The Herpetological Journal

pp.149-159

Authors: Franco Andreone , Frank Glaw , Miguel Vences And Denis Vallan

Abstract: In the course ofa herpetological survey in southern Malagasy rainforest, a new species of the endemic genus Mantidactylus was discovered and is here described as M. brunae n. sp. This frog is similar to M. peraccae for which a redescription, new locality records, and natural history notes are provided. The examined M. peraccae specimens are slightly warty dorsally, with small, dark protruding dots surrounding brown rounded patches on the light brown dorsum. Mantidactylus peraccae has a wide distribution in eastern Madagascar, occurring at elevations between 900 and 1 800 m. M. brunae n. sp. inhabits the low-altitude rainforest of Andohahela and differs from M. peraccae in its slender form and smoother skin. In contrast to M. peraccae (which is arboreal), M. brunae n. sp. was found on the ground in crevices along rocky forest brooks. Its acoustic repertoire consists of a rapid trill-like series of 3-4 cl ick notes with a frequency ranging from about  1.4 to 6.7 kHz, whereas M. peraccae emits metallic sounds, single or in series, from elevated positions. Morphological and bioacoustic differences between populations attributed to M. peraccae indicate that they may constitute more than one species, but available data are insufficient to corroborate taxonomic conclusions. A redescription of M. elegans, phenetically similar to M. brunae n. sp. and M. peraccae, is provided based on specimens from Andringitra, together with a diagnostic key to the currently known species of the subgenus Spinomantis.