Western Andes Toad

description

Description. Based on two adult males. A medium sized bufonid, SVL in males 41.2 and 42.3 mm (n = 2); females unknown. Head narrower than body, slightly wider than long, head width is 104.4 % of head length and 47.4 % of SVL; head length is 45.7 % of SVL; head subacuminate in dorsal view, weakly truncated in profile; vertical fleshy fold at rostrum tip; distance between nostril and tip of the snout 73.5 – 75.7 % of the distance from the nostril to the eye; nostril posterior to the anterior edge of the upper lip, below canthus rostralis on slightly protruding area; nostril oval to elongated, oblique, directed laterally; area between the nostrils concave; area from tip of the snout to anterior border of eyelid concave; interorbital and occipital region flat, with numerous high rounded tubercles extending to the interparotoideal region; interorbital area much wider than the upper eyelid; upper eyelid with numerous tubercles and few spinules, internal and external border not delineated with tubercles, external border fleshy and protruding; cephalic crests absent; canthus rostralis flat and fleshy, projected into the loreal region; loreal region concave with numerous rounded and low tub

Systematics of the endangered toad genus Andinophryne (Anura: Bufonidae): phylogenetic position and synonymy under the genus Rhaebo

diagnosis

Diagnosis. A medium sized bufonid (SVL 41.2 – 42.3 mm in males, females unknown) characterized by the absence of enlarged cephalic crests, short and rounded parotoids, extensive webbing on the toes and flanks with a row of medium sized tubercles connecting the parotoid gland with the groin. The color of its skin secretions and the size of testicles are unknown. Comparisons with other species. Rhaebo atelopoides is most similar to R. colomai and R. olallai, species that also have extensive webbing in the toes. It differs from both species by the presence of light dorsal marks (yellowish green in life; Fig. 4 F). Short and rounded parotoid glands are also distinctive (elongated in R. colomai and R. olallai). It further differs from R. colomai in having a weakly truncated snout in profile (slightly projected in R. colomai).

Systematics of the endangered toad genus Andinophryne (Anura: Bufonidae): phylogenetic position and synonymy under the genus Rhaebo

discussion

Remarks. Lynch and Ruíz-Carranza (1981) assigned this species to the “ Bufo margaritifer ” (= Rhinella margaritifera) group. Hoogmoed (1985) transferred it to the genus Andinophryne. Lynch and Ruíz-Carranza (1981) provide a description and drawings of holotype (dorsal view) and the paratype (pectoral girdle, hands and feet).

Systematics of the endangered toad genus Andinophryne (Anura: Bufonidae): phylogenetic position and synonymy under the genus Rhaebo

distribution

Distribution and ecology. Only known from its type locality in Munchique Natural National Park, Departamento de Cauca, 2190 m above sea level. The area where the species was collected was very humid and covered by primary forest. Individuals were captured next to a highway and on vegetation 40 cm above ground. Conservation status. The species has not been found after the collection of the type material (two individuals) in 1980. Searches at the type locality and nearby sites by F. J. López-López in 2003 were unsuccessful. Because of its restricted extent of occurrence, limited number of known localities and absence of records since 1980, we suggest that R. atelopoides is assigned to the Critically Endangered category (CR) under criteria B 1 a, b (v).

Systematics of the endangered toad genus Andinophryne (Anura: Bufonidae): phylogenetic position and synonymy under the genus Rhaebo