A new species of the genus Liuixalus (Anura: Rhacophoridae) from southern China

Zootaxa. 2015 Jul 24;3990(2):247-58. doi: 10.11646/zootaxa.3990.2.5.

Abstract

A new tree frog species of the genus Liuixalus was described from Heishiding Nature Reserve, Guangdong Province, China based on a combination of morphological characters and molecular phylogenetic analyses. Liuixalus feii sp. nov. is distinguished from its congeners by a combination of following characters: small size (SVL 16.2-17.6 mm in adult males and 18.0-18.7 mm in adult females); snout obtusely pointed; tympanum distinct, about half size of eye diameter; nostril closer to eye than to the tip of snout; fingers free of webbing; toe III longer than toe V; toes weakly webbed; tibiotarsal articulation reaching the naris or loreal; dorsal skin smooth and scattered with fine granulars; a subtle longitudinal median ridge present on dorsum; weak skin folds present on dorsal surface of body and thighs; supratympanic fold distinct and curved; ventral surface dull white with more or less irregular dark spots; iris bicolored. The new species appears to be forest-dependent and to date has only been found on the forest floor in primary forests at elevations between 350-800 m. Based on our molecular analyses, we consider Liuixalus catbaensis as a junior synonym of L. calcarius. Thus, with the description of the new species, the genus Liuixalus hitherto contains five recognized species, four of which are endemic to China.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animal Distribution
  • Animal Structures / anatomy & histology
  • Animal Structures / growth & development
  • Animals
  • Anura / anatomy & histology
  • Anura / classification*
  • Anura / genetics
  • Anura / growth & development
  • Body Size
  • China
  • Female
  • Male
  • Organ Size
  • Phylogeny