Tylototriton (Yaotriton) notialis, new species from Laos

[FrogO_Oeyes]

The first crocodile salamander formally recognized from Laos is described as a new species of the T.asperrimus group (subgenus Yaotriton), from the Phou Ak escarpment. This is the southernmost member of the genus to date, being 400km south of the type locality of T.vietnamensis. The species is distinct in geography, morphology, and both nDNA and mtDNA. The genus has long been suspected in northern Laos, but not yet confirmed there.

Abstract:
http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02650p032f.pdf (http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2010/f/z02650p032f.pdf)

Image (manually coded, hope it works the first time):
http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/coverimages/zt02650.jpg

[Stewjoe]

I want one! Who is up for a field trip to laos??

[puremadness]

Are those the same ones you have that you suspected were a new undiscribed species?

[FrogO_Oeyes]

Nope. I hadn't even heard of this one, though I was aware of Laotriton laoensis and Plethodon asupak before they were described. I am also aware of a couple other undescribed species of asiatic newt.

[puremadness]

Ok they look very similar to the ones you have.

[FrogO_Oeyes]

Same genus, different subgenus. Yaotriton are much more terrestrial, and typically lay their eggs on land at the edge of ponds. Some even court on land as well. Tylototriton all court and lay their eggs under water. Yaotriton are almost completely black or brown with only small amounts of color (this new species is possibly the most colorful). Tylototriton are typically much more colorful, with my animals [T. cf. kweichowensis], T.kweichowensis, T.shanjing, and T.cf.shanjing [Thailand] all having large amounts of red or orange coloration. The T.verrucosus complex are mainly brown, with the orange markings varying from brown to orange, while T.taliangensis is black, except for the underside of the tail, the toes, and the parotid glands, all of which are red. Somewhere around here, I think I have posted pictures of four of the species, including my current ones.

[madison06dayne08]

Very nice looking little guy forsure!