Description of a new species of the Asian newt genus Tylototriton Anderson, 1871 (Urodela, Salamandridae) from central China

Based on morphological comparisons and molecular phylogenetic analyses, a new species of the genus Tylototriton from Wufeng County, Hubei Province, China, is described. Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial 16 S rRNA and ND 2 gene sequences supported the new species as an independent clade, sister to a clade containing Tylototriton dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis. The uncorrected p-distances of the 16 S rRNA and ND 2 genes between the new species and its closest congeners were 0.7 % and 1.7 %, respectively.

Divergence time estimates indicated separation from T. dabienicus and T. gaowangjienensis at 2.53 million years ago (Mya; 95 % highest posterior density [HPD]: 1.53–3.72 Mya). Bayesian species delimitation (BFD and bPTP analyses) strongly supported the new taxon as a distinct species. Morphologically, it is distinguished by: (1) moderate body size (SVL 63.7–77.2 mm in males, 74.9–88.1 mm in females); (2) head width exceeding head length; (3) presence of a gular fold; (4) tail shorter than snout – vent length; (5) orange distal digits, cloacal periphery, and tail margin; (6) limb tips meeting when fore- and hindlimbs are pressed along the trunk; (7) fingertips extending beyond the snout when forelimbs are stretched forward; and (8) continuous, indistinct, nodule-like warts on the body sides.