Pyxicephalus Differences

[onedge30]

Terry, Here is some further confirmation of what we are finding.

These are P. adspersus:



These are P. edulis:




I will have to send you the location information and copyright.

Other tid bits: From Caroline Yetman, SA field researcher

"Yes, I examined genetic variation among P. adspersus collected from different localities mainly in Gauteng Province, using universal cyt. b primers. I also used ND2 and 16s primers to look at genetic variation between P. adspersus and P. edulis. This data indicates that P. adspersus and P. edulis are 2 distinct species. The male advertisement call is currently the most reliable trait to distinguish between P. adspersus and P. edulis."

"Yes, many photographed and even preserved museum specimens have been incorrectly identified. As you have noticed, the problem is worst for P. edulis. I have also yet to come across a photo or specimen of P. obbianus."


"It's difficult to say. The specimen in the photograph with the white background is possibly a variant of P. adspersus from, e.g. the Free State Province in South Africa, where P. adspersus is smaller, and produces a slightly different call compared to P. adspersus in Gauteng Province."


"The specimen in the photograph with the black background is possibly a variant of P. edulis or P. adspersus from, e.g. Botswana, or possibly a new species of Pyxicephalus. I obtained a tissue sample from such a specimen in Botswana, and used the ND2 and 16s primers, which revealed that it was highly genetically differentiated from P. adspersus and P. edulis."