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Issue: Vol. 2209 No. 1: 26 Aug. 2009
Type: Articles
Published: 2009-08-26
DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.2209.1.3
Page range: 43–56
Abstract views: 55
PDF downloaded: 25

Small-sized dicroglossids from India, with the description of a new species from West Bengal, India

Reptiles et Amphibiens, DSE, MNHN, CNRS, 25 rue Cuvier, 75005 Paris, France
Zoological Survey of India, Amphibia Section, Spirit Building, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016, West Bengal, India
Zoological Survey of India, Amphibia Section, Spirit Building, 27 Jawaharlal Nehru Road, Kolkata 700016, West Bengal, India
Birpara Village, Jalpaiguri District, P.O. Alipurduar 736 121, West Bengal, India
Zoological Survey of India, P.O. Hyderguda, Ring Road, Hyderabad 500 038, India
Division of Herpetology, Aaranyak, 50 Samanwoy Path, Survey, Beltola, Guwahati 781028, Assam, India
Department of Zoology, North Orissa University, Takatpur, Baripada 757 003, Orissa, India
Reptilia Anura Dicroglossidae Minervarya chilapata sp. nov. morphometry

Abstract

A new small-sized species of dicroglossid frog from West Bengal is described as Minervarya chilapata sp. nov. and compared to Minervarya sahyadris. It differs from all Fejervarya species by its smaller size, by the presence of a distinct white band on upper lip and by the presence of a rictal gland. The new species is separable from its congener in showing a more pointed snout, smaller tympanum and more developed webbing. Its advertisement call is described and compared to that of M. sahyadris. Generic allocation is discussed. In the Fejervarya lineage, a trend towards small-sized species may exist. The species allocated to Minervarya show an important morphological shift, presumably reflecting occupation of a different adaptive niche which might indicate generic distinctiveness.

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