A New Species of Giant Torrent Frog, Genus Megaelosia, from the Atlantic Rain Forest of Espírito Santo, Brazil (Amphibia: Leptodactylidae)

Abstract

Herein is described a new species of leptodactylid frog from Pedra Azul, Municipality of Domingos Martins, State of Espírito Santo, southeastern Brazil. The new species is a member of the genus Megaelosia, and is characterized by large size; fold of fifth toe not reaching outer metatarsal tubercle; snout rounded in dorsal view and slightly protruding in lateral view; tympanum moderately small; finger tips with scutes fused to the subunguis and toe tips with a pair of scutes free of the subunguis; dorsal skin texture smooth; skin of the flanks without large granules; belly and throat predominantly gray with many, small yellow blotches; and distinct bilateral vocal sacs in males. The tadpole is described. The new species is the northern limit for the genus Megaelosia, and reinforces the high endemism and richness of the anuran fauna from Santa Teresa region, State of Espírito Santo, Brazil.