A new species of Nidirana (Anura, Ranidae) from northern Guangxi, China

Abstract

A new species of music frog, Nidirana guibeiensis sp. nov., is described from northern Guangxi, China. Based on two mtDNA fragments analyzed, phylogenetic trees reveal that N. guibeiensis sp. nov. is most closely related to N. leishanensis. However, the new species can be identified by conspicuous diagnostic morphological characteristics as well as bioacoustics. In contrast to the known Nidirana species, the advertisement calls of the new species can be divided into three types, calls with one, two, and three notes. In addition, the new species has nest construction behavior, which is inconsistent with N. leishanensis. Nidirana guibeiensis sp. nov. occurs in paddy fields or still pools at 300–1300 m a.s.l.