[Herpetology • 2026] Eublepharis jhuma • A morphologically distinct and phylogenetically divergent New Species of the Leopard Gecko in the Genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 (Reptilia: Eublepharidae) from India

 Eublepharis jhuma

Mohapatra, Ray, A. K. Das, Satrusallya, Jena, Bhupathi, R. Das & Mahapatra. 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e183441

Abstract

Eublepharis, an Asian-endemic genus of leopard geckos, represents the third largest genus within the family Eublepharidae. India harbors six recognized species in the genus Eublepharis, representing the highest species diversity for this genus reported from any single country to date. In this work, a new species of the genus, Eublepharis jhuma sp. nov., is described based on three specimens. The new species can be diagnosed by the following combination of morphological features: (1) SVL 123–142 mm, (2) having large, flat, tubercle-like, moderately keeled scales across the dorsum, with interspaces much larger than the size of the tubercles, (3) two pale bands between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction, (4) subdigital lamellae tuberculate, (5) dorsal scales on the regenerated tail flat and rectangular, (6) 22–25 subdigital lamellae on the fourth toe, and (7) 12–13 precloacal pores. The new species is also phylogenetically distinct from all its congeners (6.9–7.8% from its closest sister species, E. satpuraensis). The discovery of a new reptile from the Chota Nagpur Plateau highlights the role of more extensive study in the region. Furthermore, its occurrence in the Kaimur Plateau, the easternmost Vindhyan escarpments, highlights the allopatric speciation from the sister species, E. satpuraensis, shaped by deep-time geological processes.

Key Words: ihar, Chota Nagpur, eyelid gecko, Kaimur, morphology, Vindhya Mountains

Habitat and live specimen of Eublepharis jhuma sp. nov.
A, C. Type locality in Parari, Bihar; B. Live uncollected specimen at the type locality. 

Habitat and live specimen of Eublepharis jhuma sp. nov. 
B. Live uncollected specimen at the type locality. 
A, C. Type locality in Parari, Bihar. 

Eublepharis jhuma sp. nov.

Suggested common English name. Jhuma’s leopard gecko.

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Eublepharis reaching SVL of 142.2 mm, with 18–22 rows of flat, tubercle-like moderately keeled scales across the dorsum intermixed with much smaller granular scales, two pale bands between the nuchal loop and caudal constriction; feebly tuberculate subdigital lamellae on digit IV of pes 22–25; 12–13 precloacal pores in an angulate series lacking any poreless scales in between them.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a matronym, derived from the nickname “Jhuma” of Dr. Dhriti Banerjee, the first woman Director of ZSI, in recognition of her contributions to the taxonomy and conservation of faunal diversity in India. The epithet is used as noun in apposition.

 

Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sumidh Ray, Ashis K. Das, Ranjit Satrusallya, Sudheer K. Jena, Bharath Bhupathi, Ritesh Das and Ajay Kumar Mahapatra. 2026. Description of A morphologically distinct and phylogenetically divergent New Species of the Leopard Gecko in the Genus Eublepharis Gray, 1827 (Reptilia, Eublepharidae) from India. Herpetozoa. 39: 161-176. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.39.e183441

[Herpetology • 2025] Hemidactylus kalinga • A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Northern Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India

 

 Hemidactylus kalinga

Mohapatra, Ray, Das, Bhupathi, Sarkar, Mohalik, Nair & Dutta, 2025 

Kalinga rock gecko | DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e175753

Abstract

We describe a new species of large-bodied, rock-dwelling gecko of the genus Hemidactylus from the Eastern Ghats of Odisha, India. The new species is genetically distinct, as already indicated in previous studies, and differs from all other congeners in a combination of morphological characters, such as dorsal scalation of small granules intermixed with large, pointed, trihedral tubercles that form 15–19 fairly regularly arranged longitudinal rows at midbody; 9–11 subdigital lamellae below the first and 12–14 below the fourth digit; 22–26 femoral pores separated by five poreless scales in males; and 11–13 supralabials and 9–11 infralabials. The new species is from the Eastern Ghats clade of large-bodied, tuberculated Hemidactylus and can be readily diagnosed morphologically from the two sister species, H. sushilduttai and H. kangerensis, in having characters such as the second postmental distinct and ~70% of the first postmental; the first postmental touching infralabial I and the second postmental touching infralabials I and II; and one post-cloacal spur on each side. The new species is distributed in the northern Eastern Ghats range of Odisha, inhabiting moist and dry deciduous forests and rock boulders and occasionally entering human habitations.

Key Words: Deccan Peninsula, Eastern Highlands, Hemidactylus kangerensis, Hemidactylus sushilduttai, morphology, taxonomy

Live uncollected specimen of Hemidactylus kalinga sp. nov.
A. Juveniles showing variant colouration; B. An individual preying on Gryllotalpa africana.

 Hemidactylus kalinga sp. nov.

Diagnosis. A large-sized and tuberculated Hemidactylus, SVL up to 105.4 mm (n = 6). Dorsal pholidosis heterogeneous, composed of subcircular granular scales intermixed with enlarged, fairly regularly arranged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles in 15–19 longitudinal rows, extending from occiput to tail base, that are heterogeneous in shape and size; enlarged tubercles on the two most medial parasagittal rows smaller, 27–30 tubercles in paravertebral rows; those on dorsolateral aspect of flank largest, gradually decreasing in size downwards, last two rows on flank marginally larger or equal to medial parasagittal rows, weakly keeled. Ventrolateral folds indistinct; about 32–35 scale rows across the belly. Digits with enlarged scansors, lamellae in straight transverse series, all divided except the apical and 1–3 basal lamellae, 9–12 lamellae beneath first digit and 12–14 beneath fourth digit of manus and pes. Males with 22–26 femoral pores on each side separated by five poreless scales. Tail with much enlarged, strongly keeled, conical tubercles forming whorls; median row of subcaudal plates large, covering almost entire portion of the tail; single postcloacal spur of unequal size on each side that are smooth and much smaller than dorsal tubercles at mid-body. Dorsal coloration rusty-brown with four transversely arranged light bands, edged with black or dark brown, between the occiput and sacrum; head lighter than body in life, with a narrow lighted collar edged by dark brown that is continuous with the post-ocular marking.

Etymology. The specific epithet is a toponym for the Kalinga Ghati, the Eastern Ghats hill ranges in the Kandhamal District of Odisha, and the type locality of the species. Furthermore, the present known distribution range of the species is within the historical “Kalinga Kingdom”, comprising present-day south Odisha. The specific name is a noun in apposition to the generic name.

Suggested common English name. Kalinga rock gecko.

 Pratyush P. Mohapatra, Sumidh Ray, Ashis K. Das, Bharath Bhupathi, Vivek Sarkar, Rakesh K. Mohalik, Manoj V. Nair and Sushil K. Dutta. 2025. A New Species of Hemidactylus Goldfuss, 1820 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from the Northern Eastern Ghats, Odisha, India. Herpetozoa. 38: 365-378. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e175753 [01-12-2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Boulenophrys yangchunensis • A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura: Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners

Boulenophrys yangchunensis 

 Zhao, Lin, Li, Lyu, Zheng, Zeng, Borzée & Wang, 2025

Yangchun Horned Toad Chinese | 阳春角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400 

Abstract

The genus Boulenophrys is predominantly distributed in China and exhibits high species diversity. However, accurate conservation assessments for this genus are hindered by its unresolved taxonomy, which is linked to morphological conservatism, sympatric distribution patterns, and limited field survey data. In this study, we describe a new species, namely Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., and report new locality records for B. acuta (Wang, Li & Jin, 2014) and B. yunkaiensis Qi, Wang, Lyu & Wang, 2021 from western Guangdong Province, China. Additionally, we propose downlisting B. acuta, currently listed as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species, to a lower threat category, and we recommend an extinction risk category update for Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov., B. yunkaiensis, and B. gaolanensis Song, Wang, Qi, Wang & Wang, 2024. We further discuss key conservation challenges and provide targeted management recommendations to address these challenges.

Key Words: conservation assessment, management suggestions, molecular phylogeny, morphological conservatism, range extension, reassessment, sympatry, systematics

Life aspect of Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.:
 holotype GEP a170 (A, B); paratype GEP a168 (C); paratype GEP a172 (D).

Photos by Jian Wang.

 Boulenophrys yangchunensis sp. nov.

 English name: Yangchun Horned Toad 

Chinese name: yáng chūn jiǎo chán (阳春角蟾)

Diagnosis. (1) small size (SVL 27.6–28.7 mm in five adult males); (2) snout sharpened in dorsal view, canthus rostralis well developed, tongue not notched distally; (3) tympanum distinct; (4) vomerine ridges and vomerine teeth absent; (5) dorsal skin rough and highly granular, discontinuous X-shaped ridge on center of dorsum, discontinuous dorsolateral ridges present, sparse large tubercles on flanks, dorsal limbs with discontinuous transverse ridges and tubercles; (6) outer margin of upper eyelid with a small horn-like prominent tubercle, supratympanic fold distinct and narrow, curving posteroventrally to above arm; (7) two metacarpal tubercles distinct, inner one observably enlarged, relative finger lengths I < II < IV < III, distinct subarticular tubercle at base of each finger; (8) heels just meeting when hindlimbs folded, tibio-tarsal articulation reaching middle to anterior corner of eye; (9) toes without webbing and lateral fringes, inner metatarsal tubercle long ovoid, outer one absent, relative toe length I < II < V < III < IV; (10) dorsal surface yellowish-brown to dark brown, with indistinct irregular dark-brown patches and small orange dots; dark-brown triangular marking between eyes; dorsal limbs and digits light brown with dark-brown transverse bands; and (11) a single nuptial pad bearing dense nuptial spines on dorsal bases of fingers I and II in breeding adult males, subgular vocal sac present in males.

Etymology. The specific epithet yangchunensis is in reference to the type locality, Yangchun City.

  Yi-Yang Zhao, Shi-Shi Lin, Yuan-Hang Li, Zhi-Tong Lyu, Ke Zheng, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Amaël Borzée and Jian Wang. 2025. A New Species of Chinese horned toad (Anura, Megophryidae, Boulenophrys) from western Guangdong Province, China, with recommendations for extinction risk assessments for several related congeners. Herpetozoa. 38: 345-357. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e171400   

[Herpetology • 2025] Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri • A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India

Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri 

Bhupathi, Ray, Narayana, Karuthapandi, Jaiswal, Kar & Mohapatra, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e167113 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus (slender geckos) is described from the Tirumala Hill ranges in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve of the southern Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, southern India. This novel species exhibits 9.7–12.9% divergence in uncorrected pairwise distances of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) sequence data from its closely related congeners in peninsular India, namely H. jnana (9.5–12.6%), H. nilgiriensis (10.9–12.9%), and H. peninsularis (10.5–11.2%), and had previously been suggested as an undescribed species by earlier researchers based on molecular phylogenetic analyses. The new species, represented by five individuals, reached a maximum observed snout–vent length (SVL) of 33.7 mm and differs from its peninsular Indian congeners by the following combination of characters: 12–16 chin scales; 16–17 dorsal scales; 9–11 ventral scales at midbody; males with 6–8 precloacal pores and 5–7 femoral pores on each thigh, separated by 7–10 poreless scales; and lamellar formula of manus 2-2-2-2 and pes 2-2-2-2. This is the second species of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus to be reported from Andhra Pradesh, after H. arakuensis.

Key Words: cryptic diversity, Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri sp. nov., molecular phylogeny, slender geckos, taxonomy

Holotype (FBRC-ZSI-17) of Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri sp. nov. in life.

 Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Hemiphyllodactylus venkatadri sp. nov. is characterized by a small adult body size (SVL 22.3–33.7 mm; n = 5), consistent with the generally slender habitus typical of the genus Hemiphyllodactylus. Diagnostic differentiation from congeners is instead based on the combination of morphological characters such as 12–16 chin scales; postmentals not enlarged; supralabials 9–12, infralabials 9–12; 16–18 dorsal scales, 9–16 ventral scales at mid-body are contained within one longitudinal eye diameter, 6–8 precloacal pores separated by 7–10 poreless scales from a series of 5–7 femoral pores on each ...

Etymology. The specific epithet Venkatadri is a toponym for the type locality in the Tirumala Hill ranges in the Seshachalam Biosphere Reserve in Andhra Pradesh, India. The name Venkatadri is derived from two Sanskrit words: Venkata, meaning ‘one who removes sins’—one of the names of Lord Vishnu in the Hindu religion associated with the sacred Tirumala—and Adri, meaning mountain.

Suggested common English name. Venkatadri slender gecko.

 Bharath Bhupathi, Sumidh Ray, B. Laxmi Narayana, M. Karuthapandi, Deepa Jaiswal, Niladri B. Kar and Pratyush P. Mohapatra. 2025. A New Species of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata, Gekkonidae) from Eastern Ghats, Andhra Pradesh, India. Herpetozoa. 38: 333-343. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e167113 

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella yachangensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella Smith, 1935 (Anura: Megophryidae) from northwestern Guangxi, China

Leptobrachella yachangensis

Huang, Zeng, J. Wang, H.-T. Wang, Deng, Z.-W. Wang, Liao & Mo, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165088

Abstract

In this study, we describe a new species of the species-rich genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov., from northwestern Guangxi, China, based on a combination of molecular and morphological data. The new species is a sister taxon to L. wumingensis Chen, Peng, Li & Yu, 2023, with discrete, diagnostic differences from all other congeners. We also discussed the phenomenon and causes of the high diversity within this genus as well as the conservation of its congeners.

Key Words: conservation, diversity, morphology, molecular phylogeny, taxonomy

Morphological features of the holotype of Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov., NHMG250402 in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Lateral view; D. Ventral view; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Ventral view of foot.

 Leptobrachella yachangensis sp. nov.

 Yachang Leaf Litter Toad (in English) 

Ya Chang Zhang Tu Chan (雅长掌突蟾 in Chinese)

Diagnosis. (1) Small body size [SVL 28.1–31.2 mm in seven adult males], (2) iris bicolored, upper half coppery orange and lower half grayish brown, (3) tympanum distinct, (4) supratympanic line black, (5) fingers without lateral fringes, (6) toes with narrow lateral fringes,lacking webbing, (7) longitudinal ridges under toes continuous, (8) heels overlapping when adpressed, tibial-tarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, (9) dorsal surface rough with dense skin ridges and numerous conical tubercles bearing spines, (10) ventral surface smooth, with transparent tiny conical spines on chest and abdomen in breeding males, (11) dorsum grayish brown, with darker brown scattered markings, (12) flanks with several dark spots, (13) surface of throat, chest and abdomen creamy white, with dense irregular dark brown speckles.

 

Etymology. The specific epithet, yachangensis, is in reference to the type locality, Yachang Orchids National Nature Reserve.

 Zhong Huang, Zhao-Chi Zeng, Jian Wang, Hao-Tian Wang, Zhen-Hai Deng, Zhi-Wei Wang, Xiao-Wen Liao and Yun-Ming Mo. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella Smith, 1935 (Anura, Megophryidae) from northwestern Guangxi, China. Herpetozoa. 38: 321-332. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e165088

[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 

 facebook.com: R I M 

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] Boulenophrys yezhongensis • A New Species of the genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China

 

Boulenophrys yezhongensis 

Liu, Feng, Shen, Li, Cheng, Wei, Wang & Su, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e155430 

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Boulenophrys is described from Yezhong Nature Reserve, Shuicheng County, Guizhou Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and COI indicate that this new species represents an independent species-level lineage, closely related to B. fanjingmontis, B. qianbeiensis, B. sangzhiensis, and B. spinata. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) body size moderate (SVL 41.2–46.2 mm in adult males and 51.8–58.6 mm in adult females); (2) a single small horn-like tubercle at the edge of each upper eyelid; (3) vomerine teeth absent; (4) tongue not notched posteriorly; (5) tympanum distinctly visible, round; (6) toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; (7) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; (8) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level of the middle of the eye when the leg is stretched forward; (9) a single internal subgular vocal sac in males; (10) in breeding males, the nuptial pads have black nuptial spines on the bases of the first and second fingers.

Key Words: Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov., molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, taxonomy

Male holotype CIB SC20240531005 of Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of hand; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot.

 Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis.

Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Boulenophrys based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following generic diagnostic characters: snout shield-like; projecting beyond the lower jaw; canthus rostralis distinct; chest glands small and round, closer to the axilla than to midventral line; femoral glands on rear part of thigh; vertical pupils; and the presence of subarticular tubercles at the base of each finger (Fei et al. 2016; Lyu et al. 2023).

Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size moderate (SVL 41.2–46.2 mm in adult males and 51.8–58.6 mm in adult females); a small horn-like tubercle at edge of each upper eyelid; vomerine teeth absent; tongue not notched posteriorly; tympanum distinctly visible, round; two metacarpal tubercles on hand; toes with rudimentary webbing and narrow lateral fringes; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level to the middle of eye when leg stretched forward; a single internal subgular vocal sac in adult males; in breeding males, nuptial pads with black nuptial spines on the dorsal bases of the first and second fingers.

Etymology. The specific epithet yezhongensis refers to the type locality of the species. We propose the common English name “Yezhong Horned Toad” and the Chinese name “Yě Zhōng Jiǎo Chán (野钟角蟾)” for this species.

Color variation in Boulenophrys yezhongensis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view of adult male CIB SC20240531003; B. Dorsolateral view of adult male CIB SC20240531002;
C1. Dorsolateral view of adult female CIB SC20240531006; C2. Ventral view of adult female CIB SC20240531006;
D1. Dorsolateral view of adult female CIB SC20240531007; D2. Ventral view of adult female CIB SC20240531007.

 

Jing Liu, Chao-Bo Feng, Tuo Shen, Shi-Ze Li, Yanlin Cheng, Gang Wei, Bin Wang and Haijun Su. 2025. A New Species of the genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China. Herpetozoa. 38: 117-136. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.38.e155430 

[Herpetology • 2024] Raorchestes asakgrensis • Rediscovery and Redescription of Ixalus garo and Ixalus kempiae Boulenger, 1919 (Anura: Rhacophoridae), and the Description of A New species from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya

 

Raorchestes asakgrensis Naveen, Chandramouli & Babu, 

in Naveen, Chandramouli, Babu, Ryndongsngi, Karunakaran et Kumara, 2024. 

 DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122825

Abstract

Bush frogs from Garo and Khasi Hills were collected, and a thorough examination based on morphology and geographic distribution revealed that two of the populations sampled from Garo Hills during this study agree with the holotypes and descriptions of the taxa Ixalus garo and I. kempiae, described more than a century ago. The original description lacked information on several morphological characters, genetic material, and photographs of the species in life. The absence of such information posed challenges in field identification of these species. Our phylogeny shows them to be nested within the Raorchestes clade, and therefore, we allocate these two species to this genus and formally announce their rediscovery. We also redescribe these two species here based on additional adult vouchers and report geographic range extensions from new localities. Based on molecular and morphological analysis, we reassess the status of the recently described Raorchestes cangyuanensis, resulting in its placement under the subjective junior synonymy of R. kempiae. We also describe a morphologically distinct new species from this region. This paper bridges an important gap in the knowledge of the genus Raorchestes in this part of India and highlights the importance of systematic surveys in documenting and understanding amphibian diversity in the region.

Key Words: cryptic diversity, Indo-Burma hotspot, IUCN red list, Rhacophoridae, synonymy, systematics

Raorchestes asakgrensis sp. nov.
holotype, SACON VA 805, an adult female dorso-lateral view in life (above);
paratype, SACON VA 340, an adult male dorso-lateral view in life (below).

 Raorchestes asakgrensis Naveen, Chandramouli & Babu, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Raorchestes asakgrensis sp. nov. is placed in the genus Raorchestes due to the combination of the following characters: small body size, vomerine teeth absent, single translucent external subgular vocal sac present, and tips of all fingers and toes expanded into discs with circum-marginal grooves (see Biju et al. 2010). The species can be distinguished from congeners in the Indo-China region by the following combination of characters: A small-sized (mean SVL 20.49 mm) arboreal species with an obtusely pointed snout; tympanum fairly visible with a visible supra-tympanic, ...

Etymology: The species is named after the type locality, Eman Asakgre Community Reserve, to honor the residents who greatly supported the surveys during which the type specimens were collected.

 R. S. Naveen, S. R. Chandramouli, S. Babu, A. M. Ryndongsngi, P. V. Karunakaran and Honnavalli N. Kumara. 2024. Rediscovery and Redescription of Ixalus garo Boulenger, 1919, and Ixalus kempiae Boulenger, 1919, with A Reassessment of the Taxonomic Status of Raorchestes cangyuanensis Wu, Suwannapoom, Xu, Murphy & Che, 2019 and the Description of A New species from the Garo Hills of Meghalaya. Herpetozoa. 37: 359-372. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122825

[Herpetology • 2024] Tylototriton gaowangjienensis • A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Hunan Province, China

Tylototriton gaowangjienensis  J. Huang, Y. Xiang, Y.-X. Zhang, T. Wu & W.-S. Jiang,

in  J. Huang, Xiang, Wu, Y.-X. Zhang, Z.-L. Zhang, Wang, Lan, Y.-P. Huang, H.-J. Jiang et W.-S. Jiang. 2024. 

高望界疣螈 | Gaowangjie Crocodile Newt  ||  DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e135222

Abstract

The newt genus Tylototriton is widely distributed in east, southeast, and south Asia. Previous studies have shown that basic surveys of this genus are far from comprehensive, and unknown species still exist within the group. In this study, we described a new species of this genus, Tylototriton gaowangjienensis sp. nov., from Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve in Hunan Province, China, based on evidence from molecular identification and morphological comparisons. Additionally, we conducted phylogenetic analysis of the genus to elucidate the taxonomic status of the new species. Based on combined mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 gene sequences, the phylogenetic tree supported the new species as a member of the T. wenxianensis species subclade in the subgenus Yaotriton. It can be distinguished from its congeners by the combination of the following characteristics: (1) medium-sized body; (2) finger tips extending beyond the snout while forelimbs stretched forward; (3) tips of forelimbs and hindlimbs reaching and overlapping when folded towards the body; (4) snout edge round; (5) absence of small papillae in the male cloacal fissure; (6) dorsal ridges narrow, with width smaller than the eye diameter; (7) head length (HDL) greater than head width (HDW) (HDL/HDW = 1.04~1.22); (8) orange markings absence on the parotoid; (9) nodule-like warts on body sides continuous; (10) vomerine teeth not connected at the tip, extending to the occipital bone at the posterior end.

Key Words: morphology, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

Photos showing color variation in Tylototriton gaowangjienensis sp. nov. in live specimens.
A. Female (2021051702); B. Male (2021051701).

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

Photos of Tylototriton gaowangjienensis sp. nov. in live specimens.
 A. Female (2021051702); B. Male (2021051701).

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

 

 Tylototriton gaowangjienensis J. Huang, Y. Xiang, Y.-X. Zhang, T. Wu & W.-S. Jiang, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from other members of Tylototriton by the following combination of characteristics: (1) medium-sized body; (2) finger tips extending beyond the snout while forelimbs stretched forward; (3) tips of forelimbs and hindlimbs reaching and overlapping when folded towards the body; (4) snout edge round; (5) absence of small papillae in the male cloacal fissure; (6) dorsal ridges narrow, with width smaller than the eye diameter; (7) head length (HDL) greater than head width (HDW) (HDL/HDW=1.04~1.22); (8) orange markings absence on the parotoid; (9) nodule-like warts on body sides continuous; (10) vomerine teeth not connected at the tip, extending to the occipital bone at the posterior end.

Etymology: The new species is named after its type locality. We suggest the Chinese name “高望界疣螈” (pinyin: Gāo Wàng Jiè Yóu Yuán), and the English name Gaowangjie Crocodile Newt.

Breeding ground of Tylototriton gaowangjienensis sp. nov. in the Gaowangjie National Nature Reserve.

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

 Jie Huang, Ying Xiang, Tao Wu, You-Xiang Zhang, Zi-Liang Zhang, Ben-Zhong Wang, Xiang-Ying Lan, Yu-Ping Huang, Hui-Juan Jiang and Wan-Sheng Jiang. 2024. Description of A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) from Hunan Province, China. Herpetozoa. 37: 327-338. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e135222

[Herpetology • 2024] Thamnophis ahumadai • A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes: Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris

Thamnophis ahumadai 

C. I. Grünwald, Mendoza-Portilla, A. J. Grünwald, Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Franz-Chávez, García-Vázquez & Reyes-Velasco, 2024

 

 Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake | Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada ||  DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Abstract

Garter snakes in the genus Thamnophis from Mexico have a long and convoluted taxonomic history. From 2015 to 2022, we conducted a comprehensive sampling of Mexican Thamnophis species, aiming to link molecular phylogenies with the recognized species related to T. scalaris in the highlands of Mexico. Here, we present an analysis of mitochondrial DNA to resolve the status of two enigmatic highland Thamnophis populations. Our research resulted in the identification and morphological characterization of a previously undescribed Thamnophis species from the state of Jalisco in western Mexico. We also clarify the identity and relationships of several previously enigmatic populations of Thamnophis. This work presents new data for Thamnophis phylogenetics from the Mexican highlands and offers a framework for future conservation efforts.

Key Words: Adelophis, conservation, errans, godmani, pine-oak woodland, Mexican Transverse Ranges, scaliger

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. holotype (INIRENA 2933) from the vicinity of Cumbre de Guadalupe, in the Municipio de Cuautla, Jalisco, Mexico.

Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov. paratypes.
 A. Male (INIRENA 2932) from same locality as holotype; B. Male (INIRENA 2936) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; C. Male (MZFZ 4595) from 4.2 km airline ESE of Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Tomatlán, Jalisco, Mexico; D. Male (INIRENA 2935) from 2.5 km SE of Atemajac de Brizuela, Municipio de Atemajac de Brizuela, Jalisco, Mexico; E. Male (MZFZ 4593) from Cumbre de Guadalupe, Municipio de Talpa de Allende, Jalisco, Mexico.

 Thamnophis ahumadai sp. nov.

 

Proposed standard English name: Ahumada’s Alpine Garter Snake.

Proposed standard Spanish name: Culebra Listonada de Montaña de Ahumada.

Diagnosis: A relatively small Garter Snake, with a maximum of 565 mm SVL and 705 TotL; head narrow, scarcely wider than neck, with a short muzzle (INK + PFK = 3.0 mm); tail long in length, 31–36% of SVL and 23–27% of TotLin males, 25–26% of SVL and 20–21% of TotLin females; internasals wider than long; frontal 2–2.25 times longer than wide; loreal slightly longer than wide; one preocular; 2–4 postoculars; temporals 1 + 2; 7 supralabials, third and fourth entering orbit; 9–10 infralabials, first four in contact with anterior chinshields; anterior chinshields shorter than posterior. Dorsal scales always in 19-17-17 rows, strongly keeled except for the outermost row, which is smooth; ventral scales in males 134–142, in females 139–141; subcaudals in males 61–69, in females 54–55; anal scale undivided. Dorsal pattern consists of a pale mid-vertebral stripe restricted to the mid-dorsal row and a pale lateral stripe on second scale row. One or two rows of dark brown or black dorso-lateral spots, usually in one row on the anterior third of the dorsum, then divided into two rows along the remaining posterior two thirds. Ventral coloration dark, pale anteriorly, becoming progressively darker until dark gray or black posteriorly.

Etymology: A patronym honoring Iván Trinidad Ahumada-Carrillo (1984–), who has made many contributions to diverse areas in herpetology, including extensive studies of the herpetofauna of Jalisco and Zacatecas. Iván collected the first specimen of this new species in the Sierra Cacoma (MZFZ 4593) and pointed out its distinctiveness from typical T. scalaris and T. errans.

 

Christoph I. Grünwald, María del Carmen G. Mendoza-Portilla, André J. Grünwald, Carlos Montaño-Ruvalcaba, Héctor Franz-Chávez, Uri O. García-Vázquez and Jacobo Reyes-Velasco. 2024. A New Species of Thamnophis (Serpentes, Colubridae) from Jalisco, Mexico, with A Discussion on the Phylogeny, Taxonomy, and Distribution of Snakes related to Thamnophis scalaris. Herpetozoa. 37: 157-179. DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.37.e122213

Resumen: Las culebras del género Thamnophis de México tienen una historia taxonómica larga y complicada. De 2015 a 2022, realizamos un muestreo integral de las especies de Thamnophis de México, con el objetivo de conciliar la filogenética molecular con las delimitaciones de especies establecidas en el complejo relacionado con T. scalaris en las tierras altas de México. Aquí presentamos un análisis del ADN mitocondrial para resolver las trayectorias evolutivas y el estado de dos enigmáticas poblaciones de Thamnophis de las tierras altas. Nuestra investigación resultó en la identificación y caracterización morfológica de una especie de Thamnophis no descrita previamente del estado de Jalisco en el oeste de México. También aclaramos la identidad y las relaciones de varias poblaciones de Thamnophis previamente enigmáticas. Este trabajo presenta nuevos datos para nuestra comprensión de la filogenética de Thamnophis del altiplano mexicano y ofrece un marco para futuros esfuerzos de conservación.

[Herpetology • 2023] Tylototriton zaimeng • A New cryptic Species of Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) from mysterious mountain lakes in Manipur, north-eastern India

Tylototriton zaimeng  

Decemson, Lalremsanga, Elangbam, Vabeiryureilai, Shinde, Purkayastha, Arkhipov, Bragin & Poyarkov, 2023

DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106614 

Researchgate.net/publication/373111590

Abstract

An integrative taxonomic analysis combining molecular and morphological lines of evidence revealed a new cryptic species in the Tylototriton verrucosus species group from Manipur, north-eastern India. The new species was previously confused with T. himalayanus and T. verrucosus. Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by medium body size, head massive and wide with rounded snout and very wide and protruding supratemporal bony ridges and a well-developed sagittal ridge, short limbs not overlapping when adpressed along body, wide and not segmented vertebral ridge distinct, 13–14 pairs of rib nodules, brown colouration with dull orange to yellowish-brown markings on head, vertebral ridge, rib nodules, palms, soles, vent and ventral tail ridge and by vomerine teeth organised in two distinctly curved bell-shaped series. Phylogenetic analysis of the ND2 and 16S rRNA mtDNA genes confirmed the placement of the new species to the Clade I of the subgenus Tylototriton and suggested it is a sister species of T. panwaensis and T. houi (p-distance 3.0% in ND2 gene). The range of the new species is restricted to the Khongtheng Mountain Range and is isolated from the range of T. panwaensis and T. houi in northern Myanmar and southern China, respectively. We suggest the new species to be considered as Vulnerable (VU) in the IUCN Red List.

Key Words: 16S rRNA, endemism, Khongtheng Mountain Range, mtDNA genealogy, ND2, taxonomy, Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov.

Family Salamandridae Goldfuss, 1820

Subfamily Pleurodelinae Tschudi, 1838

Genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871

Subgenus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871

Holotype of Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. (MZMU-3041, female) in situ. Photograph by Andrey M. Bragin and Ht. Decemson.

 Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. 

 Proposed English name: Zaimeng Lake Crocodile Newt

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Tylototriton by having the following combination of morphological attributes: (1) the presence of dorsal granules, (2) dorsolateral bony ridges on the head, (3) the presence of dorsolateral series of rib nodules (knob-like warts); and (4) the absence of a quadrate spine and molecular data (see Fig. 2). Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. is distinguished from all other congeners by a combination of the following morphological attributes: (1) medium body size, adult SVL 61.4–67.5 mm in males, 61.6–68.7 mm in females; (2) tail comparatively short, subequal or slightly longer than body in both sexes, lacking lateral grooves; (3) skin roughly granulated; (4) head massive and wide, relative maximal head width comprising 24.3–27.9% of SVL; (5) snout rounded in dorsal view; (6) supratemporal bony ridges on head very wide, protruding, with rough surface, beginning at the snout; (7) sagittal ridge on head well-distinct, very wide and protruding; (8) limbs comparatively short, tips of fore-limb and hind-limb not overlapping when adpressed along body; (9) vertebral ridge distinct, wide and not segmented; (10) rib nodules distinct, 13–14 along each side of body; (11) background colouration brown; (12) head, vertebral ridge, rib nodules, palms, soles, vent and ventral tail ridge with dull orange to yellowish-brown markings; (13) vomerine teeth organised in two distinctly curved bell-shaped widening anteriorly series, with 81–113 teeth.

Etymology: The specific name “zaimeng” is given as a noun in apposition and represents a Latinised version of the Liangmei dialect word “zaimeng” literally meaning “Puzzle Lake” or “Mystery Lake”. The name is given in reference to the Zaimeng Lake – a high-elevation mountain lake in Koubru Forest Division, the famous location where the crocodile newts were for the first time recorded in Manipur. It is believed that the name of the Lake was given by the Zeliangrong ancestors of Thonglang Village who passed by the Lake, but could not find their way to their destination as they used to return to the same spot again and again and circled the Lake over and over again (Sebastian 2015).

Recommended vernacular names: We recommend the following trivial name in English: Zaimeng Lake Crocodile Newt. The vernacular name in Liangmei dialect: Tadui taku; Tangkhul: Lengva; Manipuri: Hangoi mamei panba.

Natural habitat of Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. at Zaimeng Lake, Koubru Forest Division, Kangpokpi, Manipur, India.
A. Vegetation surrounding the Zaimeng Lake; B. Males of Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov. in situ; C. Breeding habitat of Tylototriton zaimeng sp. nov., numerous individuals can be seen on the muddy bottom of the lake.

Photographs by Parag Shinde and Ht. Decemson.

Ht. Decemson, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Premjit Singh Elangbam, Mathipi Vabeiryureilai, Parag Shinde, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Dmitriy V. Arkhipov, Andrey M. Bragin, Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2023. A New cryptic Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia, Caudata, Salamandridae) from mysterious mountain lakes in Manipur, north-eastern India. Herpetozoa. 36: 203-224. DOI: 10.3897/herpetozoa.36.e106614

 Researchgate.net/publication/373111590_A_new_cryptic_species_of_Tylototriton_from_Manipur_India