The generic allocation of “Hyla” antoniiochoai De la Riva & Chaparro, 2005 (Anura), with description of its advertisement call and ecology

Abstract

The description of the frog “Hyla” antoniiochoai is based on a subadult female and a juvenile collected in 2005 near Esperanza, Kosñipata Valley, Región (formerly Departamento) Cusco, southeastern Peru. The species was assigned to the genus Hyla (Hylidae) but could not be assigned to any species group within this genus. According to the original description, typical characters include the absence of webbing in hands, and vestigial webbing between Toes III and IV. In 2009, we collected additional specimens including adults of both sexes from the type locality. To our surprise these specimens show characters, such as a closed brood pouch, that are typical of Gastrotheca (Hemiphractidae). Furthermore, our analysis of the advertisement call supports its relation with Gastrotheca. Consequently, we assign “Hyla” antoniiochoai to Gastrotheca, compare it with its congeners, and improve the species diagnosis and description. Gastrotheca antoniiochoai lives in epiphytic bromeliads in the cloud forest and montane scrub between 2700 and 3300 m in Manu National Park. The new specimens were found inside bromeliads approximately 6–8 from the ground. It shares with the central Peruvian Gastrotheca zeugocystis, and the Venezuelan G. walkeri and G. williamsonii a lateral, paired brood pouch (instead of the single, dorsomedian pouch found in most Gastrotheca).