Hylambates verrucosus Boulenger, 1912

Badjedjea, Gabriel, Masudi, Franck M., Akaibe, Benjamin Dudu & Gvoždík, Václav, 2022, Amphibians of Kokolopori: an introduction to the amphibian fauna of the Central Congolian Lowland Forests, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Amphibian & Reptile Conservation (e 301) 16 (1), pp. 35-70 : 57

Hylambates verrucosus Boulenger, 1912

Fig. 9G–H .

Area: Bechuchuu, Yalokole.

Season/survey: Wet (Nov 2018), dry (July 2020).

Material: CSB:Herp: RNBK 810, 819, 820, 827; NMPP6 V 76085/1–2.

Comments: Individuals of this species were found in forest swamps dominated by plants of the genus Lasimorpha (formerly known as Cyrtosperma ). This semiaquatic plant is spiny and may provide some protection from the predators of these frogs. Three anuran species were abundant in this swampy environment, Aubria masako and Chiromantis cf. rufescens in addition to H. verrucosus . In our field experience in central and northeastern DRC, Hylambates is often syntopic with Chiromantis .

Figures

Fig. 9. Hyperoliids, Hyperolius and Hylambates. (A) Hyperolius phantasticus boulengeri (amplectant pair, both sexes in Phase F). (B) H. phantasticus boulengeri under UV light (male, Phase J). (C) H. cf. platyceps, hourglass morph (male). (D) H. cf. platyceps, striped morph, “forma pleurotaenia” (male). (E) H. cf. platyceps, hourglass morph, ventral view (female). (F) H. ocellatus purpurescens (female). (G) Hylambates verrucosus (male). (H) H. verrucosus, ventral view (same specimen as in G).