Abstract
Scinax fuscomarginatus, Scinax parkeri, Scinax trilineatus, Scinax lutzorum, and Scinax pusillus are morphologically similar species with controversial taxonomy associated with open formations of South America east of the Andes. We used external morphology, advertisement call, and molecular sequences to assess the taxonomy of these species. Phylogenetic analysis of molecular data showed a well-supported monophyletic group divided into two main clades and several subclades. Specimens of Hyla madeirae (synonym of S. fuscomarginatus) and those from Serra do Cachimbo correspond to distinct subclades, whereas the currently valid species were grouped into a single clade. This clade showed a marked substructure, but concordance of the recognized species to subclades was limited, showing S. fuscomarginatus to be paraphyletic with respect to S. parkeri, S. trilineatus, S. lutzorum, and S. pusillus. The high intrapopulation and intraspecific variation found in morphological characters did not allow us to differentiate amongst the currently recognized species. Similarly, none of them was distinguishable by morphometric analysis or advertisement call. Based on multiple evidence, we propose the synonymy of S. parkeri, S. trilineatus, S. lutzorum, and S. pusillus with S. fuscomarginatus, the revalidation of H. madeirae, and describe the specimens from Serra do Cachimbo as a new species.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
