 |
| Boulenophrys nebulosa Shen & Li, in Shen, Zhou, C. Wang, J. Xu, S. Xu, Zhong, Z. Wang, Cai, Wu, Wei et Li, 2025. |
Abstract
A new species of the genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae), Boulenophrys nebulosa sp. nov., is described from Mt. Lushan, Jiangxi Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial COI and 16S rRNA genes show that the new species forms a sister lineage to B. mufumontana. Morphologically, B. nebulosa sp. nov. differs from all known congeners by a unique combination of characters and from its closest relative, B. mufumontana, by the following combination of characters: (1) relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III; (2) indistinct subarticular tubercle at the base of each finger; (3) larger male body size (SVL 31.8–32.3 mm); (4) heels just meeting when hindlimbs are folded; (5) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the center of the eye when the leg is stretched forward; and (6) vomerine teeth present. This study expands the known distribution of Boulenophrys in Jiangxi and provides baseline data for biodiversity conservation efforts in Mt. Lushan.
Key Words: Asian horned toads, biodiversity, Boulenophrys nebulosa sp. nov., taxonomy
 |
Holotype of Boulenophrys nebulosa sp. nov. (JXNU 21042833) in life: A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Volar and dorsal views of left hand; E. Plantar view of left foot; F. Edge of tongue. Photos by Deming Shen. |
Boulenophrys nebulosa Shen & Li, sp. nov.
Diagnosis. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of following morphological characteristics: (1) adult males, SVL 31.8–32.3 mm (n = 3); adult females, SVL 35.0–37.3 mm (n = 4); (2) canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched posteriorly; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges weak; vomerine teeth present; (5) outer margin of the upper eyelid bears a small, prominent horn-like tubercle; supratympanic fold distinct, narrow, curving posteroventrally to above the arm; (6) relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III; indistinct subarticular tubercle on base of each finger; (7) heels meeting when hindlimbs folded; tibiotarsal articulation reaching center of eye when ...
Etymology. The specific epithet nebulosa (feminine of Latin nebulosus) refers to the frequently mist-shrouded montane forests above 600 m on Mt. Lushan, Jiangxi Province, China. This name not only reflects the species’ habitat preference but also alludes to the region’s famous “Cloud & Fog Tea” (云雾茶, yún wù chá) speciality. The English vernacular name “Yunwu Horned Toad” is here proposed, with the corresponding Chinese name “云雾角蟾” (Yúnwù Jiǎochán).
Deming Shen, Haiying Zhou, Chaoyang Wang, Jun Xu, Shi Xu, Yifeng Zhong, Zhenyu Wang, Hao Cai, Yahui Wu, Meicai Wei and Yankuo Li. 2025. A New Species of Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from northern Jiangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2251-2266. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.166556
