Pseudopaludicola mirandae Mercadal de Barrio and Barrio, 1994 (Anura, Leiuperidae) Is a Junior Synonym of Pseudopaludicola boliviana Parker, 1927

Abstract

Abstract Pseudopaludicola are small diurnal leiuperid frogs that are recognized by a hemispherical tubercle on their forearms. Members of this genus are broadly distributed over northern and central South America with 12 species currently recognized. Pseudopaludicola mirandae was described from six individuals and discriminated from Pseudopaludicola boliviana based solely on putative differences in head width. We reexamined the type series of P. mirandae and a large series (including topotypes) of P. boliviana. We show broadly overlapping ranges in the ratio of head length/width between P. boliviana and P. mirandae. Also, both taxa share a character state (a tubercle on the heel) that was previously considered autapomorphic for P. boliviana. Additionally, we document a number of omissions and errors in the original description of P. mirandae including comparisons with P. boliviana. Our analyses provide evidence suggesting that P. mirandae is a junior synonym of P. boliviana.