[Herpetology • 2024] Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

 Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis  Chen, Yu, Meng & Qin,

in Yu, Qin, Meng, Li, Peng & Chen, 2024  

大瑶山掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.121027

Abstract

A new species of the Asian leaf litter toad genus Leptobrachella, L. dayaoshanensis sp. nov., is described based on phylogenetic analysis, morphological characters, and bioacoustic data. This species occurs in the Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve located in Jinxiu County, Guangxi, China. Phylogenetic analysis indicates that this new species is closely related to L. verrucosa, as demonstrated by phylogenetic trees. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium size (mean snout–vent length (SVL) of 27.9 ± 0.7 mm, range 26.6–28.9 mm in males; 34.4 mm in female); (2) rough dorsal surface featuring small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) flanks adorned with irregular black spots and creamy white glands; (4) creamy white ventral surface with sparse light-brown spots and irregular tiny textures; (5) brown throat and chest; (6) rudimentary toe webbing; (7) wide lateral fringes on toes; (8) distinct continuous ventrolateral glandular line; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the midpoint of eye when the leg is extended forward; (10) heels that do not meet when thighs are appressed at right angles to body; (11) bicolored iris, with the upper half being copper and gradually transitioning to silver in the lower half; and (12) advertisement calls consisting of two model types, with dominant frequencies of 4.2–6.8 kHz at 21.0 °C. The new species has a breeding season that occurs from March to April and is found in evergreen forests at elevations between 1,000 and 1,600 m.

Key words: Bioacoustics, cryptic diversity, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

 

The holotype of Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis sp. nov.
 A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsolateral view D calling in the field E ventral view of hand F ventral view of foot.

 Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis Chen, Yu, Meng & Qin, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: Leptobrachella dayaoshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium size (SVL mean 27.9 ± 0.7 mm, range 26.6–28.9 mm in males; 34.4 mm in female); (2) dorsal surface rough with small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) flanks with irregular black spots and creamy-white glands; (4) ventral surface creamy-white with sparse, light-brown spots and irregular, tiny textures; (5) brown throat and chest; (6) rudimentary toe webbing; (7) wide toes lateral fringes; (8) distinct continued ventrolateral glandular line; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the midpoint of eye when the leg is pressed forward; (10) heels not meeting when thighs are appressed at right angles to body; (11) bicolored iris, with upper half copper, gradually transitioning to silver in lower half; and (12) advertisement calls consisting of two types models, with dominant frequencies of 4.2–6.8 kHz (21.0 °C).

Etymology: The species name dayaoshanensis refers to the type locality, Mount Dayaoshan. The suggested English name is Dayaoshan Leaf Litter Toad, and the Chinese name is Da Yao Shan Zhang Tu Chan (大瑶山掌突蟾).

 

 Gui-Dong Yu, Kun Qin, Tao Meng, Peng Li, Wan-Xiao Peng and Wei-Cai Chen. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from Dayaoshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1219: 105-122. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1219.121027

[Herpetology • 2024] Atelopus colomai • A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador

Atelopus colomai

Plewnia, Terán-Valdez, Culebras, Boistel, Paluh, Quezada Riera, Heine, Reyes-Puig, Salazar-Valenzuela, Guayasamin & Lötters, 2024 

 

 SALAMANDRA. 60(4) 

  Researchgate.net/publication/385849022

  facebook.com: Amadeus Plewnia

Abstract

 For nearly four decades, harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, have sufered unparalleled population declines. While this also results in limited understanding of alphataxonomic relationships, these toads face an urgent need for advances in systematics to inform conservation eforts. However, high intraspecifc variation and cryptic diversity have hindered a comprehensive understanding of Atelopus diversity. Tis is particularly exemplifed among Amazonian populations related to A. spumarius, where decades of taxonomic work have not been able yet to unravel relationships between the many forms, while the names coined so far have led to taxonomic confusion leaving numerous lineages unnamed. A recent comprehensive phylogenetic study has revealed new insights into the systematics of harlequin toads with an emphasis on Amazonian forms, identifying several unnamed lineages. We here describe one of these evolutionary lineages as a new species, restricted to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in an integrative taxonomic approach using molecular, morphological, bioacoustic and larval information. With this, we contribute to a better understanding of Atelopus diversity as the baseline of conservation action.

 Key words. Amphibia, Anura, amphibian crisis, bioacoustics, cryptic diversity, Neotropics, osteology, integrative taxonomy

  Ontogenetic change in an individual of Atelopus colomai sp. n. from tadpole to subadult, reared under laboratory conditions at CJ from parental stock collected at the type locality (specimens not preserved).
Upper lef: CJ (sc 10997), Stage 25, lateral, dorsal and ventral views, total length = 8.3 mm; upper right: Stage 41, total length = 14.5 mm; Stage 42, total length = 14.1 mm; Stage 46, 71 days afer Stage 25, 6.8 mm SVL; bottom: subadult 244 days afer Stage 46, 18 mm SVL.

Scale bar 10 mm. Photos by Steven Guevara Salvador, CJ.

Atelopus colomai sp. n.

Diagnosis: Atelopus colomai sp. n. (Figs 1–2, S1) can be readily distinguished from all other Atelopus species (as far known) by molecular genetics (monophyly in a concatenated (12S, 16S, CytB) mitochondrial phylogeny, support by molecular species delimitation and lack of haplotype sharing in POMC, Lötters et al. in press). It can be morphologically distinguished from all congeners by the combination of small size, dorsal and lateral skin covered with dense well-defned minute spiculae, ventral skin smooth to slightly areolate, presence of a columella and dorsal ...

Etymology: We dedicate this species to our friend and colleague Luis A. Coloma, who has continuously contributed to the study and protection of harlequin toads for decades. Te specifc name colomai is an eponym (i.e. a noun in genitive case). As English common name, we propose ‘Coloma’s harlequin toad’

 

Amadeus Plewnia, Andrea Terán-Valdez, Jaime Culebras, Renaud Boistel, Daniel J. Paluh, Amanda B. Quezada Riera, Christopher H. Heine, Juan P. Reyes-Puig, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Juan Manuel Guayasamin and Stefan Lötters. 2024. A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador. SALAMANDRA. 60(4); 237–253. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/385849022_A_new_species_of_Atelopus_from_Amazonian_Ecuador

  facebook.com/AmadeusPlewnia1/posts/1225238708708267

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1068990611903754

[Mammalogy • 2024] Callosciurus concolor & Tamiops barbei • Lost in Synonymy: Integrative Species Delimitation reveals Two unrecognized Species of Southern Asian Tree Squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callosciurinae)

  

 the skins of (A) Callosciurus caniceps (NHMUK 41.1817, lectotype);
live images of (B) C. caniceps caniceps taken by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul (Te’) in Bangkok, Thailand;
(C) C. caniceps bimaculatus taken by Pattaraporn Vangtal in Railay Bay Beach, Krabi, Thailand; and
(D) C. concolor taken by Cheong Weng Chun in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.

in Hinckley, Maldonado, Tamura, Leonard & Hawkins, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e133467

Abstract

We present a comprehensive integrative taxonomic review of Callosciurus caniceps and Tamiops mcclellandii as they are currently defined. This review combines published molecular evidence, craniodental morphometrics, pelage and bacular variation, evaluations of potential hybrid zones using museum specimens and citizen science photographs, and, for C. caniceps, bioacoustic evidence. Our findings lead to the recognition of two species that had been lost in synonymy and highlight future perspectives on species delimitation in Sciuridae. By comparing phenotypic differentiation across climatic and vegetation transitions and contextualizing our results with the evolutionary history of our study systems, we provide insights into distribution, ecogeographical patterns, and speciation drivers in Southeast Asian vertebrates.

Keywords: Baculum, bioacoustics, biodiversity, citizen science, Mammalia, morphometrics, Southeast Asia, speciation, taxonomy

Taxonomic revision: 

Based on our findings, which unite molecular phylogenetic (Hinckley et al. 2023a), morphological evidence described below and in previous studies (Pocock 1923; Moore and Tate 1965; Hayashida et al. 2006), and bioacoustic data (in C. caniceps sensu lato), we conclude that the populations of Callosciurus caniceps sensu lato inhabiting Sundaland, and Tamiops mcclellandii sensu lato populations to the east of the Himalayas and Arakan range, should be recognized as distinct species. We revalidate the specific status of Callosciurus concolor (Blyth, 1855) and Tamiops barbei (Blyth, 1847), as these names represent the earliest descriptions of these separately evolving lineages. Additionally, we provide emended diagnoses and detailed species comparisons for both taxa and their sister species.

Dorsal and ventral views of the skins of (A) Callosciurus caniceps (NHMUK 41.1817, lectotype); live images of (B) C. caniceps caniceps taken by Natthaphat Chotjuckdikul (Te’) in Bangkok, Thailand; (C) C. caniceps bimaculatus taken by Pattaraporn Vangtal in Railay Bay Beach, Krabi, Thailand; and (D) C. concolor taken by Cheong Weng Chun in Fraser’s Hill, Pahang, Malaysia.

Callosciurus caniceps (Gray, 1842)

Common name: Northern gray-bellied squirrel

กระรอกปลายหางดำเหนือ

Callosciurus concolor (Blyth, 1855)

Common name: Southern gray-bellied squirrel

กระรอกปลายหางดำใต้

Tamiops mcclellandii (Horsfield, 1839)

Common name. Himalayan striped squirrel

กระเล็นขนปลายหูสั้น

Tamiops barbei (Blyth, 1847)

Common name. Southeast Asian striped squirrel

กระเล็น

 Arlo Hinckley, Jesús E. Maldonado, Noriko Tamura, Jennifer A. Leonard and Melissa T. R. Hawkins. 2024. Lost in Synonymy: Integrative Species Delimitation reveals Two unrecognized Species of Southern Asian Tree Squirrels (Rodentia: Sciuridae: Callosciurinae). Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 683-707. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e133467

[Herpetology • 2024] Brachycephalus dacnis • Among the World’s Smallest Vertebrates: A New miniaturized Flea-toad (Brachycephalidae) from the Atlantic Rainforest

Brachycephalus dacnis 

 Toledo​, Botelho, Carrasco-Medina, Gray, Ernetti, Gama, Lyra, Blackburn, Nunes & Muscat, 2024 

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.18265  

 Researchgate.net/publication/385243914

Abstract 

The genus Brachycephalus includes miniaturized toadlets with two distinct morphotypes: brightly colored species with a bufoniform phenotype and smaller, cryptic species with a leptodactyliform phenotype. The diversity of leptodactyliform species is still underappreciated, and we generally lack fundamental information about their biology. Recent sampling efforts, including DNA analyses and recordings of advertisement calls, have improved our understanding of this group. In the present study, we describe a new species of Brachycephalus, one of the smallest vertebrates known. This new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of morphological, bioacoustic, and genetic data. Despite being among the smallest frogs globally (the second smallest amphibian species), it exhibits skeletal traits typical of larger frogs, such as the presence of cranial bones that are lost or fused in other miniature frogs, including other Brachycephalus. Our description underscores how new discoveries within the megadiverse fauna of the Atlantic Forest—a rich biodiversity hotspot—can provide insights into phenotypic variation, including vertebrate body size. By describing this new species, we also aim to revisit the hypothesis that the type series of B. hermogenesi includes two species, potentially including individuals of the species described here.

Brachycephalus dacnis paratype (ZUEC-AMP 25612) adult male, SVL = 7.89 mm.
(A) Dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) ventral view of hand, (D) ventral view of feet.

Brachycephalus dacnis paratype individuals found at the Projeto Dacnis private reserve, municipality of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil.
(A) ZUEC-AMP 25272; (B) ZUEC-AMP 25274; (C and D) ZUEC-AMP 25275 displaying mouth-gaping behavior and the same individual on top of one herpetologist’s fingertip.

Brachycephalus dacnis sp. nov.  

Diagnosis–The new species is assigned to the genus Brachycephalus because of its miniature body size, fewer phalanges and toes than a typical frog, fingers and toe tips not expanded but apically pointed, and toes lacking circumferential grooves. The new species can be diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) “leptodactyliform” body shape; (2) adult body length (SVL) smaller than 1 cm; (3) distinct and functional toes II and V; (4) presence of vestigial fingers I and IV; (5) distinct iris; (6) absence of dark markings on the skin over the pectoral region; (7) dark black or pale brown marbled venter with small white blotches in preserved specimens; (8) and advertisement call composed of one or two multi-pulsed (3–7 pulses) note with dominant frequency between 8.01 and 8.44 kHz, note duration between 0.03–0.08 s (when isolated), up to 0.41 s (when in pairs), and absence of attenuated notes.

Etymology–The specific epithet name ‘dacnis’ honors the Projeto Dacnis private reserve and NGO that has supported biodiversity research since 2010 in the municipalities of São José dos Campos, Miracatu and Ubatuba (where the new species was discovered), state of São Paulo, Brazil. The name is used as an invariable noun in apposition to the generic name.

 Luís Felipe Toledo​, Lucas Machado Botelho, Andres Santiago Carrasco-Medina, Jaimi A. Gray, Julia R. Ernetti, Joana Moura Gama, Mariana Lucio Lyra, David C. Blackburn, Ivan Nunes amd Edelcio Muscat. 2024. Among the World’s Smallest Vertebrates: A New miniaturized Flea-toad (Brachycephalidae) from the Atlantic rainforest. PeerJ. 12:e18265 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18265 

  Researchgate.net/publication/385243914_Aa_new_miniaturized_flea-toad_Brachycephalidae_from_the_Atlantic_rainforest

[Herpetology • 2024] Boophis janewayae, B. kirki, B. picardi, etc. • Communicator Whistles: A Trek through the Taxonomy of the Boophis marojezensis Complex (Anura: Mantellidae) reveals Seven New, morphologically cryptic Treefrogs from Madagascar

Boophis archeri, Boophis burnhamae,  
Boophis janewayae, Boophis picardi,   
Boophis kirki

Vences, Köhler, Hutter, Preick, Petzold, Rakotoarison, Ratsoavina, Glaw & Scherz, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e121110 

 facebook.com/MDScherz

Abstract

The Malagasy stream-breeding treefrog species Boophis marojezensis contains bioacoustically and genetically highly divergent populations. Some of these populations have been defined as candidate species and emit somewhat bizarre advertisement calls consisting of multiple whistle-notes. We here enable a long-overdue taxonomic revision of this species complex by applying a museomics approach to sequence DNA from the holotype of B. marojezensis. Based on an integrative approach that combines divergence levels in mitochondrial DNA and in three nuclear-encoded genes, morphological data, and bioacoustic comparisons, we conclude that eight different species exist in this complex, seven of which are formally described herein as new. Although morphological differences between species are small and mainly separate small-sized from larger-sized species, conclusive evidence for the new species comes from their sympatric and sometimes syntopic occurrence without haplotype sharing in three nuclear genes and under maintenance of bioacoustic differences. Uncorrected genetic divergences in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene are >3% in almost all cases, and in some cases up to 8%. In reference to the otherworldly sounds by which these frogs fill Malagasy rainforests, some of them reminiscent of sounds of technical equipment in the fictional “Star Trek” universe, we here name and describe the seven new species in honor of fictional captains of starships, namely B. kirki sp. nov., B. picardi sp. nov., B. siskoi sp. nov., B. janewayae sp. nov., B. archeri sp. nov., B. pikei sp. nov., and B. burnhamae sp. nov. The majority of these species occur in northern Madagascar, where up to three species can occur in immediate geographical proximity, e.g., B. marojezensis, B. burnhamae sp. nov. and B. pikei sp. nov. at different elevations in the Marojejy Massif. South of 16°S latitude, only B. janewayae sp. nov., B. picardi sp. nov., and B. kirki sp. nov. are found, with the latter extending southwards to Ranomafana National Park. Our study confirms the existence of numerous morphologically cryptic and microendemic species among Madagascar’s amphibians, some of which are known only from unprotected sites and require adequate conservation management.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Boophis archeri sp. nov., Boophis burnhamae sp. nov., Boophis janewayae sp. nov., Boophis kirki sp. nov., Boophis picardi sp. nov., Boophis pikei sp. nov., Boophis siskoi sp. nov., cryptic species, integrative taxonomy, molecular genetics, museomics, systematics

Individuals of Boophis marojezensis in life.
A Male holotype (ZFMK 57401) from Marojejy (low elevation). B Male paratype (ZSM 567/1999, previously ZFMK 57402).
C Individual from Masoala probably assignable to this species (not sequenced). D Male from Masoala (ZSM 250/2016, FGZC 5439).

 

Boophis siskoi, Boophis pikei, 
Boophis archeri, Boophis burnhamae

 

 Miguel Vences, Jörn Köhler, Carl R. Hutter, Michaela Preick, Alice Petzold, Andolalao Rakotoarison, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Frank Glaw amd Mark D. Scherz. 2024. Communicator Whistles: A Trek through the Taxonomy of the Boophis marojezensis Complex reveals Seven New, morphologically cryptic Treefrogs from Madagascar (Amphibia: Anura: Mantellidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 643-681. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.74.e121110

  facebook.com/MDScherz/posts/1088585949938134

  x.com/MarkScherz/status/1846114210872193055

[Herpetology • 2024] Cacosternum cederbergense • A New Species of Dainty Frog (Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Cacosternum) and the first endemic anuran to the Cederberg Region of South Africa

Cacosternum cederbergense 

Angus, Telford, Ping & Conradie, 2024

Cederberg Dainty Frog or Cederberg Caco  || DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5512.1.1

 instagram.com/ReptilesofSouthAfrica

 www.TyronePing.co.za

 

Abstract

Within the genus Cacosternum, the species C. capense and C. namaquense form a clade defined by their robust morphology, large size, and distinct dorsolateral glands. In this study, we describe a third member of the group endemic to the Cederberg region of South Africa. Specimens from this area have historically been assigned to C. karooicum, but here we show that this population is genetically unrelated. Using a combination of molecular, morphological, and acoustic data, we provide evidence to show that the Cederberg population of C. karooicum represents an undescribed species within the C. capense group. The new species can be diagnosed from its closest phylogenetic relatives, C. capense and C. namaquense, by the absence of a dark streak running downwards from the pupil into the iris, the presence of large rictal glands that form an uninterrupted arc with the angle of the jaw, heart-shaped palmar tubercles, and an advertisement call with a dominant frequency below 2 kHz. We further discuss their natural history, distribution, and conservation.

Amphibia, endemic, conservation, arid, southwestern Cape

Oliver Angus, Nicolas Telford, Tyrone Ping and Werner Conradie. 2024. A New Species of Dainty Frog (Anura: Pyxicephalidae: Cacosternum) and the first endemic anuran to the Cederberg Region of South Africa.  Zootaxa. 5512(1); 1-21. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5512.1.1

 instagram.com/p/DADIJF6KcFN

 www.tyroneping.co.za/amphibians-of-southern-africa/cacosternum-cederbergense-cederberg-dainty-frog-or-cederberg-cac0

[Herpetology • 2024] Tree Holes to Trash: Unique Upside-down Terrestrial Spawning, Agonistic Interactions, Complex Mating Calls, and Unnatural Breeding Alterations in Minervarya charlesdarwini (Anura: Dicroglossidae)

Charles Darwin's Frog (Minervarya charlesdarwini) from the Andaman Islands of India

in Biju, Garg, Gokulakrishnan, Sivaperuman, Upadhyaya, Bee et Hanken, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3099/0006-9698-577.1.1

Abstract

Anuran amphibians exhibit the greatest diversity of reproductive modes among tetrapod vertebrates. The Andamanese Charles Darwin's frog, Minervarya charlesdarwini, is the only species of the family Dicroglossidae that is known to naturally deposit eggs in water-filled cavities of tree holes or buttresses, where they then undergo exotrophic development. We describe the reproductive behavior in this species that involves a unique combination of traits: (1) Males produce complex advertisement calls comprising at least three different call types, in addition to a type of aggressive call. (2) Unpaired males exhibit agonistic interactions with each other and with mated pairs. (3) Mate selection, amplexus, and oviposition take place inside water-filled cavities. (4) During axillary amplexus, mating pairs synchronously switch between head-up and head-down positions above and below the water surface using both forward and backward movements. (5) At the time of egg laying, amplectant pairs are in an upside-down position on the cavity walls with their bodies completely outside the water. (6) Eggs are deposited over multiple bouts on the inner walls of the cavities and terrestrially above the water surface. Upside-down spawning in M. charlesdarwini is a unique trait among phytotelm-breeding terrestrial frogs. The combination of terrestrial oviposition sites in water-filled phytotelmata and the upside-down egg-laying posture is a novel report for the family Dicroglossidae and perhaps all anurans. This specialized behavior is also likely derived for a species that is embedded in a group of largely aquatic-breeding minervaryan frogs. Although M. charlesdarwini appears to be an obligate phytotelm breeder, individuals were often observed breeding inside cylindrical, water-filled plastic sapling bags in plant nurseries adjacent to fragmented forest patches, or in rain-filled discarded plastic, glass, or metal containers left as trash at the forest edge. Use of such unnatural breeding sites is likely a forced behavioral shift in response to rapidly changing forest landscapes associated with recent habitat loss and fragmentation. Our findings call for conservation attention to this habitat specialist, which, although locally abundant, is an endemic and threatened species of the Andaman Islands.

KEYWORDS: Amphibia, amplexus, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, bioacoustics, conservation, frog behavior, oviposition, phytotelm breeding, reproductive mode

A breeding pair of Charles Darwin's Frog (Minervarya charlesdarwini) from the Andaman Islands of India.

photo: S.D. Biju

A male Charles Darwin's frog calling from an unnatural breeding site: a rain-filled metal food tin littered on the forest floor.

photo: G. Gokulakrishnan

 

S. D. Biju, Sonali Garg, G. Gokulakrishnan, Chandrakasan Sivaperuman, RadhaKrishna K. Upadhyaya, Mark A. Bee, and James Hanken. 2024. Tree Holes to Trash: Unique Upside-down Terrestrial Spawning, Agonistic Interactions, Complex Mating Calls, and Unnatural Breeding Alterations in Minervarya charlesdarwini (Anura, Dicroglossidae). Breviora. 577(1), 1-33. DOI: doi.org/10.3099/0006-9698-577.1.1

[Herpetology • 2024] Xenophrys yingjiangensis • A Field Survey on the Genus Xenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) confirms underestimated diversity in the Gaoligong Mountains, with the description of A New Species

 Xenophrys yingjiangensis Wu, Yu, Chen & Che, 

 in Wu, Yu, Chen, Kilunda, Zhang, Zuo, Zuo, Duan et Che, 2024. 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.127635

Abstract

The Gaoligong Mountains, located in the western part of China’s Yunnan Province adjoining northern Myanmar, harbor a striking diversity of species and endemism. Previous studies have shown that amphibian diversity in this region remains underestimated. A field survey carried out in 2023 oversaw a collection of eight Xenophrys specimens from the Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province, China. Subsequent molecular analyses revealed two distinct and previously undescribed lineages. Based on morphological evidence, we formally describe one of the lineages as a new species and tentatively assign the other lineage to X. sp. due to the absence of adult specimens for examination. Our results bring the total number of Xenophrys species to 29 and the number of Xenophrys species known to occur in China to 11. Furthermore, our study reveals that five species and putative species of Xenophrys (X. dehongensis, X. glandulosa, X. periosa, X. yingjiangensis sp. nov., and X. sp.) exhibit sympatric distribution. These findings highlight the need for future research to investigate the mechanisms of sympatric coexistence in Xenophrys. In addition, our study confirms that the amphibian diversity of the Gaoligong Mountains is undoubtedly underestimated. As a result, continued exploration of amphibians in the future is necessary to obtain a clearer understanding of the overall biodiversity in this region.

Key Words: Biodiversity, cryptic species, frog, sympatric distribution, Tongbiguan Provincial Nature Reserve, Xenophrys yingjiangensis sp. nov.

 Xenophrys yingjiangensis Wu, Yu, Chen & Che, sp. nov.
Views of the Holotype KIZ 053848 in life. A. Lateral view; B. Lateral view of head; C. Dorsal view of hindlimbs; D. Ventral view; E. Ventral view of hand, and F. Ventral view of foot.

 Photos by Zhong-Bin Yu.

 Xenophrys yingjiangensis Wu, Yu, Chen & Che, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Xenophrys yingjiangensis sp. nov. differs from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) medium adult size, adult male SVL 44.6–49.8 mm (N=5); (2) head slightly longer than wide; (3) tympanum distinct, narrow anteriorly, slightly widening posteriorly; (4) pupil vertically elliptical; (5) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth present; (6) tongue large, oval-shaped, feebly notched posteriorly; (7) relative finger lengths: II < IV < I < III; (8) the heels slightly overlapping when the tibias are positioned at right angles to the body axis; (9) tibio-tarsal articulation of straightened limb reaching the nostril; (10) lateral dermal fringes on toes distinct, narrow; (11) toes with rudimentary webbing; (12) inner metatarsal tubercle large, elongate; (13) a distinct narrow ‘\ /’-shaped parietoscapular ridge present; (14) flesh pink ventral surface of thighs.

Etymology: The specific epithet “yingjiang” is a Latinized adjective derived from the name of Yingjiang County, Yunnan Province, China, where the new species occurs. We propose the English common name “Yingjiang horned toad” and the Chinese common name “Yíng Jiāng Jiǎo Chán (盈江角蟾)”.

 

 Yun-He Wu, Zhong-Bin Yu, Jin-Min Chen, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Ding-Can Zhang, Chang-Sheng Zuo, An-Ru Zuo, Zheng-Pan Duan and Jing Che. 2024. A Field Survey on the Genus Xenophrys (Amphibia, Megophryidae) confirms underestimated diversity in the Gaoligong Mountains, with the description of A New Species. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(3): 1041-1052. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.127635

[Paleontology • 2024] Caipirasuchus catanduvensis • A New Species of vocalizing Crocodyliform (Notosuchia: Sphagesauridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil

 

Caipirasuchus catanduvensis 

 Iori, Ghilardi, Fernandes & Dias, 2024

DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2364332

 x.com/AlineMGhilardi

ABSTRACT

Caipirasuchus is a genus of sphagesaurid notosuchian from the Bauru Basin (Upper Cretaceous), southeast Brazil. They were small-sized herbivorous/omnivorous animals, that measured around 1 metre in length, and had a wide diversity and geographical dispersion in the basin. Here, we diagnosed the 6th species of the genus, originating from sandstones of the Adamantina Formation in the municipality of Catanduva, São Paulo State. Caipirasuchus presents a significant variation in the morphology of structures in the choana region. In particular, the new species has chambers in the wings of the pterygoids that connect with an extension of the airways, suggesting a region of resonance used in vocalisation. The different palatal structures in Caipirasuchus may be related to distinct bioacoustic signatures and indicate apossible improvement in the social organisation of Caipirasuchus.

KEYWORDS: Crocodylomorpha, crocodyliformes, Adamantina formation, bioacoustics, vocalization, Bauru Basin

Caipirasuchus catanduvensis 

Fabiano V. Iori, Aline M. Ghilardi, Marcelo A. Fernandes and Willian A.F. Dias. 2024. A New Species of vocalizing Crocodyliform (Notosuchia, Sphagesauridae) from the Late Cretaceous of Brazil. Historical Biology: An International Journal of Paleobiology. DOI: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2364332

 x.com/AlineMGhilardi/status/1801587794671726791

[Herpetology • 2024] Gephyromantis ampondo, G. bemiray, etc. • Four New Species of Forest-dwelling mantellid frogs from Madagascar allied to Gephyromantis moseri (Anura: Mantellidae)

Gephyromantis ampondo

Vences, Köhler, Scherz, Hutter, Rabe Maheritafika, Rafanoharana, Raherinjatovo, Rakotoarison, Andreone, Raselimanana & Glaw, 2024

 

  x.com/MarkScherz   www.MarkScherz.com 

  Researchgate.net/publication/380205617

The Gephyromantis moseri complex, classified in the mantellid subgenus Duboi­mantis, currently contains one species of frog, G. moseri (Glaw & Vences, 2002) from the Andasibe area in the Northern Central East of Madagascar, as well as several genetically divergent populations from the North East that have been provision -ally assigned to the species. We here analyse DNA sequences of one mitochondrial (16S rRNA) and one nuclear-encoded gene (RAG-1), morphology, and advertisement calls of newly collected material of this species complex from various localities in Madagascar. Based on this integrative evidence, in particular concordant nuclear gene differentiation between seven highly divergent (> 4 %) mitochondrial lineages, as well as differences in advertisement call structure, body size and head shape between some of these lineages, we conclude that the G. moseri complex contains several additional species of which four are formally named and described in this study: G. fuscus sp. nov., a rather small-sized species sister to G. moseri, occurring in two sites (Mahasoa and the western part of the Makira Reserve), G. ma­kira sp. nov., a species known from only one available voucher specimen from eastern Makira, G. bemiray sp. nov. from eastern Makira, Masoala, and Ambolokopatrika; and G. ampondo sp. nov. from Marojejy in the North East. Two further lineages for which voucher specimens were not available in the framework of this study are considered unconfirmed candidate species G. sp. Ca19 and G. sp. Ca33,pending the collection of further material. The revision of the G. moseri complex adds to the diversity of Duboimantis and once more demonstrates the existence of secretive or genuinely rare restricted-range species among the Malagasy frogs whose inventory can only be completed by further fieldwork and integrative taxonomic research. 

Gephyromantis ampondo

Gephyromantis bemiray

Gephyromantis fuscus

Gephyromantis makira

Vences M, Köhler J, Scherz MD, Hutter CR, Rabe Maheritafika HM, Rafanoharana JM, Raherinjatovo H, Rakotoarison A, Andreone F, Raselimanana AP, Glaw F. 2024. Four New Species of Forest-dwelling mantellid frogs from Madagascar allied to Gephyromantis moseri (Amphibia, Anura). Spixiana. 46: 297–319. 

  x.com/MarkScherz/status/1785936107491721409

  Researchgate.net/publication/380205617_Four_new_species_of_Gephyromantis_from_Madagascar 

[Herpetology • 2024] Pristimantis asimus • Similar looking Sisters: A New sibling Species in the Pristimantis danae group (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the southwestern Amazon Basin

Pristimantis asimus 

Köhler, Glaw, Aguilar-Puntriano, Castroviejo-Fisher, Chaparro, De la Riva, Gagliardi-Urrutia, Gutiérrez, Vences & Padial, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119143

Abstract

We describe a new frog species that is the sibling of Pristimantis reichlei. These two sister species inhabit the Amazonian lowlands and adjacent foothills of the Andes, from central Bolivia to central Peru. Pristimantis reichlei occurs from central Bolivia to southern Peru (Alto Purús National Park), while the new species occurs from northern Bolivia (Departamento Pando) to Panguana in central Peru (Departamento Huánuco), at elevations between 220 and 470 m a.s.l. In spite of their morphological crypsis, these siblings occur in syntopy without evidence of interbreeding (in the Alto Purús area) and are recovered as reciprocally monophyletic. Their uncorrected pairwise genetic distances in the 16S rRNA gene range from 9.5–13.5%, and their advertisement calls differ in both qualitative and quantitative traits. Moreover, our study found uncorrected pairwise distances within the new species of up to 5.0% and up to 9.3% within P. reichlei. We therefore cannot rule out the possible existence of hybrids or additional species-level lineages hidden in this complex. Furthermore, we found another potential pair of sibling species composed of P. danae and an unnamed lineage, with divergences of 9.4% in the 16S gene, whose in-depth analysis and taxonomic treatment are pending future revision. With the new nominal species, the Pristimantis danae species group now includes 20 species, distributed across the upper Amazon basin and in the eastern Andes, from western Brazil to Bolivia and Peru. Our study, together with an increasing number of other studies, indicates that sibling species are far from being rare among Amazonian amphibians and that species resolution remains low even for groups that have received considerable attention in recent years.

Key Words: Amphibia, bioacoustics, integrative taxonomy, morphology, molecular genetics, systematics, Bolivia, Brazil, Peru

Male holotype of Pristimantis asimus sp. nov. (MUSM 41241, FGZC 5342) from Panguana, Departamento Huánuco, Peru, in life (SVL 30.6 mm):
a. Dorsolateral view; b. Dorsal view (showing posterior thighs coloration); c. Ventral view.

Paratypes of Pristimantis asimus sp. nov. in life (dorsolateral and ventral views):
a. ZSM 1985/2008 (FGZC 3388; SVL 30.6 mm); b. ZSM 1986/2008 (FGZC 3389; SVL 28.4 mm); c. MUSM 29074 (FGZC 3273; SVL 28.3 mm), all from the type locality Panguana, Huánuco, Peru; d. CM 158600, from Río Sepahua, Ucayali, Peru.

 Pristimantis asimus sp. nov.

Definition: A medium-sized species of the Pristimantis danae species group (based on molecular relationships and morphological similarity), with 27.7‒30.6 mm SVL in adult males (n = 7), and 37.9 mm SVL in adult females (n = 1), characterized by: (1) skin on dorsum finely shagreened, lacking enlarged tubercles or warts; throat smooth, venter areolate; discoidal fold inconspicuous; dorsolateral folds absent; upper eyelid lacking tubercles and granules; posterior surfaces of thighs smooth; (2) tympanic membrane and annulus distinct, slightly higher than long, their length less than half of eye diameter; supratympanic fold prominent, curved, slightly covering upper edge of tympanic annulus; (3) head slightly longer than wide; snout subacuminate in dorsal view, bluntly rounded in lateral profile; canthus rostralis straight in dorsal view, slightly ...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a Latinized adjective derived from the Greek άσημος (ásimos), meaning ‘inconspicuous, nameless’. It refers to the morphologically cryptic nature of the new species and the fact that it has been associated with different species names in the past, missing its status as a separate species to be named.

 Jörn Köhler, Frank Glaw, César Aguilar-Puntriano, Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher, Juan C. Chaparro, Ignacio De la Riva, Giussepe Gagliardi-Urrutia, Roberto Gutiérrez, Miguel Vences and José M. Padial. 2024. Similar looking Sisters: A New sibling Species in the Pristimantis danae group from the southwestern Amazon Basin (Anura, Strabomantidae). Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(2): 565-582. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.119143