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| Gracixalus weii Liu, Peng, Wang, Feng, Shen, Li, Chen, Su & Tang, 2025 photos by Shize Li |
Abstract
A new species of small tree frog was discovered in southwestern China, exhibiting morphological differences and molecular divergence. The new species, formally described herein as Gracixalus weii sp. nov., is morphologically distinct from other congeners by body size (SVL 30.1–34.0 mm in males and 35.2–36.0 mm in females). In addition, the head width was larger than the head length, with a distinct tympanum, a brown to beige dorsum, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking. The skin of the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the head, body, and limbs was rough and sparsely scattered with tubercles. The toes showed moderately developed webbing, while finger webbing was rudimentary. Nuptial pads were found on the base of finger I; males had a single subgular vocal sac, with heels overlapping when the legs were at a right angle to the body, and the tibiotarsal articulation reached the mid-eye when the legs were stretched forward. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA supported the new species as a sister species of G. jinxiuensis. Genetically, the new species diverges from its congeners by 3.4%–14.5% (uncorrected p-distance) and is closest to G. jinxiuensis, which is 3.4%.
Key Words: Gracixalus weii sp. nov., Rhacophoridae, taxonomy, mitochondrial gene, southwestern China
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| Photos of the holotype MT LS20240518008 of Gracixalus weii sp. nov. in life. A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of hand; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot. (Photo A–E by Shize Li). |
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| Color variation in Gracixalus weii sp. nov. A. Dorsolateral view of the male specimen MT LS20240517002; B. Dorsolateral view of the male specimen MT LS20240518010. (Photo A, B by Shize Li). |
Gracixalus weii sp. nov.
Diagnosis: Gracixalus weii sp. nov. was assigned to the genus Gracixalus based on molecular data and morphological characteristics. Morphologically, the new species presented an intercalary cartilage between the terminal and penultimate phalanges of digits. The tips of the digits expanded into large disks with circummarginal grooves, the vomerine teeth were absent, and the pupil was horizontal (Delorme et al. 2005).
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Etymology: The specific epithet “weii” was given in honor of Professor Gang Wei from Guiyang University, in recognition of his contributions to the systematic studies and biodiversity conservation of amphibians in China.
Jing Liu, Cai-Chun Peng, Bin Wang, Chao-Bo Feng, Tuo Shen, Shi-Ze Li, Ji-Jun Chen, Hai-Jun Su and Xiu-Jun Tang. 2025. A New Species of Gracixalus (Amphibia, Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Guizhou Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(1): 405-417. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.133735
