v13i2.336

ISSN: 1800-427X (printed)
eISSN: 1800-427X (online)
DOI:10.47605/tapro.v13i2.336

Submitted date: 22 July 2024
Accepted date: 31 October 2024
Published date: XX December 2024
Pp. 116–123, Pl. 26.

NEW SYSTEMATIC INSIGHTS INTO Micryletta erythropoda (TARKHNISHVILI, 1994) (ANURA: MICROHYLIDAE) WITH A FIRST REPORT FROM LAVA CAVES IN VIETNAM

Vu Dang Hoang Nguyen*, Thinh Gia Tran, Michael Laumanns, Minh Anh Nguyen, Huy Duc Hoang6, Thao Thi Phuong Nguyen*
*Corresponding author. E-mails: nguyendanghoangvu888@gmail.com; hdhuy@hcmus.edu.vn

Abstract
Field surveys conducted in 2020 and 2023 within the lava caves of Dak Nong UNESCO Global Geopark, Dak Nong Province, Vietnam, resulted in the collection of nine specimens of the genus Micryletta. Molecular and morphological analyses confirmed that these specimens belong to M. erythropoda. This study represents the second documented occurrence of M. erythropoda outside its type locality in Vietnam and the first known instance of the species inhabiting deep lava caves. Additionally, we provide the first detailed description of male M. erythropoda specimens, contributing new insights into the species’ morphology and habitat preferences.

Key words : Amphibians, lava cave, morphological analyses, new record, phylogenetics, systematics

Section Editor: Enrique La Marca