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| Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. from French Guiana and Brazil (Amapá), S. mesomorphus sp. nov. from Guyana and Venezuela, and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. from Brazil (states of Amazonas and Pará). Fouquet, Leblanc, Fabre, Rodrigues, Menin, ... et Kok, 2021 |
Abstract
The genus Synapturanus includes three nominal species of fossorial Amazonian frogs. A previous study combining molecular, morphological and acoustic data suggested that there may be six times more species than currently recognized. Herein we describe and name three of these new species and compare their osteology. Synapturanus zombie sp. nov. occurs in French Guiana and Amapá (Brazil), S. mesomorphus sp. nov. in Guyana and adjacent Venezuela, and S. ajuricaba sp. nov. in the northern part of the Brazilian states of Amazonas and Pará. These species are readily differentiated from congeners by a combination of external morphological characters such as body size, development of fringes on fingers and coloration, by advertisement call variables, and by osteological traits. Along with osteological reinforcement of the skull, atlas and scapular region, the reduction of the size of phalanges, more developed fringes on fingers, smaller eyes and larger body size, altogether suggest an overall increase of the fossorial habits in the easternmost species. In contrast, the relatively conserved morphology of the posterior part of the body across the genus suggests that fossoriality mostly involves the anterior part. Furthermore, the fusion of tarsal bones in the species of the western clade may indicate locomotory adaptation to more epigean habits.
Keywords: Amazonia, Amphibia, Integrative taxonomy, Morphology, Tomography
Synapturanus zombie sp. nov
Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.
Synapturanus sp. “Eastern Guianas” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021
Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in apposition referring to zombies, fictional undead corporeal revenants, originating from Haitian folklore and omnipresent in pop culture movies. The call of this species is only heard during and after heavy rain showers, when herpetologists are often not properly equipped, thus ending up soaked and digging with their bare hands in the mud in the midst of thunderstorms, reminiscent of zombies extracting themselves from the ground.
Synapturanus mesomorphus sp. nov
Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975; Ernst et al., 2005.
Synapturanus salseri Kok and Kalamandeen, 2008; Cole et al., 2013.
Synapturanus sp. “Guyana” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021
Etymology: The specific epithet comes from the Greek mesos (middle, intermediate) and morphē (sort, appearance, form) and refers to the intermediate morphology of the species between the easternmost species of the eastern clade and the species of the western clade (Fouquet et al., 2021).
Synapturanus ajuricaba sp. nov.
Synapturanus mirandaribeiroi Nelson and Lescure, 1975.
Synapturanus salseri Lima et al., 2012; Peloso et al., 2015
Synapturanus cf. salseri Menin et al., 2007.
Synapturanus sp. “Manaus” Vacher et al., 2020; Fouquet et al., 2021
Etymology: The specific name ajuricaba is used as a noun in apposition and is given as a reference to the legendary indigenous figure, Ajuricaba, a prominent leader of the Manaós indigenous people—considered extinct. They were one of the most important tribes of the Rio Negro. Ajuricaba led several incursions by the Manaós and allied groups against European settlements in the Rio Negro region. For his effort and leadership, he became one of the symbols of indigenous resistance against European colonization. Ajuricaba was eventually captured and was to be conducted to Belém, probably to be enslaved. History tells that during his transport to the capital, while still in chains, Ajuricaba and his men rebelled against captors, killing several of them. Eventually losing the battle, the survivors, including Ajuricaba, jumped into the waters of the Amazon river and were never seen again. For additional details about this important indigenous figure, see Souza (2019).
Antoine Fouquet, Killian Leblanc, Anne-Claire Fabre, Miguel T. Rodrigues, Marcelo Menin, Elodie A. Courtois, Maël Dewynter, Monique Hölting, Raffael Ernst, Pedro Peloso and Philippe J.R. Kok. 2021. Comparative Osteology of the Fossorial Frogs of the Genus Synapturanus (Anura, Microhylidae) with the Description of Three New Species from the Eastern Guiana Shield. Zoologischer Anzeiger. In Press. DOI: 10.1016/j.jcz.2021.05.003
