Molecular Phylogenetics and Taxonomy of the Andean GenusLynchiusHedges, Duellman, and Heinicke 2008 (Anura: Craugastoridae)

Fifty years after: A taxonomic revision of the amphibian species from the Ecuadorian biodiversity hotspot Abra de Zamora, with description of two new Pristimantis species

“…Based on the available data we conclude that the specimen KU 218210 collected at 19.4 km south of Yangana, Loja province, is most likely a different, undescribed species. Also, the specimens collected at 8-9 km north to San Lucas or 10 km south of Saraguro, in Loja province [27], actually belong to a currently undescribed new species. As for the specimens from Morona Santiago province and Peru [25,27] they represent very probable different, undescribed species, taking in consideration the large distances from the type locality.…”

“…Also, the specimens collected at 8-9 km north to San Lucas or 10 km south of Saraguro, in Loja province [27], actually belong to a currently undescribed new species. As for the specimens from Morona Santiago province and Peru [25,27] they represent very probable different, undescribed species, taking in consideration the large distances from the type locality. The species was encountered at an altitudinal range between 3000 and 3250 m a.s.l.…”

“…Molecular data were analyzed using sequences of two mitochondrial genes (12S and 16S rRNA) and one nuclear gene (RAG-1) from 123 individuals of 56 species from 55 different localities from Ecuador and Peru (S2 Table). We used all the GenBank-available sequences for Lynchius [27,28], Pristimantis orestes group [16,29], Huicundomantis subgenus of Pristimantis [30], and 129 new sequences (for 13 species) generated by our study (S2 Table). As outgroups we used Oreobates amarakaeri, O. cruralis, Phrynopus bracki, P. juninensis, Niceforonia brunnea, N. dolops, Bryophryne cophites, Barycholos pulcher, Noblella heyeri, and Strabomantis anomalus (for the Lynchius tree), Pristimantis unistrigatus, P. ceuthospilus, P. imitatrix, P. diadematus, P. rhodoplichus, P. melanogaster, P. wiensi, and P. galdi (for the P. orestes group) and the same Pristimantis species + P. simonsii, P. orestes and P. colodactylus for the Huicundomantis subgenus.…”

“…Diagnosis. Lynchius flavomaculatus is a large species distinguished by the following combination of traits: (1) skin on dorsum shagreen (trait more visible in life) and of the flanks smooth; dorsolateral folds absent; low middorsal fold present (trait more visible in life); skin on venter smooth; discoidal and thoracic folds absent; (2) tympanic membrane and annulus distinct; large supratympanic fold obscuring upper and posterodorsal edges of tympanum; one large, elongated postrictal tubercle present; (3) snout short, rounded in dorsal view, slightly inclined anteroventrally in profile; canthus rostralis weakly concave in dorsal view, angular in profile; (4) upper eyelid without tubercles; low, cranial crests present; (5) dentigerous processes of vomers prominent, triangular, with 4 to 5 teeth; (6) males with vocal slits on each side of the tongue and no nuptial pads; (7) fingers long and slender; Finger I longer than Finger II; tips of digits narrow, not expanded, rounded; circumferential grooves absent; fingers lacking lateral fringes; (8) subarticular tubercles prominent, round; supernumerary palmar tubercles large, rounded, smaller than subarticular tubercles; palmar tubercle partially divided into a much larger (inner) and a smaller (outer) tubercles; thenar tubercle prominent, elliptical; (9) ulnar tubercles absent; (10) heel lacking tubercles; outer edge of tarsus lacking tubercles; inner edge of tarsus lacking tubercles or fold; (11) inner metatarsal tubercle elliptical, about 2x round outer metatarsal tubercle; subarticular tubercles prominent, subconical; supernumerary plantar tubercles absent; (12) toes long and slender; Toe V slightly shorter than Toe III; tips of digits narrow, not expanded, rounded; circumferential grooves absent; toes without lateral fringes; webbing absent; (13) in life, dorsum mottled tan, reddish or dark brown, dull greenish gray or yellow; flanks yellow with or without brown spots; venter mostly yellow, with or without gray on the throat; throat light gray with yellow blotches; yellow blotches on groin and anterior surfaces of thighs; iris pale green, with a brown median horizontal streak, and fine black reticulations; (14) SVL 34.6-44.2 mm in adult females (n = 31) and 24.0-35.2 mm in adult males (n = 27) [27] (data regarding the SVL contains individuals from several locations, and probably include specimens belonging to other, cryptic, currently undescribed species than L. flavomaculatus).…”

“…The diagnosis provided herein is based on the thorough revision of Motta et al [27] and one adult female specimen, MUTPL 342, collected from about 13 km south to the type locality. Our diagnosis concurs with most of the morphological features described; however we identified some differences, which we attribute to the fact that the specimens examined by the authors [27] belong to at least four different cryptic species. Also, the opportunity to examine a live specimen helped to complete the diagnosis by adding descriptions of characters which are evident in life, but lost in preserved specimens.…”