On the type specimens of Pareas macularius Theobald, 1868 and Pareas berdmorei Theobald, 1868 with the designation of a lectotype for Pareas macularius (Squamata: Serpentes: Pareidae).

In two different publications, William Theobald described, during the same year (1868), two taxa at species level in the snake genus Pareas, namely Pareas macularius and Pareas berdmorei, both based on the same syntypes. However, these two taxa are distinct at species level. We here discuss these descriptions, especially that of P. berdmorei which might have raised a nomenclatural problem. We examined their respective type specimens and we here designate a lectotype for Pareas macularius.

Discovery of a new species of Euphlyctis (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from the western coastal plains of peninsular India.

The aquatic frog genus Euphlyctis is now considered under two separate genera- Euphlyctis Fitzinger and Phrynoderma Fitzinger, with four valid species in each genus, respectively. The current distribution range of the genus Phrynoderma is restricted to peninsular India and Bangladesh, with a probability of availability in Sri Lanka. The genus Euphlyctis has a wide range of distribution from the Arabian Peninsula and the South Asian countries, with a few historical descriptions treated as junior synonyms of the species Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis in India. A new species of skittering frog, Euphlyctis jaladhara sp. nov. is described here from the surroundings of the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary of Kerala, India, which has a predominant distribution in the western coastal plains of peninsular India and some parts of the Western Ghats. The new species has distinct morphological characters and a high genetic distance that distinguishes it from the sympatric species. Discussions are made concerning the validity of the species E. ghoshi and E. kalasgramensis.

On the distribution of Gonyosoma prasinum (Blyth, 1854) and Gonyosoma coeruleum Liu, Hou, Ye Htet Lwin, Wang amp; Rao, 2021, with a note on the status of Gonyosoma gramineum Gnther, 1864 (Squamata: Serpentes: Colubridae).

Based on 85 examined specimens, photographs of living specimens and illustrations published in the literature, we refine the distribution ranges of both Gonyosoma prasinum (Blyth, 1854) and of the recently described species Gonyosoma coeruleum Liu, Hou, Ye Htet Lwin, Wang Rao, 2021, which was not clearly addressed in its original description. We also redescribe the syntypes of Coluber prasinus Blyth, 1854 and the holotype of Gonyosoma gramineum Gnther, 1864, we discuss the status of this latter taxon, and we describe the hemipenial morphology of G. coeruleum.

Morphological groupings within Euphlyctis (Anura: Dicroglossidae) and description of a new species from the surroundings of Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, Kerala, India.

The skittering frog genus Euphlyctis is known to have a distribution range from Arabian Peninsula to Bangladesh through India and Sri Lanka. Although species descriptions were initiated about two centuries ago in the genus with a small number of species described, taxonomic identities and genetic information for many species are still incomplete / inaccurate. Here, we report the systematic status of this group, discuss a series of taxonomic issues, and describe a new species. Based on morphological characters and colour patterns, and their reciprocal monophyly in the molecular tree, two morphological groups, 'cyanophlyctis group' and 'hexadactylus group' are established within the genus Euphlyctis. We discuss the genetic identity for E. cyanophlyctis, described 220 years ago from the Indian subcontinent, from the surroundings of its type locality. E. mudigere is proposed as a junior synonym of E. cyanophlyctis as it was described from populations here considered to originate from the general distribution area of the latter taxon, and without substantial genetic divergence from other populations here attributed to E. cyanophlyctis. The potential of resurrection of Euphlyctis seistanica due to distinct genetic population in Iran is discussed; this lineage appears to be genetically rather similar to E. kalasgramensis, and the species distinctness of these two lineages requires further study. The validity of E. kalasgramensis is also discussed in the context of the historically earlier nomina, Rana bengalensis and Rana leschenaultii due to distribution range overlaps. The prospects of establishing either Rana cyanophlictis variety fulvus or Rana cyanophlictis variety flavens from Sri Lanka are also mentioned. Based on a comparative account, we report the discovery of a new species of skittering frog Euphlyctis kerala sp. nov. which has a restricted distribution in the western coastal plains of India, south of the Palghat gap. [http://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:02B1DE04-C40C-4AAD-AC87-EF97673A4BF5].

A molecular and morphological study of Otocryptis Wagler, 1830 (Squamata: Agamidae) reveals a new genus from the far south of the Western Ghats, Peninsular India.

In recent years, several studies have revealed significant unknown and cryptic diversity of agamids in peninsular India, particularly in the Western Ghats. Here, we examine the morphology, anatomy and genetics of the sole Indian representative of the otherwise Sri Lankan agamid genus Otocryptis from the Western Ghats. Our analyses reveal significant distinctions in O. beddomii Boulenger, 1885 with respect to the Sri Lankan members, the type species, O. wiegmanni Wagler, 1830, and O. nigristigma Bahir de Silva, 2005, warranting a new generic placement. To accommodate the divergent and allopatric O. beddomii from the Western Ghats, we erect a new genus Agasthyagama gen. nov. We re-characterise Agasthyagama beddomii (Boulenger, 1885) comb. nov. based on a syntype (ZSI 15733) and recently collected material. In effect, we restrict the genus Otocryptis, represented by two species, O. wiegmanni and O. nigristigma, to Sri Lanka. We also provide a re-appraisal of the genus Otocryptis sensu stricto, based on data from its type species O. wiegmanni. Our finding adds another endemic agamid genus to the Western Ghats, following Salea Gray, 1845, and the recently described Monilesaurus Pal, Vijayakumar, Shanker, Jayarajan Deepak, 2018, and Microauris Pal, Vijayakumar, Shanker, Jayarajan Deepak, 2018. In turn, this complements Sri Lankan agamid endemism with Otocryptis, in addition to the accepted endemic radiations of Lyriocephalus Merrem, 1820, Ceratophora Gray, 1835 and Cophotis Peters, 1861. From a systematic perspective, our erection of Agasthyagama gen. nov. likely completes the description of known genus-level diversity in the clade containing Otocryptis Wagler 1830, Sitana Cuvier, 1829 and the recently described Sarada Deepak, Karanth Giri, 2016.

Taxonomy and predicted distribution of a rare Indian skink, Eutropis innotata (Blanford, 1870) (Reptilia: Scincidae) with the redescription of its holotype.

We examined the holotype of Euprepes innotatus Blanford, 1870 which was presented to the Natural History Museum, London (NHMUK) by Blanford himself, and is redescribed herein. Based on the morphological similarity, we placed Eutropis innotata within the E. carinata group (contra Blanford, 1870), as it is closely allied to E. dissimilis and E. carinata in morphological and morphometric traits. Based on the current distribution pattern, we conducted Species Distribution Modelling using the Maximum Entropy algorithm and the distribution range of this species was predicted to be wider than the currently known limits within the south-central parts of the Deccan plateau. Furthermore, we updated the conservation status of E. innotata using the criteria of the IUCN Red List, and suggested it be considered as a species of Least Concern.

A contribution to the systematics of Salea anamallayana (Beddome, 1878) and S. horsfieldii Gray, 1845 (Squamata: Agamidae: Draconinae).

Salea anamallayana (Beddome, 1878) and S. horsfieldii Gray, 1845 are two endemic montane forest dwelling draconine agamid lizards from the Western Ghats (India). The original descriptions of these two species were brief and apart from their inclusion in general faunal works, they have never been the focus of a rigorous taxonomic study. In this paper we provide a detailed redescription of the types of those two species. We also reconfirm the status of the subjective synonyms of those two species. We conducted a test of niche conservatism and on the basis of the results of this analysis, we demonstrate that in spite of occurring in apparently analogous habitats, the niche of the two species have diverged significantly. We also provide notes on the distribution and natural history of S. anamallayana and S. horsfieldii.

Polypedates smaragdinus Blyth, 1852-a senior subjective synonym of Rhacophorus maximus Günther, 1858.

After more than 160 years, the onomatophores (name-bearing types) of Polypedates smaragdinus Blyth, 1852 were located in the collection of the ZSI (Kolkata, India). This allowed to study the specimens, to identify them and to propose an allocation of this nomen to the taxon Rhacophorus maximus. To stabilize nomenclatural and taxonomic issues, a lectophoront (lectotype) is designated for Polypedates smaragdinus Blyth, 1852 and described. A formal synonymy list is given. The species currently known as Rhacophorus maximus Günther, 1864 should now bear the nomen Rhacophorus smaragdinus (Blyth, 1852).

An integrative taxonomic review of the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon.

Based on a recent molecular phylogenetic study, the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon (subfamily Microhylinae) currently comprises of 12 valid species that are largely restricted to India and Sri Lanka. Considering the revised generic-level status of its various members, here we review the taxonomy of all known species in this genus and clarify their nomenclatural status and geographical distribution, by integrating evidence from genetics, adult and tadpole morphology, breeding ecology, and bioacoustics. Our molecular analyses of a mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragment combined with external and internal morphological studies also revealed a distinct new species in the genus. This species, formally described as Uperodon rohani sp. nov., is endemic to Sri Lanka and widely distributed at lower elevations in the island. For nomenclatural stability of various previously known members, the following actions are also undertaken: (1) redescription of the poorly-defined species Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis) and Hylaedactylus montanus Jerdon (= Uperodon montanus); (2) neotype designation for Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis), Ramanella minor Rao, Ramanella mormorata Rao (= Uperodon mormorata), and Ramanella triangularis rufeventris Rao; (3) lectotype designation for Callula variegata Stoliczka (= Uperodon variegatus); and (4) synonymization of Ramanella minor Rao with Uperodon anamalaiensis.

Phylogenetic relationships linking Duttaphrynus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) species based on 12S and 16S rDNA sequences.

Genus Duttaphrynus (Amphibia: Anura: Bufonidae) is endemic to southwestern and southern China and throughout southern Asia. Duttaphrynus phylogeny was also under debate for many years. 12S and 16S rDNAs help us to elucidate Duttaphrynus phylogeny.

Taxonomy and natural history of Eutropis beddomei (Jerdon, 1870) (Reptilia: Scincidae), including a redescription of the holotype.

Euprepes beddomei was described by Jerdon (1870) from "Mysore" (Karnataka State, India). Simultaneously, Euprepes (Tiliqua) septemlineatus, which is morphologically similar to E. beddomei, was described by Blanford (1870) based on a single specimen collected from the Ganga River Valley, Southeast Berar, Madhya Pradesh, India. Smith (1935) synonymised the latter species (published in September, 1870) with Euprepes beddomei which in turn was published earlier (March, 1870). Jerdon's publication should therefore be given priority. A comprehensive comparison between the holotypes of the above two species confirms that E. septemlineatus is a junior synonym of E. beddomei. Based on morphological characters, Eutropis beddomei is here clearly identified and can be considered a widespread species in India and Sri Lanka. The original description of E. beddomei is very short and lacks a description containing most of the important diagnostic characters; hence, we hereby provide a comprehensive description of the species based on the examination of its holotype.

Taxonomy of two endemic Indian skinks, Eutropis bibronii (Gray, 1838)and E. nagarjunensis (Sharma, 1969) (Reptilia: Scincidae), including redescriptions of their types.

Tiliqua bibronii was described by J.E. Gray in December, 1838 based on two syntypes (MNHN-RA 2940, 7076), but the details for locality was missing. These syntypes are currently housed at the Muséum national d'Histoire naturelle, Paris, France (MNHN-RA). The same species (based on the same type specimens) was described by A.M.C. Duméril & G. Bibron in November, 1839 nearly one year after Gray's publication. As such, Gray's publication must therefore be given priority. Another species, Euprepis trilineatus, from Madras, Tamil Nadu, India, was described by Gray in 1846, and it is morphologically similar to E. bibronii. Later, Boulenger (1885) synonymised it with E. bibronii. Eutropis bibronii has subsequently been recorded from other parts of India and Sri Lanka by various authors. Many years later, a closely related species, Mabuya nagarjuni (sic) Sharma, 1969, was described from Andhra Pradesh, India, based on two specimens (a holotype and a paratype) housed at the Zoological Survey of India, Kolkata (ZSI). Here we make a correction for the species epithet as "nagarjunensis" which should be a toponym, not a patronym. Among the skink collections at the Natural History Museum, London (BMNH), ZSI, and MNHN-RA we found E. bibronii specimens collected from various locations in India, but we were unable to find any specimens from Sri Lanka. Based on morphological evidence, E. bibronii represents a single, fairly widespread, species which has to be considered endemic to India. Although, recent phylogenetic studies reveal a distinct genetic divergence between E. bibronii and E. nagarjunensis, both species are morphologically very similar to each other. Here, we examine the morphology of E. nagarjunensis based on the ZSI specimens. A comprehensive comparison between the syntypes of E. bibronii and Euprepis trilineatus confirms that the latter nomen is a junior synonym of the former. The original description of E. bibronii is extremely concise and lacks most of the important diagnostic characters, so here we provide a comprehensive redescription of the species based on the examination of its syntypes.