A striking new genus and species of cave-dwelling frog (Amphibia: Anura: Microhylidae: Asterophryinae) from Thailand

摘要: We report on a discovery of Siamophryne troglodytesGen. et sp. nov., new troglophilous genus and species microhylid frog from limestone cave in the tropical forests western Thailand. To assess its phylogenetic relationships we studied 12S rRNA-16S rRNA mtDNA fragment with final alignment comprising up to 2,591 bp for 56 species. Morphological characterization is based examination external morphology analysis osteological characteristics using microCT-scanning. Phylogenetic analyses place into mainly Australasian subfamily Asterophryinae as sister taxon Gastrophrynoides, only member known Sundaland. The markedly differs all other members by number diagnostic morphological characters demonstrates significant sequence divergence. provide preliminary description tadpole genus. Thus, it represents asterophryine documented free-living larval stage life style. Our work that S. nov. an old lineage initial radiation which took mainland Southeast Asia. results strongly support "out Indo-Eurasia" biogeographic scenario this group frogs. date, single system Sai Yok District Kanchanaburi Province Thailand; habitat affected illegal bat guano mining human activities. As such, likely be at high risk loss. Considering ecological specialization small range taxon, propose IUCN Red List status endangered it.