A new species of Boophis(Anura: Rhacophoridae) with unusual skin glands from Madagascar, and a discussion of variation and sexual dimorphism in Boophis Albilabris(Boulenger)

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Boophis periegetes,sp. nov., is described from Ranomafana National Park, eastern Madagascar. The new frog is a large species having, in breeding males, extremely spinose dorsal integument and enlarged glands along the canthal ridges, upper eyelids, and anterior dorsolateral portion of the body (females smooth and without glands). The large glands are unique within the genus as currently known. Nuptial pads of B. periegetesinvolve the prepollex, fingers I and II, and the anteroventral portion of the forearm. The new species also differs from other species of Boophisby combined features of large size; brownish dorsal colouration with a dark brown facial mask; large digital discs; and extensive webbing. Notes on a sample of Boophis albilabris(Boulenger) are given, including an amended description, and observations on natural history, secondary sexual characteristics, and behaviour. Boophis albilabrisexhibits a highly unusual sexual dimorphism in the position of the cloacal opening, and shares with B. periegetesthe unusual character of nuptial pad development on the forearm.