On the Monophyly and Relationships of Several Genera of Hylini (Anura: Hylidae: Hylinae), with Comments on Recent Taxonomic Changes in Hylids

We present a molecular phylogenetic analysis of the hylid tribe Hylini, with the goals of testing the monophyly of the genera Duellmanohyla, Isthmohyla, and Ptychohyla and providing a discussion on the monophyly of Bromeliohyla, Charadrahyla, Ecnomiohyla, Exerodonta, Megastomatohyla, and Sarcohyla. Our results indicate the paraphyly of Ptychohyla, with Bromeliohyla and Duellmanohyla nested within it, and, as in previous analyses, the paraphyly of Duellmanohyla (due to Ptychohyla legleri and P. salvadorensis being nested within it). To resolve this situation, we restrict the contents of Ptychohyla, redelimit those of Duellmanohyla and Bromeliohyla, and erect two new genera, one to include the former Ptychohyla panchoi and P. spinipollex, and the other for the former Ptychohyla acrochorda, P. sanctaecrucis, P. zoque, and tentatively, P. erythromma. Exerodonta as currently defined is not monophyletic, inasmuch as Exerodonta juanitae is nested within Charadrahyla. Consequently, we transfer this species and, tentatively, E. pinorum to Charadrahyla. Also, we discuss some possible taxonomic problems within Exerodonta. Our results indicate that Isthmohyla is polyphyletic, the bromeliad-dwelling Isthmohyla melacaena being the sister taxon of our only exemplar of Bromeliohyla, B. bromeliacia. For this reason, we transfer I. melacaena to Bromeliohyla, rendering Isthmohyla monophyletic. The former Isthmohyla pictipes Group is shown to be paraphyletic due to having the non-monophyletic I. pseudopuma Group within it. Accordingly, we recognize a redelimited I. pseudopuma Group (contents: I. infucata and I. pseudopuma), an I. zeteki Group (contents: I. picadoi and I. zeteki), and a newly defined I. tica Group (contents: I. angustilineata, I. calypsa, I. debilis, I. graceae, I. lancasteri, I. pictipes, I. tica, I. rivularis, and, tentatively, I. insolita and I. xanthosticta). The three groups of Isthmohyla are supported by molecular evidence with jackknife support values > 90%, and two of them by putative morphological synapomorphies. We discuss the recognition of Dryophytes, Hyliola, Rheohyla, and Sarcohyla and whether it is useful to recognize Anotheca, Diaglena, and Triprion as three distinct, monotypic genera. Finally, we discuss a recent taxonomic proposal involving changes in rank and from ranked to unranked names in hylids that overall we consider to have been poorly justified and only superficially discussed.Fil: Faivovich, Julián. Universidad de Buenos Aires; ArgentinaFil: Pereyra, Martín Oscar. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Luna, María Celeste. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Hertz, Andreas. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Blotto Acuña, Boris Leonardo. University Of Massachusetts Boston;Fil: Vásquez-Almazán, Carlos R.. Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut Und Naturmuseum;Fil: McCranie, James R.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Sánchez, David A.. Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala; GuatemalaFil: Baêta, Délio. Universidad de San Carlos de Guatemala; GuatemalaFil: Araujo-Vieira, Katyuscia. University Of Texas At Arlington;Fil: Köhler, Gunther. Unesp-universidade Estadual Paulista;Fil: Kubicki, Brian. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Campbell, Jonathan A.. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Frost, Darrel R.. Senckenberg Forschungsinstitut Und Naturmuseum;Fil: Wheeler, Ward C.. Costa Rican Amphibian Research Center; Costa RicaFil: Haddad, Célio F.B.. University Of Texas At Arlington

Structural diversity of nuptial pads in Phyllomedusinae (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)

We studied the morphological variation of the nuptial pads using light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) in 26 species of phyllomedusines (Anura: Hylidae), representing the five currently recognized genera. All phyllomedusines have single nuptial pads with dark colored epidermal projections (EPs). Spine-shaped EPs occur in Cruziohyla calcarifer, Phrynomedusa appendiculata and in one species of Phasmahyla. The other species have roundish EPs. The density of the EPs on the pad is variable. Species in the Phyllomedusa hypochondrialis Group have EPs with a density that varies between 764 ± 58/mm 2 and 923 ± 160/mm 2. In all other studied species (including the Phyllomedusa burmeisteri and Phyllomedusa perinesos groups, Phyllomedusa camba, Phyllomedusa boliviana, Phyllomedusa sauvagii, Phyllomedusa bicolor, and Phyllomedusa tomopterna) the density of EPs varies between 108 ± 20/mm 2 and 552 ± 97/mm 2. Pores were observed with SEM in C. calcarifer, Agalychnis lemur, Agalychnis moreletii, but its presence is confirmed through histological sections on several other species. Its visibility using SEM seems to be related with the level of separation between adjacent EPs. The pores in the four studied species of Agalychnis are shown with SEM and histological sections to have a characteristic epidermal rim, that is absent in the otherphyllomedusines. Unlike most previous reports on breeding glands, those of phyllomedusines are alcian blue positive, indicating the presence of acidic mucosubstances on its secretions.Fil: Luna, María Celeste. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Taboada, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; ArgentinaFil: Pontes Baêta Da Costa, Délio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; BrasilFil: Faivovich, Julián. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales “Bernardino Rivadavia”; Argentin

The adhesive glands during embryogenesis in some species of Phyllomedusinae (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae)

Among anuran embryonic structures, the adhesive (cement) glands appear posterolaterally to the stomodeum and produce a mucous secretion that adheres embryos to surfaces in and out of the egg. In this paper, we study the ontogeny of the adhesive glands in five species of Phyllomedusa representing the two main clades recognized in the genus, plus embryos of Agalychnis aspera and Phasmahyla cochranae. Clutches were collected in the field, and embryos were periodically fixed to obtain complete developmental series and then studied with a stereomicroscope, scanning electron microscopy and routine histological techniques. Structural variations include glands absent (in P. cochranae and Phyllomedusa boliviana), functional club-shaped glands (morphogenetic Type C in Phyllomedusa sauvagii, Phyllomedusa iheringii, and Phyllomedusa tetraploidea), and an unusual Type C-like pattern in Phyllomedusa azurea, characterized by large, oblong glands in a horseshoe-like disposition around the oral disc. This latter gland configuration is similar to that of A. aspera. Interspecific variations also include the arrangement and regression pattern of the secretory region, which are in turn different from those of Type C glands in other clades. To interpret the origin and evolution of gland developmental patterns in the group, we still need information on gland occurrence and development in the basal genera of Phyllomedusinae (Phrynomedusa and Cruziohyla) and in the basal taxa of the two major clades of Phyllomedusa.Entre las estructuras embrionarias de los anuros, las glándulas adhesivas (o de cemento) aparecen posterolaterales al estomodeo y producen una secreción mucosa que adhiere los embriones a las superficies dentro y fuera del huevo. En este trabajo estudiamos la ontogenia de las glándulas adhesivas de cinco especies de Phyllomedusa, representantes de los dos principales clados reconocidos en el género, y de embriones de Agalychnis aspera y Phasmahyla cochranae. Las puestas se colectaron en el campo, los embriones fueron fijados periódicamente para obtener series de desarrollo completas y luego estudiados con lupa estereoscópica, microscopía electrónica de barrido y técnicas histológicas de rutina. Las variaciones estructurales incluyen glándulas ausentes (en P. cochranae y Phyllomedusa boliviana), glándulas cónicas funcionales (Tipo morfogenético C, en Phyllomedusa sauvagii, Phyllomedusa iheringii y Phyllomedusa tetraploidea), y un patrón similar al Tipo C inusual en P. azurea, caracterizado por ser glándulas grandes, oblongas, con una disposición en herradura en torno al disco oral. Este último patrón es comparable al observado en A. aspera. Las variaciones interespecíficas también conciernen al arreglo y patrón de regresión de la región secretora, a su vez diferentes del de glándulas Tipo C de otros clados. Aún se requiere información sobre la ocurrencia y desarrollo de las glándulas en géneros basales de Phyllomedusinae (Phrynomedusa y Cruziohyla), y en los taxones basales de los dos clados principales de Phyllomedusa, a fin de interpretar el origen y evolución de los patrones morfogenéticos de las glándulas adhesivas en el grupo.Fil: Vera Candioti, María Florencia. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico - Tucumán. Unidad Ejecutora Lillo; ArgentinaFil: Taboada, Carlos Alberto. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales ; ArgentinaFil: Salica, María José. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Jujuy. Universidad Nacional de Jujuy. Centro de Investigaciones y Transferencia de Jujuy; ArgentinaFil: Baldo, Juan Diego. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Facultad de Humanidades y Ciencias Sociales. Departamento de Genética. Laboratorio de Genética Evolutiva y Molecular; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas; ArgentinaFil: Faivovich, Julián. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Ciencias Exactas y Naturales. Departamento de Biodiversidad y Biología Experimental. Grupo de Estudios sobre Biodiversidad en Agroecosistemas; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Parque Centenario. Museo Argentino de Ciencias Naturales "Bernardino Rivadavia"; ArgentinaFil: Pontes Baêta Da Costa, Délio. Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro; Brasi

Amphibian parasites of the Order Dermocystida (Ichthyosporea): current knowledge, taxonomic review and new records from Brazil

Amphibian parasites of the Order Dermocystida (Ichthyosporea) are widespread pathogens known mainly from Europe and North America, which cause primarily a disease of skin and subcutaneous tissue in their hosts. The taxonomy of these organisms has been problematic given their conserved morphology, similar clinical disease and pathology. Currently recognized taxa belong to the three closely related genera, Amphibiocystidium, Amphibiothecum, and Rhinosporidium, whereas species of Dermocystidium and Sphaerothecum destruens include fish parasites. Here, we review the taxonomy of Dermocystida based on a molecular phylogenetic analysis, principally of amphibian parasites, including DNA sequences obtained from amphibian hosts collected in the central-eastern region of South America. A new taxonomic arrangement is proposed, which includes the designation of type material for Dermocystidium pusula, synonymization of Amphibiothecum with Dermocystidium, and the restriction of Amphibiocystidium to its type species A. ranae. We also review the taxonomic status of Dermosporidium hylarum until the present work included in the synonymy of the human and animal pathogen R. seeberi, and considered herein as a valid taxon, however. In addition, a new species of Sphaerothecum parasitic to amphibians is described, being the first record of this genus in the southern hemisphere and in an amphibian host.Fil: Borteiro, Claudio. Universidad de la República; Uruguay. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural; UruguayFil: Baldo, Juan Diego. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical; ArgentinaFil: Maronna, Maximiliano M.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Pontes Baêta Da Costa, Délio. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Sabbag, Ariadne Fares. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Kolenc, Francisco. Museo Nacional de Historia Natural; UruguayFil: Debat, Claudio Martínez. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Haddad, Célio F. B.. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Cruz, Juan Carlos. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Verdes, José Manuel. Universidad de la República; UruguayFil: Ubilla, Martín. Universidad de la República; Urugua

Draft genome and multi-tissue transcriptome assemblies of the Neotropical leaf-frog Phyllomedusa bahiana

Amphibians are increasingly threatened worldwide, but the availability of genomic resources that could be crucial for implementing informed conservation practices lags well behind that for other vertebrate groups. Here, we describe draft de novo genome, mitogenome, and transcriptome assemblies for the Neotropical leaf-frog Phyllomedusa bahiana native to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest and Caatinga. We used a combination of PacBio long reads and Illumina sequencing to produce a 4.74-Gbp contig-level genome assembly, which has a contiguity comparable to other recent nonchromosome level assemblies. The assembled mitogenome comprises 16,239 bp and the gene content and arrangement are similar to other Neobratrachia. RNA-sequencing from 8 tissues resulted in a highly complete (86.3%) reference transcriptome. We further use whole-genome resequencing data from P. bahiana and from its sister species Phyllomedusa burmeisteri, to demonstrate how our assembly can be used as a backbone for population genomics studies within the P. burmeisteri species group. Our assemblies thus represent important additions to the catalog of genomic resources available from amphibians.Fil: Andrade, Pedro. Universidad de Porto. Facultad de Ciências. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; PortugalFil: Lucio Lyra, Mariana. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Zina, Juliana. Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste Da Bahia; BrasilFil: Bastos, Deivson F.O.. Universidade Estadual Do Sudoeste Da Bahia; BrasilFil: Brunetti, Andrés Eduardo. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Centro Científico Tecnológico Conicet - Nordeste. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas | Universidad Nacional de Misiones. Instituto de Biología Subtropical. Instituto de Biología Subtropical - Nodo Posadas; ArgentinaFil: Pontes Baêta Da Costa, Délio. Universidad de Porto. Facultad de Ciências. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Portugal. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Afonso, Sandra. Universidad de Porto. Facultad de Ciências. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; PortugalFil: Brunes, Tuliana O.. Universidade de Sao Paulo; BrasilFil: Goulart Taucce, Pedro Paulo. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Carneiro, Miguel. Universidad de Porto. Facultad de Ciências. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; PortugalFil: Baptista Haddad, Célio Fernando. Universidade Estadual Paulista Julio de Mesquita Filho; BrasilFil: Sequeira, Fernando. Universidad de Porto. Facultad de Ciências. Centro de Investigação em Biodiversidade e Recursos Genéticos; Portuga