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Type: Article
Published: 2022-01-18
Page range: 116-126
Abstract views: 753
PDF downloaded: 29

The phylogenetic status of Limnonectes liui (Yang, 1983) (Anura: Dicroglossidae) based on mitochondrial genes and its taxonomic implications

Key Laboratory of Conserving Wildlife with Small Populations in Yunnan, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, Yunnan, China
School of Life Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
Key Laboratory of Conserving Wildlife with Small Populations in Yunnan, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, Yunnan, China
North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences, 11 West Jones Street, Raleigh, NC 27601, USA
Key Laboratory of Conserving Wildlife with Small Populations in Yunnan, Southwest Forestry University, Kunming 650224, Yunnan, China. Key Laboratory of Freshwater Fish Reproduction and Development, Ministry of Education, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
School of Life Science, Henan University, Kaifeng 475004, Henan, China
Amphibia China Laos Myanmar phylogeny synonymy

Abstract

Limnonectes liui (Yang, 1983) is a poorly known frog from Yunnan Province, China, with a confusing taxonomic history. We use mitochondrial (mt) DNA sequence data from newly collected specimens to reconstruct the phylogenetic position of the species. Limnonectes liui was found to be deeply nested within the geographically widespread dicroglossid frog L. limborgi (Sclater, 1892), verifying its placement within the genus Limnonectes but casting doubt on its distinction as a species. Morphological comparisons of the holotype and newly collected specimens of L. liui to specimens of L. limborgi from across its range also corroborated the hypothesis that these two species are conspecific, and we recommend treating L. liui as a junior synonym of L. limborgi. Our study underscores the importance of making comparisons with species found beyond a country’s border when describing new species.

 

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