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

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

Andrade, Lyra, & Toledo, 2026  

SALAMANDRA. 62(2); 

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

Abstract

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

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

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

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

Arcovomer moqueca sp. n.

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

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

Arcovomer ubatuba sp. n. 

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

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

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

[Herpetology • 2026] Boophis samuelsabini • A New Species of Treefrog of the Boophis goudotii group (Anura: Mantellidae) from the isolated Ivohiboro Protected Area in south-eastern Madagascar

 

Boophis samuelsabini

Basham, Masotti, Jimenez, Razafitsimialona, Andrianatenaina, Rakotoarison, Glaw, Wright & Vences, 2026

 SALAMANDRA. 62(1); 

Abstract 

 We describe a new species of treefrog of the Boophis goudotii group from Ivohiboro, a sacred forest in the Southeast of Madagascar and recently established protected area. Based on a molecular phylogeny inferred from DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, Boophis samuelsabini sp. n. is sister to the clade of B. madagascariensis and B. roseipalmatus but differs from these species by genetic distances of 4.8–6.3%. The new species has an advertisement call consisting of various note types similar to its closest relatives, B. madagascariensis and B. roseipalmatus, but is distinguished morphologically from them by smaller body size and presence of a pattern of reticulated dermal folds on the dorsum. This discovery highlights the poor state of exploration of remnant highland forests in the South East of Madagascar which can be expected to harbour additional microendemic species in need of conservation measures. 

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Mantellidae, Boophis samuelsabini sp. n., Ivohiboro, microendemism

Specimens of Boophis samuelsabini sp. n. in life:
 (A) paratype UADBA-FGZC 12501; (B) individual MA013 (not collected); (C)  individual MA171 (not collected); (D) individual MA171 (not collected); (E) individual MA02 (not collected); (F) individual MA013 (not collected).

Dorsolateral views of three male paratypes, and dorsal and ventral views of one of these paratypes of Boophis samuelsabini sp. n. in life (specimens still uncatalogued and therefore here referenced with their field numbers; will be deposited in ZSM and UADBA).

Boophis samuelsabini sp. n.

 

Diagnosis: The new species differs from all described species in the B. goudotii group by strong genetic differentiation, with pairwise 16S divergence of 5.1–6.3% to all the other species of the group. It further differs from B. goudotii, B. obscurus and B. periegetes by presence of distinct dermal flaps on heels (vs. absence) and from B. goudotii, B. periegetes and syntopic B. obscurus by smaller body size (male SVL as far as known < 40 mm vs. > 50 mm; B. obscurus from some other sites, e.g. Isalo, are smaller but still > 42 mm); from B. axelmeyeri, B. boehmei, B. quasiboehmei, B. popi, and B. rufioculis by absence of red pigment in the iris (vs. presence), and furthermore from B. boehmei and B.  quasiboehmei by reticulated dorsum (vs. smooth) and larger body size (male SVL > 31 mm vs. ...

Etymology: The species name is a patronym honoring Samuel Sabin, son of Andrew Sabin, in recognition of the Sabin family’s support for research and conservation of Madagascar’s herpetofauna. Grammatically, the epithet is the genitive singular of a second-declension masculine noun.

Basham, E. W., M. D. Masotti, B. O. Jimenez, D. Razafitsimialona, G. M. Andrianatenaina, A. Rakotoarison, F. Glaw, P. C. Wright and M. Vences. 2026. New Species of Treefrog of the Boophis goudotii group from the isolated Ivohiboro Protected Area in south-eastern Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 62(1); 42–52. 

[Herpetology • 2025] Ablepharus flammeus • A New Species Himalayan Skink of the Genus Ablepharus (Scincidae) from Uttarakhand, northern India

Ablepharus flammeus 

Bragin, Decemson, Lalremsanga, Mirza & Poyarkov, 2025

Fire-bellied Ground Skink | Laiteldulsen ||  SALAMANDRA. 61(4); 

www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php

Abstract

Based on morphological and genetic evidence, we evaluated the taxonomic status of a deeply divergent highland population of Himalayan ablepharine skinks (genus Ablepharus Fitzinger in Lichtenstein, 1823) from Uttarakhand state in northern India. This lineage, here described as a new species, forms a well-supported clade of Ablepharus and differs from the morphologically similar species by a significant divergence in the 16S rRNA and cytochrome b mitochondrial DNA gene sequences. From the phylogenetic analysis of a 2,961 bp concatenated alignment of the ND2, cyt b, 16S, and 12S rRNA mitochondrial DNA genes and diagnostic morphological characters, we allocate the newly discovered population from Duggal Bittha village, Chopta region to the A. tragbulensis-A. ladacensis species complex (Clade 1 according to Bragin et al. 2024) and describe it as Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. Our discovery brings the number of Ablepharus species in India to seven and in the Himalayan region to eleven and emphasizes the incompleteness of knowledge on the herpetofaunal diversity of this highland region. In this study, we also compare known morphological data for ablepharine skinks from the Himalayan region and discuss the hidden cryptic diversity within this group of skinks. 

Key words. Sauria, Ablepharus, biodiversity, India, morphology, phylogenetics, taxonomy

Head scale nomenclature and their positional relationship and size illustrated in a schematic line drawing of the adult male holotype of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. (ZSI-R-29457) (SVL  = 41.57 mm) from the type locality of Chopta, Uttarakhand, India: (A) left lateral view; (B) dorsal view; (C) ventral view. Terminology is modified from Ouboter (1986) and Grismer et al. (2019).

 AL – Anterior loreal; C – ciliary; Cs – chin shield; F – frontal; FN – frontonasal; FP – frontoparietal; IF – infralabial; IP – interparietal; LST – lower secondary temporal; LTT – lower tertiary temporal; LPT – lower pretemporal; LPSL – lower postsupralabial; M – mental; N – nasal; Nu – nuchal; P – parietal; PF – prefrontal; PL – posterior loreal; PM – postmental; PR – preocular; PRS – presubocular; PT – primary temporal; PSO – postsubocular; PO – postocular; R – rostral; SC – supraciliary scales; SL – supralabial; SO – supraocular; UPT – upper pretemporal; UPSL – lower postsupralabial; UST – upper secondary temporal; and UTT – upper tertiary temporal. Drawing by Andrey M. Bragin.

Holotype of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. (ZSI-R-29457, male) in life.

 Photograph by Andrey M. Bragin.

. The appearance of type specimens of Ablepharus flammeus sp. n. from the type locality of Chopta, Uttarakhand, India in life:
(A) lateral view of the head of male (paratype, MZMU3660); (B) lateral view of the head of female (paratype, MZMU3656); (C) dorsolateral view of male (paratype, MZMU3660); (D) dorsolateral view of female (paratype, MZMU3656); (E) dorsolateral view of juvenile (paratype, MZMU3654). Scale bars: A, B = 2 mm; C–E = 15 mm. Photographs by Andrey M. Bragin.

Ablepharus flammeus sp. n.

Diagnosis: Ablepharus flammeus is a medium-sized, robust ablepharine skink with (1) snout–vent length (SVL) 41.6–50.6 mm; (2) head length (HL2) 7.7–9.1 mm; (3) tail length (TaL) 52.6–68.3 mm; (4) head, body, and caudal scales smooth; (5) supranasals absent; (6) nasal semi-divided; (7) the lower eyelid is movable, covered with small arranged granules and with large transparent window; (8) tympanum rounded, deeply sunk, with one (70%), two (20%) or three (10%) projecting lobules on the anterior border; (9) prefrontals two, separated by frontonasal and frontal or, rarely, prefrontals touch at one point; (10) frontal elongated, in contact with 1st and 2nd supraoculars laterally, ...

Etymology: The specific epithet of the new species “flammeus” is an adjective in nominative singular, in masculine gender, formed from the Latin words “flamma”, meaning “fire”. The name of the new species reflects the fiery coloration of the neck, belly, inner thighs, forearms, and the ventral part of the tail in males and juveniles, as well as the intense yellow coloration of these body parts in females. Notably, these small ectothermic lizards thrive at high altitudes exceeding 3,000 meters above sea level, with some individuals observed basking near the edges of snowfields. The name also symbolizes the ardent disposition of these lizards and their resilient struggle for survival. Furthermore, the species’ habitat lies near the Tungnath Temple – the highest mountain temple dedicated to the god Shiva – which also serves as the type locality for the species. Fire, as one of Shiva’s symbols, represents both destruction and the fight for life, reinforcing the essence of the species’ name. We propose “Fire-bellied Ground Skink” as the English common name, “Ognennobryukhii gologlaz” (“Огненнобрюхий гологлаз”) as the Russian common name, and “Laiteldulsen” as the Mizo common name for this species. 

Andrey M. Bragin, Ht. Decemson, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga, Zeeshan A. Mirza and Nikolay A. Poyarkov. 2025. A New Species of Himalayan Skink of the Genus Ablepharus (Squamata: Scincidae). SALAMANDRA. 61(4); 373–394. [2025-10-30] 

https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2025-vol-61/2201-bragin,-a-m-,-ht-decemson,-h-t-lalremsanga,-z-a-mirza-n-a-poyarkov

[Herpetology • 2025] Holaspis ngalangi • The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species

 Holaspis ngalangi 

Parrinha, Marques, Gonçalves, Tiutenko, Bauer & Ceríaco, 2025

 SALAMANDRA. 61(1);   

 Researchgate.net/publication/388994950 

 facebook.com/DGHTeV 

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

 Abstract

 The members of the Afrotropical lacertid genus Holaspis are strikingly specialized lizards, adapted for gliding in forest canopies, with serrated blue tails. Two species are currently recognized within the genus: Holaspis guentheri from West and Central Africa, and Holaspis laevis from East Africa. The currently known southern limits of H. guentheri are in the northern Angolan Guineo-Congolian habitats, which are remnants of forests connecting the country to West/Central Africa. The oldest record of the species in Angola, dating back to the 19th century, is based on a currently lost specimen collected by José d’Anchieta near Caconda, southwest Angola. Caconda is situated on the Angolan Central Plateau, which is part of the Great Escarpment of southern Africa. The loss of Anchieta’s specimen and its geographic context led most authors to disregard it, leaving its taxonomic identity dubious until now. The rediscovery of two additional specimens from Caconda, collected by William John Ansorge in the early 20th century and deposited in the Natural History Museum, London, allowed us to confirm the presence of the genus in the region, prompting targeted surveys and examination of additional material. Our surveys failed to locate any Holaspis near Caconda, with alarming rates of deforestation in the region raising the possibility that this population may already be extinct. The reexamination of the extant Caconda specimens and comparison with H. guentheri and H. laevis revealed consistent morphological differences that suggests that the Caconda population may represent a distinct taxonomic unit. Here we describe the Holaspis from Caconda as a new species, presumably endemic to the Angolan Central Plateau. These findings and their implications are discussed in the biogeographical context of the highlands of western Angola, a recognized hotspot of diversity and endemism for several taxonomic groups.  

Key words. Taxonomy, biogeography, natural history collections, deforestation, highlands.

Illustration of Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. in its putative habitat, with threats such as deforestation represented in the background.

Drawing by Arthur Tiutenko.

Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. 

Defnition: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. is defned by the following combination of characters: 1) Head, body and tail strongly depressed, with serrated fringes on hindlimbs and tail; 2) frontoparietals fused with interparietal; 3) two series of transversely enlarged vertebral plates along dorsum and tail; 4) dorsum black with three pairs of pale stripes, with paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates; 5) an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between ventral and precloacal scales (see Fig. 7). 

Diagnosis: Holaspis ngalangi sp. n. can be readily distinguished from both of its congeners, H. guentheri and H.  laevis, by the presence of an uninterrupted series of paired, transversely enlarged scales between the last row of ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale (versus last ventral scales and anteriormost precloacal scale separated by at least one row of small granular scales in H. guentheri and H. laevis; see Fig. 7); it can be further distinguished from H. laevis by having a pair of dorsolateral stripes (versus only paravertebral and lateral stripes in H. laevis) and a pair of paravertebral stripes confned to enlarged dorsal plates (versus paravertebral stripes not confned to enlarged dorsal plates in H. laevis). 

Etymology: Te specifc epithet “ngalangi” is a noun in apposition and is given in honor of the Ovimbundu Kingdom of Ngalangi, which dominated northern Huila Province and had its capital in present day Caconda. Te Kingdom of Ngalangi was dismantled by the Portuguese during the Portuguese-Ovimbundu wars in the late 1760s. We suggest “Ngalangi Gliding Lizard” and “Lagartixa Planadora Galangue” as the English and Portuguese common names, respectively.

 

Parrinha, D., M. P. Marques, F. M. P. Gonçalves, A. Tiutenko, A. M. Bauer and L. M .P. Ceríaco. 2025. The Genus Holaspis (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Angola: A Tale of forgotten specimens and disappearing forests, with the Description of A New Species. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 53-69. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/388994950_The_genus_Holaspis_in_Angola

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1138667334936081

[Herpetology • 2025] Elaiophis gen. n. • Generic Affinities of African House Snakes Revised: A New Genus for Lamprophis inornatus (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae: Lamprophiinae: Boaedontini)

 

  Elaiophis inornatus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) comb. n.

Elaiophis gen. n. 

Tiutenko, Maliuk & Koch, 2025

 Salamandra. 61(2); 

Abstract

 This article is the second part of a revision of the systematics of Boaedontini Dowling, 1969 and a follow-up to the work by Tiutenko et al. (2022). As a result of morphological and phylogenetic analyses, further taxonomic actions are taken in the genus Lycodonomorphus Fitzinger, 1843. Lamprophis inornatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854, a species initially described in the genus Lamprophis and subsequently assigned to Lycodonomorphus, is here transferred to a new monotypic genus on a basis of combined criteria including genetic distance, morphology, ecology and biogeography. For improved taxonomic stability of the species and the new genus, a neotype for L. inornatus is designated from the specimen ZFMK 032712. The lectotype of Boodon infernalis Günther, 1858 is designated from one of three extant syntypes NHMUK 1858.4.11.5 and the type locality of this species, that is currently treated as a junior synonym of L. inornatus, is restricted to Durban, South Africa. The name ‘infernalis’ should be available if the species status of this northern clade would become restored. Lycodonomorphus subtaeniatus Laurent, 1954, another former Lycodonomorphus species long assumed to be a member of Boaedon, is here formally assigned to this genus and tentatively placed next to Boaedon upembae (Laurent, 1954) and Boaedon virgatus (Hallowell, 1854) on a basis of pholidosis, cranial morphology and dentition. The tribe Boaedontini now contains nine genera that can be separated by morphological characters according to the proposed key. The genus Lycodonomorphus still requires attention of taxonomists, as it contains species, such as L. bicolor, L. laevissimus, L. leleupi, L. mlanjensis, L. obscuriventris, and L. whytii, with uncertain taxonomic position and in this sense has to be viewed as sensu lato.

Key words. Squamata, Elaiophis, nomenclature, osteology, skull, taxonomy

Adult specimens of Elaiophis inornatus comb. n. from Makhanda / Grahamstown, Eastern Cape (A), and Haenertsburg, Limpopo (B).

Photographs by G. K. Nicolau.

Head morphology details (drawings) and general appearance of
Boaedon capensis (A), Lycodonomorphus rufulus (B),
Lamprophis aurora (C), Lycodonomorphus inornatus (D).

Photographs by L. Kemp (A–C) and G. K. Nicolau (D).

Elaiophis gen. n. 

Type species: Lamprophis inornatus Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854,

 by present designation. 

Diagnosis: Body cylindric, moderately short. Head moderately depressed. Eye medium-sized to small. Tail short, representing ca. 12–15% of the total length. Head trapezoidal, broader posteriorly, moderately distinct from neck. Snout blunt, square-shaped. Rostral rather large, approximately as high as broad, well visible from below and above. Nasal divided. Eye medium-sized, with wide sub-elliptical pupil. Anterior chin shields equal in size to the posterior or slightly longer. Loreal single, rectangular, horizontally elongate. No labial pits. No loreal grooves. Dorsal scales with two apical pits, arranged in 23 rows at the middle of the body. Subcaudals paired. Anal entire. 18–19 maxillary, 10–11 palatine, 17–19 pterygoid, 20–23 mandibular teeth. No diastemata. Maxillary teeth subequal. Mandibular teeth 2–7 strongly enlarged. Hemipenis bilobal, shallowly forked; sulcus spermaticus centrifugal, dividing approximately half way up shaft. Dorsal colour olive-green, olive, dark brownish olive, glaucous, dark neutral grey. Ventral colour cream white, or pale neutral grey

Content: The genus is currently monotypic, containing one species – Elaiophis inornatus (Duméril, Bibron & Duméril, 1854) comb. n.

Etymology: In South Africa where this snake is distributed it is called ‘Olive Snake’ in English, or ’Olyfslang’ in Afrikaans. Both names refer to the dorsal colour. The new genus name ‘Elaiophis’ is a translation of these vernacular names into Latin, being a compound of the Greek words ὄφις (snake) and ἐλαία (olive). Since the head of the nominal compound (‘ophis’) is masculine, the new noun is of the same gender. As English name for the new genus, we suggest ‘African olive snakes’.

Tiutenko, A., A. Maliuk and C. Koch. 2025. Generic Affinities of African House Snakes Revised: A New Genus for Lamprophis inornatus (Serpentes: Lamprophiidae: Lamprophiinae: Boaedontini).  Salamandra. 61(2); 215-239. 

https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2025-vol-61/2182-tiutenko,-a-,-a-maliuk-c-koch/file

[Herpetology • 2025] A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Anura: Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of Anilany karsticola, A New Species from western Madagascar

 

Anilany karsticola

Petzold, Glaw, Mullin, Rakotoarison, Raselimanana, Crottini, Orozco-terWengel, Köhler, Prötzel, Vences, Hofreiter & Scherz, 2025 

SALAMANDRA. 61(1) 

www.MarkScherz.com

Abstract

 The cophyline microhylid frog genus Anilany was established as a monotypic genus in 2016 for the miniaturised species Anilany helenae (Vallan, 2000), from the type locality Ambohitantely, a patch of rainforest surrounded by savannah in central Madagascar. Fieldwork conducted over the past two decades identified three unexpected populations from Bemaraha, Mahajanga, and Beanka from limestone caves near sea level in arid western and northwestern Madagascar, which were assigned to the genus Anilany based on diagnostic morphological features. We generated new data for specimens of the Ambohitantely, Bemaraha, and Mahajanga populations to test if all three populations belong to one or multiple species, studying their genetic variability based on mitochondrial (16S rRNA, COI) and nuclear (BDNF, RAG-1) genes, as well as morphological and osteological data. We identify several previously unknown diagnostic characters of the skeleton of Anilany compared to its closest relatives, Rhombophryne and Stumpffia, but no skeletal features that can be used to reliably distinguish among Anilany populations. Based on concordant genetic and morphological differences, we formally describe the population from the limestone karsts of Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park, formerly considered candidate species Anilany sp. Ca14, as a new species, Anilany karsticola sp. n. It can be distinguished from other Anilany lineages by larger size and shorter relative tibia length, uncorrected p-distances in DNA sequences of the 16S gene amounting to 2.6% and a lack of allele sharing in the analysed fragments of the nuclear genes BDNF and RAG-1. More data, especially advertisement call recordings and additional specimens, are required from other locations for a more thorough assessment of the genus and the distribution of its species.

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Anilany karsticola sp. n., citizen science, iNaturalist, molecular genetics, morphology, osteo­logy, systematics.

Anilany karsticola sp. n. from Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park in life:
(a, b) adult female holotype ZSM 21/2006 (FGZC 711) in dorsolateral (a) and ventral (b) views;
(c, d) paratype ZSM 22/2006 (FGZC 712) in dorsolateral (c) and ventral (d) views;
(e–g) paratype UADBA-A 25660 (FGZC 713) in dorsolateral (e) and ventral (f) views, with a closeup of the hand (g) illustrating expanded digits only present on fingers 3 and 4;
(h, i) paratype UADBA-A 25663 (FGZC 714) in dorsolateral (h) and ventral (i) views.

Anilany karsticola sp. n. 

Diagnosis: The new species is assigned to the genus Anilany on the basis of its small size combined with expanded terminal discs and T-shaped terminal phalanges, short parasphenoid, broad, angled postchoanal vomers, absence of a neopalatine, and close genetic afnities with A. helenae. It can be distinguished from populations of its only described congener, A. helenae, by larger adult body size (adult SVL 15.7–17.4 mm vs. 13.8–15.0 mm Ambohitantely and 12.7 mm Mahajanga) and relative shorter tibia length (TIBL/SVL 0.42–0.46 vs. 0.48 Ambohitantely and 0.47– 0.50 Mahajanga). Furthermore, A. karsticola sp. n. is distinguished from all other genetic lineages of Anilany by the ... 

Etymology: The species epithet karsticola is a first-declension noun derived from the German word ‘Karst’ (a craggy limestone formation), and the Latin lexical suffix ‘-cola’ meaning ‘inhabitor’, in refection of ecology of this species, which has only been found in and near caves in limestone karst within the Tsingy de Bemaraha National Park. The species name is considered as a noun in apposition.

Anilany cf. helenae specimens from Anjajavy:
(a) a putatively adult specimen in dorsolateral view showing contrasting chevron patterning dorsally, and visible expansion of terminal finger discs, typical of this genus. This specimen was observed in dry coastal forest (b); (c) an adult specimen in posterodorsolateral view, showing the dark dorsal chevron and expanded finger discs. Tis specimen was observed in a cave (d), above which was forest like that shown in (b).

Photographs by Justin Gerlach

Petzold, A., F. Glaw, K. E. Mullin, A. Rakotoarison, A. P. Raselimanana, A. Crottini, P. Orozco-terWengel, J. Köhler, D. Prötzel, M. Vences, M. Hofreiter and M. D. Scherz. 2025. A Preliminary Assessment of the Diversity in the Frog Genus Anilany (Microhylidae: Cophylinae) with Description of A New Species from western Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 61(1); 70-94. 

http://www.MarkScherz.com/archives/6117

[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

  facebook.com: Amadeus Plewnia

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

  facebook.com/AmadeusPlewnia1/posts/1225238708708267

  facebook.com/DGHTeV/posts/1068990611903754

[Herpetology • 2024] Atelopus calima • A New Species of Harlequin Toad (Anura: Bufonidae: Atelopus) from the Western Cordillera of Colombia, with comments on other forms

 Atelopus calima 

 Velásquez-Trujillo, Castro-Herrera, Lötters & Plewnia, 2024

  salamandra-journal.com 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378241393

Abstract

The harlequin toads (Bufonidae, Atelopus) from the Cordillera Occidental of Colombia are poorly understood, with several species being known only from few specimens and a single locality. Material from the Yotoco area, Departamento Valle del Cauca, has been addressed in previous studies and was allocated ambiguously to different available names. We here describe the Yotoco Atelopus as a species new to science as it is readily distinguished from all congenerics by a combination of morphological characters (i.e., snout profile, cranial crests, skin texture, pattern and coloration). In addition, we comment on the taxonomy of three Atelopus populations from the Cordillera Occidental and the Cordillera Central of Colombia; two of them we tentatively assign to A. nicefori and A. sonsonensis, respectively. The third one remains of unclear status. The need for further examination of the harlequin toads from the Andes of Colombia in an integrative taxonomic framework is emphasized. 

Key words. Amphibia, Anura, Atelopus calima sp. n., conservation, morphology, taxonomy

 Amplectant couple of Atelopus calima sp. n. in life (individuals not collected), photographed in March 1988 at Reserva Nacional Forestal Bosque de Yotoco.

Photograph: F. Castro-Herrera.

Atelopus calima sp. n.

Diagnosis: Atelopus calima (Figs 2–4) can be readily distinguished from all other described species by the combination of medium body size, projected snout with a knob-like protuberance on the tip and dorsal as well as lateral skin smooth with few scattered large and flat warts which are covered with clustered spiculae on the flanks and whitish brown to cream flanks with dark brown warts in preservative. It is most similar to the central Cordillera endemics A. nocturnus and A. sonsonensis. Further, A. calima resembles the western Cordillera endemics A. carauta, A. chocoensis, A. famelicus (including its junior synonym A. negreti), A. galactogaster, A.  longirostris (including its junior synonyms A.  boussingaulti and A. longirostris marmorata), A. lynchi sensu stricto, A. nicefori and A. pictiventris, and the central Cordillera endemics A. quimbaya, A. sanjosei and A. sernai.

Etymology: The specific name calima is a noun in apposition in dedication to the Calima culture (ca. 1600 BC to 1700 AD), which during their early Ilama and Yotoco phases exclusively inhabited the upper Río Calima region and its vicinities in the Cordillera Occidental where the new species is found. The Calima people honoured anurans, which they also depicted in the form of jewellery. We propose to use the English common name ‘Calima Harlequin Toad’ and the Spanish common name ‘Rana Arlequín de Calima’ for this new species.

 

David Andrés Velásquez-Trujillo, Fernando Castro-Herrera, Stefan Lötters and Amadeus Plewnia. 2024. A New Species of Harlequin Toad from the Western Cordillera of Colombia (Bufonidae: Atelopus), with comments on other forms. SALAMANDRA. 60(1): 67–81   

 salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2024-vol-60 

Researchgate.net/publication/378241393_A_new_species_of_harlequin_toad_from_the_Western_Cordillera_of_Colombia

 

Resumen. Los sapos arlequín (Bufonidae, Atelopus) de la Cordillera Occidental de Colombia son poco conocidos, con varias especies conocidas sólo a partir de unos pocos especímenes y una sola localidad. El material del área de Yotoco, Departamento del Valle del Cauca, ha sido abordado en estudios previos y fue asignado de manera ambigua a diferentes nombres disponibles. Aquí describimos al Atelopus de Yotoco como una especie nueva para la ciencia, ya que se distingue fácilmente de todos los congenéricos por una combinación de características (i.e., perfil del hocico, crestas craneales, textura de la piel, patrón y coloración). Adicionalmente, comentamos la taxonomía des tres poblaciones de Atelopus de la Cordillera Occidental y Central de Colombia. Asignamos tentativamente dos de ellos a A. nicefori y A. sonsonensis, respectivamente. El tercero sigue sin estar claro. Se enfatiza la necesidad de realizar un examen más profundo de los sapos arlequín de los Andes de Colombia en un marco taxonómico integrador. 

Palabras clave. Amphibia, Anura, Atelopus calima sp. n., conservación, morfología, taxonomía.

[Herpetology • 2023] Rhinella kuka • Misjudged for Long: A New toad of the Rhinella veraguensis species group (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Yungas Forests of Bolivia

Rhinella kuka 

Köhler, Vences, Padial, Plewnia & Lötters, 2023

  www.salamandra-journal.com 

Abstract

We re-evaluate the taxonomic status of specimens of Rhinella collected from rainforests on the eastern Andean slopes and foothills of central Bolivia. The respective populations have been allocated to different nominal taxa, namely Rhinella fissipes and R. leptoscelis, in the past. By detailed morphological comparisons, including the type specimens of crucial taxa, as well as a phylogenetic analysis based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, we here demonstrate that the focal populations represent a divergent lineage within the Rhinella veraguensis species group, being apparently closely related to R. rumbolli from northern Argentina, but only distantly related to R. leptoscelis, with which they share several morphological character states. Also, the specimens of the focal lineage differ by a unique combination of morphological character states from all known nominal species currently assigned to the R. veraguensis group. Consequently, we describe this lineage as a new species. We discuss the history of its changing taxonomic allocations and demonstrate that former conclusions were barely justified and wrong. We also provide a description of the osteology of this species using computer tomography (micro-CT). Furthermore, we discuss the status of the nominal taxon Bufo pleuropterus Schmidt, 1857, currently considered to represent a junior synonym of Rhinella margaritifera (Laurenti, 1768), and provide arguments for the specific distinctness of these two taxa. Consequently, we regard Rhinella pleuroptera (Schmidt, 1857) a valid species. Based on its external morphology, which is rather similar to that of R. inca, we speculate that R. pleuroptera is possibly related to species in the R. veraguensis group, although this remains in need of further research. 

Key words. Amphibia, Bufo pleuropterus, computer tomography (micro-CT), molecular genetics, morphology, osteology, Peru, taxonomy, systematics

Rhinella kuka sp. n.
Dorsolateral views (left column) and ventral views (right column) of paratypes in life:
 (A, B) female ZFMK 72670; (C, D) female ZFMK 80036; and (E, F) male ZFMK 80035.

Rhinella kuka sp. n. 

 

Definition: A large-sized species in the Rhinella veraguensis species group, based on morphological similarities and phylogenetic relationships. The new species is characterized by (1) large size, SVL 62.8 mm in adult male (n = 1), SVL 66.0–72.1 mm in adult females (n = 5); (2) eight presacral vertebrae, presacrals I and II (atlas and axis) fused; skull hyperossified; (3) snout short, acuminate in dorsal view, rounded in lateral profile; (4) canthal, preorbital, supraorbital, and postorbital crests distinct and continuous; pretympanic crest present; supratympanic crest distinct, short; occipital crests prominent, elevated; (5) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus distinct; tympanum slightly higher than wide, its diameter slightly more than ...

Etymology: The specific epithet kuka is the Quechuan word for the coca plant (Erythroxylum coca). It refers to the fact that the known distribution of the new species is largely equivalent to the major range of coca plantations in the Bolivian Yungas. The name is treated as a noun in apposition.

 

Jörn Köhler, Miguel Vences, José M. Padial, Amadeus Plewnia and Stefan Lötters. 2023. Misjudged for Long: A New toad of the Rhinella veraguensis species group (Anura: Bufonidae) from the Yungas Forests of Bolivia. SALAMANDRA. 59(4): 307–326. 

  www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/home/contents/2023-vol-59 

[Herpetology • 2023] Uroplatus garamaso • A New large-sized Species of Leaf-tailed Gecko (Squamata: Gekkonidae: Uroplatus) from northern Madagascar

Uroplatus garamaso 

Glaw, Köhler, Ratsoavina, Raselimanana, Crottini, Gehring, Böhme, Scherz & Vences, 2023

SALAMANDRA. 59(3) 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373118974

Abstract

 We describe a large new species of leaf-tailed gecko endemic to northern Madagascar. Uroplatus garamaso sp. n. is the sister species of U. henkeli but differs by a genetic divergence > 8% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, by the absence of haplotype sharing in four nuclear-encoded genes analyzed, a smaller body size, slightly narrower tail, a more pronounced yellowish/reddish iris colour in most individuals, and lack of black pigmentation on the tip of the tongue. The new species also appears to consistently differ from U. henkeli in genital morphology, with the apex of the hemipenis ending in two terminal elements consisting of 4–5 rotulae and longitudinal rows of calyces (versus an apex with irregularly distributed calyces and ending in two symmetrical structures consisting of two broader serrated fleshy elements in U. henkeli). We genetically confirm the occurrence of U. henkeli over a rather wide area, ranging from Tsingy de Bemaraha in the West to Nosy Be in the Sambirano region of northern Madagascar. Both, U. henkeli and the new species contain several deep mitochondrial lineages that are considered as conspecific due to extensive haplotype sharing and lack of obvious morphological differences among them. 

Key words. Squamata, Gekkonidae, Uroplatus henkeli, Uroplatus garamaso sp. n., taxonomy, systematics, molecular genetics, morphology.

Uroplatus garamaso sp. n. in life:
(A, B) adult male holotype ZSM 35/2018 from Montagne d’Ambre National Park, western slope; (C–H) specimens from Montagne des Français; (G) corresponding to specimen ZSM 2111/2007.

Uroplatus garamaso sp. n.

Diagnosis: Assigned to the genus Uroplatus and within the genus to the U. fimbriatus group based on molecular phylogenetic relationships and typical general appearance: a large Malagasy gecko with flat tail and lateral dermal fringes along head and body. It differs from U. fimbriatus and U. giganteus by smaller body size (SVL of adults < 140 mm vs. ≥ 150 mm) and a different iris colouration without a pattern of vertical lines. It can be distinguished from most populations of U. sikorae, including the ones from northern Madagascar, by absence of black colour on the oral mucosa (vs. presence), from U. sameiti by a larger number of supralabials (45–53 vs. 37–44, according to counts reported herein; Table 1), and from both these species by habitat (dry or transitional forest vs. humid rainforest). The new species is most similar to, and phylogenetically the sister species of, U. henkeli (Figs 7–9), from which it differs mainly by smaller adult body size (SVL 83–139 mm vs. 138–186 mm), a smaller relative tail width (TaW/SVL 0.12– 0.19 vs. 0.19–0.23), an unpigmented tip of the tongue (vs. black tip in U. henkeli), more extended yellow-reddish colour in the iris of most individuals, and apical serrated rotulae (vs. symmetrical fleshy apical structures with serrated elements) on hemipenes. Furthermore, the new species is genetically highly distinct from all other Uroplatus in the mitochondrial and nuclear-encoded genes studied, with numerous diagnostic substitutions in all pairwise comparisons and > 8% pairwise distance in the 16S gene fragment. The karyotype of the new species, based on a specimen from Montagne d’Ambre genotyped using a 16S sequence, was 2n = 36, with loci of NORs in a peritelomeric position on the 6th chromosome pair (Mezzasalma et al. 2022).

Etymology: The species epithet is a Malagasy term containing the Malagasy word maso (= eye) and is used in Madagascar to refer to someone with bright, shiny eyes. The name refers to the often characteristic eye colouration of the new species, and is used as a noun in apposition to the genus name.  

 

Individuals probably assignable to Uroplatus garamaso sp. n. from Antsolipa forest fragment near Tsarakibany (located between Montagne d’Ambre and Ankarana) in life (vouchers not collected and no genetic data available from this locality).

Uroplatus garamaso sp. n. in life, individuals from Ankarana National Park:
(A) female specimen ZSM 2145/2007; (B, C) specimens of unknown sex, not unambiguously assignable to available voucher specimens; (E, F, G) female specimen ZSM 2144/2007.

    

Frank Glaw, Jörn Köhler, Fanomezana M. Ratsoavina, Achille P. Raselimanana, Angelica Crottini, Philip-Sebastian Gehring, Wolfgang Böhme, Mark D. Scherz and Miguel Vences. 2023. A New large-sized Species of Leaf-tailed Gecko (Uroplatus) from northern Madagascar. SALAMANDRA. 59(3);  239-261. 

  Researchgate.net/publication/373118974_A_new_species_of_Uroplatus_from_northern_Madagascar