A New Species of Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cloud Forest of Sangay National Park, Ecuador
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%). 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%).Abstract
Resumen
Dorsal and ventral view of the adult female holotype of Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. (MEPN 14418). (A) Dorsal view in life and in preservative. (B) Ventral view in life and in preservative. Photographs in life by J. Brito, in preservative by V. Carvajal.
Adult male paratype of Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. (MEPN 14439). (A) Lateral and (B) dorsal view of the head. (C) Plantar view of the pes. (D) Palmar view of the manus.
Color variation of Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. (A) Dorsal and ventral coloration in life. (B) Dorsal and ventral coloration in preservative. From right to left: MEPN 14443, male, SVL = 24.2; MEPN 14597, male, SVL = 23.3; MEPN 14439, male, SVL = 25.4; MEPN 14437, female, SVL = 30.9. Photographs in life by J. Brito, in preservative by V. Carvajal.
Sonogram of the call of Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. (MEPN 14600).
Map of collection sites of Pristimantis tinguichaca sp. nov. in Ecuador.
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