The identity of Nanorana yunnanensis (Anderson, 1879) from Thailand, with a description of its tadpole (Anura, Dicroglossidae).

Nanorana yunnanensis has been reported in Thailand for many years; however, no specimens have been verifiably described. To verify the identity of this species in Thailand, we observed Thai specimens formerly assigned to the species N. bourreti and N. yunnanensis. The 12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, and ND2 mitochondrial genes were used to clarify the taxonomic statuses of the Thai specimens. The results showed that our specimens formed a clade with N. yunnanensis, containing specimens from southern Yunnan and Vietnam. The respective mean sequence divergences of the 12S and 16S rRNA genes between populations from Thailand versus China were 0.59% and 1.09%, for populations from Thailand versus Vietnam were 0.57% and 0.61%, and for populations from China versus Vietnam were 0.59% and 1.09%. We provide descriptions of the tadpole and adult specimens of N. yunnanensis from Thailand.

Complete mitochondrial genome of Tropidophorus hangnam (Squamata: Scincidae) with phylogenetic analysis.

The complete mitochondrial genome (mitogenome) of Tropidophorus hangnam was sequenced from its paratype (GenBank accession no. MN977920). It was 16,777 bp in length with a base composition of 31.99% A, 29.49% C, 14.34% G, and 24.18% T, and a GC content of 43.83%. The genome includes 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, and a control region (D loop). Most T. hangnam genes are located on the H strand, except for the ND6 gene and eight tRNA genes, which are located on the L strand. Phylogenetic analyses based on 13 PCGs indicated that T. hangnam is sister to the clade composed of the genera Scincella and Sphenomorphus. The newly sequenced T. hangnam mitogenome will provide basic data for further studies on the genetic diversity and molecular phylogenetic relationships of the genus Tropidophorus.

A new caruncle-bearing fanged frog (Limnonectes, Dicroglossidae) from Laos and Thailand.

A new species of the dicroglossid frog genus Limnonectes is described from recent and historical museum specimens collected in central and southern Laos and northeastern Thailand. Limnonectessavan sp. nov. has males that bear a caruncle on top of the head, and most closely resembles L.dabanus from adjacent southern Vietnam and eastern Cambodia. However, the new species is readily distinguished from L.dabanus, and all other caruncle-bearing species of Limnonectes in mainland Southeast Asia, by its adult and larval morphology, mitochondrial DNA, and advertisement call. Its description brings the total number of caruncle-bearing species of Limnonectes to six.

When young are more conspicuous than adults: a new ranid species (Anura: Ranidae) revealed by its tadpole.

Tadpoles of Clinotarsus alticola collected nearby the type locality in Assam, India are barcoded and described. A detailed morphological and morphometrical description of the specimens, along with a study of the anatomy of the buccal cavity are provided. A comparison of these tadpoles with "Clinotarsus alticola" tadpoles from peninsular Thailand and of the genetic variation of a fragment of their mtDNA 16S gene led us to assign the population of peninsular Thailand to a new species, Clinotarsus penelope sp. n. The holotype of the new species is chosen among the tadpole series as no adult could be found in the type locality. Presumed conspecific adults of nearby localities are morphologically described and compared to barcoded adults of Clinotarsus alticola, waiting for further molecular confirmation. The tadpole of the new species differs from that of C. alticola by a much greater size at comparative stages (e.g., 77.7 mm vs. 53.3 mm in stage 36, respectively), a black coloration (vs. a yellow-olive tinge), several ocelli on the tail muscle (vs. only one), a rounded snout (vs. a more pointed snout) and a different Keratodont Row Formula (KRF; nine keratodonts rows maximum on both labia in C. penelope vs. eight maximum in C. alticola). A discussion about the choice of the holotype, the assignment of adult specimens and the future confirmation of this assignment are provided, as well as a comparison with older descriptions of "Clinotarsus alticola" sensu lato tadpoles and with Clinotarsus curtipes tadpoles from Karnataka, India. The lectotype of Clinotarsus alticola is redescribed.

A new caruncle-bearing Limnonectes (Anura: Dicroglossidae) from northeastern Thailand.

A new species of the dicroglossid frog genus Limnonectes is described from Ubon Ratchathani Province, northeastern Thailand. Limnonectes lauhachindai sp. nov. differs from its congeners by having males with a low-profiled, U-shaped caruncle with free posterior margin that completely occupies, but does not extend beyond, the interobital region. The new species is most closely related to L. gyldenstolpei and L. dabanus. Its description brings the total number of caruncle-bearing species of Limnonectes to five.

Improving biodiversity assessment of anuran amphibians using DNA barcoding of tadpoles. Case studies from Southeast Asia.

Amphibian populations are dramatically declining, while their inventory is far from being achieved. Tadpoles are usually overlooked from biodiversity survey, whereas their consideration will optimize species counts and knowledge of their ecological and developmental requirements is essential in conservation planning. Two mitochondrial markers, 16S (397 new sequences obtained) and COI (343 new sequences obtained), are used to test DNA barcoding on a set of larval and adult Asian amphibians represented by 83 recognized species from 65 sites. The advantages and drawbacks of each marker are assessed, COI barcoding being advocated for global DNA barcoding, whereas 16S suits for taxonomically or geographically restricted DNA barcoding. About half of the collected tadpoles were badly identified or incompletely named in the field. All tadpole sequences (except one case of probable introgressive hybridization) were correctly assigned to their respective species. Finally six clusters of tadpole sequences without conspecific adults were revealed, stressing the importance of collecting and taking into account tadpoles in biodiversity survey and conservation planning.