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| Dendropsophus liliae Santana, Shepard, Carvalho, Müller, Assis & Feio, 2026 |
Abstract
The Dendropsophus ruschii species group currently comprises two species with disjunct distributions between the Atlantic Forest and the Amazon. Based on an integrative approach combining morphological, acoustic, and molecular data (mtDNA barcoding), we describe a new species from the Serra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais, Brazil. Dendropsophus liliae sp. nov. is diagnosed by its small size, rounded digital discs, presence of a calcar appendage, dark red iris, and a distinct white stripe from the snout to the upper eyelid. This discovery expands the known diversity of the group and represents its most inland record within the Atlantic Forest.
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| Live specimens of Dendropsophus liliae sp. nov. from Serra do Brigadeiro (type locality). (A) Holotype adult male (MZUFV20707), (B) paratype adult male (ZUFMS-AMP7816), (C–F) unvouchered adult males. Photographs by D.J. Santana (A–B) and C.L. Assis (C–F). Published under a CC BY 4.0 license. |
Dendropsophus liliae sp. nov.
Diagnosis.—We assigned the new species to the genus Dendropsophus and to the D. ruschii species group based on phylogenetic results (see Results below). In addition, the new species morphologically resembles other species of the D. ruschii group, especially D. ruschii, which exhibit white marks on the head and flanks. Dendropsophus liliae sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners within the D. ruschii group by the combination of the following features: (1) small size, adult males 16.0–19.5 mm SVL; (2) dominant frequency of the advertisement call from 6030 to 6630 Hz; (3) rounded discs on fingers and toes; (4) presence of sparse small granules on the dorsum; (5) presence of a calcar appendage; (6) eyes dark red; (7) overall dorsal coloration brown; (8) nuptial pad poorly developed; (9) wide head HW/SVL = 0.30–0.34; (10) a well-marked white line running from the posterior edge of the upper eyelid to the tip of the snout.
Etymology.— The specific epithet liliae is a patronym honoring Prof. Lília Maria Fraga Tostes (in memoriam) for her extensive contributions to biology education, her friendship, and her mentorship of DJS during his undergraduate studies. Prof. Lília, affectionately known as “Lilinha,” was a dear friend and a charismatic teacher widely known by the citizens of Muriaé, Minas Gerais (the hometown of DJS). Her kindness and charisma inspired many students to pursue careers in the biological sciences, and several of her former students are now professors who continue to carry her lessons forward.
Diego J. Santana, Donald B. Shepard, Priscila S. Carvalho, Márcia M. P. Müller, Clodoaldo L. Assis and Renato N. Feio. 2026. A New Species of Dendropsophus (Anura, Hylidae) of the D. ruschii group from the Atlantic Forest in Serra da Mantiqueira, Minas Gerais, Brazil. PLoS One. 21(6): e0351087. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0351087 [June 23, 2026]
