeniae sp. nov. and C. aurantiiflora var. vespera var. nov. (Zingiberaceae) from Northern Thailand.  Heliyon. 11(2), e41603. DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e41603  

  facebook.com/SaensoukLab/posts/122203363100172160

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[Herpetology • 2025] Protobothrops flavirostris • A New endemic Karst-associated Species of Lance-headed Pit Viper (Serpentes: Viperidae: Protobothrops) from Laos

Protobothrops flavirostris 

Grassby-Lewis, Brakels, Maury, Sitthivong, Frohlich, Pawangkhanant, Idiiatullina, Nguyen & Poyarkov, 2025

Vang Vieng Lance-headed pit viper | ງູເພົາກະບາຄໍກົບ || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e146004  

Abstract

We describe a new species of lance-headed pit viper from north-western Laos, based on morphological and molecular (6092 bp from cyt b, ND4, COI, 12S rRNA and 16S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes and c-mos and RAG1 nuclear DNA genes) lines of evidence. Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov. is easily distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: dorsal scales in 23–21–17 rows, all keeled; ventral scales 215; subcaudal scales 79, all paired; supralabials 7–8; infralabials 10; horn-like projections on supraoculars absent; head triangular with a typical lance-shaped pattern on its dorsal surface; three faint dark vertical stripes on the snout; head blackish-brown with rostral, nasals, preoculars, loreals and the two anterior supralabials, as well as the anterior parts of supraoculars yellow-orange; dorsal surfaces of body and tail brown or greyish-brown, dorsum with large dark reddish-brown cross-shaped blotches, edged in black, somewhat fused together forming an interrupted zigzag line and a row of large brown ventrolateral blotches on each side. The new species differs from the morphologically similar species Protobothrops kelomohy by a significant divergence in cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences (p = 7.8%). The new species is currently known only from tropical limestone forest of Vientiane Province, north-western Laos (elevation 362 m a.s.l.). We suggest the new species be considered as Endangered (EN) following the IUCN’s Red List categories.

Key Words: Indochina, limestone, morphology, molecular phylogeny, Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov., systematics, Vientiane Province

Family Viperidae Oppel, 1811

Subfamily Crotalinae Oppel, 1811

Genus Protobothrops Hoge & Romano-Hoge, 1983

The holotype of Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov. in life in situ (NUOL 2024.89, adult female).

photograph by R.J. Grassby-Lewis.

The holotype of Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov. in life (NUOL 2024.89, adult female)
A general dorsal view B general ventral view C lateral view of the head, right side D lateral view of the head, left side E dorsal view of the head; F Ventral view of the head.

photographs by R.J. Grassby-Lewis (A, B, D–F) and N. Maury (C).

Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov. differs from other members of the genus Protobothrops by the following combination of the morphological characters: dorsal scales in 23–21–17 rows, all keeled; ventral scales 215; subcaudal scales 79, all paired; supralabials 7–8; infralabials 10; horn-like projection on supraocular absent; head triangular with a typical lance-shaped pattern on dorsal surface; three faint dark vertical stripes on snout; head blackish-brown with rostral, nasals, preoculars, loreals and the two anterior supralabials, as well as the anterior parts of supraoculars yellow-orange; dorsal surfaces of body and tail brown or greyish-brown, dorsum with large dark reddish-brown cross-shaped blotches, edged with black, somewhat fused together forming an interrupted zigzag line; and a row of large brown ventrolateral blotches on each side.

Etymology. The specific name “flavirostris” is a Latin adjective in the nominative singular, masculine gender, derived from Latin words “flāvus” for “yellow” and “rostrum” for “snout” or “beak” and is given in reference to the characteristic yellowish colouration of the snout in the new species. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: “Vang Vieng lance-headed pit viper” (in English), “Ngu Phao Ka Ba Khor Kop” (“ງູເພົາກະບາຄໍກົບ”, in Lao) and “Laosskiy habu” (“Лаосский хабу”, in Russian). Furthermore, the new species is well-known to the Hmong people living in village communities around Vang Vieng and their local name for this species is “nan jaow ka,” which is roughly translated as “a snake that can open its mouth very wide” or “big-mouthed snake”.

Habitat of Protobothrops flavirostris sp. nov. 
 Macrohabitat of the new species at the type locality, Vang Vieng District, Vientiane Province, Laos (A); uncollected adult snake (sex unknown) from Nang Oua Khiam Cave, Vang Vieng, Vientian, Laos in life in situ (B); uncollected adult snake (sex unknown) from Khan Kham Cave, Vang Vieng, Vientian, Laos in life in situ (C).

photographs by P. Brakels (A); J. Wohlschiess (B); and P.L. Stenger (C).

 

 Rupert J. Grassby-Lewis, Peter Brakels, Nathanaël Maury, Saly Sitthivong, David Frohlich, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Sabira S. Idiiatullina, Tan Van Nguyen and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A New endemic Karst-associated Species of Lance-headed Pit Viper (Squamata, Viperidae, Protobothrops) from Laos. Herpetozoa. 38: 43-60. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e146004