A new species of Tomopterna (Anura: Ranidae) from the Kruger National Park, with notes on related species

Abstract

A new species of Tomoptema, T. krugerensis, sp. n., has been recorded from the Kruger National Park, Republic of South Africa.

Morphologically it is very similar to T. delalandei cryptotis (Boulenger) but the mating call is markedly different from that of the other members of the genus and this is coupled with small but consistent morphological differences.

T. krugerensis sp. n. is known to occur only on a portion of the western fringe of the vast sandveld areas of Mozambique, but possibly has a much wider distribution. Mating call, calling behaviour, eggs, early development and defence mechanisms are described. The affinities of the new form are discussed and the mating calls of other members of the genus are reviewed. Mating call is again shown to be a sensitive non-morphological taxonomic tool.