[Herpetology • 2021] Trimeresurus guoi • A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from Southwestern China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar

Trimeresurus guoi Chen, Shi, Vogel & Ding, 

in Chen, Shi, Gao, Vogel, Song, Li Ding et Dai, 2021.

滇南竹叶青  |  Guo’s green pit viper  ||  งูเขียวหางไหม้ท้องเหลืองตาแดง  ||  www.ahr-journal.com 

Researchgate.net/publication/351088504

 

Abstract:

The pit vipers of the genus Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 is one of the largest groups of Asian snakes, distributed from India to China and Indonesia. Recent surveys in Jiangcheng and Simao, Yunnan Province, China resulted in a new species previously allocated to T. albolabris. Combining morphological and molecular data, we describe it as Trimeresurus guoi sp. nov. The new species morphologically differs from T. albolabris in the yellow green ventral color; an indistinct ventrolateral line; the absence of a postocular stripe; the firebrick-red iris; a dark red stripe on dorsal tail; hemipenes with relatively weak sparse papillae, reaching 23rd subcaudal when unextruded. Molecularly, the new species forms a clearly divergent lineage (BPP 1.00/ UFB 100). Uncorrected pairwise distances of mitochondrial gene Cyt b between the new species and other known species of the subgenus Trimeresurus range from 0.052 (T. albolabris) to 0.071 (T. insularis).

Keywords: morphology;  phylogenetics;  taxonomy;  Trimeresurus

Comparison of coloration between Trimeresurus guoi sp. nov. (Left) and T. albolabris (Right).
A and B: Different body pattern (yellow green vs. multicolor) in female;
C and D: Different ventrolateral line (absent vs. present) and postocular stripe (absent vs. present) in male;
E and F: Different ventral (yellow green vs. yellow).
Specimens of T. albolabris compared were colleted from Guanghzou, Guangdong Province, China.

Photographed by Shengchao SHI except B by Liang ZHANG.

Comparison in head scales and coloration between Trimeresurus guoi sp. nov. and T. albolabris.
 Left, doral view of head; right, lateral view of head. A, B, female of T. guoi sp. nov.; C, D, female of T. albolaris;
E, F, male of T. guoi sp. nov.; G, H, male of T. albolaris.
A, C, E and G: Different head shape (more elongated skull in new species) in both genders; B and D: Different iris color (firebrick-red vs. copper) in female; F and H: Different iris color (firebrick-red vs. copper) and postocular stripe (absent vs. present) in male.
Specimens of T. albolabris compared were colleted from Guangzhou, Guangdong Province, China.

Photographed by Shengchao SHI except D by Liang ZHANG.

Trimeresurus guoi sp. nov. Chen, Shi, Vogel, and Ding

Diagnosis. (1) Dorsal body jungle-green with faint transverse dark bands on skin, ventral body yellow green. (2) Lateral head jungle-green above lower margin of eyes, and green yellow below, without postocular stripes. (3) Ventrolateral line of male yellow-green, narrow, only present on outermost row of dorsal scales. (4) Iris firebrick-red in both sexes. (5) First supralabial fused with nasal. (6) Head scales feebly keeled; dorsal scale row 23-21-15 (N = 10), feebly keeled except the outermost rows; ventral scale 154–163 in males (N = 6), 158–160 in females (N = 3); subcaudal scale 58–72 in males (N = 7), 52–59 in females (N = 3). (7) Hemipenes long, reaching 23rd/32nd subcaudals when unextruded/extruded, papillae relatively weak and sparse.

Etymology. The specific name is in honor of Dr. Peng Guo (Sichuan, China), the first researcher on the taxonomy and systematics of the genus Trimeresurus sensu lato through molecular analysis in China. We suggest the following common names as “Guo’s green pit viper” in English and “Diān Nán Zhú Yè Qīng (滇南竹叶青 )” in Chinese.

งูเขียวหางไหม้ท้องเหลืองตาแดง

Zening CHEN,  Shengchao SHI,  Jun GAO, Gernot VOGEL, Zhaobin SONG, Li DING and Rong DAI. 2021. A New Species of Trimeresurus Lacépède, 1804 (Squamata: Viperidae) from Southwestern China, Vietnam, Thailand and Myanmar. Asian Herpetological Research. 11(4); 1-11.  DOI: 10.16373/j.cnki.ahr.200084

 www.ahr-journal.com/en/oa/darticle.aspx?type=view&id=AHR-2020-0084

Researchgate.net/publication/351088504_A_New_Species_of_Trimeresurus_from China_Vietnam_Thailand_and_Myanmar

[Herpetology • 2023] Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis • A New Species of Pit-viper (Serpentes: Viperidae) from the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions in Myanmar

Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis 

Chan, Anuar, Sankar, I.T. Law, I.S. Law, Shivaram, Christian, Mulcahy & Malhotra, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1186.110422

Abstract

In a genomic study by Chan and colleagues, pit-vipers of the Trimeresurus erythrurus–purpureomaculatus complex from the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions in Myanmar were demonstrated to be a distinct species based on robust population genetic and species delimitation analyses. Here, we provide morphological characterizations and a formal description of those populations as a new species. The new species, Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov., is most closely related to T. erythrurus and T. purpureomaculatus and shares morphological characteristics with both of those species. Some specimens of T. ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. have green dorsal coloration and no distinct dorsal blotches (a trait shared with T. erythrurus but not T. purpureomaculatus), while others have dark dorsal blotches (a trait shared with T. purpureomaculatus but not T. erythrurus). The distinct evolutionary trajectory of the new species, coupled with the lack of obvious morphological differentiation, represents a classic example of the cryptic nature of species commonly found in the Trimeresurus group of Asian pit-vipers and underscores the need for data-rich analyses to verify species’ boundaries more broadly within this genus.

Key words: Cryptic species complex, mangrove pit-viper, morphology, snake, systematics, taxonomy

Photographs of an unvouchered, live specimen of Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. from the Yangon Region, Myanmar   

(Photos by Wolfgang Wüster).

Trimeresurus species in Myanmar
 A Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. (CAS 213410) from Hlawga Wildlife Park, Yangon Region (photo by CAS-Myanmar Herpetology Survey team, CAS-MHS) B T. erythrurus (CAS 235958) from Phalum District, Chin State (photo by Hla tun)
C T. ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. (CAS 219764) from Meinmahla Kyun Wildlife Sanctuary, Pyapon District, Ayeyarwady Region (photo by Hla tun) D T. ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. (CAS 212245) from Mwe Hauk Village, Ayeyarwady Region (photo by Dong Lin).

 Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov.

  Vernacular name: Ayeyarwady pit viper

 

Diagnosis: Trimeresurus can be distinguished from all other Asian pit-vipers by the condition of the first infralabial and nasal scale, which are at least partially fused. The new species can be diagnosed from other species of Trimeresurus by the following combination of characters: in both sexes (n = 19), 23–25 dorsal mid-body scale rows (mean 24.3 ± 0.97), 17 scale rows just anterior to vent (rarely 15 or 16) and body scales distinctly and sharply keeled; in males (n = 8), 150–170 ventral scales (mean 160.6 ± 5.6), 71–76 subcaudal scales (mean 73 ± 1.8); a minimum of 9–11 scales between supraoculars (mean 9.9 ± 0.6); between 5–9 scales touching the subocular scale (not counting pre- and post-oculars; mean 6.9 ± 0.9); supralabials 9–12 (mean 10.4 ± 0.8). In females (n = 11), 157–174 ventral scales (mean 165.1 ± 4.9), 52–58 subcaudal scales (mean 55 ± 2.1); a minimum of 10–12 scales between supraoculars (mean 10.8 ± 0.9); between 5–8 scales touching the subocular scale (not counting pre- and post-oculars; mean 6.5 ± 0.8); supralabials 10–12 (mean 10.9 ± 0.6).

Distribution: Trimeresurus ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. occurs at Hlawga Park in the Yangon Region and Pyapon and Myaungmya districts in the Ayeyarwady Region. The northern and western limits of its distribution likely lie somewhere in between the Myaugmya and Pathein districts in the Ayeyarwady Region. Southward, it could occur in mangroves in Mon State.

Natural history: In the Pyapon and Myaungmya districts in the Ayeyarwady Region, snakes were found in mangrove forests, whereas at Hlawga Park in the Yangon Region, snakes were found in forested habitats around a lake that is not connected to any mangrove system. In that regard, T. ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov. is more similar to T. erythrurus as opposed to T. purpureomaculatus, which is a strict mangrove-associated species.

Etymology: The specific epithet “ayeyarwadyensis” refers to the Ayeyarwady River (= Irrawaddy River), which is the largest and one of the most important rivers in Myanmar. The river forms an expansive delta that is bounded by the Pathein River to the west and the Yangon River to the east. These rivers and their associated basins also mark the westernmost and easternmost distribution boundaries of T. ayeyarwadyensis sp. nov.

 

 Kin Onn Chan, Shahrul Anuar, Ananthanarayanan Sankar, Ingg Thong Law, Ing Sind Law, Rasu Shivaram, Ching Christian, Daniel G. Mulcahy and Anita Malhotra. 2023. A New Species of Pit-viper from the Ayeyarwady and Yangon regions in Myanmar (Viperidae, Trimeresurus). ZooKeys. 1186: 221-234. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1186.110422

[Herpetology • 2022] Micryletta subaraji • Morphology, Phylogeny, and Species Delimitation of Micryletta (Anura: Microhylidae) reveals A New Species from Singapore

Micryletta subaraji

 Sankar, Law, Law, Shivaram, Abraham & Chan, 2022

 DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e85020

Abstract

The genus Micryletta, also known as paddy frogs, ranges across much of south, east, and southeast Asia. Due to their relatively broad distribution and overall morphological similarities, many species have gone undetected until recently, largely owing to the use of molecular data. Consequently, the species diversity within this genus has quadrupled in just three years from three species prior to 2018, to 12 species in 2021, indicating that the systematics of this genus is still poorly understood. As such, we assembled the most comprehensive molecular phylogeny of Micryletta hitherto including novel sequences from a previously unsampled population from Singapore to assess the species diversity within this genus. In particular, we investigate the population from Singapore whose specific identity remains in question due to the lack of voucher specimens and genetic material. Our results show that the Singapore population represents a strongly supported and distinct lineage that is most closely related to M. inornata sensu stricto from Sumatra, Indonesia. Morphological and species delimitation analyses corroborate its distinction as a new species, which we describe herein as Micryletta subaraji sp. nov. This and recent new taxon discoveries in Singapore demonstrate that the biodiversity of the highly urbanized island-state is still far from being fully realized and underscores the need for continued systematic surveys and protection of remaining habitats.

Keywords: Amphibian, Kranji Marshes, Micryletta subaraji sp. nov., Systematics, Taxonomy

A Distribution of confirmed localities of Micryletta inornata s.s. from Sumatra and Myanmar (blue diamonds) and M. cf. inornata from Kranji Marshes (green circle), and Central Catchment Nature Reserve (white circle) in Singapore.

B Photo showing M. cf. inornata in life. 

C Degraded habitat at Kranji Marshes that M. cf. inornata specimens were detected in. 

Photos by Law Ingg Thong.

Micryletta subaraji sp. nov. 

Micryletta inornata Law, Thomas, and Law, 2019: 5

Suggested Common Name: Subaraj’s Paddy Frog.

Diagnosis: Micryletta subaraji sp. nov. is a member of Micryletta based on its sister relationship to Micryletta inornata s.s. (Fig. 3). It can be distinguished from other members of the genus by a combination of the following characters: small body size (SVL 18.90 mm in males, 23.04 mm in females), an abruptly rounded snout, lack of webbing between fingers and toes, lack of distinct supratympanic fold, tympanum hidden, the presence of a circular inner metatarsal tubercle, and the absence of an outer metatarsal tubercle. Males of Micryletta subaraji sp. nov. can be distinguished from males of its sister species M. inornata s.s. from their significantly larger head proportions (head width, head length, snout length, nostril-eye length, snout-nostril length, upper eye-lid diameter) and shorter tibiofibula length.

Distribution: Micryletta subaraji sp. nov. is so far only known from Singapore where it occurs in Kranji Marshes and putatively in the Central Catchment Nature Reserve. It may also occur in other parts of the island where suitable habitat is present.

Etymology: The specific epithet honours the late Mr. Subaraj Rajathurai, who is a pioneer of conservation in Singapore.

Natural History: In addition to the collected specimens, male advertisement calls were heard at an ephemeral pool in a depression created by an uprooted tree. The calling individuals were perched amidst dense undergrowth surrounding this puddle. These ephemeral depressions may be used by male frogs as a means to amplify their advertisement calls. Several other Microhylids (both native and introduced) were recorded in sympatry at the type locality including Microhyla heymonsi, Microhyla butleri, Microhyla cf. mukhlesuri, and Kaloula pulchra.

 Ananthanarayanan Sankar, Ingg Thong Law, Ing Sind Law, Rasu Shivaram, Robin K. Abraham and Kin Onn Chan. 2022. Morphology, Phylogeny, and Species Delimitation of Micryletta (Anura: Microhylidae) reveals A New Species from Singapore. Vertebrate Zoology. 72: 457-467. DOI: 10.3897/vz.72.e85020

[Herpetology • 2020] A Revision of the Asian Tree Toad Complex Rentapia hosii (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Description of, Rentapia flavomaculata, A New Species from Peninsular Malaysia

คางคกต้นไม้ ||  Rentapia flavomaculata

 Chan, Abraham & Badli-Sham, 2020

Distribution of samples used in this study. Inset photographs depict the distinct phenotypes present within the Rentapia hosii complex:  Rentapia flavomaculata, new species, from Peninsular Malaysia; R. hosii s.s. from Sarawak (Photo by Alexander Haas); R. cf. hosii from Tawau, Sabah (Photo by Robert F. Inger).

 RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68; 

 Abstract

 We present a systematic revision of the Rentapia hosii complex based on morphological and bioacoustic data. In conjunction with genetic data from a previous study, our results show that populations from Peninsular Malaysia are distinct from the name-bearing population of R. hosii from Sarawak in terms of morphometrics, colour-pattern, and to a lesser degree, male advertisement call. Therefore, we describe the Peninsular Malaysian populations as a new species (Rentapia flavomaculata, new species) and provide a discussion on morphological variation among Bornean populations. 

Key words. bioacoustics, integrative taxonomy, morphology, systematics

Fig. 1. Distribution of samples used in this study. Inset photographs depict the distinct phenotypes present within the Rentapia hosii complex [Photo credit: Alexander Haas (Sarawak); Robert F. Inger (Sabah) ©Field Museum of Natural History]. FMNH 248199. Created by Field Museum of Natural History, Amphibian and Reptile Collection and licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0.

 amplecting Rentapia flavomaculata, new species, displaying (A) normal and (B) stressed colouration.

Rentapia flavomaculata, new species

Yellow-spotted Tree Toad

Nectophryne hosii Boulenger, 1892: 508.

Pedostibes hosii Barbour, 1938: 192.

Rentapia hosii Chan et al., 2016: 9.

Diagnosis. Rentapia flavomaculata, new species, can be differentiated from other congeners by the following combination of characters: adult females large (up to 105 mm SVL); dorsum relatively smooth; no distinct tubercles on dorsal aspect of nuchal region; in life, dorsal colour light green, ventral colour greyish-green; bright yellow spots on back, side of head, flanks, dorsal surface of limbs, gular, ventrolateral region, and chest; spots absent on top of head and sparser (sometimes absent) on back. In males, dorsal colouration uniform brown to reddish-brown with no distinct markings; venter light grey with no distinct markings; gular sac blackish; nuptial pad present on dorsal surface of thumb; single, internal subgular vocal sac.

Distribution. Rentapia flavomaculata, new species, is confirmed to occur throughout Peninsular Malaysia and southern Thailand (south of the Isthmus of Kra).

Natural history. All species in the Rentapia hosii group are typically arboreal and occur in lowland forests from 20–525 m a.s.l. (Inger, 1966). Females are encountered much less frequently than males and are usually observed during breeding, where they descend from treetops to breed in pools of water along small to moderately sized forest streams. Females have been observed perched on branches up to 25 m above ground in the forest canopy near fast-flowing rivers. Males call from elevated perches and multiple individuals can usually be heard along a single stretch of stream. In females, base colour changes relatively rapidly from light green to dark grey when handled, stressed, and preserved (Fig. 7A, B). Males can change from light to a darker shade of brown.

Etymology. The specific epithet is constructed from the Latin adjectives flavo (= yellow) and maculata (= spotted) in reference to the species’ diagnostic yellow spots.

Fig. 7. Live photographs of: amplecting Rentapia flavomaculata, new species, displaying (A) normal and (B) stressed colouration;
(C) female R. hosii s.s. from Sarawak (Photo by Alexander Haas);
(D) female R. cf. hosii from Tawau, Sabah (Photo by Robert F. Inger; ©Field Museum of Natural History. FMNH 248199. Created by Field Museum of Natural History, Amphibian and Reptile Collection and licensed under CC-BY-SA 4.0); and (E) uncollected female from Tawau, Sabah (Photo by A. Haas).

Kin Onn Chan, Robin K. Abraham and Baizul Hafsyam Badli-Sham. 2020. A Revision of the Asian Tree Toad Complex Rentapia hosii (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Peninsular Malaysia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 68; 595–607.  

Researchgate.net/publication/342522617_A_revision_Rentapia_hosii_complex

[Herpetology • 2018] Amolops gerutu & A. australis • Elevational Size Variation and Two New Species of Torrent Frogs (Anura: Ranidae: Amolops Cope) from Peninsular Malaysia

[A, C]  Amolops larutensis (Boulenger, 1899)

[B, D] Amolops gerutu 

Chan, Abraham, Grismer & Grismer, 2018

  (A) female Amolops larutensis from Fraser's Hill, Pahang; (B) female A. gerutu from Chemerong, Pahang;
 (C) male A. larutensis from Fraser's Hill; (D) male A. gerutu from Sekayu, Terengganu;

 DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4434.2.2  

Abstract

Previously, only one species of torrent frog (Amolops larutensis) was thought to occur throughout Peninsular Malaysia. However, genomic work has demonstrated that populations from eastern Peninsular Malaysia form two separate lineages that are genetically distinct from A. larutensis that is now restricted to the western half of Peninsular Malaysia. This study demonstrates that all three lineages can be morphologically distinguished from each other, thereby providing additional support for the recognition of the eastern lineages as two distinct species. These lineages are described herein as Amolops gerutu sp. nov. from the eastern states of Kelantan, Terengganu, and Pahang, and A. australis sp. nov. from the southern-most state of Johor. In general, these two new species form a clade that is sister to A. larutensis and can be readily distinguished from it by having: (1) considerably denser and more pronounced dorsal tubercles, and (2) the posterodorsal surface of thighs having dense, dark stippling as opposed to broad vermiculations. Although differences in other morphometric characters were detected, their utility as diagnostic characters should be applied with caution due to the large intraspecific variation that overlaps among different species in many of the characters we measured. As such, we advocate for the use of tuberculation and pattern of the posterodorsal portion of the thighs as primary diagnostic characters. These characters can readily distinguish A. larutensis from the two new species. To differentiate A. australis sp. nov. from A. gerutu sp. nov. and A. larutensis, body size can be a good diagnostic character as A. australis sp. nov. is significantly smaller in both males (mean = 31.04 ± 1.59 mm) and females (mean = 46.48 ± 3.2 mm). Additionally, we show a strong positive correlation between body size and elevation, with populations from montane forests (>900 m asl) being considerably larger than populations at lower elevations.

  

Keywords: Amphibia, Taxonomy, systematics, morphology, amphibian, cryptic species, body size

Amolops gerutu sp. nov.

Tuberculated Torrent Frog

Amolops larutensis Sumarli, Grismer, Anuar, Muin & Quah, 2015, pp 4,9,12.

Distribution. Besides the type locality, Amolops gerutu sp. nov. has been documented from a number of other localities east of the Titiwangsa mountain range including Gunung Stong Forest Reserve, in the state of Kelantan; Lata Tembakah, Lata Belatan, and Sekayu Recreational Forest in the state of Terengganu (Dring 1979; Sumarli et al. 2015); and Sungai Lembing, Sungai Pandan Waterfall, and Chemerong Amenity Forest in the state of Pahang. At Gunung Stong, A. gerutu sp. nov. occurs in syntopy with A. larutensis (Fig. 1).

Natural history. Like most congeners, Amolops gerutu sp. nov. is a strict torrent specialist that only occurs within or along torrential zones of rocky streams from lowland to montane forests. During the day, frogs dwell in rock cracks and sheltered areas among boulder stacks along streams and are rarely seen out in the open. They can be seen in abundance at night, most frequently on boulders by splash zones and occasionally on adjacent low vegetation. When disturbed, frogs dive into the rapids and float downstream. Like other congeners, tadpoles of this species are gastromyzophorous (Pham et al. 2015) and can be seen clinging onto boulders in the splash zone. On such boulders, tadpoles are usually observed above or just below the water line.

Etymology. The specific epithet “gerutu” (English pronunciation “gir-roo-too”) refers to the Malay word of the same construct, meaning “tubercle”, in reference to the pronounced dorsal tubercles that are diagnostic of this species.

Amolops australis sp. nov.

Southern Torrent Frog

Amolops larutensis, Ahmad, Senawi & Lim 2004, p 26; Belabut & Hashim, 2005, p 200; Wood, Grismer, Youmans, Nasir, Ahmad & Senawi, 2008, p 118; Grismer & Pan, 2008, p. 277 (in part); Shahriza, Ibrahim, Anuar & Muin, 2012, p 558, 561.

Staurois larutensis, Belabut & Hashim, 2004, pp. 67, 69.

Distribution. Amolops australis sp. nov. is only known from the southern state of Johor where it has been confirmed to occur in Endau-Rompin National Park and Bantang River Amenity Forest. It is presumed to occur more widely in suitable habitats in the surrounding southern region of Peninsular Malaysia.

Natural history. The natural history of this species is similar to that of Amolops gerutu sp. nov. and A. larutensis. No information is available for tadpoles.

Etymology. The specific epithet is derived from the Latin word “ australis ”, meaning “southern” in English, and is applied in reference to the distribution of this species in southern Peninsular Malaysia that also represents the southern-most distributional limit of the entire genus.

Chan Kin Onn, Robin Kurian Abraham, Jesse L. Grismer and L. Lee Grismer. 2018. Elevational Size Variation and Two New Species of Torrent Frogs from Peninsular Malaysia (Anura: Ranidae: Amolops Cope). Zootaxa. 4434(2); 250–264. DOI:  10.11646/zootaxa.4434.2.2

Researchgate.net/publication/325791395_Elevational_size_variation_and_two_new_species_of_Amolops_from_Peninsular_Malaysia

Kin Onn Chan, Alana M. Alexander, Lee L. Grismer, et al. 2017. Species Delimitation with Gene Flow: A Methodological Comparison and Population Genomics Approach to Elucidate Cryptic Species Boundaries in Malaysian Torrent Frogs.  Molecular Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/mec.14296 

ResearchGate.net/publication/319088398_Species_delimitation_with_gene_flow_a_methodological_comparison_and_population_genomics_approach_to_elucidate_cryptic_species_boundaries_in_Malaysian_Torrent_Frogs

[Herpetology • 2017] Species Delimitation with Gene Flow: A Methodological Comparison and Population Genomics Approach to Elucidate Cryptic Species Boundaries in Malaysian Torrent Frogs

DOI: 10.1111/mec.14296 

Abstract

Accurately delimiting species boundaries is a non-trivial undertaking that can have significant effects on downstream inferences. We compared the efficacy of commonly-used species delimitation methods (SDMs) and a population genomics approach based on genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to assess lineage separation in the Malaysian Torrent Frog Complex currently recognized as a single species (Amolops larutensis). First, we used morphological, mitochondrial DNA and genome-wide SNPs to identify putative species boundaries by implementing non-coalescent and coalescent-based SDMs (mPTP, iBPP, BFD*). We then tested the validity of putative boundaries by estimating spatiotemporal gene flow (fastsimcoal2, ABBA-BABA) to assess the extent of genetic isolation among putative species. Our results show that the A. larutensis complex runs the gamut of the speciation continuum from highly divergent, genetically isolated lineages (mean Fst = 0.9) to differentiating populations involving recent gene flow (mean Fst = 0.05; Nm > 5). As expected, SDMs were effective at delimiting divergent lineages in the absence of gene flow but overestimated species in the presence of marked population structure and gene flow. However, using a population genomics approach and the concept of species as separately evolving metapopulation lineages as the only necessary property of a species, we were able to objectively elucidate cryptic species boundaries in the presence of past and present gene flow. This study does not discount the utility of SDMs but highlights the danger of violating model assumptions and the importance of carefully considering methods that appropriately fit the diversification history of a particular system.

Keywords: Amolops, migration rate, fastsimcoal2, site frequency spectrum, gene flow, single-nucleotide polymorphism 

Kin Onn Chan, Alana M. Alexander, Lee L. Grismer, Yong-Chao Su, Jesse L. Grismer, Evan S. H. Quah and Rafe M. Brown. 2017. Species Delimitation with Gene Flow: A Methodological Comparison and Population Genomics Approach to Elucidate Cryptic Species Boundaries in Malaysian Torrent Frogs.  Molecular Ecology. DOI: 10.1111/mec.14296 

ResearchGate.net/publication/319088398_Species_delimitation_with_gene_flow_a_methodological_comparison_and_population_genomics_approach_to_elucidate_cryptic_species_boundaries_in_Malaysian_Torrent_Frogs