Hyla inermis (Peters), a species hitherto erroneously referred to the Leptodactylid genus Cyclorana (Anura, Hylidae/Leptodactylidae)

INTRODUCTION Extensive collections of frogs from Queensland (reported in detail, Straughan, 1966) failed to include the species Cyclorana inermis (Peters), although Slevin (1955) recorded it as abundant in central Queensland. However a widely ranging species of ground Hyla (undescribed in that genus) occurred frequently in collections from central and northern Queensland. In all external features this species fitted the description of Cyclorana inermis given by Parker (1940: 17). In the present paper Peters' syntype of C. inermis (reg. no. RMNH 1888) in the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie, Leiden, is examined, and compared with the apparently new species of Hyla. MATERIAL AND METHODS X-ray plates of the feet of the syntype were provided by the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historic X-rays of five specimens of Hyla sp. were made by the X-ray section of the Department of Veterinary Anatomy, University of Queensland. A further ten specimens were cleared and stained with Toluidine Blue and Alizarin Red S. to distinguish bone from cartilage. All measurements were made with vernier calipers to the nearest 0.1 mm or with an eyepiece micrometer to the nearest 0.01 mm. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Examination of the digits of the syntype of Cyclorana inermis by X-ray (plate 1) established the presence of intercalary cartilages and claw shaped terminal phalanges which are characters diagnostic of the family Hylidae in the Procoelous Anura. The osteology of the feet of the syntype is exactly the same as in all 15 specimens of Hyla sp. examined. In all other characters