Three new species of Arthroleptella Hewitt, 1926 (Anura: Pyxicephalidae) from the Cape Fold Mountains, South Africa

Abstract

Abstract A comprehensive survey of the Cape Fold Mountains, South Africa, was undertaken for moss frogs of the genus Arthroleptella. Advertisement calls were recorded and voucher specimens collected for all populations encountered. A molecular phylogeny was constructed for the entire genus using two mitochondrial and one nuclear marker. Standard morphological measurements were made and salient morphological characters described. Analysis of these data revealed the presence of three undescribed species: two that were previously obscured under Arthroleptella bicolor and one obscured under A. landdrosia are described herein. The advertisement calls of the three new species are described and contrasted with the calls of other Arthroleptella species. Their distribution is described and spatial extent of occurrence quantified along with a brief discussion of conservation status for each species. ZooBank.—Arthroleptella draconella: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:341BABC2-63A8-4C60-A306-D232E92ECE69 Arthroleptella atermina: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AC23D804-3075-40DB-9852-624C32A51547 Arthroleptella kogelbergensis: urn:lsid:zoobank.org:act:AA573B06-BA81-4B84-B436-5F5CCDF1D892.