‘Large’-eyed creature — with yellow fingertips — found in China. It’s a new species
On a mountain in southern China, a blotchy brown creature with yellow fingertips perched on some bamboo. Its “large” eyes scanned the surrounding forest, but it wasn’t the only one looking around.
Passing scientists spotted the animal — and discovered a new species.
Researchers hiked into Leigongshan Nature Reserve several times between 2018 and 2024 to survey the park’s biodiversity, according to a study published Feb. 21 in the peer-reviewed journal Zoosystematics and Evolution.
During their visits, the team found a few unfamiliar-looking tree frogs that weren’t mentioned in any records of the region, the study said. Intrigued, they took a closer look at the animals and soon realized they’d discovered a new species: Gracixalus weii, or Wei’s tree frog.
Wei’s tree frogs are considered “moderate”-sized, reaching about 1.5 inches in length, the study said. Their skin is “rough” with scattered bumps. Their heads have “triangular” snouts with protruding nostrils.
Photos show the various brown hues of the new species. The frogs ranged from “brown to beige” but generally had an upside-down “Y-shaped” marking on their backs. Seen from below, their undersides are “flesh-colored” while their fingertips and toes are “pale yellow.”
Wei’s tree frogs live in mountain forests between elevations of about 5,200 to 5,900 feet and were typically “found on bamboo near streams,” the study said. The frogs were heard calling in May, indicating they likely breed around that time.
Researchers said they named the new species after Gang Wei, a professor at Guiyang University, “in recognition of his contributions to the systematic studies and biodiversity conservation of amphibians in China.”
So far, Wei’s tree frogs have only been found at Leigongshan Nature Reserve in Guizhou Province of southern China, the study said.
The new species was identified by its body size and proportions, eyes, coloring, skin texture, limbs and other subtle physical features, the study said. DNA analysis found the new species had at least 3% genetic divergence from other related frog species.
The research team included Jing Liu, Cai-Chun Peng, Bin Wang, Chao-Bo Feng, Tuo Shen, Shi-Ze Li, Ji-Jun Chen, Hai-Jun Su and Xiu-Jun Tang.
This story was originally published February 24, 2025 at 10:03 AM with the headline "‘Large’-eyed creature — with yellow fingertips — found in China. It’s a new species."
