[Herpetology • 2026] Gracixalus damingshanensis • A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China

 

 Gracixalus damingshanensis 

Chen & Li, 2026  

大明山纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186426 

 Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Abstract

A new species of Gracixalus is described from central Guangxi, China. Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. resembles G. jinxiuensis, G. huaping, and G. liusanjieae, but differs from all known congeners by a combination of morphological, molecular, and acoustic characters. Diagnostic characters include SVL 27.3–32.3 mm in males (n = 4) and 32.4–40.1 mm in females (n = 3); rough dorsal skin with scattered tubercles; grayish ventral surfaces with light brown spotting; fingers without webbing; white tubercles along the margins of the upper and lower jaws and on the limbs; absence of vomerine teeth; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye; granular skin on the throat, chest, and belly; heels not meeting when the thighs are held at right angles to the body; a distinct nuptial pad on Finger I; a single internal subgular vocal sac with paired oval openings bordered by gray rims; a golden-brown iris; and advertisement calls containing 2–5 notes. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences recovered the new species as a distinct lineage sister to the clade comprising G. jinxiuensis and G. huaping. The species is currently known only from evergreen and bamboo forests above 900 m a.s.l. in Damingshan National Nature Reserve.

Key Words: Bioacoustics, morphology, phylogeny, shrub frogs, taxonomy

 

Holotype (NNU202103010) of Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov.
 A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Ventral view; D. Ventral view of right hand; E. Nuptial pad on Finger I; F. Ventral view of left foot. Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Color variation among paratypes of Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. 
 A1, A2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103008;
B1, B2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103009;
C1, C2. Dorsal and ventral views of male NNU202103011;
D1, D2. Dorsal and ventral views of female NNU202103007.

 Photographs by Wei-Cai Chen.

Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Gracixalus damingshanensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of characters: (1) SVL 27.3–32.3 mm in males (n = 4) and 32.4–40.1 mm in females (n = 3); (2) dorsal surface rough, with scattered tubercles; (3) throat, chest, and ventral surface grayish with light brown spotting; (4) fingers without webbing; (5) white tubercles along the margins of the upper and lower jaws and on limb surfaces; (6) vomerine teeth absent; (7) tibiotarsal articulation reaching the middle of the eye; (8) skin of throat, chest, and ...

Etymology. The specific epithet ‘damingshanensis’ refers to Damingshan National Nature Reserve in Nanning, Guangxi, China, where the species was discovered. We propose “Damingshan Tree Frog” as the English common name and “Dà Míng Shān Xiān Shù Wā“ (大明山纤树蛙) as the Chinese common name.

Wei-Cai Chen and Peng Li. 2026. A New Species of Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Damingshan National Nature Reserve, Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(4): 989-1003. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.186426 

[Herpetology • 2026] Philautus candrageni • Revisiting the Taxonomy of Javan Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with the Description of A New Species

Philautus candrageni   

 Herlambang, Gonggoli, Racho, Asti, Cahyadi, Atmaja, Fauzi, Eprilurahman & Hamidy, 2026 

  

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.2   

 Researchgate.net/publication/401693573

Abstract 

The genus Philautus comprises 52 recognized species, three of which are currently known from Java and are endemic to the island. We conducted extensive fieldwork across Central Java between 2017 and 2025 to reassess the taxonomy of Philautus in this understudied region. We clarified species boundaries and uncovered cryptic diversity within this genus by employing an integrative framework that combined morphological assessments, molecular phylogenetics, and bioacoustic analyses. Our results include a redescription of P. jacobsoni and the formal description of a newly identified montane species, Philautus candrageni sp. nov., from Mount Merapi. We also provide further insights into the taxonomic status of Philautus pallidipes. These findings reveal considerable taxonomic complexity and previously overlooked diversity within Java’s montane amphibian assemblages. They also underscore the importance of sustained integrative research and advocate for targeted conservation efforts for Philautus species across the island. 

Amphibia, Conservation, cryptic, endemic, Java, mountain

Live specimen of the paratypes of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. from Mount Merapi:
(A, B) Dorsal and ventral ofMzB 33679 (male), (C, D) Dorsal and ventral of MzB 33678 (male), (E, F) Dorsal and ventral of MzB Amph 33677 (male).

Photos by Hastin Ambar Asti. 

Philautus candrageni sp. nov.

Etymology. We use the ancient name of Mount Merapi, “Candrageni”, as the species name. According to Serat Pustaka Raja Purwa, a classical javanese manuscript, written by R. Ng. Ranggawarsita, Mount Merapi was originally called Candrageni before it was renamed by Prabu Kusumawicitra during his reign over java. the name Candrageni is believed to reflect Merapi’s fiery and mystical nature, possibly derived from the words “Candra” (moon) and “Geni” (fire), symbolizing a balance between celestial energy and volcanic power. We believe that the presence of Philautus candrageni sp. nov. on Mount Merapi represents the biocultural harmony of this volcanic landscape

.Suggested English common name. Merapi Bush Frog.

Suggested Indonesian common name. Katak-semak Merapi 

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Ade Damara GONGGOLI, Asrael RACHO, Hastin Ambar ASTI, Ganjar CAHYADI, Vestidhia Y. ATMAJA, Muhammad Alif FAUZI, Rury EPRILURAHMAN and Amir  HAMIDY. 2026. Revisiting the Taxonomy of Javan Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae), with the Description of A New Species.  Zootaxa. 5768(1); 29-56. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5768.1.2 [2026-03-09]

 Researchgate.net/publication/401693573_Revisiting_the_Taxonomy_of_Javan_Philautus_with_the_Description_of_a_New_Species

[Herpetology • 2026] Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from India

 

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar & Sanyal, 1985

in Sengupta, Boruah, Jithin, Hussain, Purkayastha, Dutta et Das, 2026. 

DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

Abstract 

The present study evaluates the taxonomic status of “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto using morphology, molecular and acoustic tools. Our phylogenetic analyses based on the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene, morphological examination of type collections, and freshly collected topotypes, along with bioacoustics information, suggest that “Rhacophorus namdaphaensis” sensu stricto is a valid species. We provide the redescription for the species, describe the tadpole morphology and discuss the extended geographical distribution.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, Northeast India, phylogeny, redescription, synonym

Topotypes of Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in live condition.
(A-C) WII-ADA1312, (A) lateral view, (B) dorsal v i e w, (C) front view;
(D-F) WII-ADA1319, (D) dorsolateral view, (E) ventral view with granular belly skin in the inset, (F) lateral view showing groin and flank;
(G & H) WII-ADA1359, (G) lateral view, (H) ventral view; (I) dorsal view of WII-ADA3104.

Rhacophorus namdaphaensis in natural habitat.
(A-D) uncollected males from Namdapha Tiger Reserve; (E, F) uncollected males from Kamlang Tiger Reserve; (G) uncollected male from Tinkupani, Assam; (H) dorsal colour change under stress condition of the individual depicted in (E).

  Saibal Sengupta, Bitupan Boruah, Vijayan Jithin, Bakhtiar Hussain, Jayaditya Purkayastha and Sourav Dutta, Abhijit Das. 2026. Back to Basics: Resurrecting Rhacophorus namdaphaensis Sarkar and Sanyal, 1985 (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from India. Rec. zool. Surv. India. 126(1); 51-74. DOI: doi.org/10.26515/rzsi/v126/i1/2026/173045

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[Herpetology • 2026] Feihyla wenshanensis & F. zhaotongensis • Two New Species of the Genus Feihyla (Anura: Rhacophoridae) previously confused with F. fuhua from Yunnan, China

 

Feihyla wenshanensis
Feihyla zhaotongensis

Liu, Bu, Feng, Zhang, Yang, Ma, Z. Chen, S. Chen, He, Zhong & Rao, 2026

 DOI: doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.94.16 

Abstract

Two new species of the genus Feihyla from Yunnan Province, China, are described based on morphological and molecular evidence. The two new species closely resemble F. fuhua and F. palpebralis, but they can be distinguished from the latter two species and from each other by a combination of morphometric characteristics and coloration: head length being greater than head width, interorbital distance being smaller than eye diameter, and toes being approximately one fourth webbed in the two new species, nostril being closer to eye than to snout tip, internasal distance being greater than interorbital distance, tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, and a pair of dark inverted bracket shaped pattern presenting on dorsum in the first new species from Wenshan Prefecture, and nostril closer to snout tip than to eye, internasal distance being smaller than interorbital distance, tibiotarsal articulation reaching center of eye, and a dark X-shaped pattern presenting on dorsum in the second new species from Zhaotong City. In the phylogenetic analysis, the two new species formed two distinct clades closely related to F. fuhua and F. palpebralis, and the genetic distances among them and F. fuhua and F. palpebralis ranged from 3.7% to 12.5% in the 16S ribosomal RNA gene.

Key words: 16S rRNA, morphology,  phylogeny,  taxonomy, Wenshan,  Zhaotong.

The holotype of Feihyla wenshanensis sp. nov. in life.
 (A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C)left view; (D) right view.

Feihyla wenshanensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Body size small, SVL 26.1–29.0 mm in adult males; head length greater than head width; nostril slightly closer to eye than to snout tip; internasal distance greater than interorbital distance; pineal  ocellus  absent;  tympanum  indistinct;  vomerine  teeth  absent;  webbing  between  fingers  absent;  tibiotarsal   articulation   reaching   anterior   corner   of   eye   when   hindlimbs   pressed   forward;   toes   approximately one fourth webbed; inner metatarsal tubercle small, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; a pair of dark inverted bracket shaped pattern on dorsum; dorsal skin relatively smooth with many tiny tubercles, ventral skin of head smooth, surface of abdomen with flat granules.

An amplected pair of Feihyla wenshanensis sp.nov. (not collected) at the time of oviposition (A) and the eggs infected by fungi (B).

The holotype of Feihyla zhaotongensis sp. nov. in life.
(A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C) left view; (D) right view.

Feihyla zhaotongensis sp. nov. 

Diagnosis. Body size small, SVL 32.0–33.5 mm in adult males; head length greater than head width; nostril slightly closer to snout tip than to eye; internasal distance slightly smaller than interorbital distance; pineal ocellus present; tympanum indistinct; vomerine teeth absent; webbing between fingers absent;   tibiotarsal   articulation   reaching   center   of   eye   when   hindlimbs   pressed   forward;   toes   approximately one fourth webbed; inner metatarsal tubercle small, outer metatarsal tubercle absent; a dark X-shaped pattern on dorsum; dorsal skin relatively smooth with many tiny tubercles, ventral skin of head with dense tiny tubercles, surface of abdomen with small protruding granules.

 

Shuo Liu, Chao Bu, Yanfei Feng, Zhongbin Zhang, Sheng'ou Yang, Zhengyan Ma, Zhengquan Chen, Shaohui Chen, Kaihui He, Wenrui Zhong and Dingqi Rao. 2026. Two New Species of the Genus Feihyla (Anura: Rhacophoridae) previously confused with F. fuhua Fei, Ye & Jiang, 2010 from Yunnan, China. Ecologica Montenegrina. 94; 228-242. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37828/em.2026.94.16 

[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus hujianshengi • A New Species of Rhacophorus Kuhl and Van Hassalt, 1822 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Southeastern Yunnan, China

 

 Rhacophorus hujianshengi  

Liu, Hou, Rao & Li, 2025

 

Malipo Tree Frog | 麻栗坡树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230328130358 

Researchgate.net/publication/375103242

ABSTRACT 

We describe a new species of Rhacophorus based on morphological and molecular evidence of specimens collected from Malipo Coun­ty, Wenshan Prefecture, Yunnan Province, China. The new species is morphologically most similar and phylogenetically close­ly related to R. laoshan, but it can be distinguished from the latter by the following morphological characteristics: Relatively greater eye diameter, relatively greater transverse diameter of third-finger disc, tibiotarsal articulation reaching or beyond nostril when hindlimb is adpressed forward, and nuptial pad absent in adult males. In addition, the new species differs from R. laoshan by 3.3 % in 16S rRNA sequences. 

Adult males of Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. in life. 
A, B, C, the holotype (KIZ2020012); D, E, F, the paratype (KIZ2020013).

  Adult females of  Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. in life.
A, B, C, the paratype (KIZ2020009); D, E, F, the paratype (KIZ2020011).

 Rhacophorus hujianshengi sp. nov. 

Diagnosis: Body size moderate, SVL 31.9‒36.1 mm in adult males and 48.6‒52.7 mm in adult females; snout rounded; nostril closer to tip of snout than to eye; internasal space smaller than interorbital space, interorbital space larger than width of upper eyelid; tympanum distinct, approximately half of eye diameter; vomerine teeth well developed; dorsal skin smooth; distinct dermal calcars present at heels; coloration in life very variable; single subgular vocal sac present in adult males, and nuptial pad absent in adult males.

Etymology: The species name, hujianshengi, is a patronym honoring the retired professor of Yunnan University, Dr. Jiansheng HU. We name the new species after Dr. Hu in recognition of his contributions to the zoological research in Yunnan Province, China. We suggest “Malipo Tree Frog” as its English name, and “麻栗坡树蛙” (Pinyin: má lì pō shù wā) as its Chinese name.

Shuo Liu, Mian Hou, Dingqi Rao and Song Li. 2025. A New Species of Rhacophorus Kuhl and Van Hassalt, 1822 (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Southeastern Yunnan, China. Pakistan Journal of Zoology. 57(2); 709-719. DOI: doi.org/10.17582/journal.pjz/20230328130358

 Researchgate.net/publication/375103242_A_New_Species_of_Rhacophorus_from_Southeastern_Yunnan_China

[Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus wuliangshan • A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China

 

Gracixalus wuliangshan

Liu, Yang, Wang, Li, Hou, Luo & Rao, 2025

 

Wuliangshan small tree frog | 无量山纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 

Abstract

A new species of the genus Gracixalus from Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, China, is described based on morphological and molecular evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from other species of the genus by a combination of the following characters: body size relatively large, dorsal surface brownish yellow, dorsal skin rough with dense, small flatten tubercles, tibiotarsal projection absent, heels distinctly overlapping, tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye, and nuptial pad absent in adult male. The genetic distance (uncorrected p-distance) between the new species and other species of the genus ranged from 2.3% to 14.3% in the mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. This study brings the total number of recognized species within the genus Gracixalus to 24 with 13 of which occur in China and four in Yunnan Province.

Keywords: 16S rRNA; morphology; systematics; taxonomy; Yunnan Wuliangshan national nature reserve

  The holotype (KIZ2025067) of Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov. in life.

 (A) Dorsal view; (B) ventral view; (C) left view; (D) right view; (E) close-up view of the axilla, groin, and inner side of the thigh; (F) close-up view of the outer side of the thighs; (G) close-up view of the left palm; (H) close-up view of the left sole.

Gracixalus wuliangshan sp. nov.

 Diagnosis: The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: body size relatively large, SVL 39.1 mm in male and 44.1 mm in female; dorsal surface brownish yellow with a distinct X-shaped pattern composed of wide dark brown stripes on dorsum; iris light yellowish gray; axilla and groin with light yellow spots; dorsal skin rough with dense small flatten tubercles; snout round; tibiotarsal projection absent; finger webbing rudimentary; heels distinctly overlapping when legs at right angle to body; tibiotarsal articulation reaching anterior corner of eye; internal vocal sac in male; nuptial pad absent in male.

 Etymology: The specific epithet is named for Yunnan Wuliangshan National Nature Reserve, in which the species was collected. We suggested “Wuliangshan small tree frog” for the common English name and “无量山纤树蛙 (wú liàng shān xiān shù wā)” for the common Chinese name.

 Shuo Liu, Zhongfu Yang, Chunhua Wang, Nengping Li, Mian Hou, Zengyang Luo and Dingqi Rao. 2025. A New Species of the Genus Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Central Western Yunnan, China. Taxonomy. 5(4); 66; DOI: doi.org/10.3390/taxonomy5040066 [26 November 2025]

[Herpetology • 2025] Raorchestes magnus, R. monolithus, R. nasuta, R. orientalis ... • Revision of Bush Frogs, Raorchestes and Philautus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the northeast Indian Biodiversity Hotspot with Description of Thirteen New Species

Raorchestes nasuta, R. monolithus, R. orientalis,
R. khonoma, R. arunachalensis, R. magnus, ...

 Boruah, Deepak & Das, 2025 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e148133 

 facebook.com: Bitupan Boruah 

Abstract

Bush frogs currently in the genera Raorchestes and Philautus are poorly documented from northeast India when compared to the Western Ghats of southwestern India. They are morphologically cryptic, but variable in their acoustic repertoire and genetic divergence. We present a long-overdue revision of the bush frogs of northeast India by sampling 81 localities in eight Indian States (including nine type localities of known species) and by comparing historical (especially, type) material. Using an integrative approach that combines levels of divergence in mitochondrial DNA, a nuclear-encoded gene and comparing morphological and bioacoustic data, we demonstrate the existence of 13 new species, which are formally described here. In addition, based on the evidence from molecular and morphological data we synonymise four previously described species from this region. We resolve the taxonomic identities of three other frog species found in northeast India. After extensive survey across northeast India, we did not find a single specimen of the genus Philautus. The only species in this genus with ambiguous generic identity is P. dubius which requires further taxonomic investigation.

Keywords: Bioacoustics, cryptic species, Indo-Burma, Indochina, morphology, phylogeny, redescription, taxonomy 

Raorchestes orientalis sp. nov.

Raorchestes mawsynramensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes boulengeri sp. nov.

Raorchestes barakensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes narpuhensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes lawngtlaiensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes nasuta sp. nov.

Raorchestes dibangensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes monolithus sp. nov.

Raorchestes khonoma sp. nov.

Raorchestes eaglenestensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes arunachalensis sp. nov.

Raorchestes magnus sp. nov.

Raorchestes cinerascens  comb. nov., 

Raorchestes tytthus  comb. nov.,

 Liurana kempii  comb. nov., 

Nasutixalus microdiscus comb. nov.

 Bitupan Boruah, V. Deepak and Abhijit Das. 2025. Revision of Bush Frogs, Raorchestes and Philautus (Amphibia: Anura: Rhacophoridae) from the northeast Indian Biodiversity Hotspot with Description of Thirteen New Species. Vertebrate Zoology. 75: 517-625. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/vz.75.e148133 

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[Herpetology • 2025] Gracixalus liusanjieae • Integrative Taxonomic Evidence for A New Species of Genus Gracixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from Mao'er Mountain, Guangxi, China

 

Gracixalus liusanjieae

Wu, Pan, Chen, Ye, Yu & Zou, 2025 

 

刘三姐纤树蛙  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.161448 

Abstract

It has been shown that the taxonomy of Gracixalus jinxiuensis species complex is very confusing. In this study, we tested for the taxonomy of Gracixalus species from Mao’er Mountain, Guangxi, China, which was once recorded as G. jinxiuensis, based on molecular, morphological, and bioacoustics evidence. Phylogenetic analyses based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA sequences indicated that the samples from Mao’er Mountain form a distinct lineage closely related to G. jinxiuensis, G. huaping, and G. weii, and they were assigned into an independent operational taxonomic unit by analysis of species delimitation. Morphologically, the lineage from Mao’er Mountain can be distinguished from known congeners by a combination of the following characters: SVL 27.5–33.2 mm in males and 38.1‒39.7 mm in females; dorsal surface beige to brown, rough with a few tubercles on dorsum; internal vocal sac; linea masculina absent; nuptial pads present on fingers I and II; tibiotarsal articulation reaching center of eye; heels overlapping when legs at right angle to body; and white tubercles on temporal region, edge of upper and lower jaw, flank, and dorsal surface of limbs. In addition, bioacoustics analyses showed that the advertisement calls of the population from Mao’er Mountain also differ from advertisement calls of other Gracixalus species. Therefore, we officially described the lineage from Mao’er Mountain as a new species and named it as Gracixalus liusanjieae sp. nov. herein. Including the new species described in this study, now the genus Gracixalus contains 23 species, 12 of which are distributed in China with six known in Guangxi.

Key Words: Bioacoustics analysis, Gracixalus jinxiuensis, species complex, 16S rRNA, species delimitation

Views of the holotype of Gracixalus liusanjieae sp. nov. (voucher no. GXNU YU000978) in life. Nuptial pads were highlighted with arrows (Photo by Guohua Yu).

Gracixalus liusanjieae sp. nov. 
Paratypes GXNU YU000979 (A), GXNU YU000980 (B), and GXNU YU000795 (C) in life

 (A, B. Photo by Yuanqiang Pan; C. Photo by Guohua Yu).

 Gracixalus liusanjieae sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species is assigned to genus Gracixalus based upon the following set of morphological characters: tips of digits enlarged to discs bearing circum-marginal grooves, vomerine teeth absent, inner (first and second) and outer (third and fourth) fingers not opposable, and an inversed Y-shaped dark brown marking on the dorsum (Fei 1999; Yu et al. 2019; Tran et al. 2023).

The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) SVL 27.5–33.2 mm in males and 38.1‒39.7 mm in females; (2) dorsal surface beige to brown; (3) dorsal surface rough with a few flatten tubercles on dorsum; (4) internal vocal sac in males, vocal sac opening slitted; (5) throat relatively smooth with barely visible tubercles; (6) finger webbing rudimentary; (7) linea masculina absent; (8) snout rounded; (9) tibiotarsal articulation reaching center of eye; (10) tibiotarsal projection absent; (11) nuptial pads present on fingers I and II; (12) heels slightly overlapping when legs at right angle to body; (13) ventral surface translucent, creamy white with dark blotches; (14) belly granular.

Etymology. The specific epithet is named for Sanjie Liu, referring to a famous woman in Chinese ancient legend who came from Guangxi and who was known for her exceptional singing talent. The specific name means that the new species is distributed in Guangxi and its advertisement calls are melodic. We suggested “Maoershan small tree frog” for the common English name and “刘三姐纤树蛙 (Liú Sān Jiě Xiān Shù Wā)” for the common Chinese name.

Habitat of Gracixalus liusanjieae sp. nov. at the type locality (A) and eggs of the new species laid on broken branches (C) that was placed on an artificial breeding trap (B)

(A, B. Photo by Guohua Yu; C. Photo by Yuanqiang Pan).

 Xiangjian Wu, Yuanqiang Pan, Ju Chen, Jianping Ye, Guohua Yu and Tongxiang Zou. 2025. Integrative Taxonomic Evidence for A New Species of Genus Gracixalus (Anura, Rhacophoridae) from Mao'er Mountain, Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2039-2053. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.161448 

[Herpetology • 2025] Raorchestes jakoid & R. jadoh • Two New Species of Bush Frogs (Anura: Rhacophoridae: Raorchestes) from Meghalaya, northeastern India

 

Raorchestes jakoid

Warjri, Purkayastha, Lalremsanga & Das, 2025

 DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.9461.17.7.27171-27194   

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  facebook.com/HTLalremsanga 

Abstract

 The genus Raorchestes Biju et al., 2010 represents one of the most diverse lineages within the family Rhacophoridae, with its members characterized by small size, absence of vomerine teeth, direct development, and distinctive digital discs with circum-marginal grooves. Despite its location in the Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, the amphibian diversity of Meghalaya remains underexplored. In this study, we describe two new species, Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov. and Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov., from the Khasi Hills of Meghalaya, based on an integrative approach combining morphological, bioacoustic, and molecular data (16S rRNA). Additionally, we provide new records and supplementary descriptions for three species: R. kempiae, R. garo, and R. asakgrensis, thereby improving our understanding of their intraspecific variation and distribution. Phylogenetic analyses confirm the placement of the new species within the Raorchestes parvulus species complex. The new species are distinguished by a suite of morphological traits, unique call structures, and genetic divergence from congeners. Notably, both new species were discovered in secondary habitats near human settlements, suggesting ecological tolerance yet raising concerns about their long-term survival amid rapid habitat loss. The elevational distribution of the species studied ranges from 235 m to 1,655 m, with a concentration between 1,000–1,600 m, highlighting patterns of elevational partitioning and habitat specialization. Our findings add to the growing evidence of high cryptic diversity in the region and underscore the urgent need for targeted herpetofaunal surveys and conservation actions in Northeast India.

Keywords: 16SrRNA, acoustic, biodiversity, conservation, endemism, Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot, morphology, parvulus complex, systematics, taxonomy

 Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov.

 

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘jadoh’ is derived from the name of a traditional rice and meat dish that is integral to the cuisine and cultural identity of the Khasi people of Meghalaya, northeastern India. The name is used here as a noun in apposition. This naming celebrates Khasi heritage and underscores the connection between local biodiversity and indigenous cultural practices.

Diagnostic characters: While the developmental mode of the newly described species, Raorchestes jadoh sp. nov., remains uncertain, its placement within the genus Raorchestes is supported by the following combination of characteristics: small body size, vomerine teeth absent, male possess transparent gular pouch which is visible when calling, and tips of all fingers and toes expanded into discs with circum-marginal grooves. The new species is distinguished from relevant congeners by phylogenetic position, by call analysis based on the parameters dominant frequency, call duration, inter-call interval, call repetition rate, number of note, note duration, and inter-note interval, and by the combination of the following morphological characters: very small body size with SVL of 13.68−14.01 mm; head wider than long; tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; tongue pyriform and notched posteriorly, webbing between fingers absent; rudimentary webbing between toes present; relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III, relative toe lengths: I < II < III < V < IV; inner palmar tubercle absent and outer palmar tubercle present with round shape; tibiotarsal articulation reaching posterior border of an eye when hindlimb is stretched alongside of body; nuptial pad present; inner metatarsal tubercle round (IMT/Toe4L 0.08 mm long), outer metatarsal tubercle absent; interorbital distance larger than eye horizontal diameter; upper part with small warts and six fairly distinct warts on the body towards the posterior of the eyes.

Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet ‘jakoid’ is derived from the Khasi word for “frog” (jakoid), used by the indigenous Khasi people of Meghalaya, northeastern India. The name is treated as a noun in apposition. This nomenclature honours the rich linguistic and cultural heritage of the Khasi community, and emphasizes the importance of local traditional knowledge in the discovery, and conservation of biodiversity in the Khasi Hills.

Diagnostic characters: While the developmental mode of the newly described species, Raorchestes jakoid sp. nov., remains uncertain, its placement within the genus Raorchestes is supported by the following combination of characteristics: small body size, vomerine teeth absent, male possesses transparent gular pouch which is visible when calling, and tips of all fingers & toes expanded into discs with circum-marginal grooves. The new species is distinguished from relevant congeners by phylogenetic position, by call analysis based on parameters like dominant frequency, call duration, inter-call interval, call repetition rate, number of note, note duration, and inter-note interval, and by the combination of the following morphological characteristics: small body size with SVL of 18.47−21.6 mm; head wider than long; tympanum indistinct, supratympanic fold distinct; tongue pyriform, and notched posteriorly; webbing between fingers absent; rudimentary webbing between toes present; relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III, relative toe lengths: I < II < III < V < IV; inner palmar tubercle absent and outer palmar tubercle present with round shape; tibiotarsal articulation reaching posterior border of an eye when hindlimb is stretched alongside of body; nuptial pad distinctly whitish in colour; inner metatarsal tubercle oval (IMT/Toe4L 0.07 long), outer metatarsal tubercle absent; body surface slightly rough and has”)(“ shaped marking; interorbital distance larger than eye horizontal diameter; upper parts with very small warts. 

Holiness Warjri, Jayaditya Purkayastha, Hmar Tlawmte Lalremsanga and Madhurima Das. 2025. Two New Species of Bush Frogs (Anura: Rhacophoridae: Raorchestes) from Meghalaya, northeastern India. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 17(7); 27171-27194. DOI: doi.org/10.11609/jott.9461.17.7.27171-27194  

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[Herpetology • 2025] Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus • Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Sulawesi, Indonesia

 

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus  Wolf, 1936

in Herlambang, Sabinhaliduna, Trilaksono, ..., Herr et McGuire, 2025. 

Sangir Flying-frog  |  Katak-terbang Sangir  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5  

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146

Abstract

Sangihe is the northernmost island in a string of a volcanic islands that extend northward from Sulawesi toward the Philippines. Sangihe is known to host one species of flying-frog in the genus Rhacophorus, which is currently classified as a subspecies of the widespread species, R. pardalis (as R. p. rhyssocephalus). Based on newly collected material obtained during a recent expedition in Sangihe, we re-evaluated the taxonomic status of R. p. rhyssocephalus. Molecular sequences (12S rRNA, tRNA val, and 16S rRNA) were obtained for this species, and 66 additional Rhacophorid sequences were extracted from GenBank, including R. pardalis from Borneo. Our molecular analysis revealed that R. p. rhyssocephalus is sister to the Sulawesi Rhacophorus clade, and is not closely related to the widespread lineage of R. pardalis. Furthermore, R. pardalis and R. p. rhyssocephalus exhibit an uncorrected patristic distance of 16%. Our morphological comparisons also identified unique differences between Sangihe and Bornean populations of R. pardalis, such as a prominent U-shaped intraorbital ridge present in the Sangihe population but absent in Bornean population. Based on the available evidence, we elevated the taxonomic status of the Rhacophorus frog from Sangihe Island to Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus. This study highlights the taxonomic complexities and significant discoveries still to be made on this remote island, enhancing our understanding of insular evolutionary processes in this under-explored island archipelago.

Key words: endemic, Morphometric analysis, Phylogenetic analysis, Remote Island

 

Live specimen of Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus from Sangihe (MZB Amph 33593

Rhacophorus rhyssocephalus Wolf, 1936

 Etymology. We elevate Wolf’s (1936) proposed subspecies name to full species status.  Rhyssocephalus  is derived from Greek, with ‘Rhysso’ means ‘wrinkled’ and ‘Cephalus’ means ‘head’. We suggest the English common name “Sangir Flying-frog”. We suggest the Indonesian name “Katak-terbang Sangir.”

Alamsyah Elang Nusa HERLAMBANG, Efendi SABINHALIDUNA, Wahyu TRILAKSONO, Syahfitri ANITA, Awal RIYANTO, Amir HAMIDY, Isaac KRONE, Sina AMINI, María José Navarrete MÉNDEZ, Mark HERR, Jimmy A. MCGUIRE. 2025. Taxonomic Reassessment of an Enigmatic Flying Frog (Amphibia: Rhacophoridae) from Sangihe Island, Indonesia.  Zootaxa. 5636(1); 121-143. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5636.1.5 [2025-05-15] 

 Researchgate.net/publication/391771146_Taxonomic_Reassessment_of_an_Enigmatic_Rhacophoridae_from_Sangihe_Island_Indonesia

[Herpetology • 2025] Whistles in the Reeds: A New Country Record of the deeply divergent Gracixalus medogensis, with additional insights on Gracixalus frogs (Rhacophoridae) in India

Gracixalus medogensis (Ye & Hu, 1984)

in Tajo, Upadhyaya, Sarmah, Garg et Biju, 2025.

DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5659.4.3 

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photo by Caesar Sengupta facebook.com/drcaesarphotography

Abstract

The poorly known Gracixalus medogensis (Ye and Hu, 1984) was originally described from the Medog region in Tibet, China based on a single specimen. Despite a recently reported new collection from the type locality, knowledge about the species remains limited. During our recent field surveys in the state of Arunachal Pradesh, India, we collected new populations of Gracixalus frogs from Tale Valley Wildlife Sanctuary and Tiwarigaon. These were identified as belonging to G. medogensis based on external morphology and genetic evidence, constituting the first record of the species from India. Our matrilineal genealogy further recovers G. medogensis as having a deeply divergent phylogenetic position distinct from all other congeners. Additionally, we present a detailed morphological redescription of the species using multiple specimens. We also provide first insights into the male vocal repertoire in the species and compare it with call properties of other studied congeners. Furthermore, we report additional locality records in Namdapha National Park for G. patkaiensis, which was so far known as the sole representative of the genus in India. We also expand the knowledge on this species’ morphology, including colour variations, natural history, and habitat use. Our study additionally documents an interesting observation of green blood and turquoise bones in G. patkaiensis, making it the first report of this unique characteristic in a species of frog from India. Finally, our findings highlight the need to further investigate not only the diversity of Gracixalus in the northeastern region of India, but also the phylogenetic relationships among members, particularly of G. medogensis, and of Gracixalus sensu lato at large.

Amphibia, Arunachal Pradesh, Bioacoustics, Himalaya Biodiversity Hotspot, Green blood and turquoise bones, Medog, Tree frogs, Systematic relationships, Taxonomy, Vocal repertoire

 

Gracixalus medogensis (Ye and Hu, 1984)

 

Tage TAJO, Radhakrishna UPADHYAYA K., A. N. Dikshit Akalabya SARMAH, Sonali GARG and S. D. BIJU. 2025. Whistles in the Reeds: A New Country Record of the deeply divergent Gracixalus medogensis, with additional insights on Gracixalus frogs (Rhacophoridae) in India. Zootaxa. 5659(4); 511-535. DOI: doi.org/10.11646/zootaxa.5659.4.3 [2025-07-07]

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