[Herpetology • 2025] Odorrana calciphila • Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura: Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China

 Odorrana calciphila Song, Qi, Wang, Liu & Wang, 

in Song, Qi, H.-T. Wang, Gong, Liu et Y.-Y. Wang, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142746 

Abstract

While taxonomy of the odorous frog genus Odorrana has made considerable progress recently, far less attention was given to those newly-described karst-associated species. In this study, the taxonomic status of Odorrana lipuensis group, species living in karst environments, was revisited. Combining the scrutiny of previous literature, molecular analyses using two mitochondrial DNA fragments (i.e. 16S rRNA and CO1) and morphological analyses including a series of additional specimens, we defined the O. lipuensis group and revised the taxonomic accounts of recognised species. Based on these data, we described a new species, O. calciphila sp. nov. from the karst regions in northern Guangdong, China. Apart from this new species, the O. lipuensis group currently contains three other species distributed in southern China and northern Vietnam, namely O. concelata, O. liboensis and O. lipuensis. Morphological comparisons between this group and other congeners, together with a dichotomous identification key for each species within this group, were also presented. Finally, the known distribution, implications of morphological distinctiveness, ecological and evolutionary significances and existing taxonomic issues of these species were also discussed.

Key Words: Identification key, Odorrana calciphila sp. nov., odorous frog, South China Karst, species group

Anura Hogg, 1839

Ranidae Batsch, 1796

Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990

Odorrana lipuensis group

Species of the Odorrana lipuensis group in life.
A1. O. calciphila sp. nov., SYS a009287, male; A2. O. calciphila sp. nov., SYS a009295, female;
B1. O. concelata, GEP a055, male; B2. O. concelata, GEP a050, female;
C. O. liboensis, SYS a008240, female; D. O. lipuensis, SYS a004898, female. Photos by Jian Wang (B1, B2, D), Han-Ming Song (A1, A2) and Shuo Qi (C).

 Odorrana lipuensis Mo, Chen, Wu, Zhang & Zhou, 2015

 Odorrana liboensis Luo, Wang, Xiao, Wang & Zhou, 2021

 Odorrana concelata Wang, Zeng & Lin, 2022

Distribution. China (Guangxi, Guangdong and Guizhou) 

and Vietnam (Cao Bang and Bac Kan).

Habitat. All species of Odorrana lipuensis group are nocturnal karstic dwellers, found in completely dark karst caves and on damp superficial limestone.

The holotype of Odorrana calciphila sp. nov. (SYS a009287, male) in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view; B. Opisthenar surface of left hand; C. Dorsal view; D. Ventral view; E. Palmar surface of right hand; F. Plantar surface of right foot. Arrows show the nuptial pads and circles show the connection of nuptial pads.

Photos by Han-Ming Song.

 Odorrana calciphila Song, Qi, Wang, Liu & Wang, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. This species can be diagnosed from other species of Odorrana lipuensis group by the combination of following morphological characteristics: (1) body size small, SVL 37.9 mm in adult male (n = 1) and 39.9–45.7 mm in adult females (n = 5); (2) relative finger length I < II; (3) dorsolateral folds prominent and swollen in adult females and absent in adult male; (4) bands on the dorsal surface of hind-limb clear; and (5) nuptial pads present on fingers I, II and III, the nuptial pad on finger II connecting with the nuptial pad on finger I.

Paratypes of Odorrana calciphila sp. nov. in life and the habitat at the type locality.
A. SYS a008923, female; B. SYS a009288, female; C. SYS a009289, female; D. SYS a009290, female; E. microhabitat; F. macrohabitat.

Photos by Han-Ming Song (B, C, D, E, F) and Yong-Heng Zhu (A).

Etymology. The specific epithet, calciphila, is a feminine adjective in Latin, composed of “calcis” (the genitive singular of calx, meaning karstic) and “-phila” (a suffix, meaning beloved), referring to this species’ characteristic of inhabiting the karst landscapes.

Suggested common name. “灰岩臭蛙 (huī yán chòu wā)” in Chinese and

 “Limestone Odorous Frog” in English.

  Han-Ming Song, Shuo Qi, Hao-Tian Wang, Yue-Ning Gong, Yang Liu and Ying-Yong Wang. 2025. Definition and Taxonomic Revision of the Karst-associated Odorrana lipuensis Group (Anura, Ranidae), with A New Species from Guangdong, China.  Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(3): 935-952. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.142746 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391521418_Karst-associated_Odorrana_lipuensis_group_from_China

 

[Herpetology • 2025] Nidirana cangshanensis • A New Species of the Genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 (Anura: Ranidae) from Yunnan Province, Chin

Nidirana cangshanensis 

Liu, Hou & Rao, 2025 

Cangshan Mountain Music Frog | 苍山琴蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.18   

Abstract

A new species of the genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 is described from Cangshan Mountain, Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is morphologically most similar to N. pleuraden (Boulenger, 1904) and N. occidentalis Lyu, Yang & Wang, 2020, but it can be distinct from the latter two species by having a relatively shorter and wider head, relatively larger eyes, relatively smaller tympana, relatively much shorter foot, and a much greater difference in body size between males and females. Phylogenetically, the new species differs from its congeners by a genetic divergence of 2.6–8.6% and 6.1–14.1% in 16S and COI genes, respectively. This study further emphasizes that the diversity of the genus Nidirana is still severely underestimated.

Holotype (KIZ2024164) of Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) left view; (C) ventral view; (D) right view.

Paratypes of  Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov. in life. 
(D–F) the male KIZ2024171; (G–I) the male KIZ2024174; (J–L) the female KIZ2024166.

Nidirana cangshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Body size medium, SVL 43.6–52.1 mm in adult males and 59.7–64.1 mm in adult females; head relatively short, HDL/SVL 0.34–0.36; head length approximately equal to head width, HDL/HDW 0.99–1.05; eye relatively large, ED/HDL 0.29–0.33; tympanum relatively small, TD/HDL 0.17–0.20, TD/ED 0.52–0.71; tip of every digit not dilated; lateroventral groove absent on every digit; foot short, FTL/SVL 0.52–0.57; tibio-tarsal articulation reaching between tympanum and eye or at eye; heels just meeting; posterior of dorsal skin rough with tubercles; a pair of subgular vocal sacs in breeding males; single nuptial pad present on first finger in adult males; suprabrachial gland large and smooth.

Etymology. The specific name cangshanensis refers to the type locality Cangshan Mountain, in Dali Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. We suggest the English common name to be “Cangshan Mountain Music Frog” and the Chinese common name to be “苍山琴蛙 (Pinyin: cāng shān qín wā)”.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou and Dingqi Rao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992 (Anura: Ranidae) from Yunnan Province, China. Ecologica Montenegrina. 83; 175-190. DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2025.83.18  

[Herpetology • 2020] Nidirana occidentalis • A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura: Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China

Nidirana occidentalis  Lyu, Yang & Wang,

 in Lyu, Chen, Yang, ZENG, J. Wang, Zhao, Wan, Pang et Y.-Y. Wang, 2020.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.3 

 Researchgate.net/publication/344689468

 

Abstract

The Music Frog genus Nidirana was recently resurrected as a distinct genus and contains 14 species distributed in subtropical eastern and southeastern Asia. The species diversity of Nidirana is dramatically underestimated, and half of its species was described in the last five years. In this study, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov., a new species of Music Frog from western Yunnan, China, is proposed based on morphological and molecular evidences. The new species was previously misidentified as N. pleuraden, but can be distinguished from the true N. pleuraden from eastern Yunnan, and all other congeners, by a combination of morphological characteristics, and significant divergence in the mitochondrial genes (≥ 5.1% in 16S and ≥ 8.9% in CO1). Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. is assigned to the N. pleuraden group on the basis of morphological characters, but its phylogenetic placement remains unresolved due to weak branch support. Geographically, these two species are isolated by the Red River in Yunnan, supporting the hypothesis that the Red River is an important geographical barrier that drives speciation in flora and fauna. Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. represents the second species of N. pleuraden group and the 15th species of the genus.

Amphibia, Geography, phylogeny, morphology, Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.

  Coloration in life and variations of Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.
A: male paratype SYS a007830; B: male paratype SYS a007831; C: female paratype SYS a007832;
1: dorsolateral view; 2: ventral view.

Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov. Lyu, Yang & Wang 

 Comparisons of morphological characteristics between Nidirana occidentalis sp. nov.  
 (A, SYS a007830) and N. pleuraden (B, SYS a007717).
1: dorsolateral view; 2: close-up of the head, showing relatively larger tympanum in N. pleuraden; 3: close-up of the hand, the arrow showing presence of one supernumerary tubercle at the base of fingers IV in N. pleuraden.

 Zhi-Tong LYU, Yang CHEN, Jian-Huan YANG, Zhao-Chi ZENG, Jian WANG, Jian ZHAO, Han WAN, Hong PANG and Ying-Yong WANG. 2020. A New Species of Nidirana from the N. pleuraden Group (Anura, Ranidae) from western Yunnan, China. Zootaxa. 4861(1); 43–62. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.4861.1.3 [2020-10-15]

  Researchgate.net/publication/344689468_A_new_species_of_Nidirana_from_the_N_pleuraden_group_Anura_Ranidae_from_western_Yunnan_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Amolops spicalinea • A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam

 

 Amolops spicalinea 

 Nguyen, Tapley,  La & Rowley, 2025

 

 Hoang Lien cascade frog | Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 

 

Abstract

Of the 19 species of Amolops reported from Vietnam, 10 are known to occur in the Hoang Lien Range in northwest Vietnam. During field surveys in the Hoang Lien Range, we collected individuals from a population of Amolops that we could not assign to any known species; morphological and molecular data assign these individuals to the Amolops monticola group and we describe a new species to science, Amolops spicalinea sp. nov., in reference to a line of horny spinules running along the body below the dorsolateral fold in males. The new species is morphologically and molecularly most similar to Amolops bellulus from Yunnan Province, China but is distinguished from A. bellulus and other congeneric species by a combination of the following characters: (1) SVL of adult males 46.6–52.2 mm, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extending from tip of snout, terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flanks yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface of body orange-yellow with small brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on Toes IV where webbing reaches discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercles absent; (11) vocal sac absent in males, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines. Our phylogenetic analysis using 16S ribosomal RNA mitochondrial gene and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (CO1) genes show that Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is sister to Amolops bellulus 2 from Yunnan, China. The new species is currently known from only three localities in the Hoang Lien Range between 2288–2493 m asl and is threatened by habitat loss and degradation. This species likely qualifies for being assessed as Endangered in accordance with the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species categories and criteria (B1ab).

Amphibia, amphibians, anura, cascade frog, Fansipan, Nam Kang ho tao, Pu ta Leng

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. adult male holotype ITBCZ 3648.
(A) Dorsolateral view in life, (B) ventral view under sedation, (C) view of nuptial pad on first right finger under sedation, and (D), view of cloaca and base of thighs to illustrate glandular character under sedation. Not to scale.

Dorsolateral and ventral view of paratypes of Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in life.
(A and B) adult male ITBCZ 3649, (C and D) adult male ITBCZ 3652,
(E and F) adult female ITBCZ 3650, and (g and h) adult female ITBCZ 3651.

 Amolops spicalinea sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. is placed within the Amolops monticola group based on the following morphological characters: Finger I shorter than Finger II; true dorsolateral folds present (not formed by incomplete series of glands); skin smooth; lateral sides of head dark, with light-colored upper lip stripe extending to shoulder (jiang et al. 2021; Patel et al. 2021; Stuart et al. 2010; wu et al. 2020). the new species can be diagnosed from congeneric  species  by  the  combination  of  the  following  characters:  (1)  SVL  of  adult  males  46.6–52.2  m, N=3; adult females 60.1–63.0 mm, N=3; (2) vomerine teeth in two oblique rows between choanae; (3) tympanic annulus visible; (4) all finger and toe tips expanded to discs with circummarginal grooves present; (5) skin smooth, except for lateral surfaces of head, below the dorsolateral fold, and the area surrounding cloaca where the texture varies from tiny spinules to large tubercles; (6) dorsolateral fold present with horny spinules along the lower half in males; (7) creamy-white lip stripe extends from the tip of the snout terminating in a broken, rugose line above axilla; (8) dorsum reddish brown or greenish brown with numerous small black spots; flank yellowish brown to dark brown; ventral surface orange-yellow with brown spots present on chest and throat; (9) interdigital finger webbing absent; toes fully webbed to discs except on toes IV where the webbing reaches the discs as a fringe, webbing formula: I0–0II0–0III0–1+IV1+–0V; (10) outer metatarsal tubercle absent; (11) males vocal sacs absent, and (12) nuptial pad velvety without spines.

 

Etymology: Specific epithet “spicalinea” from spica, the Latin word for a point or ear of grain and lineata, the Latin noun meaning line or thread in reference to the line of spinules running along the body, below the dorsolateral fold in males. We suggest common name as Hoang Lien cascade frog (English) and Ếch bám đá hoàng liên sơn (Vietnamese).

habitat of  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in the hoang Lien Range.
 (A) Collection site on Mount Nam Kang ho tao, Lao Cai Province, (B) Collection site on Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province, (C) Male  Amolops spicalinea sp. nov. in situ ITBCZ 3649 on tree branch, 2.0 m above stream, Mount Pu ta Leng, Lao Cai Province.

Luan Thanh NGUYEN, Benjamin TAPLEY, Toi Van LA and Jodi J. L. ROWLEY. 2025. A New Species of Amolops monticola group (Amphibia: Ranidae) from Hoang Lien Range, northwest Vietnam. Zootaxa. 5594(3); 485-508. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5594.3.3 [2025-03-03]

[Herpetology • 2025] Nidirana shyhhuangi • A New Music Frog (Anura: Ranidae: Nidirana) critically endangered in Taiwan

Nidirana shyhhuangi 

C.-F. Lin, Chang, Matsui, Shen, Tominaga & S.-M. Lin, 2025 

 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.139344  

Abstract

Nidirana okinavana (Boettger, 1895) is a small-sized ranid species belonging to the East Asian genus Nidirana Dubois, 1992. Previous studies have indicated that this species was exclusively distributed on Ishigaki and Iriomote islands in the southern Ryukyus, as well as two extremely small wetland habitats in central Taiwan. Such a restricted distribution makes it one of the most endangered frog species in both Taiwan and Japan. By using molecular, morphological, and acoustic analyses, our study reveals significant divergence between the Taiwanese and Japanese clades, supporting the recognition of the Taiwanese clade as a distinct species, described herein as Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. Compared to Nidirana okinavana sensu stricto from the southern Ryukyus, the Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. is characterized by a significantly smaller and non-overlapping body size, relatively longer forelimbs and hindlimbs, smaller internostril and interorbital distances, with a higher number of cross bands on thigh and shank. Acoustic analyses reveal that the Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. produces calls with a rapid tempo and higher pulse number, with a higher dominant frequency compared to the Japanese clade. Due to the extremely limited distribution of this species to two small sites on Taiwan, and continuing decline in quality of its habitat, we propose that it should be classified as Critically Endangered (CR) under the IUCN criteria. Immediate and comprehensive in situ and ex situ conservation actions are necessary to ensure the sustainable viability of the population.

Key words: Acoustic analysis, Iriomote Island, Ishigaki Island, morphology, Nidirana okinavana

Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. in life
A an adult male with a pale yellowish-brown glandular ridge behind the base of the forelimb, which is diagnostic of the sexes B an adult female, with a more grayish coloration C a first-year juvenile, with a reddish lower iris color D a male calling in the nest showing its subgular vocal sac.

Photographed by Chun-Fu Lin (A–C) and Chunwen Chang (D).

 Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. is characterized by a combination of the following characters: (1) a small-sized ranid, body moderately slender; (2) SVL of preserved specimens in adult males 31.6–36.5 mm (mean ± SD = 33.8 ± 1.2 mm, n = 15), females 33.7–38.3 mm (35.9 ± 1.9 mm, n = 4); (3) head triangular, slightly longer than wide; (4) snout comparatively long, triangular in dorsal view with a slightly obtuse tip, moderately pointed in profile; (5) canthus rostralis distinct, contacting with the upper margin of nostril; (6) loreal region dark brown, extending posteriorly over eye and beyond tympanum; (7) upper lip pale white, white line extending posteriorly, forming a white stripe from below nostril to base of forelimb; (8) iris golden above canthus rostralis, dark brown below; (9) tympanum dark brown and conspicuous, dark zone extending posteriorly forming a trapezoid shape; (10) males with a single subgular vocal sac; (11) dorsum brown or yellowish-brown, sometimes ...

Etymology. The specific epithet of the new species shyhhuangi is a Latinized patronymic noun in genitive case. It is dedicated to Prof. Shyh-Huang Chen, a herpetologist and arachnologist who first discovered this species in the early 1980s. We propose the common name “Yuchi music frog” in English to demonstrate the only two sampling sites of the species in Yuchi (meaning the “fish pond”) Township, or “魚池琴蛙” (pronounced as Yú-Chí-Qín-Wā) in Mandarin for this species.

A type locality of Nidirana shyhhuangi sp. nov. in Lienhuachih (23.__°N, 120.__°E), Yuchi Township, Nantou County, Taiwan
B a mud nest with an opening diameter of ~ 0.8 cm. The white arrow indicates the position of the opening.

Photographed by Chun-Fu Lin.

Chun-Fu Lin, Chunwen Chang, Masafumi Matsui, Chin-Chia Shen, Atsushi Tominaga and Si-Min Lin. 2025. Description of A New Music Frog (Anura, Ranidae, Nidirana) critically endangered in Taiwan. ZooKeys. 1229: 245-273. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1229.139344  

[Herpetology • 2025] Amolops gudao • A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Anura: Ranidae) from the Gaoligong Mountains, China

 

Amolops gudao  Yu, Wu, Lu & Che,  
 

in Wu, Yu, Kilunda, Lu, J.-H. Li, Y.-P. Li, Shi et Che. 2025. 

 Gudao Cascade Frog  | 古道湍蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1227.131357

Abstract

The Gaoligong Mountains lie at the intersection of three global biodiversity hotspots. In recent years, with the continuous deepening of fieldwork in the region, studies have increasingly indicated that the amphibian diversity of this region remains poorly understood. During herpetological surveys in 2023, a series of Amolops specimens were collected from the Gaoligong Mountains of Yunnan Province, China. The integrated results of morphological and molecular phylogenetic analyses indicate the presence of a separate and previously unknown lineage in the A. viridimaculatus group, which we herein confirm as a new species, Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov. Our discovery increases the number of Amolops species recorded in China to 59, and the total number of Amolops species to 86. The discovery of a new species in the Gaoligong Mountains further highlights the underestimated amphibian diversity in the region, emphasizing the need for continued fieldwork and research. Furthermore, Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov. exhibits obvious intraspecific variation in color patterns, a phenomenon also reported in several species within the A. viridimaculatus group, such as A. viridimaculatus and A. kaulbacki. Future studies on the taxonomy of A. viridimaculatus group should be careful with the use of color patterns as a diagnostic characteristic.

Key words: Amolops viridimaculatus group, diversity, new species, phylogeny, sympatric species, Yunnan Province

Amolops gudao sp. nov.
Views of the holotype KIZ 053662 in life A lateral view B lateral view of head C ventral view D ventral view of the hand E ventral view of foot F habitat.

Photographs by Zhong-Bin Yu.

Morphological variation. Photographs of different individuals of Amolops gudao sp. nov. from the type locality, Baihualing, Longyang, Yunnan, showing
A KIZ 053663 (male) B KIZ 053664 (female) C KIZ 053665 (female).

Photographs by Zhong-Bin Yu.

 Amolops gudao Yu, Wu, Lu & Che, sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species is recognized as a member of the A. viridimaculatus group based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and can be distinguished from its groups by a combination of the following characters (Suppl. material 3): (1) medium body size (SVL 56.7–58.6 mm in males and 63.6–64.8 mm in females); (2) vomerine teeth developed, on two short oblique between choanae, “八”-shaped, almost equal in distance from each other as to choanae; (3) supratympanic fold indistinct; (4) true dorsolateral folds absent, discontinuous glandular dorsolateral fold from rear of eye to near vent present; (5) tongue cordiform, 1/2 notched posteriorly; (6) maxillary teeth developed; (7) circummarginal grooves present on tips of outer three fingers, absent on first finger; (8) inner metacarpal tubercle rounded, outer metacarpal tubercle indistinct; (9) tibiotarsal articulation of adpressed limb reaching the anterior corner of eye; (10) a black stripe below edge of the canthus rostralis extending from the nostril across the eyes, along dorsolateral glandular folds to near vent; (11) rictal gland absent; (12) iris distinctly bicolored, green in upper 1/4 and reddish brown in lower 3/4, black reticulations throughout; (13) vocal sac absent in males; (14) male with orange nuptial pad at the base of first finger.

Etymology Baihualing, where the new species occurs, lies on the historical passage of the famous Southern Silk Road. The specific epithet gudao is derived from the Chinese alternative name for the Southern Silk Road. 

We propose the English common name Gudao Cascade Frog and the Chinese common name Gǔ Dào Tuān Wā (古道湍蛙).

 Yun-He Wu, Zhong-Bin Yu, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Chen-Qi Lu, Jia-Hua Li, Yun-Peng Li, Yi-Juan Shi and Jing Che. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Anura, Ranidae) from the Gaoligong Mountains, China. ZooKeys. 1227: 349-367. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1227.131357

[Herpetology • 2024] Rana minuscula • A New Species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Zhejiang, China based on morphological and molecular data

 

Rana minuscula 

B. Liu, Wang, Huang, X. Liu, Che & Yuan, 2024 

 

 www.sciengine.com/AHR/home 

姬林蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0022

Abstract

We described a new species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Zhejiang, China, based on morphological and molecular analyses. The new species, Rana minuscula sp. nov. clusters with R. ulma, R. kobai and R. tsushimensis and can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size small, snout-vent length less than 40 mm in adults; dorsolateral fold narrow and slightly curved, extending from above temporal fold to groin, not connecting to posterior corner of eye; vocal sac absent; tibiotarsal articulation extends forward to anterior corner of eye; lateroventral grooves absent; nuptial pad present and divided into two groups: the larger part is nearly rectangular and close to the tip of finger I and the basal part is smaller and round.

Rana minuscula sp. nov. 
A-D: Male (Holotype, voucher number: SWU 0012284);
E–H: Female (Paratype, voucher number: SWU 0014003).

 Rana minuscula sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific name “minuscula” refers to this species having the smallest body size of Rana in China. We suggest “Lesser brown Frog” as its English common name, and “j ī lín wā (姬林蛙)” as its Chinese common name.

Habitat at the type locality of Rana minuscula sp. nov., Junhe (...; elevation 723 m a.s.l.), Pingnan, Longquan, southern Zhejiang, China.

 Baoquan Liu, Yufan Wang, Junkai Huang, Xiaolong Liu, Jing Che and Zhiyong Yuan. 2024. Description of A New Species of Rana (Anura: Ranidae) from Zhejiang, China based on morphological and molecular data.  Asian Herpetological Research. www.sciengine.com/AHR/home

 DOI: doi.org/10.3724/ahr.2095-0357.2024.0022

[Herpetology • 2024] Hylarana chozhai • A New Species of Hylarana Tschudi, 1838 (Anura: Ranidae) from the Nicobar Islands, India

Hylarana chozhai 

Naveen, Chandramouli, Praveenraj & Babu, 2024

 DOI:  doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.10.011

Abstract

The island of Great Nicobar is known to support high degree of herpetofaunal diversity and endemism due to insular isolation. Among them, the population of Hylarana chalconota on this island was assessed to determine its taxonomic status and affinities using morphological, acoustic, and molecular data. Molecular phylogeny based on 16S rRNA showed a considerable amount of genetic divergence with 9.19–16.45% from congeners of the Hylarana chalconota complex. We describe this population as a new species, noting its unique morphological characteristics and phylogenetic position.

Keywords: 16S rRNA, Andaman & Nicobar archipelago, copper-cheeked frog, Sundaland biodiversity hotspot, systematics

 Hylarana chozhai sp. nov. in life
[Top] male holotype (DOSMB05117); [Middle] female paratype (DOSMB05119); [Bottom] male paratype (DOSMB 5011b)

Not to scale.

Hylarana chozhai sp. nov.

Rana chalconota—Das (1996) (partim “Nicobars”)

Chalcorana cf. chalconota—Harikrishnan and Vasudevan (2018)

Chalcorana sp.—Chandramouli (2018)

Diagnosis. A relatively small-sized frog of the genus Hylarana from the H. chalconota group, characterized by: snout-vent length of females up to 46.2 mm, males, mean 33.59 mm ± 1.88 (n = 4); males with a single, median sub-gular vocal sac; dorsal skin shagreened; dorsolateral folds weakly developed; foot nearly completely webbed with webbing formula I0-0.5II0-0.5III0.5-1IV1-0V and digit tips expanded to rhomboidal discs with circum-marginal grooves.

Etymology. The specific epithet 'chozhai' is intended to honor the Thamizh King Rajendra Chozha (ராேஜந்திர ேசாழா (/ˈtʃəʊlə/)) and the Chozha dynasty who occupied the Andaman and Nicobar Islands as part of the Chozha kingdom.

Ravi Shanthy Naveen, Sumaithangi Rajagopalan Chandramouli, Jayasimhan Praveenraj and Santhankrishnan Babu. 2024. A New Species of Hylarana Tschudi, 1838 (Amphibia: Anura: Ranidae) from the Nicobar Islands, India.  Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. DOI:  doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.10.011

[Herpetology • 2024] Amolops huanglianshanensis • A New Species of the Amolops monticola group (Anura: Ranidae) from southern Yunnan, China

Amolops huanglianshanensis

 Liu, Hou, Mo, Lu, Guo, Wang, Zhang, Rao & Li, 2024.

Huanglianshan Cascade Frog | 黄连山湍蛙  ||  DOI: 10.1016/j.japb.2024.08.002 

 Researchgate.net/publication/384029819 

Abstract

A new species of the Amolops monticola group is described from Yunnan Huanglianshan National Nature Reserve, southern Yunnan, China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by a moderate body size (snout–vent length 38.3–40.8 mm in adult males and 62.3–63.1 mm in adult females), head being longer than wide, nostril to snout tip distance being slightly smaller than eye to nostril distance, the presence of pineal body, distinct tympanum, vomerine teeth being invisible in males and weak but visible in females, distinct dorsolateral folds, the absence of outer metatarsal tubercle, the presence of vocal sac and nuptial pad in adult males, dorsal surface of head and body being green with no or a few black dots, and the presence of a few large flat white tubercles on the posterior inferior flank. Genetically, the uncorrected genetic distance between the new species and other species of the A. monticola group ranged from 3.0% to 7.6% in 16S ribosomal RNA and from 7.2% to 17.1% in NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene sequences. Currently, the new species is known only from its type locality in Lvchun County, Honghe Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China.

Keywords: 16S, cascade frog, morphology, ND2, taxonomy

Amolops huanglianshanensis sp. nov. in life.
Dorsolateral (A) and ventral (B) views of the male paratype (KIZ2023092),
dorsolateral (C) and ventral (D) views of the male paratype (KIZ2023093), and
dorsolateral (E) and ventral (F) views of the female paratype (KIZ2023098).

Amolops huanglianshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 Dorsal (A), lateral (B), and ventral (C) views of the male holotype (KIZ2023094), and
dorsal (D), lateral (E), and ventral (F) views of the female paratype (KIZ2023099) 

Amolops huanglianshanensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species is assigned to genus Amolops based on the presence of enlarged digital discs, circummarginal groove on the discs of fingers, well-developed webbing between toes, and the absence of webbing between fingers. It is further assigned to the A. monticola group based on having smooth skin, side of the head dark with a light-colored upper lip stripe extending to the axilla, and distinct dorsolateral folds. It can be distinguished from other species in the A. monticola group by having a combination of the following characters: Body size moderate, SVL 38.3–40.8 mm in adult males and 62.3–63.1 mm in adult females; head longer than wide; nostril to snout tip distance slightly smaller than eye to nostril distance; internarial distance greater than ...

Etymology. The specific epithet is named for the type locality Yunnan Huanglianshan National Nature Reserve. We suggest the English common name “Huanglianshan cascade frog” and the Chinese common name “黄连山湍蛙 (Pinyin: huáng lián shān tuān wā)”.

 

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Mingzhong Mo, Yi Lu, Jimin Guo, Wen Wang, Wenxiang Zhang, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2024. A New Species of the Amolops monticola group (Anura, Ranidae) from southern Yunnan, China. Journal of Asia-Pacific Biodiversity. In Press. 

DOI: doi.org/10.1016/j.japb.2024.08.002 

 Researchgate.net/publication/384029819_A_new_species_of_Amolops_from_southern_Yunnan_China

[Herpetology • 2024] Amolops yangi • A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Amphibia: Ranidae) and the first national record of Amolops vitreus from China

Amolops yangi Wu, Yu, Lu, Yuan & Che, 

in Wu, Yu, Lu, Zhang, Dong, Liu, Kilunda, Xiong, Jiang, Ouyang, Fu, He, Yuan et Che, 2024.

杨氏湍蛙  ||  DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e108013

Photos by Zhong-Bin Yu.

Abstract

The torrent frogs of the genus Amolops represent a great anuran diversification in southern China and Southeast Asia. Previous studies have shown that, the diversity of this genus still remains underestimated. During herpetological surveys from 2021 to 2022, several Amolops specimens were collected from the international border regions of southwestern Yunnan Province, China. Herein, we utilized molecular phylogenetic and morphological data to identify these specimens. Our findings indicate the presence of a separate and previously unknown lineage in the A. viridimaculatus group, which we formally describe as a new species. Furthermore, the specimen from Xishuangbanna National Nature Reserve clustered with A. vitreus from the paratype, supporting the morphological diagnosis. Therefore, we describe a new species and a new species record for China. Our study contributes to the species richness of the genus Amolops as well as the diversity of amphibians in China. Notably, our discovery brings the total number of Amolops species to 85 and the total number of torrent frog species known to occur in China to 53. In addition, our study further confirmed that Yunnan and Indochina Peninsula have similar faunal composition, implying that more studies are needed to achieve a complete understanding of the species diversity and distribution pattern.

Key words: Amolops yangi sp. nov., Amolops vitreus, new species, new species record, Southwest border of China, Yunnan Province

Amolops yangi sp. nov. (Holotype KIZ 038643).
A Lateral view, B dorsal view, C ventral view of thighs, D ventral view of hand, E foot, F habitat.

Photos by Zhong-Bin Yu.

Amolops yangi Wu, Yu, Lu, Yuan & Che, sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Amolops yangi sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Amolops based on molecular phylogenetic analyses and can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: (1) medium body size (SVL 46.3–51.8 mm in males and at least 51.5 mm in female); (2) vomerine teeth developed, on two short oblique between choanae, equal in distance from each other as to choanae; (3) supernumerary tubercles present at the base of each finger; (4) tympanum indistinct; (5) three metacarpal tubercles, inner metacarpal tubercle long, outer metacarpal tubercle relatively small, oval, median one rounded; (6) supratympanic fold indistinct; (7) discontinuous glandular dorsolateral fold from rear of eye to near vent; (8) circummarginal grooves present on tips of outer three fingers, absent on first finger; (9) iris distinctly bicolored, golden-yellow in upper one-fourth and reddish brown in lower three-fourths, black reticulations throughout; (10) rictal gland absent; (11) dorsal surface of the head, back, limbs, fingers, and toes green, interspersed with irregular black spots; (12) dorsal parts of limbs, fingers and toes with black crossbars; (13) vocal sac absent in males; (14) male with orange nuptial pad at the base of first finger.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet “yangi” is a patronymic noun in the genitive singular; derived from the name of Prof. Da-Tong Yang of the Kunming Institute of Zoology, CAS, China. We acknowledge his great contributions to the herpetological research in southwestern China. We suggest the Chinese formal name as “杨氏湍蛙”.

 Yun-He Wu, Zhong-Bin Yu, Chen-Qi Lu, Yin-Peng Zhang, Wen-Jie Dong, Xiao-Long Liu, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Yun Xiong, Yun-Fang Jiang, Hong Ouyang, Zhong-Xiong Fu, Yun-Biao He, Zhi-Yong Yuan and Jing Che. 2024. A New Species of the Genus Amolops (Amphibia: Ranidae) and the first national record of Amolops vitreus from China. Vertebrate Zoology. 74: 343-357. DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e108013

[Herpetology • 2024] Odorrana leishanensis • A New odorous frog Species of Odorrana (Anura: Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China

 

Odorrana leishanensis  

Li, Chen, Su, Liu, Tang & Wang, 2024

Leishan Odorous Frog | 雷山臭蛙  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1192.114315

Abstract

The frog genus Odorrana is distributed across east and southeastern Asia. Based on morphological differences and molecular phylogenetics, a new species of the genus occurring from Leigong Mountain in Guizhou Province, China is described. Phylogenetic analyses based on DNA sequences of the mitochondrial 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND2 genes supported the new species as an independent lineage. The uncorrected genetic distances between the 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND2 genes between the new species and its closest congener were 5.0%, 4.9%, and 16.3%, respectively. The new species is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: body size moderate (SVL 39.1–49.4 mm in males, 49.7 mm in female); head width larger than head length; tympanum distinctly visible; small rounded granules scattered all over dorsal body and limbs; dorsolateral folds absent; heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between eye to nostril when leg stretched forward; vocal sacs absent in male and nuptial pads present on the base of finger I.

Key words: Leigong Mountain, molecular phylogenetic analysis, morphology, new species

Photographs of the holotype MTLS20230729013 of Odorrana leishanensis 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.

 Odorrana leishanensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: Odorrana leishanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL♂ (n = 6) = 39.1–49.4 mm, SVL♀ (n = 1) = 49.7 mm in female); (2) head width larger than head length; (3) tympanum distinctly visible; (4) small rounded granules scattered all over dorsal body and limbs; (5) dorsolateral folds absent; (6) heels overlapping when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the level between eye to nostril when leg stretched forward; (7) vocal sacs in male absent, and nuptial pads in male present on base of finger I.

Etymology: The specific epithet leishanensis refers to the distribution of this species, Leishan County, Guizhou Province, China. We propose the common English name “Leishan Odorous Frog” and the Chinese name as “Lei Shan Chou Wa (雷山臭蛙)” for this species.

Color variation in Odorrana leishanensis sp. nov.
 A dorsolateral view and B ventral view of the male specimen MTLS20230805001
C dorsolateral view of the male specimen LS20230806010 D ventral view of the male specimen MTLS20230806010
E dorsolateral view and F ventral view of the female specimen MTLS20230811024.

Shi-Ze Li, Ji-Jun Chen, Hai-Jun Su, Jing Liu, Xiu-Jun Tang and Bin Wang. 2024. A New odorous frog Species of Odorrana (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from Guizhou Province, China. ZooKeys. 1192: 57-82. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1192.114315

[Herpetology • 2024] Odorrana damingshanensis • A New Species of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 (Anura: Ranidae) from central Guangxi, China with A Discussion of the Taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana)

Odorrana (B.) damingshanensis 

Chen, Mo, Lin & Qin, 2024

Damingshan Bamboo-leaf Frog | 大明山竹叶蛙 || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1190.109886

Abstract

A new species of odorous frog, Odorrana damingshanensis sp. nov., was found at the Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Guangxi, China. This species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following characters: medium body size (SVL 52.3–54.8 mm in males and 74.8–81.2 mm in females), sawtooth spinules on the upper lip, obtusely rounded snout that extends beyond the lower margin, distinct dorsolateral folds, horny tubercles on the rear of the back, presence of outer metatarsal tubercles, dilated nuptial pad with velvety spinules, distinct maxillary gland with tiny spines, and external lateral vocal sac. Through analysis of the 16S mitochondria gene, the new species is closely related to O. nasica and O. yentuensis, but the genetic divergence between the new species and the latter exceeds 7% (uncorrected p-distance). Currently, the new species is only known from its original discovery site. Furthermore, a discussion on the taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana) was conducted, identifying seven species within the subgenus Odorrana (Bamburana).

Key words: Cryptic species, morphology, Odorous frog, phylogeny, taxonomy

The holotype of Odorrana (B.) damingshanensis sp. nov. (NNU 00690)
A dorsal view B ventral view C dorsolateral view D rear of the back with horny tubercles and dorsal view of thighs E ventral view of hand F nuptial pad with velvety spinules G ventral view of snout H ventral view of foot, and I external lateral vocal sac and tiny spines on maxillary glands.

Odorrana (B.) damingshanensis sp. nov. A female with creamy yellow eggs without pigmented poles B amplexus C dorsal view of NNU 00691 D dorsal view of NNU 00689 E dorsal view of NNU 00692 F dorsal view of NNU 00693
G dorsolateral view of O. (B.) yentuensis (NHMG1401036, adult male) H dorsolateral view of O. (B.) versabilis (NNU00638, adult male)
I dorsal view of O. (B.) nasica (NNU00663, adult female) J dorsolateral view of O. (B.) trankieni (NHMG141107, adult male).

 Odorrana damingshanensis sp. nov. 

 

Diagnosis: Based on both molecular analyses and specific morphological traits, these specimens were assigned to the genus Odorrana. The distinguishing morphological characteristics of these species include dilated and tapering tips of the digits, disks with circummarginal grooves and a longer vertical diameter than horizontal diameter, fully webbed toes, the absence of a tarsal fold, a thick first finger with a distinct nuptial pad, sawtooth spinules on the upper lip, and well-defined dorsolateral folds (Fei et al. 2001, 2005).

...

Etymology: The specific name of this species, damingshanensis, is derived from its discovery locality, Damingshan National Nature Reserve. In English, it is suggested to be called the Damingshan Bamboo-leaf Frog. In Chinese, it is known as大明山竹叶蛙(Dà Míng Shān Zhú Yè Wā).

 Wei-Cai Chen, Yun-Ming Mo, Li Lin and Kun Qin. 2024. A New Species of Odorrana Fei, Ye & Huang, 1990 (Amphibia, Anura, Ranidae) from central Guangxi, China with A Discussion of the Taxonomy of Odorrana (Bamburana). ZooKeys. 1190: 131-152. DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1190.109886