[Herpetology • 2026] Nymphargus dajomesae • A Secret from A Hidden World: A New Glassfrog of the Genus Nymphargus (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador

 

 Nymphargus dajomesae  

Masache-Sarango, Cisneros-Heredia & Ron, 2026

 Dajomes Glassfrog | Rana de cristal de Dajomes ||  DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345097 

Abstract

The genus Nymphargus is the most speciose of the family Centrolenidae with 44 species. In this study, we describe a new species of Nymphargus and present an updated phylogeny. The new species is sister to an undescribed species, also from SW Ecuador, and both belong to a clade that includes N. buenaventura, N. cariticommatus, N. griffithsi, N. lasgralarias, N. sucre, and N. wileyi. The new species likely originated during the Pliocene (~4.5 Mya) and is characterized by a uniformly green dorsum lacking spots, shagreened dorsal skin, and white peritonea covering the esophagus and stomach. Our phylogeny provides, for the first time, the phylogenetic position of N. buenaventura. The new species was discovered at Reserva Biológica El Quimi, during expeditions by the QCAZ Museum in 2017 and 2018. Most amphibian species found at that location were undescribed, indicating that some regions of Cordillera del Cóndor host amphibian communities that have remained as “hidden worlds” for biological exploration.

Live holotype of Nymphargus dajomesae sp. nov. QCAZ-A 68586.
(A) dorsal view, (B) ventral view, (C) Frontal view and (D) lateral view.

Photos by BIOWEB-Museo QCAZ-A archive.

Nymphargus dajomesae sp. nov.

Proposed Spanish common name: Rana de cristal de Dajomes

Proposed English common name: Dajomes Glassfrog

Definition: Nymphargus dajomesae differs from all other Centrolenidae by the following combination of characters: (1) dentigerous process of vomer and vomerine teeth absent; (2) snout truncated in dorsal and lateral views; loreal region slightly concave; (3) tympanic annulus, lower ¾ visible, upper border covered by supratympanic fold; tympanic membrane colored as surrounding skin; (4) dorsal skin shagreen with microspicules; (5) ventral skin granular; pericloacal area granular, enameled; pair of sub-cloacal warts present; (6) parietal peritoneum white, iridophores covering almost entirely (condition P4); peritonea covering heart, esophagus, stomach and kidneys covered by iridophores (V2); all other peritonea clear; (7) liver lobed and hepatic peritoneum clear (condition H0); (8) humeral spines absent in adult males; (9) webbing absent between fingers I and II, basal between fingers II and III; reduced between outer fingers, webbing formula III (3– –21/2) IV; (10) foot webbing formula: ...

Etymology: The specific epithet is a noun in the genitive case honoring Neisi Dajomes, the first Ecuadorian woman to win a gold medal at the Olympic Games (Tokyo 2020, women’s 76 kg weightlifting). In addition, she has won gold medals at the World and Pan American Weightlifting Championships, and the Pan American, Bolivarian and South American games.

Habitat at the type locality, Reserva Biológica El Quimi.
(A) Slow-flowing blackwater stream rich in tannins.
(B) Surrounding vegetation composed by dense shrubs, bromeliads, and mosses.

 

Mylena V. Masache-Sarango, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia and Santiago R. Ron. 2026. A Secret from A Hidden World: A New Glassfrog of the Genus Nymphargus (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Cordillera del Cóndor, Ecuador. PLoS One. 21(4): e0345097. DOI: doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0345097 [April 8, 2026]

[Herpetology • 2025] Centrolene zoeterra • Bioacoustics and Molecular Genetics reveal A New Species of Glassfrog, Genus Chimerella (Anura: Centrolenidae), from white sand outcrops in the Yungas Ecoregion of northeastern Peru

 

Chimerella zoeterra 

Venegas, García-Ayachi, Köhler & Vences, 2025 

  

SALAMANDRA. 61(4);  

Researchgate.net/publication/397057415 

Abstract

 Based on molecular genetics, bioacoustics, and morphological comparisons, we provide independent lines of evidence for the recognition and description of a new species of Chimerella from the Amazonian slopes of the eastern Andes in northeastern Peru, departments of Amazonas and San Martín. Chimerella zoeterra sp. n. is distinguished from C. corleone and C. mira by exhibiting a light yellow-green dorsum covered with dark green punctuation and scattered black flecks in life, and the iris bearing an orange or grayish-red median streak. However, in life, the new species is morphologically indistinguishable from C. mariaelenae, differentiated from it only by the dorsal coloration in preservative (ethanol 70%): cream with a lavender hue in the new species and distinctly lavender in C. mariaelenae. The advertisement call of the new species differs from the calls of all other nominal Chimerella species by qualitative and quantitative character traits. Its call consists of 3 to 5 high-pitched, pulsed notes of 26–35 ms duration. Genetically, samples of the new species form a divergent mitochondrial lineage with uncorrected pairwise distances for the 16S rRNA gene of 2.3–4.2% to the other three nominal species of Chimerella. Furthermore, there is a lack of haplotype sharing with other nominal species in certain nuclear markers studied (RAG-1, KIAA 1239, and SACS). The new species inhabits riparian vegetation of black water streams in humid montane forest on white sand outcrops.

Key words. Amphibia, Chimerella zoeterra sp. n., C. mariaelenae, Marañón River, bioacoustics, molecular genetics, morphology, phylogeny, taxonomy.

 Uncollected individuals of Chimerella zoeterra sp. n. and an egg clutch in situ, photographed at night on 22 January 2020 at Fundo Alto Nieva, Amazonas department, Peru: (A, B) amplectant couples; (C) a metamorph at Gosner stage 44 at ca. 20 cm height on a leaf; and (D) an egg clutch containing fifteen eggs.

Photographs by L. A. García-Ayachi.

 Adult male specimens of Chimerella zoeterra sp. n. in life:
 (A) dorsolateral and (B) ventral views of male holotype CORBIDI 24684; (C) dorsal view of CORBIDI 24688; (D) dorsolateral view of CORBIDI 24717; (E) dorsal view of CORBIDI 24677; (F) dorsolateral and (G) ventral views of CORBIDI 24685; (H) and (I) frontal views of CORBIDI 24691 and 24715, respectively.

Photographs by E. Quispe.

Chimerella zoeterra sp. nov. 

 Pablo J. Venegas, Luis A. García-Ayachi, Jörn Köhler and Miguel Vences. 2025. Bioacoustics and Molecular Genetics reveal A New Species of Glassfrog, Genus Chimerella (Anura: Centrolenidae), from white sand outcrops in the Yungas Ecoregion of northeastern Peru. SALAMANDRA. 61(4); [2025-10-30]

https://www.salamandra-journal.com/index.php/contents/2025-vol-61/2203-venegas,-p-j-,-l-a-garc%C3%ADa-ayachi,-j-k%C3%B6hler-m-vences

 Researchgate.net/publication/397057415_a_new_species_of_Chimerella_from_white_sand_outcrops_in_the_Yungas_ecoregion_of_NE_Peru

[Herpetology • 2025] Nymphargus viglei • A Biogeographic Oddity in A Disappearing Ecosystem: A New Glassfrog (Centrolenidae: Nymphargus) from the Ecuadorian Chocó

 

Nymphargus viglei

Guayasamin, Franco-Mena & Vega-Yánez, 2025

 herpetologia.fciencias.unam.mx/index.php/revista 

 facebook.com/JuanManuelGuayasamin

Illustration: Valentina Nieto Fernández.

Abstract

Nymphargus is a genus of glassfrogs primarily known from the Andes. The discovery of a Nymphargus species in the lowland Chocó region represents a biogeographic oddity. Herein we describe this new taxon based on the following main traits: (i) absence of hand webbing, (ii) green dorsum with numerous black flecks and scarce yellow false ocelli, (iii) absence of vomerine teeth, and (iv) relatively large body size (SVL > 30 mm). Despite extensive subsequent herpetological efforts in the area, no additional specimens have been found, underscoring its rarity and vulnerability. Given its limited range in the Chocó ecoregion and the ongoing threats of habitat destruction (i.e., logging, agricultural expansion, mining), we classify this new taxon as Critically Endangered, according to IUCN criteria. Lastly, we analyzed the forest cover of the Ecuadorian Chocó during 1985–2022; during this time period 194,007 hectares have been deforested, representing a 20 % destruction of the original ecosystem. We estimate that an average of 5,243 hectares of forest are lost annually; this data highlights the urgency for conservation actions in the Chocó. 

Keywords: Chocó ecoregion, Amphibia, New species, Singleton, Taxonomy

Nymphargus viglei sp. nov. and similar species in life.
A. Nymphargus viglei sp. nov., holotype. Photo: Greg Vigle. (B) N. prasinus, ICN 19645. Photo: John D. Lynch. (C) N. balionotus, ZSFQ 533. Photo: José Vieira. (D) N. buenaventura, DHMECN 10982. Photo: Juan Carlos Sánchez Nivicela. (E) N. chami, MAR-2869. Photo: Marco Rada.

Nymphargus viglei sp. nov. in its natural environment.

Illustration: Valentina Nieto Fernández.

Nymphargus viglei sp. nov.

Juan Manuel Guayasamin, Daniela Franco-Mena and Mateo A. Vega-Yánez. 2025. A BIOGEOGRAPHIC ODDITY IN A DISAPPEARING ECOSYSTEM: A NEW GLASSFROG (CENTROLENIDAE: NYMPHARGUS) FROM THE ECUADORIAN CHOCÓ [UNA RAREZA BIOGEOGRÁFICA EN UN ECOSISTEMA QUE DESAPARECE: UNA NUEVA RANA DE CRISTAL (CENTROLENIDAE: NYMPHARGUS) DEL CHOCÓ ECUATORIANO] Revista Latinoamericana De Herpetología. 8(2), e1148 (185 – 202). DOI: 10.22201/fc.25942158e.2025.2.1148

 herpetologia.fciencias.unam.mx/index.php/revista/article/view/1148

 facebook.com/JuanManuelGuayasamin/posts/10172289135890323

 instagram.com/danielafranco_m/p/DKmhBZPxfvm

[Herpetology • 2024] Centrolene elisae & C. marcoreyesi • Simplifying the Centrolene buckleyi complex (Anura: Centrolenidae): A Taxonomic Review and Description of Two New Species

 Centrolene elisae Franco-Mena, Vega-Yánez, Reyes-Puig & Guayasamin,   

C. marcoreyesi  Franco-Mena, Székely, Culebras, Batallas-Revelo, Pablo Reyes-Puig & Guayasamin, 

in Franco-Mena De la Riva, Vega-Yánez, Székely, Amador, Batallas, Reyes-Puig, Cisneros-Heredia, Venegas-Valencia, Galeano, Culebras et Guayasamin, 2024.

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.17712

Abstract 

Centrolenidae is a Neotropical family widely distributed in Central and South America, with its species richness concentrated in the tropical Andes. Several taxonomic problems have been identified within this family, mostly related to species with broad geographic distributions. In this study, we assessed and redefined the species boundaries of the Centrolene buckleyi species complex, and formally described two new species from the Andes of Ecuador. These new taxa are recognized by a combination of morphometric, osteological, acoustic, and genetic data. Following IUCN criteria, we propose that the two new species should to be considered as Endangered (EN), mainly because of their small distributions and habitat loss. The C. buckleyi complex provides insights into the biogeography of closely related Andean species. As in other glassfrogs, speciation in Centrolene seems to be mediated by the linearity of the Andes, where gene flow can be restricted by topography and, also, local extinctions.

Centrolene buckleyi (Boulenger, 1882) sensu stricto

(A) Centrolene buckleyi sensu stricto (adult males, MZUTI 763, DHMECN 13828, ZSFQ 4420).
(B) Centrolene elisae sp. nov., paratypes (adult female, ZSFQ 5367; adult male, ZSFQ 5369; adult male, ZSFQ 4428). (C) Centrolene marcoreyesi sp. nov. (paratype, MUTPL 271, adult male).

 Photographs of C. buckleyi by Juan M. Guayasamin, and Diego Batallas-Revelo; C. elisae sp. nov. by Mateo Vega-Yánez and Daniela Franco-Mena; and C. marcoreyesi sp. nov. by Paul Székely.

 

Egg-clutches of Centrolene elisae sp. nov. from Chamanapamba reserve (A and B)
and of Centrolene marcoreyesi sp. nov. from Guarumales (C and D).

Photographs (A, B) by Daniela Franco-Mena and (C, D) by Jaime Culebras.

(B) Centrolene elisae sp. nov., paratypes (adult female, ZSFQ 5367; adult male, ZSFQ 5369; adult male, ZSFQ 4428).
(C) Centrolene marcoreyesi sp. nov. (paratype, MUTPL 271, adult male).

Centrolene elisae sp. nov. Daniela Franco-Mena, Mateo A. Vega-Yánez, Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Juan M. Guayasamin 

Centrolene buckleyi—Guayasamin et al. (2006a)

Centrolene buckleyi [Ca2]—Amador et al. (2018)

English common name. Elisa’s Glassfrog

Spanish common name. Rana de Cristal de Elisa

Definition. (1) SVL in adult males 22.9–25.3 mm (n = 6), in an adult female 27.2 mm; (2) in life, dorsum green, usually with minute whitish spots; anterior half of venter whitish, posterior half translucent; (3) iris gray-white with thin black-brown reticulation and a horizontal brown stripe; (4) humeral spines and vocal slits present in adult males; (5) snout rounded in dorsal profile, inclined in lateral profile; (6) webbing absent between Fingers I and II, webbing basal between II and III, outer fingers III (21/2–22/3)–(21/2–2+) IV; (7) webbing on foot: I (11/2–2−)–(2+–21/3) II (1+–11/3)–(2+–22/3) III (1–11/2)–(21/3–22/3) IV (22/3–3−)–(11/2–2) V; (8) ulnar fold low; inner tarsal fold short; outer tarsal fold low; (9) prepollex concealed; nuptial excrescences present, Type-I; (10) Toe I shorter than Toe II.

Etymology. The species epithet “elisae” is a noun in genitive case, with the Latin suffix “e” (ICZN 31.1.2). We are pleased to dedicate the species to Elisa Bonaccorso (Fig. S2), in recognition for her contributions to bird systematics and biogeography (Bonaccorso, 2009; Bonaccorso, Koch & Peterson, 2006; Bonaccorso et al., 2011; Sornoza-Molina et al., 2018), conservation biology (Lessmann, Munoz & Bonaccorso, 2014; Lessmann et al., 2016; Bonaccorso et al., 2021), batrachology (Bonaccorso et al., 2003; Guayasamin & Bonaccorso, 2004), and her passionate commitment to the education of the next generation of scientists. This is also a recognition for her luminous presence in my life (Juan Manuel Guayasamin).

Centrolene marcoreyesi sp. nov. Daniela Franco-Mena, Paul Székely, Jaime Culebras, Diego Batallas-Revelo, Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig, Juan M. Guayasamin

Centrolene buckleyi [Ca1]—Amador et al. (2018)

English common name. Marco Reyes´ Glassfrog

Spanish common name. Rana de Cristal de Marco Reyes

Definition. Within Centrolene, Centrolene marcoreyesi sp. nov. is defined by the following set of traits: (1) SVL in adult males 24.5–27.0 mm (n = 6), unknown in females; (2) in life, dorsum shagreen usually with low whitish spots; anterior two-thirds of venter whitish, posterior third translucent; (3) in life, iris white-lavender with fine brown reticulations; (4) humeral spines, vocal sac and slits present in adult males; (5) snout rounded in dorsal profile, sloping in lateral profile; (6) webbing absent between inner finger and Finger II, reduced to moderate between outer fingers: III (21/3–23/4)–(21/4–22/3) IV; (7) webbing on feet: I (11/2–12/3)–(2––2) II (1+–11/4)–(21/4–2+) III (11/2–12/3)–(21/3–21/2) IV (2+–21/2)–(12/3–3–) V; (8) inner and outer ulnar and tarsal folds conspicuous; (9) concealed prepollex; nuptial excrescences present, Type-I; (10) Toe I shorter than Toe II.

Etymology. The species epithet “marcoreyesi” is a noun in genitive case, with the Latin suffix “i” (ICZN 31.1.2). With this species, we tribute Marco M. Reyes-Puig (Fig. S2), a notable herpetologist from the herpetology division of the Museo Ecuatoriano de Ciencias Naturales (now Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad, INABIO). Marco was the original collector of this new species on a field campaign to Zamora Chinchipe. We honor his work and memory as a brother (Juan Pablo Reyes-Puig), sister (Carolina Reyes-Puig), and friends.

...

Conclusion: 

We provide an integrative analysis of the Centrolene buckleyi species complex and describe two new species, Centrolene elisae and C. marcoreyesi. Our phylogenetic hypothesis suggests that C. elisae is the sister species of C. venezuelense, and that C. marcoreyesi is the sister species of C. sabini. Speciation is most likely driven by the linearity of the Andes and the barriers formed by river valleys. We suggest that the two new species should be listed as Endangered.

 

Daniela Franco-Mena, Ignacio De la Riva, Mateo A. Vega-Yánez, Paul Székely, Luis Amador, Diego Batallas, Juan P. Reyes-Puig, Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, Khristian Venegas-Valencia, Sandra P. Galeano, Jaime Culebras and Juan M. Guayasamin. 2024. Simplifying the Centrolene buckleyi complex (Amphibia: Anura: Centrolenidae): A Taxonomic Review and Description of Two New Species. PeerJ. 12:e17712. DOI: doi.org/10.7717/peerj.17712

[Herpetology • 2024] Centrolene kutuku • A New Glassfrog of the Genus Centrolene (Anura: Centrolenidae) from the Subandean Kutukú Cordillera, eastern Ecuador

[A-D]  Centrolene kutuku sp. nov. and  [E–F.] C. camposi in life.
 

 Ron, García, Brito-Zapata, Reyes-Puig, Figueroa-Coronel & Cisneros-Heredia, 2024

 

DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116350

Photographs of C. camposi by Juan C. Sánchez-Nivicela.

Abstract

We describe a new species of Centrolene from the Subandean Cordillera of Kutukú in southeastern Ecuador. The new species differs from all other glassfrogs by the combination of the following characters: presence of processes of vomers but without vomerine teeth; humeral spines in males; dorsum green with light green dots and without dark marks; dorsal skin with abundant tubercles; all visceral peritonea translucent (except for pericardium); and small body size (snout-vent length 21.5–21.9 mm in adult males). The new species is sister to Centrolene camposi from the Western Cordillera of the Andes of southwestern Ecuador, and together they form a clade with C. condor from the Subandean Cóndor Cordillera in southeastern Ecuador. Our time tree suggests that the new species originated at the end of the Pliocene. In addition, we present new information for C. zarza, expanding its geographic range across the southeastern Andes and the Kutukú and Cóndor cordilleras, amending its definition and diagnosis, and offering new information on its natural history and extinction risk. We also discuss the taxonomic status of Ecuadorian populations reported as C. huilensis and conclude that they are C. muelleri based on their close phylogenetic relationships and morphological similarity to samples of C. muelleri from Peru. Centrolene huilensis is a valid species and not closely related to C. muelleri.

Key Words: Andes, Anura, Centrolene kutuku sp. nov., Centrolene huilensis, Centrolene muelleri, Centrolene zarza, Cóndor Cordillera, Kutukú Cordillera, new species, phylogenetic relationships, taxonomy

Centrolene kutuku sp. nov. and C. camposi in life.
A, B, and E are dorsolateral views, and C, D, and F are ventral views.
A–C. Centrolene kutuku sp. nov., holotype, male, QCAZ 71386, SVL = 21.9 mm;
B–D. Centrolene kutuku sp. nov., paratype, male, QCAZ 71400, SVL = 21.5 mm.
 E–F. C. camposi, holotype, DHMECN 11407, SVL = 29.1 mm.

Photographs of C. camposi by Juan C. Sánchez-Nivicela.

Dorsolateral and ventral views of live adult males of Centrolene zarza, corresponding to new records from Sardinayacu and Puchimi, Ecuador.
A. QCAZ 58685, SVL = 23.8 mm; B. QCAZ 58688 (holotype), SVL = 23.8 mm; C. QCAZ 58687, SVL = 24.1 mm; D. QCAZ 58686, SVL = 23.9 mm; E. QCAZ 69116, SVL = 26.2 mm; F. QCAZ 69117, SVL = 29.4 mm; G. QCAZ 69118, SVL = 26.4 mm.

 Centrolene kutuku Ron, García, Brito-Zapata, Reyes-Puig, Figueroa-Coronel, & Cisneros-Heredia, sp. nov.

 

Proposed Spanish common name: Rana de Cristal de Kutukú.

Proposed English common name: Kutukú Glassfrog.

 Santiago R. Ron, Dominike García, David Brito-Zapata, Carolina Reyes-Puig, Elías Figueroa-Coronel and Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia. 2024. A New Glassfrog of the Genus Centrolene (Amphibia, Centrolenidae) from the Subandean Kutukú Cordillera, eastern Ecuador. Zoosystematics and Evolution. 100(3): 923-939. DOI: 10.3897/zse.100.116350

Resumen: Describimos una nueva especie de Centrolene de la cordillera subandina de Kutukú en el sureste de Ecuador. La nueva especie difiere de todas las demás ranas de cristal por la combinación de los siguientes caracteres: presencia de procesos vomerinos pero sin dientes vomerinos, espinas humerales en los machos, dorso verde con puntos verdes claros y sin marcas oscuras, piel dorsal con abundantes tubérculos, todos los peritoneos viscerales traslúcidos (excepto el pericardio) y un tamaño corporal pequeño (longitud rostro-cloacal de 21.5–21.9 mm en machos adultos). La nueva especie es hermana de Centrolene camposi de la Cordillera Occidental de los Andes del suroeste de Ecuador y juntas forman un clado con C. condor de la cordillera subandina del Cóndor en el sureste de Ecuador. Nuestro árbol de tiempo sugiere que la nueva especie se originó a finales del Plioceno. Adicionalmente, presentamos nueva información para C. zarza, expandiendo su rango geográfico a lo largo de los Andes del sureste y las cordilleras de Kutukú y Cóndor, modificando su definición y diagnóstico, y ofreciendo nueva información sobre su historia natural y riesgo de extinción. También discutimos el estado taxonómico de las poblaciones ecuatorianas reportadas como C. huilensis y concluimos que son C. muelleri, basados en sus estrechas relaciones filogenéticas y similitud morfológica con muestras de C. muelleri de Perú. Centrolene huilensis es una especie válida y no cercanamente relacionada con C. muelleri.

Palabras clave: Andes, Anura, Centrolene kutuku sp. nov., Centrolene huilensis, Centrolene muelleri, Centrolene zarza, Cordillera del Cóndor, Cordillera del Kutukú, nueva especie, relaciones filogenéticas, taxonomía

[Herpetology • 2023] Chimerella mira • A New Species of Chimerella (Anura: Centrolenidae) from central Peru

Chimerella mira 

Köhler, Venegas, Castillo-Urbina, Glaw, Aguilar-Puntriano & Vences, 2023

Comparison of eye colouration in life: 

*b male Chimerella mira sp. nov.

*d female Chimerella corleone

 DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102950

Abstract

We studied the taxonomic status of glassfrogs collected in Departamento Huánuco, central Peru, which in the field were tentatively allocated to Chimerella, one of the twelve genera currently recognized in the family Centrolenidae. Detailed analyses of their morphology, bioacoustics, and molecular genetics supported their generic allocation and provided evidence for them representing a divergent and unnamed evolutionary lineage within Chimerella. We herein describe this lineage as a new species, being mainly distinguished from the two other known congeners, C. corleone and C. mariaelenae, by details of colouration in life and preservative, substantial differences in advertisement call, and differentiation in mitochondrial markers (12S rRNA, 16S rRNA, cytochrome b) and a nuclear-encoded marker (Rag-1). The new species is the southernmost distributed species in the genus and was found in a swampy habitat at the bank of the Río Patay Rondos, a tributary of the Río Monzon, in rainforest at the Andean-Amazon foothills at 798 m above sea level. Aspects of species delimitation within Chimerella and related future research are briefly addressed and discussed.

Key Words: Amphibia, Chimerella mira, new species, bioacoustics, molecular genetics, morphology

Chimerella mira sp. nov. from west of Tingo Maria in life:
male holotype (MUSM 40278, FGZC 6233) in a frontal, b dorsolateral, and c ventral views;
male paratype (MUSM 40264, FGZC 6215) in d lateral and e ventral views.

Comparison of eye colouration in life:
a male holotype (MUSM 40278) and b male paratype (MUSM 40264) of Chimerella mira sp. nov.;
c male holotype (CORBIDI 10467) and d female paratype (CORBIDI 10465) of Chimerella corleone (courtesy of J. Delia and E. Twomey).

Note the fine dark spotting versus dark reticulation in the iris.

 Chimerella mira sp. nov.

 

Diagnosis: The new species is morphologically most similar to C. corleone. However, it differs from C. corleone by fine dark spots in the iris in life (versus dark reticulation; Figs 4, 5), a truncate snout in lateral profile (versus slightly rounded; Fig. 6), tarsal fold absent (versus present as a line of low white warts on the lateral edge of tarsus), greyish-lavender dorsal colour in preservative (versus greyish-green), a dispersed network of melanophores on dorsal surfaces resulting in a light yellow-green colour in life (versus a very dense network of melanophores on dorsal surfaces, resulting in dark green life colouration; Figs 3, 4), a call consisting of pulsed ‘Trii’ notes (sensu Duarte-Marín et al. 2022) with 42–85 ms duration (versus simple ‘Tic’ notes of 10–15 ms duration), and substantial differentiation in certain molecular markers. The new species mainly differs from C. mariaelenae by a yellow-green dorsum with small round scattered yellowish flecks (versus green dorsum with black flecks and punctuation; Fig. 7), greyish-lavender dorsum with small round cream flecks in preservative (versus pale lavender with dark lavender flecks), silvery white iris in life (versus orange to reddish iris), an advertisement call consisting of pulsed ‘Trii’ notes with 42–85 ms duration (versus simple ‘Tic’ notes of 4–7 ms duration; Guayasamin et al. 2020), and substantial differentiation in certain molecular markers.

Etymology: The specific epithet is a Latin adjective (feminine form) meaning ‘surprising’. It refers to the fact that this species surprisingly turned out to be undescribed, after at first impression in the field having been tentatively identified as C. corleone.

Type locality and habitat of Chimerella mira sp. nov. on the bank of the Río Patay Rondos, a tributary of the Río Monzon:
a view to the east along the river bed. The yellow arrow indicates the area where both reported specimens were collected;
b night view of the swampy habitat at the edge of the river showing shrub vegetation from which males were calling.

 Jörn Köhler, Pablo J. Venegas, Ernesto Castillo-Urbina, Frank Glaw, César Aguilar-Puntriano and Miguel Vences. 2023. A Third Species of Glassfrog in the Genus Chimerella (Anura, Centrolenidae) from central Peru, discovered by An Integrative Taxonomic Approach. Evolutionary Systematics. 7(2): 195-209. DOI: 10.3897/evolsyst.7.102950

Researchgate.net/publication/370817746_A_third_species_of_glassfrog_in_the_genus_Chimerella_from_central_Peru

[Herpetology • 2023] Centrolene camposi & C. ericsmithi • Two New Syntopic Species of Glassfrogs (Anura: Centrolenidae) from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador

(A) Centrolene camposi sp. nov. 

 (B) C. ericsmithi sp. nov. 

(C) C. heloderma, 

(E) C. lynchi,

Cisneros-Heredia, Yánez-Muñoz, Sánchez-Nivicela & Ron, 2023

DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15195

Abstract 

We describe two new species of glassfrogs of the genus Centrolene living in syntopy at La Enramada, province of Azuay, southwestern Ecuador. They were found in a small creek in montane evergreen forests at 2,900 m elevation. The first new species is distinguished from all other members of the genus Centrolene by having the following combination of characters: dentigerous process of vomer absent; sloping snout in lateral view; thick, white labial stripe and a faint white line between the lip and anterior ¼ of body; humeral spine in adult males; parietal peritoneum covered by iridophores, visceral peritonea translucent (except pericardium); ulnar and tarsal ornamentation; dorsal skin shagreen with dispersed warts; uniform green dorsum with light yellowish green warts; and green bones. The new species is remarkable by being sister to a species from the opposite Andean versant, C. condor. The second new species is distinguished from all other Centrolene by having the following combination of characters: dentigerous process of vomer absent; round snout in lateral view; thin, yellowish labial stripe with a row of white tubercles between the lip and arm insertion, and a yellowish line between arm insertion and groin; uniform green dorsum; humeral spine in adult males; parietal peritoneum covered by iridophores, visceral peritonea translucent (except pericardium); dorsal skin shagreen with dispersed spicules; ulnar and tarsal ornamentation; and green bones. The second new species is sister to C. sabini and an undescribed species of Centrolene from southeastern Ecuador. Based on nuclear and mitochondrial DNA sequences, we present a new phylogeny for Centrolene and comment on the phylogenetic relationships inside the genus.

Holotypes of the new species.
(A) Centrolene camposi sp. nov. in life, male, DHMECN 11407;
 and (B) Centrolene ericsmithi sp. nov. male, DHMECN 11406.

Photographs by Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela.

Comparison of the new species and their closely related lineages, in life in dorsolateral view. (A) Centrolene camposi sp. nov. male holotype, DHMECN 11407; (B) C. ericsmithi sp. nov., male holotype, DHMECN 11406; (C) C. heloderma, male, QCAZ 50722; (D) C. condor, male, QCAZ 72520; (E) C. lynchi, male, not collected; (F) C. buckleyi, male, QCAZ 40308.

Photographs by Juan Carlos Sánchez-Nivicela (A, B), Santiago R. Ron (C–E), and Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz (E).

Centrolene camposi sp. nov.

Centrolene heloderma Yánez-Muñoz (2015)

Centrolene sp. 2. Bejarano-Muñoz, Sánchez-Nivicela & Yánez-Muñoz (2019)

Proposed Spanish common name. Rana de Cristal de Campos

Proposed English common name: Campos’ Glassfrog

Etymology. The specific name of this new taxon is an eponym in honour of Felipe Campos-Yánez, a distinguished Ecuadorian zoologist, free thinker, and passionate conservationist. His biological collections are deposited in the country’s main museums, and he has left a legacy of contributions to biodiversity conservation throughout his 30 years of professional career.

Centrolene ericsmithi sp. nov.

Centrolene heloderma Yánez-Muñoz (2015)

Centrolene sp. 1. Bejarano-Muñoz, Sánchez-Nivicela & Yánez-Muñoz (2019)

Proposed Spanish common name: Rana de Cristal de Smith

Proposed English common name: Smith’s Glassfrog

Etymology. The specific name of this new taxon is an eponym in honour of Eric Nelson Smith, U.S. herpetologist and curator of the amphibian and reptile collections at The University of Texas at Arlington. Eric is a prodigious collector that has described more than 60 new species of amphibians and reptiles from the most remote corners of the planet for almost three decades. This is a small recognition of his extensive contributions.

 

Diego F. Cisneros-Heredia, Mario H. Yánez-Muñoz, Juan C. Sánchez-Nivicela and Santiago R. Ron. 2023. Two New Syntopic Species of Glassfrogs (Amphibia, Centrolenidae, Centrolene) from the southwestern Andes of Ecuador. PeerJ. 11:e15195. DOI: 10.7717/peerj.15195

[Herpetology • 2023] Nymphargus pijao • A Multidisciplinary Approach reveals A New Species of Glassfrog (Anura: Centrolenidae) from Colombia

Nymphargus pijao

Montilla, Arcila-Pérez, Toro-Gómez, Vargas-Salinas &  Rada, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5271.1.1

 twitter.com/MariaPToro

 

Abstract

Anurans of the family Centrolenidae are a highly diverse clade of Neotropical treefrogs. In the last two decades, glassfrogs have become a model system for studies in ecology and evolutionary biology, in part because their taxonomy and phylogenetic relationships are considered relatively well established. However, there are still many gaps in our knowledge, for example, which morphological characters are important for species delimitation. Consequently, several species complexes in Centrolenidae remain unresolved. Using data on external and internal morphology of adult individuals, tadpoles, advertisement call traits and genetic sequences, we describe a new species of glassfrog (Nymphargus pijao sp. nov.) endemic to Colombia that has been previously missasigned to Nymphargus griffithsi. We include in this description data of three phenotypic characters related to pectoral musculature and testis size, which have been traditionally overlooked in studies about the taxonomy and systematics of glassfrogs. In addition, we present details of a low-cost method implemented in the field to rear tadpoles of the new species. This methodology can solve common problems during the management and care of glassfrogs egg masses and tadpoles, and hence, promotes their description for more species and a better knowledge of the anuran biodiversity in Neotropics.

Keywords: Amphibia, anurans, Colombian biodiversity, diversity, morphology, species complex, tadpole rearing, taxonomy

Nymphargus pijao sp. nov.

Sebastián O. Montilla, Luisa F. Arcila-Pérez, María Paula Toro-Gómez, Fernando Vargas-Salinas and Marco Rada. 2023. A Multidisciplinary Approach reveals A New Species of Glassfrog from Colombia (Anura: Centrolenidae: Nymphargus). Zootaxa. 5271(1); 1-48. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5271.1.1

 twitter.com/MariaPToro/status/1650295107843772416

 Researchgate.net/publication/370211708_A_multidisciplinary_approach_reveals_a_new_species_of_glassfrog_from_Colombia

[Herpetology • 2023] Vitreorana assuh • An Elusive Giant: A New Species of Vitreorana Guayasamin et al., 2009 (Anura: Centrolenidae) from the northern Atlantic Forest with An Osteological Description and Comments on Integumentary Spicules

Vitreorana assuh  

Zucchetti, Rojas-Padilla, Dias, Solé, Orrico & Castroviejo-Fisher, 2023

DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5249.3.1 

 twitter.com/OmarRP91 

 

Abstract

We describe a new species of Vitreorana from the Atlantic Forest of southern Bahia state, in north-eastern Brazil. Vitreorana assuh sp. nov. is by far the largest species of the genus (snout-to-vent length [SVL] = 30.9 mm and 34.1 mm in one male and female, respectively; maximum SVL recorded for all other species = 28.0 mm). The new species is morphologically most similar to V. franciscana, from the Cerrado biome in Brazil. Besides its large size, the new species has, among other diagnostic characters, the presence of vomerine teeth and the occurrence of enameled iridophores in the pericardium, hepatic and urinary bladder peritonea. Furthermore, we describe and compare the complete mineralized skeleton of the new species and V. uranoscopa, and describe and discuss the variation of integumentary spicules in all species of the genus and their relevance to Vitreorana systematics.

Key words: Brazil, Centroleninae, glassfrogs, morphology, osteology, taxonomy

Vitreorana assuh sp. nov.
Dorsolateral view of the holotype (upper photo; MZUESC 18530, adult male) in life.
Dorsolateral and ventral view (middle and lower photos, respectively) of the paratopotype (MZUESC 21044, adult female) in life.

Photo of holotype by I.R. Dias and of paratopotype by O. Rojas-Padilla.

Vitreorana assuh sp. nov. 

Etymology. The specific epithet assuh comes from the word açu of the Tupi linguistic trunk, which is an adjective, meaning “large” or “elongated”. Tupi was the main language used by native people on the Atlantic Forest coast before European contact. By naming this species using a Tupi word, we want to pay homage to these residents of the Atlantic Forest and their contribution to shaping current Brazilian culture.

Victor M. Zucchetti, Omar Rojas-Padilla, Iuri R. Dias, Mirco Solé, Victor G. D. Orrico and Santiago Castroviejo-Fisher. 2023. An Elusive Giant: A New Species of Vitreorana Guayasamin et al., 2009 (Anura: Centrolenidae) from the northern Atlantic Forest with An Osteological Description and Comments on Integumentary Spicules. Zootaxa. 5249(3); 301-334. DOI: 10.11646/zootaxa.5249.3.1

  twitter.com/OmarRP91/status/1631070536892665859