[Herpetology • 2019] Pristimantis mallii • A New Species of Terrestrial Frog Pristimantis (Strabomantidae) from the upper Basin of the Pastaza River, Ecuador

Pristimantis mallii 

 Reyes-Puig, Reyes-Puig, Velarde-Garcéz, Dávalos, Mancero, Navarrete, Yánez-Muñoz, Cisneros-Heredia & Ron, 2019

DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.832.30874 

Abstract
We describe a new species of Pristimantis from the montane forest of the Río Zuñag Ecological Reserve, upper basin of the Pastaza River, Ecuador. Pristimantis mallii sp. n. is characterized by a snout-vent length of 11.6–21.3 mm in adult males (n = 12), 22.6–34.3 mm in adult females (n = 8), and is compared morphologically and genetically with Pristimantis miktos and with other relevant species of Pristimantis. The new species is characterized by having skin on dorsum and flanks shagreen, distinctive scapular folds, snout broadly rounded in dorsal view, upper eyelid bearing one or two subconical tubercles and some rounded tubercles, dorsum and flanks light brown to brown, with irregular dark brown marks bounded by dirty cream and groin with irregular yellowish marks.

Keywords: Montane forest, Pristimantis mallii sp. n., Río Zuñag Reserve, Terrarana

Figure 1. Phylogeny of Pristimantis showing the relationships of Pristimantis mallii sp. n. (red). The phylogram was derived from analysis of 2968 bp of mitochondrial (gene fragments 12S and 16S) and nuclear (gene fragment RAG) DNA sequences. Branch support is presented for each clade as Bayesian posterior probabilities × 100 (left of the slash) and non-parametric bootstrap (right of the slash). Asterisks indicate support values of 100. The external group is not shown. For each specimen, museum catalog number, locality, and GenBank accession number (in parentheses) are reported. Abbreviations: E. R. = Ecological Reserve.

Figure 2. Coloration in life of Pristimantis mallii sp. n. Dorsal view.
A ZSFQ 1305, SVL = 34.3 mm, adult female B DHMECN 5236, SVL = 30.9 mm, adult female C QCAZ 52473, SVL = 28.8 mm, holotype, adult female;
Second line from left to right D QCAZ 52494, SVL = 29.3 mm, adult female E QCAZ 52512, SVL = 10.3 mm, subadult male F QCAZ 52474, SVL = 11.6 mm, adult male.
Ventral view G DHMECN 5236, SVL = 30.9 mm, adult female H QCAZ 52473, SVL = 28.8 mm, holotype, adult female I QCAZ 52474, SVL = 11.6 mm, adult male. Pictures are not to scale.

Pristimantis mallii sp. n. 

Proposed standard English name: Malli’s Rain Frog

Proposed standard Spanish name: Cutín de Malli

Diagnosis: A new species of Pristimantis having the following combination of characters: (1) skin on dorsum and flanks shagreen, with rounded tubercles scattered towards the axillary region, with “) (” shaped scapular folds (evident in life); dorsolateral folds absent; skin on venter areolate; discoidal fold slightly defined; (2) tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus present, round, equivalent to 45% of ED; supratympanic fold present; (3) snout broadly rounded in dorsal view, moderate in length and rounded in lateral view; (4) upper eyelid with one or two subconical tubercles on the center of eyelid and some rounded tubercles (less evident in preserved specimens); EW 100% of IOD; cranial crests absent (5) dentigerous processes of vomers oblique in outline, with five to seven teeth, moderately separated, posteromedial to choanae; (6) vocals slits and nuptial pads present; (7) Finger I shorter that Finger II; discs of digits expanded, truncate; two times the width of the digits on Fingers III and IV; (8) fingers with lateral fringes; (9) ulnar tubercles present, rounded; (10) heel bearing one or two subconical tubercles (less evident in preserved specimens) surrounded by few lower rounded tubercles; inner tarsal fold present, it extends up to 1/4 of the tarsus; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle oval, 5–6× as large as outer metatarsal tubercle that is subconical; supernumerary plantar tubercles indistinct; (12) toes with slightly defined lateral fringes; webbing absent; Toe V longer that Toe III, disc on Toe V reach the distal subarticular tubercle on Toe IV; (13) in life, dorsum and flanks light brown to brown, with irregular dark brown marks bounded by dirty cream, light brown or greenish cream; hidden surfaces of thighs brown splashed with dirty cream; groin with irregular yellowish marks; venter light gray or cream, spotted to densely spotted with brown. Golden coppery iris with black reticulations and a reddish-brown horizontal stripe; (14) SVL in adult males 16.7 ± 4.5 (11.6–21.3 mm); females with 27.6 ± 3.9 (22.6–34.3).

Distribution and natural history:

Pristimantis mallii is only known from Fundación EcoMinga’s Río Zuñag Ecological Reserve, which is located in the southeastern buffer zone of the Llanganates National Park, in Baños, Río Negro, Tungurahua province, in the upper basin of the Pastaza River, on the east-central slope of the Andes in Ecuador. This locality comprises montane cloud forest (MAE 2012). The elevation range is 1300–2190 m above sea level.

All specimens were found on herbaceous and shrub vegetation inside mature forest, where they perched on herbs, shrubs, palms, ferns, bromeliads and Araceae between 100 and 450 cm above the ground. A couple in amplexus was found in January 2012, and the female deposited an egg clutch in a field bag, in the time passed between being collected in the field and reaching the base camp. Additionally, two couples in amplexus and an adult female were found in October 2017.

Etymology: The new species is named in honor of the late Dr V. N. Mallikarjuna “Malli” Rao, of Wilmington, Delaware, USA. A winner of the Lavosier Medal at DuPont, he helped develop an environmentally safe alternative to the fluorocarbons that were depleting the ozone layer. His donation to EcoMinga in 2007 started the Río Zuñag Reserve, the type locality of P. mallii.


 Carolina Reyes-Puig, Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Daniel A. Velarde-Garcéz, Nicolás Dávalos, Emilio Mancero, María José Navarrete, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia and Santiago R. Ron. 2019. A New Species of Terrestrial Frog Pristimantis (Strabomantidae) from the upper Basin of the Pastaza River, Ecuador.  ZooKeys. 832: 113-133.  DOI: 10.3897/zookeys.832.30874

Resumen: Describimos una nueva especie de Pristimantis del bosque montano de la Reserva Ecológica Río Zuñag, cuenca alta del río Pastaza, Ecuador. Pristimantis mallii sp. n. es caracterizada por una longitud rostro-cloacal de 11.6–21.3 mm en machos adultos (n = 12), 22.6–34.3 mm en hembras adultas (n = 8), y es comparada morfológica y genéticamente con Pristimantis miktos y con otras especies relevantes de Pristimantis. La especie nueva se caracteriza por tener la piel del dorso y flancos finamente granular, pliegues escapulares distintivos, hocico redondeado en vista dorsal, párpado superior con uno dos tubérculos subcónicos y algunos redondeados, dorso y flancos café claro a café, con marcas irregulares café oscuras bordeadas de crema sucio y marcas irregulares amarillentas en las ingles.

Palabras clave: Bosque montano, Pristimantis mallii sp. n., Reserva Río Zuñag, Terrarana

[Herpetology • 2019] Lynchius megacephalus • A Bizarre New Species of Lynchius (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Andes of Ecuador and First Report of Lynchius parkeri in Ecuador

Lynchius megacephalus 

Sánchez-Nivicela, Urgiles, Navarrete, Yánez-Muñoz & Ron, 2019

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4567.1.1 

 twitter.com/SavagelabUCF  

Abstract

We describe a new species of Lynchius from the eastern montane forest of southern Ecuador. We also report the occurrence of L. parkeri in Ecuador, on paramos of Yacuri National Park, near the border with Peru. We used morphological and genetic evidence for the description of the new species and the new report of L. parkeri. Phylogenetic analyses were carried out using both maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference on DNA sequences for mitochondrial and nuclear genes. The phylogeny shows that L. simmonsi is sister to a clade composed of the remaining species of Lynchius and that the new species is sister to L. flavomaculatus. The new species has a prominent and heavily ossified head with noticeably spiculate cranial exostosis that easily distinguishes it from all its congeners. The dorsal region and limbs present several reduced subconical and rounded tubercles and pronounced dermal ridges on the dorsum. We also describe the osteology of the new species based on x-rays of the holotype. Only six species of Lynchius, two known to occur in Ecuador (L. flavomaculatus and L. simmonsi). The description of Lynchius megacephalus sp. nov. and new record of L. parkeri double the number of known Lynchius in Ecuador and suggest that the diversity of Ecuadorian and Peruvian Lynchius is still underestimated.

Keywords: Systematics, osteology, morphology, co-ossified skull, natural history, Morona Santiago, new record, Amphibia

Holotype of Lynchius megacephalus sp. n., female MZUA.AN.0633 (SLV 41.8 mm) in life.

Lynchius megacephalus sp. nov.

Etymology. The name megacephalus is derived from the Greek mega meaning big and cephala meaning head. The name refers to the wide and robust head of this new species. The epithet is used as a noun in apposition.

Distribution and Natural history. Lynchius megacephalus is only known from one specimen collected at the type locality in the Tinajillas-Río Gualaceño Ecological Conservation Area, Morona Santiago province, 2770 m of elevation. The holotype was collected during the night (approximately 22h00) on the forest floor, between leaflitter in the middle of a heavy rainy week. The ecosystem is Eastern Montane Forest (according to Ron et al. 2018 natural regions). The forest at the type locality is characterized by small streams and leaflitter> 10 cm thick ( Urgilés & Nieves 2014). The dense canopy can exceed 20 m height. The vegetation includes species of the genus Oreopanax, Weinmannia, Cinchona, Chusquea, and Baccharis (Baez et al. 2013). The new species was recorded in sympatry with Pristimantis versicolor, P. andinognomus, P. atratus, P. cryophilius, P. gualacenio, P. proserpens, P. spinosus, and an undescribed Lynchius species similar to L. flavomaculatus.

Juan C. Sánchez-Nivicela, Veronica L. Urgiles, María José Navarrete, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz and Santiago R. Ron. 2019. A Bizarre New Species of Lynchius (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Andes of Ecuador and First Report of Lynchius parkeri in Ecuador. Zootaxa. 4567(1); 1–24. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4567.1.1 

 twitter.com/SavagelabUCF/status/1106229489019904000

twitter.com/JCSN_Herps/status/1106333746129702912
 treatment.plazi.org/id/9B2EEC17FFF0964FFF7CFBDC3503FC62

[Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis tiktik • A New Minute Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador

Pristimantis tiktik 

 Székely, Eguiguren, Székely, Ordóñez-Delgado, Armijos-Ojeda, Riofrío-Guamán & Cogălniceanu, 2018

in Székely, Eguiguren, Székely, et al., 2018. 

DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202332 

Abstract

We describe a new rainfrog species (Pristimantis), from the wetland complex Oña, Nabón, Saraguro and Yacuambi, in the Andes of southern Ecuador, at altitudes ranging between 3000–3400 m a.s.l. Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. is a small frog, displaying sexual dimorphism (the males with dorsum of various shades of gray, brown, orange or green and a whitish or pinkish yellow venter; females with brownish gray or gray dorsum and a reticulated white and black venter), with SVL ranging between 19.7–20.4 mm in females (n = 3) and 16.1–18.4 mm in males (n = 6). The skin on dorsum is tuberculated, that on venter is coarsely areolate, dorsolateral folds are absent, tympanic membrane is absent but the tympanic annulus is evident, cranial crests are absent, discs on fingers just slightly expanded, heel is lacking enlarged tubercles, inner edge of tarsus is bearing a long fold, Toe V is slightly longer than Toe III and the iris coloration is bronze with fine black reticulations. The males have a large subgular vocal sac that extends onto the chest and vocal slits but lack nuptial pads. The unique advertisement call consists of long duration series of periodically repeated clicks: “tik”. Molecular analyses place the new species in the recently resurrected P. orestes group, as the sister species of the assemblage that contains P. bambu, P. mazar, P. simonbolivari and an undescribed species.

Fig 2. Holotype of Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. (MUTPL 239, adult male), SVL 16.7 mm, in life.
 A. Dorsolateral view; B. Ventral view; C. Dorsal view.

Class Amphibia Linnaeus, 1758

Order Anura Fischer von Waldheim, 1813

Superfamily Brachycephaloidea Günther, 1858

Family Strabomantidae Hedges, Duellman, and Heinicke, 2008

Subfamily Pristimantinae Pyron and Wiens, 2011

Genus Pristimantis Jiménez de la Espada, 1870

Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. 

Székely, Eguiguren, Székely, Ordóñez-Delgado, Armijos-Ojeda, Riofrío-Guamán, and Cogălniceanu.

Fig 6. Color variation in males of Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. in life.
 Paratype (MUTPL 240), SVL 18.4 mm: A. dorsolateral view; B. ventral view. Paratype (MUTPL 251), SVL 16.1 mm: C. dorsolateral view; D. ventral view. Paratype (MUTPL 277), SVL 17.0 mm: E. dorsolateral view; F. ventral view. 

Fig 7. Color variation in females of Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov. in life.
 Paratype (MUTPL 247), SVL 20.2 mm: A. dorsolateral view; B. ventral view. Paratype (MUTPL 252), SVL 19.7 mm: C. dorsolateral view; D. ventral view. Paratype (MUTPL 276), SVL 20.4 mm: E. dorsolateral view; F. ventral view.

Common English name. Tiktik Rain Frog

Common Spanish name. Cutín tiktik

Etymology. The specific name is the onomatopoeic representation of the frog’s particular call.

Holotype. MUTPL 239, an adult male (Figs 2, 3 and 5A) from Ecuador, Loja province, Saraguro canton, 21 km (by road) E of Urdaneta (3.58612° S, 79.07516° W; datum WGS84), 3300 m above sea level, collected by Paul Székely, Diego Armijos-Ojeda and Dan Cogălniceanu on 8 July 2016.

....

Diagnosis. We assign this species to Pristimantis based on phylogenetic evidence (Fig 1) and on the general morphological similarity to other members of the genus. Pristimantis tiktik is a small species distinguished by the following combination of traits: (1) skin on dorsum tuberculated; skin on venter coarsely areolate; discoidal fold weak, more evident posteriorly; thoracic fold absent; dorsolateral folds absent; low mid dorsal fold present; (2) tympanic membrane absent but tympanic annulus evident, its length about 30% of the length of eye; supratympanic fold present; (3) snout short, subacuminate in dorsal view, rounded in profile; canthus rostralis weakly concave in dorsal view, rounded in profile; (4) upper eyelid bearing several small tubercles, similar in size and shape with the ones from the dorsum, about 80% IOD in females and 70% IOD in males; cranial crests absent; (5) dentigerous processes of vomers inconspicuous, elongated, but each processes bearing 3 to 5 evident teeth; (6) males with a large subgular vocal sac, extended onto the chest; vocal slits present; nuptial pads absent; (7) Finger I shorter than Finger II; discs on fingers just slightly expanded, rounded; circumferential grooves present; (8) fingers bearing narrow lateral fringes; subarticular tubercles prominent; supernumerary palmar tubercles present, rounded, smaller than subarticular tubercles; palmar tubercle inconspicuous, bifurcated; thenar tubercle oval; (9) ulnar tubercles coalesced into low ulnar fold; (10) heel lacking enlarged tubercles; outer edge of tarsus with row of small tubercles; inner edge of tarsus bearing a long fold; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle broadly ovoid, about 3x round outer metatarsal tubercle; supernumerary plantar tubercles present; (12) toes bearing narrow lateral fringes; webbing absent; Toe V slightly longer than Toe III; discs on toes just slightly expanded, rounded, about same size as those on fingers; circumferential grooves present; (13) evident sexual dimorphism: in life, the males with dorsum of various shades of gray, brown, orange or green (brownish gray or gray in females), the flanks, chest, groins and ventral surface of the limbs have usually a reddish mottling and the venter is whitish or pinkish yellow (venter, axillae and groins white with black reticulum in females); iris bronze, with lower half darker, and with fine black reticulations; (14) SVL 19.7–20.4 mm in adult females (20.1 ± 0.36 SD, n = 3) and 16.1–18.4 mm in adult males (16.9 ± 0.79 SD, n = 6).

Fig 10. Habitat of Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov.  in the wetland complex of Oña, Nabón, Saraguro and Yacuambi.
A. One of the many glacial lakes from the wetland complex; B. General view of the herb páramo (montane grassland); C. Microhabitat with grasses and shrubs; D. Grass microhabitat near a stream from the wetland complex.

Distribution. Pristimantis tiktik is known only from the wetland complex of Oña, Nabón, Saraguro and Yacuambi (Fig 9) which spreads over three provinces, Loja, Azuay and Zamora-Chinchipe, in Southern Ecuador. This area has an altitudinal range between 3000 and 3400 m a.s.l. and consists of herb páramo (montane grasslands and shrublands) and a wetland complex of almost 100 glacial lakes (Fig 10). We found this species above 3000 m along the road that crosses this area from Urdaneta to Tutupali, but it is probably widespread in the entire wetland complex.

    

Fig 9. Distribution of Pristimantis tiktik sp. nov.  (red dots) in Ecuador. 

Natural history. All the specimens were encountered during the night on the grassy vegetation, very close to the ground (usually at 5–15 cm above the ground). The distinctive call of the males was heard throughout the year (usually after 18:00), regardless of the weather conditions, i.e. rain or strong winds. All the females were caught in the vicinity of the calling males. This seems to be one of the most common frog species from the wetland complex, along with Pristimantis aff. riveti. Other sympatric frog species include Gastrotheca pseustes and a currently undescribed species of Pristimantis.

Conservation status. Pristimantis tiktik is known only from the wetland complex of Oña, Nabón, Saraguro and Yacuambi, above 3000 m a.s.l., which is estimated to have an area of 192 km2. Even though this is one of the most commonly encountered species in the wetland complex, we consider it to be Endangered following B1ab(i,ii,iii)+2ab(i,ii,iii) IUCN criteria because: (1) its Extent of occurrence (EOO) and Area of occupancy (AOO) are estimated to be less than 200 km2; (2) it is known from only one location; and (3) its habitat is currently affected (or could be severely affected in the near future) by mining activities, invasive species (especially pines from the nearby pine plantations), grazing, wildfires and road constructions.

 Paul Székely, Juan Sebastián Eguiguren, Diana Székely , Leonardo Ordóñez-Delgado, Diego Armijos-Ojeda, María Lorena Riofrío-Guamán and Dan Cogălniceanu. 2018. A New Minute Pristimantis (Amphibia: Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Andes of southern Ecuador.   PLoS ONE. 13(8): e0202332.  DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0202332

[Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis barrigai • A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador

Pristimantis barrigai  Brito & Almendáriz, 2018

  DOI: 10.31017/CdH.2018.(2017-08) 

 twitter.com/JorgeBritoM

ABSTRACT 

 A new species of medium-sized terrestrial frog of the genus Pristimantis (SVL female 31.5 mm, male 26.9 mm) is described from the montane forest of the Cordillera del Cóndor, southeastern Ecuador from an elevation of 2100 m. We assign provisionally Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., to the Pristimantis ridens group. The new species differs from other congeners by a distinctive combination of characters: dorsum olive to olive-brown, small tympanum, venter blackish, iris spectral-red, pedal supernumerary tubercles enlarged and numerous and distribution on a sandstone plateau in the cordillera del Cóndor.

Key words: Pristimantis ridens group, Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., Cordillera del Cóndor.

Figura 3. Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., en vida. Holotipo macho adulto MEPN 12346, LRC: 26.9 mm. Fotografía: A. Almendáriz.

RESUMEN: Se describe una especie nueva de rana terrestre de mediano tamaño del género Pristimantis (hembra LRC 31.5 mm; macho 26.9 mm), de los bosques montanos de la Cordillera del Cóndor, sureste de Ecuador, a una elevación de 2100 m. Asignamos tentativamente a Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., al grupo Pristimantis ridens. La especie nueva es la única rana terrestre con una combinación distintiva de caracteres: dorso café oliva a café oliváceo, tímpano pequeño, vientre negruzco, distintivo iris rojo espectral, tubérculos pediales supernumerarios agrandados y numerosos y conocida únicamente de la meseta de arenisca de la cordillera del Cóndor.

Palabras clave: Pristimantis ridens, Pristimantis barrigai sp. nov., Cordillera del Cóndor.

 Jorge Brito and Ana Almendáriz. 2018. Una especie nueva de rana Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) de ojos rojos de la Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador [A New Red-eye Frog Species Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from Cordillera de Cóndor, Ecuador]. Cuad. herpetol. 32(1); 31-40. DOI: 10.31017/CdH.2018.(2017-08)

 twitter.com/JorgeBritoM/status/992494922115768320

[Herpetology • 2018] Pristimantis antisuyu & P. erythroinguinis • Two New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frogs (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern Slopes of the Andes in Manu National Park, Peru

Pristimantis antisuyu

 Catenazzi & Lehr, 2018

   DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4394.2.2 

CatenazziLab.org

Abstract

We describe two new species of Pristimantis from the Kosñipata valley in the eastern slopes of the Andes near Manu National Park, Peru. The two new species are closely related but do not overlap elevationally: Pristimantis antisuyu sp. n. occurs from 1485–1823 m a.s.l., whereas Pristimantis erythroinguinis sp. n. occurs from 930–1255 m a.s.l. Both species are readily distinguished from all other species of Pristimantis but P. cruciocularis and P. flavobracatus by possessing an iris with a cruciform pattern, no tympanum, and red bright or yellow coloration on groin. We used a Maximum Likelihood approach to infer a molecular phylogeny on a dataset composed of 27 terminals and 903 bp of the concatenated 16S rRNA and COI mitochondrial fragments. Our phylogenetic analyses indicate that, despite differing in groin coloration from red to yellow, individuals of P. cruciocularis and P. flavobracatus form a single clade, and some specimens have identical 16S sequences. Therefore, we synonymize P. flavobracatus with P. cruciocularis. The two unnamed species are closely related to P. cruciocularis. Pristimantis antisuyu sp. n. differs from P. cruciocularis and P. erythroinguinis sp. n. by having smaller yellow spots, instead of extensive red coloration, on groin and hind limbs, by being larger with proportionally longer tibias, and by having an inner metatarsal tubercle three times the size of outer metatarsal tubercle (twice as long in the other two species). Pristimantis erythroinguinis sp. n., despite having coloration very similar to P. cruciocularis, is the sister taxon to both P. antisuyu sp. n. and P. cruciocularis, and can be distinguished from the latter by having much darker ventral coloration, and no cream or yellow spots on flanks and surrounding the red inguinal marks.

Keywords: Amphibia, Amazon Basin, Brachycephaloidea, frog, cloud forest, Paucartambo, phylogenetics, synonymy, taxonomy, Terrarana

Alessandro Catenazzi and Edgar Lehr. 2018. Pristimantis antisuyu sp. n. and Pristimantis erythroinguinis sp. n., Two New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frogs (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the eastern Slopes of the Andes in Manu National Park, Peru.   4394(2); 185–206.  DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.4394.2.2

Two new frog species for Manu National Park - Catenazzi Lab  CatenazziLab.org/1/post/2018/03/two-new-frog-species-for-manu-national-park.html

 twitter.com/ACatenazzi/status/973839119456579584

[Herpetology • 2018] Psychrophrynella glauca • A New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frogs (Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Montane Forests of the Amazonian Andes of Puno, Peru

Psychrophrynella glauca

 Catenazzi​ & Ttito, 2018

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4444 

Abstract

We describe a new species of small strabomantid frog (genus Psychrophrynella) from a humid montane forest in the Peruvian Department of Puno. Specimens were collected at 2,225 m a.s.l. in the leaf litter of primary montane forest near Thiuni, along the Macusani–San Gabán road, in the province of Carabaya. The new species is assigned to Psychrophrynella on the basis of morphological similarity, including presence of a tubercle on the inner edge of the tarsus, and call composed of multiple notes. We also include genetic distances for 16S rRNA partial sequences between the new species and other strabomantid frogs. The species with lowest genetic distances are Psychrophrynella chirihampatu and Psychrophrynella usurpator. Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n. is readily distinguished from the three other species of Psychrophrynella (Psychrophrynella bagrecito, P. chirihampatu, and P. usurpator) by its small size, and by having belly and ventral surfaces of legs reddish-brown or red, and chest and throat brown to dark brown with a profusion of bluish-gray flecks. The new species is only known from its type locality. With the discovery of P. glauca, the geographic distribution of Psychrophrynella is extended to the Department of Puno, where it was no longer represented after the description of the genus Microkayla. Furthermore, the Cordillera de Carabaya is the only mountain range known to be home to four of the seven genera of Holoadeninae (Bryophryne, Microkayla, Noblella, and Psychrophrynella), suggesting an intriguing evolutionary history for this group in southern Peru.

Keywords: Cloud forest, Frog, Bioacoustics, Carabaya, Ollachea, Leaf litter amphibian, 16S rRNA, Taxonomy, Holoadeninae, Terrarana

Figure 2: Photographs of live and preserved specimen of the holotype of Psychrophrynella glauca  sp. n. Live (A, C, E) and preserved (B, D, F) specimen of the holotype, female CORBIDI 18729 (SVL 18.2 mm) in dorsolateral (A, B), dorsal (C, D), and ventral (E, F) views. Photographs by A. Catenazzi.

Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n.

Diagnosis: The new species differs from the three known species of Psychrophrynella by its unique combination of red coloration on ventral surfaces of legs and belly, and profusion of bluish-gray flecks on ventral surfaces of head, body, and legs. Morphologically, it is most similar to P. bagrecito in having a short fold-like tubercle on the inner edge of tarsus, a prominent ovoid outer metatarsal tubercle, discoidal fold present, an elliptical pupil, small size reaching ∼19 mm, and dark brown flanks in at least some specimens. It can be distinguished from P. bagrecito (characters in parenthesis in P. bagrecito) by having smooth skin on venter (areolate), dorsal coloration with broad markings (longitudinal stripes), snout short and bluntly rounded (snout moderately long, rounded in dorsal view and in profile), and ventral coloration in preservative brown with light gray flecks (white to cream with brown mottling). The new species can be distinguished from P. chirihampatu by having reddish-brown to dark brown coloration and bluish-gray flecks on ventral parts (ventral coloration yellow with reddish-brown or gray flecks), Finger I slightly shorter or the same length as Finger II (Finger I shorter than Finger II), inner metatarsal tubercle the same length of outer metatarsal tubercle (inner metatarsal tubercle at least three times the size of outer metatarsal tubercle), more bluntly rounded head (slender and longer head), smaller size reaching 19.8 mm in females (27.7 mm), and advertisement call having 26 notes and a fundamental frequency of 3,027 Hz (up to 68 notes, 2,712 Hz). The new species differs from P. usurpator by its reddish-brown ventral coloration (dull brown, gray or black with cream flecks), smaller SVL reaching 19.8 mm in females (SVL up to 30.5 mm), and by the fold-like tubercle on the inner edge of tarsus being short (long and prominent tubercle).

Etymology: The specific name glauca is the feminine form of the Latin adjective glaucus, from the ancient Greek noun glaûkos, meaning “bluish-gray,” in reference to the bluish-gray flecks on the ventral parts of body and limbs.

Distribution, natural history, and threats: The four specimens were found in the leaf litter along a descending ridge separating two creeks in the humid montane forest along the road from Thiuni to Ollachea. Sympatric species detected during our quick survey included Gastrotheca testudinea, Pristimantis platydactylus, and an unnamed Pristimantis sp. Much of the original forest vegetation has been replaced by cultivated fields and pasture along the road, but this remnant forest extended from nearly the side of the road to the upper ridge of the mountain. Further advance of agriculture, or clearing of the forest might threaten this species if its distribution is restricted to the Ollachea Valley. In absence of more detailed data regarding its extent of occurrence, and according to the IUCN Red List criteria and categories (IUCN, 2013), we suggest this species to be in the “Data Deficient” category of the Red List.

Figure 4: Dorsolateral and ventral views of four paratypes of Psychrophrynella glauca  sp. n.  showing variation in dorsal and ventral coloration. Female MUBI 16322 (A, B). Male CORBIDI 18730 (C, D). Juvenile MUBI 16323 (E, F). Photographs by A. Catenazzi. 

Conclusion: 

We describe a new species of terrestrial-breeding frog of the family Strabomantidae, and provide evidence for its allocation within the genus Psychrophrynella. The new species P. glauca is only known from its type locality, similarly to most other small Holoadeninae known to occur at high elevations in the Andes of southern Peru and Bolivia. With our description we contribute to a better knowledge of the diversity of this group, and reveal the presence of four genera of Holoadeninae in the Cordillera de Carabaya of southern Peru, suggesting that phylogeographic studies of the Holoadeninae species of this mountain range may shed insights into radiation in this group.

Alessandro Catenazzi​ and Alex Ttito. 2018. Psychrophrynella glauca sp. n., A New Species of Terrestrial-breeding Frogs (Amphibia, Anura, Strabomantidae) from the Montane Forests of the Amazonian Andes of Puno, Peru. PeerJ. 6:e4444.  DOI: 10.7717/peerj.4444

[Herpetology • 2017] Bryophryne mancoinca • A New Species of Bryophryne (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, southeastern Peruvian Andes

Bryophryne mancoinca 

Mamani, Catenazzi, Ttito, Mallqui & Chaparro, 2017

  DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v16i2p129-141 

Abstract

We describe a new species of Bryophryne from the Cordillera de Vilcabamba in Department Cusco, in the southeastern Peruvian Andes. The new species differs from all other congeneric taxa, except B. flammiventris and B. gymnotis, by possessing a weakly defined tympanic membrane and tympanic annulus, by the presence of vocal sac and vocal slits in males, and by producing advertisement calls. The new species is distinguished from B. flammiventris and B. gymnotis by skin texture, presence of small, oblique dentigerous processes on the vomer, ventral coloration ranging from bluish-gray to whitish-gray with irregular or reticulate dark brown spots, and call composed of two or three notes. The new species is further characterized by having dorsal skin shagreen with tubercles, discontinuous dorsolateral folds, skin smooth on ventral surfaces of the body, and lateral fringes on fingers and toes. This species was found at the transition from montane forest to high Andean puna, where it occurs in moist microhabitats under moss and rocks at elevations from 3519 to 3707 m a.s.l.

Keywords: amphibians, Brachycephaloidea, Choquequirao Archeological Complex, humid grassland, Terrarana

Figure 2. Dorsal and ventral views of adult Bryophryne mancoinca sp. nov.
 A–B, female (MUBI 1152, Holotype); C–D, male (MUBI 11149); E–F, male (MUBI 11150); G–H, male (MUBI 11153); I–J, female (MUBI 16069); and K–L, female (MUBI 16069).

Photos by Luis Mamani.

Bryophryne mancoinca sp. nov.

Etymology: The specific epithet refers to the most important Inca of Vilcabamba, Manco Inca, who was the leader of the last Incan resistance in southeastern Peru.

Figure 2. Dorsal and ventral views of adult Bryophryne mancoinca sp. nov.  
A–B, female (MUBI 1152, Holotype); C–D, male (MUBI 11149); E–F, male (MUBI 11150); G–H, male (MUBI 11153); I–J, female (MUBI 16069); and K–L, female (MUBI 16069). Photos by Luis Mamani. 

Luis Mamani, Alessandro Catenazzi, Alex Ttito, Sergio Mallqui and Juan C. Chaparro. 2017. A New Species of Bryophryne (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera de Vilcabamba, southeastern Peruvian Andes.  Phyllomedusa. 16(2); 129-141. DOI: 10.11606/issn.2316-9079.v16i2p129-141

[Herpetology • 2016] Pristimantis tinguichaca • A New Species of Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador

 Pristimantis tinguichaca  

Brito, Ojala-Barbour, Batallas & Almendáriz. 2016.  

 DOI: 10.1670/13-103 | flickr.com  

Abstract

We describe Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov., a member of the Pristimantis unistrigatus species group, from the cloud forests of Sangay National Park located on the eastern slopes of the Andes in southeastern Ecuador. The new species was collected in cloud forests and cattle pastures at 2,750–2,830 m elevation. It differs from other members of the P. unistrigatus group by the presence of small conical tubercles on the upper eyelids and heels, as well as by its reddish-colored iris. It is further distinguished by its small conical ulnar and tarsal tubercles. A single sharp metallic note composed of a modulated frequency characterizes the call. Stomach content analysis revealed a diet composed principally of beetles (51.7%).

Jorge Brito M., Reed Ojala-Barbour, Diego Batallas R. and Ana Almendáriz C.. 2016. A New Species of Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador. Journal of Herpetology. 50(2):327-336.  DOI: 10.1670/13-103

Resumen: Describimos a Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. del grupo Pristimantis unistrigatus, de los bosques nublados del Parque Nacional Sangay de las estribaciones orientales de los Andes en el sureste de Ecuador, a elevaciones de 2,750–2,830 m. Difiere de otros miembros del grupo unistrigatus por la presencia de tubérculos cónicos pequeños en el párpado y talón, tubérculos ulnares y tarsales cónicos pequeños, e iris rojizo. El canto se caracteriza por un sonido metálico, grave; presenta llamados de frecuencia modulada, los mismos que están compuestos de una sola nota. El análisis de los contenidos estomacales reveló una dieta basada principalmente en coleópteros (51.7%).

[Herpetology • 2015] Five New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the Coastal Cloud Forest of the Península de Paria, Venezuela

Image 3. Pristimantis nubisilva sp. nov. from the Península de Paria in northeastern Venezuela.
(C) Calling male from the Las Melenas area (specimen not collected). (D) Individual from Cerro Humo, showing the red dorsal tuberculation present in some frogs (specimen not collected).
Image 8. Specimens of Pristimantis hoogmoedi sp. nov. from the Península de Paria in northeastern Venezuela, photographed in life.
(A) Male paratype (CVULA 7440, SVL = 34.3mm), illustrating the relatively plain dorsal patterning with irregular brown markings and the red iris. (B) Female paratype (CVULA 7434, SVL = 41.6mm), illustrating the ‘extravagant’ orange-brown patterned phenotype.
Image 12. Pristimantis geminus sp. nov. from the Península de Paria in northeastern Venezuela in life.
 (A) Male holotype (USNM [CMD 341], SVL = 20.8mm), illustrating paired scapular spots and associated tubercles. (C) Male and female P. geminus from Cerro Patao in axillary amplexus (MBLUZ 381–82). The male illustrates the dark brown striped phenotype, showing scapular tubercles and the conical tubercle on the upper eyelid. In these individuals, the coloration is particularly vibrant, perhaps owing to the reproductive activity.

DOI: 10.11609/JoTT.o4197.7047-88

Abstract

 Fieldwork in the cloud forest of Venezuela’s remote Península de Paria in 2001 resulted in the collection of several specimens that could unquestionably be classified as members of the genus Pristimantis. Subsequent analysis of comparative material in museum collections brought the total number of specimens to 44, and these collectively represent five new species. Two of these species, P. geminus sp. nov. and P. nubisilva sp. nov., have phenotypes remarkably similar to the Trinidadian P. urichi, supporting a prediction that Pristimantis from easternmost Venezuela may have given rise to Trinidadian forms. Pristimantis hoogmoedi sp. nov. is easily identified by its large size and red eyes. Two of the species, P. longicorpus sp. nov. and P. pariagnomus sp. nov., are very distinct morphologically but are known only from the holotypes. The former is characterized by an elongate body form supported by relatively short limbs, whereas the latter has very distinctive hand morphology and is likely the smallest Venezuelan frog. Chromosome banding studies of P. nubisilva sp. nov. and P. hoogmoedi sp. nov. revealed chromosome numbers of 2n = 36 and 2n = 26, respectively, with an unusual submetacentric fusion chromosome 11;18 in some males of the former and a unique meiotic pairing of chromosomes in males of the latter. All five species can be readily distinguished by their osteology, such as by the extent of the sphenethmoid and features on the roof of the mouth, as well as by the shape and rearrangement of mesopodial elements. The unexpectedly high diversity of Pristimantis in this region, along with high endemism of amphibians and reptiles in general, underscores the position of the Península de Paria as a center for frog biodiversity in Venezuela. The similarity of these Paria species to Pristimantis from Trinidad, Tobago and the central Cordillera de la Costa represents a tangible piece of evidence for the close biogeographic link of the anuran fauna of these landmasses.

Keywords: Biogeography, chromosomes, new species, osteology, Península de Paria, Pristimantis, taxonomy, Trinidad, Tobago, Venezuela

Image 17. Uncollected specimen of Pristimantis pariagnomus sp. nov. from Cerro Humo on the Península de Paria in northeastern Venezuela. Based on several characteristics, this individual can unequivocally be referred to the new species, particularly by the morphology of its fingers. © Mayke De Freitas
Image 18. Male holotype (MHNLS 14456, SVL = 13.0mm) of Pristimantis pariagnomus sp. nov. in dorsal (A) and ventral (B) views.

  Kaiser, H., C.L. Barrio-Amorós, G.A. Rivas, C. Steinlein & M. Schmid. 2015. Five New Species of Pristimantis (Anura: Strabomantidae) from the coastal cloud forest of the Península de Paria, Venezuela. Journal of Threatened Taxa. 7(4): 7047–7088. DOI: 10.11609/JoTT.o4197.7047-88

http://www.threatenedtaxa.org/ZooPrintJournal/2015/April/o419717iv157047-7088.pdf

ResearchGate.net/publication/275041998_Five_new_species_of_Pristimantis_(Anura_Strabomantidae)_from_the_coastal_cloud_forest_of_the_Pennsula_de_Paria_Venezuela

[Herpetology • 2013] Pristimantis jamescameroni & P. imthurni | Two new charismatic Pristimantis species (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the tepuis of “The Lost World” (Pantepui region, South America)

Pristimantis jamescameroni, in honour of film maker and explorer James Cameron for “his efforts to alert the general public to environmental problems through pioneering high quality blockbuster movies and adventurous documentaries”.

Abstract

Two new colourful species of direct-developing frogs of the genus Pristimantis are described from the summit of two isolated tepuis (sandstone table mountains) in the Eastern Pantepui District of the Guiana Shield highlands. Pristimantis jamescameroni sp. nov. is described from the summit of Aprada-tepui from 2557-2571 m elevation, and P. imthurni sp. nov. is described from the summit of Ptari-tepui at 2471 m elevation. Both species share the absence of a differentiated tympanic membrane and external tympanic annulus (but presence of tiny pharyngeal ostia), the presence of nuptial pads in males, and the presence of lateral fringes on fingers and toes, a combination of characters that immediately distinguishes them from all other known Pantepui congeners. The two new species are morphologically similar to each other and are phylogenetically closely related, but they can be distinguished based on colour pattern and morphological characters such as head proportions, dorsal skin texture, and condition of the supratympanic fold. The IUCN conservation status of the new species is considered as Endangered (EN) owing to their apparent very restricted ranges. The number of described Pristimantis species occurring exclusively on tepui (and faunistically related granitic mountains) summits and upper slopes now reaches eleven.

Keywords. Anura, Guiana Shield, Systematics, Taxonomy, Terrarana.

Pristimantis jamescameroni, in honour of film maker and explorer James Cameron

Pristimantis imthurni in honour of Sir Evrard im Thurn, a British colonial official who was the first to climb a major tepui (Mount Roraima in 1884)

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case, honouring Sir Everard F. im Thurn (1852-1932), British colonial official, author, explorer, botanist, and photographer. Everard im Thurn was the first to climb a major tepui (Mount Roraima in December 1884), along with British surveyor Harry Perkins, a Pomeroon Amerindian named Gabriel, and five other unnamed Amerindians (Dalziell 2007). Im Thurn’s expedition on Roraima and his numerous discoveries were partly eclipsed by the popular novel that they inspired: “The Lost World” by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle (see Introduction; Dalziell 2007).

Philippe J. R. Kok. 2013. Two new charismatic Pristimantis species (Anura: Craugastoridae) from the tepuis of “The Lost World” (Pantepui region, South America). European Journal of Taxonomy. 60: 1-24. http://dx.doi.org/10.5852/ejt.2013.60. 

New frog species named after James Cameron

Belgian researcher Philippe Kok (Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel) describes two new endangered frog species from northern South America in the European Journal of Taxonomy. The IUCN conservation status of the newly discovered frogs is considered as Endangered (EN).

http://www.naturalsciences.be/active/sciencenews/jamescameronfrog/index_html

Une espèce de grenouille récemment découverte, baptisée par un Belge d'après James Cameron
[A recently discovered species of frog named after Avatar's Director, James Cameron] 

http://on-msn.com/Hf0H3J http://www.vub.ac.be/en/node/7002

2008. New World direct-developing frogs (Anura: Terrarana): Molecular phylogeny, classification, biogeography, and conservation http://mapress.com/zootaxa/2008/f/z01737p182f.pdf

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/236513789_New_World_direct-developing_frogs_%28Anura_Terrarana%29_Molecular_phylogeny_classification_biogeography_and_conservation

[Herpetology • 2008] Pristimantis yuruaniensis • from Yuruaní-tepui, eastern Venezuela

Abstract

Pristimantis yuruaniensis sp. nov. is described from the summit of Yuruaní-tepui, Estado Bolívar, eastern Venezuela. The new species is easily distinguished from other Guianan Pristimantis by its rather uniform dorsal coloration, absence of lip, forearm and shank bars, its small tympanum, and its advertisement call. The new species appears to occur on neighboring Kukenán-tepui as well.

Key words: Amphibia; Strabomantidae; Systematics, Pristimantis yuruaniensis sp. nov., Venezuela

Rödder D., Jungfer K.-H., 2008, A new Pristimantis (Anura, Strabomantidae) from Yuruani-tepui, Venezuela., Zootaxa, 1814: 58-68.

http://www.mapress.com/zootaxa/2008/f/z01814p068f.pdf