The taxonomic placement of the Miocene Patagonian frog Wawelia gerholdi (Amphibia: Anura)

Author(s)

Nicoli, Laura ; Muzzopappa, Paula ; Faivovich, Julian

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: ALCHERINGA; v. 40, n. 2, p. 153-160, 2016.
• Web of Science Citations: 3

Abstract

Nicoli, L. Muzzopappa, P. \& Faivovich, J., July 2016 The taxonomic placement of the Miocene frog Wawelia gerholdi (Amphibia: Anura). Alcheringa 40, xxx-xxx. ISSN 0311-5518.The Miocene frog Wawelia gerholdi, from northern Patagonia, was previously attributed to Ceratophryidae, the clade of extant South American horned frogs, making it one of the oldest records known for this group. However, the only known specimen has juvenile traits and is strongly similar to the australobatrachian Calyptocephalella. We re-examined the morphology of W. gerholdi and provide additional anatomical information and comparisons with juvenile individuals of Ceratophryidae and Calyptocephalella gayi, the only extant species of Calyptocephalella. We reject a close relationship between W. gerholdi and Ceratophryidae. Furthermore, the holotype is indistinguishable from juveniles of C. gayi and shares with all the species of this genus a character state combination that seems unique among anurans. Therefore, we consider Wawelia to be a junior synonym of Calyptocephalella. The problematic taxonomic status of numerous fossil species of Calyptocephalella, together with its untested monophyly, also prompts us to provisionally consider the extinct species as a species inquirenda included in this genus, pending a comprehensive revision of all available remains. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 12/10000-5 - A multi-disciplinary approach to the study of amphibian diversification
• Grantee: Taran Grant
• Support Opportunities: Research Grants - Young Investigators Grants
• FAPESP's process: 13/50741-7 - Diversity and conservation of Brazilian amphibians
• Grantee: Célio Fernando Baptista Haddad
• Support Opportunities: BIOTA-FAPESP Program - Thematic Grants