Pristimantis minimus

Pristimantis minimus
Not evaluated (IUCN 3.1)
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Amphibia
Order: Anura
Family: Craugastoridae
Genus: Pristimantis
Species: P. minimus
Binomial name
Pristimantis minimus
Terán-Valdez and Guayasamin, 2010[1]

Pristimantis minimus is a minute frog from the Craugastoridae family. It is found in the Cordillera del Cóndor at elevations between 1,250–1,685 m (4,101–5,528 ft) asl on either side of the valley of the Rio Nangaritza, in the Zamora-Chinchipe Province of Ecuador.[2] The species is the smallest known frog discovered in Ecuador to date, and is the smallest of the Pristimantis genus.[3] It is suggested that this miniaturization is an adaptation to resource-poor environments.[1]

Description

Males of Pristimantis minimus grow to a mean size of 12.2 mm (0.48 in) in snout–vent length (range: 9.5–13.7 mm (0.37–0.54 in)). Females are somewhat larger, 15.3–18.9 mm (0.60–0.74 in) in snout–vent length. Dorsum is smooth to slightly shagreen. Finger and toe pads are expanded. Iris is red with thin black reticulation.[1]

Reproduction

Vocalizations by males are unknown, but males have vocal slits and it suggested that they produce soft calls. Clutch size is about three eggs only, but it is probable that this species lays several clutches of eggs during its reproductive season.[1]

Habitat

These frogs inhabit the dwarf forests of the Cordillera del Cóndor. Individuals were active during night on vegetation, 25–200 cm above ground.[1]

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 Terán-Valdez, A.; Guayasamin, J. M. (2010). "The smallest terrestrial vertebrate of Ecuador: A new frog of the genus Pristimantis (Amphibia: Strabomantidae) from the Cordillera del Cóndor" (PDF). Zootaxa 2447: 53–68.
  2. ↑ Frost, Darrel R. (2014). "Pristimantis minimus Terán-Valdez and Guayasamin, 2010". Amphibian Species of the World: an Online Reference. Version 6.0. American Museum of Natural History. Retrieved 3 August 2014.
  3. ↑ Solar, Igor I. (11 May 2010). "Researchers in Ecuador find minute new species of frog". Digital Journal. Retrieved 29 March 2014.
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