The genus Scinax currently includes more than 120 species, recovered in two major clades, the S. catharinae and the S. ruber clades. The latter comprises 75 species, most of which remain unassigned to any species groups, while 12 are included in the S. rostratus and S. uruguayus groups. In this paper we present a taxonomic review of the two species currently included in the S. uruguayus group, discussing some putative phenotypic synapomorphies of this group. Although S. pinima and S. uruguayus have been considered as distinct species, this has been based on scant evidence, and several authors doubted of their distinctiveness. Our study of available specimens of S. pinima and S. uruguayus corroborates that both are valid and diagnosable species based on phenotypic evidence. Furthermore, our results show that S. pinima previously known only from its type locality, has a much widespread distribution than previously thought (including the Brazilian states of Paraná, Santa Catarina, and Rio Grande do Sul), which, added to the biological information presented here allows to suggest the removal of this species from the “Data Deficient” IUCN Red List category to “Least Concern”. Also, we describe a new species formerly reported as S. aff. pinima and S. uruguayus from NE Argentina and some localities from the Brazilian State of Rio Grande do Sul. All species are diagnosed and characterized using adult and larval morphology, osteology, vocalizations, cytogenetics, and natural history.

We describe a new species of Physalaemus assigned to the Physalaemus signifer Clade, and it is morphologically similar to P. rupestris, from the highlands of the Serra do Cipó in the southern Espinhaço Range, State of Minas Gerais, Southeastern Brazil. The new species is diagnosed by using the following combination of character states: presence of an arrow-shaped blotch on the dorsum of body; presence of a median longitudinal light stripe over urostyle region; belly and ventral surface of thigh marbled with dark gray irregularly shaped blotches on a bluish background; absence of reddish coloration over axillary and inguinal regions in live individuals; bright orange dots scattered over head, upper lip, and dorsum of body in live individuals; ventral surface of hand and foot red in live individuals; small size (adult male SVL=16.2–18.2 mm); presence of brown, not divided, nuptial pad in males; END/ED in males ranging from 0.85–0.93; supernumerary tubercles on foot absent; tarsal fold absent; tarsal tubercle absent; texture of posterior region of belly and ventral surface of thigh smooth; advertisement call composed of two note types (note A + B); advertisement call duration of 0.80–1.28 s; note A with ascending amplitude until mid-note then descending towards the end of the note; note B with pulses arranged in 5–7 groups; and dominant frequency of note A from 1734.4–2765.6 Hz and of note B from 1507.3–2859.4 Hz. A phylogenetic analysis based on mitochondrial DNA sequences recovered the new species nested within the Physalaemus deimaticus species group. Additionally, we redescribe the call of Physalaemus rupestris and provide a review of the geographic distribution and conservation status of the species belonging to the P. deimaticus species group.

In an elevational gradient, the mountain top generally presents a reduced species diversity. However, it is there where we often find microendemic and quite often still undescribed species. That prediction is very common in underexplored Neotropical mountains, like those of the Caparaó National Park – a protected area that includes the highest peak of the Atlantic Forest, a megadiverse domain. Up in its top, we found a dwarf frog of the genus Physalaemus (Anura, Leptodactylidae, Leiuperinae), belonging to the P. signifer clade. After an integrative (morphological, bioacoustical, and genetic) analysis, we were able to describe it as a new species and found it to be sister to P. maculiventris. Due to its very restricted distribution at a site with extreme environmental conditions (which includes fires and frosts) and current instability in national environmental policy, we suggest this to be classified as an endangered species. A brief description of its natural history and the description of the species itself will now enable its proper conservation status categorization and the future planning for conservation actions.

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Communication in anurans is mediated mainly by acoustic signals, which are relevant for mating, territoriality, and other social interactions (Wells 2007). Although these signals are usually conspicuous and relatively stereotyped, some Neotropical frogs display noticeable diversity and complexity in their calls. For instance, Bokermannohyla, a genus of gladiator treefrog from the Atlantic Forest, Cerrado, and Caatinga Biomes of Brazil, often have complex vocal repertoires (Carvalho et al. 2012; Nali & Prado 2014), whilst some congeners have simple and stereotyped calls emitted continuously (Carvalho et al. 2013; Taucce et al. 2015; Giaretta et al. 2016; Rocha et al. 2016).

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