Abstract
We rediscovered two species of toads,Bufo stomaticus peninsularisandBufo brevirostris, which were described from Peninsular India 84 and 101 years ago, respectively, but have not been reported since. Because the name-bearing types of both species are either damaged or lost, we provide detailed redescriptions, morphological comparisons, and insights into phylogenetic relationships with closely related members of the genusDuttaphrynussensu lato, based on new material from the type locality of each species. We clarify and validate the identity ofD. brevirostris, which was rediscovered from multiple localities in the Malenadu and adjoining coastal regions of Karnataka. We also demonstrate thatBufo stomaticus peninsularis, which was considered a synonym ofDuttaphrynus scaber, is a distinct species.Bufo stomaticus peninsularisdiffers fromDuttaphrynus scabermorphologically and genetically, and is more closely related to members of theDuttaphrynus stomaticusgroup. We also clarify the identity of the namesake species of theDuttaphrynus stomaticusgroup, which is reported widely in India and neighbouring countries, but lacks sufficient taxonomic information due to its brief original description and reportedly untraceable type material. We located and studied the complete syntype series ofD. stomaticus, probably for the first time in over a century, and we report on the status of available specimens, provide detailed description of a potential type, compare it to related species, and clarify the species’ geographical range. Our molecular analyses suggest thatD. stomaticusis minimally divergent from, and possibly conspecific with,D. olivaceus. Our analyses also clarify its relationship to the closely-relatedD. peninsulariscomb. nov., with which it was previously confused. Finally, our study provides other insights into the phylogenetic relationships and genetic differentiation among various species ofDuttaphrynustoads.
Highlights
The genus Duttaphrynus sensu lato, comprising 26 recognised Asian species, is a widely-distributed and commonly-occurring group of toads, found at elevations from sea level up to 2500 m asl (Frost et al 2006; Van Bocxlaer et al 2009; Portik and Papenfuss 2015)
In order to clarify the taxonomic status of B. stomaticus, we provide a detailed redescription for one potential syntype, ZMUC 131137 [ex 196], an adult female, SVL 60.9 mm, from “Assam.” The below redescription, along with live photographs, interspecific comparisons, and enumeration of diagnostic characters, may be useful for differentiating this taxon from other known Duttaphrynus species
We provide additional information on new topotypic material, including live photographs, genetic data, inferred phylogenetic relationships, and extended geographical records, based on morphologically-characterised and genetically-confirmed records—all of which shows that D. stomaticus is consistent with what is known of the name-bearing types
Summary
The genus Duttaphrynus sensu lato, comprising 26 recognised Asian species, is a widely-distributed and commonly-occurring group of toads, found at elevations from sea level up to 2500 m asl (Frost et al 2006; Van Bocxlaer et al 2009; Portik and Papenfuss 2015). Bisht K. et al.: Duttaphrynus toads from India subsequent to their original descriptions (Dubois and Ohler 1999; Biju 2001) These include five recognised species—D. beddomii (Günther, 1876), D. brevirostris (Rao, 1937), D. microtympanum (Boulenger, 1882), D. parietalis (Boulenger, 1882), and D. silentvalleyensis (Pillai, 1981). Identification of Duttaphrynus species is challenging, due to their overall phenotypic similarities and substantial intraspecific morphological variability (Inger 1972; Dubois and Ohler 1999; Biju 2001; Van Bocxlaer et al 2010; Wogan et al 2016; Jayawardena et al 2017). Another four available names from Peninsular Indian regions exist as junior subjective synonyms (Dubois and Ohler 1999). Given such complex nomenclatural histories, misidentifications of Duttaphrynus species in museum specimens (S.D.B., personal observation) and regional biodiversity reports (Ray and Deuti 2008; Gururaja 2012; Hegde 2012; Seshadri et al 2012; Ganesh et al 2020) are frequent
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