UK Press: Striking salamander species found

[John]

BBC News, London, UK, 8th July 2009: Striking salamander species found

"A striking new species of lungless salamander has been found living in a small stream in the Appalachian foothills of the US.

The salamander is so distinct that it's been classified within its own genus, a taxonomic grouping that usually includes a host of related species.

The creature breathes through its skin, and unusually for its kind, males and females have different colouration.

Such a distinct amphibian has not been found in the US for half a century.

The researchers who discovered the salamander describe it in the Journal of Zoology. They have dubbed it the 'patch-nosed' salamander after the yellow patch on the animal's snout.

The tiny animal averages just 25 to 26mm long. "

Continued: http://news.bbc.co.uk/earth/hi/earth_news/newsid_8140000/8140003.stm

 

[John]

I envy these guys for their discovery. It's refreshing to know there are still new genera to be discovered out there. This salamander is distinctly different to other lungless salamanders to have its own genus! Truly remarkable. I'm not in favour of the splitting that goes on so much lately but this truly is a new genus by anyone's standards. If you have "advanced member" status (see this thread for an explanation of what advanced member status is) then you can access the actual journal paper attached to this message.

 

[Nathan050793]

Thanks for the link to the journal paper. It certainly is great to know that even in the U.S. there are still undescribed species. Very exciting, to say the least.

 

[pete]

That's really neat, but there is little mention of what's up with its two "whiskers?".

 

[John]

Those are a feature of Plethodontid salamanders, usually males in breeding mode but I think many species have females with some. They are extensions of the cirri.

 

[pete]

I guess I've never seen a Plethodontid in heat. Fascinating.