DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e205043

Authors: Arthur Tiutenko, Tim L. Heller, Michael F. Bates

Abstract: Based on morphology, biogeography, biology, and the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis, a new species of Dasypeltis is described from Harenna Forest in the southern Somalian plateau in Ethiopia. It is a medium-sized member of the genus (females up to 92 cm total length, males up to 58 cm), usually uniformly black dorsally but occasionally light brown with a dense and somewhat irregular pattern of narrow brown saddles and vertically elongate lateral markings, sometimes forming bands across the back, and small white spots and streaks, or reddish-brown with indistinct darker dorsal and lateral markings. Interstitial skin is light grey, appearing bluish in adults. Infralabials, chin shields, gulars, and 20–62 anterior ventral plates (medially) are mostly white, the other plates being ash-grey or black in colour. Scales in the first row of dorsals on either side of the body are smooth or almost smooth; those of the second row are weakly keeled; other dorsal scales are moderately keeled with two apical pits each. Pairwise genetic distance between the new species and its closest congener, D. atra, is similar to or greater than the distances between some long-recognised species in the genus. The new species is also geographically and ecologically isolated from closely related congeners.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e202590

Authors: Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Shuo Qi, Han-Ming Song, Yao-Yu Cai, Yun-Sheng Zhu, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Dan-Yang Zhou, Hao-Cong Yang, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Yi-Ping Yang, Ying-Yong Wang

Abstract: Karst landscapes across southern China represent global hotspots for vertebrate diversity and endemism, yet amphibian diversity within such habitats remains insufficiently documented. Herein, we describe Boulenophrys calciphila sp. nov., a new species discovered from fragmented karst hills in northern Guangdong Province, China, extending the documented habitat spectrum of the genus in Guangdong to limestone karst terrain. Detailed morphological comparisons coupled with phylogenetic analyses validate its taxonomic distinctness from all known congeners. This new discovery aligns with ongoing records of range-restricted anuran species uncovered from southern Chinese karst formations, reinforcing karst ecosystems as important reservoirs of amphibian diversity. Our results demonstrate that amphibian diversity within poorly-explored karst regions of northern Guangdong is substantially underestimated and call for focused conservation actions to safeguard these microendemic taxa and their unique evolutionary lineages.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e187919

Authors: Virender K. Bhardwaj, Amit K. Bal, Chhangte L. Tluanga, Zeeshan A. Mirza

Abstract: A new species of fossorial natricine snake, Trachischium lalremsangai sp. nov., is described from the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot. The holotype was collected from Murlen National Park, Mizoram, near the India–Myanmar border, while the paratype originated from Haka Township, Chin State, Myanmar. Based on morphological and molecular data, the new species is related to T. reticulata (Blyth); however, it can be diagnosed from members of the genus Trachischium by possessing 13 dorsal scale rows, two postoculars, one anterior temporal scale, and two posterior temporal scales, in addition to distinctive colouration and other scalation details. The discovery of several new snake species within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot underscores the need for increased research efforts and funding dedicated to this region in the near future.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e186246

Authors: Leonardo Castro, Carla S. Guimarães, Juan F. C. Carrillo, Diego J. Santana, Sarah Mângia

Abstract: Proceratophrys boiei is a horned frog species that lives camouflaged within leaf litter and inhabits both Atlantic Forest environments and transitional areas with the Cerrado of Brazil. Its distribution covers the states of Espírito Santo, Minas Gerais, Rio de Janeiro, São Paulo, Paraná, and Santa Catarina. Previous studies using molecular and cytogenetic data identified three distinct lineages (North 1, North 2, and South) grouped under the taxon Proceratophrys boiei. To investigate the possibility that more than one species is currently subsumed under P. boiei, a taxonomic review of populations across the entire geographic range was conducted. Morphological and morphometric characters were evaluated in 132 individuals (80 males and 52 females); 708 calls from 66 males were analyzed for acoustic data; and osteological traits were examined in nine males, representing a total of 82 localities. Analyses were conducted based on the three lineages previously identified (N1, N2, and S), and uncorrected mtDNA p-distances for the 16S and Cytb markers were estimated among them. External morphological and osteological characters and advertisement call parameters varied among these lineages; however, most of the variation overlapped, even among individuals within the same lineage, indicating high polymorphism. Mean uncorrected mtDNA p-distances among lineages were relatively similar for 16S, ranging from 2.7% to 2.9%, whereas for Cytb, they ranged from 5.6% to 7.3%. Regarding morphometrics, specimens from the South lineage exhibited the smallest snout–vent length (SVL: 46.0 mm in males and 51.6 mm in females). Based on the results, combined with differences previously identified among the three lineages (using molecular markers, cytogenetics, and tadpole external morphology and chondrocranium), P. fryi and P. intermedia, both formerly considered synonyms of P. boiei, are revalidated, and P. boiei is redescribed, providing updated diagnostic characters and clarifying the current geographic distribution of each species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e183441

Authors: Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sumidh Ray, Ashis K. Das, Ranjit Satrusallya, Sudheer K. Jena, Bharath Bhupathi, Ritesh Das, Ajay Kumar Mahapatra

Abstract: Eublepharis, an Asian-endemic genus of leopard geckos, represents the third largest genus within the family Eublepharidae. India harbors six recognized species in the genus Eublepharis, representing the highest species diversity for this genus reported from any single country to date. In this work, a new species of the genus, Eublepharis jhuma sp. nov., is described based on three specimens. The new species can be diagnosed by the following combination of morphological features: (1) SVL 123–142 mm, (2) having large, flat, tubercle-like, moderately keeled scales across the dorsum, with interspaces much larger than the size of the tubercles, (3) two pale bands between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction, (4) subdigital lamellae tuberculate, (5) dorsal scales on the regenerated tail flat and rectangular, (6) 22–25 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, and (7) 12–13 precloacal pores. The new species is also phylogenetically distinct from all its congeners (6.9–7.8% from its closest sister species, E. satpuraensis). The discovery of a new reptile from the Chota Nagpur Plateau highlights the role of more extensive study in the region. Furthermore, its occurrence in the Kaimur Plateau, the easternmost Vindhyan escarpments, highlights the allopatric speciation from the sister species, E. satpuraensis, shaped by deep-time geological processes.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e191333

Authors: Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Vladislav A. Gorin, Son Xuan Le, Alexei V. Trofimets, Tang Van Duong, Duc Trong Nguyen, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Tan Van Nguyen

Abstract: A new species of the genus Vietnamophryne is described from limestone karst forests of Quang Tri Province, central Vietnam, based on two adult male specimens and integrative analyses of morphology and mitochondrial DNA. Morphologically, Vietnamophryne abscondita sp. nov. is distinguished from other congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) medium body size (snout-vent length 18.1–19.0 mm in males, n = 2); (2) head slightly wider than long; (3) snout short, rounded in dorsal view; (4) tympanum indistinct; (5) dorsal skin finely shagreened, lacking enlarged tubercles or a median dorsal ridge; (6) Finger I longer than half of Finger II; (7) toes without webbing, bearing rounded terminal discs; (8) forelimbs and hindlimbs slender; (9) dorsum dark brown to chocolate brown, with irregular lighter mottling; (10) flanks and limbs densely speckled with pale spots; (11) ventral surface bright yellow-orange to orange on chest and belly, with dark marbling on throat and ventral surfaces of limbs; (12) lower jaw region with scattered pale blotches; and (13) indistinct pale yellow suborbital spotting extending from the eye toward the mouth corner. Phylogenetic analyses based on the long mtDNA fragment recover Vietnamophryne abscondita sp. nov. as a well-supported independent lineage, showing uncorrected p-distances exceeding 3% from all currently recognized congeners of Vietnamophryne, based on the 16S rRNA gene fragment. Although shallow genetic divergences and limited sampling complicate species boundaries within the genus, further taxonomic changes are not proposed, and current species limits are considered provisional pending comprehensive integrative revision. The discovery of this species, together with a closely related undescribed lineage from the same province, highlights the underestimated diversity of Vietnamophryne and emphasizes the Annamites (Truong Son Mountains) as a priority region for future herpetological surveys.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e188979

Authors: Yuhao Xu, Tan Van Nguyen, Jundong Deng, Tierui Zhang, Fanyue Sun, Junchang Liu, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Lifang Peng

Abstract: A new species of the genus Scincella Mittleman, 1950, is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphological and molecular evidence. The new species, Scincella verecunda sp. nov., is diagnosed by a unique combination of morphological characters, including medium body size in adult females (maximum snout–vent length of 48.7 mm); palpebral disc absent; midbody scale rows 25–26; total ventral + gular scale rows numbering 65–68; paravertebral scale rows 62–65; 6–9 enlarged lamellae beneath finger IV, 11–13 beneath toe IV; in life, the dorsum brown and scattered with a few small dark spots, the lateral surface golden-yellow, bearing numerous distinct dark spots, which sometimes connect to form vermiform markings; the dark dorsolateral stripes irregular; and toes not in contact with fingers when limbs are adpressed. Phylogenetic analyses based on concatenated mitochondrial gene sequences (12S, 16S, and CO1) recover the new species as a distinct lineage, forming a clade with S. ouboteri Pham, Pham, Le, Ngoc, Ziegler & Nguyen, S. ochracea (Bourret), and S. reevesii (Gray). The new species status of this population is further supported by marked mitochondrial divergence from its closest relatives (≥ 6.3% in 16S and ≥ 16.6% in CO1) and is currently known only from high-elevation coniferous forest in Linxiang District, Lincang City, Yunnan Province, China (at elevations between 2,113 and 2,358 m a.s.l.). Our data suggest that eyelid morphology may be homoplastic within Scincella and that not all Scincella species necessarily bear a palpebral disc on the lower eyelid. This finding underlines the need for reconsidering the morphological diagnosis of the genus Scincella and allied taxa of sphenomorphine skinks.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e184954

Authors: Luis Canseco-Márquez, Christoph I. Grünwald, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Jonathan A. Campbell

Abstract: We describe a new species of Charadrahyla from the Sierra Juárez portion of the Sierra Madre Oriental in the state of Oaxaca, Mexico, and provide morphological and molecular data to support the novelty of this species. The new species is most similar to Charadrahyla nephila, with which it has been confused in the past. We report on adult, larval, and juvenile specimens of this new species and parapatric C. nephila. We also report a novel population of the endangered Charadrahyla sakbah from the Sierra Monteflor portion of the Sierra Madre Oriental, also in Oaxaca, which significantly extends its known distribution. We provide an updated distribution map for species of Charadrahyla inhabiting Oaxaca. Finally, we provide conservation recommendations for various species in this genus, at least four of which should be considered Endangered.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e175753

Authors: Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sumidh Ray, Ashis K. Das, Bharath Bhupathi, Vivek Sarkar, Rakesh K. Mohalik, Manoj V. Nair, Sushil K. Dutta

Abstract: We describe a new species of large-bodied, rock-dwelling gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India. The new species is genetically distinct, as already indicated in previous studies, and differs from all other congeners in a combination of morphological characters, such as dorsal scalation of small granules intermixed with large, pointed, trihedral tubercles that form 15–19 fairly regularly arranged longitudinal rows at midbody; 9–11 subdigital lamellae below the first and 12–14 below the fourth digit; 22–26 femoral pores separated by five poreless scales in males; and 11–13 supralabials and 9–11 infralabials. The new species is from the Eastern Ghats clade of large-bodied, tuberculated Hemidactylus and can be readily diagnosed morphologically from the two sister species, H. sushilduttai and H. kangerensis, in having characters such as the second postmental distinct and ~70% of the first postmental; the first postmental touching infralabial I and the second postmental touching infralabials I and II; and one post-cloacal spur on each side. The new species is distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats range of Odisha, inhabiting moist and dry deciduous forests and rock boulders and occasionally entering human habitations.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400

Authors: Yi-Yang Zhao, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Ke Zheng, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Amaël Borzée, Jian Wang

Abstract: The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., B. yunkaiensis, and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e167113

Authors: Bharath Bhupathi, Sumidh Ray, B. Laxmi Narayana, M. Karuthapandi, Deepa Jaiswal, Niladri B. Kar, Pratyush P. Mohapatra

Abstract: A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus (slender geckos) is described from the Tirumala Hill ranges in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve of the southern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, southern India. This novel species exhibits 9.7–12.9% divergence in uncorrected pairwise distances of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence data from its closely related congeners in peninsular India, namely H. jnana (9.5–12.6%), H. nilgiriensis (10.9–12.9%), and H. peninsularis (10.5–11.2%), and had previously been suggested as an undescribed species by earlier researchers based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species, represented by five individuals, reached a maximum observed snout–vent length (SVL) of 33.7 mm and differs from its peninsular Indian congeners by the following combination of characters: 12–16 chin scales; 16–17 dorsal scales; 9–11 ventral scales at midbody; males with 6–8 precloacal pores and 5–7 femoral pores on each thigh, separated by 7–10 poreless scales; and lamellar formula of manus 2-2-2-2 and pes 2-2-2-2. This is the second species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus to be reported from Andhra Pradesh, after H. arakuensis.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165088

Authors: Zhong Huang, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Hao-Tian Wang, Zhen-Hai Deng, Zhi-Wei Wang, Xiao-Wen Liao, Yun-Ming Mo

Abstract: In this study, we describe a new species of the species-rich genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov., from northwestern Guangxi, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. The new species is a sister taxon to L. wumingensis Chen, Peng, Li & Yu, 2023, with discrete, diagnostic differences from all other congeners. We also discussed the phenomenon and causes of the high diversity within this genus as well as the conservation of its congeners.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e162906

Authors: Tianyu Qian, Cheng Li, Sining Huang, Bo Chen, Yujuan Guo, Jianping Jiang

Abstract: During a rapid survey in Wuyishan, China, tadpoles of three Quasipaa species were collected from the same stream. Molecular data confirmed that these tadpoles belong to Q. exilispinosa, Q. spinosa, and Q. jiulongensis. Their external morphology was examined and described. Based on our initial observations, the tadpoles of these three species can be distinguished in the field by the following coloration patterns: Q. jiulongensis lacks large spots on the upper tail musculature; Q. spinosa exhibits a dark stripe at the body–tail junction when viewed from above; and Q. exilispinosa has large spots on the upper tail musculature but lacks a dark stripe at the body–tail junction. This study provides the first description of the tadpole of Q. jiulongensis.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173

Authors: Dmitriy V. Arkhipov, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Goutam Sarker, Vladislav A. Gorin, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen, Amir Hamidy, Mohd Abdul Muin, Nia Kurniawan, Rafe M. Brown, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Eric Smith, Nikolay A. Poyarkov

Abstract: A review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvus s. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. and I. parvus s. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvus s. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e137394

Authors: Vladislav A. Gorin, Nikolai L. Orlov, Andrey M. Bragin, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Konstantin D. Milto, Dac Xuan Le, Tan Van Nguyen, Christophe Dufresnes, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Nikolay A. Poyarkov

Abstract: Despite increased attention by molecular taxonomists, the herpetofauna of Southeast Asia still hides many undescribed species among far-ranging taxa. In this study, we re-examine the mitochondrial diversity of painted frogs of the microhylid genus Kaloula, based on ~2,455 bp of published and new 12S and 16S rRNA sequences, and describe two new species from the tropical forests of southern Vietnam and central Laos based on integrative evidence. These species, which belong to the K. baleata complex, feature species-level mitochondrial divergence (> 4.4% at 16S rRNA) and are both morphologically well-differentiated from each other and from the recently described K. indochinensis, to which they were previously confounded. Comparative examinations also indicate distinct male advertisement calls and unique coloration features. Based on genetic barcoding, we preliminarily revise the species distribution ranges in the K. baleata complex, which support a general pattern of biogeographic partitioning that has been widely retrieved among the Indochinese amphibians studied so far. Molecular diversity within K. baleata further suggests genetic structure across Sundaland, namely three shallow mitochondrial haplogroups worthy of fine-scale phylogeographic and taxonomic investigations. Furthermore, our study highlights the propensity of amphibian species “hidden in plain sight,” even among recently studied taxa, thus calling for caution when specifying type specimens—the type series of K. indochinensis, described in 2013, includes specimens of the one of the new species. Our study emphasizes the continued need for thorough herpetological surveys even in supposedly well-known parts of Indochina and sets the ground for future research in Kaloula painted frogs, notably to test evolutionary and taxonomic hypotheses with genomic loci.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e137809

Authors: Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen

Abstract: A new species of the poorly known genus Colubroelaps Orlov, Kharin, Ananjeva, Nguyen & Nguyen, 2009, is described based on a single female specimen collected from Hon Tre Island, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. The new species, Colubroelaps adleri sp. nov., can be distinguished from its sister species Colubroelaps nguyenvansangi Orlov, Kharin, Ananjeva, Nguyen & Nguyen, 2009 by the following combination of morphological characters: small body size (TL 402 mm); tail relatively short (ratio TaL/TL 0.10); dorsal scales in 14–14–14 rows; supralabials six, third and fourth entering orbit; infralabials seven; loreal present; ventral scales 234; subcaudals 30, all divided; cloacal plate divided; dorsal coloration pale brown, with narrow and interrupted dark stripe along spine; body flanks dark-gray lacking bluish iridescence; ventrally uniform off-white; head black with rostral, nasals, prefrontals, preoculars, loreal, and the two anterior supralabials, as well as anterior parts of supraoculars and frontal dirty yellowish-brown with dark-brown spots. This discovery represents the second known species of the genus Colubroelaps and the first record of the genus in the coastal areas of southern-central Vietnam. The new species is likely micro-endemic to the small island of Hon Tre within Nha Trang Bay in Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam, at an elevation of 30 m a.s.l., and was recorded only from the heavily disturbed secondary forest area of the island. The new species is under threat due to the intensifying development of tourist infrastructure on Hon Tre Island. We suggest that the new species be considered Endangered (EN) following the IUCN’s Red List categories.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122825

Authors: R. S. Naveen, S. R. Chandramouli, S. Babu, A. M. Ryndongsngi, P. V. Karunakaran, Honnavalli N. Kumara

Abstract: Bush frogs from Garo and Khasi Hills were collected, and a thorough examination based on morphology and geographic distribution revealed that two of the populations sampled from Garo Hills during this study agree with the holotypes and descriptions of the taxa Ixalus garo and I. kempiae, described more than a century ago. The original description lacked information on several morphological characters, genetic material, and photographs of the species in life. The absence of such information posed challenges in field identification of these species. Our phylogeny shows them to be nested within the Raorchestes clade, and therefore, we allocate these two species to this genus and formally announce their rediscovery. We also redescribe these two species here based on additional adult vouchers and report geographic range extensions from new localities. Based on molecular and morphological analysis, we reassess the status of the recently described Raorchestes cangyuanensis, resulting in its placement under the subjective junior synonymy of R. kempiae. We also describe a morphologically distinct new species from this region. This paper bridges an important gap in the knowledge of the genus Raorchestes in this part of India and highlights the importance of systematic surveys in documenting and understanding amphibian diversity in the region.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e121610

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mingzhong Mo, Jimin Guo, Yi Lu, Wen Wang, Wenxiang Zhang, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: We report the first record of Amolops truongi Pham, Pham, Ngo, Sung, Ziegler & Le, 2023 from China, based on four specimens collected in Yunnan Huanglianshan National Nature Reserve. This species was previously known only from the type locality in north-western Vietnam. Morphologically, the specimens from China correspond to the original description of A. truongi with a few variations and, phylogenetically, they are clustered with the type specimens of A. truongi from Vietnam with strong support. In this study, we also provide an updated diagnosis of this species combining the original description and new data.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e114263

Authors: Shuo Liu, Tan Van Nguyen, Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Qiaoyan Wang, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: One specimen of frog was collected from Mohan Town, Mengla County, Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, which is the type locality of Rana bannanica Rao & Yang, 1997, currently considered as a junior synonym of Hylarana milleti (Smith, 1921). This specimen well agrees with the original description of R. bannanica. In regard to morphology, R. bannanica and H. milleti are, indeed, very similar, but can still be distinguished from each other. Phylogenetic analysis, based on mitochondrial gene sequences, showed that this specimen and H. milleti are different species. Hence, we remove R. bannanica from the synonymy of H. milleti.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e114206

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Bo Cai, Shimin Li, Zhongxu Zhang, Rui Yu, Dingqi Rao, Liang Zhang

Abstract: The Malayan Banded Wolf Snake Lycodon subcinctus Boie, 1827 once included three subspecies, namely L. s. subcinctus Boie, 1827, L. s. sealei Leviton, 1955, and L. s. maculatus (Cope, 1985). Thereafter, L. s. sealei has been elevated to species level, and the taxonomic status of L. s. maculatus has not been resolved. We sequenced the mitochondrial cytochrome b (cytb) gene fragments of eight specimens of L. s. maculatus from China, including three from the adjacent areas of its type locality. Combining the sequences obtained from GenBank, we reconstructed a molecular phylogeny and reevaluated the taxonomic status of L. s. maculatus. Phylogenetic analysis revealed three highly divergent lineages within L. subcinctus sensu lato which correspond to L. subcinctus sensu stricto, L. sealei, and L. s. maculatus, respectively. Coupled with morphological comparison, we elevate L. s. maculatus to full species and redescribe it based on the type and freshly collected material.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106566

Authors: Xiang-Yi Li, Shi-Shi Lin, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Yan-Jun Sun, Jian Wang

Abstract: The expanded description of Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis Sung, Lee, NG, Zhang & Yang, 2018 is provided based on four newly collected specimens from eastern Guangdong Province, China, which is beyond its previously known range. The new collection also fills the distribution gap of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus in the region. Due to the absence of sufficient data, we recommend Hemiphyllodactylus hongkongensis be listed as Data Deficient (DD) in the IUCN conservation status categorization.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106373

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Qiaoyan Wang, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: We collected nine specimens of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 from Xishuangbanna Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China, which is close to the type locality of O. heatwolei (Stuart & Bain, 2005) in Phongsaly Province, northern Laos (approximately 60 km). These specimens agree with the diagnosis of O. heatwolei that body size is large in females and relatively small in males, tympanum large in males and relatively small in females, first finger longer than the second, and glandular dorsolateral fold and external vocal sacs present in males, moreover, these specimens have obvious dense tiny black dots scattered on the dorsum, which is consistent with the characters of O. heatwolei and different from O. tiannanensis (Yang & Li, 1980). Phylogenetically, the sequences of these specimens clustered with the sequence of the holotype of O. heatwolei and formed a distinct clade together, which is sister to O. tiannanensis. We resurrect O. heatwolei and extend the distribution of this species to China.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e100072

Authors: Sheng-Bo Zhou, Qiu-Yi Zhang, Zi-Qiang Hu, Zu-Yao Xia, Qing Miao, Ping Guan, Jing-Song Shi

Abstract: Pelophylax plancyi (Lataste, 1880), Pelophylax chosenicus (Okada, 1931) and Pelophylax hubeiensis (Fei & Ye, 1982) were described chronologically from East Asia. The three species have similar morphological and molecular characteristics, but the taxonomic relationships amongst them have long been ambiguous. To deal with this taxonomic issue, we examined newly-obtained topotypic specimens of P. plancyi, P. chosenicus and P. hubeiensis for morphological comparison. Furthermore, we investigated the phylogeny of pond frogs in Eurasia by Bayesian Inference and Maximum Likelihood analyses of a fragment consisting of mitochondrial DNA gene 16s and provided a molecular phylogeny of the genus Pelophylax. There were no morphological and molecular differences between P. plancyi and P. chosenicus, but both morphological and molecular differences between P. hubeiensis and P. plancyi. Hence, we conclude that P. chosenicus is a junior synonym of P. plancyi and P. hubeiensis is a separate species from P. plancyi.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e94456

Authors: Sarshad Hussain, Khursheed Ahmad, Asgar Ali Shah

Abstract: The present study is aimed to validate the occurrence of two species of Diadem or Royal snakes of Genus Spalerosophis Jan, 1865 from the Poonch District of Jammu and Kashmir, India along with the presentation of eight different colour morphs and diagnostic characteristics. The eight different colour morphs include four colour morphs of adults of S. d. diadema (Schlegel, 1837), two colour morphs of adults of S. atriceps (Fischer, 1885), one colour morph of subadults of unknown parentage and one colour morph of the adult of S. diadema (Schlegel, 1837) represented by a single individual whose identification at subspecies level (ssp. cliffordii/diadema) is the subject for further investigations for want of more specimens. This solitary specimen shares many similarities with S. d. diadema, but it has less number of sub-caudal scales which point towards the likelihood of S. d. cliffordii (Schlegel, 1837). The distribution, activity, habitat and behaviour have also been reported along with the morphological, morphometric and meristic characters. Between two identified species S. atriceps is a new report from the Poonch District. Reported specimens are mapped across the study area and are depicted here in the distribution map.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e98669

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Dingqi Rao, Song Li

Abstract: We report the first record of Hoplobatrachus litoralis Hasan, Kuramoto, Islam, Alam, Khan & Sumida, 2012 from China based on seven specimens from Baoshan City, western Yunnan. Morphologically, the specimens from China mostly agree with the original description of H. litoralis and phylogenetically show a small genetic distance (1.7%) in the 16S rRNA gene with the specimens (including one paratype) of H. litoralis from its type locality in Bangladesh. Our work increased the species number of the genus Hoplobatrachus Peters, 1863 in China to two. This record is the easternmost distribution of this species at present. Furthermore, we found that the species H. salween Thongproh, Chunskul, Sringurngam, Waiprom, Makchai, Cota, Duengkae, Duangjai, Hasan, Chuaynkern & Chuaynkern, 2022 recently described from north-western Thailand is morphologically and genetically very similar to H. litoralis and, therefore, we discuss the validity of H. salween as a separate species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e96184

Authors: Christoph I. Grünwald, Jacobo Reyes-Velasco, Iván T. Ahumada-Carrillo, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Héctor Franz-Chávez, Brandon T. La Forest, Ricardo Ramírez-Chaparro, Sergio Terán-Juárez, Juan Miguel Borja-Jiménez

Abstract: We describe a new saxicolous species of Lepidophyma from the Sierra Madre Oriental, in the state of Tamaulipas, Mexico and provide morphological and molecular data to support the novelty of this species. The new species is most closely related to members of the L. sylvaticum group; however; it is a flattened form specialised for a saxicolous lifestyle and it can be distinguished from all other members by a combination of meristic characters. Genetic analysis suggests that several populations of L. sylvaticum might represent additional novel taxa, while the validity of L. micropholis is questioned. We discuss conservation priorities of the new species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e90607

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Yi Fan, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We report the first country record of Theloderma khoii Ninh, Nguyen, Nguyen, Hoang, Siliyavong, Nguyen, Le, Le & Ziegler, 2022 from China based on a specimen collected from Wenshan Prefecture, southeastern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimen from Wenshan Prefecture agrees well with the type specimens of T. khoii from Vietnam except for having a smaller body size, and phylogenetically clustered with the type specimens of T. khoii from Vietnam. In addition, we confirm the distribution of Rhacophorus orlovi Ziegler & Köhler, 2001 in China based on three specimens collected from Honghe Prefecture, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the specimens from Honghe Prefecture agree well with the type specimens of R. orlovi from Vietnam except for having a slightly larger body size in adult females, and phylogenetically clustered with the specimens of R. orlovi from Vietnam (including the type locality of R. orlovi).

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e89981

Authors: Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Yu-Hong Lu, Hong-Lin Su, Shi-Bin Wu, Qi-Qi Zhang, Mei-Juan Mo, Shao-Jun Xiao, Zhong Pan, Hu-Jun Pan, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang

Abstract: The genus Leptobrachella is a species-rich genus of megophrid frog. Rapid discovery of many new species within this genus emphasizes the importance of regional research. In this study, we describe a new species of Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella verrucosa sp. nov., from northwestern Guangdong Province, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. A key including congeners from the same province, namely L. laui, L. liui, L. mangshanensis, L. shimentaina, and L. yunkaiensis, is provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e80610

Authors: Zeeshan A. Mirza, Harshal S. Bhosale, Tejas Thackeray, Pushkar Phansalkar, Mandar Sawant, Gaurang G. Gowande, Harshil Patel

Abstract: A new species of bent-toed geckos of the genus Cyrtodactylus is described from western Arunachal Pradesh. The new species is a member of the Indo-Burma clade and is embedded within the “peguensis” group, a relationship deduced contingent on a partial fragment of mitochondrial NADH subunit 2 gene. Cyrtodactylus kamengensis sp. nov. is morphologically similar to C. himalayicus from which it differs in bearing a distinct ventrolateral fold and 6–8 basal lamellae on digit IV of pes. Genetically, the new species is sister to the Indian lineage of the “peguensis” group containing C. bhupathyi and C. gubernatoris. The Indian lineage of the “peguensis” group diverged from its Burmese relatives during the mid-Oligocene likely followed by the beginning of the Himalayan uplift, highlighting the role of the Himalayas in the diversification of biota.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e77147

Authors: Shuo Liu, Dingqi Rao, Dongru Zhang, Ye Htet Lwin, Mingzhong Mo, Changsheng Zuo, Fawang Yin, Ruichang Quan, Song Li

Abstract: Based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment, a molecular phylogeny for the genus Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 was reconstructed, the validity of the poorly-known ranid species O. macrotympana (Yang, 2008) was confirmed and its phylogenetic position was evaluated. In addition, we report the first country record of O. macrotympana from Myanmar, based on our new records from Htamanthi Wildlife Sanctuary, Sagaing Division and present a supplementary description of this species. This report also constitutes the first record of O. macrotympana from outside of China.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.35.e78015

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We report the first record of Limnonectes nguyenorum McLeod, Kurlbaum & Hoang, 2015 outside of Vietnam, namely from China, based on five specimens collected from Daweishan Nature Reserve, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the records from China agree with those of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, and they also phylogenetically clustered with strong support. In addition, based on the new records from China and the previous descriptions of L. nguyenorum from Vietnam, we provide an extended diagnosis of this species.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e72627

Authors: Shuo Liu, Bin Yang, Qianyan Wang, Mian Hou

Abstract: The taxonomic status of Kalophrynus menglienicus Yang & Su, 1980 was evaluated based on newly collected topotype specimens. Phylogenetic analysis showed that this species should be assigned to the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987. In addition, morphological diagnosis and descriptions based on the newly collected topotype specimens were provided.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.32.e69755

Authors: Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: A new species of the genus Micryletta Dubois, 1987 is described from Yunnan Province, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The most obvious differences between the new species and other species of this genus are small body size, unique coloration, and relatively longer hind limbs. In 16S rRNA gene sequences, the new species is diverged from all other congeners by 3.1%–8.0%.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.34.e60875

Authors: Justin L. Lee, Jian-Huan Yang, Platon Yushchenko, Nikolay A. Poyarkov Jr

Abstract: Oligodon hamptoni is a rare species of Kukri Snake known from only two specimens, both collected nearly a century ago in northern Myanmar. Here, we report the third record of this species based on a photograph taken in Mt. Gaoligongshan, Tengchong City, Yunnan Province, China, approximately 235 km northeast of the nearest record in Bhamo District, Kachin State, Myanmar. We also provide a detailed redescription of the holotype, showing that the photo record from Mt. Gaoligongshan can be unambiguously identified to this species. This rediscovery represents the first observation of O. hamptoni in China and is the first report of this species in almost 100 years.

HTML

XML

PDF

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.33.e59114

Authors: Shuo Liu, Hong Hui, Dingqi Rao

Abstract: We record Zhangixalus franki Ninh, Nguyen, Orlov, Nguyen & Ziegler, 2020 for the first time from China based on two specimens collected from Laoshan Nature Reserve, Yunnan Province. Morphologically, the newly collected specimens from China mostly agree with the type series from Vietnam. Phylogenetically, these individuals were placed in a clade with Z. franki from Vietnam based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Our finding brings the species number of the genus Zhangixalus to 29 in China.

HTML

XML

PDF