Phylogenetic relationships and cryptic species diversity in the Brazilian egg-brooding tree frog, genus Fritziana Mello-Leitão 1937 (Anura: Hemiphractidae)

Abstract

The genus Fritziana (Anura: Hemiphractidae) comprises six described species (F. goeldii, F. ohausi, F. fissilis, F. ulei, F. tonimi, and F. izecksohni) that are endemic to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Although the genus has been the subject of studies dealing with its taxonomy, phylogeny, and systematics, there is considerable evidence for cryptic diversity hidden among the species. The present study aims to understand the genetic diversity and phylogenetic relationships among the species of Fritziana, as well as the relationships among populations within species. We analyzed 107 individuals throughout the distribution of the genus using three mitochondrial gene fragments (12S, 16S, and COI) and two nuclear genes (RAG1 and SLC8A3). Our data indicated that the species diversity in the genus Fritziana is underestimated by the existence of at least three candidate species hidden amongst the group of species with a closed dorsal pouch (i.e. F. fissilis and F. ulei). We also found four species presenting geographical population structures and high genetic diversity, and thus require further investigations. In addition, we found that two candidate species show a new arrangement for the tRNA-Phe gene, unique in Anura so far. Based on our results, we suggest that the conservation status of the species, as well as the species diversity in the genus Fritziana, needs to be reviewed.

Lost and found: Frogs in a biodiversity hotspot rediscovered with environmental DNA

“…Based on literature reports for species diversity and known species ranges, we defined a list of 161 amphibian species that could be detected in our aquatic eDNA samples and known to occur either presently or historically at each sampling site (Almeida, Gasparini, & Peloso, 2011;Folly et al, 2016 2017). We amplified the 12s rRNA mitochondrial fragment using the primers MVZ59 (5′-ATAGCACGTAAAAYGCTDAGATG-3′) (Graybeal, 1997); tVal (5′-TGTAAGCGARAGGCTTTKGTTAAGCT-3′) (Wiens, Fetzner, Parkinson, & Reeder, 2005); 12SA-L (5′-AAA CTGGGATTAGATACCCCACTAT-3′) (Palumbi, Martin, McMillan, Stice, & Grabowski, 1991); 12SF-H (5′-CTTGGCTCGTAGTTC CCTGGCG-3′) (Goebel, Donnelly, & Atz, 1999); 12S-H978 (5′-CTTA CCRTGTTACGACTTRCCT-3′) and 12S L148 (5′-ATGCAAGYMT CMGCRYCCCNGTGA-3′) (Walker, Lyra, & Haddad, 2018), following previously published amplification conditions (Faivovich et al, 2004;Walker et al, 2018). PCR product purification, sequencing and inspection of sequences were carried out following the protocols and methods described in Lopes et al (2017).…”

A new species of Pseudopaludicola (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae) from the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil

“…We extracted total DNA using a standard ammonium acetate precipitation method (Maniatis et al 1982;adapted as in Lyra et al 2017) and amplified two mitochondrial fragments (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA genes). For the 12S fragment, we used primers 12S-L48 and 12S-H978 (Walker et al 2018), and for the 16S fragment, primers 12L13 (Feller & Hedges 1998), H10 (Hedges 1994), 16Sa-L and16Sb-H (Kessing et al 1989). PCR products were purified by enzymatic reaction and sent to Macrogen Inc. South Korea for sequencing.…”

Diet, reproductive biology, and ecological interactions of Fritziana goeldii (Anura: Hemiphractidae)

“…Hemiphractidae occurs in tropical regions of Central and South America and currently comprises six genera in two subfamilies (Castroviejo-Fisher et al 2015, del Pino 2018, Walker et al 2018, Frost 2020. The genus Fritziana belongs to the subfamily Hemiphractinae, which currently is composed of seven endemic species of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (Folly et al 2018, Frost 2020.…”

“…Fritziana goeldii is endemic to southeastern Brazil and includes three population lineages; its range encompasses the lowlands and slopes of the mountains to elevations of 2,200 m a.s.l. in the states of São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro (Walker et al 2018, Frost 2020). These frogs are nocturnal and can be found among bromeliad leaves or in crevices of tree bark, and like other members of the family, the females carry eggs on their backs until the tadpoles hatch-hence they are called egg-brooding tree frogs (Weygoldt and Carvalho-e-Silva 1991, Castroviejo-Fisher et al 2015, Walker et al 2018.…”

“…According to the IUCN Red List (IUCN 2021), the species is categorized as Least Concern, with a stable population. However, Walker et al (2018) recognized three lineages within F. goeldii, calling attention to the possibility of cryptic diversity and suggesting changing the species stat s to Data Deficient…”