Neotype designations for Hyla geographica Spix, 1824 and Hyla geographica var. sive semilineata Spix, 1824, and comments on the phylogeny, taxonomy, and diversity of the Boana semilineata species group (Anura: Hylidae)

Abstract

The uncertain identities of Hyla geographica Spix, 1824 (= Boana geographica) and Hyla geographica var. sive semilineata Spix, 1824 (= Boana semilineata) are long-standing problems in the taxonomy of the Boana semilineata species group. Several factors have contributed to this issue, such as the loss of specimens upon which both original descriptions were based, unclear identities of various synonyms, the morphological characters that vary widely and are used for diagnosis, and the scarcity of topotypical samples.

Herein, we reanalyze the phylogenetic relationships among species within the B. semilineata group based on genetic data from the mitochondrial genes 16S and COI. We also report on additional topotypical material, including topotypes of most taxa under the synonymy of both B. geographica and B. semilineata. To alleviate some of the taxonomy confusion in the group, we designate neotypes for B. geographica and B. semilineata and review the taxonomy of the group.