Two new chameleons of the genus Calumma from North-East Madagascar, with observations on hemipenial morphology in the Calumma furcifer group (Reptilia, Squamata, Chamaeleonidaie)

During herpetological surveys in N.E. Madagascar two new species of Calumma chameleons belonging to the C. furcifer group were found and are described here. The first species, Calumma vencesi n. sp., was found at three rainfo rest sites: Ambolokopatrika (corridor between the Anjanaharibe-Sud and Maro jejy massifs), Besariaka (classified forest south of the Anjanaharibe-Sud M assif), and Tsararano (forest between Besariaka and Masoala). This species is related to C. gastrotaenia, C. guillaumeti and C: marojezensis. C. vence si n. sp, differs in having a larger size, a dorsal crest, and - in females - a typical green coloration with a network of alternating dark and light semicircular stripes. Furthermore, it is characterized by a unique combinat ion of hemipenis characters: a pair of sulcal rotulae anteriorly bearing a papillary field; a pair of asulcal rotulae showing a double denticulated ed ge; and a pair of long pointed cylindrical papillae bearing a micropapillar y field on top. The second species, Calumma vatosoa n. sp., found in ericoi d habitat on the summit of the Tsararano Chain, is conspicuous due to its b right greenish coloration, with a longitudinal midlateral whitish band, and a yellowish spot in the middle of each flank. The hemipenis ornamentation includes a feature exclusive to this species which has not been described i n any other species of the genus Calumma: the coexistence of three pairs of rotulae. This species is perhaps related to C. peyrierasi. The distributio n of the species belonging to the C. furcifer group is also discussed from the point of view of biogeographic patterns and refuge massifs.