Molecular phylogenetics uncovers two new species in the genus Phyllobates (Anura, Dendrobatidae): the terrible frog gets two new sisters.

ABSTRACT: True poison-dart frogs (Phyllobates, Dendrobatidae) evolved the ability to secrete batrachotoxins, the most powerful alkaloids known to date. The genus comprises five species whose systematics, at first glance, appeared clear. The most derived clade would include two Colombian species (P.terribilis and P.bicolor) with the highest toxicity, the largest body size, and predominantly yellow body colouration. The other three species (P.aurotaenia, P.vittatus, and P.lugubris) are less toxic on average, have smaller size, and are predominantly black with bright dorsolateral stripes. Recent research has revealed the existence of two major lineages among the three Colombian species. The northern lineage appears to result from a complex evolutionary history,

SUBMITTER: Amezquita A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11420536 | biostudies-literature | 2024

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature