The phylogenetic relationships of Bokermann´s treefrogs: species groups, reproductive biology, and biogeography (Anura: Hylidae: Bokermannohyla)

Abstract

The hylid genus Bokermannohyla comprises 31 species distributed across the Atlantic Forest, Caatinga and Cerrado domains, and their transition zones in Brazil. These species are currently included in three species groups (the B. circumdata, B. martinsi and B. pseudopseudis groups). In this paper, we present the results of a molecular phylogenetic analysis that includes 30 of the 31 species of the genus. Our results indicate that the currently recognized species groups are polyphyletic. To remedy this, we recognize four well-supported species groups-the B. astartea, B. izecksohni, B. nanuzae and B. oxente groups-and leave B. alvarengai, B. saxicola, B. ibitiguara and B. sazimai unassigned to any group. The new phylogenetic hypothesis allowed us to examine the evolution of oviposition sites, revealing that oviposition in water retained in restricted aquatic spaces (rock crevices, natural or male-modified basins or male-excavated tunnels) evolved from oviposition in streams during the evolutionary history of Bokermannohyla. Finally, our results support the hypothesis that this genus initially diversified in the Campos Rupestres (highland rocky fields) of the Serra do Espinhaço, with a subsequent, major diversification in the Atlantic Forest.