[Herpetology • 2026] Duttaphrynus phawngpui • A New Montane Toad Species (Anura: Bufonidae: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern India

Duttaphrynus phawngpui 

 Dawngliana, Warjri, Amarasinghe, Bal, Hruaia, Hlychho, Lalremsanga, Vabeiryureilai & Purkayastha, 2026

DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782

Abstract

We describe a new montane bufonid toad from Phawngpui National Park, Mizoram, northeastern India, using an integrative taxonomic approach combining morphology, multivariate morphometrics, and mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequence data. Phylogenetic analyses recover the Mizoram population as a well-supported lineage within the Duttaphrynus stuarti species group, distinct from its closest congeners, including D. stuarti, D. chandai, and D. dhara. Uncorrected 16S sequence divergence from currently recognised taxa ranges from 3.8–5.5%, consistent with species-level differentiation in Asian bufonids. Principal component analysis of size-corrected morphometric variables further supports its distinctiveness, with the new species occupying a discrete region of morphospace. The new species is characterized by moderate body size (SVL 47.72–56.26 mm), indistinct tympanum, absence of most cranial ridges, distinctive digital proportions, moderate toe webbing, and a dorsum with glandular warts, irregular dark blotches, and a narrow mid-dorsal stripe. Concordant molecular, morphometric, and morphological evidence supports its recognition as a distinct species. Known only from the type locality in high-elevation (>2000 m a.s.l.) montane habitats, the species highlights the importance of the Mizoram uplands for undocumented amphibian diversity within the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot.

Duttaphrynus phawngpui sp. nov 

Malsawm Dawngliana, Holiness Warjri, A. A. Thasun Amarasinghe, Amit K. Bal, Vanlal Hruaia, Mara D. Hlychho, Hmar T. Lalremsanga, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai and Jayaditya Purkayastha. 2026. A New Montane Toad Species (ANURA: BUFONIDAE: Duttaphrynus) from Mizoram, northeastern INDIA. TAPROBANICA. 15(2); 298–309. DOI: doi.org/10.47605/tapro.v15i2.423 [13 September 2026]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/414271782_A_NEW_MONTANE_TOAD_Duttaphrynus_from_MIZORAM_NE_INDIA

[Herpetology • 2025] Adhaerobufo wokomungensis • A New Species of Adhaerobufo (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, confirms A Key synapomorphy in its sister Genus Rhaebo

 

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis

Kok & Means, 2025

 

 DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25085

 

Abstract  

A new species of toad in the genus Adhaerobufo is described from the Wokomung Massif in the Pantepui region of Guyana, South America. The new species is morphologically similar to – and has previously been confused with – A. nasicus but is unique among Adhaerobufo in lacking a bright, conspicuous white stripe or white spots on the lower lip in adults in life, in lacking visible preorbital and pretympanic crests and in having tubercles between Fingers I-III in males and a small projecting prepollex in both sexes. An updated distribution map for A. nasicus is provided. The colour of parotoid macrogland secretions in Adhaerobufo is reported as a new diagnostic character to distinguish the genus from Rhaebo, its sister taxon.

KEYWORDS: Pantepui, parotoid macrogland secretions, systematics, taxonomy

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov.  

Adhaerobufo nasicus (in part) Dias et al. 2024: 14

 

Etymology: Named after the type locality, the Wokomung Massif in west-central Guyana; adjective in the nominative case.

Definition and diagnosis: A bufonid of the genus Adhaerobufo as diagnosed based on 1) molecular phylogenetic evidence (Dias et al. 2024; Fig. 5), 2) white parotoid macrogland secretions (see Discussion and Fig. 1), and 3) suctorial tadpole (Dias et al. 2024). Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. is characterised by the following morphological characters, the combination of which distinguishes it from the only two known congeners (A. ceratophrys and A. nasicus): 1) medium-sized toad with a robust body and a SVL of 41.6-45.3 mm in males (n = 2), 60.9 mm in the only known female, 2) snout pointed in dorsal view, round in lateral view, head slightly wider than long, 3) tympanum indistinct, 4) outer edge of the eyelid with rounded dermal projection, 5) low canthal crest, loreal region concave, 6) underlip lacking a bright, conspicuous white stripe or white spots in live adults, 7) preorbital, pretympanic and parietal crests absent, low supraorbital, low postorbital, low supratympanic crests present, 8) nostrils oval, directed posterolaterally, below the canthus rostralis, 9) single enlarged rictal tubercle absent, 10) choanae medium-sized, ovoid, ... 

Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. in life.
A) Holotype (IRSNB4223, male, 45.3 mm snout-vent length), B) paratypes in situ, in amplexus (IRSNB4224, male, and IRSNB4225, female),
C) uncollected male, D) white parotoid macrogland secretions produced by the same specimen as illustrated in C. Photos D.B. Means.

Underlip condition in live Adhaerobufo nasicus (A – bright white; IRSNB15678), Adhaerobufo wokomungensis sp. nov. (B – unmarked; holotype, IRSNB4223) and Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (C – bright white; QCAZ55426). Note also the condition of the dermal projection on the outer edge of the eyelid and of the preorbital and pretympanic crests.

Photos P.J.R. Kok (A), D.B. Means (B), and courtesy Diego Quirola-BIOWEB,  https://bioweb.bio (C). Images not at scale.

Philippe J.R. Kok, D. Bruce Means. 2025. A New Species of Adhaerobufo (Amphibia, Bufonidae) from the Wokomung Massif, Guyana, confirms A Key synapomorphy in its sister Genus Rhaebo. Journal of Vertebrate Biology. 74 (25085), 25085.1-10. DOI: doi.org/10.25225/jvb.25085 (11 November 2025)

[Herpetology • 2025] Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis, N. saliensis & N. uhehe • Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Anura: Bufonidae: Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains

  

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis

Nectophrynoides uhehe 

Thrane, Lyakurwa, Liedtke, Menegon, Petzold, Loader & Scherz, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

Abstract

For the last century, herpetologists have referred to any Nectophrynoides Noble, 1926 toad characterized by a large, robust body, with large, distinct parotoid glands, as Nectophrynoides viviparus (Tornier, 1905). Consequently, Nectophrynoides viviparus is also considered to have the broadest distribution of all its congeners, with populations ranging from the Tanzanian Southern Highlands, close to the Tanzania-Malawi border, through the Udzungwa and Mahenge Mountains in the south to Uluguru, Rubeho, and Nguru Mountains in the central part of the Eastern Arc Mountains. However, there is underappreciated morphological diversity within what is generally referred to as N. viviparus, and various populations are isolated by large distances and geographical barriers. Recent molecular studies have shown that N. viviparus from the Southern Highlands, the type locality, is genetically distinct from all other N. viviparus populations in the Eastern Arc Mountains, suggesting the existence of a species complex warranting taxonomic revision. Here, we present an integrative taxonomic assessment of southern populations by supplementing the genetic results with the analysis of morphometric and morphological data for 257 specimens assigned to N. viviparus, including museomic data for name-bearing types. Based on the results, we describe three new species from the N. viviparus species complex, covering the southern Eastern Arc Mountains populations. Together with a revised morphological key to the genus and a gazetteer of known populations, we provide Extent of Occurrence and Area of Occupancy for N. viviparus sensu stricto and the new species to investigate their conservation status compared to other members of the genus.

Keywords: Archival DNA, bioacoustics, conservation, genetics, Mahenge Mountains, morphometrics, Nectophrynoides viviparus, Nectophryne werthi, Southern Highlands, species complex, Udzungwa Mountains

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in life. A Adult JVL 1291; B adult JVL 1292; C subadult paratype MTSN 8312; D subadult paratype MTSN 8401.

Photographs from Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains; 

A, B by John V. Lyakurwa; C, D by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov. in Luhomero Mountains, Udzungwa Mountains National Park, Udzungwa Mountains.

Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Intraspecific variation within Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in life.
 A Adult paratype MTSN 5247; B–D unidentified adult specimens.

Photographs from Kihanga (A, B, C) and Kiolela (D) in Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains by Michele Menegon.

Habitat of Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov. in Kihanga, Uzungwa Scarp N.F.R., Udzungwa Mountains. Photograph by Michele Menegon.

Nectophrynoides luhomeroensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides saliensis sp. nov.,

Nectophrynoides uhehe sp. nov.

 Christian Thrane, John V. Lyakurwa, H. Christoph Liedtke, Michele Menegon, Alice Petzold, Simon P. Loader and Mark D. Scherz. 2025. Museomics and Integrative Taxonomy reveal Three New Species of glandular viviparous Tree Toads (Nectophrynoides) in Tanzania’s Eastern Arc Mountains (Anura: Bufonidae). Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 459-485. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e167008

[Herpetology • 2025] Ingerophrynus chrysolophus • A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand

Ingerophrynus chrysolophus 

Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Nguyen, Suwannapoom, Smith & Poyarkov,

 in Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Gorin, Bragin, Nguyen, Hamidy, Muin, Kurniawan, Brown, Suwannapoom, Smith et Poyarkov, 2025.

 Golden-crested Dwarf Toad | คางคกแคระหัวทอง  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173 

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Abstract

A review of the taxonomic status of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex, based on morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data, revealed a new species from southern Thailand, which we describe as Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following morphological characters: parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length; tibia short; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange. Phylogenetic analysis of the mtDNA fragment, including the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND1 gene sequences (up to 4,479 bp), confirms the placement of the new species as a sister of Ingerophrynus parvus s. str. (p-distance 5.37%). The genetic distinctiveness of Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus sp. nov. and I. parvus s. str. is further confirmed by not sharing haplotypes of three nuclear genes (POMC, BDNF, and RAG1). Bioacoustic analysis revealed stable differences between the male advertisement calls of the two species. Furthermore, ecological modeling shows that the new species is allopatric with respect to I. parvus s. str.; their ranges are likely separated by a biogeographical boundary of the Kangar-Pattani Line. The new species is currently known from low- to mid-elevations (ca. 65–1,000 m a.s.l.) in tropical forests of southern and western Thailand, southern Myanmar, and southwest Cambodia. We suggest the new species be considered Least Concern (LC) according to the IUCN Red List criteria. Our study further underscores the urgent need for intensified integrative taxonomic research of the genus Ingerophrynus to clarify the taxonomy of wide-ranging species complexes and to elaborate effective conservation measures.

Key Words: Asia, integrative taxonomy, Kangar-Pattani Line, morphology, systematics

Ingerophrynus chrysolophus sp. nov. in life in situ.
 A. Holotype ZMMU A-8030 (adult female) from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand; B. Paratype ZMMU A-8034 (adult male) from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand;
C. ZMMU A-8020 (adult male) from Pa Klok, Phuket, Thailand; D. ZMMU A-8059 (adult male) from Mt. Khao Kra Jom, Suan Phueng, Ratchaburi, Thailand. Photographs by N.A. Poyarkov.

Holotype of Ingerophrynus chrysolophus sp. nov. from Wat Tham Sanook, Tha Sae, Chumphon, Thailand, in life—specimen ZMMU A-8030 (adult female).
 Dorsal aspect (A); ventral aspect (B); lateral view of head (C); dorsal view of head (D); volar view of the left hand (E); plantar view of the right foot (F).

Photographs by N.A. Poyarkov. Scale bars: 5 mm.

 Ingerophrynus сhrysolophus Arkhipov, Pawangkhanant, Sarker, Nguyen, Suwannapoom, Smith & Poyarkov, sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. A member of the genus Ingerophrynus with the following combination of morphological characters: a medium-sized species (SVL 30.3–35.7 mm in males, 34.0–42.4 mm in females); head large and wide (HL/HW 0.81–0.98 in males, 0.80–0.96 in females); parotoid elongate, narrow, and sharply raised; parotoid not continuous with an oblique row of conspicuously enlarged warts; warts on flanks less elevated than those of dorsum; cranial crests not thickened behind eyes; lores vertical; tympanum distinct, its diameter slightly exceeding two-thirds of eye length (TD/ED 0.53–0.64 in males, 0.51–0.77 in females); tibia relatively short (TIL/SVL 0.40–0.44 in males, 0.39–0.43 in females); males with a subgular vocal sac; no tarsal ridge or tibial gland; first finger longer than second; tip of third toe not reaching median subarticular tubercle of fourth toe; subarticular tubercles not enlarged; tarsal spine bases small; nuptial pads present; venter with low warts; ground color of flanks and dorsum light brown; dark brown stripes along the midline of the back; cranial ridges well-developed, bright orange.

Etymology. The species name “сhrysolophus” is a Latinized adjective in the nominative singular, masculine gender, derived from the Ancient Greek words “χρυσός” or “chrysos,” meaning “gold,” and “λόφος” or “lophos,” meaning “crest” or “ridge.” The species name is given in reference to the characteristic golden-orange coloration of supratympanic crests in the new species. 

We suggest the following common names for the new species: Golden-crested Dwarf Toad (in English), Khang kok khrae hua tong (คางคกแคระหัวทอง, in Thai), and Zlatogrebnistaya shlemonosnaya zhaba (Златогребнистая шлемоносная жаба, in Russian).

 

 Dmitriy V. Arkhipov, Parinya Pawangkhanant, Goutam Sarker, Vladislav A. Gorin, Andrey M. Bragin, Tan Van Nguyen, Amir Hamidy, Mohd Abdul Muin, Nia Kurniawan, Rafe M. Brown, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Eric Smith and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A Taxonomic Revision of the Ingerophrynus parvus species complex (Amphibia, Anura, Bufonidae) with the Description of A New Species from Thailand. Herpetozoa. 38: 271-297. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165173

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[Herpetology • 2025] Ingerophrynus wangyingyongi • A New Species of Ingerophrynus (Anura: Bufonidae) from Guangdong, China

 

Ingerophrynus wangyingyongi

R. Liu, Zhang, Ananjeva, Z. Liu, Hou & Orlov, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2025-32-2-85-95 

  Researchgate.net/publication/393074308

Abstract

A new species of the genus Ingerophrynus is described based on seven specimens collected from northern Guangdong Province, China. The new species was previously confused with Ingerophrynus ledongensis, however, it can be distinguished from I. ledongensis and other congeners by a combination of morphological differences and genetic divergence. In addition, this study reveals that the taxonomic status of the populations previously considered to be Ingerophrynus galeatus from central and northern Vietnam and central Laos needs to be reassessed, and the species diversity of this genus may have been significantly underestimated.

Keywords: 12S; 16S; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Tianjingshan

Ingerophrynus wangyingyongi sp. nov.

 

Shuo Liu, Liang Zhang, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Zhifa Liu, Mian Hou and Nikolai L. Orlov. 2025. A New Species of Ingerophrynus (Anura, Bufonidae) from Guangdong, China. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 32(2):85-95. DOI: doi.org/10.30906/1026-2296-2025-32-2-85-95 [June 2025] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/393074308_A_New_Species_of_Ingerophrynus_from_Guangdong_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Osornophryne backshalli • A New Andean Plump Toad of the Genus Osornophryne (Anura: Bufonidae) from Cerro Candelaria, Ecuador

  

Osornophryne backshalli   

Reyes-Puig​, Urgiles-Merchán, Ortega-Andrade, Cisneros-Heredia, Carrión-Olmedo & Yáñez-Muñoz, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19760 

Abstract 

The amphibian genus Osornophryne is endemic to the northern Andes of South America and has long been considered rare. Recent explorations in the humid montane forests of the upper Pastaza Valley have uncovered previously unknown species. Here, we describe a new Andean toad species from the central Ecuadorian Andes, identified through genetic analyses and distinctive morphological and cranial traits. Osornophryne backshalli sp. nov., from Cerro Candelaria in the upper Pastaza River basin, is closely related to O. sumacoensis from Sumaco Volcano. This new species is characterized by a uniquely short fifth toe relative to toes I–III, triangular papillae on the snout tip, an occipital fold, large subconical and conical warts on the body, dorsal surfaces Brownish Olive with Spectrum Yellow and Light Neutral Gray flecks, ventral surfaces Brownish Olive with Spectrum Yellow bright blotches. Our phylogenetic analyses revise the genus taxonomy by delimiting two well-supported clades: the Osornophryne bufoniformis species group and the Osornophryne guacamayo species group. Furthermore, we show that the Pastaza River does not constitute a geographical barrier for Osornophryne distribution. These findings emphasize the value of continued exploration to expand our understanding of this genus in the humid montane forests of the Ecuadorian Andes.

Comparison of the live coloration within the type series of Osornophryne backshalli sp. nov.
(A) DHMECN 15260, female holotype; (B) DHMECN 18362, adult female paratype; (C) DHMECN 18364, adult male paratype; (D) DHMECN 18363, adult female paratype.

photo credit: Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz (A) and Juan P. Reyes-Puig (B, C, D).

Osornophryne backshalli sp. nov.

Osornophryne sp. nov. INABIO-Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad (2023)

 

Proposed standard English name. Steve Backshall’s Andean Toad

Proposed standard Spanish name. Osornosapo de Steve Backshall

Diagnosis. Osornophryne backshalli sp. nov. is a member of clade B (O. guacamayo species group), and differs from all other species of the clade by the following combination of characters: (1) small to medium size toads (SVL = 22.08–29.68 mm in males, 30.09–35.4 mm on females; Table 2); (2) head slightly wider than long; (3) skin on dorsal surfaces and limbs finely granular with conical and subconical warts, males more tuberculated than females,ventral surfaces with subconic tubercles; (4) snout subacuminate in dorsal view, protruding in lateral profile, with pointed irregular papillae on the tip; (5) crista parotica slightly arched with finely glandular skin, posterior and oblique in relation to the orbit; zygomatic ramus of the squamosal elongated with a blunt anterior border, cultriform process with blunt anterior border; (6) glandular occipital folds present, discontinuous, dorsolateral folds absent, instead a row of discontinuous subconical tubercles on its place; (7) pelvic folds absent (8) limbs short, heels do not touch when adpressed; (9) fingers and toes with extensive and thick webbing, fingers visible, tips of Toes I, II, III almost indistinguishable, Toe V short, not elongated, slightly longer than Toe III, nuptial pads in males on the anterior part of Finger I; (10) dorsal surfaces Brownish Olive with Spectrum Yellow and Light Neutral Gray flecks, ventral surfaces Brownish Olive with Spectrum Yellow blotches; (11) short cloacal tube slightly projected medial to the thighs.

Life coloration and detailed dorsolateral view showing sexual dimorphism of  Osornophryne backshalli sp. nov.
  (A) DHMECN 15260, holotype, adult female; (B) DHMECN 18364, paratype, adult female; (C) DHMECN 18364 paratype, adult male.

Photo credit: Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz (A) and Juan P. Reyes-Puig (B, C).

Etymology. The specific epithet is a patronym in honor of the explorer and television presenter Steve Backshall, of London, UK. He has raised awareness of nature around the world and has, through his patronage of the World Land Trust, contributed directly to the conservation of the Corredor de Conectividad Llanganates-Sangay, the habitat of this particular species and many others.

Juan P. Reyes-Puig​, Miguel A. Urgiles-Merchán, H. Mauricio Ortega-Andrade, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, Julio C. Carrión-Olmedo and Mario H. Yáñez-Muñoz. 2025. New Andean Plump Toad of the Genus Osornophryne (Anura: Bufonidae) from Cerro Candelaria, Ecuador. PeerJ. 13:e19760 DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.19760  [July 23, 2025]

[Herpetology • 2024] Bufo rubroventromaculatus • A New Record of Bufo gargarizans Complex (Anura: Bufonidae) from Truong Son Mounts, Ha Tinh and Ha Giang Provinces, Vietnam based on Molecular Evidence with A Description of A New Species

Bufo rubroventromaculatus 

Orlov, Ananjeva, Ermakov, Lukonina, Ninh &  Nguyen, 2024 

DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16070361 

Abstract

Based on a combination of molecular and morphological data, we herein report a new species within the bufonid Bufo gargarizans species complex. This is a widespread species complex with distribution from eastern Russia and the Korean Peninsula to China and the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. Records of this species have been documented in the Guangxi and Yunnan Provinces near the border with Vietnam and, for the first time from Vietnam, in Ha Giang Province. The new record of Bufo cf. gargarizans from Vietnam is from Ha Tinh Province. This species has never been reported from Vietnam so far south, about 550 km south from the previously known locality in Ha Giang Province. The female specimen was found in the Ha Tinh Province, Vu Quang National Park of central Vietnam and two specimens (male and female) were found Ha Giang Province. They are clearly distinguished from B. gargarizans and all the mentioned species by a specific color pattern on the belly and creamy-yellowish throat with large, bright red speckles. Genetic divergences of three Vietnam specimens from Ha Giang and Ha Tinh Provinces in the ND2 gene sequences between the B. sp. nov. and all other congeners ranged from 4.3% (with B. andrewsi) to 7.0% (with B. stejnegeri). We give a description of the morphological characters and coloration of the new record and provide an expanded diagnosis.

Keywords: Bufo sp. nov.; Vietnam; morphology; molecular evidence; DNA analysis

Holotype of Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. IGR 10497, female:
 (A) in the wild; (B) dorsal view; (C) ventral view; (D) palmar surface of the right forelimb.

 Paratype of Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. ZISP 15118.
 (A) lateral view; (B) lateral view a part of belly with bright red large blotches.

Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Three specimens of toads were assigned to the genus Bufo based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. Bufo rubroventromaculatus sp. nov. is distinguished from other species in the genus Bufo by specific coloration with red speckles on the belly (Figure 4 and Figure 5). Maximal size known for this species (SVL 125.45 mm) (Table 3); head longer than width (maximal HW 60.32 mm, HL 65.42 mm), snout obtuse, protruding in profile; canthus rostralis distinct; pupil horizontally oval; loreal region flat and oblique; snout length greater than eye horizontal diameter (HL 13.7 mm, ED 10.6 mm, ED/SNL 0.77); parotoid gland well developed, elongated; tympanum distinct, small and round; vomerine teeth present; tongue not notched posteriorly.

Etymology: The specific name rubroventromaculatus originates from the type of characteristic coloring of the belly with numerous large red spots of irregular shape.

 

Nikolai L. Orlov, Natalia B. Ananjeva, Oleg A. Ermakov, Svetlana A. Lukonina, Hoa Thi Ninh and Tao Thien Nguyen. 2024. A New Record of Bufo gargarizans Complex (Bufonidae, Anura) from Truong Son Mounts, Ha Tinh and Ha Giang Provinces, Vietnam based on Molecular Evidence with A Description of A New Species. Diversity. 16(7), 361. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/d16070361  [24 June 2024]

[Herpetology • 2025] A Roadmap for Harlequin Frog Systematics (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus), with a partial Revision of Amazonian Species related to Atelopus spumarius

  Atelopus harlequin

in Lötters, Böning, Bailon, Castañeda ... et Plewnia, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5571.1.1

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Abstract

Harlequin frogs, genus Atelopus, are a species-rich group of bufonid anurans from the Neotropics with more than 100 species. For nearly four decades now, this group has suffered from massive population declines. Almost all species are threatened with extinction, and many populations and several species are considered extinct or possibly extinct. This results in a limited sampling available for studies on harlequin frog systematics, especially in terms of molecular genetic information. However, efficient conservation of harlequin frogs requires an improved taxonomy. This is further complicated through the circumstance that many Atelopus species are relatively poor in external morphological characters combined with a high level of intra-specific character variation (e.g. coloration and body size). At the same time, cryptic diversity exists with well differentiated species (supported by osteology and molecular genetics) almost indistinguishable by external morphology. We compiled the largest dataset to date for mitochondrial (12S, 16S, cyt b) and nuclear (POMC, RAG1) markers and present a phylogeny (likelihood and Bayesian inference methods) including 152 samples from 104 populations scattered over the entire geographic range of the genus. Four allo- or parapatric main clades are distinguished: I. Sierra Nevada; II. Venezuelan-Andean; III. Andean-Chocó-Central American (with the ignescens and the varius-longirostris clades); and IV Amazonian (containing the tricolor and the flavescens-spumarius clades). The phylogenetic relationships within these clades remain to be resolved. Taxonomic implications included both splitting and lumping, but taxonomic action is here only taken for populations related to A. spumarius from western Amazonia. Besides redescriptions of A. spumarius sensu stricto and A. colomai, we describe two new species based on morphology, skull osteology and bioacoustics. Additional yet understudied populations from Amazonia may be allocated to these species or may represent additional undescribed taxa.

 Amphibia, Anura, amphibian crisis,  cryptic diversity, Neotropics, integrative taxonomy

  Atelopus harlequin sp. nov.

 Atelopus histrionicus sp. nov.

 

 

Stefan LÖTTERS, Philipp BÖNING, Salvador BAILON, Jose Daniel Barros CASTAÑEDA, Renaud BOISTEL, Alessandro CATENAZZI, Juan C. CHAPARRO, Germán CHÁVEZ, Angel CHUJUTALLI, LAURENT COEN, LUIS A. COLOMA, ANDREW J. CRAWFORD, Jaime CULEBRAS, JUAN CARLOS CUSI MARTÍNEZ, JUAN MANUEL DAZA, IGNACIO DE LA RIVA, DENISE J. ELLWEIN, RAFFAEL ERNST, SANDRA V. FLECHAS, ANTOINE FOUQUET, JUAN MANUEL GUAYASAMIN, CHRISTOPHER HEINE, RAFAEL F. JORGE, ALISHA JUNG, KARL-HEINZ JUNGFER, NATHALIE KAFFENBERGER, HENRIK KREHENWINKEL, ENRIQUE LA MARCA, MARGARITA LAMPO, GUIDO F. MEDINA RANGEL, LUDVIG ORSEN, DANIEL J. PALUH, JOSÉ LUIS PÉREZ GONZALEZ, JONATHAN PERRIN, AMANDA B. QUEZADA RIERA, JUAN PABLO REYES-PUIG, Bernardo Roca-Rey ROSS, DANIELA C. RÖSSLER, LUIS ALBERTO RUEDA SOLANO, DAVID SALAZAR-VALENZUELA, JOSEFA CELSA SEÑARIS VAZQUEZ, MORGANE SOWINSKI, ANDREA TERÁN-VALDEZ, ANGIE TOVAR-ORTIZ, MICHAEL VEITH, PABLO VENEGAS, RUDOLF VON MAY, TIMM WEITKAMP and AMADEUS PLEWNIA. 2025. A Roadmap for Harlequin Frog Systematics, with a partial Revision of Amazonian Species related to Atelopus spumarius. Zootaxa.  5571(1); 1-76. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5571.1.1  

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[Herpetology • 2024] Atelopus colomai • A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador

Atelopus colomai

Plewnia, Terán-Valdez, Culebras, Boistel, Paluh, Quezada Riera, Heine, Reyes-Puig, Salazar-Valenzuela, Guayasamin & Lötters, 2024 

 

 SALAMANDRA. 60(4) 

  Researchgate.net/publication/385849022

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Abstract

 For nearly four decades, harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, have sufered unparalleled population declines. While this also results in limited understanding of alphataxonomic relationships, these toads face an urgent need for advances in systematics to inform conservation eforts. However, high intraspecifc variation and cryptic diversity have hindered a comprehensive understanding of Atelopus diversity. Tis is particularly exemplifed among Amazonian populations related to A. spumarius, where decades of taxonomic work have not been able yet to unravel relationships between the many forms, while the names coined so far have led to taxonomic confusion leaving numerous lineages unnamed. A recent comprehensive phylogenetic study has revealed new insights into the systematics of harlequin toads with an emphasis on Amazonian forms, identifying several unnamed lineages. We here describe one of these evolutionary lineages as a new species, restricted to the Ecuadorian Amazon basin, in an integrative taxonomic approach using molecular, morphological, bioacoustic and larval information. With this, we contribute to a better understanding of Atelopus diversity as the baseline of conservation action.

 Key words. Amphibia, Anura, amphibian crisis, bioacoustics, cryptic diversity, Neotropics, osteology, integrative taxonomy

  Ontogenetic change in an individual of Atelopus colomai sp. n. from tadpole to subadult, reared under laboratory conditions at CJ from parental stock collected at the type locality (specimens not preserved).
Upper lef: CJ (sc 10997), Stage 25, lateral, dorsal and ventral views, total length = 8.3 mm; upper right: Stage 41, total length = 14.5 mm; Stage 42, total length = 14.1 mm; Stage 46, 71 days afer Stage 25, 6.8 mm SVL; bottom: subadult 244 days afer Stage 46, 18 mm SVL.

Scale bar 10 mm. Photos by Steven Guevara Salvador, CJ.

Atelopus colomai sp. n.

Diagnosis: Atelopus colomai sp. n. (Figs 1–2, S1) can be readily distinguished from all other Atelopus species (as far known) by molecular genetics (monophyly in a concatenated (12S, 16S, CytB) mitochondrial phylogeny, support by molecular species delimitation and lack of haplotype sharing in POMC, Lötters et al. in press). It can be morphologically distinguished from all congeners by the combination of small size, dorsal and lateral skin covered with dense well-defned minute spiculae, ventral skin smooth to slightly areolate, presence of a columella and dorsal ...

Etymology: We dedicate this species to our friend and colleague Luis A. Coloma, who has continuously contributed to the study and protection of harlequin toads for decades. Te specifc name colomai is an eponym (i.e. a noun in genitive case). As English common name, we propose ‘Coloma’s harlequin toad’

 

Amadeus Plewnia, Andrea Terán-Valdez, Jaime Culebras, Renaud Boistel, Daniel J. Paluh, Amanda B. Quezada Riera, Christopher H. Heine, Juan P. Reyes-Puig, David Salazar-Valenzuela, Juan Manuel Guayasamin and Stefan Lötters. 2024. A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Bufonidae: Atelopus) from Amazonian Ecuador. SALAMANDRA. 60(4); 237–253. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/385849022_A_new_species_of_Atelopus_from_Amazonian_Ecuador

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[Herpetology • 2024] Adhaerobufo gen. n. • The Remarkable Larval Morphology of Rhaebo nasicus (Werner, 1903) (Anura: Bufonidae) with the Erection of A New bufonid Genus and insights into the Evolution of Suctorial Tadpoles

  

Adhaerobufo gen. nov.
 Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (Boulenger, 1882) comb. nov.,
Adhaerobufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

in Dias, Phillips, Pereyra, Means, Haas et Kok, 2024.

 DOI: 10.1186/s40851-024-00241-0

 Researchgate.net/publication/384455390

Photos by D. Bruce Means and Pedro H. Dias

Abstract

Tadpoles serve as crucial evidence for testing systematic and taxonomic hypotheses. Suctorial tadpoles collected in Guyana were initially assigned to Rhaebo nasicus through molecular phylogeny. Subsequent analysis of larval and adult morphological traits revealed synapomorphies within the clade encompassing R. nasicus and R. ceratophrys, prompting the recognition of a new genus described herein as Adhaerobufo. The new genus is distinguished from other bufonids by specific phenotypic traits including an enlarged, suctorial oral disc with distinct papillae arrangements, and the presence of certain muscles and narial vacuities at the larval stage. However, only a few adult external characteristics (e.g., enlarged eyelids, infraocular cream spot), seem to be reliably discriminative from related genera. This study underscores the significance of larval morphology in anuran systematics and offers new insights into the evolution of suctorial and gastromyzophorous larvae within bufonids.

Keywords: Evolution, Larval traits, Musculoskeletal system, Pantepui, Suctoriality, Systematics, Taxonomy

Living tadpole of  “Rhaebo” nasicus in right lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views.

Photos by D. Bruce Means

The tadpole of “Rhaebo” nasicus (CPI10704) at stage 38 in lateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views.

Scale bar = 1.0 mm. Photos by Pedro H. Dias

Adhaerobufo gen. nov.

 

Type species: Bufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

 

Content: Adhaerobufo ceratophrys (Boulenger, 1882) comb. nov., and Adhaerobufo nasicus (Werner, 1903) comb. nov.

Etymology: Adhaerobufo gen. nov. (gender masculine) is derived from the Latin adhaerens, meaning adherent and the Latin būfo, meaning toad. The name refers to the unique suctorial morphology of their tadpoles.

Definition and diagnosis:

Adhaerobufo gen. nov. can be differentiated from all other Bufonidae by the combination of the following characters: (1) tadpole with enlarged, suctorial, oral disc; (2) tadpole oral disc with a complete row of marginal papillae; (3) tadpole oral disc with multiple rows of submarginal papillae on the lower lip and by a single row of marginal papillae on the upper lip; (4) tadpole oral disc with an uninterrupted second anterior row of keratodonts; (5) presence of the m. interhyoideus posterior at larval stage; (6) presence of the m. rectus abdominis anterior at larval stage; (7) presence of narial vacuities in the buccopharyngeal cavity at larval stage; (8) projecting, enlarged eyelid in adults; (9) presence of an infraocular cream spot in adults, (10) sphenethmoid relatively narrow, overlapping only the medial ends of the palatines; and (11) posterior process of the prootic prominent and notched.

Kamana Creek, upstream within 100 m of Kamana Waterfall, draining Mt. Kopinang low waters where tadpoles of Adhaerobufo were collected (A) and an unnamed stream on the slopes of Maringma-tepui where tadpoles were also observed (B).
Amplexing couple of A. nasicus (C and D).

Photos by D. Bruce Means (A, C, D) and Philippe J. R. Kok (B)

Geographical distribution of Adhaerobufo gen. nov. in northwestern Guyana, eastern Venezuela and upper Amazon Basin. Inset map of South America, highlighting the geographical area occupied by the genus (A). Known distribution of A. ceratophrys and A. nasicus (B).
 Examples of macrohabitats in which the new genus is present; Kaieteur Falls in Guyana (C), uplands and highlands of western Guyana (D), and lowlands, Amazon Forest, Icá River, Brazil (E).

Shape files of the geographical distribution were downloaded from the IUCN website. 

Adult and tadpole are from A. nasicus. 

Photos by: Philippe Kok (C and D) and Pedro H. Dias (E)

Torrential environments that were colonized by suctorial/gastromyzophorous larvae of bufonids. Adult of Atelopus sp. in Tacarcuna, Colombia (A); fast flowing waters occupied by Atelopus elegans at Isla Gorgona, Colombia (B);
larvae of Ansonia guibei attached to rocks of fast flowing streams in Borneo (C and D).

Photos by Marco A. Rada (A), David Velázquez (B), and Alexander Haas (C and D)

 

Pedro Henrique dos Santos Dias, Jackson R. Phillips, Martín O. Pereyra, D. Bruce Means, Alexander Haas and Philippe J. R. Kok. 2024. The Remarkable Larval Morphology of Rhaebo nasicus (Werner, 1903) (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) with the Erection of A New bufonid Genus and insights into the Evolution of Suctorial Tadpoles. Zoological Letters. 10: 17. DOI:  doi.org/10.1186/s40851-024-00241-0

  Researchgate.net/publication/384455390_The_remarkable_larval_morphology_of_Rhaebo_nasicus_with_the_erection_of_a_new_genus