PHYLLOMEDUSA publishes original research articles, short communications and review papers concerning the whole field of Herpetology. PHYLLOMEDUSA also maintains sections for Book Reviews. Manuscripts will be considered on condition that they have not been published elsewhere or are not under consideration for publication, in whole or in part, in another journal or book. Publication in PHYLLOMEDUSA, including color pictures, is free of charge. All manuscripts are subject to peer review. This process averages 90 days. Authors receive pdf proofs before publication. Full-text pdf versions of all articles are available for free download in this homepage. Scope Manuscripts must contain significant new findings of fundamental and general herpetological interest and may not be considered if they do not meet these criteria. Surveys and descriptions of new species are published only where there is sufficient new biological information or taxonomic revision also involved to render the paper of general herpetological interest. Low priority is given to confirmatory studies, works that are primarily descriptive in nature, investigations primarily of local or regional interest, techniques unless of broad application, species range extensions, and descriptions of phenomena based on scanty data. Manuscripts should include a clear statement of purpose and/or hypothesis to be tested by the work, and may be rejected if this is lacking Articles published in PHYLLOMEDUSA are indexed by Web of Science, SCOPUS, Dimensions, Zoological Records, BIOSIS Previews, CABI Publishing, Current Contents (Agriculture, Biology & Environmental Sciences), and DOAJ (Directory of Open Access Journals). Ethics Policy and Regulation PHYLLOMEDUSA adheres to the Codes of Conduct and Good Practice set forth by the Committee on Publication Ethics (COPE) (https://publicationethics.org/), and all submissions must adhere to these guidelines. For further information, the original English text is accessible at: https://publicationethics.org/files/Code_of_conduct_for_journal_editors_1.pdf. Plagiarism PHYLLOMEDUSA employs iThenticate, a service provided by CrossRef, to detect text similarity within previously published scientific documents. For additional details, please visit: https://app.ethenticate.com. Generative Artificial Intelligences In accordance with COPE guidelines, PHYLLOMEDUSA does not allow generative Artificial Intelligences to be included as authors of submissions, as they do not meet the authorship requirements in scientific productions, as they cannot assume responsibility for the content of the text. Additionally, the journal does not allow excerpts of submitted texts to have been generated by generative Artificial Intelligences, as authors are fully responsible for the content of their manuscripts. Access the COPE guidelines here: https://publicationethics.org/cope-position-statements/ai-author. Ethical principles Decisions made by the Editors and Editorial Board will not be influenced by revenue sources.
Universidade de São Paulo. Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiróz
All material originally published in Phyllomedusa belongs to Escola Superior de Agricultura Luiz de Queiroz - Universidade de São Paulo. All contents are under a license of Creative Commons BY-NC-ND.
Dipsas albifrons (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) preying on the gastropod Bahiensis punctatissimus (Stylommatophora: Cyclodontinidae)
Copyright (c) 2026 ESALQ-USP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Recurrent diurnal use of exposed, salt-influenced resting sites by Itapotihyla langsdorffii (Anura: Hylidae) on supralittoral rocky seashores
Leucism in a tadpole of the Monkey Frog Pithecopus rohdei (Anura: Hylidae)
Factors affecting burst swimming speed in large Lithobates catesbeianus (Anura: Ranidae) tadpoles
Hypomelanism in Agalychnis callidryas (Anura: Hylidae) from Costa Rica
Body temperatures and habitat use of the endemic frog Sarcohyla mykter (Anura: Hylidae) in the Sierra Madre del Sur of Guerrero, Mexico
High frequency of occurrence of chromatic aberrations in Ambystoma altamirani (Caudata: Ambystomatidae) in Mexico City
Invasion records of a lizard and new cases of reptile introductions on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, northeast Brazil
Invasion records of a lizard and new cases of reptile introductions on the archipelago of Fernando de Noronha, northeast Brazil. Invasive vertebrates are a primary cause of biodiversity loss on islands. The Fernando de Noronha archipelago in the South Atlantic is highly vulnerable, with a history of exotic species introductions. While previous studies have documented introductions, the establishment status of some species remains uncertain. This study documents the invasion of the lizard Tropidurus hispidus on the main island, updating its status from ‘unknown’ to ‘established’. We compiled 20 records of T. hispidus from 2019 to 2025, including a 2024 observation of a group of individuals of different ages that indicate a reproducing population. The lizards are now widespread, particularly along the northern coast. This establishment may pose a potential threat to native reptiles through competition or disease transmission. Herein, we report novel cases of exotic reptile introductions, including a broad-snouted caiman (Caiman latirostris), a Geoffroy’s Sidenecked Turtle (Phrynops geoffroanus), tortoises (Chelonoidis sp.), and a green snake (Erythrolamprus viridis). Combined with previous data, these findings show that 50% of the exotic amphibian and reptile species introduced to Fernando de Noronha have established invasive populations. This high establishment rate underscores the acute susceptibility of tropical islands to biological invasions and highlights the critical need for robust surveillance and rapid response protocols to prevent further introductions and mitigate impacts on this fragile ecosystem.
Copyright (c) 2006 ESALQ-USP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Climate and elevation influence on the thermal traits of Anolis lizards (Squamata: Dactyloidae) from central and southern Mexico
Climate and elevation influence on the thermal traits of Anolis lizards (Squamata: Dactyloidae) from central and southern Mexico. Environmental temperature is a key abiotic factor influencing the distribution patterns of squamate reptiles. The lizard genus Anolis comprises approximately 400 species, 60 of which occur in Mexico, where they inhabit tropical forests, high mountain habitats, and semi-arid regions. In this study, we document the body temperatures (Tb), selected temperatures (Tsel), and thermal tolerances (CTmin and CTmax) of 17 species of Mexican Anolis from different habitat types. Additionally, we determined whether differences occur in thermal patterns among localities, species, sizes, sexes, and seasons. Finally, we estimated whether Tb and Tsel could be explained by climatic variables and elevation using regression analyses with generalized linear mixed models (GLMM). We observed differences in Tsel and CTmax among localities, whereas CTmin appeared to be independent of the habitat. We found that the elevation, minimum temperature of the coldest month, precipitation and size explained variation in Tb. Tsel was associated with elevation, minimum temperature of the coldest month and precipitation; CTmin with precipitation; and CTmax with annual mean temperature, minimum temperature of the coldest month and maximum temperature of warmer month. These findings highlight both species specific adaptations and environmental variation when evaluating the thermal ecology of Anolis lizards, especially in the face of ongoing climate change.
Biomechanics of burst swimming speed in prey and predatory tadpole species
Biomechanics of burst swimming speed in prey and predatory tadpole species. Burst swimming speed of tadpoles of seven species of anurans near the city of Dharwad in southern India were studied. During the rainy season most temporary ponds harbor both prey (e.g., planktivorous and herbivorous) and predatory (e.g., omnivorous and carnivorous) tadpoles. Each tadpole species is variable in size, shape, and development. Each has its unique swimming speed, depending on its requirements. Swimming speed in tadpoles is generally used to escape aquatic predators, navigate, and forage for food. Burst swimming speed (Vmax) of the seven sympatric tadpole species belonging to four families were studied in the laboratory. Among these seven species both prey and predatory forms occurred, including Microhyla ornata (planktivorous), Duttaphrynus melanostictus, Uperodon taprobanicus, Sphaerotheca breviceps, Polypedates maculatus (herbivorous), Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (omnivorous), and Hoplobatrachus tigerinus (carnivorous). Burst swimming speed was recorded for each species in developmental stages 29–30. Swimming speed differed significantly among species. Tadpoles of the carnivorous H. tigerinus exhibited the greatest Vmax (60.21 cm/s), followed by omnivorous E. cyanophlyctis (37.90 cm/s). Herbivorous tadpoles, including P. maculatus (29.27 cm/s), S. breviceps (27.26 cm/s), U. taprobanicus (24.89 cm/s), D. melanostictus (13.58 cm/s) had lower burst speeds, while the planktivorous M. ornata (12.11 cm/s) had the lowest speed. The results of this study show that predatory tadpoles (i.e., carnivorous or omnivorous) had greater swimming speeds than prey tadpoles. Even though prey tadpoles had lower burst swimming speeds than predatory tadpoles, they are still able to avoid predators. Prey tadpoles may have a variety of antipredator mechanisms, including the use of refugia, reduction of swimming movements, prolonged immobility, and cryptic coloration. In conclusion, predatory tadpoles exhibit higher burst swimming speeds than prey tadpoles. This ability facilitates prey capture because their larger size allows them to generate more force.
New records, natural history, and conservation of Pristimantis moro (Anura: Strabomantidae) in Costa Rica
New records, natural history, and conservation of Pristimantis moro (Anura: Strabomantidae) in Costa Rica. Pristimantis moro is a tree frog found in the forests of Costa Rica, Panama, and Colombia. Its natural history is poorly known due to the limited records available and its elusive habit, frequenting vegetation in the middle and upper forest strata. In Costa Rica, this species is known from three records, the last being in 1978. Herein, we report the rediscovery of this species and provide new records in the Caribbeanforest of Costa Rica. We model its potential distribution in Costa Rica and Panama. Although it is currently considered a species of least concern, we believe that significant threats could be affecting the forests where the species occurs.
Body size variation and sexual dimorphism in eleven species of Venezuelan anurans
Body size variation and sexual dimorphism in eleven species of Venezuelan anurans. This study examines intraspecific variation in linear morphometric traits—snout–vent length (SVL) and abdominal width (AW)—and sexual size dimorphism (SSD) of 11 Venezuelan anuran species, providing novel insights into their ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Seven species (Atelopus cruciger, Boana xerophylla, Dendropsophus luteoocellatus, D. microcephalus, Engystomops pustulosus, Phyllomedusa trinitatis, and Scarthyla vigilans) displayed significant female-biased SSD, with percentage differences in SVL ranging from 6.01% to 25.71%. This pattern was evident in A. cruciger, which exhibited an absolute SVL difference of 9.95 mm between sexes, and in P. trinitatis, with a difference of 12.55 mm. In contrast, Boana punctata, Leptodactylus fuscus, Rhinella marina, and Scinax rostratus showed no significant SSD, with values within ± 5% or nonsignificant t-test results (e.g., L. fuscus: t = 0.844, p = 0.595). These results align with the common pattern of female-biased SSD in anurans, where larger female size supports increased fecundity, while also revealing context-dependent variations influenced by ecological pressures and life history traits. The novel metric AW showed higher values in female-biased species, suggesting a morphology adapted for reproductive investment, particularly in A. cruciger. Geographic variation in SVL was apparent when compared to prior studies, emphasizing the need for broader sampling. Activity patterns significantly influenced SSD (F3,40 = 6.301, p = 0.001), with nocturnal species exhibiting stronger female bias, possibly due to reduced predation risk. Measurements on preserved specimens ensured consistency, though small sample sizes (e.g., N = 3 for D. luteoocellatus females) warrant caution. This study underscores the complexity of SSD, influenced by ecological, behavioral, and geographic factors. Morphometric indices validated here offer practical tools for future studies, requiring careful application across species, populations, and developmental stages. The results emphasize the ecological and evolutionary importance of body size variation and provide critical data for conservation efforts in Venezuelan anurans.
First record of dicephalism in Epicrates cenchria (Serpentes: Boidae) from Brazil
Copyright (c) 2025 ESALQ-USP https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0
Contribution to the natural history of Ninia sebae (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) from an urban area in Veracruz, Mexico
Rediscovery of Dipsas peruana (Serpentes: Dipsadidae) in Bolivia and extension of its distribution
Notes on saxicolous habits of Aspidoscelis communis (Squamata: Teiidae) in an isolated population
Discovery of a new species of Gegeneophis (Gymnophiona: Grandisoniidae) highlights hidden diversity and implications for regional endemism in the Western Ghats, India
A new species of Gegeneophis is described from the base of the lateritic plateaus of Satara, Maharashtra, India. The new species is described based on morphological characters, metric and meristic measurements, phylogenetic analysis, genetic distances, ASAP analysis, and geographic isolation. Phylogenetic and ASAP analyses suggest the presence of an additional six lineages representing potential new species from the northern and central Western Ghats. The affinities of spatial and temporal distribution of Gegeneophis in the northern and central Western Ghats are discussed.
Population observations and microhabitat use of Isthmohyla tica (Anura: Hylidae) in San Ramón, Costa Rica
Isthmohyla tica, the Tica Frog, is a critically endangered species endemic to Costa Rica and supposedly Panama that has only been seen in a few sites in recent decades. To aid in its conservation, we assessed the population status and microhabitat preferences of this frog in a section of the Danta stream at Rancho Alegre farm, San Ramón, Costa Rica. We conducted 18 nocturnal surveys and collected data on perch types, vegetation associations, stream characteristics, and environmental variables for each sighting of the Tica Frog. To identify potential microhabitat preferences, we compared these features between sites with or without frogs as well as between sites with juvenile or adult individuals. We recorded 13 individuals, comprising three juveniles and 10 adults. Nine adults were male and one female, with the disparity likely due to the conspicuous vocalizations of males. Juvenile and adult frogs occupied areas with similar stream widths (t = 0.91; p = 0.38). However, juveniles were found closer to the water (t = 5.14, p = 0.01) and adjacent to shallower areas of the stream compared to adults (t = 2.50, p = 0.03). Frogs predominantly perched on Piper sp. (30.7%) and on the upper surface of leaves (69.2%). The height at which the Tica Frog was recorded (0.1 to 2.2 m) was similar for both age groups (t = 0.86, p = 0.44). We did not find significant differences in canopy cover (average = 74.6%), diameter at breast height (≤ 3.14 cm), vegetation density (5.0 plants/m2), or plant richness (1–4 species) between juveniles and adults. Similarly, we did not observe differences in environmental variables between these groups. Furthermore, vegetation characteristics and environmental variables did not differ between sites with the Tica Frog and nearby sites without them. Our findings suggest that the measured variables do not significantly influence the microhabitat selection of the Tica Frog. This novel information on the population status and microhabitat use of I. tica is needed for the development of management strategies for the conservation of this critically endangered species.
Notes on the distribution and advertisement call of Nymphargus buenaventura (Anura: Centrolenidae), with comments on its natural history and conservation
We provide an update on the distribution of Buenaventura ́s glassfrog (Nymphargus buenaventura), adding a new locality in Peru. We extend the known geographic range of the species 180 km southward. We report for the first time its advertisement call, which consists of a high-pitched note. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed the identity of the specimens, with 16S rRNA sequences exhibiting minimal genetic divergence (1.08%) from those of Ecuadorian populations. Additionally, we observed egg clutches exceeding previously reported clutch sizes. Given the extended range and lack of population data, we recommend placing N. buenaventura in the Data Deficient category of the IUCN Red List until further studies are conducted.
Description of the advertisement call of Dendropsophus frosti (Anura: Hylidae) as a phenotypic evidence of its phylogenetic relationships
For amphibians, gaps in knowledge about natural history and geographic distribution are among the major causes that blur our understanding of their diversity. These key pieces of information contribute to our understanding off taxonomy, systematics, ecology, and conservation. Herein, we provide new information on the geographic distribution and describe for the first time the advertisement call of Dendropsophus frosti from western Amazonia. The call consists of two types of short notes, a trilled multipulsed note with a duration ranging from 158 to 297 ms (note type A), and a high-pitched pulsatile note with a duration of about 9 ms (note type B). The dominant frequency of note type A is about 4260 Hz, while that of note type B is around 4330 Hz. The notes are emitted in two call arrangements, a complex call formed by one note type A followed by one or two type B notes or a composite call formed by two to seven type B notes. Overall, the call structure of D. frosti, with those two types of notes emitted in complex or composite calls, is shared with closely related species from the D. parviceps group, showing a phylogenetic signal. Our results suggest that acoustic characters may represent phylogenetic informative traits for the Dendropsophus parviceps group, supporting the current taxonomy. Additionally, our findings extended the known geographic distribution by approximately 700 km eastward. Our results highlight once again the necessity of biological surveys in remote areas of Amazonia, where many knowledge gaps persist.
A partial taxonomic revision of Atelopus (Anura: Bufonidae) from the central and eastern Andes of Colombia
Harlequin toads, genus Atelopus, are a species-rich group of Neotropical anurans. Unparalleled declines and extinctions have hampered a thorough understanding of Atelopus systematics with numerous species only known from few specimens and a single or few localities. Major knowledge gaps particularly remain in the Cordillera Central and Cordillera Oriental of the Colombian Andes. In the central Andes, the names Atelopus angelito, A. ebenoides, and A. eusebianus have caused taxonomic confusion because populations can show vast plasticity, and populations assigned to these names were thought to occur in sympatry and parapatry. The virtual disappearance of all populations has prevented an integrative taxonomic assessment and rendered molecular approaches highly challenging. Based on adult and larval morphology, we propose that these populations correspond to a single polymorphic taxon and establish A. ebenoides as the senior synonym. In contrast, a form from the northern Cordillera Oriental has been considered a subspecies of the latter, A. ebenoides marinkellei. These geographically highly distant populations differ in morphology, particularly in tadpole characters and do not appear to represent conspecifics. We therefore elevate the form marinkellei to species rank and provide detailed morphological redescriptions and tadpole accounts for both A. ebenoides and A. marinkellei.
Cephalic fossae and pits in the parietal shields of caenophidian snakes and their correspondence in the braincase
Anatomical and osteological analyses in several species of ophidians belonging to the clade Caenophidia have led to the identification of differentstructures present in the cephalic shields of these reptiles. These structures are observed expressed mainly in the parietal shields, manifesting themselves in different forms. “Major parietal pits,” generally symmetrical, occur in the center of the parietal shields, more or less medially distanced to each other. These may appear circular, linear, separated, conjunct, or in contact with the lateral margin of the parietal shield by a slit. Together with the pits, a new distinct trait has been observed in the parietal shields of different species of colubroids, here named “parietal fossae.” Parietal pits and fossae are situated in correspondence with the paired foramina on the parietal bone’s dorsal plane, which in turn correspond ventrally with the epiphysis, and the contact between the cephalic hemispheres and the optic lobes. Other fossae may be present in certain species, occurring more posteriorly in the parietal shields, or in the supraocular shields, in correspondence with neurovascular foramina and fossae present in the underlying cranial bones. A second category of pits has also been found, here named “minor pits,” which appear randomly within the cephalic shields, and are also linked to neurovascular foramina present in the corresponding cranial bones. A third type of pit, distinct from the others, is the “medial posterior pit”, which has been found in aquatic snakes. This pit occurs in the posterior half of the medial contact of the parietal shields, and corresponds to a large central foramen in the posterior apex of the parietal bone’s plane, ventrally opening within a canal between the two fossae covering the optic lobes. All of these traits have been observed in a large number of snakes belonging to the families Colubridae, Natricidae, Psammophiidae, Atractaspididae, Pareidae, Xenodermidae, Micrelapidae and Elapidae. These do not occur in all individuals within the examined taxa, but rather affect part of the specimens of a given species. Fossae and pits appear to be sporadic surface structures that correspond to neurovascular foramina present in the underlaying cranial bones.
Spatial distribution models for the Micrurus divaricatus complex (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Nuclear Central America with emphasis on Honduras
This study modeled the distribution of the M. divaricatus complex in Nuclear Central America (NCA) by testing multiple modeling techniques and identifying crucial bioclimatic predictors. We used 178 occurrence records and seven variables selected for ecological relevance and low collinearity. Validating the eight techniques using AUC, TSS, Cohen’s Kappa, sensitivity, specificity, COR, and CA. Random Forest, Support Vector Machines, Generalized Additive Models, and Maximum Entropy Modeling performed best, with Random Forest showing the highest predictive accuracy. Main predictors were temperature seasonality, precipitation of the driest month, and precipitation seasonality. Projections indicated high suitability along the Pacific and Caribbean slopes and in parts of the Mosquitia, and low suitability in the Chortís Block highlands. Lowland and premontane moist forests were identified as critical habitats. The Chortís Block highlands represent a transitional zone for the three subspecies. These results, obtained via a multi-model approach to reduce uncertainty, provide relevant insights for taxonomy and conservation planning of the M. divaricatus complex and the genus Micrurus in NCA.
A new lizard of the Liolaemus walkeri clade (Squamata: Liolaemidae) endemic to northern Chile
The Liolaemus walkeri clade comprises small, slender lizards, most species of which exhibit ventral melanism and a fragmented dark vertebral line. These lizards inhabit high Andean zones of Peru, although two field guide include photographs of L. tacnae from northern Chile, without voucher specimens or published scientific studies to support this taxonomic assignment. We recently examined specimens labeled L. cf. tacnae from Quebrada Blanca, Tarapacá Region, Chile, and performed morphological analyses, providing the first taxonomic assessment of a population of the L. walkeri clade outside Peru. Males of this population exhibit melanism on the throat and belly, and both sexes lack precloacal pores, among other diagnostic traits. We propose that this population represents a new species and highlight morphological characters of the L. walkeri clade that do not match those of the subgenus Liolaemus (sensu stricto). The L. walkeri clade lacks two of the three external characters used to diagnose the subgenus and does not exhibit some of the defining characters of the L. alticolor-bibronii group, where this clade is currently been placed by some studies. This observations suggest the need to evaluate the existence of a third subgenus of Liolaemus in future research.
Limb malformations in Leptodactylus rhodomystax (Anura: Leptodactylidae) in the Brazilian Amazon
Leptodactylus luctator (Anura: Leptodactylidae) as a host for Centrorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala) cystacanths in the Pampa biome, southern Brazil
First record of the ixodid tick Amblyomma nitidum on Laticauda laticaudata (Serpentes: Elapidae) in Taiwan
The first evidence of viviparity in the lizard Liolaemus reichei (Squamata: Liolaemidae)
Teira dugesii (Squamata: Lacertidae) visiting flowers: new observations and a review
New data on the lack of the occipital scale in Teira dugesii (Squamata: Lacertidae) in Madeira and Selvagens Archipelagos