Poyntonophrynus, also known as pygmy toads, are a
genus consisting of ten
true toad species native to
Sub-Saharan Africa.[2][3] Originally, all Poyntonophrynus species were included in the genus Bufo. The genus was split due to large enough taxonomic divergence as evidenced by molecular markers.[1] The genus is named in honour of
John C. Poynton [
fr], South African
herpetologist, with phrynus being Greek for toad.[1]
Taxonomy and systematics
Poyntonophrynus corresponds to the former Bufo vertebralis group.[1][2]Poyntonophrynus is the
sister taxon of Mertensophryne. Some molecular studies have suggested
polyphyly of Poyntonophrynus, but the conclusion is likely to have been caused by sequences representing a different species than assumed.[2]
Description
Poyntonophrynus are small toads.[4] They lack a tarsal fold, and their
parotoid glands are indistinct and
flattened. The
tympanum is small but distinct.[1]
^
ab"Bufonidae". AmphibiaWeb: Information on amphibian biology and conservation. [web application]. Berkeley, California: AmphibiaWeb. 2018. Retrieved 17 March 2018.
^Du Preez, Louis H.; Carruthers, Vincent; Burger, Marius (2009). A Complete Guide to the Frogs of Southern Africa. Cape Town: Struik. p. 156.
ISBN978-1-77007-808-6.
^Frost, Darrel R. (2018).
"Sclerophrys urunguensis (Loveridge, 1932)". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 17 March 2018.