Nothophryne sp.

Bittencourt-Silva, Gabriela B., Bayliss, Julian & Conradie, Werner, 2020, First herpetological surveys of Mount Lico and Mount Socone, Mozambique, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (e 247) 14 (2), pp. 198-217 : 207

Nothophryne sp.

Mongrel Frog

Material. MOUNT LICO (base): BMNH 2018.2556– 58, PEM A13713, PEM A13715, MHNM: WC-6477. Identification. Given their relatively small sizes, these specimens appear to be sub-adults ( Fig. 3Q ). They were identified based on the presence of large warts on the dorsum, white venter, unpigmented under thighs, swollen toe tips, and no tarsal tubercle. These specimens also show typical markings observed in all other Nothophryne species (although not reported in the original descriptions): a light patch below the canthus rostralis, bordered dorsally by a dark brown band; and a light mark pointing downwards from the corner of the mouth towards the arm insertion. Four new species of mongrel frogs have recently been described from four inselbergs of northern Mozambique ( Conradie et al. 2018). These species are geographically and genetically isolated, though they are morphologically highly conserved. The Mount Lico population could represent yet another new species, but further investigation should be conducted and more evidence should be gathered before any conclusions are drawn. Comments. These frogs were found on granitic slopes where water seeps down the mountain near our climbing point. Nothophryne is likely to occur on Mount Socone.

Figures

Fig. 3. Amphibians from Mount Lico and Mount Socone, northern Mozambique. (A) Arthroleptis aff. francei; (B) Arthroleptis sp.; (C) A. stenodactylus (mountain form); (D) A. stenodactylus (lowland form); (E) A. xenodactyloides; (F) Leptopelis broadleyi; (G) L. flavomaculatus; (H) Breviceps sp.; (I) Mertensophryne cf. loveridgei; (J) Sclerophrys gutturalis; (K) Hemisus marmoratus; (L) Hyperolius marmoratus albofasciatus; (M–O) H. substriatus; (P) H. tuberilinguis; (Q) Nothophryne sp.; (R) Scolecomorphus kirkii.