An integrative taxonomic assessment of Hemiphyllodactylus Bleeker, 1860 (Squamata: Gekkonidae) uncovers a new species from Dien Bien Province, Vietnam
TL;DR
The discovery of this new species of Hemiphyllodactylus from northern Vietnam highlights the karst and montane systems of northern Indochina as important centers of diversification for Hemiphyllodactylus and suggests that additional undescribed diversity may persist in poorly surveyed limestone landscapes of the region.
Abstract
An integrative taxonomic approach combining molecular, morphometric, meristic, and color-pattern data was used to delimit and diagnose a new species of Hemiphyllodactylus from northern Vietnam. Hemiphyllodactylus nuangamensis sp. nov., from Dien Bien Province, is recovered as the sister lineage to H. bonkowskii, H. serpispecus, H. vanhoensis, and H. yenchauensis within Clade 6. The new species is supported by phylogenetic analyses and shows a genetic divergence of 6.8% from its closest relatives. It is further diagnosed by the following combination of characters: maximum SVL 42.9 mm; chin scales 8–10; postmentals enlarged; three circumnasal scales; two or three intersupranasals (= postrostrals); supralabials 9–12; infralabials 8–10; dorsal scales 18 or 19 and ventral scales nine or 10; subdigital lamellae on the first finger four or five; subdigital lamellae on the first toe four or five; pitted femoral and precloacal pores in males 15–19, continuous; no plate-like subcaudal scales; dorsal surfaces of head, lateral body, and limbs yellowish grey with irregular dark blotches and marbling throughout; parallel dark and light pre- and postorbital stripes extending from the posterior nares to the forelimb insertion; dorsolateral light-colored spots on the trunk; lateral sides with a series of dark markings forming a slash-sign pattern along the lateral body; paravertebral region with indistinct or no markings; irregular blotches on the base of the tail not forming tail bands; ventral surface of trunk pale greyish to cream with faint darker posterior regions; ventral surface of original tail bright orange-grey medially with ventrolateral dark pigmentation. The discovery of this species highlights the karst and montane systems of northern Indochina as important centers of diversification for Hemiphyllodactylus and suggests that additional undescribed diversity may persist in poorly surveyed limestone landscapes of the region.