A NEW SPECIES OF THE ELEUTHERODACTYLUS NIGROVITTATUS GROUP (ANURA: LEPTODACTYLIDAE) FROM ANDEAN PERU

Abstract

A new species of the Eleutherodactylus nigrovittatus Group is described from five localities, at elevations of 1800–2760 m in cloud forests in the Cordillera Oriental in central Peru (Distrito de Paucartambo, Departamento de Pasco). The new species is assigned to the Eleutherodactylus nigrovittatus Group, and differs from all described species therein by having a combination of smooth skin on the venter, undilated discs on the digits, Finger I and Finger II of variable length (slightly shorter, slightly longer or of equal length), Toe III and Toe V of variable length (slightly shorter, slightly longer or of equal length), and a snout–vent length up to 48.8 mm in females. In life, dorsum is tan with dark brown blotches, venter flesh to pale gray with small gray blotches, and posterior surfaces of thighs tan. The new species occurs sympatrically with E. lacrimosus, E. peruvianus, E. platydactylus, and Eleutheodactylus cf. rhabdolaemus. Phrynopus lucida and P. nebulanastes are changed to Eleutherodactylus based on morphological and osteological characters and are assigned to the Eleutherodactylus nigrovittatus Group.