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| Tylototriton uyenoi
Nishikawa, Khonsue, Pomchote & Matsui, 2013
from Siribhumi Royal Garden, Inthanon National Park, Chiang Mai, northern Thailand
Taken: February 2009 by P. Sookbangnop
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Abstract
Three morphological groups are found in a salamandrid newt Tylototriton shanjing from Thailand. We describe two of them as new species, one from northern and the other from northeastern Thailand, based on molecular and morphological data, however we could not make a taxonomic decision on the remaining one group because of the lack of voucher specimens and sufficient genetic data. The northern species differs morphologically from all known congeners by having the combination of orange to reddish brown markings, narrow and sharply protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, weakly segmented vertebral ridge, and long and high tail. The northeastern species is characterized by having the combination of yellow, orange, or reddish brown markings, wide and moderately protruding dorsolateral bony ridges on head, smooth vertebral ridge, black limbs, and black tail except for edges. Validity of taxonomic subdivision of the genus Tylototriton is discussed.
Keywords: Tylototriton, Molecular phylogeny, Morphology, New species, Thailand
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| Type I & Type II Dorsal Color Pattern | females of Thai Tylototriton
Pomchote et al. (2008)
Type I : Tylototriton uyenoi
Type II: Tylototriton panhai
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Tylototriton uyenoi sp. nov.
Tylototriton verrucosus: Smith (1924) : 309; Taylor (1962): 279;
Tylototriton verrucosus Type I: Pomchote et al. (2008): 39 (part).
Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to Dr. Shun-ichi Uéno, who collected part of the paratypes of the new species.
Range: Doi Ang Khang, Doi Chang Kien, Doi Inthanon, Doi Pui, and Doi Suthep, Chiang Mai Province, Thailand.
Natural history: The holotype and the paratypes deposited in KUHE were collected in artificial pools. The species is also found in natural or artificial ponds, ditches along farms, and in slow streams, with an average depth of 38.2 cm (range 9–120 cm). Breeding occurs from May to July. Larvae are found in the water bodies from August
Tylototriton panhai sp. nov.
Tylototriton verrucosus: Wongratana (1984): 107;
Tylototriton verrucosus Type II: Pomchote et al. (2008): 39.
Etymology: The specific epithet is dedicated to Prof. Somsak Panha (Chulalongkorn University), who is an active naturalist and helped our field surveys.
Range: Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park, Phitsanulok Province, and Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary and Phu Suan Sai National Park, Loei Province, Thailand. The locality in Phu Hin Rong Kla National Park is the southernmost record in the genus Tylototriton.
Natural history: The species was first reported by Wongratana (1984), which was collected walking on an elephant trail at foggy morning. The habitat is moist forest with bamboo bushes and variety of water bodies like temporal pools by rain, and streams. Eggs are found as attached on wet grass or plant overhanging the water surface or under wood debris on land near small streams or ponds. In the breeding season from May to July, the adults were found in the water bodies. Out of the breeding season, the species is probably terrestrial and difficult to encounter.
Nishikawa, Kanto, Wichase Khonsue, Porrawee Pomchote and Masafumi Matsui. 2013. Two New Species of Tylototriton from Thailand (Amphibia: Urodela: Salamandridae). Zootaxa. 3737(3): 261-279.
http://www.aseanbiodiversity.info/Abstract/53006539.pdf
