<i>Taruga</i> (Anura: Rhacophoridae), a new genus of foam-nesting tree frogs endemic to Sri Lanka

• DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2.2995
• Publication Date: 2011-04-21T14:04:31Z
• Authors: Madhava Meegaskum...; Suyama Meegaskumbura; Gayan Bowatte; Kelum Manamendra-...; Rohan Pethiyagoda; James Hanken; Christopher J Sch...
• Keywords: Tadpole (physics); Tree frog

Phylogenetic relationships among foam-nesting clades of Old World tree frogs are analyzed using both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA data, with particular focus on Sri Lankan members the genus Polypedates. A distinctive, highly supported endemic clade is identified, recognized as a new genus, Taruga. This clade, which had previously been assigned to Polypedates, includes P. eques, fastigo longinasus. combination characters distinguishes adult Taruga from Polypedates: possess dorsolateral glandular fold that extends posterior margin upper eyelid mid-flank (vs. supratympanic curves over dorsal tympanic membrane in Polypedates); prominent calcar at distal end tibia (absent most more acutely pointed snout; 6–10 conical tubercles surrounding cloaca Polypedates). Tadpoles eques Polypedates cruciger distinguished by several characters, including features buccal cavity form vent tube. sister group remaining sensu stricto. Key words: Polypedates; Rhacophorinae; systematics; tadpole morphology; molecular phylogenetics DOI: 10.4038/cjsbs.v39i2.2995 Cey. J. Sci. (Bio. Sci.) 39 (2): 75-94, 2010