[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops minhlei • A New Species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from Vu Quang National Park—An ASEAN Heritage Park of Vietnam

  

Amolops minhlei

A.V. Pham, C. V. Hoang, T. Q. Nguyen, V. T. H. Nguyen, T. T. T. Nguyen, K. D. Nguyen, Thai, N. V. Hoang & C. T. Pham, 2026 

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.2.4  

 facebook.com/PhamAnhdhsphn 

Abstract 

A new species of Amolops is described from Vu Quang National Park, Ha Tinh Province, North-central Vietnam based on morphological and molecular differences. Morphologically, Amolops minhlei sp. nov. is distinguishable from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: SVL 31.8–35.8 mm in males, 36.7–45.8 mm in females; head longer than wide; vomerine teeth absent; snout long (SE/SVL 0.16–0.17 in males, 0.16 in females); tympanum distinct, round (TD/ED 0.41–0.42 in males, 0.40–0.43 in females); skin smooth; supratympanic fold indistinct; dorsolateral fold present; webbing formula I0–0II0–1/2III0–1/2IV1/2–0V; dorsum olive green or reddish brown with a few dark spots; a brown dorsolateral stripe extending from behind eye to above vent; dorsal surface of fore- and hind-limbs light grey with brown crossbars, throat, chest and belly white; males with external vocal sac and nuptial pad on finger I; and flanks grey brown with small white glandular spot. In phylogenetic analyses, the new species is strongly supported as a member of the A. monticola group. However, the new species differs from other members of the A. monticola group by 10.00–19.66% pairwise genetic divergence in the mitochondrial ND2 gene fragment and 1.56–6.67% in the mitochondrial 16S gene fragment.

Amphibia, 16S rRNA, Amolops monticola group, Ha Tinh Province, molecular phylogeny, ND2, taxonomy

Amolops minhlei sp. nov.

Ếch bám đá minh

ANH VAN PHAM, CHUNG VAN HOANG, TRUONG QUANG NGUYEN, VAN THI HONG NGUYEN, THUY THU THI NGUYEN, KY DANH NGUYEN, TOAN CANH THAI, NGOC VAN HOANG and CUONG THE PHAM. 2026. A New Species of Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from Vu Quang National Park—An ASEAN Heritage Park of Vietnam.  Zootaxa. 5760(2); 225-247. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5760.2.4 [2026-02-23]

 facebook.com/PhamAnhdhsphn/posts/4486775618134704

  

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis etsa • A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador

Pristimantis etsa

Figueroa-Coronel, Cisneros-Heredia, Brito-Zapata, Carrión-Olmedo & Reyes-Puig, 2026

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506

Abstract

A new species of Pristimantis is described from the Cordillera del Cóndor, Zamora Chinchipe Province, southeastern Ecuador, based on morphological and molecular data, Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by the following combination of characters: female SVL 32.5 mm and male SVL 18.3 mm, dorsolateral folds formed by rows of subconical tubercles, strongly areolate ventral skin, two distinct rows of forearm tubercles, one along the ventrolateral margin and a second along the externolateral margin of the forearm, and a prominent yellow groin blotch in the female holotype. The species belongs to the Pristimantis cryptomelas group, part of the Huicundomantis subgenus, and is closely related to P. nangaritza, P. verrucosus, and P. plateado. Currently, the species is known only from its type locality, where it inhabits low montane evergreen forests at elevations of 1,655–1,830 m. Additionally, we discuss the use of the term “ulnar tubercles” in Pristimantis, noting that it may refer to tubercles occupying different positions on the forearm.

Key words: Amphibia, forearm tubercles, Huicundomantis, sub-Andean cordilleras

Color in life of Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.
A, E. Dorsolateral view; B, F. Dorsal view; C, G. Ventral view, and D, H. Groin.
(A–D) ZSFQ 6188; (E–H) ZSFQ 6189.

Photographs by David Brito-Zapata and Carolina Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis etsa sp. nov.

 Proposed standard English name. Etsa Rain Frog.

Proposed standard Spanish name. Cutín de Etsa.

Generic placement. The new species is assigned to Pristimantis based on the presence of a differentiated tympanic membrane, S-shaped adductor muscles, and expanded terminal discs on digits bearing well-defined circumferential grooves (Hedges et al. 2008).

Diagnosis. The diagnosis is summarized in Table 1, and a visual comparison of P. etsa sp. nov. and P. nangaritza is shown in Fig. 8. The species included in the comparative diagnosis were selected because they are phylogenetically close to Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. within the P. cryptomelas group or because they share one or more externally similar characters, especially colored groin, ulnar tuberculation, and occurrence in the Cordillera del Cóndor, southern Ecuador, or adjacent northern Peru. Pristimantis etsa sp. nov. is distinguished from these congeners by the following combination of characters: snout rounded in dorsal view and profile; dorsolateral folds conspicuous, composed of subconical ...

Etymology. The specific epithet etsa is a noun in apposition derived from the Shuar language. Among the Shuar people, an indigenous nationality inhabiting eastern Ecuador and northern Peru, including parts of the Cordillera del Cóndor, Etsa is a powerful anthropomorphic being whose primary manifestation is the sun. In Shuar cosmology, Etsa acts as a cultural transmitter who endows animals and people with essential skills, such as hunting techniques, restores life to forest birds, and upholds moral order (Pellizaro 1984; Barrueco 1985).

 Elías Figueroa-Coronel, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, David Brito-Zapata, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New rain frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Craugastoridae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador. ZooKeys. 1282: 205-228. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1282.187506 [15 Jun 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Pristimantis fergusoni • A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes

 

Pristimantis fergusoni 

J. P. Reyes-Puig, Yánez-Muñoz, Ron, Venegas, Ortega, Carrión-Olmedo & C. Reyes-Puig, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260

Abstract

A new species of rain frog from the upper montane forest of the eastern Andes in the upper Pastaza watershed, Ecuador is described. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is characterized by its short snout, conical tubercles on upper eyelids and heels, combined with a scarlet colored belly in females. These unique traits differentiate the new species among other Pristimantis of upper montane eastern Ecuadorian Andes. Phylogenetic analyses support its validity and place it within a clade nested with other tuberculated species occurring along the Andean slopes. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov. is currently known from only two close localities (Cerro Candelaria and Chamana Reserves) at elevations between 2972 and 3200 m elevation, within the Llanganates-Sangay Ecological Corridor. Data Deficient IUCN status is proposed until new information is available. Individuals were observed at night perched on vegetation in herbaceous and arbustive vegetation of upper montane forest. This discovery contributes to a growing body of evidence identifying the upper Pastaza valley as a hotspot of amphibian endemism and diversification. With this addition, 30 strabomantid species are described for this region in the last decades, underscoring its conservation importance. This discovery highlights the urgent need for integrated taxonomic efforts combining fieldwork, morphology, and molecular data to resolve complex evolutionary relationships within the megadiverse genus Pristimantis, especially in underexplored high-elevation habitats of the tropical Andes. Finally, we provide an updated phylogeny for this clade that clarifies its evolutionary relationships.

Key words: Amphibia, Andean slopes, morphology, Pristimantis gualacenio species complex, taxonomy

Life color and sexual dimorphism in Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.
A. Female holotype DHMECN 13318; B. Female DHMECN 19390;
C. Male DHMECN 19388; D. Male DHMECN 19389.

Dorsal and ventral view, respectively. Photographs by J. P. Reyes-Puig.

Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov.

Live photographs of the new species and comparison with related and similar Pristimantis species from eastern Andes of Ecuador.
A. Pristimantis fergusoni sp. nov., female holotype DHMECN 13318, from Cerro Candelaria; B. P. gualacenio DHMECN 10748, from Area de Conservación Municipal Tinajillas; C. P. bellae DHMECN 4812, from Cerro Candelaria;
D. P. eriphus DHMECN 5209, from Río Zuñag; E. P. incanus DHMECN 11857, from Reventador; F. P. roni, DHMECN 11313, from Sardinayacu; 
G. P. katoptroides QCAZ58900, from Sadinayacu; H. P. inusitatus not collected, from Napo San Isidro; I. P. galdi DHMECN 9640, from Reserva Tapichalaca;
J. P. colonensis DHMECN 6414, from La Bonita; K. P. venegasi MZUTI 6571; L. P. yanezi DHMECN 13309, from Río Zuñag.

Photographs by JPRP, MYM, SRR, Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela, and Patricia Bejarano-Muñoz.

  Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Santiago R. Ron, Pablo J. Venegas, Jhael Ortega, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Carolina Reyes-Puig. 2026. A New spiny frog of the Genus Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern slopes of the Ecuadorian Andes. ZooKeys. 1269: 83-105. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1269.162260 [13-02-2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Adenomera varcena • A New Species of Terrestrial Foam-Nesting Frog (Anura: Leptodactylidae) from the Várzea Forests of Western Amazonia

Adenomera varcena 

Borburema, Moraes, Santos, Ron, Haddad, Giaretta & Carvalho, 2026 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2025033 

  x.com/santiak 

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

Abstract

Cryptic diversity within species poses a challenge to traditional taxonomy, often leading to underestimation of species richness and incorrect assessments of extinction risks. The taxonomy of Adenomera frogs has greatly benefited from the integrated assessment of morphological, acoustic, and DNA sequence data. Here we address a taxonomic problem by analyzing the external morphology, color patterns, advertisement calls, and genetic variation of one of the nine molecular lineages of the Adenomera simonstuarti species complex, distributed in western Amazonia. Based on novel data from the upper Juruá River, in northwestern Brazil and Ecuador, we found that this lineage exhibits significant differences in morphology (body size), coloration (absence of a solid stripe on the ventral surface of the forearm), and calls (nonpulsed and formed by a single type of note) in comparison with congeners. This combination of phenotypic traits supports the taxonomic distinction of this lineage, which is formally described as a new species. Interestingly, the new species uses várzea (seasonally flooded) forests as its calling and breeding habitat, a unique feature among forest-dwelling Amazonian species of the genus, which are always associated with terra firme (non-flooded) forests. This study reinforces the relevance of acoustic mating signals combined with DNA sequences in uncovering new species, contributing to a better understanding of the anuran diversity in Amazonia.

Life colors of type specimens of Adenomera varcena, new species, from the upper Juruá River, southwestern Brazilian Amazonia.
 (A–B) Holotype (UFMG-AMP 21999, male); (C–D) female paratype (CFBH 45999)

  x.com/IchsAndHerps

Adenomera varcena sp. nov. 

 Etymology.—The epithet varcena is a noun used in Old Latin documents to refer to a floodplain or fertile swath of land on the river bank. The word is cognate with the Portuguese noun “várzea.” The epithet alludes to the várzea forests of western Amazonia, as in the upper Juruá River, the ecosystem used by the new species as calling and breeding sites. Occurrence records in Ecuador include other habitats.

Marianna S. Borburema, Leandro J. C. L. Moraes, Marcus Thadeu T. Santos, Santiago R. Ron, Célio F. B. Haddad, Ariovaldo A. Giaretta and Thiago R. Carvalho. 2026. A New Species of Terrestrial Foam-Nesting Frog (Adenomera, Leptodactylidae) from the Várzea Forests of Western Amazonia. Ichthyology & Herpetology.  114(2):204-216. DOI: doi.org/10.1643/h2025033 [15 May 2026]

 x.com/santiak/status/2059625569680073046

 x.com/IchsAndHerps/status/2059343264180752721

La diversidad críptica dentro de las especies plantea un desafío a la taxonomía tradicional, lo que ocasiona una subestimación de la riqueza de especies y evaluaciones incorrectas del riesgo de extinción. La taxonomía de las ranas del género Adenomera ha experimentado un avance notable mediante la evaluación integrada de datos morfológicos, acústicos y de secuencias de ADN. En este estudio, abordamos un problema taxonómico mediante el análisis de la morfología externa, los patrones de color, los cantos de anuncio y la variación genética de uno de los nueve linajes moleculares del complejo de especies de Adenomera simonstuarti, distribuido en la Amazonia occidental. Con base en nuevos datos del alto río Juruá, en el noroeste de Brasil, y Ecuador, encontramos que este linaje presenta diferencias significativas en morfología (tamaño corporal), coloración (ausencia de una banda sólida en la superficie ventral del antebrazo) y cantos (no pulsados y formados por un solo tipo de nota) en comparación con sus congéneres. Esta combinación de caracteres fenotípicos apoya la distinción taxonómica de este linaje, que se describe formalmente como nueva especie. Curiosamente, la nueva especie utiliza bosques de várzea (inundados estacionalmente) como su hábitat de vocalización y reproducción, una característica única entre las especies amazónicas del género que utilizan hábitas boscosos, específicamente asociadas a bosques de tierra firme (no inundados). Este estudio refuerza la relevancia de las señales acústicas reproductivas combinadas con secuencias de ADN para descubrir especies nuevas, contribuyendo a una mejor comprensión de la diversidad de anuros en la Amazonia.

[Herpetology • 2026] Amolops kamal • A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India

Amolops kamal 

Saikia, Sinha, Shabnam, Konwar, Borthakur & Dinesh, 2026

Nagaland Cascade Frog  ||  https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi 

Abstract

The Asian cascade-dwelling frog genus Amolops currently comprises 90 recognised species, with 20 species reported from India. These species are generally classified into ten species groups based on morphological similarities, of which in India, Amolops species are mainly categorised across three groups: A. marmoratus group, A. monticola group and A. viridimaculatus group, with the first group being the most diverse, represented by eight species. Previous studies on the A. indoburmanensis species group and A. marmoratus species group suggest a species complex encompassing multiple cryptic lineages. Between 2022 and 2024, many Amolops specimens tentatively assigned to A. indoburmanensis sensu lato were collected from different parts of North-East India. Morphological variations and molecular phylogenetic analyses revealed multiple distinct lineages within this complex, confirming the paraphyly of the nomen A. indoburmanensis. Herein, we describe a new Amolops species belonging to the A. indoburmanensis species complex from North-East India, Amolops kamal sp. nov. from Nagaland state. The study underscores the rich hidden diversity within the Amolops genus and highlights the importance of integrated morphological and molecular approaches in resolving amphibian taxonomy in the region.

Keywords: Amolops indoburmanensis, Amolops kamal sp. nov., paraphyly, Jotsoma, Kohima

Amolops kamal sp. nov. in live condition.

Amolops kamal sp. nov. 

Nagaland Cascade Frog

  

   Bhaskar Saikia, Bikramjit Sinha, A. Shabnam, Prabir Narayan Konwar, Mridul Kumar Borthakur and K. P. Dinesh. 2026. Description of A New cascade frog of the Genus Amolops Cope (1865) (Anura: Ranidae) from Nagaland, North-East India. Records of the Zoological Survey of India. 126(2); 131-140. DOI: 10.26515/rzsi/v126/i2/2026/173119

https://recordsofzsi.com/index.php/zsoi/article/view/173119

[Herpetology • 2026] Arcovomer moqueca & A. ubatuba • Unveiling Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Arcovomer (Anura: Microhylidae): Description of Two New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

(C–F) Arcovomer moqueca sp. n. from Aracruz (type locality), state of Espírito Santo;
(G–H) A. ubatuba sp. n. from Ubatuba (type locality), state of São Paulo 

Andrade, Lyra, & Toledo, 2026  

SALAMANDRA. 62(2); 

Note the differences in color patterns among individuals, with the dorsum and limbs ranging from light grey to dark brown.

Abstract

 The Brazilian Atlantic Forest is one of the world’s most threatened biodiversity hotspots, harbouring high levels of species richness and endemism, including more than 700 amphibian species. Although considerable progress has been made in describing this diversity, new species continue to be formally recognized each year, and many lineages remain poorly studied. Here, we use an integrative approach combining molecular, morphometric, and bioacoustic data to reassess species diversity within the frog genus Arcovomer (Anura, Microhylidae), long regarded as monotypic. Our results reveal the presence of three deeply divergent lineages within the genus Arcovomer. One corresponds to A. passarellii, the type species from the state of Rio de Janeiro, while the other two represent distinct lineages from the states of Espírito Santo and São Paulo, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial and nuclear markers recovered Arcovomer as a strongly supported clade, and morphometric and acoustic evidence combined with molecular data support the distinctiveness of these lineages, leading to the description of two new species. These species are geographically structured across distinct ecoregions of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest, highlighting the conservation relevance of recognizing independently evolving, range-restricted taxa. By revealing previously overlooked diversity within this genus, this study highlights the importance of integrative taxonomy, long-term specimen curation, and sound archives for documenting and conserving biodiversity within one of the world’s most threatened biomes. 

Key words. Amphibia, genetic divergence, bioacoustics, endemism, integrative taxonomy, biological collections.

Variation in coloration in life among three species of Arcovomer:
 A. passarellii (ZUEC-AMP 26936) from Rio das Ostras, state of Rio de Janeiro (A–B);
A. moqueca sp. n. from Aracruz (type locality), state of Espírito Santo (C–F);
A. ubatuba sp. n. from Ubatuba (type locality), state of São Paulo (G–H).

Note the differences in color patterns among individuals, with the dorsum and limbs ranging from light grey to dark brown.

Arcovomer moqueca sp. n.

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Arcovomer based on phylogenetic evidence and the presence of an arched vomer, a diagnostic osteologic synapomorphy of the genus sensu Carvalho (1954). This species is phenotypically cryptic in relation to A. passarellii.

Etymology: The specific name is a noun in apposition, derived from the African Bantu language, Kimbundu,  'mu’keka', meaning fish stew, or from the indigenous Tupi, 'pokeka' and 'moquem', meaning wrapped and grilled respectively. The word 'moqueca' subsequently emerged from the Portuguese. It is a Brazilian seafood stew, traditional from the state of Espírito Santo, and declared as a cultural asset, intangible heritage, of the state (Brazil 2015, Law No. 10.463). It honors the state of Espírito Santo, celebrating its traditions, peoples, cultural diversity, and rich culinary heritage. 

Arcovomer ubatuba sp. n. 

Diagnosis: Placed in the genus Arcovomer based on phylogenetic position. Externally cryptic relative to A. passarellii and A. moqueca sp. n., A. ubatuba sp. n. is reliably differentiated only through an integrative approach combining morphology, bioacoustics, and genetics.

Etymology: The specific epithet 'ubatuba' honours the municipality of Ubatuba, state of São Paulo, Brazil, where this species was first collected and which is its type locality. The name is derived from the indigenous Tupi language, 'uba' meaning “place” and 'tuba' meaning “canoes”, referring to the traditional gathering point of canoes during the Tamoio Confederation. The epithet is treated as a noun in apposition. This name relates to the species type locality and evokes the cultural and historical heritage of the people from Atlantic Forest coastal region. 

Felipe Silva de Andrade, Mariana L. Lyra, Délio Baêta & Luís Felipe Toledo. 2026. Unveiling Cryptic Diversity in the Genus Arcovomer (Anura: Microhylidae): description of Two New Species from the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. SALAMANDRA. 62(2); 77–96. [2026-05-15]

[Herpetology • 2026] Ingerana occidens • A river in between: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Garo and Khasi Hills, with A Redescription of Ingerana borealis (Annandale) from the Abor Hills, India

 Ingerana occidens 

Naveen, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2656411

 

ABSTRACT

I assessed morphological variation between two populations previously treated as Ingerana borealis, occurring allopatrically on either side of a prominent biogeographic barrier, the Brahmaputra River. Significant morphological differences were found between the population from the Garo and Khasi Hills (south of the Brahmaputra River) and the topotypic population of I. borealis from the Abor Hills (north of the river). Therefore, I provide a redescription of I. borealis based on topotypic material and restrict its distribution to regions north of the Brahmaputra. Based on a 16S rRNA gene fragment (446 bp), this lineage is found to be deeply divergent, showing 23.1–24.6% divergence from some sequences labelled and referred to as ‘true’ Ingerana tenasserimensis and 17.9 to 18.3% divergence from the Ingerana sp. occurring in the Khasi and Garo hill ranges south of the Brahmaputra. The Khasi and Garo hill populations also show 21.8 to 23.2% divergence from I. tenasserimensis and multiple morphological differences. Based on these differences between this distinct population and other known Ingerana species, I describe it as a new species here. The sequences of Ingerana species included in this study were not recovered as a monophyletic group in the phylogeny, suggesting that the genus-level taxonomy of this group may require further revision, or that some sequences may be misidentified. However, given the lack of information for some of these sequences, resolving this issue is beyond the scope of the present study; therefore, all taxa examined here are provisionally retained within Ingerana, following previous studies.

 

KEYWORDS: 16S rRNA, allopatry, Amphibia, biogeographic barrier, Brahmaputra River, Eastern Himalayas, Indo-Burma region, occidens, paraphyletic, systematics

 Ingerana borealis in life.
(A) Female topotype (BNHS 6842); (B) male topotype (BNHS 6844).

Ingerana borealis (Annandale)

Diagnosis: A small-sized dicroglossid frog, distinguished by the following combination of characters: snout–vent length (SVL) ranging from 29.4 to 29.9 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 31.0 mm in a single adult female; head wider than long; supratympanic fold weakly developed; tympanum indistinct; thigh length greater than shank length (SHL/TL = 0.94); fingertips rounded to very small discs; dorsal surface prominently wrinkled; flanks wrinkled; ventral surface smooth; toe tips bearing small, rounded discs.

 Ingerana occidens sp. n. in life.
 (A) Male holotype (BNHS 6845); (B) female referred material (PU RSN A27); (C) female paratype (BNHS 6847).

 Habitat of  Ingerana occidens sp. n. 
 (A) Type locality, a stream near Wari Chora, Agalgre, South Garo Hills; B) A stream near Mawlynnong village, East Khasi Hills.

Ingerana occidens Naveen sp. n.

Definition: SVL 21.5–23.05 mm in adult males (n = 2) and 25.02–26.0 mm in females (n = 3); head wider than long; supratympanic fold well developed; tympanum distinct, circular, elevated in the centre to form a protrusion, more than half the diameter of the eye (VTYD/EL = 0.72–0.91) (n = 4); thigh length shorter than shank length; fingertips rounded to very small discs; dorsal surface weakly wrinkled; flanks wrinkled; ventral surface smooth; toe tips bearing small, rounded discs.

Etymology: 

Ingerana borealis was named borealis based on the Latin word for ‘north’. Although Annandale (1912) did not provide an explicit reason, the epithet likely reflects the species’ range being farther north than the known distribution of the South Indian endemic genus Micrixalus Boulenger, 1888, to which it was originally assigned. And this reasoning also applies to Ingerana, as it remains the northernmost known member of the genus based on currently available data.

The new species described herein is named occidens, derived from the Latin term ‘occidens’, meaning ‘west’, in reference to its range occurring west of the ranges of the two other currently recognised congeners. The distribution of this species thus marks the westernmost known extent of the genus’ range. The specific epithet is used as a noun in apposition.

The recommended English common name is western trickle frog.

 Map showing type localities and records from this study of the two Ingerana species from the Eastern Himalayas, separated by the Brahmaputra River.

 

 

R. S. Naveen. 2026. A river in between: A New Species of Ingerana Dubois, (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the Garo and Khasi Hills, with A Redescription of Ingerana borealis (Annandale) from the Abor Hills, India. Journal of Natural History. 60(17-20); 1105-1125. DOI: doi.org/10.1080/00222933.2026.2656411 [27 Apr 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Platymantis guiting • A New miniaturised Platymantis (Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines

Platymantis guiting

Meneses, Pitogo, Decena, Supsup & Brown, 2026

 lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg 

Abstract

 We describe a new species of miniaturised Platymantis (subgenus Lahatnanguri) from the Romblon Island Group (RIG), Philippines. Previously, the RIG population was treated as Platymantis pygmaeus, a forestdwelling species endemic to Luzon Island due to morphological, ecological, and acoustic similarities. We conducted phylogenetic analyses using 16S mitochondrial DNA sequences and quantified morphological variation across a statistically robust sample size to assess the distinctiveness of the RIG population. Our results recovered the RIG lineage as monophyletic with moderate support (75% bootstrap; 0.83 BPP). Phylogenetic analyses further demonstrate that Platymantis guiting, new species, is not closely related to P. pygmaeus and it is morphologically distinguished by shorter limb proportions and a stereotyped advertisement call characterised by a single-pulsed, repetitive clicking. Named after Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan Island, this species stands as a powerful reminder of the biogeographic subregion’s fragile and irreplaceable biodiversity. This taxonomic revision highlights the unique herpetological diversity of the RIG and reinforces the need for targeted conservation efforts in this biogeographically significant subregion. 

Key words. Sibuyan Island, elevational relief, Lahatnanguri, Philippine biodiversity, conservation, Platymantis guiting

Observed colour variation in live specimens of Platymantis guiting, new species, collected from Mt. Guiting-Guiting Natural Park.

Photos by Camila G. MENESES.

Platymantis (Lahatnanguri) guiting, new species 

Etymology. The specific epithet guiting is derived from Mount Guiting-Guiting, the highest peak on Sibuyan (and the larger Romblon Island Group), with an elevation of 2,058 m asl. This mountain is a prominent geographical feature of the region and a biodiversity hotspot at the heart of Sibuyan Island, characterised by its unique flora and fauna (Brown & Alcala, 1974; Goodman & Ingle, 1993; Nerz et al., 1997; Lit & Eusebio, 2008; Esselstyn & Goodman, 2010; Brown et al., 2011; Davis et al., 2016; Heaney et al., 2005; Rickart et al., 2005; Siler et al., 2012, 2016; Lucañas, 2021; Tautel & Dupo, 2021; Ermilov & Corpuz-Raros, 2022a, b; Meneses et al., 2022). The name honours the ecological significance of the mountain and its role in conserving locally endemic species of herpetofauna in RIG.

Camila G. MENESES, Kier Mitchel E. PITOGO, Syrus Cesar P. DECENA, Christian E. SUPSUP and Rafe M. BROWN. 2026. A New miniaturised Platymantis (Amphibia: Anura: Ceratobatrachidae) from Sibuyan and Tablas islands, Romblon Island Group, Philippines. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74: 197–219. [2026-04-14]

https://lkcnhm.nus.edu.sg/rbz/a-new-miniaturised-platymantis-amphibia-anura-ceratobatrachidae-from-sibuyan-and-tablas-islands-romblon-island-group-philippines/

[Herpetology • 2026] Limnonectes motijheel • A New mud-nesting Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Arunachal Pradesh with notes on L. longchuanensis from India

Limnonectes motijheel 

Boruah, Rajiv, Dutta & Das, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.3.8

facebook.com: Bitupan BORUAH

 

Abstract

A new species of Limnonectes is described from Namdapha Tiger Reserve, Arunachal Pradesh, northeast India, based on differences in morphological characters and mitochondrial gene 16S rRNA. The genetic divergence of the new species with its congeners of the L. limborgi complex is 2.4–6.8% in the 16S rRNA gene. The new species can be easily differentiated from its congeners by adult snout-vent length range 23.3–35.9 mm, internarial distance greater than inter-upper eyelid width and upper eyelid width, an inverted “V” shaped dermal fold on dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral folds on dorsum, dark-brown concave line on inter-upper eyelid space. Additionally, the new species exhibits a unique nesting behaviour, constructing mud nest under leaf litter. This study also formally reports L. longchuanensis from India. With the description of this new species and the report of L. longchuanensis, the number of species of the genus currently known from India increases to six.

Amphibia, Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, Namdapha Tiger Reserve, northeast India, taxonomy, phylogenetics

Limnonectes motijheel sp. nov.

 

BITUPAN BORUAH, N. V. RAJIV, SOURAV DUTTA and ABHIJIT DAS. 2026. A New mud-nesting Fanged Frog (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from Arunachal Pradesh with notes on L. longchuanensis from India.  Zootaxa. 5796(3); 551-571.3 DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5796.3.8 [2026-04-22]

https://www.facebook.com/bitupan.wild.92/posts/26598769686474352

[Herpetology • 2026] Phyllodytes gravata • Another Piece in the Puzzle: A New Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1830 (Anura: Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil

 Phyllodytes gravata 

Santos, Rodrigues & Dias, 2026

 

DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3235 

Abstract

We describe Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov., a new species of bromeligenous treefrog from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, Brazil. The new species is characterised by its small body size (males 19.5–22.0 mm snout-vent length; female 23.5 mm), a rounded snout with an apical tubercle, an inconspicuous row of tubercles along the tarsus, with a single prominent tubercle at the tibiotarsal articulation, a dorsolateral brown stripe, and an advertisement call composed of long series of pulsed notes (22–34 notes/call; call duration 5.2–7.3 s; dominant frequency 2.75–3.83 kHz). The species is currently known from only two nearby localities within the Central Corridor of the Atlantic Forest (CCAF), in the municipality of Porto Seguro, district of Trancoso, Bahia, a major tourist destination, where it inhabits bromeliads in sandy-soil ecosystems known as mussunungas. Its apparently microendemic distribution and strict association with bromeliads render it vulnerable to several anthropogenic threats, such as bromeliad harvesting, increasing tourism, urbanisation, and agriculture. This discovery underscores the persistent hidden diversity of the CCAF and reinforces the urgent need to protect its highly special microhabitats.

Keywords: Taxonomy, Amphibia, Bioacoustic, Bromeliad, Conservation

In-life photographs of Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov.
  A.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23915). B. Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23885).
C.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23884) Dorsal view. D.  Paratype, ♂  (MZUESC 23884) ventral view.
E. Aechmea lamarchei Mez; F. Mussununga, the natural habitat at the type locality.

A. Map showing thedistribution of Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov. and its sister species, P. amadoi and Phyllodytes sp. 7. in southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. 
B. Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov., paratype, ♂ (MZUESC 23915). C. Phyllodytes amadoi, ♂ (MZUESC 24030 – photograph by  Tadeu T.  Medeiros). D. Phyllodytes sp. 7, ♂.

Phyllodytes gravata sp. nov.

Laisa Souza dos Santos, Miguel Trefaut  Rodrigues and Iuri Ribeiro Dias. 2026. Another Piece in the Puzzle: A New Species of Phyllodytes Wagler, 1830 (Anura, Hylidae) from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia, northeastern Brazil. European Journal of Taxonomy. 1048(1); 62–83. DOI: doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2026.1048.3235 [2026-03-27]

[Herpetology • 2026] Nymphargus dajomesae • A Secret from A Hidden World: A New Glassfrog of the Genus Nymphargus (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador

 

 Nymphargus dajomesae  

Masache-Sarango, Cisneros-Heredia & Ron, 2026

 Dajomes Glassfrog | Rana de cristal de Dajomes ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345097 

Abstract

The genus Nymphargus is the most speciose of the family Centrolenidae with 44 species. In this study, we describe a new species of Nymphargus and present an updated phylogeny. The new species is sister to an undescribed species, also from SW Ecuador, and both belong to a clade that includes N. buenaventura, N. cariticommatus, N. griffithsi, N. lasgralarias, N. sucre, and N. wileyi. The new species likely originated during the Pliocene (~4.5 Mya) and is characterized by a uniformly green dorsum lacking spots, shagreened dorsal skin, and white peritonea covering the esophagus and stomach. Our phylogeny provides, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of N. buenaventura. The new species was discovered at Reserva Biológica El Quimi, during expeditions by the QCAZ Museum in 2017 and 2018. Most amphibian species found at that location were undescribed, indicating that some regions of Cordillera del Cóndor host amphibian communities that have remained as “hidden worlds” for biological exploration.

Live holotype of Nymphargus dajomesae sp. nov. QCAZ-A 68586.
(A) dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) Frontal view and (D) lateral view.

Photos by BIOWEB-Museo QCAZ-A archive.

Nymphargus dajomesae sp. nov.

Proposed Spanish common name: Rana de cristal de Dajomes

Proposed English common name: Dajomes Glassfrog

Definition: Nymphargus dajomesae differs from all other Centrolenidae by the following combination of characters: (1) dentigerous process of vomer and vomerine teeth absent; (2) snout truncated in dorsal and lateral views; loreal region slightly concave; (3) tympanic annulus, lower ¾ visible, upper border covered by supratympanic fold; tympanic membrane colored as surrounding skin; (4) dorsal skin shagreen with microspicules; (5) ventral skin granular; pericloacal area granular, enameled; pair of sub-cloacal warts present; (6) parietal peritoneum white, iridophores covering almost entirely (condition P4); peritonea covering heart, esophagus, stomach and kidneys covered by iridophores (V2); all other peritonea clear; (7) liver lobed and hepatic peritoneum clear (condition H0); (8) humeral spines absent in adult males; (9) webbing absent between fingers I and II, basal between fingers II and III; reduced between outer fingers, webbing formula III (3– –21/2) IV; (10) foot webbing formula: ...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case honoring Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020, women’s 76 kg weightlifting). In addition, she has won gold medals at the World and Pan American Weightlifting Championships, and the Pan American, Bolivarian and South American games.

Habitat at the type locality, Reserva Biológica El Quimi.
(A) Slow-flowing blackwater stream rich in tannins.
(B) Surrounding vegetation composed by dense shrubs, bromeliads, and mosses.

 

Mylena V. Masache-Sarango, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia and Santiago R. Ron. 2026. A Secret from A Hidden World: A New Glassfrog of the Genus Nymphargus (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador. PLoS One. 21(4): e0345097. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345097 [April 8, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from India

 

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985

in Sengupta, Boruah, Jithin, Hussain, Purkayastha, Dutta et Das, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

Abstract 

The present study evaluates the taxonomic status of “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto using morphology, molecular and acoustic tools. Our phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, morphological examination of type collections, and freshly collected topotypes, along with bioacoustics information, suggest that “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto is a valid species. We provide the redescription for the species, describe the tadpole morphology and discuss the extended geographical distribution.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Northeast India, phylogeny, redescription, synonym

Topotypes of Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in live condition.
(A-C) WII-ADA1312, (A) lateral view, (B) dorsal v i e w, (C) front view;
(D-F) WII-ADA1319, (D) dorsolateral view, (E) ventral view with granular belly skin in the inset, (F) lateral view showing groin and flank;
(G & H) WII-ADA1359, (G) lateral view, (H) ventral view; (I) dorsal view of WII-ADA3104.

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in natural habitat.
(A-D) uncollected males from Namdapha Tiger Reserve; (E, F) uncollected males from Kamlang Tiger Reserve; (G) uncollected male from Tinkupani, Assam; (H) dorsal colour change under stress condition of the individual depicted in (E).

  Saibal Sengupta, Bitupan Boruah, Vijayan Jithin, Bakhtiar Hussain, Jayaditya Purkayastha and Sourav Dutta, Abhijit Das. 2026. Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar and Sanyal, 1985 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from India. Rec. zool. Surv. India. 126(1); 51-74. DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

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