Systematics of the Litoria citropa (Anura: Hylidae) complex in northern New South Wales and southern Queensland, Australia, with the description of a new species

Abstract

We describe a new hylid frog, Litoria daviesae n.sp., from the highlands of mid-eastern New South Wales, Australia. The new species was formerly included in L. subglandulosa, from which it is now distinguished by allozyme and mitochondrial DNA profiles, colour and adult size. The geographic ranges of both species include several widely spaced conservation reserves. The conservation status of L. subglandulosa requires further investigation in the light of recent reported declines. Litoria daviesae n.sp. occurs in a series of apparently disjunct populations above 400 m altitude along the eastern escarpment and adjacent tablelands of the Great Dividing Range. The larvae of L. daviesae n.sp. occur in permanent streams and the adults are closely associated with the riparian zone.