A new treefrog species of the genus Boophis (Anura : Ranidae : Rhacophorinae) with dermal fringes from Madagascar

A new anuran species of the genus Boophis from the rainforests of eastern M adagascar is described. This species differs from the other Boophis by the presence of lateral dermal fringes on the arms, legs and lower lip, and its lichen-like dorsal colouration. It is included in the B. tephraeomystax gr oup due to several morphochromatic characters. Tadpoles probably belonging to this species have a peculiar colouration: black with a bright yellow tra nsverse stripe on the body and a yellow spot at the tip of the snout. Behav ioural observations support the assumption that frogs of this species proba bly spend the day on branches covered with lichens. A comparison with other Madagascan amphibians and reptiles with dermal fringes is provided.