FrogEyes
Active member
Current data for Yaotriton have been expanded upon, such that it looks as if all known distinct lineages have now been described as species, based on both genetic and morphological traits. It has also been suggested that both T.dabienicus and T.broadoridgus [the latter is more separated in morphology and genetics] should be considered synonyms of T.wenxianensis, which is one potential resolution of the lack of distinguishing features.
Certainly more species remain to be described within Tylototriton, especially within those historically treated as T.verrucosus or T.shanjing [but not necessarily related closely to either]. Whether the lineages within "T.shanjing" are deserving of nomenclatural status, such as 'T.shanjing pulcherimma', will require further study. The distinctiveness of T.yangi and potentially T.daweishanensis means that certain other populations ascribed to T.shanjing [such as T.(T.)uyenoi or T.(Y.)panhai] are probably separate species which are plesiomorphic or convergent in aposematic coloration. There certainly seems to be a lot of plasticity among pleurodelines in terms of bright coloration of glandular regions. Such variation is not only present in Tylototriton, Yaotriton, Echinotriton, and Pleurodeles, but also in Cynops, Hypselotriton, Paramesotriton, Pachytriton, Notophthalmus, and others, even including Salamandra. It's definitely not a stretch for more than one species to have similar color patterns - it's more of a rule in Salamandridae and in salamanders in general!
There seems at present no reason to merge any of the Yaotriton, except perhaps T.dabienicus or T.broadoridgus. Morphological distinction is mainly an accidental result of speciation, not a requirement for it [and such distinction is especially in short supply in salamanders as compared to other taxa]. At this point, all other named species seem to exhibit limited within-species genetic variation, no interbreeding with each other, and mainly complimentary parapatric or allopatric ranges. They each meet multiple definitions of species and show little or no evidence of conspecificity with one another. The same cannot be said of subgenus Tylototriton yet, but further work in Yunnan and adjoining regions should soon change that.
Certainly more species remain to be described within Tylototriton, especially within those historically treated as T.verrucosus or T.shanjing [but not necessarily related closely to either]. Whether the lineages within "T.shanjing" are deserving of nomenclatural status, such as 'T.shanjing pulcherimma', will require further study. The distinctiveness of T.yangi and potentially T.daweishanensis means that certain other populations ascribed to T.shanjing [such as T.(T.)uyenoi or T.(Y.)panhai] are probably separate species which are plesiomorphic or convergent in aposematic coloration. There certainly seems to be a lot of plasticity among pleurodelines in terms of bright coloration of glandular regions. Such variation is not only present in Tylototriton, Yaotriton, Echinotriton, and Pleurodeles, but also in Cynops, Hypselotriton, Paramesotriton, Pachytriton, Notophthalmus, and others, even including Salamandra. It's definitely not a stretch for more than one species to have similar color patterns - it's more of a rule in Salamandridae and in salamanders in general!
There seems at present no reason to merge any of the Yaotriton, except perhaps T.dabienicus or T.broadoridgus. Morphological distinction is mainly an accidental result of speciation, not a requirement for it [and such distinction is especially in short supply in salamanders as compared to other taxa]. At this point, all other named species seem to exhibit limited within-species genetic variation, no interbreeding with each other, and mainly complimentary parapatric or allopatric ranges. They each meet multiple definitions of species and show little or no evidence of conspecificity with one another. The same cannot be said of subgenus Tylototriton yet, but further work in Yunnan and adjoining regions should soon change that.