The karyotypes of Megophryinae (Pelobatinae) with a discussion on their classification and phylogenetic relationships

. -The karyotypes of nine Megophryinae species from China were studied. Megophrys omeimontis Liu has 2n=26 with 5 large, 1 moderate and 7 small pairs. 8M+3SM+2ST. NF=52, 1 secondary constriction in 6p. Megophrys giganticus Liu has 2n=26 with 5 large and 8 small pairs. 5M+5SM+2ST+1T, NF=48. Megophrys minor Stejneger has two different forms. One is 2n=26 with 6 large and 7 small pairs. 8M+2SM+2ST. NF=52; the other is 2n=30 with 6 large and 9 small pairs. The large group is identical to that of the 2n=26 form. 8M+2SM+3ST+2t, NF=56. Megophrys kuatunensis Pope has 2n=24 with 6 large and 6 small pairs. 5M+2M(SM)+2SM+3ST. Megophrys lateralis (Anderson) from Tengchong. Yunnan has 2n=26 with 6 large and 7 small pairs, 8M+3SM+2ST, NF=52. Megophrys lateralis (Anderson) from Hekou, Yunnan has 2n=26 with 6 large and 7 small pairs, 5M+1M(SM)+4SM+2ST+1T Megophrys parva Boulenger has 2n=26 with 6 large and 7 small pairs, 4M+5SM+1SM(ST)+3T, one secondary constriction 1Q; few metaphases with 2n=26+l and 4 pair of T chromosomes. Megophrys palpebralespinosa Bourret has 2n+26 with 5 large and 8 small pairs, 5M+4SM+1SM(ST)+2ST+1ST(T). Megophrys daweimontis sp. nov. Has 2n=26, 5 large and 8 small pairs, 6M+3SM+1SM(ST)+1ST+1ST(T), one secondary constriction in 6Q. Ophryophryne microstoma Boulenger has 2n=26 with 6 large and 7 small pairs, 7M+1M(SM)+2SM+1ST+T. The karyotype of O pachyprocta Kou resembles that of O. microstoma. Karyotypes of the Megophryinae can be divided into 5+8 and 6+7 types. The karyotype of M. omeimontis appears to be an intermediate between 5+8 and 6+7. Combining the cytological, morphological and ecological characters, the classification of Megophryinae can be reviewed. The genus Atympanophrys is probable only needed to verify its main generic character. Brachytarsophrys and Ophryophryne are valid genera. Megophrxs can be divided into four groups: 1. M. giganticus, II. M. montana and M. nasuta, III. M. palpebralespinosa and M. daweimontis sp. nov., IV. Other species generally with small-sized bodies and 6+7 karyotypes. M. giganticus should probable belong to the genus Atympanophrys; a new genus should be erected for groups III and IV. whereas Megophrys should refer only to group II. A new species, M. daweimontis. is described below.