[Herpetology • 2025] Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data

 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA,
 (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, (E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR,
 (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
(M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR.

in Arias, Crawford, Hertz et Olea,. 2025. 

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

Abstract 

The Craugastor podiciferus Species Group contains eleven species of terraranan frogs distributed from eastern Honduras to eastern Panama. All species have remarkable color pattern polymorphisms, which may contribute to potential taxonomic problems. We performed exhaustive sampling throughout the geographic distribution of the group to evaluate the phylogenetic relationships and biogeographic history of all named species based on two mitochondrial markers and nuclear ddRAD loci. We also implemented various species delimitation methods to test for the presence of unconfirmed candidate species within the group. Molecular phylogenetic analyses showed that the group contains four major clades. All currently named species are supported by molecular data, yet species richness within the group is clearly underestimated. Species delimitation was discordant between the mitochondrial and nuclear datasets and among analytical methods. Adopting a conservative approach, we propose that the C. podiciferus species group contains at least 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Ancestral area reconstruction showed that the group originated and diversified in the highlands of the Talamancan montane forest ecoregion of Costa Rica and western Panama.

Photographs in life of Craugastor podiciferus species complex.
 (A) Craugastor aenigmaticus (UCR 22961) from Cerro Arbolado, Puntarenas, CR, (B) C. blairi (SMF 104032) from Fortuna, PA, (C) C. sagui (SMF 104018) from La Nevera, PA, (D) C. zunigai (UCR 20389) from Potrero Grande, Puntarenas, CR, 
(E-F) C. podiciferus (UCR 23155, 23159) from Caribbean slopes of Cerro Kamuk, Limón, CR, (G) Craugastor sp. Monte Verde (UCR 24613) from Monte Verde, Puntarenas, CR, (H) Craugastor sp. San Gerardo (CRARC 0247) from San Gerardo, Guanacaste, CR,
(I) Craugastor sp. Fila Costeña (UCR 23028) from Quebradas, San José, CR, (J) Craugastor sp. Pico Blanco (UCR 24466) from Escazú, San José, CR, (K) Craugastor sp. Chumacera (UCR 23011) from Chumacera, San José, CR, (L) Craugastor sp. Siola (UCR 23169) from Siola, Limón, CR, 
 (M) C. bransfordii from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (N) Craugastor sp. Fila Carbon (UCR 23127) from Amubri, Limón, CR, (O) C. underwoodi from Cascajal, San José, CR, (P) Craugastor sp. Quebradas from Fila Costeña, Puntarenas, CR,
(Q) Craugastor sp. Vereh (UCR 23040) from Vereh, Cartago, CR, (R) Craugastor sp. Panama (SMF 104010) from Rambala. PA, (S) C. stejnegerianus (UCR 22976) from Palmar Norte, Puntarenas, CR, (T) C. gabbi (UCR 22998) from San Vito, Puntarenas, CR,
(U) C. persimilis from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (V) C. rearki from Siquirres, Limón, CR, (W) Craugastor sp. Neilly (UCR 22985) from Río Claro, Puntarenas, CR, and (X) Craugastor sp. Quepos (UCR 24612) from Montes de Oca, San José CR.

Photos by E. Arias (A, E, F, G, I, J, K, L, N, Q, S, T, W, and X), Andreas Hertz (B,C, and R), Eduardo Boza-Oviedo (D and O), Brian Kubicki (H, M, U, and V), and Raby Nuñez (P).

Conclusions: 

The diversity within the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group is vastly underestimated, as revealed by the presence of several undescribed species recovered from the phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses. An exhaustive morphological review of the genetic lineages may show morphological characteristics that would allow for the differentiation of the molecular lineages. Comprehensive studies are needed on habitat use, acoustics, behavior, and other data to corroborate and better understand the taxonomy of all lineages revealed here.

Based on our mitochondrial and nuclear analyses, morphological evidence, and previous information we recovered 23 lineages, 11 with names and 12 unconfirmed candidate species. Based on our results, we propose the following changes:

• We restrict C. podiciferus to populations of Cordillera Volcánica Central from Costa Rica and the Cordillera de Talamanca of Costa Rica and western Panama. In the Cordillera de Talamanca, C. podiciferus is restricted to the Caribbean slopes.

 •Craugastor polyptychus is referred to as a junior synonym of C. bransfordii.

 • Craugastor rearki is resurrected to include wide-ranging populations from the Caribbean versant of Costa Rica, Nicaragua, and Honduras.

 • Craugastor lauraster is referred to as a junior synonym of the older name, C. rearki.

Finally, we want to highlight the need to continue exploring remote areas in the ICA, especially in the Talamanca Mountain Range. The fieldwork performed in this area has resulted in the discovery of several new species or new records for the region. Therefore, more fieldwork and laboratory work are necessary to improve the knowledge of biodiversity in this region to perform informed strategies of conservation.

Erick Arias, Andrew J. Crawford, Andreas Hertz and Gabriela Parra Olea​. 2025. Deep Cryptic Diversity in the Craugastor podiciferus Species Group (Anura: Craugastoridae) of Isthmian Central America revealed by mitochondrial and nuclear data. PeerJ. 13:e18212. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.18212

[Herpetology • 2024] Liotyphlops pino • A New Species of the genus Liotyphlops Peters, 1881 (Serpentes: Anomalepididae) from the Caribbean coast of Honduras

 

Liotyphlops pino

Antúnez-Fonseca, Ramos-Galdámez, Solís, Díaz-Ricaurte & Wilson, 2024. 

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5543.1.5 

  facebook.com/CristopherAlberto79

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of the genus Liotyphlops from the Caribbean coast of Honduras in Nuclear Mesoamerica, a genus previously known only from Isthmian Mesoamerica and northern, central, and eastern South America. Our description is based on a single specimen found by chance. The new species differs from other congeners by unique combination of external morphological characteristics, specifically by the presence of three scales on the first vertical row of the dorsals, three supralabial scales, 425 dorsal scales, and dorsals in 22 series of uniformly pigmented scales across the body. The type locality represents the northernmost record for the genus and is located 920 km (airline) northwest of the previous record for Liotyphlops albirostris in Costa Rica. We developed an identification key for the genus and discussed natural history and biogeographical aspects of Liotyphlops, including the species described here.

Reptilia, Distribution, external morphology, fossorial snakes, Pico Bonito National Park, species diversity

 

Cristopher A. Antúnez-Fonseca, Josue Ramos-Galdámez, José Mario Solís, Juan C. Díaz-Ricaurte and Larry David Wilson. 2024. A New Species of the genus Liotyphlops Peters, 1881 (Serpentes: Anomalepididae) from the Caribbean coast of Honduras.  Zootaxa. 5543(1); 97-110. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5543.1.5 

  facebook.com/CristopherAlberto79/posts/27749350118013886

[Botany • 2024] Magnolia corquinensis (Magnoliaceae: sect. Magnolia) • A New Species and A New Record of Magnolia quetzal for Honduras

Magnolia corquinensis  

in Morales-Molina, Vega-Rodriǵuez, Shalisko, Alemán-Avilez et Vázquez-García. 2024.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.642.2.7 

 facebook.com/inicio1914

 

Abstract

Magnolia corquinensis, M. sect. Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) is described and illustrated. A distribution map is provided. The species is critically endangered and endemic to Copán and Lempira, Honduras. It differs from M. celaquensis in many morphological features. In addition, Magnolia quetzal is recorded for the first for the flora of Honduras.

Magnoliids, Magnolia sect. Magnolia, Montaña de Celaque National Park, Talauma, Corquín

Magnolia corquinensis

Sobeida Morales-Molina, Hermes Vega-Rodriǵuez, Viacheslav Shalisko, Maryury Alemán-Avilez and J. Antonio Vázquez-García. 2024. A New Species, Magnolia corquinensis, and A New Record of Magnolia quetzal (Magnoliaceae) for Honduras.  Phytotaxa. 642(2); 191-200. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.642.2.7

  facebook.com/inicio1914/posts/10226989898228315

Researchgate.net/publication/379333159_A_new_species_Magnolia_corquinensis_from_Honduras

https://asomaincupaco.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/2022_Reporte-Anual-PNGR-SINAPH.pdf

[Botany • 2023] Acanthocereus lempirensis (Cactaceae) • A New Species from Honduras

Acanthocereus lempirensis H. Vega, Gómez-Hin. & H.M. Hern.,

in Vega, Oyuela, Alemán, Hinostrosa et Hernández, 2023.

DOI: 10.21829/abm130.2023.2233

Abstract

Background and Aims: During explorations in the Parque Nacional Montaña de Celaque, Honduras, a new species of Acanthocereus (Cactaceae) was discovered. The aim of the present study is to describe and illustrate A. lempirensis, and to compare it with its putatively closest relative, A. chiapensis. 

Methods: Botanical field collections were conducted during 2023. In order to compare the possible new species with other species in the genus, the collections in different herbaria and a Database of Cactaceae from North and Central America were examined and a distribution map was prepared. A preliminary assessment of the conservation status of the new species was preliminarily assessed using the IUCN Red List criteria.

Key results: Acanthocereus lempirensis appears to be closely related to A. chiapensis by the presence in both species of green glaucous stems ramified from the base, similar spination, and nocturnal flowers. It can easily be distinguished from that species by the combination of the following morphological characters: pink perianth segments, internal perianth segments oblanceolate, rounded to retuse and mostly subacute apically, and the apical margins minutely lacerate. The species is restricted to a small area of limestone cliffs and steep slopes with tropical deciduous forests intermixed with Pinus and Quercus. Only ca. 150 individuals have been detected in the wild. A Critically Endangered (CR) conservation category is suggested for this species. 

Conclusion: This new discovery places Honduras as an important diversity center for species of Acanthocereus (five spp.), preceded by Mexico (12 spp.). The recent botanical findings in Honduras (A. canoensis y A. lempirensis) confirm the importance of continuing and supporting floristic studies in the country and the conservation it its ecosystems. 

Key words: Acanthocereus canoensis, Acanthocereus chiapensis, Acanthocereus lempirensis, Colohete, endemic, Lempira

Acanthocereus lempirensis H. Vega, Gómez-Hin. & H.M. Hern.

Acanthocereus lempirensis H. Vega, Gómez-Hin. & H.M. Hern., sp. nov. 

Acanthocereus lempirensisis similar to A. chiapensis by the arbustive habit, the glaucous stems ramified from the base, and nocturnal flowers. It differs from this species by the combination of the following morphological characters: pink perianth segments, internal perianth segments oblanceolate, apically rounded to retuse, the inner ones mostly subacute, with the apex minutely lacerate, 2.4-3.7 cm long, 1-1.2 cm wide in their widest portion, light pink in the marginal area becoming deep pink to-wards the center.

 Hermes Leonel Vega, Olvin Oyuela, Maryury Alemán, Carlos Gómez Hinostrosa and Héctor M. Hernández. 2023. A New Species of Acanthocereus (Cactaceae) from Honduras. Acta Botanica Mexicana. 130: e2233. DOI: 10.21829/abm130.2023.2233

 abm.ojs.inecol.mx/index.php/abm/article/view/2233

[Botany • 2023] Miconia kellyana (Melastomataceae: Miconieae) • A New Species from Cusuco National Park, Honduras

Miconia kellyana Almeda & R.B. Pacifico, 

in Almeda & Pacifico, 2023.

DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.578.2.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/366919802

 

Abstract

Miconia kellyana is described as a new species that is known only from a limited area of montane tropical forest in Cusuco National Park in northwestern Honduras. Line drawings, field photographs, a distribution map, a recommended conservation assessment, and a discussion of morphologically similar species are provided. This species can be recognized by its 5-plinerved leaves with secondary veins diverging from the midvein above the blade base, cauline internode indumentum consisting of simple spreading trichomes, stalked-stellate trichomes, and apically bifid trichomes 0.5–1 mm long, conspicuous external calyx teeth that exceed the calyx lobes in length and largely conceal them, hypanthia with yellowish mostly simple trichomes sparingly intermixed with apically bifid and stalked-stellate trichomes 1–1.5 mm long that completely conceal the surface at anthesis, and isometric and isomorphic stamens with a connective that is prolonged ventro-basally above the filament insertion into a bilobulate ventral appendage less than 0.25 mm long. The new species is compared with M. chinantlana, M. globulifera, and M. tixixensis. All of these related species occur only in adjacent areas of neighboring Guatemala and/or a few southern states of Mexico.

Keywords: Miconieae, endemic, montane rainforest, neotropics, Sierra del Merendón, Eudicots

Miconia kellyana field photos.
A. An individual of M. kellyana (white arrow) in a forest understory at Cusuco National Park, Honduras. B. Flowering branches. C. Close-up of two flowers in post-anthesis.

 All photos by Michael Darling.

Miconia kellyana Almeda & R.B. Pacifico, sp. nov.

Etymology:— The specific epithet honors Dr. Daniel L. Kelly (b. 1948), collector of the type, in recognition of hisimportant studies of forest biodiversity, structure, and dynamics, and epiphytic plant communities at Cusuco NationalPark and elsewhere in the American tropics (chiefly Jamaica, and Venezuela).

According to Cordula Lennkh, a local name for Miconia kellyana is “Sirín tamoso” (= downy melastome or fluffymelastome) probably alluding to the overall indumentum of vegetative and floral parts. 

 

Frank Almeda and Ricardo Pacifico. 2023. A New Miconia (Melastomataceae) from Cusuco National Park, Honduras. Phytotaxa. 578(2); 199-206. DOI: 10.11646/phytotaxa.578.2.6 

Researchgate.net/publication/366919802_A_new_Miconia_from_Cusuco_National_Park_Honduras

[Botany • 2021] Carpotroche caceresiae (Achariaceae) • A New Species of Carpotroche from Honduras and Nicaragua

 

Carpotroche caceresiae D. Santam.,  

in Santamaría-Aguilar, Coronado, Liesner & Monro, 2021. 

  twitter.com/AlexMonro

Abstract

 Carpotroche caceresiae, a newly delimited species from the Caribbean drainage of Honduras and Nicaragua, is described and illustrated and its extinction threat assessed as Near Threatened (NT) according to IUCN criteria. Carpotroche caceresiae has previously been confused with C. platyptera, a species characterized by a densely pubescent lower leaf surface and red fruits lacking crests between the wings; in contrast, C. caceresiae has sparsely pubescent lower leaf surface and green fruits with crests between the wings. Carpotroche crassiramea and C. glaucescens, typified with Costa Rican material, and hitherto included in the synonymy of C. platyptera, are treated here as distinct morphological identities; a list of the specimens examined and referred to these names are provided. 

Keywords: Carpotroche platyptera, Flacourtiaceae, Herbaria, Malphigiales, Mesoamerica, Taxonomy, Ecuador 

Carpotroche caceresiae D. Santam. A, hermaphrodite flowers; B, branch with hermaphrodite flower and fruits, insent stem and fruits).
Carpotroche longifolia Benth. C, hermaphrodite flowers; D, flowers on the stem; E, fruits showing conspicuously lacerated wings.

Images by Indiana Coronado 

(A–B, from I. Coronado and A. Fernández 4408, B inset from I. Coronado and A. Fernández 4736-A); and Robin Foster (C–E).

. Carpotroche caceresiae D. Santam.
A, leaf and margin detail; B, fruits.

 Illustration by Isler. F. Chinchilla,

A from a image of the specimen I. Coronado et al. 1953 (MO); 

B of photography I. Coronado et al. 4636.

Carpotroche caceresiae D. Santam., sp. nov. 

This new species is morphologically similar to Carpotroche longifolia (Poepp.) Benth. with respect to its whitish to greenish fruits that are longitudinally winged and possessing numerous crests between the wings, and the leaves, whose abaxial surface is short-pubescent. Carpotroche caceresiae can be distinguished from C. longifolia by the wings of the fruit having an entire or weakly sinuate margin (vs. deeply lacerate).

Berta Isabel Cáceres Flores (1971–2016).

Courtesy by Michelle Meola.

Eponymy: This species is named in memory and recognition of the bravery of Berta Isabel Cáceres Flores (1971–2016), one of 123 environmental activists assassinated in retaliation for their opposition to environmental destruction and loss of indigenous land in Honduras, between 2009 and 2016 (Global Witness, 2017). Berta Cáceres (Fig. 7), in particular, was murdered because of her opposition to the Agua Zarcas hydroelectric project. She won the Goldman Environmental Prize in 2015.

Daniel Santamaría-Aguilar, Indiana M. Coronado, Ronald L. Liesner and Alexandre K. Monro. 2021. A New Species of Carpotroche (Achariaceae) from Honduras and Nicaragua. Harvard Papers in Botany. 26(2); 455–469. DOI: 10.3100/hpib.v26iss2.2021.n12 

 huh.harvard.edu/files/herbaria/files/26_2_455_santamariua-aguilar_etal.pdf

  twitter.com/AlexMonro/status/1472210124538322948

[Herpetology • 2020] Tantilla lydia • A New Species of Tantilla of the taeniata group (Squamata: Colubridae) from Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barras de Cuero y Salado in Caribbean coastal Honduras

Tantilla lydia 

Antúnez-Fonseca, Castro, España, Townsend & Wilson, 2020

amphibian-reptile-conservation.org 

Abstract

A new species of Tantilla is described from the Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barras de Cuero y Salado (RVSBCS), on the Caribbean coast of Honduras. Assigned to the Tantilla taeniata group, this species differs from others in this group in color pattern, numbers of scales, measurements, and habitat. An incomplete pale nuchal collar and a pale mediodorsal stripe extending to the proximal edge of the paravertebral rows on the anterior third of the body are present. The lateral extension of the head cap does not completely separate the postocular pale spot from the pale nuchal collar. A pale lateral stripe is present on the adjacent halves of dorsal scale rows 3 and 4. The ventrolateral ground color is much darker than that of the dorsolateral ground color. The ventral + subcaudal number of 244 is the highest figure for the males of species in the group. The RVSBCS is an important coastal protected area in Mesoamerica, due to its signifcant coastal diversity, including iconic species, in addition to harboring this centipede snake.

 Keywords. Centipede snake, Departamento de Atlántida, protected area, Reptilia, Río Salado, taxonomy 

Fig. 1. Dorsolateral view of the holotype of Tantilla lydia sp. nov. (UVS-V 1189) in life.

Photo by Cristopher Antúnez-Fonseca.

Fig. 2. Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the head and nape of the holotype of Tantilla lydia sp. nov. (UVS-V 1189).

Photos by Cristopher Antúnez-Fonseca.

Tantilla lydia sp. nov. 

Suggested common name. Lydia’s Little Snake.

Diagnosis. Tantilla lydia sp. nov. is a member of the Tantilla taeniata species group, but distinguished from all other congeners by possessing the following combination of characteristics: (1) pale middorsal stripe dark-edged, occupying middorsal scale row and adjacent third of paravertebral rows on anterior third of body, reducing to median half of vertebral row on remainder of body, beginning approximately on tenth middorsal scale past parietals, posterior to more or less circular pale spot just posterior to dark nape band located behind pale nuchal collar; (2) pale nuchal collar incomplete dorsally, divided by dark coloration on vertebral scales and connecting to dark posterior border of dark head cap and dark nape band; (3) lateral extension of dark head cap incomplete, not completely separating postocular pale spot from pale nuchal band; (4) subocular dark spot present, not extending to lip; (5) ventrolateral region of body a much darker shade of brown than dorsolateral region; (6) pale lateral stripe well defned, dark edged, located on adjacent halves of dorsal scales 3 and 4; (7) paraventral scale completely pale on anterior portion, gradually darkening dorsally, until becoming completely dark at the beginning of tail; (8) postnasal and preocular narrowly separated; (9) 169 ventrals, 75 subcaudals, and 244 ventrals + subcaudals in the single male holotype. 

...

Etymology. We are privileged to name this new species of snake in honor of Dr. Lydia Allison Fucsko who resides in Melbourne, Australia, and is an amphibian conservationist and environmental activist. As an internationally published photographer, she has taken countless pictures of amphibians, including photo galleries of mostly southeastern Australian frogs. Dr. Fucsko has a Bachelor of Arts in Humanities from La Trobe University (Bundoora, Victoria, Australia), and a Diploma in Education from The University of Melbourne (Parkville, Victoria, Australia). She has postgraduate diplomas in computer education and in vocational education and training from The University of Melbourne (Parkville). Additionally, Dr. Fucsko holds a Master’s Degree in Counseling from Monash University (Clayton, Victoria, Australia). She received her Ph.D. on environmental education, which promoted habitat conservation, species perpetuation, and global sustainable management, from Swinburne University of Technology (Hawthorn, Victoria, Australia), while being mentored by the late world-renowned Australian herpetologist and academic Dr. Michael James Tyler (Order of Australia recipient). Dr. Fucsko, an educational consultant, was responsible for major enhancements in the quality of the images provided herein and is also a research collaborator with the fifth author (LDW). Dr. Fucsko’s academic interests include: clinical psychology, focusing on psychopathology; neuroscience and empathy; environmental education for sustainable development; sentient ecology; academic writing; and creative writing, including poetry and creative nonfiction books for children and young adults. We use Dr. Fucsko’s given name as a noun in apposition, with the spelling of the Latin transliteration from the Ancient Greek Λυδία (Ludia), meaning “beauty, beautiful, noble one.” Thus, the snake named here as Tantilla lydia sp. nov. can be envisioned as the “beautiful one.”

Cristopher A. Antúnez-Fonseca, Jocelyn A. Castro, Farlem G. España, Josiah H. Townsend and  Larry D. Wilson. 2020. A New Species of Tantilla of the taeniata group (Squamata: Colubridae) from Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barras de Cuero y Salado in Caribbean coastal Honduras. Amphibian & Reptile Conservation. 14(3) [Taxonomy Section]: 86–102 (e258). 

amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/issues.html

 amphibian-reptile-conservation.org/pdfs/Volume/Vol_14_no_3/ARC_14_3_[Taxonomy_Section]_86-102_e258.pdf

Resumen.—Describimos una nueva especie de Tantilla del Refugio de Vida Silvestre Barras de Cuero y Salado (RVSBCS), en la costa caribeña de Honduras. Asignada al grupo Tantilla taeniata, esta especie difere de otras en este grupo en cuanto a patrón de color, número de escamas, medidas y hábitat. Están presentes un collar nucal pálido incompleto y una franja mediodorsal pálida que se extiende hasta el borde proximal de las flas paravertebrales en el tercio anterior del cuerpo. La extensión lateral de la tapa de la cabeza no separa completamente la mancha pálida postocular del collar nucal pálido. Una franja lateral pálida está presente en las mitades adyacentes de las flas de escamas dorsales 3 y 4. El color de fondo ventrolateral es mucho más oscuro que el color de fondo dorsolateral. El número ventral + subcaudal de 244 es la cifra más alta para los machos de las especies del grupo. El RVSBCS es una importante área costera protegida en Mesoamérica, ya que tiene una importante diversidad costera, incluidas especies icónicas, además de albergar a esta serpiente tragaciempiés. 

Palabras Claves. Área protegida, Departamento de Atlántida, Reptilia, Río Salado, serpiente ciempiés, taxonomía 

[Herpetology • 2020] Atlantihyla melissa • A Critically Endangered New Species of Polymorphic Stream Frog (Anura: Hylidae: Atlantihyla) from the Montane Rainforest of Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat, Honduras

Atlantihyla melissa

Townsend, Herrera-B., Hofmann, Luque-Montes, Ross, Dudek, Krygeris, Duchamp & Wilson, 2020

 DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-4-2020-12 

 facebook.com/JosiahTownsend 

   twitter.com/ErichPHofmann 

The Chortís Highlands of Mesoamerica exhibit a high degree of in situ evolutionary diversification, exemplified by numerous endemic radiations of stream-dwelling treefrogs (Anura: Hylidae: Atlantihyla, Duellmanohyla, and Ptychohyla), which have been a source of ongoing taxonomic uncertainty. Recent evidence suggests that one species, Atlantihyla spinipollex, may conceal an unrecognized sister species found in Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat. We applied an iterative integrative taxonomic framework to assess this population within the context of Chortís Highlands populations of Atlantihyla spinipollex sensu stricto, Duellmanohyla salvadorensis, D. salvavida, D. soralia, and Ptychohyla hypomykter, using both a single locus (mtDNA: 16S) and multilocus (mtDNA: 12S, 16S; nDNA: POMC, RAG-1, Rhodopsin) datasets accompanied by distance- and tree-based species delimitation methods to inform our taxonomy. Samples of A. spinipollex sensu lato formed two deeply divergent monophyletic lineages, suggesting that populations from the central and eastern Cordillera Nombre de Dios are conspecific, while the population from Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat represents a previously undescribed species. We analyzed morphological and bioacoustic variation within and between the two lineages of A. spinipollex sensu lato and found support for recognition of two distinct taxa. We restricted the name A. spinipollex to populations in the central and eastern Cordillera Nombre de Dios, and formally describe the Texiguat population as a new species. We recommend the new species be considered Critically Endangered due to ongoing habitat loss within what remains of its highly restricted natural distribution. This new species joins 26 other endemic species of amphibians and reptiles at Texiguat.

Key words: Atlantihyla melissa sp. nov., Atlantihyla spinipollex, Chortís Block Highlands, Cordillera Nombre de Dios, Ptychohyla hypomykter, Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat.

The known distribution of focal taxa in the Chortís Block. Filled shapes indicate localities with molecular (at least 16S) sequence data generated or utilized herein; additional historical records (with no sequence data) are indicated by white shapes. Numbers and grayshaded areas refer to relevant localities within the Cordillera Nombre de Dios as follows: 1 = Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat; 2 = Parque Nacional Pico Bonito; 3 = Parque Nacional Nombre de Dios; 4 = Cerro Corre Viento; 5 = Parque Nacional Capiro y Calentura. TL = type locality.

Fig. 3. Multilocus Bayesian phylogram based on combined mtDNA (12S, 16S) + nDNA (POMC, RAG-1, RHO) dataset; maximum likelihood bootstrap support values (0– 100) and Bayesian posterior probabilities (0– 1.0) shown above corresponding branches.

Photos from top to bottom: D. salvavida from Río Jilamito, Dept. Atlántida, Honduras © JHT; D. soralia from Merendón, Dept. Cortés, Honduras © JHT; holotype of Atlantihyla melissa © JHT; A. spinipollex from Cerro Corre Viento, Dept. Colón, Honduras © Jason M. Butler; Ptychohyla hypomykter from Rio Negro de Comayagua, Dept. Comayagua, Honduras (© JHT).

Adult male holotype of Atlantihyla melissa (USNM 578679; SVL = 34.4 mm), shown in life (left) and in dorsal (top right) and ventral (bottom right) aspects after eight years in preservation (photos: Josiah H. Townsend).

Paratypes of Atlantihyla melissa in life: 
(a) adult female (USNM 578676), (b) adult female (USNM 578672),
(c) adult female (USNM 578665), (d) adult female (USNM 578686),
(e) adult male (USNM 578674), (f) adult female (USNM 578668)

(photographs: Josiah H. Townsend).

Atlantihyla melissa sp. nov.

Etymology. We name this species in honor of our friend and collaborator, Isis Melissa Medina-Flores, a feld biologist originally from Mangulile in the Department of Olancho, Honduras. Melissa participated in the discovery and description of this new species, two other Texiguat endemics: the palm-pitviper Bothriechis guifarroi Townsend, Medina-Flores, Wilson, Jadin & Austin, 2013, and the centipede snake Tantilla olympia Townsend, Wilson, Medina-Flores & Herrera-B., 2013; and two salamanders endemic to the Department of Olancho: Nototriton mime Townsend, Medina-Flores, Reyes-Calderón & Austin, 2013, and N. picucha Townsend, Medina-Flores, Murillo, and Austin, 2011. Melissa disappeared without a trace on 5 November 2016, after becoming separated from her companions while descending from the summit of the highest peak in Honduras, Cerro de Las Minas in Parque Nacional Celaque. Despite over a month of continuous searching by military and volunteer rescue teams supported by search dogs and aircraft, no evidence of Melissa’s fate has been found.

Fig. 9. a) Type locality of Atlantihyla melissa, the Río Jilamito, Departamento de Atlántida, Honduras, 1,030 m a.s.l.; holotype was collected on a palm frond in the vegetation on the left side of the image. b) Adult male Atlantihyla melissa (not collected) photographed in situ on vegetation directly overhanging a small tributary of the Río Jilamito, 1,060 m a.s.l.

(photographs: Josiah H. Townsend).

 

     

Large pool in the Río Jilamito, just above the type locality; tadpoles of Atlantihyla melissa. Duellmanohyla salvavida, and Plectrohyla chrysopleura were found here in April 2017, June 2010, and July 2010.

Josiah H. Townsend, Luis A. Herrera-B., Erich P. Hofmann, Ileana R. LuqueMontes, Ayla N. Ross, Daniel Dudek, Jr., Catherine Krygeris, Joseph E. Duchamp and Larry David Wilson. 2020. A Critically Endangered New Species of Polymorphic Stream Frog (Anura: Hylidae: Atlantihyla) from the Montane Rainforest of Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat, Honduras.  Vertebrate Zoology. 70(4): 731-756. DOI: 10.26049/VZ70-4-2020-12

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Description (es): Las tierras altas Chortís en Centro América presentan un alto grado de diversificación evolutiva in situ, demostrado por un numero de radiaciones endémicas de ranas arborícolas asociadas con ecosistemas lóticos (Anura: Hylidae: Atlantihyla, Duellmanohyla y Ptychohyla), y previamente han sido fuente de incertidumbre. Evidencia reciente sugiere que una especie, Atlantihyla spinipollex, podría ocultar un especie hermana no reconocida, en el Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat. Aplicamos un modelo iterativo taxonómico integrativo para evaluar esta población dentro del contexto de las poblaciones de las Tierras Altas Chortís de Atlantihyla spinipollex sensu stricto, Duellmanohyla salvadorensis, D. salvavida, D. soralia, y Ptychohyla hypomykter, utilizando ambos, conjuntos de datos con locus génicos individuales (mtDNA: 16S) y conjuntos de datos con múltiple loci (mtDNA: 12S, 16S; nDNA: POMC, RAG-1, Rhodopsin), acompañados por métodos de delimitación de especies basados en distancia y arboles filogenéticos. Las muestras de A. spinipollex sensu lato formaron dos linajes monofiléticos profundamente divergentes, sugiriendo que las poblaciones del centro y Este de la Cordillera Nombre de Dios son conspecíficas, mientras que la población del Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat representa un linaje a nivel de especie no descrito previamente. Analizamos la variación morfológica y bioacústica dentro y entre los dos linajes de A. spinipollexsensu lato y encontramos un fuerte soporte estadístico para el reconocimiento de dos taxones distintos. Restringimos el nombre A. spinipollex a las poblaciónes del centro y el Este de la Cordillera Nombre de Dios, y formalmente describimos la población del Refugio de Vida Silvestre Texiguat como una especie nueva. Recomendamos que la nueva especies sea considerada En Peligro Critico debido a la amenaza inmediata y continua de pérdida de hábitat dentro de su distribución natural altamente restringida. Esta nueva especie se une a otras 26 especies endémicas de anfibios y reptiles en Texiguat.

      

     

[Herpetology • 2020] Bolitoglossa copinhorum • Integrative Systematic Revision of Bolitoglossa celaque (Caudata: Plethodontidae), with A New Species from the Lenca Highlands of Honduras

Bolitoglossa copinhorum

Itgen, Sessions, Wilson & Townsend, 2020

DOI: 10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-19-00001.1 

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 Abstract

The diversity of the tropical climbing salamander genus Bolitoglossa (Magnadigita) in Honduras has been underestimated historically, with 11 new species having been described in the past quarter-century. Bolitoglossa celaque is known to occur in three disjunct mountain ranges across the Lenca Highlands region of southwestern Honduras, and previous studies have independently demonstrated differences in mitochondrial genealogy and genome size between populations to the east and west of the Mejocote–San Juan Depression. Sampling from all three mountain ranges represented two genetically distinct clades: one associated with the vicinity of the type locality, Montaña de Celaque, and the second consisting of several eastern populations from the departments of Intibucá and La Paz. Distinctiveness of these two clades was further investigated and supported by analyses of morphological variation, geometric morphometrics of foot morphology, and comparative osteology. Based on congruent signals from each line of evidence, we restrict the taxon B. celaque to Montaña de Celaque and describe the eastern populations as a new species of Bolitoglossa.

KEYWORDS: Bolitoglossa copinhorum sp. nov., Chortís Block, comparative morphology, Geomorphic morphometrics, Integrative taxonomy, montane forests, Nuclear Central America, osteology, phylogenetics

Holotype adult male Bolitoglossa copinhorum (CM 163182) from Refugio de Vida Silvestre Mixcure, Intibuca;
 (A) details of head and anterior portion of body in lateral view; (B) dorsolateral view of entire body; and (C) dorsal and ventral aspects of the preserved holotype specimen.

Variation in Bolitoglossa copinhorum:
(A) an adult male from San Pedro La Loma (CM 170771); (B) an adult male from the Sierra de Opalaca, Intibuca (CM 170752);
(C) an adult female from San Pedro La Loma (CM 170770); (D) a juvenile from the Sierra de Opalaca, Intibuca.

Habitat at other localities where Bolitoglossa copinhorum occurs:
(A) Zacate Blanco, (B) San Pedro la Loma, (C) Agua Negra in the nuclear zone of Opalaca, (D) San Pedro La Loma, (E) Guajiquiro, Departamento de La Paz.

Type locality of Bolitoglossa copinhorum; Refugio de Vida Silvestre Mixcure, 2150 m elevation, Departamento de Intibuca, Honduras;
 (A) Mixcure, west of El Rodeo; (B–C) forest interior at Mixcure, west of El Rodeo.

     

Michael W. Itgen, Stanley K. Sessions, Larry David Wilson and Josiah H. Townsend.  2020. Integrative Systematic Revision of Bolitoglossa celaque (Caudata: Plethodontidae), with A New Species from the Lenca Highlands of Honduras. Herpetological Monographs. 33(1); 48-70. DOI: 10.1655/HERPMONOGRAPHS-D-19-00001.1  

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