Leptobrachella verrucosa is found in rocky streams with clear water surrounded by broad-leaved forests.
Chinese researchers have discovered and described a new frog species of the genus Leptobrachella in the mountain regions of northwestern Guangdong. The researchers conducted analysis of 108 frog species of the Leptobrachella genus and determined that the species that they collected from the Lianshan Bijiashan Nature Reserve, is an undescribed new species. It has since been named Leptobrachella verrucosa.
Morphological features of the holotype of Leptobrachella verrucosa sp. nov., GEP a062 in life: A. Dorsal view; B. Dorsolateral view; C. Lateral view; D. Ventral view; E. Ventral view of hand; F. Ventral view of foot. Photo by Shi-Shi Lin, et.al.
The frog is found in rocky streams with clear water surrounded by broad-leaved forests. Granite landforms are also within the habitat area. The researchers observed males calling while they were perched on rocks, with a breeding season commencing in April and ending in June. The researchers recommend the species be listed as Least Concern by the IUCN because the forest is well protected, and they researchers believe the species is more widely distributed.
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The adult male holotype has a snout to vent length of 23.2 mm. Its fingers are rounded. The amphibian is grayish brown in coloration with brown markings and round spots. Scattered throughout the body is a light orange pigmentation. It features coppery orange elbows and upper arms pocked with dark markings and spots. The frog’s underside, belly and chest area is a creamy white with grayish white and dark brown spots. It is most closely related to the clade of frogs composed of L. liui and L. mangshanensis.
The complete paper, “A new species of the genus Leptobrachella (Anura, Megophryidae) from northwestern Guangdong Province, China,” can be read on the Austrian Herpetology Society website, OGH Herpetozoa.
