Abstract:
Based on a recent molecular phylogenetic study, the South Asian microhylid genus Uperodon (subfamily Microhylinae)
currently comprises of 12 valid species that are largely restricted to India and Sri Lanka. Considering the revised genericlevel
status of its various members, here we review the taxonomy of all known species in this genus and clarify their nomenclatural
status and geographical distribution, by integrating evidence from genetics, adult and tadpole morphology,
breeding ecology, and bioacoustics. Our molecular analyses of a mitochondrial 16S rRNA gene fragment combined with
external and internal morphological studies also revealed a distinct new species in the genus. This species, formally described
as Uperodon rohani sp. nov., is endemic to Sri Lanka and widely distributed at lower elevations in the island. For
nomenclatural stability of various previously known members, the following actions are also undertaken: (1) redescription
of the poorly-defined species Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis) and Hylaedactylus montanus
Jerdon (= Uperodon montanus); (2) neotype designation for Ramanella anamalaiensis Rao (= Uperodon anamalaiensis),
Ramanella minor Rao, Ramanella mormorata Rao (= Uperodon mormorata), and Ramanella triangularis rufeventris
Rao; (3) lectotype designation for Callula variegata Stoliczka (= Uperodon variegatus); and (4) synonymization of Ramanella
minor Rao with Uperodon anamalaiensis.
