A new species of Brachycephalus (Anura: Brachycephalidae) from the northern portion of the state of Rio de Janeiro, southeastern Brazil

• Published in: Vertebrate zoology Vol. 74; pp. 1 - 21
• Main Authors: Folly, Manuella, Condez, Thais H., Vrcibradic, Davor, Rocha, Carlos F. D., Machado, Alessandra S., Lopes, Ricardo T., Pombal Jr, José P.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Dresden Pensoft Publishers 16-01-2024; Pensoft
• Subjects: Amphibians; Bats; Brachycephalus; Congeners; Discovery and exploration; Fingers & toes; Morphology; New species; Phylogenetics; Vertebrae; Brazil; Rio de Janeiro Brazil
• ISSN: 1864-5755; 2625-8498
• DOI: 10.3897/vz.74.e103573

Abstract
Brachycephalus
is a genus of small ground-dwelling anurans, endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Recent molecular analyses have corroborated the monophyly of three species groups within this genus (
B. ephippium
,
B. ephippium
, and
B. ephippium
). In the meantime, the genus has been targeted as a group with recent taxonomic issues owing to its interspecific morphological similarity and genetic conservatism. Herein, we describe a new species of
Brachycephalus
from the northern portion of Serra do Mar mountain range, in the state of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. It belongs to the
B. ephippium
species group, exhibiting moderate hyperossification of the skull and vertebral column. The new species can be distinguished from all other congeners based on morphological, acoustic, and molecular data. Furthermore, we provide information on osteology and natural history of the new species.