Research Article |
Corresponding author: Chun-Lian Wu ( wcl_xj@163.com ) Corresponding author: Yun-He Wu ( yunhe2009@163.com ) Corresponding author: Jing Che ( chej@mail.kiz.ac.cn ) Academic editor: Umilaela Arifin
© 2024 Yu-Yang Cao, Chatmongkon Suwannapoom, Felista Kasyoka Kilunda, Wei Gao, Chun-Lian Wu, Yun-He Wu, Jing Che.
This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited.
Citation:
Cao Y-Y, Suwannapoom C, Kasyoka Kilunda F, Gao W, Wu C-L, Wu Y-H, Che J (2024) Taxonomic revision of the genus Micryletta (Amphibia, Microhylidae), with description of a new species from Thailand. Zoosystematics and Evolution 100(4): 1361-1373. https://doi.org/10.3897/zse.100.129398
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The genus Micryletta is widely distributed in South China and Southeast Asia. Although significant progress has been made in the diversity and taxonomy of this genus over the past few years, the distribution range and taxonomy of some species still remain controversial, especially in M. inornata sensu lato. Consequently, limitations at national borders have resulted in a lack of comparative research on species from different countries. To resolve the classification dispute, assess species diversity, and determine the distribution range of Micryletta, a series of specimens were collected from the Yunnan Province of China and Thailand during herpetological surveys from 2009 to 2020. Subsequent analyses based on morphological and molecular data revealed a distinct and previously unknown lineage from western Thailand, which we formally describe as a new species. Furthermore, our study confirms that M. ‘inornata’, previously known from Mengla, Yunnan, was actually M. menglienica, and further extends its distribution range to Thailand and Laos. In addition, our findings extend the latitudinal distribution of M. inornata and M. subaraji northward into southern Thailand. Notably, this study brings the total number of known species in the genus Micryletta from 13 to 14, with the count rising from three to six species in Thailand and from one to three in Laos. Our study further confirms that species diversity within the genus Micryletta is underestimated and emphasizes the important role that international collaborations play in taxonomy. Intensifying field surveys in other regions (e.g., Myanmar, Vietnam, and Guangxi of China) will be extremely necessary in the future to clarify any taxonomic questions and reevaluate the distribution range of these species.
Distribution range, diversity, Micryletta, M. inornata sensu lato, new species
South China and Southeast Asia span the Himalaya, Indo-Burma, and Sundaland biodiversity hotspots and host a high diversity of species (
The genus Micryletta, originally described by
Moreover, species classification within Micryletta has been faced with a long-standing controversy, especially M. inornata sensu lato (
To resolve the classification dispute, assess species diversity, and determine the distribution range of Micryletta, we sort out a number of specimens from fieldwork collections in southern China and Southeast Asia from 2009 to 2020. Subsequent genetic analyses and morphological comparisons revealed that populations from western Thailand represent a distinct evolutionary lineage that could not be classified into any known taxa; therefore, we identify it as a new species. In addition, we further clarify and update the distribution ranges for M. menglienica and M. subaraji.
A total of 17 samples were collected from China and Thailand in different seasons (Fig.
Total genomic DNA was extracted from the liver or muscle tissues using the standard phenol-chloroform extraction protocol (
Localities, voucher information, and Genbank accession numbers for all specimens used in molecular analyses of this study. The “*” indicates that the sequences are derived from the holotype or paratype. The “#” indicates that the sequences are derived from the type locality.
ID | Species | Voucher ID | Locality | GenBank No. | References |
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Ingroup | |||||
1 | M. aishani# | SDBDU 3920 | Subhong, Cachar district, Assam, India | MK889218 |
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2 | M. aishani | CAS 231509 | Kachin State, Myanmar | MW035603 |
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3 | M. dissimulans* | AUP 01690 | Saba Yoi District, Songkhla, Thailand | MT573414 |
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4 | M. dissimulans* | AUP 01691 | Saba Yoi District, Songkhla, Thailand | MT573415 |
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5 | M. dissimulans* | AUP 01696 | Saba Yoi District, Songkhla, Thailand | MT573416 |
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6 | M. erythropoda# | ZMMUA4721-1542 | Ma Da, Dong Nai, Vietnam | MH756147 |
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7 | M. erythropoda# | ZMMUA4721-1533 | Ma Da, Dong Nai, Vietnam | MH756146 |
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8 | M. hekouensis* |
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Nanxi, Hekou, Yunnan, China | MZ536627 |
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9 | M. hekouensis* |
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Nanxi, Hekou, Yunnan, China | MZ536628 |
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10 | M. immaculata* | KFBG 14271 | Exianling Nature Reserve, Hainan, China | MW376737 |
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11 | M. immaculata* | KFBG 14270 | Exianling Nature Reserve, Hainan, China | MW376736 |
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12 | M. cf. immaculata | TZ 98110 | Chin Xai, Ha Tinh, Vietnam | AF285207 |
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13 | M. cf. immaculata | FMNH 255121(1) | Boualapha, Khammouan, Laos | KC822494 |
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14 | M. cf. immaculata | FMNH 255121(2) | Boualapha, Khammouan, Laos | KC179997 |
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15 | M. inornata | USNM 587625 | Lenya National Park, Tanintharyi, Myanmar | MT609033 |
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16 | M. inornata | MZB 27242 | Suka Makmue, Aceh, Sumatra, Indonesia | LC208138 | Alhadi et al. 2017 |
17 | M. inornata |
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Kanom District, Phuket, Thailand | PQ208536 | This study |
18 | M. inornata |
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Nopphitam, Nakhon Si Thammarat, Thailand | PQ208534 | This study |
19 | M. inornata |
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Klong Sok District, Suratthani, Thailand | PQ208535 | This study |
20 | M. inornata# | MZB 23948 | Deli Serdang, Sumatra, Indonesia | LC208137 | Alhadi et al. 2017 |
21 | M. inornata# | MZB 23947 | Deli Serdang, Sumatra, Indonesia | LC208136 | Alhadi et al. 2017 |
22 | M. inornata# | MZB 23949 | Deli Serdang, Sumatra, Indonesia | LC208135 | Alhadi et al. 2017 |
23 | M. lineata | CAS 247206 | Kawthaung, Tanintharyi, Myanmar | KM509167 |
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24 | M. lineata | KUHE 23858 | Ranong, Thailand | AB634695 |
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25 | M. lineata | USNM 587624 | Lenya, Ma Noe Lone, Tanintharyi, Myanmar | MT609052 |
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26 | M. lineata | USNM 587911 | Nint Tenku, Tanintharyi, Myanmar | MT609036 |
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27 | M. lineata | CAS 247200 | Tanintharyi, Myanmar | MW042901 |
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28 | M. melanops# | ZMMU NAP-01381-5 | Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong, Vietnam | MZ474685 |
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29 | M. melanops* | ZMMU A7583 | Bidoup Nui Ba National Park, Lam Dong, Vietnam | MZ474684 |
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30 | M. menglienica | K 3246 | Ban Sop Chuna, Luangprabang, Laos | KC180027 |
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31 | M. menglienica | K 3068 | Doi Chiang Dao, Chiang Mai, Thailand | KR827953 |
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32 | M. menglienica | KUHE 20497 | Mae Yom, Phrae, Thailand | AB598341 |
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33 | M. menglienica | - | Thailand | AF215375 |
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34 | M. menglienica | KFBGF14654 | Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China | OR053963 |
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35 | M. menglienica | KFBGF14653 | Menglun, Mengla, Yunnan, China | OR053962 |
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36 | M. menglienica |
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Menglun, Mengla, Yunan, China | PQ208545 | This study |
37 | M. menglienica |
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Menglun, Mengla, Yunan, China | PQ208543 | This study |
38 | M. menglienica |
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Chomtong, Ban Laung, Chiang Mai, Thailand | PQ208544 | This study |
39 | M. menglienica# |
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Jingxin, Menglian, Yunnan, China | OK335187 |
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40 | M. menglienica# |
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Jingxin, Menglian, Yunnan, China | OK335186 |
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41 | M. nigromaculata | DTU 301 | Cuc Phuong National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam | MH756154 |
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42 | M. nigromaculata* | ZMMUA5934 | Cat Ba National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam | MH756150 |
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43 | M. nigromaculata* | ZMMUA5940 | Cat Ba National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam | MH756152 |
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44 | M. nigromaculata* | ZMMUA5942 | Cat Ba National Park, Ninh Binh, Vietnam | MH756153 |
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45 | M. steinegeri | - | Tainan, Taiwan, China | MW376735 |
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46 | M. steinegeri | ZMMUA5336-3 | Kaohsiung, Taiwan, China | MW376734 |
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47 | M. subaraji |
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Ang Thong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand | PQ208547 | This study |
48 | M. subaraji |
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Ang Thong, Prachuap Khiri Khan, Thailand | PQ208546 | This study |
49 | M. subaraji* | ZRC1.13389 | Kranji Marshes, Singapore | ON026066 |
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50 | M. subaraji* | ZRC1.13370 | Kranji Marshes, Singapore | ON026065 |
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51 | M. subaraji* | ZRC1.13369 | Kranji Marshes, Singapore | ON026064 |
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52 | M. subaraji* | ZRC1.13323 | Kranji Marshes, Singapore | ON026063 |
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53 | M. sumatrana* | MZB. Amph 30594 | Hutan Harapan, Musi Banyuasin, Indonesia | MN727065 |
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54 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. | KUHE 35133 | Kanchanaburi, Thailand | AB611968 |
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55 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Sai Yok Noi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208541 | This study |
56 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Sai Yok Noi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208537 | This study |
57 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Sai Yok Noi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208539 | This study |
58 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Sai Yok Noi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208538 | This study |
59 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Sai Yok Noi, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208540 | This study |
60 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. |
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Thong Pha Phum, Kanchanaburi, Thailand | PQ208542 | This study |
Outgroup | |||||
61 | Mysticellus franki* | ZSI/WGRC/V/A/967 | Suganthagiri, Wayanad district, Kerala state, India | MK285340 |
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62 | Uperodon systoma | SDBDU 2005.4723 | Kunnapattu, Tamil Nadu, India | MG557949 |
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63 | Kaloula pulchra | NMNS 3208 | China | KC822614 |
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Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods were used to analyze phylogenetic relationships based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA. The BI analysis and ML analysis were conducted using the MrBayes tool on XSEDE and RAxML-HPC BlackBox in CIPRES Web (
Only adult specimens were examined for morphometric studies. The sex and maturity of the specimens were determined by identifying secondary sexual characteristics (such as vocal sacs in males and eggs in gravid females) or through gonadal examination using a small lateral or ventral incision. Measurements were taken to the nearest 0.1 mm with digital calipers. The morphometrics and character terminology follow
The BI and ML analyses obtained similar topologies with relatively high nodal support values for most terminal nodes, differing mainly at nodes identified as weakly supported or collapsed (Fig.
Phylogram of Micryletta based on mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene. Bayesian posterior probabilities (BPP) from BI analyses and bootstrap supports (BS) from ML analyses are listed beside the nodes. The symbol ‘-’ represents a value below 0.95/70. ‘*’ denotes the holotype or paratype. ‘#’ denotes the specimen from the type locality. Blue bold text indicates newly generated data.
The first clade: seven samples (four samples from northern Thailand, two samples from Xishuangbanna, Yunnan, China, and one sample from Laos) clustered with the specimens (including the topotypic specimens) of M. menglienica with weak support (Fig.
The second clade: the population of M. cf. inornata from Kanchanaburi in Thailand, represented a distinct phylogenetic lineage with strong support (BPP = 1.00; BS = 100, clade II), which differed notably from topotypic specimens of M. inornata sensu stricto from Indonesia (Fig.
Mean uncorrected p-distances (%) of 16S sequences among Micryletta species (below the diagonal) and standard error estimates (above the diagonal). The ingroup mean uncorrected p-distances are shown on the diagonal in bold.
ID | Species | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | 15 |
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1 | M. aishani | 0.2 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.4 |
2 | M. cf. immaculata | 3.9 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.5 | 1.1 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
3 | M. dissimulans | 4.4 | 6.2 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
4 | M. erythropoda | 4.7 | 5.9 | 7.4 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.6 |
5 | M. hekouensis | 3.2 | 2.7 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 0.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 0.7 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.6 | 1.1 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
6 | M. immaculata | 4.8 | 1.7 | 6.4 | 6.8 | 3.1 | 0.0 | 1.2 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 1.5 |
7 | M. inornata | 5.2 | 7.1 | 5.9 | 7.6 | 5.7 | 7.4 | 1.6 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.5 |
8 | M. thongphaphumensis sp. nov. | 3.5 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 5.7 | 2.8 | 4.4 | 6.1 | 1.3 | 0.8 | 0.9 | 0.7 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.6 |
9 | M. lineata | 3.4 | 4.4 | 5.9 | 2.7 | 3.6 | 5.3 | 6.3 | 4.2 | 0.2 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.8 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
10 | M. melanops | 3.1 | 5.0 | 5.0 | 5.4 | 3.7 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 4.2 | 4.2 | 0.0 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.5 |
11 | M. menglienica | 3.5 | 2.1 | 5.3 | 6.0 | 2.3 | 2.4 | 6.6 | 3.4 | 4.6 | 4.4 | 0.5 | 1.0 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.5 |
12 | M. nigromaculata | 5.0 | 7.1 | 5.6 | 7.9 | 6.2 | 7.4 | 6.8 | 6.6 | 5.9 | 5.1 | 6.4 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
13 | M. steinegeri | 3.5 | 3.1 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 1.3 | 3.0 | 5.6 | 3.1 | 4.3 | 4.4 | 2.2 | 5.8 | 0.2 | 1.0 | 1.4 |
14 | M. subaraji | 4.6 | 6.5 | 5.8 | 6.7 | 5.4 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 5.8 | 5.4 | 5.0 | 6.1 | 6.3 | 5.4 | 0.3 | 1.6 |
15 | M. sumatrana | 10.8 | 12.3 | 9.9 | 14.0 | 11.4 | 12.5 | 12.9 | 12.8 | 12.2 | 11.2 | 11.7 | 9.6 | 10.8 | 13.3 | - |
The third clade: three samples from Surat Thani, Phuket, and Nakhon Si Thammarat in Thailand clustered with M. inornata sensu stricto from Indonesia and Myanmar (BPP = 1.00; BS = 90; Fig.
The fourth clade: two specimens from Prachuap Khiri Khan in Thailand were grouped with type specimens of M. subaraji with strongly supported (BPP = 1.00; BS = 85; Fig.
Micryletta inornata.,
The specific name is a Latinized toponymic adjective in neuter gender derived from ‘‘Thong Pha Phum’’ in reference to the type locality Thong Pha Phum District in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand.
We propose “Thong Pha Phum Paddy Frog” as the common English name.
Holotype
(Figs
Paratypes
(Fig.
One adult female
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. is assigned to the genus Micryletta based on the following combination of morphological traits: small body size; absence of vomerine teeth; tympanum small and externally visible; subarticular tubercles on fingers and toes prominent; three well-developed metacarpal tubercles; absence of webbing between fingers and toes (
Measurements (in mm) of Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. from Thailand. Abbreviations are defined in Methods.
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Holotype | Paratype | Paratype | Paratype | Paratype | Paratype | Referred specimen | Referred specimen | Referred specimen | |
Gender | Male | Male | Female | Female | Female | Female | Male | Male | Female |
SVL | 25.6 | 23.5 | 21.3 | 24.4 | 29.7 | 28.1 | 22.3 | 23.7 | 27.3 |
HL | 6.6 | 6.9 | 6.6 | 6.6 | 6.8 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.7 | 6.9 |
HW | 8.1 | 7.2 | 7.5 | 7.7 | 8.9 | 8.0 | 7.4 | 8.1 | 8.2 |
HW/HL | 1.2 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.3 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
SL | 3.3 | 3.4 | 3.0 | 3.4 | 3.2 | 2.9 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 3.3 |
INS | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 2.2 |
IOS | 4.5 | 3.5 | 3.4 | 3.8 | 3.9 | 3.7 | 3.8 | 3.6 | 3.8 |
INS/IOS | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 |
UEW | 1.3 | 1.4 | 1.1 | 1.2 | 1.1 | 1.4 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.2 |
INS/UEW | 1.6 | 1.5 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.9 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 1.7 | 1.8 |
UEW/IOS | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.3 |
ED | 2.5 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 2.6 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 2.7 |
UEW/ED | 0.5 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.4 |
ED/HL | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.3 | 0.4 |
SL/ED | 1.3 | 1.7 | 1.5 | 1.4 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.2 |
TD | 0.9 | 1.2 | 1.2 | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.5 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.2 |
TD/ED | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
TYE | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 |
SN | 1.1 | 0.9 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 0.7 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.2 |
EN | 2.0 | 1.9 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 1.9 | 2.2 | 1.8 | 2.1 | 2.3 |
SN/EN | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.3 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.5 |
IFE | 4.0 | 4.2 | 4.0 | 4.1 | 4.8 | 4.7 | 3.8 | 4.2 | 4.3 |
IBE | 6.6 | 6.6 | 6.1 | 6.8 | 7.3 | 6.6 | 6.1 | 6.4 | 6.8 |
IFE/IBE | 0.6 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.7 | 0.6 | 0.7 | 0.6 |
FAL | 6.7 | 6.1 | 5.7 | 6.5 | 6.4 | 6.6 | 6.3 | 6.1 | 6.5 |
HAL | 7.2 | 6.2 | 6.0 | 6.2 | 7.4 | 7.2 | 6.4 | 6.0 | 7.0 |
HAL/FAL | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 | 1.1 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 1.1 |
LAD | 1.4 | 1.3 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.9 | 1.6 | 1.4 | 1.7 | 1.7 |
THL | 11.0 | 10.1 | 9.7 | 11.9 | 12.4 | 12.0 | 11.0 | 11.0 | 11.9 |
TL | 11.4 | 10.7 | 10.0 | 11.0 | 12.5 | 11.9 | 11.3 | 11.1 | 11.5 |
TL/SVL | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 | 0.4 | 0.5 | 0.5 | 0.4 |
FL | 12.9 | 11.9 | 10.7 | 11.7 | 14.0 | 13.1 | 11.9 | 12.8 | 12.0 |
TL/FL | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 0.9 | 1.0 |
IMT | 0.9 | 0.6 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 0.9 | 0.8 | 0.8 | 0.7 | 0.9 |
FIL | 2.5 | 2.2 | 2.0 | 2.5 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 2.1 | 2.0 | 2.3 |
FIIL | 3.4 | 2.9 | 2.5 | 3.3 | 3.6 | 3.9 | 3.0 | 3.2 | 2.9 |
FIIIL | 6.1 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 5.7 | 5.9 | 5.9 | 5.3 | 5.4 | 5.5 |
FIVL | 4.6 | 4.0 | 2.8 | 3.6 | 4.5 | 4.0 | 3.4 | 3.9 | 3.9 |
TIL | 2.4 | 2.6 | 1.7 | 2.0 | 2.1 | 2.4 | 2.0 | 2.3 | 2.1 |
TIIL | 4.7 | 4.3 | 4.0 | 4.3 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.3 | 4.3 | 4.5 |
TIIIL | 8.3 | 7.6 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 8.1 | 8.1 | 6.8 | 7.1 | 7.2 |
TIVL | 11.2 | 10.2 | 9.7 | 9.9 | 11.3 | 11.2 | 10.1 | 10.2 | 11.1 |
TVL | 6.6 | 6.2 | 5.4 | 5.6 | 6.4 | 6.3 | 5.5 | 5.5 | 6.2 |
(Fig.
Forelimbs slender and long, hand slightly longer than forearm length (HAL/FAL = 1.1); relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III (FIL = 2.5 mm, FIIL = 3.4 mm, FIIIL = 6.1 mm, FIVL = 4.6 mm); tips of fingers round and not expanded to disks; subarticular tubercle on fingers rounded and prominent, subarticular tubercle formula: 1, 1, 2, 2; nuptial pad absent; webbing between fingers absent; three well-developed metacarpal tubercles at the base of outer three fingers, inner one rounded and smallest, outer metacarpal tubercle elongated, medial metacarpal tubercle large, oval and prominent.
Hindlimbs slender, tibia length shorter than half of snout-vent length (TL/SVL = 0.4), tibia length slightly shorter than foot length (TL/FL = 0.9); heels slightly overlapped when thighs are positioned at right angles to the body; tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum; tips of toes round and not expanded to disks; subarticular tubercles on toes rounded and prominent, formula: 1, 1, 2, 3, 2; relative toe lengths: I < II < V < III < IV (TIL = 2.4 mm, TIIL = 4.7 mm, TIIIL = 8.3 mm, TIVL = 11.2 mm, TVL = 6.6 mm); three small supernumerary tubercles at base of toes II–IV, smaller than proximal subarticular tubercles; inner metatarsal tubercle oval and distinct (IMT = 0.9 mm); outer metatarsal tubercle absent; webbing between toes absent.
Dorsum skin of body and limbs smooth without small tubercles; dorsolateral fold absent; ventral surface of throat, belly, forelimbs, and hindlimbs smooth; upper eyelid lacking tubercles; dorsal skin of body sparsely granular in life; vent area smooth.
Color of holotype in life
(Fig.
Color of holotype in preservative
(Fig.
Variation and sexual dimorphism
(Fig.
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. is currently known from the Thong Pha Phum District and Sai Yok Noi in Kanchanaburi Province, Thailand (Fig.
We compared Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. to all other recognized species of the genus Micryletta (
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. hekouensis by its supratympanic fold absent (vs. supratympanic fold distinct); dorsum of upper arms and dorsum of body orange-brown with brown marbling patterns in life (vs. dorsum of upper arms golden, dorsum of hindlimbs solid black with brownish black stripes); tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching front of eye); dermal ridges absent (vs. dermal ridges present under 2nd to 4th toes but indistinct).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. steinegeri by snout length slightly longer than diameter of eye (vs. snout length shorter than diameter of eye); webbing between fingers and toes absent (vs. rudimentary webbing between toes); second finger shorter than fourth finger, relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III (vs. second finger longer than fourth finger, relative finger lengths: I < IV < II < III); supratympanic fold absent (vs. distinct).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. immaculata by dorsum orange-brown in life (vs. dorsum bronze brown to reddish brown); black stripes extending from tip of snout to crotch and dark brown spots on dorsum obvious (vs. dark brown spots and stripes on dorsum and flank absent); white stripes on upper lips present (vs. irregular white spots along upper lips present); supratympanic fold absent (vs. distinct and lower margin of supratympanic fold black); webbing between toes absent (vs. webbing between toes basal and poorly developed).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. menglienica by supratympanic fold absent (vs. distinct); dermal ridges absent (vs. dermal ridges present under 2nd to 4th toes but indistinct); dorsum of forelimbs and body orange-brown in life (vs. dorsum of forelimbs light yellow, dorsum of hindlimbs the same color as dorsum of body); ventral side of head and chest brown (vs. ventral side of head and chest greyish brown or purple grey); tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching eye or between eye and tympanum).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. aishani by white stripes on upper lips (vs. ash-grey mottling along the margins of the upper lips); dorsum orange-brown with many large or small scattered blackish black spots in life (vs. dorsum reddish-brown with few scattered blackish-brown spots on posterior parts of the back and near the groin); tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching up to the level of armpit); lateral sides of dorsum with brownish black stripes from snout to groin (vs. blackish-brown streak extending from snout to lower abdomen); fifth toe longer than second toe, relative toes lengths: I < II < V < III < IV (vs. fifth toe shorter than second toe, relative toe lengths: I < V < II < III < IV).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. sumatrana by tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. tibiotarsal articulation reaching front of eye); upper lip white (vs. cream spots between lip and axilla); supratympanic fold absent (vs. supratympanic fold thick, rounded, glandular, curving from posterior corner of the eye to shoulder); brown marbling patterns on tibia and tarsal (vs. complete and incomplete dark brown cross bands on tibia and tarsus); dorsum orange-brown with large or small scattered blackish black spots (vs. dorsal coloration of body golden brown with some irregular dark spots and dark thin vertebrae line).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. erythropoda by the outer metatarsal tubercle absent (vs. presence of an outer metatarsal tubercle); orange-brown dorsum in life (vs. brick-reddish dorsum); webbing between toes absent (vs. toes with rudimentary web); second finger shorter than fourth (vs. second finger equal to fourth).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. inornata by tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching the eye); dorsum orange-brown with large or small scattered blackish spots (vs. dorsum brownish-grey with a silver tinge and irregular blackish-brown blotches of variable size); lateral sides of dorsum with continuous brownish black stripes from snout to groin (vs. presence of a discontinuous lateral blackish-brown streak from the tip of the snout to near the groin); throat brown with irregular fuzzy white spots (vs. throat light reddish-grey without prominent spots); dorsal of limbs with black marbling patterns (vs. dorsal of limbs with irregular golden yellow spots).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. dissimulans by hand wider than long (vs. head longer than wide); snout length longer than diameter of eye (vs. diameter of eye equal to snout length); dorsal orange-brown with black spots (vs. dorsal shagreened with irregular-shaped brown blotches edged in beige, no black spots on dorsum); without large black spot behind eye (vs. large black spot behind eye); lateral sides of dorsum with brownish black stripes from snout to groin (vs. two large black blotches in axillary and inguinal areas on each side); white patches on lips (vs. absent).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. subaraji by tympanum distinct (vs. hidden); dorsum orange-brown with black spots in life (vs. greyish brown); upper eyelid width equals one-third of interorbital distance UEW/IOS = 0.3 (vs. UEW/IOS = 0.7); internarial distance equals half of interorbital distance INS/IOS = 0.5 (vs. INS/IOS = 0.8).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. menlanops by tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching eye); supratympanic fold absent (vs. present); webbing between fingers and toes absent (vs. toe webbing rudimentary between toes II–III and III–IV); dorsum orange-brown with large black spots in life (vs. dorsal pale dark brown with small reddish speckles); dorsal surfaces of limbs orange-brown with brown marbling patterns (vs. dark brown with orange-red speckles); fifth toe longer than second toe, relative toes lengths: I < II < V < III < IV (vs. fifth toe shorter than second toe, relative toe lengths: I < V < II < III < IV); white patches on lips (vs. absent); iris bicoloured, with upper third bronze and lower two-thirds brownish black (vs. iris uniform black).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. nigromaculata by tibiotarsal articulation adpressed limb reaching level of tympanum (vs. reaching eye); supratympanic fold absent (vs. present); dorsum light brown to orange-brown with large black spots (vs. dorsum with dark-brown irregular hourglass-shaped pattern edged with orange); white patches on lips (vs. absent); lateral sides of dorsum with brownish black stripes from snout to groin (vs. a large black blotch in inguinal area on each side).
Micryletta thongphaphumensis sp. nov. differs from M. lineata by second finger longer than fourth finger, relative finger lengths: I < II < IV < III (vs. second finger equal to fourth finger, relative finger lengths: I < IV = II < III); fifth toe longer than third toe, relative toes lengths: I < II < V < III < IV (vs. fifth toe equal to third toe, relative toes lengths: I < II < V = III < IV); ventral side of body smooth (vs. chest and abdomen with large flat abutting tubercles); tympanum diameter about one-third that diameter of eye (vs. about two-thirds).
In this study, we explored the diversity, distribution, and classification of Micryletta by integrating our long-term fieldwork and published data. Our study supported the monophyly of Micryletta, consistent with previous studies by
Micryletta menglienica was reported as Kalophrynus menglienicus, according to the original publication by
Micryletta inornata is currently confirmed to be distributed in Sumatra, Indonesia, and southern Myanmar, but distribution records from the uplands of Thailand, Cambodia, China, and Vietnam require further verification (
Micryletta immaculata was reported by
Micryletta subaraji was reported by
This work was supported by the National Key R&D Program of China (2022YFC2602500), the Second Tibetan Plateau Scientific Expedition and Research (STEP) program (Grant No. 2019QZKK0501), Science and Technology Basic Resources Investigation Program of China (2021FY100200); National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC 32100371); Major Science and Technique Programs in Yunnan Province (202102AA310055), the Key R & D program of Yunnan Province (202103AC100003, 202303AH310055), Yunnan Applied Basic Research Projects (No. 202301AT070312, 202301AT070431), Yunnan Revitalization Talent Support Program Yunling Scholar Project; China’s Biodiversity Observation Network (Sino-BON), the Animal Branch of the Germplasm Bank of Wild Species, CAS (Large Research Infrastructure Funding); the Plant Genetic Conservation Project under the Royal Initiative of Her Royal Highness Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, University of Phayao and the Thailand Science Research and Innovation Fund and the University of Phayao (Unit of Excellence 2025 on Aquatic animals biodiversity assessment (Phase I)). Specimen collection protocols were approved by the Institutional Ethical Committee of Animal Experimentation of the University of Phayao (certificate number UP-AE59-01-04-0022 issued to Chatmongkon Suwannapoom) and the Institute of Animal for Scientific Purposes Development Thailand (No. U1-01205-2558). We thank Jie-Qiong Jin, Wen-Jie Dong, Chen-Qi Lu, Fang Yan, Zhi-Yong Yuan, Ke Jiang, Jin-Min Chen, Parinya Pawangkhant, and Zhong-Xiong Fu for helping with collecting samples in the field.
Uncorrected p-distance (percentage) 16S rRNA sequences of individuals included in phylogenetic analyses and standard error estimates
Data type: xlsx