We describe a unique new species and genus of agamid lizard from the karstic massifs of Khammouan Province,central Laos.Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is an elusive medium-sized lizard(maximum snout-vent length101...We describe a unique new species and genus of agamid lizard from the karstic massifs of Khammouan Province,central Laos.Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is an elusive medium-sized lizard(maximum snout-vent length101 mm)specifically adapted to life on limestone rocks and pinnacles.To assess the phylogenetic position of the new genus amongst other agamids,we generated DNA sequences from two mitochondrial gene fragments(16S rRNA and ND2)and three nuclear loci(BDNF,RAG1 and c-mos),with a final alignment comprising 7418 base pairs for 64 agamid species.Phylogenetic analyses unambiguously place the new genus in the mainland Asia subfamily Draconinae,where it forms a clade sister to the genus Diploderma from East Asia and the northern part of Southeast Asia.Morphologically,the new genus is distinguished from all other genera in Draconinae by possessing a notably swollen tail base with enlarged scales on its dorsal and ventral surfaces.Our work provides further evidence that limestone regions of Indochina represent unique“arks of biodiversity”and harbor numerous relict lineages.To date,Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is known from only two adult male specimens and its distribution seems to be restricted to a narrow limestone massif on the border of Khammouan and Bolikhamxai provinces of Laos.Additional studies are required to understand its life history,distribution,and conservation status.展开更多
DEAR EDITOR,We report on a new species, Zhangixalus melanoleucus sp.nov., from Phou Samsoum Mountain(PSM) in Xiengkhouang Province, northeastern Laos, based on an integrative taxonomic approach, including morphologica...DEAR EDITOR,We report on a new species, Zhangixalus melanoleucus sp.nov., from Phou Samsoum Mountain(PSM) in Xiengkhouang Province, northeastern Laos, based on an integrative taxonomic approach, including morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic lines of evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following diagnostic characters: medium body size(SVL 34.4–36.3 mm in males, 53.7 mm in a single female);dorsum smooth and green;chest and belly lacking spots;flanks, axillae, ventral surfaces of forearms, inguinal.展开更多
基金supported by the Russian Science Foundation(22-14-00037)to N.A.P.(phylogenetic analyses)National Natural Science Foundation of China(32130015)to K.W.(data collection)partially by Rufford Foundation(39897-1) to N.T.V.(data collection)。
文摘We describe a unique new species and genus of agamid lizard from the karstic massifs of Khammouan Province,central Laos.Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is an elusive medium-sized lizard(maximum snout-vent length101 mm)specifically adapted to life on limestone rocks and pinnacles.To assess the phylogenetic position of the new genus amongst other agamids,we generated DNA sequences from two mitochondrial gene fragments(16S rRNA and ND2)and three nuclear loci(BDNF,RAG1 and c-mos),with a final alignment comprising 7418 base pairs for 64 agamid species.Phylogenetic analyses unambiguously place the new genus in the mainland Asia subfamily Draconinae,where it forms a clade sister to the genus Diploderma from East Asia and the northern part of Southeast Asia.Morphologically,the new genus is distinguished from all other genera in Draconinae by possessing a notably swollen tail base with enlarged scales on its dorsal and ventral surfaces.Our work provides further evidence that limestone regions of Indochina represent unique“arks of biodiversity”and harbor numerous relict lineages.To date,Laodracon carsticola Gen.et sp.nov.is known from only two adult male specimens and its distribution seems to be restricted to a narrow limestone massif on the border of Khammouan and Bolikhamxai provinces of Laos.Additional studies are required to understand its life history,distribution,and conservation status.
基金supported by Thailand Research Fund2019 (MRG6280203)the Unit of Excellence 2023 on Biodiversity and Natural Resources Management,University of Phayao (FF66-Uo E003,specimen collection) to C.S.partially by the Russian Science Foundation (22-14-00037, molecular phylogenetic analyses) to N.A.P。
文摘DEAR EDITOR,We report on a new species, Zhangixalus melanoleucus sp.nov., from Phou Samsoum Mountain(PSM) in Xiengkhouang Province, northeastern Laos, based on an integrative taxonomic approach, including morphological, molecular, and bioacoustic lines of evidence. Morphologically, the new species can be distinguished from its congeners by a combination of the following diagnostic characters: medium body size(SVL 34.4–36.3 mm in males, 53.7 mm in a single female);dorsum smooth and green;chest and belly lacking spots;flanks, axillae, ventral surfaces of forearms, inguinal.
