Polypedates megacephalus

This species is native in central, southern and southwestern China (including Hong Kong and Hainan) and Indo-China peninsula.^[3][2] It is closely related to Polypedates leucomystax and was formerly included in P. leucomystex species complex, along with P. mutus and P. braueri.

Previously, P. megacephalus was thought to distribute above the Red River of Vietnam and in Northeast India, while P. leucomystex was generally found south of the Red River and in western Yunnan.^[1] However, recent genetic studies revealed that the natural barriers between these species are the Isthmus of Kra and the Tenasserim Range, where P. megacephalus can be found above the isthmus and east of the range.^[3]

This frog is listed as Least Concern in view of its wide distribution in Asia and its tolerance of a broad range of habitats. It also because of its presumed large population.^[1]

This species is easily confused with other members of the Polypedates leucomystax complex, and genetic sequencing is often the only way to differentiate member species.^[2]

P. megacephalus was formerly synonymous with P. leucomystax, and the history of the geographic and taxonomic placement of these species, along with Polypedates braueri, is highly variable.^[2]

In 2020, the former Chalcorana [Rana] scutigera was demonstrated to be synonymous with P. megacephalus.^[4] This validated an earlier opinion by Edward Taylor who suggested R. scutigera's synonymy with P. leucomystax (then Rhacophorous leucomystax).^[5]

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  Polypedates megacephalus, Spot-legged tree frog - Phu Kradueng National Park
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  Mating
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  Resting