Consequences of parallel miniaturisation in Microhylinae (Anura, Microhylidae), with the description of a new genus of diminutive South East Asian frogs

The genus Microhyla Tschudi, 1838 includes 52 species and is one of the most diverse genera family Microhylidae, being species-rich taxon Asian subfamily Microhylinae. recent, rapid description numerous new with complex phylogenetic relationships has made taxonomy group especially challenging. Several recent studies suggested paraphyly respect to Glyphoglossus Günther, 1869, revealed three major lineages mid-Eocene origin within this assemblage. However, comprehensive works assessing morphological variation among these are absent. In present study we investigate generic – assemblage based on a phylogeny including 57 species, comparative analysis skeletons from cleared-and-stained specimens for 23 detailed descriptions generalized osteology volume-rendered micro-CT scans five species–altogether representing all group. results confirm highly divergent well-supported clades that correspond external osteological characteristics, as well respective geographic distribution. Accordingly, acknowledging ancient divergence between their significant differentiation, propose consider distinct genera: sensu stricto , newly described genus, Nanohyla gen. nov.