Translating phylogeny into taxonomy: a new plethodontid salamander species, genus Bolitoglossa, from Amazonian Peru

Abstract

Recent research clarified the genetic identity of the ten nominal species of Amazonian Bolitoglossa (subgenus Eladinea) and proposed a remarkable number of undescribed candidate species in this group of salamanders. Here, we provide a genetic analysis of Amazonian Bolitoglossa species using available GenBank data and new DNA sequences of the mitochondrial genes 16S rRNA and cytochrome b, and the nuclear-encoded genes RAG-1 and POMC. Justified by substantial genetic differentiation (uncorrected genetic distance to all other nominal species > 4% for 16S and ≥ 12% for COB), lack of haplotype sharing in nuclear genes, and morphological differences, we describe a candidate species occurring at various sites in Amazonian Peru as Bolitoglossa chrysothyma sp. nov. After about 50 years of zoological research at Panguana, the type locality of the new species, it was observed by researchers for the first time in 2007, suggesting a recent colonization of the area from the slopes of the adjacent Serranía de Sira. When threatened, some individuals displayed a coiled antipredator posture which we speculate could represent a bird dropping mimesis. Aspects of species delimitation in Amazonian Bolitoglossa, their biogeography, possible temporal faunal changes at Panguana, and current threats are discussed. https://zoobank.org/urn:lsid:zoobank.org:pub:FE753BAF-437A-4F00-8FF2-E4BA5E6677DE.