Monday, July 11, 2011

[Herpetology • 2010] Leptolalax khasiorum • Megophryid frog from the sacred groves of Mawphlang, Meghalaya, northeastern India



Leptolalax khasiorum
Das, Lyngdoh Tron, Rangad & Hooroo, 2010


Abstract
A new species of megophryid frog of the genus Leptolalax is described from the sacred groves of Mawphlang, East Khasi Hills, north-eastern India. L. khasiorum new species, is compared with congeners from India and other parts of south-east Asia. The new species is diagnosable in showing the following combination of characters: SVL 24.5–27.3 (mean 25.63 ± 0.61 SE) mm in a sample of four adult males; 31.2–33.4 (mean 32.50 ± 0.67 SE) mm in a sample of three females; dorsum with fine scattered tubercles; eyelids with tubercles; tympanum and supratympanic fold distinct; macroglands, including preaxillary, pectorals and ventrolateral glands present; Finger I > II; toe tips not dilated, bearing dermal fringes; dorsum with dark blotches; flanks with large dark blotches; dark tympanic mask present; venter lacking dark blotches; labial bars present and limbs with dark cross-bars.

Key words: Leptolalax khasiorum sp. nov. Megophryidae, Khasi Hills, north-eastern India


Type locality: "Mawphlang (25°26′80.8″N, 91°44′99.8″E, alt. 1,813 m asl.; datum wgs-84), East Khasi Hills District, Meghalaya State, north-east India".
Holotype: ZSI A10955.

References
Das I., Lyngdoh Tron R.K., Rangad D. & Hooroo R.N.K. 2010: A new species of Leptolalax (Anura: Megophryidae) from the sacred groves of Mawphlang, Meghalaya, north-eastern India. Zootaxa, 2339: 44–56. abstract