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| Leptobrachella yachangensis Huang, Zeng, J. Wang, H.-T. Wang, Deng, Z.-W. Wang, Liao & Mo, 2025 |
Abstract
In this study, we describe a new species of the species-rich genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov., from northwestern Guangxi, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. The new species is a sister taxon to L. wumingensis Chen, Peng, Li & Yu, 2023, with discrete, diagnostic differences from all other congeners. We also discussed the phenomenon and causes of the high diversity within this genus as well as the conservation of its congeners.
Key Words: conservation, diversity, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy
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| Morphological features of the holotype of Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov., NHMG250402 in life. A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Lateral view; D. Ventral view; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Ventral view of foot. |
Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov.
Yachang Leaf Litter Toad (in English)
Ya Chang Zhang Tu Chan (雅长掌突蟾 in Chinese)
Diagnosis. (1) Small body size [SVL 28.1–31.2 mm in seven adult males], (2) iris bicolored, upper half coppery orange and lower half grayish brown, (3) tympanum distinct, (4) supratympanic line black, (5) fingers without lateral fringes, (6) toes with narrow lateral fringes,lacking webbing, (7) longitudinal ridges under toes continuous, (8) heels overlapping when adpressed, tibial-tarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, (9) dorsal surface rough with dense skin ridges and numerous conical tubercles bearing spines, (10) ventral surface smooth, with transparent tiny conical spines on chest and abdomen in breeding males, (11) dorsum grayish brown, with darker brown scattered markings, (12) flanks with several dark spots, (13) surface of throat, chest and abdomen creamy white, with dense irregular dark brown speckles.
Etymology. The specific epithet, yachangensis, is in reference to the type locality, Yachang Orchids National Nature Reserve.
Zhong Huang, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Hao-Tian Wang, Zhen-Hai Deng, Zhi-Wei Wang, Xiao-Wen Liao and Yun-Ming Mo. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella Smith, 1935 (Anura, Megophryidae) from northwestern Guangxi, China. Herpetozoa. 38: 321-332. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165088
