[Herpetology • 2026] Oreolalax wumengmontis • A New Species of Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura:, Megophryidae) from Northeast Yunnan, China

Oreolalax wumengmontis 

X. Li, Z. Li, Jiahan, Liu, Y. Zhang, P. Li, W. Zhang, F. Li, Huang, X. Li & Yuan. 2026

  

DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2026.0014 

Abstract

Based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and morphological features, a new species of the genus Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura: Megophryidae) is described from Yunnan Province, China. Molecular phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences indicate that the new species forms an independent clade closely related to Oreolalax omeimontis. The genetic distance between these two taxa was 11.25% based on 16S gene, and 17.61% based on COI. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeneric species by a combination of the following characteristics: (1) moderate body size (SVL of male 49.5–53.0 mm, n=2; female 46.6 mm, n=1); (2) tympanums hidden or slightly visible; (3) absence of vocal sac; (4) rudimentary interdigital toe webbing; (5) narrow lateral fringes; (6) tibiotarsal articulation reaching between the eye and nostril when leg stretched; (7) heel only contact when limbs held at right angles to body; (8) femoral glands large and distinct; (9) abdomen with distinct cloudy spots; (10) male dorsum covered in large and small tubercles, and (11) a dark triangular marking between the eyes.

Keywords: new species, taxonomy, Wumeng Mountain, molecular phylogenetic analyses 

The adult male holotype of Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov. (SWU 0005760) in life:
(A) Dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) side view, (D) cloacal area, (E) dorsal and ventral view of left hand, and (F) ventral and dorsal of right foot.

Photos by Xianqi Li.

 

Habitats of Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov. in the Wumeng Mountain National Nature Reserve.
(A) landscape of subtropical evergreen broadleaved forests habitat, (B) breeding habitat,
(C) O. wumengmontis sp. nov. in the wild SWU 0007062, (D) egg clusters adhere to the bottom of the rock.

Photos by Xiaolong Liu (A, C) and Zengxin Li (B, D).

Oreolalax wumengmontis sp. nov.

 

Xianqi Li, Zengxin Li, Bizula Jiahan, Xiaolong Liu, Yinpeng Zhang, Pengying Li, Wei Zhang, Feiqiao Li, Junkai Huang, Xu Li and Zhiyong Yuan. 2026. A New Species of Oreolalax Myers & Leviton, 1962 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Northeast Yunnan, China. Asian Herpetological Research. DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2026.0014 [Mar 18, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachium widianai • A New Species of Leptobrachium Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Bali and East Java, Indonesia

 

 Leptobrachium widianai

 Fauzan, Smith, Amarasinghe, Farajallah, Racho, Matsui & Hamidy, 2026 

Widiana’s Litter Frog | Katak Serasah Widiana  || 

RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74; 

Abstract

The fauna of Indonesia's Lesser Sunda and eastern Java areas harbour lineages of Leptobrachium that have been historically assigned to L. hasseltii Tschudi, 1838. Here, using an integrative dataset—mtDNA (12S–tRNA^Val–16S; 1,979 bp), adult and larval morphology, and advertisement calls—we delimit and describe a new species from Buleleng (Bali) and Kediri (East Java). Phylogenetic analyses (ML/Bayesian) recover two well-supported clades within L. hasseltii sensu lato: (1) West–Central Java and southern Sumatra (true L. hasseltii) and (2) Bali–East Java (new species), with 16S uncorrected p-distance 3.2–5.2% to L. hasseltii. Morphologically, the new species differs from L. hasseltii by the combination of brown iris with a light-blue scleral arc (eye fully open), very large oval femoral glands (dark edged), no vomerine teeth and rictal glands, distinctive dorsal pattern (dark blotches with paired transverse bars) and ventral patterning, and tadpoles having LTRF 7(1–6)/5(1–4) versus 5(1–4)/5(1–4) in L. hasseltii. The advertisement call is an elongated series of short barks followed by low-frequency squawks and differs markedly in temporal structure from L. hasseltii. We discuss biogeographic implications and provide an IUCN preliminary assessment following current guidelines. 

Key words. Amphibia, bioacoustics, Leptobrachium hasseltii, morphology, phylogeny

Two species of Bali and Javan Leptobrachium in life.
(A, B) Adult male Leptobrachium widianai, new species, from Buleleng, Bali (MZB Amph. 33320, 32734); (C) adult male from Kediri, East Java (MZB Amph. 26959); (D) juvenile (MZB Amph. 32735);
(E) adult male L. hasseltii from Mt. Slamet, Central Java (MZB Amph. 32743); (F) adult male L. hasseltii from Cisarua, West Java (MZB Amph. 32735).

Leptobrachium widianai, new species 

Diagnosis. A medium-sized Leptobrachium (adult male SVL 36.2 mm; adult female SVL to 54.1 mm) assigned to the Leptobrachium hasseltii group (subgenus Leptobrachium sensu Matsui et al., 2010) based on iris colour pattern, femoral gland morphology, and absence of upper lip spines. Distinguished from all congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) Iris and sclera: iris uniformly brown in adults with a narrow light blue scleral arc visible when the eye is fully open (juveniles with distinctive white spot-ring on iris); (2) Femoral glands: very large, oval (occasionally circular), conspicuous, with dark surrounding pigmentation; (3) Humeral glands: present, circular, flat; (4) Dentition and projections: vomerine teeth absent; snout without projections; no dermal palpebral projection; no rictal glands; ventrolateral glandular ridges absent; no upper lip spines. (5) Digital morphology: inner palmar tubercle circular, not extending along first metacarpal; subarticular tubercles reduced, replaced by low callous pads; fingers and toes with rounded, swollen tips, lacking circummarginal grooves; toe webbing poorly developed (I 0–2+, II 0–3+, III 2+–4, IV 4–2 V); (6) Dorsal pattern: typically dark brown with large irregular blotches and paired transverse bars; sometimes with orange vertebral line or orange dots; interorbital–parietal region with darker markings; (7) Lateral and ventral pattern: lateral surfaces dark grey with scattered white granules and a distinct black spot between axilla and groin; ventrum grey to light grey, throat darker, chest densely granular with white spots; (8) Call structure: elongated series of short “barks” followed by low-frequency “squawks,” temporally and structurally distinct from L. hasseltii; (9) Larvae: LTRF 7(1–6)/5(1–4) (vs. 5(1–4)/5(1–4) in L. hasseltii), marginal papillae conical and acute.

Etymology. The specific epithet honours Mr. I Made Widiana Darma Santosa, Director of the Bali Reptile Park, whose longstanding dedication to the conservation of Indonesian reptiles and amphibians — particularly those of Bali — has significantly advanced both in-situ and ex-situ conservation awareness. The name is formed as a genitive singular noun.

 Proposed English name: Widiana’s Litter Frog; 

Proposed Indonesian name: Katak Serasah Widiana.

Muhammad F. FAUZAN, Eric N. SMITH, A. A. Thasun AMARASINGHE, Achmad FARAJALLAH, Asrael RACHO, Masafumi MATSUI and Amir HAMIDY. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachium Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Bali and East Java, Indonesia. RAFFLES BULLETIN OF ZOOLOGY. 74; 62–86. 

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella xinshaoensis • Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from central China

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis  

Jiang, Liu, Huang Zhang & Wang, 2026

新邵掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

Abstract

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Leptobrachella from Xinshao County, Hunan Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI gene sequences support the new species as an independent lineage. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16S rRNA and COI genes between the new species and its closest congeners are 2.1% and 8.1%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentarily webbed, with narrow lateral fringes; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened, with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white, with dark brown spots on the chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on the flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs are flexed at right angles to the body axis; and (8) tibia–tarsal articulation reaching between the eye and the tympanum.

Key Words: Leptobrachella, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species

Photographs of the holotype CIB XS20240319001 of Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. in life. 

A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view of head; D. Ventral view of hand; E. Ventral view of foot. 

(Photos A–E by Jing Liu.)

Color variation in Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. 
 A. Dorsolateral view and B. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319002;
C. Dorsolateral view and D. Ventral view of the specimen CIB XS20240319003.

(Photos A–D by Jing Liu.)

Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella xinshaoensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL 27.8–31.4 mm in males; (2) toes rudimentary webbed, lateral fringes on toes narrow; (3) tympanum distinct, surrounded by distinct tubercles; (4) dorsal surface shagreened with small, raised tubercles and longitudinal ridges; (5) ventral surface creamy white with dark brown spots on chest and margins; (6) distinct black spots present on flanks; (7) heels not meeting when hindlimbs flexed at right angles to the axis of body; (8) tibia-tarsal articulation reaching between eye and tympanum.

Etymology. The specific epithet “xinshaoensis” refers to the name of the type locality, Xinshao County, Hunan, China. We suggest the English name “Xinshao Leaf-litter Toad” and the Chinese name “Xin Shao Zhang Tu Chan (新邵掌突蟾)”.

 Liming Jiang, Jing Liu, Yun Huang, Hongyan Zhang and Bin Wang. 2026. Morphological and Molecular Evidence support A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 253-269. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175462

[Herpetology • 2025] Scutiger ching, S. lisu & S. pardalotus • Three New Species of the Genus Scutiger (Anura: Megophryidae) from the Gaoligong Mountain Range in China, with An Updated Key to the Chinese Congeners

 

Scutiger lisu; 
Scutiger pardalotus; 
Scutiger ching 

Wang, Yu, and Che 

in K. Wang, Yu, Wu, Hou, D. Wang, Xiong, Ye, Duan, H. J. Li, J. Li, Jin, Yang & Che, 2025

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5725.2.2   

  Researchgate.net/publication/398245491

Abstract  

Lazy Toads of the genus Scutiger are a diverse group of alpine specialists in Asia. Despite continuous research on the taxonomy of the genus, the diversity is still underestimated. Integrating both molecular and morphometric analyses, we describe three new species of the genus Scutiger from the Gaoligong Mountain Range in Yunnan Province, China. Morphologically, these three species resemble S. gongshanensis, S. mammatus, and S. boulengeri, respetively, but they can be diagnosed from these recognized species and all other congeners by a suit of morphological characters, including the toe webbing status, numbers of pectoral glands and axillary glands with nuptial spines in breeding males, and the number of fingers covered with nuptial spines in breeding males. Additionally, they show considerable genetic divergences with respect to their morphologically similar species. We discussed the still underestimated diversity in Southwest China, the existing taxonomic problems of the genus, particularly regarding the validity and the whereabouts of type specimens of S. bangdaensis, S. biluoensis, and S. meiliensis, and we provide an updated key to all recognized species of China.

Amphibia, cryptic diversity, frog, Hengduan Mountain, southwest Yunnan, taxonomy 

Scutiger lisu sp. nov. Wang, Yu, and Che 

Etymology: The species name “lisu” is derived from the Chinese word 傈僳, which is the name of the main ethnic group across the range of the new species. We name the new species after the local ethnic group to honor theharmony between the local ethnic culture and nature ecosystem. The proposed Chinese name of the new species is傈僳齿突蟾 (pinyin: Li Su Chi Tu Chan), and the proposed english name is Lisu Lazy Toad.  

Scutiger pardalotus sp. nov. Wang, Yu, and Che 

Etymology: The species name “pardalotus” is derived from greek, which means “spotted like a leopard”. Itdescribes the beautiful spotted coloration patterns on the dorsum of the species. The proposed Chinese commonname of the new species is “豹斑齿突蟾” (pinyin: bao ban Chi Tu Chan), and the proposed english name isLeopard Lazy Toad.  

Scutiger ching sp. nov. Wang, Yu, and Che 

Etymology: The species name, ching, is derived from the language Trung, the language of the local ethnic minority group (Dulong) at the type locality of the new species. It means small and slender, which describes thediagnostic body shape of the new species. We chose the native language of the Dulong People to honor the harmonybetween the local ethnic culture and nature ecosystem. We suggest elf Lazy Toad as its english common name, and“山精齿突蟾” (Pinyin: Shan Jing Chi Tu Chan) as its Chinese common name.  

Kai WANG, Zhongbin YU, Yunhe WU, Shao Bing HOU, De WANG, Yun XIONG, Xin Long YE, Jian Ping DUAN, Hai Jun LI, Jie LI, Jie Qiong JIN, Shen Pin YANG and Jing CHE. 2025. Three New Species of the Genus Scutiger (Amphibia: Anura: Megophryidae) from the Gaoligong Mountain Range in China, with An Updated Key to the Chinese Congeners.  Zootaxa. 5725(2); 203-230. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5725.2.2 [2025-12-02]  

 Researchgate.net/publication/398245491_Three_New_Species_of_Scutiger_from_the_Gaoligong_Mountain_Range_in_China

 

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachella deocaensis • A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura: Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam

Leptobrachella deocaensis 

 Do, Nguyen, Hoang, Ziegler & Pham, 2026

Cóc mày đèo cả  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

Abstract

A new species of Leptobrachella is described from the coastal forest of Deo Ca Mountain in Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, based on morphological differences and genetic divergences in 16S rRNA mitochondrial gene sequences. The new species is distinguished from other species of the genus Leptobrachella by body size, dorsal skin texture, absence of ventrolateral and femoral glands, absence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, color pattern of head and body, and iris color. The new species is divergent from other congeners by at least 6.34% uncorrected genetic distance (16S rRNA gene). Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. is genetically closest to L. macrops from Vietnam, with strong nodal support from both BI and ML analyses (1.00/98).

Key words: Asian Leaf-litter toads, Deo Ca Mountain, genetic divergence, Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov., morphology, taxonomy

Holotype of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life (IB A.6440, male).
A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Underside of right foot; D. Underside of left hand; E. Cloacal and hamstrings area. Scale bars: 5 mm (C, D).

Female paratypes of Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov. in life in dorsolateral view.
 A. IB A.6441; B. IB A.6443.

Leptobrachella deocaensis sp. nov.

 Dang Trong Do, Truong Quang Nguyen, Chung Van Hoang, Thomas Ziegler and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New Species of Leptobrachella Smith, 1925 (Anura, Megophryidae) from the coastal forest of Dak Lak Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1267: 15-30. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1267.177118 

[20 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Leptobrachium mechuka & L. somani • Abundance in Secret: A Review of the Genus Leptobrachium (Anura: Megophryidae) in India, with Descriptions of Two New Species

Leptobrachium mechuka
 Leptobrachium somani 

  Sarmah, Garg, Tajo, Upadhyaya, Hanken & Biju, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20397 

Abstract 

Of the 39 currently recognized species in the Slender Armed Frog genus Leptobrachium, four are reported from India, Leptobrachium aryatium, L. bompu, L. smithi, and L. sylheticum. Based on new collections, we review these reported species by integrating molecular, morphological, and behavioral data. Our comparative analyses of external and internal morphology as well as molecular data and acoustic properties reveal two new species-level lineages from the Lower Dibang Valley and Shi Yomi districts of Arunachal Pradesh, India, which we describe here as new species. Phylogenetically, Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. and Leptobrachium somani sp. nov. are members of the L. bompu species group, but they are distinct from L. bompu sensu stricto by DNA sequence divergence in the 16S mitochondrial rRNA gene of 3.6–4.2% and 4.5–4.7%, respectively. A population previously identified as L. cf. bompu from Medog County, China, is also assignable to Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. Each new species is distinguished from congeners by a combination of diagnostic morphological characters, including in the case of Leptobrachium somani sp. nov., a unique advertisement call comprising two distinct call types; unicolored silvery white iris; moderately large webbing between toes; and ventral coloration. Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. on the other hand, is distinguishable by its head length equal to width; nostril equidistant from the snout tip and the eye; internarial distance equal to the distances from nostril to eye and from nostril to snout tip; distance from the tip of inner metatarsal tubercle to the tip of first toe shorter than the length of inner metatarsal tubercle itself; and frontoparietals separated at the midline by a moderate fontanelle. Analyses of multiple new populations representing members of the L. smithi group reveal that L. smithi is absent from the Indian fauna; all previous records attributed to this species from India instead represent L. aryatium or L. sylheticum. These discoveries highlight the prevalence of taxonomic misidentifications in the absence of detailed systematic studies as well as the underestimation of diversity in the genus Leptobrachium, not only from India but across its known range. Our results underscore the need for dedicated surveys that document amphibian diversity in underexplored regions of Northeast India.

Keywords: Amphibia, Arunachal Pradesh, Bioacoustics, Cranial osteology, Integrative taxonomy, Leptobrachium bompu group, Leptobrachium smithi group, Mitochondrial phylogeny, Northeast India, Tadpoles 

Phylogenetic relationships of the genus Leptobrachium and geographical distribution of species in India.

Geographical distributions of five Leptobrachium species herein recognized to occur in India.

Distribution of Leptobrachium bompu and L. smithi species groups in South and Southeast Asia.

Holotype and paratype of Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. in life.
 (A–J) Holotype ZSI A16315: (A) Dorsolateral view. (B) Dorsal view. (C) Ventral view. (D) Lateral view. (E) Posterior view of thighs. (F) Dorsal view of thighs. (G) Ventral view of hand. (H) Enlarged view of palmar tubercles on hand. (I) Ventral view of foot. (J) Dorsal view of foot. (K) Referred specimen (SDBDU 2025.6768) Dorsolateral view. (L, M) Paratype (ZSI A16316). (L) Dorsolateral view. (M) Enlarged view of eye. Photographs: T. Tajo.

Holotype and paratypes of Leptobrachium somani sp. nov. in life.
 (A–D) Dorsolateral view: (A) Paratype (ZSI A16335). (B) Paratype (ZSI A16336). (C) Referred specimen (SDBDU 2025.6773). (D) Holotype (ZSI A16333). (E–G) Paratype (ZSI A16336): (E) Frontal view. (F) Lateral view of head. (G) Enlarged view of eye. Photographs: S.D. Biju.

Leptobrachium mechuka sp. nov. 

 Leptobrachium somani sp. nov.,

 

 

A.N. Dikshit Akalabya Sarmah, Sonali Garg, Tage Tajo, Radhakrishna Upadhyaya K., James Hanken and S.D. Biju​. 2026. Abundance in Secret: A Review of the Genus Leptobrachium (Anura, Megophryidae) in India, with Descriptions of Two New Species. PeerJ. 14:e20397. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.20397 [January 9, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Brachytarsophrys wui • Morphological and Molecular Data reveal one New Species of the Genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura: Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China

Brachytarsophrys wui Lyu, Zhou & Long,

in Lyu, Zhou, Zhang, Fang, Ran, Dai, Jiang, Long et Yuan, 2026.

Wu’s Short-Legged Toad | 伍氏短腿蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.161437   

Abstract

We describe a new species of megophryid frog from Mt. Foding National Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province, China. The new species is morphologically distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 88.1–93.2 mm in five adult males and 108.7–111.2 mm in two adult females); head wider than long; tympanum hidden; dorsal skin slightly rough with irregularly shaped dark blotches and stripes; chin, ventral surface of throat rough with brown, irregularly shaped dark markings, two large longitudinal black-brown stripes on lateral throat; ventral surface brown-black with small brown granular spots; occipital region slightly uplifted; upper eyelid with tubercles, one of which is prominent, bluntly conical horn; margin of tongue shallow notched behind; toes webbing formular: I (1½)-(2) II (1½)-(3) III (2½)-(4) IV (4)-(2) V, webbing extending as a wide fringe along either side of each toe; large single subgular vocal sac located laterally on floor of mouth in males; tadpoles with a transverse white stripe on ventral surface and two longitudinal white stripes along sides of the body. In addition, phylogenetic analysis of 16S rRNA and COI fragment confirms its distinct identity, which clusters the new species closest to B. orientalis, with uncorrected p-distances of COI at least 3.77%. At present, the new species is known only from small streams in Mt. Foding National Nature Reserve at about 740–1000 m elevation. Its natural history and conservation status is discussed.

Key Words: Brachytarsophrys, Guizhou Province, Mt. Foding National Nature Reserve, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

Brachytarsophrys wui sp. nov. in life.
A. Dorsolateral view of the adult male holotype GIB1972747; B. Dorsolateral view of the adult female paratype GIB1972725;
C. Ventral view of the holotype GIB1972747; D. Ventral view of the paratype GIB1972725.

Photos by Jing-Cai Lyu.   

Holotype of Brachytarsophrys wui sp. nov. GIB1972747. in life.
 A. Dorsal view; B. Tympanum view; C. Upper eyelid with tubercles;
D. Throat view; E. Lateral view; F. Left hand in dorsal view;
G. Hand in ventral view; H. Pectoral gland area view; I. Cloacal area view.

Photos by Jing-Cai Lyu.

Brachytarsophrys wui sp. nov. GIB1972748 in habitat.

Photos by Sheng-Lun Zhou (A) and Jing-Cai Lyu (B).

 Brachytarsophrys wui Lyu, Zhou & Long, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. Brachytarsophrys wui sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 88.1–93.2 mm in five adult males and 108.7–111.2 mm in two adult females); (2) head very large, wider than long, and nearly one-half as broad as the SVL; (3) tympanum hidden; (4) pupils black, iris brownish red; (5) upper eyelid with tubercles, one of which is enlarged and becoming a prominent, bluntly conical horn; (6) dorsal skin slightly rough with irregularly shaped dark blotches and stripes; (7) belly, chest, and limbs smooth with irregular off-white spots; (8) chin, ventral surface of throat rough with dark brown, irregularly shaped markings, two large longitudinal black-brown stripes on lateral throat; (9) single subgular vocal sac openings slit-like, located posterolateral on floor of mouth in male; (10) indistinct brown nuptial pad on the dorsal surface of the first and second fingers base, with dense, tiny, black nuptial spines in adult male during breeding season; (11) forelimb short and thick, webbing absent, One third as broad as distal toe phalanx; (12) relative length of fingers I<II<IV<III; (13) toes about I (1½)-(2) II (1½)-(3) III (2½)-(4) IV (4)-(2) V webbed in male; (14) tadpoles with a transverse white stripe, white speckles on posterior ventral surface, and two longitudinal white stripes along the sides of body; (15) oral disk with lips expanded vertically forming dorsally oriented funnel.

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘‘wui’’ is in honor of late professor and zoologist Lyu Wu (1915–1983), vice president (1969–1975) of Guizhou Academy of Sciences (Guizhou Province, China), in recognition of his efforts on biodiversity surveys and research in Guizhou Province in the 1960s and 70s. For the common name, we recommend “Wu’s Short-Legged Toad” (English) and “Wu Shi Duan Tui Chan” (伍氏短腿蟾) (Chinese).

 Jing-Cai Lyu, Sheng-Lun Zhou, Ting-Bi Zhang, Yang Fang, Si-Yu Ran, Liang-Liang Dai, Xuan-Kong Jiang, Han-Wu Long and Guo Yuan. 2026. Morphological and Molecular Data reveal one New Species of the Genus Brachytarsophrys Tian & Hu, 1983 (Anura, Megophryidae) from Guizhou, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 71-85. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.161437 [05 Jan 2026] 

[Herpetology • 2026] Boulenophrys youran • A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura: Megophryidae) from Nanshan National Park, Hunan Province, China

Boulenophrys youran  Xiao, Shi & Mo,

 in Xiao, Zhu, Lu Wang, H. Li, Maimaiti, S. Li, Zhang, Liu, Fei, Liao, Tang, Shi et Mo, 2026.

Youran Horned Toad | 悠然角蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175092

Abstract

A new species of Asian horned toad, Boulenophrys youran sp. nov., is described from Nanshan National Park in southwestern Hunan Province, China. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and COI genes place it within the Boulenophrys omeimontis species group as a distinct lineage. The new species can be diagnosed by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) Body size relatively large, SVL 45.3–51.1 mm in nine adult males, 55.6–58.2 mm in two adult females; (2) head wider than long, males HDL/HDW 0.69–0.83; (3) margin of tongue feebly notched posteriorly; (4) subarticular tubercles present on fingers I, relative finger lengths II < I < IV < III; (5) relative toe lengths: I < V < II < III < IV; (6) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (7) hindlimbs slender, heels overlapping when hindlimbs folded; (8) tibiotarsal articulation exceeding snout tip when leg stretched forward; (9) toes with weak webbing, formula: I1⅓ − 2II1⅓ − 2½III2 − 3½IV3½ − 2V, lateral fringes on toes wide; (10) dense moderate black conical nuptial spines on inner two fingers in breeding males.

Key Words: Boulenophrys youran, diversity, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy

Holotype of Boulenophrys youran sp. nov. in life (HUNL XB25061601).
A. Lateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view; D. Plantar view of right foot; E. Volar view of right hand; F. Dorsal view of left hand.

 Photos by Leqiang Zhu.

 Boulenophrys youran Xiao, Shi & Mo, sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characters: (1) Body size relatively large, SVL 45.3–51.1 mm in nine adult males, 55.6–58.2 mm in two adult females; (2) head wider than long, males HDL/HDW 0.69–0.83; (3) margin of tongue feebly notched posteriorly; (4) subarticular tubercles present on fingers I, relative finger lengths II < I < IV < III; (5) relative toe lengths: I < V < II < III < IV; (6) vomerine ridges present, vomerine teeth absent; (7) hindlimbs slender, heels overlapping when hindlimbs folded; (8) tibiotarsal articulation exceeding snout tip when leg stretched forward; (9) toes with weak webbing, formula: I1⅓ − 2II1⅓ − 2½III2 − 3½IV3½ − 2V, lateral fringes on toes wide; (10) dense moderate black conical nuptial spines on inner two fingers in breeding adult males.

Etymology. The specific epithet youran is a noun in apposition derived from the Chinese word “悠然” (yōu rán), meaning tranquil or composed. It references the verse “采菊东篱下,悠然见南山” from the classical poem Drinking Wine No. 5 by Tao Yuanming (365–427 CE), which depicts a state of serene harmony with nature. The name thus alludes to the species type locality, Nanshan (南山), and evokes the pristine, undisturbed montane streams it inhabits. The English vernacular name “Youran Horned Toad” is here proposed, with the corresponding Chinese name “悠然角蟾” (Yōu Rán Jiǎo Chán).

 Bei Xiao, Leqiang Zhu, Lu Wang, Hui Li, Ayinuer Maimaiti, Shize Li, Guoai Zhang, Wuzhou Liu, Dongbo Fei, Changle Liao, Xiaoquan Tang, Shengchao Shi and Xiaoyang Mo. 2026. A New Species of the Genus Boulenophrys (Anura, Megophryidae) from Nanshan National Park, Hunan Province, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(1): 53-70. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.175092 [05 Jan 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Leptobrachella rubromammata • A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Southern Vietnam

 

 Leptobrachella rubromammata 

Poyarkov, Nguyen, Duong, Le & Orlov, 2025

Red-nippled Litter Toad | http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2196 

Cóc lá tý hon tuyêìn ngýc cam || Researchgate.net/publication/398787243

Abstract

A new species of Asian leaf litter toad of the genus Leptobrachella is described from montane evergreen forests of Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, southern Vietnam, based on an integrative analysis of molecular and morphological data. The new species, Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov., is assigned to the Leptobrachella applebyi species group. Morphologically, it is most similar to L. maculosa, L. kalonensis, and L. bidoupensis but can be distinguished by its conspicuous orange supra-axillary and pectoral glands and a distinctive ventral coloration pattern. The new species is genetically divergent from all congeners, with uncorrected 16S rRNA gene distances ranging from 6.56% to 14.55%. Based on its restricted distribution and potential vulnerability to habitat disturbance, we propose that Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. be listed as Vulnerable (VU) under the IUCN Red List Categories and Criteria.

Keywords: Leptolalax applebyi species group; molecular analyses; morphology; new species; taxonomy; Lang Bian Plateau

 Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in life:
 A, holotype ZMMU A-8300; B, paratype ZMMU A-5215.

Photographs by N. A. Poyarkov.

The maximum likelihood (ML) phylogeny of the Leptobrachella applebyi species group (left) and corresponding sampling localities used in this study (right). Icons adjacent to species clades match those shown on the map. The type locality of  Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam, is indicated with a red star. Node values represent bootstrap support values (BS) and Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP), respectively. Sequences of L. picta, L. pluvialis, and L. bourreti were used as outgroups.

Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov.

Etymology. The specific epithet “rubromammata”is a Latin adjective in the nominative case (feminine gender), derived from Latin “ruber” meaning “red” and“mamma” meaning “breast,” “bosom.” The name isgiven in reference to the characteristic pair of bright red-dish-orange pectoral glands resembling two reddish nip-ples. We recommend “Red-nippled Litter Toad” as thecommon English name, “Cóc lá tý hon tuyêìn ngýc cam”as the Vietnamese name, and “Krasnogrudaya malayachesnochnitsa” as the common name in Russian.

Typical habitat of  Leptobrachella rubromammata sp. nov. in the type locality: Chu Yang Sin NP, Dak Lak Province, Vietnam.

Photographs by: N. A. Poyarkov.

Nikolay A. Poyarkov, Tan Van Nguyen, Tang Van Duong, Son Xuan Le and Nikolai L. Orlov. 2025. A New Species of Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from Chu Yang Sin National Park, Dak Lak Province, Southern Vietnam. Russian Journal of Herpetology. 32(4); 293-308

http://rjh.folium.ru/index.php/rjh/article/view/2196 

 Researchgate.net/publication/398787243_A_New_Species_of_Leptobrachella_from_ChuYangSin_NPrk_DakLak_Southern_Vietnam

  facebook.com/tansifasv/posts/122232863948144982 

[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] Leptobrachella darongshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Anura: Megophryidae) from the Darongshan Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

Leptobrachella darongshanensis 

Chen, Bei & Li, 2025 

 

 Darongshan Leaf Litter Toad ~ 大容山掌突蟾  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.161514 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Leptobrachella, Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov., is described from the Darongshan Nature Reserve, Yulin City, Guangxi, China, integrating molecular, morphological, and bioacoustic evidence. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 24.9–27.7 mm in males; 32.0–35.4 mm in females); (2) dorsal skin rough with small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) ventral surface creamy white with minute irregular textures and tiny pale brown spots laterally on the belly; (4) flanks bearing irregular black spots; (5) distinct black supratympanic line; (6) rudimentary toe webbing on toes I–IV and absence of lateral dermal fringes on toes; (7) distinct, continuous ventrolateral glandular line; (8) iris bicolored, upper half tangerine, lower half silver with black reticulations, pupil black with tangerine edges; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the posterior margin of the eye when adpressed; (10) advertisement calls with dominant frequencies of 6.1–6.7 kHz at 20.0 °C. Phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene indicate that L. darongshanensis sp. nov. and L. shiwandashanensis are sister taxa. The new species is currently known only from montane evergreen forests at elevations between 800 and 1,200 m within the Darongshan Nature Reserve, where it is sympatric with L. yunkaiensis.

Key words: Bioacoustics, morphology, phylogeny, sympatric distribution, taxonomy

The holotype of Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov.
 A. Dorsal view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsolateral view; D. Ventral view of foot; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Color pattern of eye.

Variation of Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov.
A. NNU 001391; B. NNU 001392; C. NNU 001393; D. NNU 001394;
E1. NNU 001395 (dorsal view); E2. NNU 001395 (ventral view); F. NNU 001396; G. NNU 001397.

 

 Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov.

  

Diagnosis. Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Leptobrachella based on molecular phylogenetic results and the following generic morphological characters: small size, presence of an inner metacarpal tubercle, absence of vomerine teeth, distinct tympanum, and the presence of macro-glands (pectoral and femoral glands, often including supra-axillary and ventrolateral glands). Leptobrachella darongshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 24.9–27.7 mm in males; 32.0–35.4 mm in females); (2) dorsal skin rough with small, raised tubercles and ridges; (3) ventral surface creamy white with minute irregular textures and tiny pale brown spots laterally on the belly; (4) flanks bearing irregular black spots; (5) distinct black supratympanic line extending from posterior corner of eye to supra-axillary gland; (6) rudimentary toe webbing present between toes I–IV, lateral dermal fringes absent on toes; (7) ventrolateral glandular line distinct and continuous; (8) iris bicolored, upper half tangerine, lower half silver with black reticulations; pupil black with tangerine edges; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the posterior margin of the eye when hindlimb is adpressed along body; (10) advertisement call dominant frequency 6.1–6.7 kHz at 20.0 °C.

Etymology. The specific epithet darongshanensis is a toponym derived from the type locality, Mt. Darongshan. The suggested English common name is Darongshan Leaf Litter Toad. The suggested Chinese common name is Da Rong Shan Zhang Tu Chan (大容山掌突蟾).

Wei-Cai Chen, Yong-Jian Bei, Peng Li. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Leptobrachella (Amphibia, Anura, Megophryidae) from the Darongshan Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. ZooKeys. 1260: 171-194.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1260.161514