The South American and West Indian Casque‐headed Treefrogs (Hylidae: Hylinae: Lophyohylini) include 85 species. These are notably diverse in morphology (e.g. disparate levels of cranial hyperossification) and life history (e.g. different reproductive modes, chemical defences), have a wide distribution, and occupy habitats from the tropical rainforests to semiarid scrubland. In this paper, we present a phylogenetic analysis of this hylid tribe based on sequence fragments of up to five mitochondrial (12S, 16S, ND1, COI, Cytb) and six nuclear genes (POMC, RAG‐1, RHOD, SIAH, TNS3, TYR). We included most of its species (> 96%), in addition to a number of new species. Our results indicate: (i) the paraphyly of Trachycephalus with respect to Aparasphenodon venezolanus; (ii) the nonmonophyly of Aparasphenodon, with Argenteohyla siemersi, Corythomantis galeata and Nyctimantis rugiceps nested within it, and Ap. venezolanus nested within Trachycephalus; (iii) the polyphyly of Corythomantis; (iv) the nonmonophyly of the recognized species groups of Phyllodytes; and (v) a pervasive low support for the deep relationships among the major clades of Lophyohylini, including C. greeningi and the monotypic genera Itapotihyla and Phytotriades. To remedy the nonmonophyly of Aparasphenodon, Corythomantis, and Trachycephalus, we redefined Nyctimantis to include Aparasphenodon (with the exception of Ap. venezolanus, which we transferred to Trachycephalus), Argenteohyla, and C. galeata. Additionally, our results indicate the need for taxonomic work in the following clades: (i) Trachycephalus dibernardoi and Tr. imitatrix; (ii) Tr. atlas, Tr. mambaiensis and Tr. nigromaculatus; and (iii) Phyllodytes. On the basis of our phylogenetic results, we analyzed the evolution of skull hyperossification and reproductive biology, with emphasis on the multiple independent origins of phytotelm breeding, in the context of Anura. We also analyzed the inter‐related aspects of chemical defences, venom delivery, phragmotic behaviour, co‐ossification, and prevention of evaporative water loss.

A new species of Sphaenorhynchus is described from the Municipality of Mariana, State of Minas Gerais, Brazil. It is characterized by the vocal sac moderately developed, single, subgular, with longitudinal folds; white canthal and dorsolateral lines delimited below by a dorsolateral black line from the tip of snout extending beyond the eye to gradually disappearing up to the flanks; and premaxilla and maxilla almost completely edentulous, each bearing 1-5 extremely small teeth. It is most similar with Sphaenorhynchus orophilus, from which it can be distinguished by having a less robust forearm in males; glandular subcloacal dermal fold; premaxilla and maxilla almost completely edentulous; and larvae with large marginal papillae in the oral disc. The new species occurs in natural ponds over ironstone outcrops (known as canga) on flat terrain, where males call from the floating vegetation.

Exotic species are major threats to biodiversity worldwide. Domestic dogs (Canis familiaris) are among the most common invasive predators in the world, interacting with wildlife in many ways. We present ecological data based on camera traps and occasional observations of free–roaming domestic dogs from localities within the Brazilian Atlantic forest and Cerrado hotspots. Canis familiaris was the second most abundant mammal species, and the most abundant carnivore. Dogs chased, killed, and/or competed with at least 26 native species. They consumed none of the killed animals, which together with the predominant records of solitary individuals acting during the daytime indicates they are mainly free–roaming dogs relying on humans for food and shelter. The high numbers of dogs and the wide range of prey suggest wildlife could be greatly impacted by domestic dogs, especially in areas that are highly threatened by anthropogenic activities, such as biodiversity hotspots. We highlight possible measures (such as the eradication or removal of dogs from natural areas) that could help to reduce the environmental damage caused by domestic dogs in the region.

A new species of casque-headed tree frog of the genus Aparasphenodon is described from the municipality of Cataguases (21º20'S, 42º45'W; 288 m a.s.l.) in the Atlantic Rain Forest of Minas Gerais State, southeastern Brazil. Aparasphenodon pomba sp. nov. is characterized by medium size (males, snout-vent length, SVL 51.6-60.5 mm; females, SVL 58.7-62.1 mm); snout almost round in dorsal view; dorsum and limbs with cream-colored reticulation on dark-brown background; spots on ventral surface cream-colored; lips white; cream-colored dorsolateral stripe originating on the snout, crossing the upper eyelid and extending posteriorly to the axilla level; and red iris.

We present information on the reproduction of Gymnodactylus darwinii based on macroscopic analysis of its gonads. We found no sexual dimorphism in body size (SVL) between adult males and females, but males had, on average, wider heads and longer forearms. Both sexes had very similar sizes at sexual maturity and maximum body sizes, suggesting male–male competition for resources does not occur, and/or there are no sexual differences in survival rates. The smallest specimen had 24 mm SVL, and juvenile/immature specimens of similar or slightly bigger sizes were collected throughout the year suggesting a continuous turnover of individuals in the population. Adult males showed a continuous reproductive cycle, contrasting with a seasonal cycle of females, where maximum gonadal volume was observed from September to December. This is not uncommon and may be related to differential response to local environmental conditions, or because distinct investment in reproduction. Females have a small and fixed clutch size (two eggs per clutch), a pattern also observed in its congener G. amarali and in many geckonids, which is likely due to phylogenetic inertia. To compensate for a fixed clutch size, females may be able to lay more than one clutch per reproductive season.