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Type: Articles
Published: 2010-05-06
Page range: 53–68
Abstract views: 72
PDF downloaded: 1

The smallest terrestrial vertebrate of Ecuador: A new frog of the genus Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor

Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Roca, Aptdo. 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
Museo de Zoología, Escuela de Ciencias Biológicas, Pontificia Universidad Católica del Ecuador, Av. 12 de Octubre y Roca, Aptdo. 17-01-2184, Quito, Ecuador
Amphibia Cordillera del Cóndor Pristimantis osteology miniaturization Strabomantidae

Abstract

We describe a new species of Pristimantis characterized by its diminutive size (maximum SVL in males 13.7 mm; n = 46), dorsum smooth to slightly shagreen, finger and toe pads expanded, and red iris with thin black reticulation. The species is the smallest terrestrial vertebrate recorded in Ecuador, and the smallest species in the diverse genus Pristimantis. The osteological traits of the new species are similar to those found in other Pristimantis species, and no elements are lost because of miniaturization. The new species is only known from two close localities in Cordillera del Cóndor, Provincia Zamora Chinchipe, Ecuador.

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