[Herpetology • 2026] Tylototriton guilinensis • A New Species of Genus Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) from northeastern Guangxi, China

 Tylototriton guilinensis 

Xiao, Chen, Wu, Pan, Chen, Yu & Huang, 2026

桂林疣螈 | Guilin Crocodile Newt  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184792

 photos by Yuanqiang Pan

Abstract

Currently, the genus Tylototriton comprises 44 species, of which 24 occur in China, and only one is formally recorded in Guangxi, China. In this study, based on evidence from molecular and morphological comparisons, we describe a new species of the genus Tylototriton, Tylototriton guilinensis sp. nov., from Quanzhou County, Guilin City, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China. Phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 genes strongly supported that this new species belongs to the T. asperrimus species group and is sister to the clade of T. dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis. This new taxon can be distinguished from all other known congeners by the following morphological characteristics: (1) medium body size (117.86 ± 9.46 mm); (2) rib nodules flattened, indistinct, not separated, and almost in continuous longitudinal rows, forming a dorsolateral fold; (3) orange coloration of the rib nodules absent; (4) orange markings on the parotoid absent; (5) head wider than long (HDL/HDW = 0.92–0.99); (6) finger tips extending beyond the snout when forelimbs are stretched forward; (7) tips of forelimbs and hindlimbs reaching and overlapping when folded towards the body; (8) snout truncate, nearly square-shaped in dorsal view; (9) gular fold present; (10) adult males possessing cloacal papillae within the fissure; (11) peripheral area of cloaca orange; (12) the orange coloration at the ventral edge of the tail contacting the orange coloration around the cloaca. In addition, we find that T. asperrimus from Baise, Guangxi, actually belongs to T. sini.

Key Words: morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy, Tylototriton asperrimus, Tylototriton guilinensis sp. nov.

 

The holotype of Tylototriton guilinensis sp. nov. (GXNU YU001042) in life.
Dorsolateral (A), dorsal (B), and ventral (C) views.

  (Photo by Yuanqiang Pan).

 

Tylototriton guilinensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. Tylototriton guilinensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from all other congeners by the following combination of morphological characteristics: (1) medium body size (117.9 ± 9.5 mm); (2) rib nodules flatten, indistinct, not separated, and almost in continuous longitudinal rows forming a dorsolateral fold; (3) orange coloration of the rib nodules absent; (4) orange markings on the parotoid absent; (5) head wider (HDW) than long (HDL) (HDL/HDW = 0.92‒0.99); (6) finger tips extending beyond the snout when forelimbs stretched forward; (7) tips of forelimbs and hindlimbs reaching and overlapping when folded towards the body; (8) snout truncate, nearly square shaped in dorsal view; (9) gular fold present; (10) adult males possessing cloacal papillae within the fissure; (11) peripheral area of cloaca orange; and (12) the orange coloration at the ventral edge of tail contacted with the orange coloration around the cloaca.

Etymology. The new species is named after its type locality, Guilin City in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. We propose the Chinese name as “桂林疣螈” (Guì Lín Yóu Yuán) and the English common name as “Guilin Crocodile Newt.”

 Wei Xiao, Xinbin Chen, Xiangjian Wu, Yuanqiang Pan, Ju Chen, Guohua Yu and Huayuan Huang. 2026. A New Species of Genus Tylototriton (Caudata, Salamandridae) from northeastern Guangxi, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 102(2): 671-686. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.184792

[Herpetology • 2026] Tylototriton vietnamirabilis • A New Species of Tylototriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) from Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, Nghe An Province, Vietnam

Tylototriton vietnamirabilis 

 Ong, T. Q. Phan, Hoang, M. H. T. Nguyen, T. T. Nguyen, Ziegler, T. Q. Nguyen and C. T. Pham, 2026

Vietnamazing Crocodile Newt  | Cá cóc việt nam kỳ thú  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1276.173848 

Abstract

A new species of crocodile newt, Tylototriton vietnamirabilis sp. nov., is described from Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, Nghe An Province, in the border area between Vietnam and Laos, based on molecular divergence and morphological differences. Tylototriton vietnamirabilis sp. nov. differs from other species in the subgenus Tylototriton by its body size, tail length, glandular ridge on the midline of crown of head, parotoid shape, appearance of vertebral ridge, number of dorsolateral glandular warts, the presence of a gular fold, coloration of head and body, and the presence of lateral grooves on tail. In terms of genetic distance, the new species differs from other congeners for which comparable sequences are available by at least 5.33–5.35% (T. panwaensis) and 5.35–5.37% (T. anguliceps), based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene. Our new finding brings the total number of known species in the genus Tylototriton from Vietnam to 10. Because the new species is currently known to be restricted to evergreen montane forests on Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, we recommend to be classified as Endangered (EN) on the IUCN Red List.

Key words: Crocodile newts, morphology, ND2 gene, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy, Tylototriton vietnamirabilis sp. nov.

Paratypes of Tylototriton vietnamirabilis sp. nov. in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view (IB A.6427, male); B. Dorsolateral view (IB A.6429, female). Photos: Cuong The Pham.

Tylototriton vietnamirabilis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis. The new species is assigned to the subgenus Tylototriton based on the results of the molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following morphological attributes: back with dorsal granules, head with dorsolateral bony ridges, knob-like warts or rib nodules present on dorsolateral body, and the absence of quadrate spine (Le et al. 2015; Fei and Ye 2016; Pomchote et al. 2021, 2024). The new species is diagnosed from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: (1) size medium (SVL 61.2–67.9 mm, TL 64.3–75.2 mm in males, and SVL 71.6 mm, TL 78.3 mm in a single female); (2) tail longer than the snout-vent length; (3) head longer than wide; (4) glandular ridge on midline of crown distinct; (5) parotoids prominent and enlarged, projecting backwards; (6) vertebral ridge large, raised, and glandular in appearance; (7) 15 or 16 distinct dorsolateral glandular warts; (8) gular fold present; (9) dorsolateral bony ridges, parotoids, rib nodules, and vertebral ridge dull orange; and (10) tail with distinct lateral grooves.

Etymology. The name “vietnamirabilis” is a Latinized form of the modern word creation Vietnamazing. The new species is named to highlight the Vietnamazing conservation campaign 2024–2025 of the European Association of Zoos and Aquariums (EAZA). The Vietnamazing campaign aimed to raise public awareness of Vietnam’s unique biodiversity and its conservation, establish conservation projects with crocodile newts being one of the flagship groups of the campaign and raise funds for species conservation, following and higlighting IUCN's "One Plan Approach to Conservation". From 2026 onwards, after the completion of the EAZA campaign, Vietnamazing will continue as the Vietnamazing conservation network, a program under ZGAP (Zoological Society for the Conservation of Species and Populations). As common names, we suggest Vietnamazing Crocodile Newt (English), Cá cóc việt nam kỳ thú (Vietnamese).

 An Vinh Ong, Tien Quang Phan, Chung Van Hoang, Mai Hong Thi Nguyen, Tao Thien Nguyen, Thomas Ziegler, Truong Quang Nguyen and Cuong The Pham. 2026. A New Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia, Salamandridae) from Phu Xai Lai Leng Mountain, Nghe An Province, Vietnam. ZooKeys. 1276: 285-305. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1276.173848 [08 Apr 2026]

[Herpetology • 2026] Tylototriton wufengensis • A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (Urodela: Salamandridae) from central China

 Tylototriton wufengensis

Li, Shi, Liu, Luo, J. Wang, Liao, Y. Wang, Gong, Wu & B. Wang, 2026 

DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173283 

Abstract

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Tylototriton from Wufeng County, Hubei Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16S rRNA and ND2 gene sequences supported the new species as an independent clade, sister to a clade containing Tylototriton dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16S rRNA and ND2 genes between the new species and its closest congeners were 0.7% and 1.7%, respectively. Divergence time estimates indicated separation from T. dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis at 2.53 million years ago (Mya; 95% highest posterior density [HPD]: 1.53–3.72 Mya). Bayesian species delimitation (BFD and bPTP analyses) strongly supported the new taxon as a distinct species. Morphologically, it is distinguished by: (1) moderate body size (SVL 63.7–77.2 mm in males, 74.9–88.1 mm in females); (2) head width exceeding head length; (3) presence of a gular fold; (4) tail shorter than snout–vent length; (5) orange distal digits, cloacal periphery, and tail margin; (6) limb tips meeting when fore- and hindlimbs are pressed along the trunk; (7) fingertips extending beyond the snout when forelimbs are stretched forward; and (8) continuous, indistinct, nodule-like warts on the body sides.

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

Photographs of the holotype CIB WF20240502001 of Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. in life.
A. Lateral view; B. Dorsal view; C. Ventral view; D. Tail; E. Lateral view of the head; F. Dorsal view of the head; G. Ventral view of the hand; H. Ventral view of the foot; I. Cloaca.

(Photos A–I by Shengchao Shi.)

Color variation in  Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. of the female specimen CIB WF20240502004.
A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsal view of the head; C. Ventral view; D. Cloaca.

 (Photos A–D by Shengchao Shi.)

 

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis.

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Tylototriton based upon molecular phylogenetic analyses and the following morphological characters: presence of dorsal granules, dorsolateral bony ridges on the head, knob-like warts on dorsolateral body, and the absence of a quadrate spine.

Tylototriton wufengensis sp. nov. can be distinguished from other congeners by the following characters: (1) body size moderate (SVL 63.7–77.2 mm in males and 74.9–88.1 mm in females); (2) head width larger than head length; (3) gular fold present; (4) the tail length shorter than the snout-vent length; (5) the distal ends and ventral surfaces of digits, peripheral area of cloaca, and the lower margin of tail orange; (6) the distal tips of the limbs just meeting when the fore and hindlimbs being pressed along the trunk; (7) fingertips reaching to the level beyond the snout when the forelimbs being stretched forward; (8) nodule-like warts on body sides that are continuous and not obvious.

 Shize Li, Shengchao Shi, Jing Liu, Zhonghao Luo, Jiajun Wang, Linhong Liao, Yeqing Wang, Renhu Gong, Jun Wu and Bin Wang. 2026. Description of A New Species of the Asian Newt Genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (Urodela, Salamandridae) from central China. Zoosystematics and Evolution 102(1): 181-197. doi.org/10.3897/zse.102.173283 

[Herpetology • 2025] Paramesotriton chongqingensis • Morphological and Molecular Evidence reveal A New Species of the Genus Paramesotriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) from Chongqing, China

 

Paramesotriton chongqingensis  

 Q. Ma, Li, Yang, Wan, C.-C. Ma, Shi et Wang, 2025. 

Chongqing Warty Newt | 重庆瘰螈  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.168621  

Abstract

Based on morphological and molecular phylogenetic evidence, this study describes a new species of the salamandrid genus Paramesotriton discovered in Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing Municipality, China. The taxonomic status of this new species was established through integrated morphological characterization and multi-gene phylogenetic analysis (mitochondrial genes ND2 and Cytb, and nuclear gene POMC). The new species is primarily diagnosed by the following characteristics: presence of horn-like projections posterior to the head; black ground coloration on the throat and venter adorned with irregular orange-red blotches; bluntly rounded tail tip; and overlapping digits when the limbs are pressed along the body flank with the forelimb backward and the hind limb forward. Additional diagnostic characteristics include the absence of vestigial gills and gill filaments and lack of yellow spots on lateral sides of dorsum and tail. Molecular phylogenetic analyses place the new species within the P. caudopunctatus group (Clade B), forming a strongly supported sister group (BI = 0.91, ML = 74) to the combined clade comprising P. maolanensis, P. wumengshanensis and P. longliensis. The minimum genetic distance between the new species and its closest relative P. maolanensis reaches 0.78% (Cytb, p-distances), exceeding interspecific divergence observed among some congeners (e.g., 0.63% between P. maolanensis and P. longliensis), further supporting its distinct species status. This discovery further validates the persistence of cryptic diversity in the karst mountain regions of southwestern China, such as the Wuling Mountains. The new species has a restricted distribution and specialization to stream habitats at elevations of 700–1000 meters which render it is highly susceptible to threats from habitat fragmentation and illegal exploitation. It is recommended that this species should be categorized as “threatened” and that urgent conservation measures need to be implemented.

Key Words: cryptic species, Paramesotriton chongqingensis sp. nov., Southwestern China, Wuling Mountains

Holotype of Paramesotriton chongqingensis sp. nov. (CMNH1662) in life. A. Dorsal view; B. Lateral view; C. Ventral view.

Photos by Qi Ma.

Habitat of Paramesotriton chongqingensis at the type locality in Ditang Township, Pengshui Miao and Tujia Autonomous County, Chongqing, China.
 A. Habit; B. Ecological photo of specimen CMNH1575.

Photos by Qi Ma.

 Paramesotriton chongqingensis sp. nov.

Diagnosis. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by the following combination of morphological characteristics: (1) rough skin; (2) coloration of the vertebral ridge similar to, or slightly lighter than, the body coloration; (3) presence of horn-like projections posterodorsally on the head; (4) ventral surface of throat and body black with irregular orange-red or orange-yellow spots or streaks; (5) absence of vestigial gills and gill filaments in adults; (6) tail tip in a bluntly rounded tip; (7) absence of spotting on cheek, lateral sides of dorsum, lateral sides of tail, base of limbs; (8) forelimbs relatively long, when stretched forward along body their fingertips extend beyond the anterior corner of the eye; when forelimbs and hind limbs adpressed, palm and tarsus overlap; (9) both males and females possess yellow-white caudal stripes; ventral orange-red stripe extends from cloaca to tail tip or covers only proximal part near cloaca, disappearing at approximately 1/8 of tail length.

Etymology. The specific epithet “chongqingensis” is named after the type locality, Chongqing, China. We suggest the English common name “Chongqing Warty Newt” and the Chinese common name “重庆瘰螈” (Chóng qìng luǒ yuán). 

 Qi Ma, Shi-Ze Li, Xiao Yang, Li-Peng Wan, Cheng-Cheng Ma, Sheng-Chao Shi and Zhi-Jian Wang. 2025. Morphological and Molecular Evidence reveal A New Species of the Genus Paramesotriton (Caudata, Salamandridae) from Chongqing, China. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 101(4): 2207-2220.  DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zse.101.168621  

[Herpetology • 2025] Pachytriton cheni • A New Species of Pachytriton (Caudata: Salamandridae) from Anhui, China

 Pachytriton cheni  

 He, S. Wu, S.-Q. Wang, Ma, Zhao, X. Wu & S. Wang, 2025 

Chen’s Stout Newt | 陈氏肥螈  ||  DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15203018 

Abstract

China is a global hotspot for amphibian biodiversity, yet under-explored montane regions harbor undiscovered cryptic species. Using integrative taxonomy, we describe a new salamandrid species, Pachytriton cheni sp. nov., from Qingliangfeng Nature Reserve, Anhui. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial (ND2, cytb) and nuclear (RAG1, POMC) genes strongly support it as a monophyletic sister lineage to P. granulosus, with significant mitochondrial p-distances (4.39–10.22%) and unique nuclear haplotypes. Bayes factor species delimitation under the multispecies coalescent model (MSC) decisively rejects conspecificity with P. granulosus (2lnBF = 24.52). Morphologically, it is diagnosed by its small size; oval, narrow head (length > width); nearly black dorsum lacking bright orange spots; smooth skin; occipital V-shaped ridge; orange-red abdomen with brown markings; prominent neck folds; and minimal digit gap when limbs are adpressed. This discovery increases Pachytriton species to ten, highlights high-elevation montane ecosystems as key biodiversity refuges in East China, and underscores the need for further surveys to clarify the genus’s phylogeny.

Keywords: Pachytriton cheni sp. nov.; southeast Chinese hilly area; morphology; molecular phylogeny; multispecies coalescent model; species delimitation; taxonomy; biodiversity

 Holotype (ANU 20230001) of Pachytriton cheni sp. nov. in preservative.

photo: Siyu Wu.

Pachytriton cheni sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) A small-sized newt of the genus Pachytriton, males 57.1–69.1 mm and females 63.9–68.7 mm SVL; (2) head oval and narrow, head length greater than head width; (3) nearly black dorsal ground coloration lacking both bright orange spots and black speckling; (4) smooth skin texture; (5) the occipital region typically exhibits a distinct V-shaped ridge; (6) the abdomen is orange-red with several short brown streaks or vermiculate spots; (7) significant neck folds; (8) when adpressed, the digits of forelimbs and hindlimbs approach each other with minimal intervening space.

Etymology: The species is named in honor of the late Professor Bi-Hui Chen (1931–2022), a world-renowned herpetologist who dedicated his life to vertebrate education and research. Celebrated as the “father of the Chinese alligator”, Professor Chen decoded the survival strategies of the critically endangered Alligator sinensis through persistent field studies. His work was pivotal in developing effective conservation breeding programs that ultimately rescued the species from the brink of extinction. He also co-authored the seminal work “Anhui Amphibians and Reptiles Fauna” [40], which has profoundly contributed to herpetological studies in Anhui Province and across China. We name this new species Pachytriton cheni in his memory, proposing “Chen’s Stout Newt” as its English common name and “陈氏肥螈 (chén shì féi yuán)” as its Chinese common name.

Figure 6. (a)  Pachytriton cheni sp. nov. in life; (b) habitat at the Pachytriton cheni sp. nov. in Qingliangfeng Nature Reserve, Huangshan, Anhui, China.

 (a) Photo by Supen Wang; (b) Photo by Zhirong He.

 

 Zhirong He, Siyu Wu, Shanqing Wang, Li Ma, Na Zhao, Xiaobing Wu and Supen Wang. 2025. A New Species of Pachytriton (Amphibia: Caudata: Salamandridae) from Anhui, China. Animals. 15(20), 3018. DOI: doi.org/10.3390/ani15203018 [17 October 2025]

 

Simple Summary: China is home to many unique amphibians, but some species remain undiscovered in remote mountain areas. In this study, scientists identified a new species of salamander from Qingliangfeng Nature Reserve in Anhui Province. The researchers used molecular and morphological analysis to confirm that this salamander is different from any known species. The new salamander is small, with a body length of 57.1–69.1 mm for males and 63.9–68.7 mm for females. It has a narrow head, smooth black skin on its back, and an orange-red belly with brown markings. A distinctive V-shaped ridge on the back of its head and prominent neck folds further distinguish it from similar species. DNA tests showed clear genetic differences from related salamanders, confirming it as a separate species. This discovery increases the number of known salamander species in this group to eleven, highlighting the rich biodiversity of China’s mountain ecosystems. As a protected species living in a specific high-elevation habitat, this new salamander needs special conservation attention. The findings contribute to our understanding of biodiversity and provide valuable information for developing effective conservation strategies to protect this unique species and its fragile mountain stream habitat.

[Herpetology • 2024] Tylototriton koliaensis • Multiple Lines of Evidence for A New Cryptic Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia: Salamandridae) from northern Vietnam

 

 Tylototriton koliaensis 
Poyarkov, Nguyen, S.X. Le, D.X. Le,  Arkhipov, Gorin, Hernandez & Dufresnes, 2024

 Cao Bang Crocodile Newt ||  Researchgate.net/publication/385746634 

facebook.com: Nguyen Van Tan

Using molecular (mitochondrial DNA, multilocus genomic loci) and phenotypic (morphology, coloration, osteology) analyses, we reveal a new cryptic species of crocodile newt of the Tylototriton asperrimus species group from Viet Bac Mountain Range, northern Vietnam. The new species was previously confounded with T. asperrimus, T. vietnamensis and more recently T. ziegleri, its closest relative, from which it can be distinguished by a combination of diagnostic characters at phenotypic traits including rib nodules, cranial bony ridges, skin granulation, orange spotting patterns, vomerine teeth shape and relative limb size. General differences in body shape between the new species and T. ziegleri s. str. are further corroborated by multivariate morphological analyses. Phylogenetic analysis of the ND2 and 16S rRNA mtDNA gene fragments (1665 bp) confirm the placement of the new species in the subgenus Yaotriton as the sister species of T. ziegleri s. str. (p-distance 2.7 % in the ND2 gene). Furthermore, the differentiation of the two species is fully supported by the analysis of 3901 genomic loci (556,209 bp) obtained by double digest RAD-sequencing. The new species is presently isolated in the northeastern parts of the Viet Bac Massif (Ngan Son Mountain Range) while T. ziegleri s. str. is restricted to its western part (Song Gam Mountain Range); their respective ranges are presumably separated by the Gam River Valley. The new species is probably threatened by extinction on the short term, being currently known only from montane evergreen broadleaf forests (~1000–1400 m of elevation) in the Nguyen Binh and Bao Lac districts of Cao Bang Province of Vietnam, but potentially extending to Jingxi County in the adjacent Guangxi Province of China. Our study emphasizes the benefits of relatively new technologies such as high-throughput sequencing and X-ray microtomography for the integrative taxonomy of cryptic, closely related amphibian species, and brings research on the iconic genus Tylototriton into the genomic era.

Keywords: 16S rRNA, Cao Bang Province, ddRAD-seq, endemism, Gam River, micro-CT scanning, mtDNA genealogy, ND2, taxonomy, Tylototriton ziegleri

 Distribution of  Tylototriton koliaensis sp. nov. (red), T. ziegleri s. str. (blue) and T. thaiorum (green) in northern Indochina. A, map of Indochina, the inset shows the area of the studied species. B, localities of the studied species; see Table 1 for locality details. Dots show type localities. Locality 4 was not confirmed with molecular data and should be regarded as Tylototriton cf. koliaensis sp. nov.

Specimens of  Tylototriton koliaensis sp. nov. in life from Kolia Mountain Pass, Phia Oac-Phia Den National Park, Nguyen Binh, Cao Bang Province, Vietnam.
A, holotype ZMMU A-8157, female, in situ; B, paratype ZMMU A-8158, male, in situ.

 Photographs by Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

Tylototriton koliaensis Poyarkov, Nguyen, Le, Le,  Arkhipov, Gorin, Hernandez & Dufresnes, sp. nov. 

Cao Bang Crocodile Newt

 Holotype of Tylototriton koliaensis sp. nov. (ZMMU A-8157, female) in preservative. A, dorsal view; B, ventral view; C, head, dorsal view; D, head, ventral view; E, head, lateral view; F, palmar view of right hand; G, plantar view of left foot; H, ventral view of cloacal area.

 Photographs by Nikolay A. Poyarkov.

Specimens of Tylototriton ziegleri s. str. in life.
 A, male ZMMU A-8167 from Thanh Van Village, Quang Ba, Bat Dai Son Nature Reserve, Ha Giang Province, Vietnam, in situ; B, male from Chieu Lau Thi Mt., Ha Giang Province, Vietnam, in situ (not collected); C, male from Wenshan, Yunnan Province, China, in situ (not collected).

Photographs by Nikolay A. Poyarkov (A), Loi Phuoc Tran (B), and Yinpeng Zhang (C).

Nikolay A. POYARKOV, Tan Van NGUYEN, Son Xuan LE, Dac Xuan LE, Dmitriy V. ARKHIPOV, Vladislav A. GORIN, Axel HERNANDEZ and Christophe DUFRESNES. 2024. Multiple Lines of Evidence for A New Cryptic Species of Tylototriton (Amphibia, Salamandridae) from northern Vietnam. Alytes. 41(1-4); 56-98. 

 Researchgate.net/publication/385746634_a_new_cryptic_species_of_Tylototriton_from_northern_Vietnam

  facebook.com/61554349471203/posts/122114909702144982

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

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

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

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

Abstract

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

Key Words: morphology, new species, phylogeny, taxonomy

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

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

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

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

 

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

 

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

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

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

Photos by You-Xiang Zhang.

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

[Herpetology • 2024] Tylototriton soimalai • A New Species of the Genus Tylototriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Tak Province, northwestern Thailand

 Tylototriton soimalai  

Pomchote, Peerachidacho, Khonsue, Sapewisut, Hernandez, Phalaraksh, Siriput & Nishikawa, 2024 

กะท่างน้ำดอยสอยมาลัย  || DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1215.116624 

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Abstract

A new species of the crocodile newt genus Tylototriton from Doi Soi Malai located at Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, Tak Province, northwestern Thailand is described based on molecular and morphological evidence, and named as Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. The new species is the seventh recorded species of the genus Tylototriton reported in Thailand. It differs morphologically from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characteristics: head longer than wide; snout blunt or truncate; sagittal ridge on head narrow, short and distinct; dorsolateral bony ridges on head pronounced and rough; parotoids distinct; vertebral ridge prominent, wide and not segmented; 14–16 distinct, rounded and isolated rib nodules but posterior nodules connected; tips of fore- and hind limbs overlapping when adpressed along the body. The body background color is black, while the color markings are orange. Molecular analysis indicated that Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. is a distinct lineage and sister to T. uyenoi with a 4.1% genetic sequence divergence based on the mitochondrial NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 gene. The new species is currently restricted to the hill evergreen forests of Doi Soi Malai. The implementation of a strategic plan is recommended to protect both the species and its habitat from anthropogenic activities.

Key words: Conservation, crocodile newt, morphology, phylogeny, Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov.

The male holotype of Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. (CUMZ-A-8253) observed at the type locality.

The two larvae of  Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. in life.

 Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov.

 (Thai name: Ka Tang Nam Doi Soi Malai - กะท่างน้ำดอยสอยมาลัย) 

(English name: Doi Soi Malai Crocodile Newt)

Diagnosis: Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Tylototriton by having a combination of dorsal granules present, dorsolateral bony ridges on head present, knob-like warts or rib nodules on dorsolateral body present, and quadrate spine absent. Tylototriton soimalai sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following morphological characters: (1) medium-sized, adult SVL 66.3–66.5 mm in males; (2) skin rough with fine granules; (3) head longer than wide; (4) snout blunt or truncate in dorsal view, and extending beyond the lower jaw in lateral view; (5) sagittal ridge on head narrow, short, and distinct; (6) dorsolateral bony ridges on head pronounced, with rough surface, posterior ends weakly or hardly ...

Etymology: The specific epithet soimalai refers to Doi Soi Malai, Mae Tuen Wildlife Sanctuary, the type locality of the new species; it is a noun in apposition, thus invariable.

Current distribution of the genus Tylototriton in Thailand.
Tylototriton verrucosus (pale blue); T. anguliceps (green); 
T. uyenoi (red); T. cf. uyenoi (red outlined with dark red); 
T. soimalai sp. nov. (tan); T. phukhaensis (black); and T. panhai (dark blue).

NP = National Park and WS = Wildlife Sanctuary.

 The map is modified from https://www.mitrearth.org.

  

 Porrawee Pomchote, Parada Peerachidacho, Wichase Khonsue, Pitak Sapewisut, Axel Hernandez, Chitchol Phalaraksh, Parunchai Siriput and Kanto Nishikawa. 2024. The Seventh Species of the Newt Genus Tylototriton in Thailand: A New Species (Urodela, Salamandridae) from Tak Province, northwestern Thailand.  ZooKeys. 1215: 185-208. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1215.116624  

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[Herpetology • 2024] Hypselotriton huanggangensis • A New Species of the Newt Genus Hypselotriton (Urodela: Salamandridae) from Jiangxi Province, southeastern China

Hypselotriton huanggangensis Jiang, Huang, Fan, Cheng, Raffaëlli & Chen, 

 in Jiang, S.Huang, Fan, Cheng, Gong, Cui, Zhang, Lan, Zou, X. Huang, Raffaëlli et Chen, 2024. 

Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt | 黄岗山蝾螈  ||  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.1208.126092

Abstract

A new newt species, Hypselotriton huanggangensis sp. nov., is described based on nine specimens collected from Huanggangshan Mountains, Yanshan County, Jiangxi, China. Morphologically, the new species is characterized by the combination of nine external characters: (1) obvious black patches with clear boundaries on the whole body; (2) ground color of the dorsal body tan; (3) ground color of venter bright orange; (4) skin rough; (5) vertebral ridge weak; (6) fingers and toes overlapping when forelimb and hindlimb adpressed towards each other along body; (7) postocular orange spot absent; (8) small white warty glands around the eye; (9) two discontinuous longitudinal lines formed by white warty glands from neck to lateral parts of tail. Molecularly, the new species forms an independent clade with strong support in the phylogenetic trees of the genus based on the mitochondrial locus of NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (ND2) gene fragments. The new species distinctly differs from H. fudingensis by differences in its body measurements, vertebral ridge, dorsal black patches, and ventral black patches. Furthermore, the new species and H. fudingensis are geographically isolated by a series of high mountain ranges, including the Wuyishan and Jiufengshan Mountains. The number of Hypselotriton species is now 11.

Key words: Black patches, fire-bellied newts, geographical isolation, morphology, phylogenetics, taxonomy

Paratypes of Hypselotriton huanggangensis sp. nov. (HSA23075)
A dorsalateral view in life B ventral view in life C small waterhole around mountain shrubs without direct sunlight at the type locality.

Comparison of holotype of Hypselotriton huanggangensis sp. nov. (left, HSA23097) and Hypselotriton fudingensis (right, HSA23108) in life A dorsal view B ventral view, 1, 5 obvious black patches, 2 weak vertebral ridge, 3 small spots, 4 conspicuous vertebral ridge, 6 bright orange venter without dark blotches.

 Hypselotriton huanggangensis Jiang, Huang, Fan, Cheng, Raffaëlli & Chen, sp. nov.

Diagnosis: (1) Small body size, TOL 73.0–79.1 mm in adult males, TOL 79.6–89.4 mm in adult females; (2) obvious black patches with clear boundaries on the whole body; (3) ground color of the dorsal body tan; (4) skin rough; (5) ground color of venter bright orange; (6) vertebral ridge weak; (7) fingers and toes overlapping when forelimb and hindlimb adpressed towards each other along body; (8) parotoid gland inconspicuous; (9) postocular orange spot absent; (10) white warty glands around the eye; (11) two discontinuous longitudinal lines which consist of white warty glands from neck to lateral parts of tail (Fig. 6).

Etymology: The specific name huanggangensis refers to the type locality in the Huanggangshan Mountains. For the English common name, we suggest “Huanggangshan Fire-bellied Newt” and for the Chinese name, 黄岗山蝾螈 (huáng gǎng shān róng yuán).

 Zhihao Jiang, Song Huang, Qiangyong Fan, Lin Cheng, Yanan Gong, Zhangbo Cui, Tierui Zhang, Wenjun Lan, Zhian Zou, Xuanzhi Huang, Jean Raffaëlli and Jinmin Chen. 2024. A New Species of the Newt Genus Hypselotriton (Amphibia, Urodela, Salamandridae) from Jiangxi Province, southeastern China. ZooKeys. 1208: 331-346. DOI: doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.1208.126092

[Herpetology • 2024] Triturus rudolfi • Morphological and Genetic Diversification of Pygmy and Marbled Newts (Salamandridae: Triturus), with the Description of A New Species from the wider Lisbon Peninsula

Triturus rudolfi 

 Arntzen, 2024

Malkmus’ pygmy newt or Lisbon pygmy newt  ||  DOI: 10.1163/18759866-bja10057 

 Researchgate.net/publication/378921494

Abstract

Iberian populations of large-bodied newts, with Triturus marmoratus in the north and T. pygmaeus in the south of the peninsula, were studied for external morphology, mitochondrial dna and for a panel of single nucleotide polymorphisms. This confirmed the species’ low level of interspecific hybridization and their parapatric, mosaic-like mutual range border across the peninsula. The genetic data also revealed substantial variation within T. pygmaeus, with narrow (0.43–35.2 km) clinal transitions in the very centre of Portugal. Similar clines were observed for body size and colouration pattern. Pygmy newts in the west of Portugal are larger, with a more striped (less reticulated) green dorso-lateral colouration pattern than those in the east and south of the country. The western group of populations is described as a new species, Triturus rudolfi sp. nov., on account of a long, ca. 2.5 Ma, independent evolutionary history and limited hybridization with its sister-species T. pygmaeus, suggesting selection against hybrid offspring. The range of the newly described species may be restricted to the wider Lisbon Peninsula, stretching northwards along the Atlantic coast to the river Vouga estuary. Inland, the range border may be set by the lower Tejo River, or by the currently wide area of agricultural land at either side of that river, that may accommodate a residual hybrid zone. The close contact between both pygmy newt species is effectively limited to a ca. 20 × 40 km area directly north of the town Entroncamento, where T. rudolfi sp. nov. is sandwiched in between T. marmoratus and the river Tejo.

Keywords: clinal variation; colouration pattern; hybrid zone; Lisbon pygmy newt; mitochondrial dna; morphometrics; Portugal; single nucleotide polymorphisms; Triturus marmoratus; Triturus pygmaeus; Triturus rudolfi sp. nov.

The Iberian Peninsula with the approximate distributions of four taxa of large-bodied newts as described in table 1. Colour codes are: blue – Triturus marmoratus, dark red – T. pygmaeus pygmaeus, light red – T. p. lusitanicus and brown – Triturus rudolfi nov. sp., i.e., the newly described species from the wider Lisbon Peninsula. Letters indicate the capital cities Lisbon, Portugal (L) and Madrid, Spain (M) as well as Peniche (P) at the Atlantic coast. Major rivers partially coinciding with (sub)species borders are the Guadalquivir, the Vouga and the Tejo. The new species’ type locality Lagoa Seca near Valado dos Frades is indicated by a long arrow.

The insert shows an adult male T. marmoratus.

Holotype of Triturus rudolfi sp. nov. at right (top) and left lateral view (middle), and in ventral view (bottom). Size bar is 1 cm.
Stored at the Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, Madrid, Spain under catalogue number 51784.

Triturus rudolfi sp. nov. from Serra de Sintra (top) and from the Colares and Janas region (middle and bottom).

Triturus rudolfi sp. nov.

Diagnostic features – the newly recognized species is most closely related to, yet morphologically distinguishable from T. pygmaeus, on account of a lower number of green coloured dorso-lateral transversal bands (‘links’). Body size larger than in T. pygmaeus. Significant genetic differences for population groups at either side of the cline near Entroncamento were found at 34 out of 54 investigated nuclear markers, as well as for mitochondrial dna. Body size smaller than in T. marmoratus, with a higher number of links and with a light rather than dark coloured underside.

Derivatio nominis – the species name is chosen in honour of Mr. Rudolf Malkmus, in recognition of his contribution to the knowledge of the Portuguese herpetofauna. Mr. Malkmus placed the Portuguese herpetofauna on the map, not just as a figure of speech, but also literally (Malkmus, 2004).

Suggested vernacular name – Malkmus’ pygmy newt or Lisbon pygmy newt. I further advocate to restrict the name ‘marbled newt’ to T. marmoratus and to use ‘pygmy newts’ for T. pygmaeus and T. rudolfi sp. nov. (see also table 1).

Distribution – the Lisbon Peninsula in Portugal, reaching northward along the Atlantic Ocean up to the river Vouga estuary. Approximate range borders: bounded by T. marmoratus in the north at ca. 39.5 N, separated from T. pygmaeus in the east by the Tejo River and in the northeast by a narrow hybrid zone that is wedged in between T. marmoratus territory and the river Tejo.

  Jan W. Arntzen. 2024. Morphological and Genetic Diversification of Pygmy and Marbled Newts, with the Description of A New Species from the wider Lisbon Peninsula (Triturus, Salamandridae). Contributions to Zoology. DOI: 10.1163/18759866-bja10057

  Researchgate.net/publication/378921494_Morphological_and_genetic_diversification_of_Triturus_from_the_wider_Lisbon_Peninsula