Taxonomic revision of the Crossodactylus gaudichaudii species group (Anura; Hylodidae)

• Grant number: 24/15930-8
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: December 01, 2024
• End date: October 31, 2026
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Zoology - Taxonomy of Recent Groups
• Principal Investigator: Taran Grant
• Grantee: Marianna Silva Borburema
• Host Institution: Instituto de Biociências (IB). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil
• Associated research grant: 18/15425-0 - A multi-disciplinary approach to the study of amphibian diversification: phase 2, AP.JP2

Abstract

Crossodactylus is a genus of anurans belonging to the family Hylodidae. It is distributed from the state of Alagoas in northeastern Brazil to Misiones, Argentina, commonly found in streams located in mountainous regions of the Atlantic Forest or rocky fields. These frogs are diurnal and live near fast-flowing streams. Currently, 13 species are recognized within the genus, with only three belonging to the Crossodactylus gaudichaudii clade according to a new phylogenetic hypothesis, distributed across four Brazilian states. Phylogenetic analysis also suggests that the clade likely consists of at least eight species, with five yet to be described. This project aims to conduct an integrative taxonomic revision of the Crossodactylus gaudichaudii species group, investigating and defining diagnostic characteristics of the species. This will involve analyzing the morphology of specimens from Brazilian and foreign museums, collecting specimens (both adults and larvae), and obtaining acoustic, behavioral, and genetic data that can be used in diagnosing new species. The goal is to fill knowledge gaps regarding the diversity of this genus in the Atlantic Forest, thereby aiding in a better understanding of the conservation status of the group.