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| Leptobrachella kungfu Q.-Q. Zhang, Lin, Li, Su, Chen, X.-Y. Zhang, Zeng & Wang, 2025 佛山掌突蟾 || DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1259.164646 |
Abstract
In this study, a new species, Leptobrachella kungfu sp. nov., from Foshan City, central Guangdong Province, China, is described based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. Phylogenetically, the new species is closely related to L. yunkaiensis from western Guangdong Province and can be distinguished from all congeners by a combination of discrete morphological characters. A key to the species of this genus from Guangdong and a distribution map are provided to support further regional research and conservation.
Key words: Leptobrachella kungfu sp. nov., Leptobrachella yunkaiensis, molecular phylogeny, morphology, regional conservation, taxonomy
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| Morphological features of the holotype of Leptobrachella kungfu sp. nov., GEP a419 in life: A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot. |
Leptobrachella kungfu sp. nov.
Foshan Leaf Litter Toad (in English)
Fo Shan Zhang Tu Chan (佛山掌突蟾 in Chinese)
Diagnosis. (1) Small body size [SVL 25.7–28.2 mm in six adult males]; (2) iris bicolored, upper half coppery orange and lower half grayish brown; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) distinct black supratympanic line; (5) fingers without lateral fringes; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and wide lateral fringes; (7) longitudinal ridges under toes continuous; (8) heels just meeting when adpressed, tibial-tarsal articulation reaching loreal region; (9) dorsal surface shagreened with dense tubercles and raised warts, lacking skin ridges; (10) ventral surface smooth; (11) dorsum grayish brown to dark brown with indistinct dark brown scattered markings; (12) flank with several dark spots; (13) surface of throat, chest and abdomen creamy white.
Etymology. The type locality of the new species, Foshan, is known as the City of Chinese Kungfu. Many renowned Kungfu masters, such as Fei-Hong Huang (黄飞鸿), Zan Liang (梁赞), Yip Man (= Wen Ye / 叶问), and Bruce Lee (= Xiao-Long Li / 李小龙), had ancestral homes in Foshan and received their training there. The specific name kungfu is chosen to commemorate an important cultural aspect of Foshan City.
Qi-Qi Zhang, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Hong-Lin Su, Hong-Hui Chen, Xiu-Yu Zhang, Zhao-Chi Zeng and Jian Wang. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from central Guangdong Province, China. ZooKeys. 1259: 185-204. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1259.164646
