Odorrana, commonly known as odorous frogs, is a
genus of
true frogs (Ranidae) from
East Asia and surrounding regions. Many of these frogs inhabit fast-flowing mountain streams, and they typically have a remarkably pointed snout, as evidenced by common names like tip-nosed frog and
scientific names like nasica or nasutus ("with a
nose").
Systematics and taxonomy
Odorrana has a confusing
taxonomic and
systematic history. Most species placed here were initially placed in Rana. Some were considered to belong in Amolops and Huia instead, and yet again others were separated as Eburana. The most extreme proposal was to merge Odorrana into Huia.[1]
In the early 21st century,
molecular phylogenetic studies established that the systematic confusion was due to widespread
convergent evolution between Amolops, Huia and Odorrana, which actually represent quite distinct lineages of
Raninae. This necessitated some taxonomic changes, especially affecting Huia. It was also found that Odorrana is a rather close relative of Rana (which includes Lithobates nowadays) – possibly the most closely related living lineage. And while it is not completely certain that Odorrana is in fact a distinct genus, the available evidence points towards this being so.[1]
Initial studies have revealed what seems to be several
clades of Odorrana, which are sometimes considered
subgenera. But few species have had their
DNA sequence data sampled, and that the convergent evolution is liable to obscure relationships if assessed by
morphology alone:[1]
A number of very
basal species, including O. bacboensis, O. chapaensis,
Ishikawa's Frog (O. ishikawae) and perhaps others do not seem to be particularly close to any of the larger groups or each other.
A minor but quite distinct lineage containing O. absita, O. khalam and perhaps others. Namely O. hejiangensis and O. schmackeri might belong here, or represent another minor and distinct lineage.
Cai, Hong-xia; Che, Jing, Pang, Jun-feng; Zhao, Er-mi & Zhang, Ya-ping (2007): Paraphyly of Chinese Amolops (Anura, Ranidae) and phylogenetic position of the rare Chinese frog, Amolops tormotus. Zootaxa1531: 49–55.
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